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  • What is the top video conferencing tool: Google Meet or Zoom?

    What is the top video conferencing tool: Google Meet or Zoom?

    Video conferencing tools such as Google Meet and Zoom are crucial for organizations due to the widespread adoption of remote work globally.

    These applications enable us to collaborate virtually with our coworkers, as long as we have a stable internet connection and a laptop or smartphone.

    Google Meet and Zoom are among the most popular video conferencing tools and are frequently compared to determine the best option for users.

    If you are having trouble choosing between the two options, take a look at our article!

    What does Google Meet entail?

    Google Meet is the video conferencing application within Google Workspace, formerly referred to as G Suite.

    People still mention their former names, Google Hangouts or just “Hangout”.

    Although it is a component of the Google business suite, this tool can also be purchased individually.

    During the 2020 pandemic, Google Meet gained 3 million new daily users.

    More information on Zoom

    Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing tool primarily utilized for virtual meetings and webinars.

    This tool provides chat, meeting rooms, a telephone system, and connections with external tools.

    Differences between Google Meet and Zoom.

    Google Meet and Zoom are two video conferencing platforms utilized by remote workers, as well as educators and learners.

    Both enable video connection, enabling users to display their screen on different types of devices.

    Therefore, both provide nearly identical features.

    What are the key distinctions?

    Google Meet Zoom
    Is there a free version available? Yes (Meetings up to 1 hour) Yes (Meetings up to 40 minutes)
    Monthly Cost Starting from $8 per user Plans from $14.99 USD/US
    Participant Limit Up to 150 on Google Workspace Essentials Up to 100 in the Professional Plan
    Call Duration Up to 24 hours Up to 30 minutes
    Supported Platforms Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

    Google Meet and Zoom offer various subscription plans at different monthly prices, each including exclusive features accessible upon selecting specific packages.

    You can view Zoom’s complete pricing options on the official website, with prices listed in US dollars.

    Google promotes the use of the Google Workspace package, which includes various useful applications for remote work and learning, such as Google Meet.

    Which tool offers superior features: Google Meet or Zoom?

    We compare the two video conferencing tools based on key factors important for users in work and educational settings.

    Efficiency

    Google Meet is more practical than Zoom because it does not require any browser extensions, just a Gmail account.

    Meet is integrated into the Google Calendar agenda as it is one of the tools available in Google Workspace.

    You can schedule appointments and connect with attendees using this method.

    Integrations combining different elements.

    Google Meet is fully connected with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive, along with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook.

    You can access your meetings directly from your calendar, even if it is not a Google calendar.

    Zoom provides integrations with Google apps, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox for sharing content.

    Free editions

    The free version of Zoom has some restrictions, although it is available at no cost.

    Meetings can host a maximum of 100 participants and group meetings are limited to 40 minutes. Additionally, call recordings are not allowed.

    Google Meet’s free version allows a longer duration of 1 hour and accommodates up to 100 participants, but does not support call recording.

    Interface – User interface

    Google Meet provides various alternative layouts.

    • Meet has a feature called Automatic that enables it to select the layout automatically.
    • Only the active speaker or presentation will be shown in a larger window on the sidebar, with other participants appearing in smaller windows.
    • The presentation, the speaker in action, or the fixed feed will take up the whole screen.
    • Up to 16 individuals can be shown on the screen in mosaic view when no one is presenting. However, when a presentation begins, it will be displayed in a large block while the most engaged participants will be shown in smaller blocks on the side.

    Zoom provides the option to choose from various layouts.

    • Switching the main video window to display the speaker who is addressing three or more attendees during the meeting is known as active speaker view.
    • Participants’ miniatures are shown in a grid layout in the gallery view.
    • The floating thumbnail window feature lets you minimize the app’s main window and keep a floating video window that can be moved around the screen or hidden.
    • Custom Gallery Display Organization feature enables users to arrange videos according to their preferences by dragging them. It is important to note that only the user themselves will be able to view the custom order.

    Which one should you choose: Google Meet or Zoom?

    Zoom’s 40-minute call restriction can feel limiting for certain individuals.

    Google Meet’s 60-minute time restriction is more convenient for various meetings, classes, or events that can vary in duration.

    You might prefer not to spend $15 monthly for a Professional Zoom subscription.

    If you need a basic service to easily start a video call with coworkers or friends and possibly share your screen, the free Google Meet plan is a good option.

    There is the option to upgrade to the paid version if you believe it is needed, gaining access to apps like Presentations, Drive, and Spreadsheets.

    Still unsure about Google Meet or Zoom? Learn about the Google Workspace options available through Hostbits and include Google Meet in your package!

    Click on the banner below to have all your inquiries answered.

  • Google Meet: 7 beneficial features for your virtual meetings

    Google Meet: 7 beneficial features for your virtual meetings

    Google Meet, although popular, has many untapped features that can enhance your video conferencing experience.

    Organizing meetings and ensuring all members participate effectively can be a challenging task for many entrepreneurs.

    Google Meet provides tools that make this process easier, giving attention to competitors.

    Next, we offer 7 Google Meet features that can enhance your virtual meetings, making them easier and more efficient.

    Check this out!

    How can one begin using Google Meet?

    Using Google Meet for the first time is straightforward! Follow this detailed guide to begin your virtual meetings.

    1. Use Google Meet

    • Open Google Meet on your browser.
    • Download the Google Meet app from the Play Store or App Store through the application.

    Log into your Google Account

    • If you’re not signed in, utilize your Google (Gmail) account for entry.

    Initiate a Fresh Meeting

    • Click on “New Meeting” or “Start a Meeting” using the browser.
    • Tap on “New Meeting” on the app and select whether to start a meeting immediately or schedule it for later.

    Share the link for the meeting.

    • After initiating the meeting, you will be given a link. Share this link with attendees through email, messaging, or other communication methods.

    Five fundamental configurations

    • Ensure that your microphone and camera are functioning properly, and make adjustments to audio and video settings if needed.
    • Add participants to the meeting by clicking on “Add People” or by sharing the meeting link with them directly.

    Initiate the gathering.

    • Click the “Start Now” button to begin the meeting. You have the option to either wait for participants to join or start right away.

    7. Discover Functions

    • Use the chat feature to communicate via messages throughout the meeting.
    • Click on “Show Now” on the shared screen to display your screen or a particular window.
    • To initiate recording, click on “More Options” followed by “Write” if needed.

    Conclude the meeting.

    • Click on “Exit” to end the call once the meeting has concluded.

    Now that you’ve learned how to begin using it, let’s delve into the features of this fantastic tool for your video conferences.

    7 Features of Google Meet for Your Virtual Meetings

    By utilizing these features on Google Meet, you can transform your virtual meetings into efficient, structured, and safe gatherings to keep your team on the same page.

    1. Basic Timetable

    Have you ever experienced frustration when attempting to schedule meetings with a team that has a busy schedule? Or have you spent time sending confirmation emails and meeting links needlessly?

    You can plan meetings on Google Calendar using Google Meet.

    Simply create a calendar event, invite attendees, and a Google Meet link will be automatically generated and added to the invitation.

    Therefore, you can avoid sending links separately and make sure all guests have the required information in their calendars.

    2. Displaying one’s screen to others

    Have you faced difficulty sharing vital information because your audience couldn’t view your documents or slides?

    Google Meet enables you to either share your whole screen or only a particular window.

    Ideal for presentations, showcasing software features, or reviewing documents.

    Participants can be visually guided through the information to ensure that everyone is following.

    Meetings can be recorded.

    Have you missed a key appointment or important discussion and need to access that information again?

    You can capture the complete meeting using the Google Meet recording feature.

    This is beneficial for reviewing important topics, preparing precise meeting notes, or sharing with absent colleagues.

    The recordings are saved in Google Drive, which facilitates their retrieval and sharing.

    4. Subtitles that are generated automatically.

    Participants who have hearing impairments or are not fluent in the meeting language may miss out on crucial information.

    Google Meet provides a solution by offering live automated captions that display the meeting audio as text on the screen.

    This way, you make sure that every participant can understand the conversation, no matter their hearing abilities or language proficiency.

    Salas Separated Division in Five

    Struggling to coordinate small group activities or discussions within bigger meetings?

    The Breakout Rooms function enables you to separate attendees into smaller groups to have more targeted conversations.

    You can make several rooms and allocate participants to each one.

    This feature enables teamwork by letting each group focus on individual tasks before regrouping to share outcomes during the main meeting.

    Access control refers to the regulation and management of permissions to access a system or resource.

    Are you worried about the safety and confidentiality of your meetings, particularly when sensitive information is being shared?

    As a host, you have the ability to manage meeting attendees, switch participants to prevent disruptive noise, and eliminate any users who are not supposed to be present.

    These measures also guarantee that your meetings are safe and well-ordered, safeguarding confidential data.

    Integration of Google Tools

    Do you require the ability to work together on live documents during the meeting without the hassle of switching between various apps?

    Google Meet effortlessly integrates with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

    This allows you to access, modify, and work together on documents with everyone simultaneously.

    This removes the necessity of sending additional emails with revised documents and guarantees that everyone is in agreement.

    Does Google Meet offer a premium version?

    Google Meet in the corporate version provides several benefits that can change the way your company holds meetings and collaborates on the internet.

    Google Meet Enterprise is a strong and dependable option for businesses of any size, offering advanced capabilities like increased participant capacity, automatic meeting recordings, administrative privileges, and improved security measures.

    Google Meet Enterprise is incorporated into the complete suite of Google productivity apps.

    • Google Drive.
    • Google Docs.
    • Google Sheets and other applications.

    Your team can work together in real-time, securely share files, and easily organize and access important documents.

    Energize your virtual meetings with Hostbits!

    Accessing corporate Google Meet and all Google productivity apps is easy and straightforward with Hostbits.

    We provide full assistance to ensure your company maximizes the benefits of these powerful tools.

    Click on the banner below to discover additional information about our plans and how we can assist your company in enhancing its connectivity and collaboration efforts.

    Take advantage of enhancing your meetings and productivity with Hostbits and Google Meet Enterprise!