Google Meet goes more user-friendly with new design, button

Google has updated the look of its video calling platform, Meet, by revamping the call screen and introducing a new 'New' button. The revamped call screen simplifies access to the most essential tools during a call, while the 'New' button provides options to initiate a new meeting, schedule an event, or create a group, as well as display contacts for immediate calls. The new interface and button are included in Google Meet version 266, which is now accessible for Android phones via the Google Play Store.

“New” is a floating button on the bottom right of Google Meet’s home screen. Tapping it takes users to a revamped “Start a call” screen through three options stacked on top: ‘Create a new meeting’, ‘Schedule in Google Calendar’, and ‘Create group’. Below these options are contacts available on Google Meet. However, a search bar with support for number dialling sits above those options within the options under the ‘New’ button. Google Meet now also offers suggestions of contacts that users are more likely to contact.

The video call screen has also undergone cosmetic changes to look more modern as Google finds new ways to keep its video calling service relevant in the post-pandemic era. The changes follow similar upgrades from rival platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, while WhatsApp also recently introduced visual improvements to its video calling service alongside support for tools, such as new filters and virtual backgrounds to make calls more fun.

The new changes come days after Google Meet added artificial intelligence-based features, such as AI-generated notes after a meeting has ended. The app also received the ability to use the inner and outer cameras of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at the same time during a video call. However, this feature is exclusive to Google’s latest foldable smartphone, available in India for Rs 1,72,999.