Google Meet rolls out multi device adaptive audio merging

Google Meet's Multi-Device Adaptive Audio Merging #

Google Meet has rolled out a new feature that merges audio from multiple devices in the same room, creating a more realistic and immersive experience for hybrid meetings.
The feature uses advanced audio engineering to perfectly sync audio from multiple laptops, implement echo cancellation, and treat laptop microphones as a microphone array.
This essentially replaces expensive proprietary hardware with a matrix of laptops, providing a microphone for every user.

Users are impressed by the technical achievement and the real-world need it addresses.

"I just want to say that this is really actually kind of mind-blowing from an audio engineering perspective." - crazygringo

Some users suggest that the feature could be implemented as a plugin for Pulseaudio, JACK, or even VST, creating a more direct and less cloud-dependent solution.
Users are debating whether the feature uses inaudible ultrasonic signals for coordination or relies on unmodified audio.
The discussion touches on the human hearing range, with some users claiming to hear ultrasonic frequencies used in devices like mosquito repellents.

Users generally praise Google Meet for its simplicity and convenience, highlighting its "just works" approach compared to competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
However, some users criticize Meet's lack of features such as full-screen mode for screen sharing, advanced audio options, and multi-display support.
Some users prefer Zoom for its features and performance, while others find Teams frustrating due to its clumsy UX and complex configuration options.
Some users suggest that Jitsi is a surprising contender with its simplicity and ability to handle various inputs.
Google Meet faces criticism for its lack of direct phone call functionality and its requirement for a Google account to attend meetings held with free Gmail accounts.

The new audio merging feature is currently gated behind Google Workspace higher tiers, including Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Business, Gemini Education, Gemini Education Premium, and the AI Meetings and Messaging add-on.
Some users argue that the feature is over-engineered and that headphones can solve the same problem. However, the feature addresses the issue of having multiple people in a room joining from their laptops while sitting next to each other.
The discussion branches out to other aspects of video conferencing, including issues like echo cancellation, audio feedback, and full-duplex audio.
Users discuss the limitations of Google Meet's current UX, such as its inability to share multiple screens/windows at once and its lack of screen sharing that takes 100% height/width.

"I just want to say that this is really actually kind of mind-blowing from an audio engineering perspective." - crazygringo
"Technically very impressive, and meets a real need." - nytesky
"Meet is just so much better than Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp Video, etc." - hugocbp
"Meet is nice, but could the screen sharing view just please take 100% height/width?" - moomoo11
"Fantastic idea. This is the first actually useful (as in â€œstep change usefulâ€, not just â€œhereâ€™s another way of browsing your cat photosâ€) feature Iâ€™ve seen from Google in years." - urbandw311er