A new feature rolling out to all Google Meet users aims to make sure you’re front and center every time.
Two years ago, Google introduced automatic framing for Meet. Like Apple’s Center Stage, it uses AI to ensure you appear square in the middle of a video call. Today, Google announced that this feature is available to all Meet users.
Also: The end of ChromeOS is a new dawn for cheap Android laptops
In a slightly unsettling GIF showcasing the feature, a man begins a Google Meet call. In the preview portion that lets you prepare your video and mic, he leans back and sits slightly to the left of the frame. The man’s image quickly slides squarely into the middle.
Here’s how it works.
When you join a call, your preview image will automatically adjust to move you to the center of the frame if you’re off to the side. Like Apple’s version, you’ll automatically stay in the center of the frame the whole call as long as you use a virtual background.
If you’re not using a virtual background, your image won’t automatically update (Google says this is to avoid the distraction of everyone’s images constantly reframing), but you can manually adjust your image by hovering over the video’s title and clicking “reframe.”
Also: How Google turns Android into a desktop OS in 5 steps
The feature was initially only available to Google Workspace accounts, but now it’s rolling out to all Google Meet users.
Meet has automatic framing enabled by default, but if you want to turn it off, you can head to your three-dot settings menu before a call and find the “Apply visual effects” section. Click on “Appearances,” and you’ll see the toggle.
Even though it’s rolling out today, you might not see the feature in time for your next Meet call as it’s a gradual deployment. Google says all users should see automatic framing by Dec. 17.
