What you have to know
- Companion Mode is a Google Meet function that enables in-person assembly attendees to have the identical controls as digital friends.
- Google first introduced Companion Mode to the online and Nest Hub Max, however is now bringing the function to cellular gadgets beginning at this time.
- iOS and Android customers may have entry to Companion Mode with current variations of the Meet and Gmail apps.
Beginning this week, Google is bringing Companion Mode to iOS and Android after the function was beforehand unique to the Nest Hub Max and an online consumer. Companion Mode is designed to assist in-person members use digital instruments in hybrid conferences.
The function is meant for use in giant, hybrid assembly conditions. A lot of these setups typically embody enterprise assembly room {hardware}, which takes care of issues like audio and video for the whole room. Nonetheless, this {hardware} would not give in-person attendees entry to digital assembly options like reactions, messages, or hand elevating.
Companion Mode on cellular gadgets brings all these options and extra to in-person assembly attendees whereas utilizing Google Meet. Apart from the aforementioned options, Companion Mode gives captions and subtitles for audio system and the flexibility to zoom in on viewable content material.
To make use of Companion Mode, customers can click on a brand new Use Companion Mode button discovered within the pre-join display screen. When you choose this selection, consumer audio and video will robotically be muted. Google recommends utilizing assembly room {hardware} to keep away from audio suggestions brought on by a number of energetic mics in a room.
The corporate says that Companion Mode on cellular is sensible in areas the place utilizing the function on a laptop computer can be inconvenient.
The function is rolling out now to each Google Workspace customers and private Google Account homeowners. Nonetheless, relying on the discharge schedule of your faculty or work’s Google Workspace platform, it might take weeks for Companion Mode to grow to be accessible.
Speedy-release domains will begin to see the function on Monday (Feb. 12), nevertheless it might take as much as 15 days for a full rollout. Schedule launch domains will not be capable of entry Companion Mode till Feb. 27 on the earliest and will have to attend as much as 15 extra days after that.
On iOS, you may want model 229 of Google Meet or model 2024.01.28 of Gmail or newer. On Android, model 225.0 of Google Meet or model 6.0.231231 of Google Meet or newer.