Google Duo might merge with Google Meet

Google has a habit of developing overlapping apps and services, especially when it comes to messaging and calls. There was a time we had Google Allo, Meet, and Duo, to name a few. Allo is already gone. But now, it seems Duo might meet the same fate. Reports claim the company might merge the two video chat apps as their features overlap more and more. And with video conferencing tools on the rise, because COVID-19 has kept a lot of us home, Google Meet is emerging as the video chat app of choice.

Initially, Meet and Duo served somewhat different functions. Duo was supposed to be the calling app, which worked alongside the now-defunct Allo messaging service. And Meet is Google's video conferencing offering. But slowly, Duo has started to get more of Meet (and competitor Zoom's features), including the gradual increase of users from eight to 32 people and the option to join calls via a link.

It isn't known or verified when Google might merge the apps. It could take as long as two years. 9to5Google's report claims some essential Duo features need to be added to Meet before the app can be shut down. These functions include end-to-end encryption, phone number integration, and 3D effects.

Source: Android Police