What is Google Duo? Google Duo is a video chat mobile app developed by Google. Unlike iOS facetime which is Only available for iOS user’s Duo is available on the Android as well as iOS operating systems. Google Duo has similar offerings from FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook Messenger, where participants can join or leave the conversation at any time. Here, in this article, we will learn what Google Duo is in depth, Google Duo Features and how Google Duo Works.
But before starting let’s see what Google itself says about Google Duo!.
“Duo is the highest quality video calling app. It’s free, simple and works on Android phones, iPhones, tablets, computers, and smart displays”
About Google Duo?.
Google Duo has made its entry as a video and audio calling app on May 18, 2016 at Google’s developer conference Or Google I/O. It has been around for several years dominating as one of the best video calling apps for Android. And also a great alternative for facetime on iOS devices.
Set up Google Duo
- Install Duo. You can download Google Duo on the Google play store
- Enter your phone number and make sure it’s correct tap agree,
- Enter the code that you received in the text message.
- After you verify your number on Duo, People with your phone number can see that you use Duo and call you using the app.
How to Setup Google Duo on Your PC
- Open your web browser and type the address duo.google.com
- Sign in to your Google account
- Enter the phone number associated with your Duo account. Google will send you a verification code
- Enter the verification code on the screen
- The website will ask you for permission to use the microphone and the camera. Grant these permissions
- You should now be logged in and ready to make your first call from the web.
So what makes Google Duo so popular in the video calling software segment? It has a simple and easy-to-use user interface and also comes with a bunch of features for people who want to take their video as well as audio chats to new heights. It allows users to make HD Video calls upto 720p! And is optimized for low-bandwidth mobile networks through WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication). Duo is based on phone numbers, allowing users to call someone directly from their contact list. The app automatically switches between Wi-Fi and cellular networks depending upon the best of them.
Unlike other video calling services, Google Duo is a tremendously easy-to-use video calling platform without any complexity. With just a few taps your software is ready to use for video chat. You just have to install the application, sign in to it, Select the contact you want to call and tap the video call button.
Is Google Duo safe to use?
Don’t need to ask that, as it’s a Google venture so it’s extremely safe to use without any malware or adware. In recent times Google Duo sees increased engagement and improved ratings too.
Some Major Features Of Google Duo
What features does Google Duo offer to its users? Here are some.
High Resolution Video Calls
Google Duo is among the one that offers HD Video calling upto 720p. It further optimized it through the degradation of video quality through monitoring network quality. Duo can automatically switch between a Wi-Fi or cellular signal based on the connection’s quality, and it’s done seamlessly in the background. You can enjoy High resolution video calling without any issue if you have a good internet connection. It also offers optimization for low-bandwidth mobile networks through WebRTC and uses QUIC over UDP. So that you can enjoy video calling even if you have a 2G network connection. Although, it not maybe in HD but you won’t notice any interruptions on that 2G signal.
Screen Sharing
Does Google Duo have a screen-sharing feature? Well, screen sharing is the latest one. Google Duo has got the much-needed ability to share their screens during video calls with the other participants. This is one of the most awaited features. With the help of screen sharing the person on the other end will be able to see the entire content of your screen. Although, after enabling this feature it will turn your camera off. How to use the screen sharing feature on Google Duo? In an ongoing video call or conference, click the button with three stars inside, and then tap Screen share. A pop-up menu will appear. Select “start now” to start sharing your screen.
- Open Google Duo on your phone.
- Find the contact you want to call and start your call.
- Tap on the screen to bring up the controls.
- Select the effects icon that looks like three stars or tap on the more button with three dots.
- Tap on Screen share.
Picture In Picture Mode
PIP is a special type of multi-window mode mostly used for video playback. It lets the user watch a video in a small window pinned to a corner of the screen while navigating between apps or browsing content on the main screen. Basically, You can continue your Google Duo video call in a small window with picture-in-picture (PIP) while you use your phone and navigate between your apps on the main screen. This feature is different from screen sharing, as PIP mode will not enable your screen to share with other participants. Note, PIP and Screen sharing will only work for Android 8.0 or above, and iPhones running iOS 14 or above.
End to End Encryption
Well you heard right, Google Duo does support end to end encryption just like WhatsApp, telegram and other high rated software do. And it is enabled by default. Where only the communicating users can read the messages you have sent. It prevents any outsiders or even Google itself can’t reading and checking those chats. That means you’re guaranteed privacy when you’re on a video call with friends or family.
Knock Knock Feature
“Knock Knock” shows a live preview of the caller before the recipient picks up, which Google says is to “make calls feel more like an invitation or more personal rather than an interruption”. If you’re uncomfortable sharing your video before the call goes through, there’s always the option of disabling Knock Knock. Go to Settings > Call settings. Then, click on Knock Knock for this device and disable it from there
32 People at once
How many can you call on Google Duo? Duo started with one-to-one video calling. But, afterward, as the new features tend to release, the participation limit has also been significantly increased. And now Group calling lets 32 people join a call at once.
Video And Voice Messages
Duo, Users can leave messages up to 30 seconds long for contacts who are unavailable to pick up calls at that moment. And there’s the option of adding a text overlay with additional filters. These messages can then be viewed by that other party, with the option of calling afterwards. You can also send a message without having to call someone: just swipe down in the app, and you’ll see the message window. You’ll see four options spread across the bottom: Voice, Photo, Video, and Note. Select any one of them you want to send
Use Effects, Filters, and Portrait Mode
Google Duo offers various filters and effects while video calling. So that it makes the call more interesting and a user -friendly environment can be made. Filters and Effects are also available for video messages. To use filters and effects in video messages, open any contact on Duo and tap the Message button at the bottom of the screen. Next, select Video. You will then see Filters and Effects buttons on the right side of the screen. Portrait mode is also available.
Low Light Mode
If you find that the light isn’t quite bright enough for your Google Duo calls, you can enable the “Low-light” feature, designed to let your video be visible even in slightly darker environments where the lighting isn’t optimal. How do I turn ON low light Mode on Google duo? You can do this by tapping on the three dots located in the top right corner > Settings > Toggle ‘Low-light mode’ on or off according to your preference. There’s also an option under Call Settings that turns on the Low Light mode automatically when needed.
How Does Google Duo Work?
Google Duo is based on phone numbers, allowing users to call someone from their contact list. If you use Google’s Phone, Contacts, or Messages software on Android, it’s easy to call contacts with Duo using shortcuts in those apps. As they are interconnected with each other.
- Download the Google Duo app for Android or iOS, or visit the Google Duo web app
- After installing, Open the application here you’ll need to provide your phone number, then you’ll receive a verification code via SMS
- Grant the app permission to access your contacts, microphone, and camera, then you’re all set to go.
- Grant the app permission to access your contacts, microphone, and camera, then you’re all set to go.
- On Duo’s homepage, you’ll see a live preview of your phone’s front camera and suggested contacts. Tap the Search contacts box to find someone you want to call, or dial their number manually with the keypad icon.
- Tap any of them who you wish to call to start a call.
Video call is the default and the main feature of Duo. However, you also have the option of a Voice call or Message
Q&A
Is it free to use Google duo?
Google Duo is one of the best free video and audio calling software available in the market. It is safe, reliable and free to use.
Is Google Duo Safe? Or Is Duo A Spy app?
Google duo is one of the safest apps for video calling as it is built on WebRTC—or Web Real-Time Communication—a standard that allows voice, video, and P2P file transfers without any additional plugins or software. Duo is not a spy app. As it has End-to-end Encryption by default so that no one can track your chats and calls, not even Google itself.
Do Both Parties Need Google Duo
Of Course Yes. Google Duo needs to be installed on both parties’ devices i.e, The caller device as well as the receiver device. One can use a web app for accessing video calls too.
Is Duo Free For International Call
Google Duo is a free voice and video calling application. So you can call anybody without hesitation. Data charges may vary. But with the help of data Saver features, you don’t need to worry about access data charges.
How Much Data Does Duo Uses Hourly?
According to reports Google Duo just uses as much as 8MB of data per minute. Which is surprisingly lower than we thought it would be!.
Can Google Duo Be Used On A PC?
Yes of course! You can use Google Duo on PC. You just need to open the Google Duo web version in your favorite desktop browser. From the website, you have to click the “Try Duo for web” button. Fill up necessary blocks and that’s it. You can use Duo on a PC.