Google Meet Finally Adds Meeting Timers to Combat Endless Virtual Calls.

In a move aimed squarely at boosting productivity and curbing the scourge of sprawling virtual meetings, Google Meet has begun rolling out a highly anticipated native timer feature. This addition brings a visible, ticking clock into the meeting interface, creating a subtle but effective sense of urgency for all participants.

This new tool directly responds to the prevalent issue of "meeting creep," especially in organizations with distributed workforces. By providing a clear visual countdown, Google is offering users a simple mechanism to stick to their intended agenda and time limits.

The feature is accessible via the Meeting tools button, located in the lower right corner of the desktop user interface. Depending on the meeting's settings, the timer can be set and controlled by either the meeting host or all participants.

Users have the flexibility to set an optional audible alarm that sounds when the designated time expires. However, it is important to note that the timer will not automatically terminate the meeting; it is simply a reminder tool for time management.

The new timers are currently available exclusively through the Google Meet web interface on desktop, with Google confirming they are not yet accessible on the mobile applications. A full rollout is underway and is expected to reach all types of Google accounts, including free personal accounts and paid Workspace users, over the next few days.

This small but significant update underscores Google’s commitment to improving the core functionality of its video conferencing platform. For teams looking to shave valuable minutes off their weekly commitments, the new timer is an essential tool for maintaining focus and efficiency in the digital workplace.

Also Read: 

• Generate a Background Image in Google Meet With AI.
• Google Meet Gets a Personal AI Advisor with New 'Ask Gemini' Feature.

Google Meet Gets a Personal AI Advisor with New 'Ask Gemini' Feature.

In a major move to enhance meeting productivity, Google is rolling out a powerful new feature for Google Meet: "Ask Gemini." This new AI-powered capability acts as a personal in-meeting advisor, helping users stay on top of discussions and get the information they need without interrupting the flow of the conversation.

How 'Ask Gemini' Works.

The "Ask Gemini" feature is integrated directly into a side panel within Google Meet. As a meeting progresses, the AI processes the meeting's live captions and can answer a variety of private, personalized prompts, such as:

• Summarizing the discussion so far: For latecomers or those who step away, a quick prompt can provide a concise summary of what has already been said.
• Catching up on what you missed: If a user was temporarily distracted, they can ask the AI to recap a specific point.
• Identifying key takeaways and action items: Gemini can analyze the conversation to pinpoint decisions made and tasks assigned, making it easier to create post-meeting follow-ups.

Unlike a public note-taking bot, the responses from "Ask Gemini" are completely private to the user who asks the question, ensuring that personal queries or recaps aren't shared with everyone on the call. The AI can also pull context from a user's other Google Workspace apps, like Gmail and Google Docs, to provide even more relevant answers.

The feature is currently rolling out to Google Workspace customers on Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Standard, Business Plus, and Business Standard plans, with more languages to be added soon. Google has confirmed that the AI processes meeting data in real-time and does not store any meeting captions or data after the call ends, ensuring user privacy.

This latest development continues Google's aggressive push to integrate its Gemini AI model across its product suite, from search and email to collaborative tools. The focus on personalized, real-time assistance aims to make virtual meetings more efficient and less draining for participants.

For more insights into how Google is changing the digital landscape, check out our recent article on the new Google Discover 'Follow' button.

Also Read: Generate Background Image in Google Meet With AI.

Generate Background Image in Google Meet With AI.

Have you ever wished for a quick, visually appealing background in your Google Meet without hunting through images? You're in luck—Google recently rolled out a Generate Background feature in Google Meet, powered by Gemini AI.

Instead of uploading your own photos, you can now ask Google Meet to create a custom background on the fly. Simply describe what you want—like "a cozy book-lined study" or "beach at sunset"—and the AI will generate a fitting image instantly. It's a fun, creative way to personalize video calls without the hassle.

How To Generate a Background Image in Google Meet Using AI?

This feature is part of Google Workspace Labs and is rolling out gradually; it may be available only to trusted testers in some regions and languages. If you don’t see the option yet, check your Workspace Labs access and update Meet.

Note: Do not include personal, confidential, or sensitive information in prompts. Google Workspace might use responses to improve the product.

1. Open your browser and go to meet.google.com and select a meeting (or start one). 
2. At the bottom, click on the three dots, and click Background and Effects. 
3. Choose Generate a background from the visual effects panel.



4. In the prompt box, type a short, descriptive instruction. Examples:
• A cozy book-lined study with warm lighting
• Magical sunny forest glade with light rays
• Modern home office, minimal, plants, bright

Tip: include style (illustration, watercolor, photorealistic), mood (cozy, airy), and objects (desk, plants) for better results.

5. (Optional) Pick a style from the style options if available.
6. Click Create samples to generate multiple background options.



7. If you want different variants, edit the prompt at the top of the panel and click Create other samples.
   
8. Click one generated image to apply it as your background. Click Close to exit the setup.

This background image generation feature is going to be available on both Android as well as Web.

 

With Google’s AI-powered background generator in Meet, you can save time and effort by skipping the hassle of browsing endless stock image libraries or designing a backdrop from scratch—Gemini handles the creative work for you. 

Personalization is effortless, whether you’re going for a sleek, professional setting or something fun and whimsical, with near-instant customization at your fingertips. Best of all, every generated background is crafted to deliver consistent polish, with perfect lighting and framing so you always appear at your best on camera.