Google Meet introduces virtual makeup powered by AI: 12 looks for your video conferences
Google Meet is taking a big leap forward with the launch of a new feature: virtual makeup powered by artificial intelligence.
With up to 12 different styles, this addition promises to help users look their best, even during last-minute video calls.
A Beauty Boost for Impromptu Video Conferences
We all know the feeling: an unexpected meeting pops up on the calendar, but the camera doesn’t wait. Now, Google Meet offers a stylish solution to this problem: its new AI makeup filters allow you to choose between natural or more pronounced looks, all without the “Snapchat filter” effect.
Unlike traditional effects, these looks dynamically adjust to your movements, even if you touch your face or sip a coffee. Google’s AI ensures a realistic and stable rendering, whether it’s a light foundation or a bolder lipstick.
The option is turned off by default, but can be easily activated via the web or mobile app. Once set up, your preferred look is saved for future calls.
A Natural Evolution of “Touch-up” with Gemini
This feature leverages the advancements of AI Gemini and builds on the previous “Touch-up” retouching tool. It reflects the growing trend of video conferencing tools incorporating AI to enhance comfort and professional presentation.
All processing is done locally on the device, ensuring privacy — a key point that Google emphasizes.
The styles cover a complete range:
- Professional looks with neutral tones,
- Expressive or more creative styles,
- And even variants tailored to ambient lighting.
An Advantage for Hybrid Work
In a world where video conferencing has become daily, these features are significant. They address a real need: to feel presentable quickly, without heading to the bathroom before each call.
Competitors like Microsoft Teams (with Maybelline) or Zoom (with “Studio Effects”) have already explored the concept, but Google takes realism and fluidity a step further.
The goal is to provide a little “boost of confidence” for virtual meetings, without transforming users into digital avatars.
Technology and Limitations
Technically, the feature utilizes real-time tracking of the face and skin, adjusting textures and colors based on light or the user’s natural tone. It showcases Google’s advancements in contextual image generation via Gemini.
However, it’s not all perfect: experts are already highlighting risks of bias related to skin tones or face shapes, depending on the datasets used for AI training. Google assures it is working on better color inclusion and gradual updates based on user feedback.
Availability and Subscription
The AI virtual makeup feature is initially available for Google Workspace Business and Education users, as well as Google One and Workspace Individual subscribers.
Global rollout will take place gradually on web and mobile over the coming weeks.
While the concept may bring a smile, this new feature represents a cultural shift: video conferencing is now a social space in its own right, where appearance, AI, and digital identity converge. Google is not just selling virtual makeup but offering a form of augmented presence, where AI becomes a presentation assistant.
And with the next step potentially involving virtual outfits or adaptive AI environments, this evolution seems just to be the beginning.
