Google adds virtual backgrounds to Meet

Google has started rolling out customizable wallpapers in its Meet video calling platform. The company previously announced that feature, but is now making it available to users.

Users can use pre-selected images as well as their own photos as background during video calling sessions, Google reports . The feature is currently available in ChromeOS and the Chrome browser for Windows and macOS. No browser extension is required for this, the company reports. The feature will be introduced ‘soon’ for mobile devices.

Virtual backgrounds are off by default. The function is available to all Meet users. Attendees of video calls hosted by Education users cannot use their own photos as virtual backgrounds. The pre-selected images are then available. Google already added the background blur option to the Meet desktop version in September. Around that time, the company also announced that virtual wallpapers were in the planning.