Google has had a bit of a love and hate relationship when it comes to messaging and video conferencing apps in the past. While the company announces new messaging apps or video calling apps, it often gets confusing over time. In a similar event, Google Meet and Duo have had similar video functionality over the years and now Google is preparing to merge Google meet with Google Duo.
Google Duo was released in 2016 and over the past few years, the app has gained a bunch of features like cross-platform support, group call for up to 32 people doodles, masks, fun effects, and more. The Google Meet was introduced in 2017 with features like virtual background and effect live captions, auto-light adjustments and noise cancellation.
Features of Google Meet Coming to Google Duo users
Google will upgrade the Duo experience to include all Google Meet features in the coming days. This integration will provide a one-stop solution for both video calling and meeting platforms. Once the integration is done, Duo users will be able to easily schedule a video meeting or continue using video calling to instantly connect with a person or group. Later this year, Google will rename the Duo app to Google Meet, which will be a single video service across Google that is available to everyone at no cost.
As for the existing features on Duo, Google says these features will stay even after integration like the ability to make video calls to friends and family by phone number or email address, use filters and effects, send messages, and ask Google Assistant to call, and more. All conversation history, contacts, and messages will continue to be saved in the app and users won’t have to download a new app.
In addition to the merger, the Duo app will also get some additional features like the following ones.
- Customize virtual backgrounds in calls and meetings
- Schedule meetings so everyone can join at a time that’s convenient for them
- Use in-meeting chat for deeper engagement
- Live share content to enable interaction with all participants on the call
- Get real-time closed captions to better support accessibility and boost participation
- Increase the size of video calls from a current limit of 32 to 100 participants
- Integrate with other tools, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Assistant, Messages and more
With people already using Google Duo for casual calls and Meet primarily for work purposes, do you think this might e too late for Google to merge these apps? Let us know in the comment section below.