Google Duo: Android’s answer to FaceTime

Whilst iOs users default video chat app is FaceTime, Android is swamped with a sea of often complex video chat apps to chose from. This is where Google is steep in with Duo. Offering a simple interface (for both iOS and Android), this app is the closest thing to FaceTime for Android users that we’ve ever seen.

The experience is similar to Snapchat and Instagram stories, but the app uses your phone contact list not your gmail contacts as initial set up is done via your phone number not your Google account.

Simplicity really is the name of the game with this app. During the call you’ll see your friend’s face on the main screen, with yours on a small circle in the bottom left corner. There are options to mute, flip the camera and hang up but that’s all.

Google do spice the app up with the innovative ‘Knock Knock’ feature. With ‘Knock Knock’ the call recipient will see (not hear) you via your front facing camera, to encourage gesture and facial expressions.

Google state: ‘We designed Duo to feel warm and inviting, focused on just you and the person you’re calling. To make calls feel more like an invitation rather than an interruption, we created a feature in Duo called Knock Knock which lets you see live video of your caller before you answer, giving you a sense of what they’re up to and why they want to chat. Knock Knock makes video calling more spontaneous and welcoming, helping you connect with the person before you even pick up.”

All calls are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring your privacy and security. Pre-register for Google Duo here. 

Google Duo will work on any Android handset, including the Samsung Galaxy S7, BlackBerry Dtek50 and Sony Xperia XA Ultra.

Tags: apps, google, google duo