Google Meet

Pros

As a teacher, I used Google Meet during our distance learning. It was easy for my 5th grade students to understand, and they were able to use it without any problems. I also enjoyed that I could link it with my Google Calendar and my students would receive the invite that I shared. I absolutely loved that there was no time limit on it, unlike other online video meeting software.

Video was clear, and I was able to mute students who had distracting background sounds. Both students and I were able to share our screens with the group when we needed to explain something that was on our computers.

Cons

I would have loved it if there was a waiting room for the students, so that I could admit them when I was ready. I would also like if there was a background feature so that both I, and my students, could have a background that was less distracting than our rooms.

Pros

I like most about Google Meet is how it effortlessly connects people from different parts of the world, making meetings and collaboration easy without the need for travel.It's incredibly convenient for attending conferences and classes from anywhere, helping to bring everyone together, whether it's for business or education. The platform is user-friendly, saving time and resources while keeping communication smooth and efficient.

Cons

I like least about Google Meet is that it lacks some advanced features like breakout rooms and detailed analytics, which could make meetings more interactive and insightful. Additionally, its customization options are limited, so it doesn’t offer much flexibility for those who want a more personalized experience. If you're not already using Google’s ecosystem, it can also feel a bit restrictive.

Pros

I initially installed Hangouts because it was the only way I could receive text messages inside of my office, which has terrible reception due to all of the sound insulation (we do voice recordings in-house.) It was a SAVIOR when it first came out because Google was one of the only companies supporting Wifi calling and texting. I also liked that I was able to have Hangouts to route multiple numbers (I'm in NYC and LA.) When it first came out, Hangouts was completely innovative.

Cons

Google has too many departments designing conflicting products instead of putting all hands on deck to work on one piece of software. Google Chat? Wave? Plus? Hangouts? It's insane. I pay for GoogleFi now with the express interest of using hangouts, so I can get texts on my computer. But when I try to load it on my Google Pixel, it's slow - like, "1997 loading a JPG-level" slow. I don't trust that many of my texts are going through and that I am receiving them. Sometimes a message that a friend sent a day before comes to me in the middle of the night. It feels like Google is phasing this out, but it is unclear what the replacement will be. I am so horrified that I might honestly just switch plans. Now that young people use texting as their exclusive method of communication, I have found that this is hurting my social and business-life. It's pretty pathetic that Facebook Messanger - a free service - is more reliable than Hangouts, a product that I now technically pay for as a GoogleFi subscriber. I am losing faith in the Google Brand because of this product. And because many users do not pay for Fi, they provide almost no customer service for Hangouts, because they are overwhelmed with complaints from their free users.

Pros

1. Free for Google users
2. Integrated with all Google services
3. Easy to use
4. Offers various security features
5. Good video and audio quality

Cons

1. Limited features for the free version
2. Less interactive features

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Google Meet

Pros

Always been a fan of video calling really used duo alot

Cons

It seems like since the transition from duo to meet it's not as fun maybe cause it's supposed to be more professional now