August-September developments
Google Meet has recently rolled out a significant update to its email notifications system. Until now, users have received separate emails for different meeting items like recordings, transcripts, Gemini notes, and live streams. Now, Google Meet will combine these notifications into one comprehensive email.
For select Google Workspace users, Google Meet is introducing a new feature called ‘Take Notes for Me’. This feature uses AI to automatically create meeting notes so that participants can focus on the discussion without taking notes. The notes are then linked to the calendar event for internal meeting attendees to access them more conveniently.
Google Meet has a new feature called Picture-in-Picture mode. It will now pop up automatically when users switch tabs during a meeting. Before, users had to turn on this feature themselves.
With this Microsoft Teams update, attendees can use live reactions during a town hall to show their emotions towards the presented content. They can activate this by clicking on the React Teams emoji icon in the chat section of meeting controls, selecting an emoji, and seeing it pop up in the corner. One beneficial feature this month is the ability for participants to download the Q&A questions in a CSV file after the town hall event.
Cisco Webex has introduced a series of new upgrades, including AI-driven meeting summaries designed to boost post-meeting productivity. Participants can enable AI meeting summaries during the session, providing hosts and cohosts with a concise overview and action items once the meeting concludes. These summaries are delivered via email and the Webex app. While only hosts and cohosts can start or stop this feature, settings can be adjusted to allow access to all participants.
Another enhancement addresses usability issues with Dock Alerts on devices. Previously, alerts for mute, stop video, and volume off would obstruct crucial content on the right side of the screen, especially when the chat or embedded apps panel was active. The update has relocated these alerts to the Meeting Information Center on the top right, providing a clearer view for participants.
Webex offers more flexibility in its Stage Layout feature, allowing hosts to move more attendees to the stage. While meetings typically default to a grid format, this update is particularly useful for all-hands meetings or presentations, where focusing on a select few participants enhances the experience. The stage layout enables device users to concentrate on specific individuals.
This month, Zoom has introduced a series of updates to enhance user productivity. One of the standout additions is the Calendar View, which allows users to manage key data such as release dates, task timelines, and events in an intuitive calendar format. With easy navigation, search, and editing options, this feature provides a clear and comprehensive overview of upcoming deadlines and activities.
Another notable update is the Gallery View, designed to visually present data in a grid layout. Additionally, Zoom has improved its document navigation with an enhanced document return feature.
Are you planning an online meeting or event and need urgent advice?
Our ConfTech Help desk provides countries and organisations with immediate advice on how to organise and run online meetings and events. Get in touch with us at conftech@diplomacy.edu.
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