Google Meet Enhances AI Tools for Custom Video Backgrounds

Hey there, fellow developers and AI enthusiasts! Have you ever found yourself in a video call, wishing your background was a bit more... exciting? Maybe you've thought, If only I could be in a sci-fi spaceship or a cozy living room instead of my cluttered home office. Well, guess what? Google Meet has heard our collective sighs and is rolling out some nifty AI-powered features to jazz up our virtual backgrounds.

What's the Buzz?

Google Meet is stepping up its game by introducing enhanced AI tools that allow us to create custom video backgrounds. This isn't just about slapping on a generic backdrop; it's about generating unique, high-quality images that reflect our personal style or mood. And the best part? It's all powered by Google's Gemini AI model.

Upgraded Image Generation Models

First off, Google has upgraded its image generation model. This means the backgrounds we create will be more visually appealing and better aligned with our prompts. So, when you ask for a tropical beach at sunset, you won't end up with something that looks like it was drawn by a toddler with a crayon.

New Preset Styles

To make things even easier, Google Meet now offers several new preset styles to kickstart your background creation. These include:

• Professional office
• Bookshelf
• Stylish living room
• Cozy living room
• Tropical beach
• Fantasy castle
• Sci-fi spaceship

So, whether you're aiming for a professional vibe or want to pretend you're on a beach in the Bahamas, there's a style for you.

How to Get Started

Ready to dive in? Here's how you can start creating your own AI-generated backgrounds:

Before the Meeting

1. Open meet.google.com on your computer.
2. Select a meeting.
3. At the bottom right of your self-view, click Apply visual effects and then Generate a background.
4. Enter a prompt. For example: A cozy coffee shop with flowers.
5. (Optional) Select a style to customize the background image.
6. Click Create samples to see several suggested background images.
7. Click one of the generated images to use as your background.
8. Click Close to exit the setup.

During the Meeting

1. Join a meeting on your computer.
2. On the bottom, click More options and then Apply visual effects and then Generate a background.
3. Enter your prompt.
4. (Optional) Select a style.
5. Click Create samples to see suggested background images.
6. Click one of the generated images to use as your background.
7. Click Close to exit the setup.

Remember, this feature is currently available on desktop. In your self-view, your background will appear mirrored, but don't worry—other participants will see it correctly.

Availability

These enhancements are rolling out gradually, starting from March 6, 2025. They're available for Google Workspace Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Standard and Plus, and also with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on. If you're unsure whether you have access, check with your admin or visit the Google Workspace Updates blog for more details.

Final Thoughts

So, what do you think? Are you excited to try out these new AI-powered backgrounds? Or do you have some wild prompt ideas you're itching to test? Share your thoughts and let's get the conversation started. After all, who wouldn't want to attend their next meeting from a fantasy castle or a sci-fi spaceship?