Google Meet is a communication app for group video calls and audio calls. It is part of a wide variety of alternatives that became very popular during the pandemic, but had already started to gain traction with Skype and Zoom, among others. To learn to do Zoom calls or by any other application, it has its specific details. That is why we have compiled the most important information to understand how Google Meet works, how to install it on our Android mobile and make the most of its features.
Unlike other telecommunications apps, Google Meet has a very complete free version and highly simplified operation. Google guarantees simultaneous communication with several contacts and with the best audio and video quality for each meeting.
How to use Google Meet
To be able to use Google Meet we have to have a gmail account. The service works only through Google email accounts. If we are using the application on our Android mobile, clearly we already have our account ready. Otherwise, we only need to enter the application with our Gmail address and our password.
Once the application is downloaded from the Google Play Store, we select the icon on the mobile desktop screen to access it. We open the app and select the + New Meeting button. In this way, we will start a meeting by being able to share the access code with our contacts so that they can join. If you want to join a Meet meeting that is already in progress, or that was created by another user, we choose the bottom button, which says "Meeting Code".
Share meeting code and set up meeting
If you create a meeting, we can select the INFO button, which is shaped like an exclamation point, and it will appear the code you have to share with your contacts. Once this step is done, and while we wait for them to join, we can configure the meeting room.
You can enable or disable the sound for all participants, turn video on or off, or even cut and end the meeting. In the Google Meet interface, the data is exposed in a simple way. At the top right, we will have the number of connected users numbered, and we will be able to send group or personal chat messages to have a written conversation or share some other comments.
Share screen
If you would like to share what you show on your mobile screen, you have to select the options button (it has the shape of 3 points) and a list of extra actions will appear there. You can change the front camera to the rear one, activate subtitles or present the screen to the rest of those present in the meeting.
This option is especially useful when we need to share a presentation or a document that we have on our phone. All participants will no longer see the faces or the panel of participants, and will see directly what you show on your phone.
The most positive aspects of Google Meet
When it comes to applications for video calls, Google Meet is undoubtedly one of the most complete and recommended for Android users. First, because it only requires a Gmail account to be downloaded and activated on the phone, but also because it offers good audio and sound quality without spending a penny.
The possibilities of Google Meet both for work meetings and for classes or conversations are very varied, being able to use some specific actions that provide benefits for professional activity. Between them:
- It is more difficult to hack. Google Meet URLs are randomly generated, and invites are handled through Gmail email, making it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to the servers.
- In its paid version, Google Meet is much cheaper when we purchase the paid service for companies.
- It generates subtitles in real time, with the same engine as YouTube when creating subtitles in videos.
- Its free version is much more complete than other platforms, allowing meetings of up to 60 minutes.
- Quick access from the browser and the app.
Unlike other instant messaging and group calling apps, Google Meet is instant activation. We simply enter our account, create the chat room and invite the contacts. In a matter of minutes you can be chatting and conducting a work meeting or a class without headaches. Therefore, by understanding how Google Meet works, it is easy to understand why many prefer it to Zoom, Skype or the like.
Conclusion
Google Meet is one of the most complete free alternatives for video calls and group meetings. It offers 60 minutes of conversation without paying a penny, you can share screen and invite any user with a Gmail account through a randomly generated code. Secure, fast and reliable, it is one of the most versatile mobile platforms for group, personal or work video calls.
