google: Android smartphones finally get Google Meet’s animated video background feature – Times of India

Google has started to roll out an animated video background feature for Google Meet users on Android. Till now, the feature was only available for Google Meet users on iOS and desktop. The feature allows users to replace the background with six Google made videos such as a classroom, a party, a beach and more. The company says that more background options will be available soon.
The new feature will be available on Android smartphones within the next two weeks. The company claims that custom backgrounds can help you show more of your personality, as well to help hide your surroundings to maintain privacy. Although most Android smartphones will be eligible for the update, it will only be accessible to Google Workspace, G Suite Basic and Business customers.
The above mentioned feature isn’t the only update released by the company this week. The tech giant has also released a beta version of live translated captions feature for Google Meet. This feature first captures what’s being spoken and then translates it to another language. The feature is initially supporting the translation of English meetings into Spanish, French, Portuguese and German.
“Translated captions helps Google Meet video calls to be more global, inclusive and effective by removing language ability as a barrier to collaboration. By helping users consume the content in a preferred language, you can help equalize information sharing, learning, and collaboration, and make sure your meetings are as effective as possible.” said Google in an official blog post.
“Live translated captions can also be impactful for educators by enhancing communication with students who speak a different language than the instructor. This can also enable students to connect with other students across the globe who speak a different language.” the post read further.
Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Teaching and Learning Upgrade users can currently avail this feature by signing in to the beta program.