Genius Google Chrome update lets you make 12-person video calls straight from browser
GOOGLE Chrome users can now make video calls directly from their browser for free – with up to 12 pals at a time.
It works through a web version of Duo, Google's own video chat app.
Google says it's creating a group video calling web experience that you can access by going to the .
Invites to join a group call can be sent to anyone with a Google account.
They won't need to download an app, and simply connect through their web browser.
"Most of my family lives in Colombia, South America, and video calling has been a life-changing way for my dad and grandparents to watch my daughters grow up," said Google's Humberto Castaneda.
"Recently, video calls have also become the only way for my daughters to see their grandmas who live nearby.
"Although the physical separation has been hard for all of us, Google Duo makes it easier to let family know how much we miss them, show off or latest artwork and just act silly together like we would in person."
Google says the update is rolling out "in the coming weeks", so don't panic if you can't see it immediately.
Just keep checking back to see if you've received the update.
Google also confirmed that it would soon be expanding the maximum number of people in a video call to 32 – up from the current 12.
How to use Google Meet as a free user
Here's what you need to know...
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.
Of course, Google already offers another dedicated video-calling app – Google Meet.
This was previously aimed at businesses, but was recently made free for all users.
Better still, there's no time limit on group video calls until at least September, so it's a strong Zoom rival.
In a blog post, Google suggested using Meet for "a virtual yoga class, weekly book club, neighbourhood meeting, or happy hour with friends".
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.
In other news, we reveal the most popular Google Doodle games.
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