Google Meet has introduced a portrait touch-up mode to stay competitive with Zoom and Microsoft Teams. This new feature enables users to apply enhancements to their appearance during video calls, such as smoothing their complexion, brightening under-eye areas, and whitening their eyes.
Google now provides two portrait modes: “Subtle,” which offers light cosmetic adjustments, and “Smoothing,” which offers slightly more noticeable improvements, as stated in the company’s announcement. By default, this mode is turned off and can be activated in the settings.
Google explained, “Whether you’ve just returned from a workout, are recovering from an illness, or dealing with jet lag, portrait touch-up is here to help you look and feel your best.”
The company noted that this feature was in high demand, as other video conferencing apps are known for their beauty effects, including virtual makeup and skin-smoothing features. Microsoft Teams recently teamed up with Maybelline to allow users to modify their appearance with digital makeup colors. Notably, Google Meet does not offer a virtual makeup feature.
However, there is a significant limitation: the new portrait touch-up mode is not accessible for users with personal Google accounts. To access this feature, you need a premium account, such as Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Education Plus, Google One, or Google Workspace Individual.
Currently, this feature is only available on mobile devices, with plans to launch it on the web by the end of 2023.
