Google to merge Duo, Meet into a single video calling app

Google is integrating its video calling app Duo with its videoconferencing app Meet. The tech giant said that Duo will be renamed Google Meet later this year, providing a single, free video communications service across Google.

Google said that before the app is renamed, it will be adding all the existing Meet features to Duo. With this is place, Duo users can schedule a video meeting at a time that works for everyone, or continue using video calling to instantly connect with a person or group.

The company said that the current video calling features from Duo will exist, including the ability to make video calls by phone number or email address, use of filters and effects, send messages, and ask Google Assistant to call using existing devices. All conversation history, contacts, and messages will continue to be saved in the app, meaning there will be no need to download new app but just download the latest update for these features.

Some of the enhanced features would include customisation of virtual backgrounds in calls and meetings; schedule meetings; usage of in-meeting chat for deeper engagement; live sharing of content to enable interaction with all participants on the call; getting real-time closed captions to better support accessibility and boost participation; increase size of video calls from a current limit of 32 to 100 participants; integration with other tools, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Assistant, Messages and more.

Google Meet have introduced more than 100 features and improvements since it has made Meet available to everyone in 2020. With the pandemic inciting people to pursue new communication tools, the company has stepped up investments in its video communications and digital collaboration tools.

This integration of Meet and Duo to form Google Meet might give competition to other video calling platforms like WhatsApp and FaceTime.