If your team uses Google Meet conference rooms, you know it doesn’t take long for a simple meeting to turn into a mess of echoes, feedback, and people talking over each other. Google has rolled out a smart update that tackles one of the most common hybrid meeting problems: too many active microphones in the same room.
With new conference room detection, Google Meet can now recognize when multiple devices are in the same physical space and automatically prioritize companion mode. That means fewer audio issues, smoother collaboration, and better visibility for IT and administrators.
No More Echoes From Nearby Devices
Audio feedback is a common frustration in meeting rooms. When several people join the same meeting from devices in close proximity, overlapping microphones can create echo loops and distracting noise.
Google’s new room-based audio management uses ultrasonic pairing to detect that devices are in the same physical space, then sends an inaudible signal. From there, instead of the usual "Join now" button taking center stage, it highlights "Use Companion Mode" in the pre-meeting screen.
Room-based audio management is especially helpful in multi-device meeting setups and environments where people join meetings from personal devices, even while sitting in the same room. It prevents duplicate audio sources from clashing, and echo cancellation is more effective because only one set of mics and speakers is active for the group.
This feature isn’t limited to laptops. Conference room detection works on both Android and iOS devices. It also works across both the Google Meet and Gmail apps, making it easier for users to join however they prefer.
Automatic Check-In Helps With Attendance Tracking
Another valuable addition to Google Meet conference rooms is automatic meeting check-in. When you join via the highlighted Companion Mode button, Google Meet automatically checks you into the right room and marks you as present in the meeting. Administrators can now get clearer visibility into attendees without relying on manual roll calls or self-reporting.
When you’re running client meetings, team stand-ups, or training sessions, this adds a layer of accountability and simplifies reporting.
Why This Matters to Your Business
Better audio, smarter room-based audio management, and automated meeting attendance tracking may seem like inconsequential features, but together they create smoother, more professional meeting experiences. Fewer disruptions can make meetings less time-consuming and more productive, help remote participants engage more, and produce more reliable meeting records.
Quick Tips To Make the Most of This Update
To ensure that you’re getting the most from Google Meet conference rooms, be sure to grant microphone permissions on your mobile devices so the ultrasonic detection can work its magic. If proximity detection isn’t automatically detected when you enter a meeting room, check the Google Workspace admin settings to ensure it’s enabled.
Google Meet’s new conference room detection makes meetings more intelligent, more reliable, and easier to manage. By prioritizing companion mode, improving echo cancellation, and supporting smarter multi-device meeting setup, Google is fixing multiple real-world meeting pain points.