Introduction
Modern business is visual. Whether you are mapping out a product roadmap, brainstorming a new marketing campaign, or sketching out complex workflows, the ability to collaborate in real-time is essential for high-performing teams. At Cloud Captains, we see how the hybrid workplace demands tools that bridge the physical and digital divide. We are excited to announce that third-party whiteboarding add-ons are now available for Android-based Google Meet hardware, turning your conference rooms into dynamic creative hubs.
What Is It?
Google has officially expanded the capabilities of its Android-based Google Meet hardware, such as the Desk 27 and Board 65, to support third-party whiteboarding applications. Users can now integrate industry-leading tools directly into their video meetings. Specifically, users can now leverage Figma, Lucidspark, and Miro directly on their meeting room touchscreens.
This update moves beyond simple video conferencing by enabling a shared, interactive canvas that participants can engage with regardless of their location. Whether you are in the office or joining remotely via the web or mobile app, you can now participate in a synchronized brainstorming session as if you were standing at the same board.
What Is the Impact?
Furthermore, this feature significantly improves meeting equity. In a traditional hybrid setup, remote participants often feel excluded from physical whiteboard activities. With this integration, every participant—whether in the room or working from home—has an equal view and the ability to contribute to the digital board in real-time. This promotes inclusivity and ensures that every voice and idea is captured accurately.
Finally, the integration helps preserve the 'intellectual output' of your meetings. Because the sessions are hosted within your existing cloud ecosystem (Miro, Figma, etc.), the boards are saved automatically. No more taking photos of messy physical whiteboards or losing track of action items; everything remains accessible for future reference, iteration, and project tracking.
Who Is It For?
This update is designed for forward-thinking organizations leveraging Google Meet hardware to drive collaboration. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Agile development teams needing real-time visual project management.
- Marketing and design departments using Figma for collaborative prototyping.
- Remote-first companies looking to enhance meeting interactivity.
- IT administrators seeking to maximize the utility of their existing conference room investments.
When Will It Roll Out?
The update is available immediately for all Google Workspace customers utilizing compatible Android-based Google Meet hardware. Both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains have access to these features, meaning you can start deploying them to your devices today.
What Should You Do?
To get started with these powerful collaborative tools, follow these steps to configure your environment:
Background & Context
This move represents Google's strategic shift toward an 'open' hardware ecosystem. By allowing third-party developers to plug directly into the Meet environment, Google is turning its hardware into a flexible platform capable of adapting to various professional workflows. As a Google Cloud Partner, Cloud Captains recognizes that the value of Google Meet hardware lies not just in the video quality, but in how effectively it facilitates real-world work. We are ready to assist you in configuring these tools to ensure your team is set up for maximum success.
