Google Meet vs Google Workspace

2024. Google Meet now lets you discreetly switch from desktop to phone



Google announced a new update for its video conferencing and calling platform Google Meet, which lets users switch devices while connected to a call without dropping the stream. Essentially, this allows users to seamlessly swap between their desktop and mobile devices without other users in the Google Meet knowing about it. Google Meet users will even have the ability to remain on the call on both devices by going to "Other joining options" and choosing "Join here too." With this update, Google Meet brings a feature to its platform that at least one competitor, Zoom, has had for at least a few years now.


2024. Google adds new video creation app Vids app to Workspace


Google has introduced Vids, a new addition to its Google Workspace suite, designed for streamlined video creation in professional settings. Vids offers a straightforward interface for crafting slide presentations using a linear timeline, where users can seamlessly incorporate content from their Google Drive. Notably, Vids distinguishes itself with the integration of Google's Gemini AI, allowing users to opt-in for assistance in scriptwriting, storyboarding, and text-to-speech narration. Additionally, Gemini can access a repository of stock footage and generate imagery. Currently undergoing testing with a select group of Workspace users, Vids aims to unveil a broader beta version in the upcoming summer, promising an influx of AI-infused presentations in the workplace.


2023. Google adds eSignature to Google Docs and Google Drive



Google has introduced a new eSignature capability within Google Workspace. This novel functionality will specifically cater to both individual users and diverse group accounts within Google Docs and Google Drive. The primary objective of this new addition is to serve solopreneurs and small businesses by providing a streamlined method to effortlessly gather and monitor digital signatures directly within documents. This obviates the need for the traditional process of printing, signing, scanning, and emailing for obtaining signatures. Essentially, it presents an electronic signature field that can be seamlessly integrated into the document. Furthermore, anticipated enhancements slated for later this year encompass the potential inclusion of an audit trail report to trace signatures within Google Docs documents, the facilitation of managing multiple signatories and transmitting documents to individuals external to the Google Workspace ecosystem. Lastly, the feature aims to enable the acquisition of an electronic signature within a PDF version of the document.


2022. Google opens up Workspace with new integrations and APIs



Google Workspace is receiving a significant update that introduces several noteworthy features for customers. However, what's even more significant is that Google is leveraging this opportunity to expand the Workspace ecosystem beyond its own services by introducing new integrations and developer tools. One of the key initiatives involves opening up smart chips within Workspace, which are the links to various documents, individuals, and information. Previously limited to Google's own offerings, these smart chips will now be accessible to third-party vendors. To kickstart this expansion, Google has partnered with renowned companies such as AODocs, Atlassian, Asana, Figma, Miro, and Tableau, all of whom are actively developing integrations. Additionally, Google is introducing a set of APIs for both Chat and Meet, enabling third-party developers to incorporate functions such as initiating or starting meetings directly from their respective applications. Asana and LumApps are the initial launch partners for these APIs, further enriching the collaboration capabilities within Workspace.


2022. Google Meet gets automatic meeting transcriptions



Google has introduced automatic meeting transcriptions as a built-in feature for its video conferencing service, Meet. Previously, users had to rely on third-party services like Otter to record and transcribe their calls. This new functionality is currently available for meetings conducted in English, with support for French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese slated for release in 2023. It's worth noting that Microsoft Teams already introduced a similar feature for English meetings over a year ago. Although Google possesses expertise in speech-to-text services through products like Assistant and the Android Recorder app, the addition of this feature to Meet has been a long-awaited development. Nevertheless, it is a welcome addition to enhance the meeting experience within Meet.


2022. Google brings its Workspace Individual plan to one-person businesses in Europe



Google is expanding the availability of its Workspace Individual subscription plan to Europe, just over a year after its initial launch in other markets. Workspace, previously known as G Suite, encompasses various productivity and collaboration applications such as Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Tasks, and Forms. While many of these apps are free to use individually, Google generates revenue by offering additional features and integrations to businesses for a fee. With the introduction of Google Workspace Individual, the company is targeting "solo business owners" who can subscribe to a monthly plan and gain access to premium video calling tools, including features like recording, noise cancellation, and extended group calls. Subscribers also have the ability to livestream their Google Meet sessions to YouTube and utilize the "multi-send" feature for email newsletters and marketing campaigns. Furthermore, Google has recently announced forthcoming enhancements, including the integration of e-signatures directly into Google Docs.


2022. Google Meet’s new feature lets users consume YouTube and Spotify together



Google has recently announced the addition of live-sharing features, similar to Apple SharePlay, to Google Meet. This update aims to enhance collaboration during video calls by allowing participants to engage with content simultaneously in real-time. It's worth mentioning that Google had previously introduced live-sharing features, such as watching YouTube videos together, in Duo back in February. Now, with the integration of Duo into Meet, these features are being extended to the Meet platform. With the new live-sharing functionality, users will have the ability to watch YouTube videos collectively. These exciting features will be accessible through the Activities tab, which also includes options for Q&A sessions and polls, and can be found in the three-dot menu.


2022. Google Duo to unite with Google Meet



Google Duo, the consumer-focused video chat service by Google, is set to merge with Google Meet, the video chat service designed for business users. In this upcoming transition, the Duo app will incorporate all of Meet's features, including the ability to schedule calls. Subsequently, the Duo app will be rebranded as Google Meet, and the existing Meet app will seamlessly transition to the new combined Duo/Meet app. Although the process may appear complex, it is understandable considering the significant undertaking of migrating millions of users to the unified platform.


2022. Google Workspace integrated with SAP



Google and SAP have established a longstanding partnership, collaborating on various projects throughout the years. As part of its strategic cloud partnerships, Google Cloud plays a crucial role in RISE with SAP, a program by the renowned German enterprise software company aimed at assisting customers in transitioning to the cloud. In an exciting development, the two companies have now announced a significant expansion of their partnership, focusing on a deep integration between SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP's flagship ERP system, and Google Workspace. This native integration enables SAP users to seamlessly access and collaborate on data from S/4HANA using Google Docs and Sheets. It facilitates smooth importing and exporting of data between the two systems. While the integration is currently being piloted with a select group of customers, the initial set of features will be launched as a standard offering for S/4HANA Cloud later this year.


2021. Google Workspace opens up spaces for all users



Google has introduced spaces within Google Chat, making them available to all users. These spaces seamlessly integrate with various tools in Google Workspace such as the calendar, Drive, and documents. This integration offers a hybrid work experience, enabling users to access the complete history, content, and context of conversations regardless of their location. Instead of resorting to lengthy email chains or scheduling video meetings, teams can collaborate directly within a space to drive projects and discussions forward. The updated features in spaces include a unified interface that combines inbox, chats, spaces, and meetings. Spaces and their content can be made discoverable, allowing individuals to find and join conversations. Additionally, improved search capabilities within a team's knowledge base, the ability to reply to any message within a space, and enhanced security and admin tools for communication monitoring are also part of the new update.