Key Takeaways
- Google Meet now lets you create unique, AI-generated backgrounds for your virtual meetings using text prompts.
- This feature utilizes Google’s Gemini AI and is available on desktop and Android devices for users with specific Google Workspace or Google One AI Premium subscriptions, or those in the Workspace Labs program.
- You can easily generate and refine these custom backgrounds before or during a meeting.
- Keep in mind that using AI-generated backgrounds might use more of your device’s battery.
Google is adding more AI smarts to its tools, and Google Meet is getting a fun, personal touch. You can now use Gemini AI to create custom backgrounds for your video calls, moving beyond standard blurs or pre-set images.
Imagine describing your ideal meeting backdrop, and watching it appear. According to Engadget, you can ask for things like a “luxurious living room interior” or get creative with prompts such as “a coworking space in Studio Ghibli style.”
This cool feature is currently rolling out on desktop computers and Android devices. However, to use it, you’ll need an eligible Google Workspace subscription, a Google One AI Premium plan, or access to Google’s early testing program, Workspace Labs.
Creating your AI background on a computer is straightforward. Before joining a meeting, or even while you’re in one, look for the “Apply visual effects” option, then select “Generate a background.” Type in your idea, like “a cozy coffee shop with flowers,” and let Gemini create some options.
You can even pick an art style and provide specific details to help Gemini nail your vision. If the first try isn’t perfect, you can ask for more samples or tweak your prompt until you get just the right look.
For Android users, the process is similar. In the Meet app, tap the “Effects” button on your self-view and go to the Backgrounds tab. You’ll need a compatible phone, such as a Samsung Galaxy S9 or newer, or a Google Pixel 3 or newer, running at least Android version 9. Unfortunately, this feature isn’t available for iPhone users at the moment.
It’s worth noting that these AI-generated backgrounds can be a bit more demanding on your device’s battery. If you want to save power or simply switch back, you can easily remove the background through the Effects panel.
To revert, find the Effects panel again, click the Stack button, and then you can choose to remove specific effects or clear everything with the “Remove All” button, returning your background to normal.
