Google makes its premium video conferencing app - Meet free for all users
By MYBRANDBOOK
Google’s Meet, the video conferencing app, is now free for all the users across globe. It has been announced by the company. Initially, it was launched as a premium app for paid users but with the surge in the demand for the video call service during the COVID-19 lockdown, which has been imposed by governments of the many countries to curb the spread of the virus, the company has come out with its free version.
Prior to this, to use this app a Google business or education account was required, essentially it suite software. But now, the app will be available for free to all on the web and via mobile apps both on iOS or Android. Through Meet, Google lets 100 people to participate in a single video call.
In a blog post, the tech giant shared that it will gradually open Meet in the coming weeks.
"Today, we’re making Google Meet, our premium video conferencing product, free for everyone, with availability rolling out over the coming weeks," wrote Javier Soltero, Vice President & GM, G Suite.
In the post it is also mentioned that the free version of Google Meet will be unveiled in early May and all the services that were earlier available for premium users, will be available for free to all.
"Starting in early May, anyone with an email address can sign up for Meet and enjoy many of the same features available to our business and education users, such as simple scheduling and screen sharing, real-time captions, and layouts that adapt to your preference, including an expanded tiled view.,"
As per Director of Product for Google Meet, Smita Hashim, the free offer is permanent. “It’s going to last going forward, just like Gmail," she said.
Meet calls pass through Google’s servers, enabling it to provide automatic captioning, troubleshoot issues and comply with legal orders to share users’ data. But consumers’ calls will not be stored. Businesses and schools will have exclusive access to recording meetings and other options.
However, Meet will cut free calls after an hour starting in October, compared with no time limit on Messenger and Skype and a 40-minute restriction on consumer Zoom accounts. Free Meet calls also will be limited to no more than a single host and 100 participants - the same as Zoom’s free version but above the 50 on Messenger and Skype.
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