Popular video conferencing platform Google Meet is rolling out support to change video backgrounds. The support for video backgrounds is being added to the web. The company said that it will extend the support to mobile soon. Google had earlier launched the support with the Google Meet web UI. The feature is now widely available to users. With the new support, users can change the static backgrounds. The company said that it will help users to show more of their personality. They can hide the original backgrounds and surroundings. Google said that this will also enhance their privacy. The search engine giant said that replacing the background with video will make video calls on the platform more fun and engaging.
According to Google, users are provided with three options. The options are a classroom, party, and forest. Users can put themselves somewhere else by changing backgrounds. The company promised to bring more Meet backgrounds soon. The new feature is helpful for those who don’t wish others to get a glimpse of their backgrounds. Google said that video backgrounds can also add whimsy to calls. Users can also blur the background. The backgrounds are live on the web starting June 7. It said that both video and image backgrounds will need version 87 of Chrome. Those using versions below will not be able to use the new functionality of Google Meet.
The video background support comes after Google Meet launched default and custom wallpapers in November last year. Before that, Google Meet didn’t allow users to change the background. Users have now options to replace their background with an image. The company provides a list of pictures that users can use to change the background in a call. Users can also upload their own photos. Google Meet was launched by Google in 2017. It has since then introduced numerous features to make the platform more engaging and expand its user base. It lets 100 participants join a meeting.
