Google Meet Transcription Quirks: Why AI Misspells Your Name
Ever been in a Google Meet, seen the live captions or post-meeting transcript, and noticed your name or a colleague's name consistently misspelled, despite it being correct everywhere else in your Google Profile? You're not alone. This common frustration was recently highlighted in a Google support forum thread, offering valuable insights into how Google Meet's AI transcription truly works.
The Case of the Misspelled Name: Loren vs. Lauren
The issue was brought to light by user Loren McMillan, who observed that Google Meet's AI transcription repeatedly rendered her name as "Lauren" instead of the correct "Loren." What made this particularly perplexing was that her Google Profile clearly stated "Loren," and the name was also accurate in the meeting's invitee list. This discrepancy raised a pertinent question: why wouldn't the transcription system leverage existing user data for accuracy?
Understanding Google Meet's Transcription Logic
Google Product Expert Mark Loundy provided clarity on the matter, explaining the fundamental limitation of the current transcription tool. He stated:
- Strictly Transliteration: Google Meet's transcription feature operates as a "transliteration tool." This means it primarily focuses on converting spoken words into written text based on phonetic recognition. It listens to the verbal expression and transcribes the most common spelling it recognizes for that sound.
- No Profile Connection: Crucially, the transcription system does not access or utilize your Google Profile information, nor does it connect to the invitee list to verify names. It functions in isolation, purely on the audio input. As Loundy put it, "It only knows the verbal expression spoken during the Meet. It does not know who you are or use any connection to Google profiles."
- Differentiation from Deeper AI: Loundy also drew a distinction between this basic transcription and more advanced AI features like Gemini Notes. While Gemini Notes engage with content at a deeper, more contextual level, the standard Meet transcription remains a straightforward phonetic conversion.
Key Takeaways for Google Meet Users
For anyone relying on Google Meet transcriptions, these insights are vital:
- Phonetic Focus: Expect transcriptions to be phonetically accurate but not necessarily contextually aware of proper nouns, especially names with less common spellings or homophones.
- No Reliable Correction: Unfortunately, there is currently no reliable way to "teach" the transcription system to spell your name correctly if it consistently misinterprets the phonetic sound. The system doesn't offer a personalized dictionary or a way to link to your profile's name spelling.
- Manual Review is Essential: If accurate spelling of names is critical for your meeting records, a manual review and correction of the transcription will be necessary.
Optimizing Your Google Workspace Experience
While the current limitations of Google Meet's transcription might be a minor inconvenience, understanding how these tools work is part of optimizing your overall Google Workspace experience. From managing your google drive storage breakdown to maximizing the utility of Google Chat reports, each component has its unique functionalities and quirks. For instance, just as you'd plan for the maximum duration of google meet when scheduling a lengthy session, understanding the specific capabilities of its transcription service helps set realistic expectations and plan for post-meeting tasks. While the AI continues to evolve, being aware of these nuances ensures you leverage Google Meet effectively for all your communication needs.