Starting this week, Google is bringing Companion Mode to iOS and Android, as it was previously exclusive to the Nest Hub Max and web client.
The Companion feature is designed to help participants use virtual tools during hybrid meetings.
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Typically, these types of setups involve equipment in business meeting rooms that allows for audio and video playback throughout the space. However, this equipment does not provide attendees with the ability to use virtual meeting features such as reactions, messages, or hand raising.
Companion Mode on mobile brings all of these features and more to in-person meeting participants when using Google Meet. In addition to these features, Mode offers captions and subtitles for audio and the ability to zoom in on viewable content.
To enable Companion Mode, users can click the new “Companion Mode” located on the setup screen. Once selected, the user’s audio and video will be automatically muted. Google recommends using meeting room hardware to avoid audio feedback caused by multiple active microphones in a room.
The company says that the Companion feature on mobile phones is useful in environments where it would not be possible to use this feature on a laptop.
The feature is now available to both Google Workspace users and personal Google Account holders. However, depending on the Google Workspace for your school or work, it may take weeks for Companion Mode to become available.
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Rapid Release domains will go live starting Monday (February 12), but may take up to 15 days to become fully available. Domains that are scheduled for release will not have access to Companion Mode until February 27 or later, and will have to wait up to 15 more days after that.
On iOS, Google Meet version 229 or Gmail or later is required. On Android, Google Meet version 225.0 or Google Meet version 6.0.231231 or later is required.
Source: androidcentral.com
