Google Meet will now warn you about a very annoying audio problem during video calls

News
By published

No more interrupting meetings to find the source of a loud echo

Computer and smartphone showing Google Meet app logo
(Image credit: Yalcin Sonat | Shutterstock)

Google Meet has added a new feature that may resolve the pernicious and annoying problem of echoing microphones in our current video conferencing work-life. 

In a recent blog post, the company stated that Google Meet has been enhanced with an alert system to let you know when you could be responsible for the echo feedback. At the moment, it can be hard to tell who the source of the annoying feedback is, and Google is hoping it can put an end to frustrating video calls.

"Most of the time, Meet will intelligently control the audio to remove the echo. However, sometimes it still happens, and causes others to hear an echo from your device when they speak," said Google in a Workspace Updates blog post. "Until now, it has been difficult for you to know when your device is causing an echo. Now, we will notify you when we detect a notable echo from your system which may be heard by other call participants with a red dot on the more options button, along with a text notification."

While Google Meet already offers an automatic echo correction feature, it may not be sufficient for some web meetings.  The new alert allows Google to pinpoint which microphone is causing the problem. The new feature can help users from having to step away from the meeting to go and resolve annoying mic issues.

Among the suggested fixes are reducing the volume, muting their microphone and using a headset. The meeting can carry on while the issue is being fixed, since only the person who causes the issue will get the notification and deal with it on their end.

This feature will automatically be enabled for all Google Workspace, G Suite Basic and G Suite Business customers without requiring additional functionality by the administrator. This new feature began rolling out gradually Monday, August 23, and will be completed in the next 15 days. 

How Echo alerts work in Google Meet

A red dot will appear in the bottom right hand corner of the screen if Google detects an echo during the call. The user will receive a message. The notification will link to a webpage on the Help Center with more details on how to reduce echo. Google may suggest users reduce the volume.  

Williesha Morris
Williesha Morris
Contributor

Williesha Morris is an Alabama-based freelance journalist and copywriter currently focusing on accessibility, mental health, gaming, and tech. She's also highly experienced in administrative assistance and office management. Williesha is also an award-winning blogger and activist and has contributed to dozens of print and digital publications, including WIRED, Country Living and TechCrunch.  When she's not writing, she's watching true crime documentaries, playing video games or waxing nostalgic for the first few phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In her free time, Williesha volunteers with Hometown Action, an advocacy group focusing on Alabamians in rural areas and small towns.