Showing how you really feel about your next meeting will soon be a lot easier (and riskier), thanks to a new update to Google Meet.
Video conferencing tools are using emoji to add in-meeting reactions, allowing users to quickly express their approval (or disapproval) in real time.
Using common emoji, like a smiley face, a heart symbol, or a thumbs down, the reaction will appear as a small badge in the sender’s video tile, floating on the left side of the screen.
Google Meet emoji reactions
For those really explosive moments, when multiple users are involved, Google says users will see a bunch of emoji on the left side of the screen.
Users can also share reactions by selecting the “smile” icon in the control bar to bring up the reactions bar. This menu will also allow users to select a skin tone of their choice, which will then be applied to all emoji that may change color.
“Reactions in Meetings provides a lightweight, non-disruptive way to participate and participate in meetings without interrupting the speaker. Plus, by choosing the skin color option that best represents who you are, you can participate authentically,” The company writes in Google Workspace blog post (opens in a new tab) Announcement.
“We hope these features make it easier for you, your colleagues and stakeholders to stay better connected and engaged, whether they’re working from home, the office, or anywhere in between.”
The new reaction will start rolling out on January 16th and is enabled by default, so no action is required from administrators or end users.
They will be available to all Google Workspace customers, legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers, and customers with personal Google Accounts.
The news is the latest in a series of updates to Google Meet as the company looks to make its platform more attractive to users around the world. More recently, it rolled out three rather disturbing video filters, offering more personality to users who want to picture themselves with a log or strawberry as a head, or a bunny in an office cubicle.
There are also virtual backgrounds, allowing users to pretend to be working on the beach or in a snowstorm, or even just basic blurring, allowing users to hide the chaos in their busy studio.