Google Meet

Google Meet launched in September 2017 as Hangouts Meet, a video conferencing tool built for enterprise users within G Suite. It operated alongside Google Duo until November 2022, when Google merged the two consumer apps into a single platform. This consolidation replaced the original consumer version of Meet with the unified app that now handles both personal and business video calls.

The service saw explosive growth in April 2020 when Google opened its core features to the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Usage jumped thirtyfold between January and April of that year, hitting 100 million daily active users by month's end. While Zoom reached 200 million daily users at the same time, Meet secured its place as a primary communication channel for remote work and education through its integration with Gmail and Google Calendar.

Recent updates from August 2026 introduce AI capabilities powered by Gemini. The platform can now transcribe and summarize meetings even when participants are physically present in the same room. This feature uses device microphones to capture audio without requiring a video call setup, marking a shift toward handling in-person productivity tasks. [edit]

Users initiate high-quality video calls to connect with colleagues or friends across different locations. The interface supports screen sharing and desktop presentations, allowing participants to display specific applications or entire monitors to the group. Real-time captions appear on screen to assist with accessibility and clarity during conversations.

The August 2026 update added a transcription mode for physical gatherings. Participants can record discussions using their device microphone while seated together, generating notes and summaries afterward. This functionality relies on advanced audio processing to distinguish between speakers in a shared space. [edit]

Corporate strategy rather than narrative arcs defined the history of Google Meet. It began as an exclusive enterprise tool before expanding to the public during a global health crisis. The merger with Google Duo in late 2022 unified the company's video calling services. By mid-2026, the introduction of AI-driven note-taking for in-person meetings signaled a pivot from purely virtual interaction to broader office productivity support. [edit]