Google Meet's new portrait touch-up feature will give you a virtual glow-up
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If you've ever hopped into a video call for work while getting over a cold, or after a sleepless night or a quick run, you know what it's like to see yourself on camera and think, "I'm not looking my best." Google Meet will soon smooth your skin and brighten your eyes virtually with a new tool called "portrait touch-up."
Beginning Oct. 28, Google Workspace users can choose to "subtly enhance [their] appearance" while using Google Meet on mobile, either before joining the meeting or during it. There are two modes: a "subtle" touch-up, which provides "very light complexion smoothing, under eye lightening and eye whitening," and a "smoothing" touch-up, which makes the same changes with greater intensity.
The feature will be turned off by default, and available on desktop by the end of the year. Unfortunately, there are no plans to make it available to users with personal Google Accounts yet.
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A similar feature has been available on Zoom for years. In settings, a "touch up my appearance" bar enables users to smooth fine lines or clear their complexion in real time.
Topics Work From Home
Elizabeth is a digital culture reporter covering the internet's influence on self-expression, fashion, and fandom. Her work explores how technology shapes our identities, communities, and emotions. Before joining Mashable, Elizabeth spent six years in tech. Her reporting can be found in Rolling Stone, The Guardian, TIME, and Teen Vogue. Follow her on Instagram here.
