Tuesday, December 7, 2021

New built-in interoperability between Google Meet and Cisco Webex

What’s changing 

We’re introducing video conferencing interoperability for Google Meet with Cisco Webex, which will allow you to:

  • Join Webex meetings from Google Meet hardware devices
  • Join Google Meet calls from supported Cisco Webex devices

Please note that core video conferencing features are supported.  Some advanced features, such as polls, breakout rooms, and dual-screen support, may not be available when using Meet hardware to join Webex calls and vice versa.

Once available, Meet Hardware devices will be able to dial into Webex meetings by default—Admins can disable this feature for specific organizational units via the Google Meet Hardware Settings page in the Admin console.


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users



Why it’s important

We hope this update makes it even easier for our customers and their users to connect and collaborate with people outside of the Google Meet ecosystem. 



Additional details

There is no additional cost associated with using this new built-in interoperability feature on supported devices.

For interoperability needs outside of Cisco Webex, we recommend Pexip. Pexip enables joining Meet calls from the widest range of third-party video conferencing hardware, including older devices that may not support built-in interoperability. Use this Help Center article to learn more about Pexip.


Supported devices
Webex interop on Meet hardware
  • Joining Webex calls from Google Meet hardware devices will be supported on all devices that have not yet hit their auto-update expiration date.  At launch, this feature will require either a connected touch controller or built-in touchscreen.  Support for devices using only a remote control will follow in a subsequent update—we’ll share an update on the Workspace Updates Blog once that becomes available.

Meet interop on Cisco devices
  • Refer to the Webex Help Center for the latest list of supported devices that can join Meet calls.

Getting started

  • Admins: Webex interop on Google Meet hardware will be available on devices by default and can be disabled at the OU level at Devices > Google Meet hardware > Settings > Device Settings. 

  • End users: When enabled by your admin, you can join a Webex meeting from a Google Meet hardware device by: 
    • Joining an ad-hoc call by tapping "Join or start a meeting" on your touch controller and selecting Webex from the dropdown options. 
    • Joining a scheduled call by adding a room to an event with Webex meeting details.  
      • Note: Calendar events that originate outside of Google Calendar must be duplicated and populated with room details manually.
  • Visit the Help Center to learn more about Google Meet interoperability.


Rollout pace

Webex interop on Meet hardware
Meet interop on Cisco devices
Note: Please refer to official Cisco announcements for more specific details on timing for availability for Meet interop on Cisco devices.


Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers, with Google Meet hardware devices


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