Welcome to the first article in our new Google Workspace Updates series. Season 1, Episode 1. :-) In this series, we will discuss notable new features in Google Workspace. We pick and choose the ones we think will have a real impact and improve how we work with the product.

We'll start with the new Picture-in-Picture mode in Google Meet. Along with it as well comes a new multi-pinning option.

What is Google Meet Picture-in-Picture Mode?

Have you ever presented your desktop or a slide deck in a meeting and found yourself going back and forth between the content you present and the Google Meet tab, only to see other meeting attendees or look at a chat message?

Yea. I know the feeling. It's cumbersome, breaks the flow of your presentation, and is a real nuisance.

With the new Picture-in-Picture mode in Google Meet, you no longer need to jump through hoops to see meeting attendees. Enable PiP, and voila, you'll be able to see up to four video tiles of meetings attendees in a floating window on top of other applications. Just like that. This should make it easier for you to stay engaged with your audience while you present.

By the way, this is also great for multi-tasking. Hack away on your emails while participating in one of those boring, two-hour meetings without losing sight of what's happening — a true life-saver 😅

Multi-Pinning

In addition to Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, Google also introduced a small but welcome new feature; multi-pinning. Where in the past you could only pin one video tile, you can now pin multiple video feeds. This allows for greater flexibility in combining people and content and adjusting the view the way you like.

To find out how multi-pinning works, read How to view people in Google Meet

Getting Started with Picture-in-Picture Mode

To enable Picture-in-Picture mode while you are in a Google Meet session, at the bottom of the Meet tab, click on More Options (three dots) and select the Open picture-in-picture option.

That's it. A floating window will appear that contains up to four other meeting attendees. The window will always stay on top of other windows, and you can drag it around on your desktop.

Picture-in-Picture Mode Features

Here are some tips on how to make the most out of PiP:

• Hover your mouse over the floating window to:
• Mute your microphone
• Control your camera
• End the call
• Jump back to your Meet tab
  
  
• When PiP mode is active, you continue to get notifications like:
• Chat messages
• Hand raises
• Join requests

Availability and Rollout Pace

Both Google Meet Picture-in-Picture mode and the new multi-pinning are available to all Google Workspace customers, regardless of which edition they have. It even works on legacy G Suite plans.

The rollout pace will be a bit on the slower side. It's an extended rollout, meaning it can take up to 15 days before you see it. Rollout begins on 16.06.2022

Additional Resources

• Google Help: Multi-task with Picture-in-Picture mode
• Google Help: Change you layout in Google Meet
• Cloud Blog: Boosting communication and collaboration for teams of all sizes in Google Workspace

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