What is companion mode in google meet?

Companion mode in Google Meet is a feature designed to enhance the experience for presenters, particularly those who are sharing their screen or presenting a complex visual. It allows a second participant to join the presenter's video feed, creating a more collaborative and engaging presentation.

Here's what we know about Companion Mode:

• Purpose: Primarily for co-presenters or assistants to offer support or engage with the audience alongside the main presenter. It's not meant for general audience participation.

• How it works: A designated "companion" joins the presenter's video feed, appearing as a smaller, inset video within the presenter's main video stream. This means the main presenter's video remains prominent, but the companion is visible for audience members.

• Use Cases: Some common uses include:

  • Technical Support: The companion can help monitor chat, answer questions, or troubleshoot technical difficulties behind the scenes.
  • Note-Taking and Cueing: The companion can provide the presenter with notes or signals.
  • Real-time Collaboration: Two presenters can seamlessly collaborate, with one focused on the presentation and the other providing additional information or commentary.
  • Accessibility: It can assist individuals with disabilities by providing real-time interpretation or captioning support.

• Limitations: The companion's video is smaller and less prominent than the main presenter's. It doesn't allow the companion to independently control screen sharing or other presentation controls.

In short, Companion Mode in Google Meet provides a discreet but effective way for a second individual to participate in a presentation without dominating the screen or distracting the audience from the main presenter. It's a helpful tool for collaboration and enhanced presentation delivery.