Google Meet adds a new audio and video lock feature that allows the host to turn off the microphone and camera of selected participants during the meeting. It can also prevent participants from reopening them until the host unlocks them. Earlier this year, the search giant gave Google Meet hosts the ability to mute all participants at the same time in the desktop version of Google Meet. The latest Audio and Video Lock allows the host to prevent participants from unmute after they are muted.

Google announced the arrival of new features in a blog post on October 21st. The audio and video lock function allows the host to better control the meeting to ensure work efficiency. For example, the host can use this option when background noise interferes with other listeners. In addition, the host can also decide to allow participants to participate in different levels.

During the call, the latest audio and video locks will be applied to any breakout rooms that are subsequently launched—the same is true for small groups in Google Meet. After the breakout conference is formed, any changes made to the lock settings of a single room will not affect the settings of other breakout conferences or the main conference.

This feature is available for devices with Android operating system version M or higher and iOS version 12 or higher. Users also need to have the latest version of the Meet or Gmail application. If the host or co-host turns on any of these locks, those using Google Meet for Android or iOS that don’t support the new features will be removed from the meeting. If participants try to join a meeting that has one of these locks enabled, they will be asked to update their application or use another device to join the meeting. Turning off the audio or video lock will allow these participants to rejoin the meeting.

The audio and video lock feature was launched on October 21 for users in the fast-release domain. It will be available to all users in the coming weeks. Google confirmed that it will be available to all Google Workspace customers as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers.

News Source: Gadgets 360