Leak suggests Google Duo will get group calling, low light mode

While Google is still trying to figure out what its unified messaging app is going to be, the company seems to be putting the work into making Google Duo app a bit more useful for its users. Android Police reports on new features coming to the service that could introduce group calling as well as a low-light mode. So far, it looks like group calls can include as much as eight people in total (including you). There will be a “Create a Group” option that will let you choose who to add to calls. You can even rename the group. But once the call starts, you will not be able to add any more users.

Aside from this, the app might be getting a low-light mode. The app will reportedly “automatically [adjust] your video in dark environments so others can see you better.” There isn’t word yet when these will be officially coming, but with testing underway we might see it soon.

Google Duo hits 1 billion downloads on Google Play

Back in May of this year, Google’s video chat app Duo reached 500 million installations. Six months later the app has reached the billion-download mark. This comes both from people who installed the app as well as those that get the app pre-installed on its phones. Duo launched around the same time as Allo, the latter wasn’t quite as successful as the former. Allo will be shutting down in March 2019. 

Source: Phone Arena 

Google Phone app finally gets ‘video call’ option enabled

Google Phone and Duo have since the Pixel 2 launch allowed for a more seamless video call integration from the former to the latter. But the option to access this feature hasn’t been available, until now. Android Police reports that the feature seems to be live already. You can now see a Video Call option while you try to make a normal phone call. When you tap on this option, it’ll launch Duo on your end. The person you’re trying to call though will need to have their phone unlocked for Duo to launch on their end. When you are able to connect, it’ll disconnect the phone call and connect you to the video one. The feature is currently rolling out so just wait for it to head your way.

Google starts to integrate video calling to its built-in Phone, Contacts, and Android Messages apps

Here’s something Android users might be feeling envious over iOS users: the ability to start video calls right from Phone and Messages app. Google users, specifically those who have Pixel, Nexus, and Android One users, will soon be able to video call right from Phone, Contacts, and Android Messages apps.

To make this possible, Google is using its Duo video calling service and the ViLTE standard. The latter is an extension of the current VoLTE standard, which focuses on better video call quality over an LTE network. By default, video calls will be routed through ViLTE. That is if your carrier supports that standard. If they don’t, Google will route it through Duo. This means, you’ll need to have Duo installed and activated on your device. You also need to have the latest versions of the aforementioned apps. Later this year, Google also plans to give you the option to upgrade a voice call to a video call.

Source: Android Authority