Google Duo

Google Duo is a video and audio calling app made by Google, similar to Facebook's WhatsApp, Apple's Facebook, and Microsoft's Skype. It is free to use and works across both iOS and Android devices. It uses your number, reaching people in your phone's contacts list, and offers end-to-end encryption. Its Knock Knock feature will allow you to see live video of your caller before you answer. Google Duo supports group video calls with up to 8 people for free. So it is particularly nice for small groups like families and friends to get together during the special time of coronavirus.

Brief

Google Duo, known as the high-quality video calling app from Google, has recently undergone significant changes. With the latest update, Google has removed the Duo icon, signaling a merge with Google Meet, which aims to integrate the features and strengths of both platforms. This transformation aligns with Google's vision of a seamless communication experience, as Duo's capabilities are now encompassed within Google Meet.

Core Features

• 📱 Simple Interface: Enjoy an uncomplicated experience with a straightforward layout, making video calls effortless. 📌
• 🎥 High-Quality Video Calls: Experience superior video calling, be it over Wi-Fi or mobile data. 📌
• 🚪 Knock Knock: Get a live video preview of the caller before you choose to answer. 📌
• 📩 Video Messages: Leave friends or family a video message if they miss your call, sharing moments even when apart. 📌
• 📞 Voice Calls: Opt for voice-only calls when you can't engage in a video chat. 📌

Pros

• 👍 Integration of Duo and Meet: Benefit from the combined best features of Google Duo and Google Meet. 👍
• 👍 Reliability: Trust in consistent and dependable video call quality. 👍
• 👍 Accessibility: Connect with contacts easily through a user-friendly interface. 👍
• 👍 Versatility: Switch between video messages, live previews, and voice-only calls to suit your communication needs. 👍
• 👍 Group Calls: Engage with up to 8 people simultaneously in a group video call. 👍

Cons

• 👎 Icon Removal: With the update, users may be confused by the disappearance of the Duo icon from the app drawer. 👎
• 👎 Transition Adjustment: Some users might need time to adapt to the new Google Meet/Duo interface and features. 👎
• 👎 Limited Group Call: Compared to some competitors, the 8-person limit on group calls might feel restrictive. 👎
• 👎 Merging Nuances: There might be features of Duo that don't seamlessly merge with Meet, affecting user experience. 👎
• 👎 Device Compatibility: Certain features may not work equally well on all devices, depending on hardware and software compatibilities. 👎

Price

💵 Google Duo is a free service, providing its features at no extra cost. In-app purchases are not applicable to this service. 💵

In conclusion, Google Duo, now integrated within Google Meet, continues to offer its robust video-calling solutions, albeit with some transitionary steps for users. It remains a strong contender in the realm of virtual communication, with a focus on simplicity and video call quality.