Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Preview and test upcoming features on Google Meet hardware devices

What’s changing 

Using the new “Feature preview” setting, specific Google Meet hardware devices can be configured to test upcoming features prior to general availability. This is especially beneficial for testing purposes, gathering user feedback, creating training materials, and raising awareness before the feature is released broadly to your users.

Menu > Devices > Google Meet hardware > Settings > Feature preview


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users 


Why you’d use it

Prior to the launch of the “Feature preview” setting, there was no way for admins to preview upcoming features before they roll out to hardware devices, which can be potentially confusing to end users when they see new features unexpectedly. Now, customers have the opportunity to preview changes in advance, which gives them time to inform and educate their users about upcoming changes, prepare their IT help desks, and more. Overall, this update aims to increase awareness and adoption of helpful meeting features while reducing the risk of end user confusion.


Getting started

  • Admins: The “Feature preview” setting is configured to “General availability” by default. When “Early preview” is selected, devices will receive new features when they are released to the “preview” stage. Visit the Help Center to learn more about trying features early on your devices. We recommend that 10% or less of your fleet adopts “Early preview” to try new experiences in conference rooms before they roll out to General availability.
  • End users: Depending on your organization’s configuration, you may be able to preview new features on select Google Meet hardware devices.
When enabled, the device screen displays a "Preview" banner indicating the device is currently in "Early preview" mode


Rollout pace


Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware devices

Resources