Google Meet Enhances AI-Generated Backgrounds with Improved Quality and New Preset Styles

Google Meet's AI Background Generator Gets a Major Upgrade

Google has announced a significant enhancement to its AI-generated background feature for Google Meet, addressing previous shortcomings and introducing new customization options. This update aims to make video calls more visually appealing and personalized for users across various Workspace tiers 1

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Improved Image Quality and User Experience

The upgraded image generation model promises to deliver higher-quality virtual backgrounds that better match user requests. This improvement comes after the initial launch of AI-generated backgrounds in 2023, which failed to impress users due to subpar quality 1

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. Google's latest update leverages enhanced capabilities of its Gemini AI to produce more realistic and visually appealing backgrounds 2

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New Preset Styles and Themes

To offer users more creative options, Google has introduced several new preset background styles and themes. These include:

1. Professional office
2. Stylish living room
3. Cozy living room
4. Tropical beach
5. Fantasy castle
6. Sci-fi spaceship
7. Bookshelf 1

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These preset options allow users to quickly customize their virtual environments without the need for complex inputs.

Availability and Access

The new AI-enhanced background generator is rolling out starting March 6, 2024, in the US and select markets. It will be available to:

• Business Standard and Plus Workspace users
• Enterprise Standard & Plus users
• Education Plus users
• Users with Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-ons 1

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Additionally, users who previously purchased AI-related add-ons will receive access to the feature, even though some of these add-ons are no longer available for purchase 2

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How to Use the New Background Generator

To access the new background options:

1. Open Google Meet
2. Navigate to the background settings menu on the right
3. Select "Generate with Gemini"
4. Choose from the new background styles or input a custom request 1

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Workspace administrators need to enable the feature through the Admin console before users can access it 1

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Google's Ongoing Improvements to Meet

This update is part of Google's broader efforts to enhance the video conferencing experience. Recently, the company also announced the expansion of its automatic framing tool to all Google Workspace platform tiers, which helps center users in the frame during video calls 2

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As virtual meetings continue to play a crucial role in modern work environments, Google's focus on improving background generation and other AI-powered features demonstrates its commitment to making video calls more engaging and professional for users across various industries.