Google Meet

Basic Information

Google Meet is a video conferencing service developed by Google, designed for both enterprise and personal use. It allows users to host or join meetings with features such as screen sharing, real-time captions, and breakout rooms. Part of Google Workspace, it integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google services.

• Model/Version: Continuously updated cloud-based service. Specific version numbers are not publicly released for the general service, but features roll out incrementally.
• Release Date: Officially launched in March 2017.
• Minimum Requirements: Dual-core processor, 2GB RAM.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Desktop: Current version and two previous major releases of Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and other Debian-based Linux distributions.
  • Mobile: Android 5.0 and up (Android 6.0 and up for Gmail app integration), iOS 16 and up.
• Latest Stable Version: As a cloud-based service, Google Meet is continuously updated. Users always access the latest stable version through their web browser or mobile app.
• End of Support Date: Not applicable for the core service, as it is continuously maintained and updated by Google. Specific features or older OS versions may have phased-out support.
• End of Life Date: Not applicable, as it is an active and evolving Google service.
• License Type: Available as a free service for personal Google account holders with certain limitations (e.g., 60-minute group meetings, up to 100 participants). Premium features and extended capabilities are available through Google Workspace subscriptions (e.g., Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise editions) and Google One Premium.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Users access it via web browsers or dedicated mobile applications. A Progressive Web App (PWA) is available for desktop users.

Technical Requirements

Google Meet automatically adjusts the meeting experience based on device performance, determined by CPU performance, device design, and environmental factors.

• RAM:
  • Minimum: 2 GB.
  • Recommended: 4 GB or higher for smoother meetings and HD video.
  • Optimal (for heavy users/multitasking): 8 GB or more.
• Processor:
  • Minimum: Dual-core processor.
  • Recommended: Modern CPU like 10th Gen Intel i3, i5, or i7 (Ice Lake and up), AMD 3000 series Ryzen 5 or 7, or Apple Silicon M1.
  • Optimal (for heavy users/multitasking): 11th Gen Intel i5 or i7, AMD 5000 series Ryzen 5 or 7, or Apple Silicon M1.
• Storage: Not specified for the application itself, as it is primarily web-based. Meeting recordings are stored in Google Drive.
• Display:
  • Minimum Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels for Google Meet hardware.
  • Recommended Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels for best video quality with Google Meet hardware.
  • General: Compatible with LCD, LED, plasma, and projector-type monitors and televisions.
• Graphics:
  • Minimum: Standard GPU.
  • Optimal: Graphics card with WebGL 2.0 support.
• Ports: HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort input for display devices in Google Meet hardware setups. USB ports for external cameras and speaker-microphones.
• Operating System:
  • Desktop: Current and two previous major releases of Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and other Debian-based Linux distributions.
  • Mobile: Android 5.0+ (6.0+ for Gmail app), iOS 16+.
• Network: Broadband internet connection.
  • Bandwidth (HD video quality): Latency under 50 ms. Outbound signals: 3.2 Mbps. Inbound signals: 2.6 Mbps (2 participants), 3.2 Mbps (5 participants), 4.0 Mbps (10 participants).
  • Bandwidth (SD video quality): Latency under 100 ms. Outbound signals: 1 Mbps. Inbound signals: 1 Mbps (2 participants), 1.5 Mbps (5 participants), 2 Mbps (10 participants).
  • Wired connection recommended for best sound and video quality.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Google Meet is designed to be accessible across a wide range of devices, from basic dual-core systems to high-performance workstations. The minimum requirements are quite low, allowing broad compatibility. However, for optimal performance, especially with features like HD video, multitasking, and larger meetings, more robust hardware (modern multi-core processors and increased RAM) is recommended. The service's adaptive nature adjusts quality based on available resources, ensuring functionality even on less powerful devices, albeit with potentially reduced video quality. Network bandwidth is a critical factor, with specific recommendations for HD and SD video quality to ensure a smooth experience.

Support & Compatibility

Google Meet is a highly compatible and continuously supported platform, deeply integrated within the Google ecosystem.

• Latest Version: Google Meet is a cloud-based service, meaning users always access the latest version automatically via web browsers or updated mobile apps.
• OS Support:
  • Desktop: Current and two previous major releases of Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and other Debian-based Linux distributions.
  • Mobile: Android 5.0 and up (Android 6.0+ for Gmail app), iOS 16 and up.
• End of Support Date: No specific end-of-support date for the service itself. Support for older operating system versions or browsers is phased out as newer versions become prevalent.
• Localization: Google Meet is available in numerous languages, reflecting Google's global presence.
• Available Drivers: No specific drivers are required for Google Meet itself, as it operates primarily through web browsers. For optimal hardware performance, ensuring up-to-date drivers for webcams, microphones, and graphics cards is recommended.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Google Meet boasts excellent support and compatibility. Its web-based nature eliminates the need for complex installations or frequent manual updates, as the service is continuously maintained and improved by Google. It supports a broad spectrum of operating systems and popular web browsers, ensuring accessibility for most users. Mobile app availability for Android and iOS further extends its reach. The tight integration with Google Workspace services like Gmail and Calendar enhances usability and streamlines meeting scheduling and participation. While no specific drivers are needed for the software, users should maintain updated system drivers for their audio and video peripherals for the best experience.

Security Status

Google Meet incorporates robust security measures as part of the Google Cloud infrastructure.

• Security Features:
  • Meeting IDs and Passwords: Unique, randomly generated 10-character meeting IDs with a 25-character set, making brute-force guessing difficult.
  • Host Controls: Mute/remove participants, control screen sharing, prevent rejoining, lock meetings, manage chat, and present features.
  • Waiting Room Equivalent: External participants must request access to join meetings.
  • Anti-hijacking Measures: For web and telephony dial-ins.
  • Abuse Reporting: Users can report abusive behavior.
  • No Attention Tracking: Google Meet does not have user attention-tracking features or software.
  • Integration with Google Workspace Security: Benefits from advanced security settings, administrative policies, activity logs, and access controls for enterprise users.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Google continuously monitors and addresses vulnerabilities. No widespread, unpatched critical vulnerabilities are publicly known for the core service.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; Google Meet is a legitimate service.
• Certifications: Complies with major data protection and privacy regulations, including GDPR, HIPAA, and FedRAMP standards. Undergoes regular rigorous security and privacy audits.
• Encryption Support:
  • Encryption in Transit: All data is encrypted in transit by default between the client and Google servers using Transport Layer Security (TLS) and adheres to IETF security standards (DTLS and SRTP).
  • Encryption at Rest: Recordings saved to Google Drive are encrypted at rest by default.
  • End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Available for some one-on-one meetings and legacy calls, on by default and cannot be turned off for these. Google has announced plans to incorporate E2EE for one-on-one meetings for Workspace (paid plans). Client-side encryption (CSE) allows external participants to join encrypted calls, with organizations controlling encryption keys.
  • Unique Encryption Key: A unique encryption key is generated for every video meeting and for every participant.
• Authentication Methods:
  • Google Account: Standard authentication via Google accounts.
  • 2-Step Verification (2SV): Supports multiple 2SV options including security keys, Google Authenticator, Google prompt, and SMS text message.
  • Advanced Protection Program (APP): Users can enroll for the strongest protections against phishing and account hijacking.
  • Third-party Identity Providers: For client-side encrypted calls, external users can verify identity using methods supported by the IdP configured by the administrator (e.g., Google/Microsoft account, one-time password via SMS/email).
• General Recommendations:
  • Enable host management features.
  • Lock meetings once all participants have joined.
  • Share meeting links carefully and avoid public forums.
  • Be cautious with external attendees and anonymous join requests.
  • Use 2-Step Verification.
  • Ensure physical security of participants' surroundings for confidential discussions.
  • Control screen sharing capabilities.
  • Exercise caution when recording meetings, limiting it to authorized accounts and ensuring internal use.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Google Meet offers a strong security posture, leveraging Google's advanced security infrastructure. It employs industry-standard encryption for data in transit and at rest, protecting meeting content and recordings. While true end-to-end encryption for group meetings is not yet universally available, Google is expanding its client-side encryption capabilities, allowing organizations greater control over their data. Robust authentication methods, including 2-Step Verification and the Advanced Protection Program, safeguard user accounts. Comprehensive host controls and anti-abuse measures help prevent unauthorized access and disruptions. Compliance with major data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA further reinforces its reliability for sensitive information. Overall, Google Meet maintains a high security rating, especially when users and administrators follow recommended best practices.

Performance & Benchmarks

Google Meet's performance is dynamic, adapting to device capabilities and network conditions to provide the best possible experience.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, standardized benchmark scores for Google Meet as an application are not typically published, as performance is highly dependent on the underlying hardware, operating system, browser, and network conditions.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Adaptive Quality: Automatically adjusts video and audio quality based on CPU performance, device design, and environmental factors to balance quality and performance.
  • HD Video: Supports 1080p video calls for select paid subscribers with compatible hardware and bandwidth.
  • Low-Light Improvement: Intelligently adapts to lighting conditions for improved video quality in low-light environments on mobile devices.
  • Noise Cancellation: Filters out disruptive background noise like keyboard typing or barking dogs.
  • CPU Usage: Can be significant, especially on older or less powerful systems, and may vary based on network configuration or specific Google Workspace settings.
  • Bandwidth Usage: Adaptive; requires specific bandwidth for SD and HD video quality (e.g., 3.2 Mbps outbound for HD).
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly benchmarked for the application. High CPU usage can lead to increased power consumption and device overheating, especially on less optimized hardware.
• Carbon Footprint: As a cloud-based service, its carbon footprint is part of Google Cloud's overall environmental impact, which Google aims to offset with renewable energy. Specific per-user or per-meeting carbon footprint data is not readily available.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Simplicity and Ease of Use: Often cited as more user-friendly than competitors like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
  • Free Plan Utility: Offers strong utility in its free plan, including unlimited 1-on-1 meetings and longer group meeting limits (60 minutes for up to 100 participants) compared to some competitors.
  • Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace, providing an advantage for existing Google users.
  • Features: While it may lack some advanced collaborative features found in competitors (e.g., certain whiteboard functionalities), it offers a robust set of engagement tools like polls, Q&A, breakout rooms, and virtual backgrounds.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Google Meet generally delivers reliable performance, prioritizing accessibility and adaptability. Its ability to adjust video and audio quality based on device and network conditions ensures a functional experience across diverse setups. While it may demand considerable CPU resources on some systems, particularly older ones, Google continuously optimizes the service. The introduction of 1080p video for eligible users and advanced features like noise cancellation and low-light enhancement demonstrate ongoing efforts to improve quality. Compared to competitors, Meet stands out for its ease of use and deep integration within the Google ecosystem, making it a strong choice for individuals and organizations already invested in Google Workspace.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Google Meet generally highlight its ease of use and seamless integration, while also pointing out areas for improvement.

• Strengths:
  • Simplicity and Accessibility: Users frequently praise its straightforward interface and ease of joining meetings, even for non-tech-savvy individuals. No software installation is required for desktop users, simplifying access.
  • Google Workspace Integration: Deep integration with Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google services is a significant advantage for existing Google users, streamlining scheduling and participation.
  • Free Tier Value: The free plan is often lauded for its generous limits, including unlimited 1-on-1 calls and 60-minute group calls for up to 100 participants, offering better utility than some competitors.
  • Reliability: Generally considered a stable and reliable platform for video conferencing.
  • Moderation Controls: Host controls for muting, removing participants, and managing screen sharing are appreciated for maintaining meeting order.
  • Features: Positive feedback on features like screen sharing, live captions, virtual backgrounds, polls, Q&A, and noise cancellation.
• Weaknesses:
  • Resource Usage: Some users report high CPU and RAM usage, particularly during longer or larger meetings, which can lead to performance issues and device overheating on less powerful machines.
  • End-to-End Encryption for Group Calls: The lack of true end-to-end encryption for group meetings is a concern for some users handling highly sensitive information, although Google is expanding client-side encryption.
  • Feature Parity: While feature-rich, some users note it may lack certain advanced collaborative tools (e.g., specific whiteboard functionalities or AI summaries) found in competitors like Zoom.
  • 1080p Video Availability: Full HD video (1080p) is only available for select paid subscribers and requires compatible hardware and bandwidth, which can be a limitation for free users or those with basic plans.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Individuals and Small Teams: Ideal for those prioritizing simplicity, ease of use, and budget-friendly options, especially with its robust free plan.
  • Google Workspace Users: Best suited for organizations already integrated into the Google ecosystem due to seamless integration with other Google apps.
  • Education and Enterprise: Widely used in educational settings and businesses for team meetings, 1:1 check-ins, investor presentations, webinars, and training sessions.
  • Remote Work: A reliable tool for connecting remote colleagues and fostering virtual collaboration.
  • Quick and Casual Meetings: Excellent for spontaneous or scheduled meetings where ease of access is paramount.

Summary

Google Meet stands as a robust and highly accessible video conferencing solution, deeply embedded within the Google ecosystem. Its primary strengths lie in its exceptional ease of use, requiring no software installation for desktop users and offering intuitive interfaces across web and mobile platforms. The seamless integration with Google Workspace tools like Gmail and Calendar significantly streamlines meeting scheduling and participation, making it a natural choice for organizations already utilizing Google's suite. The free tier provides substantial value, including unlimited 1-on-1 calls and generous limits for group meetings, often surpassing competitors' free offerings. Security is a strong suit, with comprehensive encryption for data in transit and at rest, robust host controls, and adherence to major data protection regulations.

However, Google Meet is not without its weaknesses. Some users report higher CPU and RAM consumption, particularly on older hardware, which can impact performance and lead to overheating. While Google is expanding its client-side encryption, the absence of true end-to-end encryption for all group meetings remains a point of concern for some users with stringent privacy requirements. Additionally, certain advanced collaborative features found in competing platforms may be less developed in Meet, and 1080p video is restricted to specific paid tiers and hardware.

Overall, Google Meet is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses prioritizing simplicity, tight integration with Google services, and a reliable, secure platform for virtual communication. It excels in scenarios ranging from quick team stand-ups to formal presentations and training sessions. Its continuous development and adaptive performance ensure broad compatibility, though users with less powerful hardware should be mindful of potential resource demands. For optimal experience, especially in professional settings, leveraging Google Workspace paid plans unlocks advanced features and enhanced capabilities.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.