UPDATE: Google Duo is now available. Android users can get it from the Play Store here, while iPhone owners can download from the App Store here.
After making its debut in May, Google’s Duo app is finally ready to launch.
Google Duo is launching today on both Android and iOS. The app will be available worldwide in the coming days.
The goal of Duo is to offer super simple one-to-one video calling. You use your phone number, so you don’t need a separate account to use Duo, and once you’ve set the app up, you can start a video call with one tap.
Google says that Duo can adjust call quality based on your network condition. For example, if you get onto a poor connection, the app will drop your resolution to keep the call going smoothly. The app can also automatically switch between Wi-Fi can cellular without dropping the call.
Another highlight feature of Duo is Knock Knock. With it, you can see a live video of the person calling you before you answer so that you know exactly what to expect and you can decide whether or not to answer a call, all by just looking at your phone’s display.
Finally, Google says that all Duo calls are end-to-end encrypted for your privacy and security.
There are already several video calling options available on the market, including Apple’s FaceTime and Microsoft’s Skype. With Duo, Google thinks that it can attract users by offering an app that works across Android and iOS and has a simple, fast user interface. Now that Duo is finally launching, we can see if those features are enough to help Duo fight the video calling services that are already on the market.
Will you give Google Duo a try?
