Google Meet Introduces Adaptive Audio to Eliminate Echo in Group Settings

On Wednesday, May 22, Google unveiled an innovative feature on its video conferencing tool, Google Meet, called Adaptive Audio. It is designed to synchronize microphones across several laptops within the same vicinity, effectively eliminating the common problem of echo and "audio feedback". This update was released together with another enhancement aimed at simplifying communication within Spaces. This development follows closely behind the recent integration of the Gemini 1.5 Pro Large Language Model (LLM) into Google Meet, which introduced functionalities for fetching information and summarizing meetings.

Details of Google Meet's Adaptive Audio Feature

According to a posting on the Workspace blog, the Adaptive Audio feature operates by identifying the presence of multiple laptops in a single environment and then aligning the output of speakers and microphones to prevent echoing. This advancement is particularly helpful in non-conventional meeting spaces like cafes and communal lounges. Google also highlights its benefits for individuals lacking specialized gear or access to designated video-conferencing areas.

"This technology facilitates the formation of impromptu meeting areas with just laptops, ensuring clear communication for all participants without needing to gather around one device," stated Google.

Utilizing the Adaptive Audio Feature in Google Meet

Google explains that this feature activates automatically when several users join a call from the same location, with an indicator appearing at the screen's top-left corner. It organizes attendees in the "Participants" section and amalgamates their audio streams to "guarantee clear audition and articulation for all." Enabled as a default setting, deactivating it might result in an "echo or a screeching sound". Users have the option to adjust this setting by navigating to Settings > Audio > Adaptive audio.

The phased rollout of the Adaptive Audio feature on Google Meet is underway, promising availability to all Google Workspace clients subscribed to Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Business, Gemini Education, Gemini Education Premium, and the AI Meetings and Messaging enhancement within the upcoming weeks.