Google Meet is including a brand new Audio and Video Lock characteristic that permits hosts to show off the microphones and cameras of choose contributors throughout a gathering. It additionally prevents the contributors from turning them again on till the host unlocks them. Earlier this yr, the search big has given Google Meet hosts the ability to mute all contributors without delay in Google Meet on desktop. The newest Audio and Video Lock permits hosts to forestall contributors from unmuting themselves after they’re muted.

Google on October 21 announced the arrival of the brand new characteristic through a weblog publish. The Audio and Video Lock characteristic offers hosts extra moderation management over their conferences to make sure productiveness. For instance, a bunch can use this feature when a background noise disturbs different listeners. Additionally, the host may resolve on permitting totally different ranges of participation from attendees.

During a name, the newest Audio and Video Lock will apply to any subsequently launched breakout rooms — smaller teams inside Google Meet as effectively. Once a breakout room is fashioned, any adjustments made to a lock setting in a person room is not going to have an effect on the settings of different breakout rooms or the principle assembly.

The characteristic works on gadgets with Android OS model M or newer and iOS model 12 or newer. Users have to have the newest up to date model of Meet or Gmail app as effectively. People utilizing a model of Google Meet on Android or iOS that doesn’t help the newly launched characteristic will likely be faraway from the assembly if the host or co-host activates both of the locks. If the contributors try to affix a gathering that has both of those locks enabled, they are going to be requested to replace their app or use one other machine to affix the assembly. Turning off the audio or video locks will permit these contributors to rejoin the assembly.

The Audio and Video Lock characteristic began rolling out on October 21 for customers on the Rapid Release domains. It will likely be made out there to all customers within the coming weeks. Google confirmed that will probably be out there to all Google Workspace prospects and G Suite Basic and Business prospects.