Google Duo and Google Meet are the two most notable choices often used interchangeably for video calling.
Google has confirmed that it is merging its two disparate video calling apps – Duo and Meet – into a single application. It’s already been a long time since the tech giant last updated both its services.
The head of Google Workspace, Javier Soltero, says, “What’s been important is understanding how people choose what tool they’re going to use, for what purpose, in what circumstance.”
Over the last couple of years, Meet has become a powerful platform for meetings and group chats of all kinds, while Duo has stayed more of a messaging app. Google promises it’s bringing all of Duo’s features in the future, and it also seems convinced that it can provide an impeccable combination of both in the new platform.
Upcoming features to Duo include:
- Customize virtual backgrounds in calls and meetings
- Schedule meetings so everyone can join at a time that’s convenient for them
- Use in-meeting chat for deeper engagement
- Live share content to enable interaction with all participants on the call
- Get real-time closed captions to better support accessibility and boost participation
- Increase the size of video calls from a current limit of 32 to 100 participants
- Integrate with other tools, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Assistant, Messages and more
