Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG,NASDAQ:GOOGL) has a new video calling app called Google Duo.
The new Google Duo app is Alphabet’s answer to Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) FaceTime app. The tech company takes a subtle stab at FaceTime by noting that users don’t have to worry about “if your friend is using the same type of device as you are.”
Here are
about the new Google Duo video calling app.
- The new app only handles calls between two people, which means no video party chats.
- The app has a small circle in the bottom left corner to show users how the other person in the call sees them.
- Users only need to provide their phone number to sign up for the app, as it doesn’t require the creation of a new account.
- It uses the “Contacts” list from a person phone for calls.
- Google Duo can automatically switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to keep the call going.
- Video calls will automatically drop in resolution when bandwidth is limited to keep them from getting choppy.
- The “Knock Knock” feature in the app lets users see the person on the other end of the call before it starts.
- However, it doesn’t work with iOS devices unless the app is already up.
- Users of the app also have the option of disabling the Knock Knock feature whenever they choose.
- All calls made through the app are end-to-end encrypted.
- It is currently rolling out on Android and iOS devices.
- The app will be available across the world in the next few days.
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