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 a few things to know 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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