Google launched its Google Meet feature in 2017. The tool made it easy for people to hold video conferences online. Since then, people have been using it to join online meetings from any browser. The feature had one limitation though. Due to the design of its UI, it was not possible to join meetings if a person was driving, walking, or commuting.
That is no longer an impossibility today. Towards the end of 2023, Google announced the release of On-the-Go mode. It is a Google Meet audio only feature. The company customized this feature specifically for people who are on the go. With its simplified UI, it is now possible to join a meeting while driving, commuting, or walking.
What is the On-the-Go mode feature?
On-the-Go mode feature is a customized Google Meet feature. The moment Google Meet was released, millions of people around the world found a meeting solution. They have been video conferencing since then. Due to safety on the road, motorists could not video conference while driving.
The go driving mode created a solution for motorists. Today, CEOs, managers, workers, contractors, and any other person can join meetings while driving. With the meeting mode, it is possible to join meetings while commuting or walking. On-the-Go mode is an audio only feature. It works on all mobile devices regardless of the operating system.
On-the-Go works like Google Meet but the main difference is the former is an audio only feature. It has versions for Windows and mobile phones but can also work on macOS. Users can download a Google Meet for MacBook and program it for different sizes of meetings. When using the Google Meet desktop app users need to know the Google Meet rules. They need to search for details such as does Google Meets have a time limit. The app allows users to organize meetings of up to 100 people. Meetings can run for up to one hour at no charge.
What are the main features of Google Meet car mode?
The On-the-Go tool for meetings only works on mobile devices. It is designed to minimize distractions while driving. Google understands that users need to focus on the road to avoid accidents. Commuters need not attract attention from other commuters by having meeting videos on. Due to this, Google included the following features in the Meet mobile app.
- Audio only. The purpose of having an audio-only tool is to minimize distractions.
- Enlarged buttons. Having larger buttons makes it easier to tap without straining to see which button users want to touch.
- Minimalist U The tool’s UI has minimum buttons for ease of use. It only has the audio, mute, end call, and raise hand buttons.
- Full screen view. Users can tap the full-screen button to view on full screen or minimize it as they wish.
- Show presentation. They may choose to show the presentation or turn it off.
How to use the On-the-Go car mode
The Google Meet car mode tool is designed with AI motion detectors. Once a user taps the app on, it senses whether the person is in motion. The person might be driving, commuting, or walking. If they have meetings to go, you can use the app to automatically turn on On-the-Go mode. Users may also choose to manually turn on to car mode. Users need to understand how to make a Meet to use the app. This is how the app works.
- Install the Google Meet app on an iPhone or Android phone.
- Tap on the app to launch it.
- Look for the three vertical dots on the top right side of the screen and tap on them.
- On the menu that opens, tap on the Car Mode option.
Once the user selects Car Mode, the app automatically disables the camera and microphone. This lets the user follow the proceedings of the meeting by hearing what the other participants are saying. When the user needs to speak, they only need to tap on the mic icon.
Business people and workers who drive often and those with busy schedules welcomed the On-the-Go car mode app. It brought an easier-to-use and safer option for meetings. Users need to observe device and online safety rules when using the Meet car mode tool. Online safety measures include encryption, secure access controls, and installing security software.
What are the benefits of Google Meet On-The-Go for business?
Google’s On-the-Go mobile app has brought many changes to the way people in business conduct meetings. Today, users do not need to wait until they get to an office or pull off at a safer spot on the road to join virtual meetings. They can join meetings whether they are driving, walking, or commuting.
The Meet app ensures no one gets inconvenienced waiting for an important participant to join once they find a safe place to park their car. Furthermore, it has made it safer for motorists to hold meetings. Their eyes can no longer be distracted while driving. The car mode app uses less data which makes it cheaper for users and saves money. Marketers can meet with clients on the go and close deals. This brings more revenue to the company.
Conclusion
Google released the On-the-Go mobile app to allow people to join meetings while driving. The tool has a simple UI with only a few large buttons. It does not allow video mode but lets users listen to conversations and press the speak button when they need to. The app has made it easier to do business and improve collaboration among work teams.