Looks like Duo is getting a little feature boost. Google’s video calling app is getting an audio only function – so basically FaceTime-ish.
Although, Facetime can only be used between iOS platforms, Duo works on iOS and Android. Also, FaceTime on the iPhone is built into the dialer, but Duo is a standalone app that isn’t yet connected to the Android OS.
This was announced on Twitter. To use the new audio feature, open the Google Duo app and toggle the top switch from video to audio.
https://twitter.com/juberti/status/851322737075167232
Up until now, Duo only allows video chat. Now, with audio only option you can save data or battery. It’s also said to be much better for places with low bandwidth connections, even on 2G.
great for users with low bandwidth connections; tested to work even on 2G networks. Also great for calls in noisy/public locations
— Justin Uberti (@juberti) April 11, 2017
Duo uses either Wi-Fi or cellular data to make calls – so it’s handy when you are out of service range but managed to get internet connection. Although this seems rather similar to Google Hangouts, Duo is still a more focused, mobile-first option.
yes. Quality should be better than typical phone calls and use less bandwidth on slow networks
— Justin Uberti (@juberti) April 11, 2017
Hangouts also seems to be a more desktop and business focused approach, if the tweet below is any indication.
Google's messaging strategy, simplified. pic.twitter.com/23UPXabQ6c
— BrendΞn Mulligan (@mulligan) March 9, 2017
With this little update – it’s curious to where exactly Google’s strategy for communication apps are. WIll they build out? Will there be more features? Will Allo and Duo be integrated? We have no answers – so we wait.
