We've all spent time staring at our laptops during the pandemic video chatting with friends, relatives, and co-workers. It can become quite uncomfortable, but Google just introduced a new feature meaning you can now relax in front of a TV when using Google Meet.

In a post on the Chromecast Help support site, Google employee Grace Y. confirmed that Google Meet is rolling out Chromecast support over the next few days. It means that, with a Chromecast hooked up to your TV, it's possible to start or join meetings from the comfort of your sofa. Google also sees it as offering another way for distance/remote learning to function where multiple people may want to work together in front of a bigger screen.

As 9To5Google points out, Meet on Chromecast requires the Chrome browser be running on your desktop PC or laptop. This is required because Meet continues to rely on the camera, microphone, and audio from your machine rather than the TV the video feed is being streamed to. It therefore sounds like a laptop is going to be much more practical for this setup as it can more easily be sat next to a TV.

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In order for this to work you're going to need a Chromecast, Chromecast (2nd gen), or Chromecast Ultra plugged into your TV. Alternatively, it will also work with a Cast-enabled TV or Cast-enabled display. On your laptop or PC open Google Meet (using the app or Google Calendar), select "Cast this meeting," and in the Cast tab select the appropriate device, which for most users will be their Chromecast. You can also switch back and forth between your PC and TV output during a meeting using the three-dot menu in the bottom-right corner of Meet.

Google admits performance will vary depending on the hardware being used and the speed of your connection, but having the option of easily using a TV for a video chat is sure to prove popular for Chromecast owners.

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