The pandemic forced a lot of people to work remotely, and while things have since gone back to normal, some companies decided to keep the work-from-home setup since it has become more convenient for some workers. With virtual meetings becoming a norm, Google launching AI-generated backgrounds for Meet could be useful.
Meet's AI-Generated Background
Google, through its Workspace Labs, has been testing out its new AI-generated background function. Some users are already able to try out the new feature. However, the company has been rolling out gradually, which means that there are those who won't be able to use it yet.
You can check if you already have the feature by opening Google Meet and heading to the right of the self-view panel. Click on "Apply visual effects" and then "Generate a background." It works like most generative AI tools.
Through a text prompt, you'll be able to describe the type of background you want to generate. For example, you can type in "luxurious living room interior" so you'll have a proper backdrop without having to arrange or clean up your actual space.
The feature is able to generate several options for you to choose from. Click on "Create samples" to view the suggested images. After that, you can make changes to your text prompt to add more specific descriptions.
You can apply the AI-generated background even when you're already in the meeting, simply click on the three dots menu and select "Apply vision effects." There's a way for you to try it out early if you still don't have the feature.
As mentioned in The Verge, you could request to join the Workspace Lavs testing program on the company's site. Head to the Google support page which instructs you on how to get AI-generated backgrounds for meetings.
This could be a useful tool for those who often have virtual meetings in a remote setup, and haven't had the chance to tidy up or create a space that's appropriate for a work meeting. It also gives users the freedom to generate the kind of background that they want.
Read Also: Google Meet Now Has 1080p Option for Video Calls
Increase in Remote Work
Not all jobs require the frequent use of virtual meetings, but remote workers will still attend them from time to time for company or organization meetings. With that being said, platforms like Google Meet or Zoom has become an important tool for said circumstances.
Remote work is once again on the rise after it died down back in April 2021. By November 2022, 55% of people are already back to working on-site and only 25% are working from home, which marks a 30-point gap, as reported by CNBC.
This January 2023, the numbers have shifted with on-site workers dropping to 50% and primarily remote workers increasing to 28%. Around 18% stated that they were working on a hybrid schedule, which has been steadily rising since 2021.
LinkedIn Senior Editor Geirge Anders said that the changes were enough to signify "the start of something interesting," adding that "remote work is having its moment." These statistics emerge despite the fewer job openings for remote work.
Related: Google Announced that AI Features Will Be Added to Workspace Apps
