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

Viber brings video calling to iOS and Android apps

If you are looking for a Skype or FaceTime alternative, Viber is finally giving you that on your phones. Video calling is making its way out of Viber’s desktop application into iOS and Android apps. It supposedly works even if the connection strength isn’t that good. Viber said you would need to make voice calls first before setting up video calls. Once in a video call though, you still have the option to send text messages or transfer the call to your desktop if you want to. iOS users need to have an iPhone 4S with iOS 7 or later. Meanwhile, Android users need Android 4.0 or later device, at least 1.3-megapixels for the front-facing camera, and 1.5GB of RAM or more. Both need to have Viber 5.0 or later versions as well.

Source: Viber

Video Hangouts don’t need Google+ accounts anymore

A small but significant update makes its way to Hangouts app this week. Users who want to join multi-way video calls no longer need to have Google+ accounts to use them. It works for both iOS and Android. But this isn’t the only update coming for Hangouts, Google is planning to refresh the messaging service further. We’ll keep you posted on other changes.

Source: Google | Via: Android Central