
Even with Google Duo’s availability on iOS, it was hard to convince any iPhone or iPad-wielding friend or family member to download another app to call my Android device or Google smart display. It also reduces the reliance on third-party chat apps like WhatsApp to get a video call going. The rest of its features will be rolled up into the new Meet, including the fun bits I mentioned earlier. Google Duo isn’t entirely going away - at least, not in spirit. It’s similar to the infrastructure behind Apple’s FaceTime. By consolidating the two video apps, all you need now is that address to contact, rather than anything else. Javier Soltero, head of Google Workspace, told The Verge that “what’s been really important is understanding how people make the choice as to what tool they’re going to use, for what purpose, in what circumstance.” Google saw that folks operate based on their Google account or Gmail address. It’s a great wave to save a special moment.The company seems to have realised this, too. You can keep the saved video for yourself or share it with all the other participants when the call is over. Not only can you video or voice call with up to 32 other people, but you can also record your entire call and save it for later. Instead, the note will be delivered the next time the user logs on. The best part is that the person the user is sending it to doesn’t have to be online when the note is sent.

The note or video can be edited to include cute GIFs or other animations. When you really want to let someone know you’re thinking of them, but they don’t pick up, you can send a little note or short video. The family mode also decreases the chances of accidental mutes and hang-ups by hiding those buttons while a family communicates together. The app’s Family Mode allows users to doodle and surprise other participants with cute drawings. The effects offer silly tools like oversized sunglasses, dinosaur faces, and much more.

To make the phone call more fun, users can take advantage of built-in AR effects.

The app allows for one-on-one calls or group calls with up to 32 people included. Check your contacts and connect with friends, family, and colleagues.

Whether you want to talk to one person or a group of people, you can do so with Google Duo.
