Google is looking to attract new users to its Meet mobile app by letting them apply masks, effects, and filters during calls.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a dramatic increase in video calls and strong competition between tech companies looking to grow their respective apps. One of the most popular is Google Meet, a safe alternative to Zoom, but certainly not a fun alternative.
Related | Google Brings Captions And Cross-Domain Live Streams To Google Meet
In an effort to bring more users to Meet to make their personal video calls on the app (and ultimately replace its Duo app), Google is introducing masks, effects, and filters that can be used during video calls to make them more personal, informal, and more fun.
Many of the newly-introduced effects on the Google Meet app for iOS and Android have come straight from Duo’s effects library, hinting at the company’s next possible move. Furthermore, many of the options in the new effects carousel are only available on personal Gmail accounts to encourage people to use Meet for all their video call needs.
Add cats, astronauts, jellyfish and more to your Meet calls. New filters, masks and effects are now available for Meet on Android and iOS. Try it today → https://t.co/DDSvWFxDG8 pic.twitter.com/hylhsCcUuj
— Google (@Google) July 7, 2021
To access an effect, simply tap on the Effects options located within the sparkle button at the bottom right corner of your video call. Options include “Styles” and “Filters,” next to blurs, lens flare effects, color overlays, and backgrounds.
Filters will also mask you up as a cute animal or add accessories to your silhouette – depending on what message you are trying to convey or simply how much wine you’ve already had.