Google Meet has been a key player in virtual communication, especially in the post-pandemic world, catering to both professional and personal needs. With its seamless integration into the Google ecosystem, it has maintained a stronghold in the video conferencing space. In recent updates, Google Meet for Android introduced a revamped “Start a Call” screen that simplifies initiating meetings, offering a more intuitive, user-friendly experience that aligns with Google's latest Material 3 design guidelines.
This update is designed to make starting a Google Meet session more convenient and streamlined, especially for those using it for everyday conversations, not just business meetings. Whether you’re scheduling a team meeting, jumping into a quick call with a friend, or connecting with family, the latest interface reflects the company's push to create a more accessible communication tool.
What's New in the “Start a Call” Feature?
A Simplified UI
The most striking change in the new “Start a call” screen is the cleaner and more streamlined interface. The minimalist design follows Google’s Material 3 guidelines, which aim for simplicity, legibility, and ease of use. At the top of the screen, you’ll notice a pill-shaped “Search contacts or dial” field that makes it easier to find contacts or enter phone numbers directly from your Android device.
Gone are the overly cluttered options that made initiating a call slightly overwhelming. Instead, large, easy-to-access buttons are available for quickly creating new call links, scheduling meetings via Google Calendar, or starting calls with existing Google Groups. The update puts functionality front and center while keeping the design visually appealing.
Intuitive Features for Ease of Use
One of the biggest upgrades is the "grid of suggested contacts" located on the screen. This feature is designed for speed and ease, displaying the most frequent contacts or groups you call. Whether you're looking to join a team meeting or catch up with your friends, the feature optimizes efficiency, removing unnecessary friction from the calling process.
The suggested contacts feature will also leverage Google's AI-driven insights to surface relevant contacts based on your communication patterns. This intelligent recommendation system may help save time in finding who to call or connect with.
One-Touch Meeting Creation
The large buttons on the screen make it simple to start a new meeting. A single tap is all that’s needed to create a call link, which you can share with others. This functionality has become even more important as virtual meetings have become part of everyday life. Similarly, there is a button dedicated to scheduling meetings through Google Calendar. Google Meet’s close integration with the Google Suite makes it easy to schedule and send invites, and now the experience feels smoother than before.
For group calls, the “Create new group” option allows users to set up calls with multiple contacts quickly. This feature is especially useful for recurring meetings or family calls, making group communication more accessible.
Material 3 Design Principles
The shift to Material 3, Google’s latest design system, brings consistency across its apps. The design change is more than just a facelift—it improves usability by following guidelines that focus on clarity, legibility, and user-centered layouts. The large buttons and pill-shaped search field make navigation easier and reduce cognitive load, helping users initiate calls with fewer taps and less confusion.
The new design features bold, flat colors and a clean, organized layout. Elements like shadows, subtle animations, and consistent spacing contribute to a more responsive and engaging user interface. This change reflects Google's commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience across its products.
How Does This Compare to Previous Versions?
Compared to earlier versions of Google Meet, this new UI is significantly more user-friendly. Previously, the app’s interface was a bit more text-heavy and required more steps to start a meeting or call. While it was efficient, it wasn’t as streamlined as it could have been. Now, with the simplified interface and clear call-to-action buttons, users can start calls with fewer taps.
Moreover, the focus on frequent contacts and the intelligent suggestions grid marks a clear shift toward personalization. By learning your habits and preferences over time, Google Meet becomes more proactive in anticipating who you may need to connect with next. This is a crucial move as other video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams have increasingly focused on user-centric designs and intelligent recommendations.
Data-Driven Improvements
Google Meet's updates are backed by data that suggest ease of access and simplicity can drive higher engagement. According to Google, their AI-driven recommendations and frequent contacts feature aim to reduce the time users spend searching for the right contact or setting up a call. The introduction of large buttons for starting new meetings or scheduling them via Google Calendar reflects the increasing demand for seamless integration between productivity tools.
Statistically, Google Meet has seen a surge in usage during the pandemic, with over 100 million daily users in 2020. Since then, the platform has continuously evolved to meet the growing demand for virtual communication, adding features like background blur, noise cancellation, and now a redesigned start screen. These features not only enhance user experience but also reflect the growing trend of simplifying digital tools for broader audiences.
A Focus on Accessibility
Accessibility is at the heart of Google’s updates. With more people relying on video conferencing for personal and professional communication, making the process as simple and accessible as possible is critical. The new interface aims to cater to users of all skill levels, from tech-savvy professionals to everyday users who may not be as familiar with video conferencing tools.
The large, easy-to-tap buttons and AI-driven suggestions are part of this accessibility push. Google is leveraging AI to reduce the steps users need to take to start a call, ensuring that even those with limited tech experience can easily navigate the app. This focus on accessibility is vital in a world where virtual meetings are no longer restricted to boardrooms but have expanded into everyday communication.
Final Thoughts: A Step in the Right Direction
The new "Start a Call" screen in Google Meet reflects Google’s commitment to improving user experience through thoughtful design and intelligent features. It combines the simplicity of Material 3 design with the power of AI-driven suggestions to create a more personalized and efficient experience.
As virtual communication continues to play a central role in our lives, these kinds of updates are essential to ensure that platforms like Google Meet remain intuitive, easy to use, and accessible to all. By prioritizing ease of use and personalization, Google Meet ensures that it can keep pace with the evolving needs of its diverse user base.
These updates, while subtle, make a big difference in the overall user experience, helping Google Meet maintain its competitive edge in the crowded video conferencing space.