The US-based technology giant Google’s video calling application Google Meet is adding a new Audio and Video Lock feature that enables hosts to turn off the microphones and cameras of selected participants during the meeting.
Further, the new feature prevents the participants from turning them back on until the host unlocks them.
Earlier this year, the tech giant has given Google Meet hosts the option to mute all attendees at once in Google Meet on desktop. Google announced the arrival of the new feature via a blog post.
According to the reports, the Audio and Video Lock function allows hosts additional control over their meetings to ensure efficiency.
For example, a host can use this option when a background noise bothers other listeners. Additionally, the host can also decide on allowing different levels of participation from attendees.
As per the statement, “During a call, the latest Audio and Video Lock will apply to any subsequently launched breakout rooms — smaller groups within Google Meet as well. Once a breakout room is formed, any changes made to a lock setting in an individual room will not affect the settings of other breakout rooms or the main meeting.”
The feature is available on devices with Android OS version M or newer and iOS version 12 or newer. Users need to have the latest updated version of the Meet or Gmail app as well.
If the host or co-host switches on one of the locks, people who are using an Android or iOS version of Google Meet that does not support the newly introduced feature will be ejected from the meeting.
The participants will be asked to update their app or join the meeting using a different device if they attempt to attend a meeting that has one of these locks activated. Turning off the audio or video locks will allow these participants to rejoin the meeting.
The new feature will be made available to all users in the coming weeks. Further, the search giant confirmed that it will be available to all Google Workspace customers and G Suite Basic and Business customers.
