Google Meet video calling app will be FREE for anyone to use next week
GOOGLE Meet will be available for anyone to use free of charge – for the first time ever.
Previously, the popular video-calling app could only be used by G-Suite business customers, rather than the general public.
But as more people now rely on video calling for everyday life, Google has decided to change its tack.
The service will be switched to a free offering from May 4, rolling out gradually around the world.
In a blog post, Google suggested using Meet for "a virtual yoga class, weekly book club, neighbourhood meeting, or happy hour with friends".
"Now more than ever, we’ve seen the power of video meetings to connect us—whether we’re working with teammates, talking to healthcare professionals, sharing with loved ones, or learning at home," Google explained.
"Technology that keeps us connected—even while we're apart—keeps us safe, productive and together."
Meetings will be limited to 60 minutes for the free version of Google Meet.
However, Google says that it won't be enforcing this time limit until after September 30.
If you can't access Google Meet immediately, there's nothing to worry about.
Google is rolling the service out to "more and more people" over several weeks.
You can sign up at and you'll be notified when your account has access.
How to use Google Meet as a free user
Google Meet can be used to schedule, joint or start video meetings with anyone else.
You can find it as a free user at .
Alternatively, you can just download the mobile app on iOS or Android.
If you use Google Calendar, you'll be able to join meetings from there too.
First, go to the website and sign in with your Google account, which you can create with any email.
If you don't have a Google account, don't panic. They're free to set up and it only takes a few minutes.
You can then invite other users through the website or app.
MOST READ IN TECH
In other news, we reveal the most popular Google Doodle games.
This Google Chrome trick can reveal if you've been hacked.
And find out how to access Google's 3D augmented reality animals.
What's your favourite video calling app? Let us know in the comments!
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]