The era of switching between different apps to make video calls will soon be over thanks to a major update from Google.
The software giant has announced that it is bringing its Google Meet video conferencing tool together with its more consumer-focused Duo platform into a single platform.
The move will give users "a single, integrated solution for video calls and meetings," Google says, the Duo app, first released in 2016, rebranded as Google Meet later in 2022.
Google Meet and Duo
For starters, users will see Google Meet features appear in Duo over the next few weeks, including the ability to schedule video conferences and customize virtual backgrounds in calls and meetings.
With the move, a range of Google Meet features will also be available to Duo users, including in-meeting chat, live content sharing, real-time captions, automatic light settings and noise cancellation, as well as voice calls. Larger size with up to 100 participants can now join a call.
Duo users will still be able to use the app, which Google says will retain all the tools that made it so popular, including making calls through a phone number or email address, using filters and effects, sending messages and the Google Assistant request to call using existing devices.
The chat history, contacts and messages of all Duo users will continue to be saved in the app, Google added, and there will be no new apps to download or additional fees to pay.
The company noted that Google Workspace users can continue to use Meet on the web or on mobile devices as long as the Meet service is enabled in the admin console.
"Recent years have accelerated and deepened our use of video communications to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, learn new things, celebrate milestones and even welcome new family members," wrote Javier Soltero, vice president and CEO of Google Workspace. in a blog post (opens in a new tab) announcing the news.
"Video communications is a major area of focus for us, and you'll continue to see our investments in Google Meet to help people connect, collaborate, and share experiences across any device, at home, school, and work."