By: Nick Gambino
It’s 2023 and it’s shocking that we’re engaging with any video less than 1080p. Unlike when I was growing up and you just settled on the fact that everything was going to be low resolution, these days low-res should be the exception not the rule.
Google has announced they are now supporting 1080p video calls through Google Meet, allowing them to join the ranks of Zoom and other similar services.
This is good news but only for those who pay to use the videoconferencing service. Actually, it’s only good news for those who pay to use the videoconferencing service on their computer. Well, actually actually, it’s only good news for those who pay to use the videoconferencing service on their computer with a camera that supports 1080p. Well, actually…
Ok yes, there are quite a few catches to this new Google Meet feature. You need to pay for it, you need to use the web-based version, you need to have a 1080p+ camera and you also need to be one of the few selected Workspace or Google One users who they have granted access to.
If you meet all of that strict criteria, congratulations! Now you just have to turn it on. That’s right, it’s not on by default. I think Google’s mission here is to make sure only 7 people are using 1080p Google Meet at any given time.
To turn on the higher resolution video just tap on the three dots in the top right and hit “Turn on HD video.” That’s it and you’ll be good to go as long as your internet bandwidth also supports it. Google says that you’ll need more bandwidth to send 1080p videos. They will lower the resolution of your video accordingly.
Users with the following are eligible for this new full HD video feature on Google Meet:
Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Education Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Frontline, Google One with 2TB or more storage.
Note that just having a free personal Google account will not make you eligible to use Google Meet in 1080p.
