Companion mode is a recently introduced feature in Google Meet that allows users to join a video call on a second screen for better collaboration and productivity.
It’s a tool that both remote workers and their in-office teammates can use to interact with each other, share materials, and brainstorm ideas directly on Google Meet.
With Companion mode, users can share their screen or use chat, polls, Q&A, and host controls on their laptop or mobile device while participating in a meeting on a larger screen in a conference room.
Understanding Companion Mode is essential for anyone who wants to take full advantage of Google Meet’s features and improve their meeting productivity. This feature is particularly useful for hybrid learning and collaboration, where some participants are working remotely, and others are physically present in a conference room. Companion mode allows everyone to participate in the meeting on an equal footing, regardless of their location or device. It also reduces the risk of audio feedback from the second screen, as the microphone is automatically turned off in Companion mode.
To access Companion Mode, users need to click on the “Use Companion mode” option in the meeting invite or check-in if they are in a conference room. Companion mode is compatible with most laptops, smartphones, and tablets, and it works seamlessly with Google Meet’s other features. Users can also troubleshoot any issues they encounter while using Companion mode by referring to Google Meet’s Help Center or contacting customer support.
Key Takeaways
- Companion mode is a new feature in Google Meet that allows users to join a video call on a second screen for better collaboration and productivity.
- Users can access Companion mode by clicking on the “Use Companion mode” option in the meeting invite or checking in if they are in a conference room.
- Companion mode is compatible with most devices and works seamlessly with Google Meet’s other features.
Understanding Companion Mode
Companion mode is a feature in Google Meet that allows users to join a video meeting on a second screen. In this mode, the user’s microphone and video are turned off to avoid any audio feedback. This is particularly useful for hybrid learning and collaboration, where remote workers and in-office teammates can interact with each other, share materials, and brainstorm ideas directly on Google Meet.
When using companion mode, users can access interactive features and controls such as chat, screen sharing, hand raising, polls, host controls, and more. This enhances the overall meeting experience, making it more collaborative and engaging.
To use companion mode, users can join a meeting invite and click on “Use Companion mode” under the “Other joining options” section. Alternatively, if the user is in a conference room, they can check in so that their name and the room name appear on the screen.
One of the main benefits of using companion mode is that it allows users to have a more immersive meeting experience. By using a second screen, users can view shared materials and participate in the meeting without having to switch between different tabs or windows. This makes it easier to stay focused and engaged during the meeting.
In summary, companion mode is a valuable feature in Google Meet that enhances the overall meeting experience. By using a second screen, users can interact with each other, share materials, and participate in the meeting in a more collaborative and engaging way.
How to Access Companion Mode
Companion mode is a feature in Google Meet that allows you to join a video call on a second screen for collaboration equity. To access Companion mode, you need to have a Google Meet meeting code or a link to the meeting.
To use Companion mode, follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Meet website or open the Google Meet app on your device.
- Sign in to your Google account if you haven’t already.
- Enter the meeting code or click on the link to the meeting.
- In the waiting room, click on the “Use Companion Mode” button located under the “Join now” button.
- A pop-up window will appear with the option to connect to a conference room or check-in. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
- If you choose to check-in, your name will appear in the participant list and on the room tile. If you choose to connect to a conference room, you will be prompted to enter the room name and passcode.
It’s important to note that when you use Companion mode, your microphone will be turned off by default to reduce the risk of audio feedback from the second screen. However, you can still access all the interactive features and controls such as chat, screen sharing, hand raising, polls, and host controls.
If you need more information on how to use Companion mode, you can visit the Google Meet Help Center or watch the video guide on g.co/companion.
Device Compatibility
Google Meet Companion mode is a powerful feature that allows users to connect to a meeting from a second device, such as a laptop or smartphone. This feature is available for most devices, including Android and iOS smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
To use Companion mode, you need to have a Google account and a device that is compatible with Google Meet. Here is a list of devices that are compatible with Google Meet Companion mode:
- Android smartphones and tablets running Android 5.0 or later
- iPhones and iPads running iOS 12 or later
- Laptops running Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS
It’s important to note that not all devices may be able to use all features of Companion mode. For example, some older Android devices may not be able to share a second screen for a presentation. Similarly, some older laptops may not be able to participate in in-meeting chat or use the whiteboard.
If you’re not sure whether your device is compatible with Companion mode, you can check the system requirements for Google Meet on the Google Workspace Learning Center website.
Overall, Companion mode is a versatile feature that can help you stay connected and productive during meetings. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you can use Companion mode to collaborate with others, share your screen, and participate in in-meeting chat.
Features of Companion Mode
Companion Mode in Google Meet is a powerful tool that enables remote workers and in-office teammates to interact with each other, share materials, and brainstorm ideas directly on the platform. Here are some of the key features of Companion Mode that make it an excellent tool for hybrid learning and collaboration:
- Screen Sharing: With Companion Mode, you can share your screen with other participants, making it easier to collaborate on projects and presentations. You can share your entire screen or just a specific window, depending on your needs.
- Chat: Companion Mode also allows you to use the chat feature to communicate with other participants. You can send messages to the entire group or to individual participants, making it easier to ask questions and share ideas.
- Captions: For accessibility purposes, Companion Mode also supports live captions. This feature can help participants who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow along with the conversation.
- Polls: You can use polls to gather feedback from participants during a meeting. Companion Mode makes it easy to create and share polls, and you can view the results in real-time.
- Whiteboard: With the whiteboard feature, you can collaborate on ideas and brainstorming sessions in real-time. You can draw, write, and highlight ideas using the whiteboard tools.
- Camera and Mic Control: Companion Mode also allows you to control your camera and mic settings. You can turn your camera on or off, mute or unmute your mic, and adjust your audio settings as needed.
- Raise Hand: If you have a question or need to speak up during a meeting, you can use the Raise Hand feature to let the host know that you have something to say. This can help ensure that everyone has a chance to participate in the conversation.
- Breakout Rooms: Finally, Companion Mode also supports breakout rooms, which allow participants to split into smaller groups for discussions or activities. This can be a great way to encourage collaboration and engagement among participants.
Overall, Companion Mode in Google Meet is a versatile and powerful tool that can help facilitate effective hybrid learning and collaboration. With its wide range of features and capabilities, Companion Mode can help make remote work and virtual meetings more productive and engaging for everyone involved.
Using Companion Mode in Different Settings
Google Meet’s Companion mode is a versatile feature that can be used in various settings, including conference rooms, hybrid work environments, and remote meetings. Here’s how to use Companion mode in different settings:
Conference Rooms
Companion mode is particularly useful in conference rooms because it allows participants to join a meeting from their laptops while still being able to use all the features of Google Meet. This means that participants can share their screens, use the virtual whiteboard, and participate in chat, polls, Q&A, and host controls.
To use Companion mode in a conference room, simply check-in to the room using the Room check-in feature. This will allow you to use all the features of Google Meet from your laptop while still participating in the meeting from the conference room.
Hybrid Work Environments
Companion mode is also ideal for hybrid work environments, where some participants are in the office while others are working remotely. With Companion mode, remote participants can join a meeting from their laptops and still be able to use all the features of Google Meet, just like they would if they were in the office.
To use Companion mode in a hybrid work environment, remote participants simply need to join the meeting using their laptops and then check-in to the room using the Room check-in feature. This will allow them to use all the features of Google Meet while still participating in the meeting with their colleagues in the office.
Remote Participants
Companion mode is also beneficial for remote participants who may not have access to a second screen or device. With Companion mode, remote participants can join a meeting from their laptops and still be able to share their screens, use the virtual whiteboard, and participate in chat, polls, Q&A, and host controls.
To use Companion mode as a remote participant, simply join the meeting using your laptop and then enable Companion mode. This will allow you to use all the features of Google Meet from your laptop while still participating in the meeting with your colleagues.
In summary, Companion mode is a versatile feature that can be used in various settings, including conference rooms, hybrid work environments, and remote meetings. By using Companion mode, participants can join a meeting from their laptops and still be able to use all the features of Google Meet, making it an ideal solution for today’s modern workplace.
Improving Meeting Productivity with Companion Mode
Google Meet’s Companion mode is a useful feature that can help improve meeting productivity and collaboration. With Companion mode, participants can use a second screen to share their primary screen and make their meetings more interactive.
One of the benefits of using Companion mode is that it can help reduce distractions during meetings. When participants share their primary screen, they can turn off their mic and video to avoid any audio feedback. This can help keep the focus on the meeting content and prevent any unnecessary interruptions.
Another advantage of Companion mode is that it allows for better collaboration among meeting participants. With a second screen, participants can use different tools and resources to share information and ideas. For example, they can use a whiteboard or document editor to work on a project together in real-time.
Companion mode also provides meeting controls that allow participants to manage their meeting experience more easily. For instance, they can switch between their primary and secondary screens, adjust the volume, and mute or unmute themselves with ease.
Overall, Companion mode is an excellent feature for anyone looking to improve their meeting productivity and collaboration. By using a second screen, participants can share their primary screen and use interactive features to enhance their meeting experience.
Troubleshooting Companion Mode
If you are experiencing issues with Companion Mode in Google Meet, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem.
Audio Feedback
One common issue with Companion Mode is audio feedback. This occurs when the microphone on the second screen picks up the audio from the main screen, creating an echo effect. To prevent this, the microphone on the second screen is automatically turned off in Companion Mode.
If you are still experiencing audio feedback, try the following:
- Make sure the microphone is not too close to the speakers on the main screen
- Use headphones on the second screen to prevent audio from being picked up by the microphone
- Check the audio settings on both screens to ensure they are properly configured
Connection
Another issue that may arise with Companion Mode is a poor connection. If the second screen is not properly connected to the internet, the video and audio quality may suffer. To troubleshoot connection issues, try the following:
- Check the internet connection on the second screen
- Restart the router or modem to refresh the connection
- Try using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi
Echo
Echo is another issue that may occur with Companion Mode. This is usually caused by audio feedback, as mentioned above. To prevent echo, make sure the microphone on the second screen is turned off and that the speakers on the main screen are not too loud.
If you are still experiencing echo, try the following:
- Use headphones on the second screen to prevent audio from being picked up by the microphone
- Adjust the volume on the main screen to reduce the amount of audio being picked up by the microphone
- Check the audio settings on both screens to ensure they are properly configured
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues with Companion Mode in Google Meet. If you continue to experience problems, contact Google Support for further assistance.
Google Meet Hardware and Companion Mode
Google Meet Companion mode is a useful feature that allows users to connect to a meeting from a second device and use it for presenting, chatting, conducting polls and Q&As, and using breakout rooms. This feature is particularly useful for hybrid learning and collaboration, where users can join a meeting from their laptop or another desktop while using a second device to present or participate in the meeting.
Google Meet Companion mode is also compatible with Google Meet hardware, including the Nest Hub Max. Beginning in 2023, users can access interactive features and controls such as chat, screen sharing, hand raising, polls, host controls, and more when joining a meeting using Google Meet hardware or the Nest Hub Max.
With Google Meet hardware, users can enjoy flawless hybrid meetings, as the hardware is designed to provide high-quality audio and video, making it easier to collaborate and communicate with remote participants. Google Meet hardware also offers a range of features that can enhance the meeting experience, such as automatic participant framing, noise cancellation, and voice amplification.
Furthermore, Google Meet hardware is easy to set up and use, making it ideal for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Users can simply plug in the hardware and start using it right away, without the need for any additional software or hardware.
In conclusion, Google Meet Companion mode is a valuable feature that allows users to connect to a meeting from a second device and use it for presenting, chatting, and collaborating. When used with Google Meet hardware, users can enjoy a seamless meeting experience with high-quality audio and video, automatic participant framing, noise cancellation, and voice amplification.
Tips and Tricks for Using Companion Mode
Companion mode is a great feature that allows you to use Google Meet on your laptop while sharing your screen or presenting on a separate screen. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of Companion mode:
- Use the Present Now button: When you’re sharing your screen in Companion mode, you can use the Present Now button to switch between different windows or applications. This is a quick and easy way to show your audience what you’re working on without having to stop sharing your screen.
- Turn on captions: If you’re hard of hearing or if there’s a lot of background noise, turning on captions can help you follow along with the conversation. To turn on captions in Companion mode, click the three-dot menu in the bottom right corner of the screen and select “Turn on captions”.
- Use a second screen: If you have a second screen, you can use it to present your work while still being able to see your audience on your laptop screen. This can be especially helpful if you’re giving a presentation or if you need to reference multiple documents at once.
- Mute yourself when not speaking: To avoid distracting background noise, make sure to mute yourself when you’re not speaking. You can do this by clicking the microphone icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Use the chat feature: If you have questions or comments during the meeting, you can use the chat feature to communicate with the other participants. To access the chat, click the chat icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Overall, Companion mode is a powerful tool that can help you collaborate more effectively in Google Meet. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of this feature and have a productive and engaging meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Companion mode in Google Meet?
To use Companion mode in Google Meet, simply join a meeting on your laptop or desktop computer and select “Use Companion mode” from the “Other joining options” menu. This will allow you to use features like screen sharing, chat, polls, Q&A, and host controls on your laptop while you participate in the meeting on your main device.
Is Companion mode available on Android and iPad?
No, Companion mode is currently only available on laptops and desktop computers.
What is the purpose of Companion mode in Google Meet?
The purpose of Companion mode in Google Meet is to allow users to use additional features on a separate device while participating in a meeting on their main device. This can be especially useful in hybrid meetings where some participants are in-person and others are remote.
How do I join a Google Meet using Companion mode?
To join a Google Meet using Companion mode, simply select “Use Companion mode” from the “Other joining options” menu when joining the meeting on your laptop or desktop computer.
Can I use Companion mode to join a Google Meet on multiple devices?
No, Companion mode is designed to be used on a single device in addition to your main device. You cannot use Companion mode to join a meeting on multiple devices simultaneously.
What is the difference between Companion mode and regular Google Meet?
The main difference between Companion mode and regular Google Meet is that Companion mode allows users to use additional features on a separate device while participating in the meeting on their main device. Regular Google Meet only allows users to participate in the meeting on a single device.
