In a few days, Google will be asking users to pay when they use Google Meet. Or so it appears.
To a large extent, it still feels like free service to us.
This is because users will only be requested to pay the stipulated amount for a subscription if the meeting exceeds 60 minutes.
60 minutes is a very long time if you ask me.
You can do a lot in that time.
If you’re not having a brainstorming session or a meeting that is crucial to maintaining the earth’s balance, you can be done in half the time.
Google’s free-for-all offer came in handy
In April, Google announced that it was making its video conferencing service available to all.
Before that time, the service was only available to businesses and educational institutions via G suite.
Considering the need for people to stay connected while at home, the offer was precious at the time.
Meetings were allowed to run for as long as we wanted and without any charge.
During the time, Google Meet witnessed a huge up-turn in usage.
The traffic on the platform forced Google to make plans to upscale Google Meet’s operation.
Google faced some challenges at the time.
However, using some Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) best practices, it was able to manage the horde.
Google wrote about these events in a blog post on its page.
When Google announced the free-for-all offer in April, it added that it was taking the offer off the table by September 30.
Hence, three days from now, users should get ready to see these changes effected.
ALSO READ: Google Updates Its Map With A High-Priority COVID-19 Tool
Other restrictions
Asides from the newly introduced 60-minute threshold, Google has put other restrictions in place.
Google will be taking away advanced services for G Suite and G Suite for Education.
Some of these advanced services include options to host meetings with up to 250 participants.
Business, Schools, and other organisations could also live stream meetings to 100,000 viewers within their domain.
But, this too will no longer be available to all.
Also, the function that allows users to save meeting recordings to Google drive will be disabled.
However, all of these services will still be available to paid subscribers.
Although, offer varies based on subscription.
G Suite enterprise subscription covers all available services.
You can check out the G Suite plan and subscribe here.
Video conferencing platforms are at an advantage
Zoom, Meet, and Microsoft’s Team have benefited largely from the most shocking event of the century – the COVID 19 pandemic.
Which of these video conferencing apps do you use more frequently, and why?
Let us know in the comment section.
Also if you’ve been using the free edition of Google Meet for long meetings with your teammates at work, let us know.
Will this new restriction affect your work process?
How you intend to work around it?
Your comment might be able for some of our other readers, so, be sure to drop them in the comment section below.
and then