On-the-Go Meetings: Google Meet Now Available on CarPlay

Google has recently expanded its Google Meet conferencing app to the dashboard, but with a twist – it’s launching first for iPhone users via CarPlay, not for Android Auto.

CarPlay users received another pleasant surprise this week with the arrival of ChatGPT for in-car infotainment systems. Unlike OpenAI, Google seems to be taking its time with the release, as competing apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have been available on CarPlay for years.

Google Meet is accessible to all users with personal Google accounts, as well as Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual subscribers. The company announced the feature on its Google Workspace blog, highlighting its availability on CarPlay for iPhone users and a forthcoming version for Android Auto users.

While Google Meet offers a similar experience to other conferencing apps on CarPlay, video functionality is limited to audio-only to ensure safety while driving. Users can easily find and join scheduled meetings, eliminating the need for invite links.

During a meeting, on-screen controls allow for muting, unmuting, and leaving the meeting with a single tap. Interactive features like raising a hand or responding to polls are not available on CarPlay, requiring users to use their iPhone for such actions.

The Google Meet widget appears in the CarPlay dashboard view during a meeting, providing easy access to navigation and relevant information. Users can seamlessly transition meetings between their iPhone and CarPlay dashboard, ensuring continuity when moving between locations.

While Google Meet meetings can be accessed via the Gmail app, CarPlay support is exclusive to the Google Meet app. Users need to download and install the app on their iPhone for CarPlay integration.