Soon, you can make group video calls on Google Duo
What's the story
Google's dedicated video calling app, Google Duo, is getting a couple of new features that many had been waiting for. According to Android Police, Google is testing a group calling feature, as well as a low light mode for night-time video calls. With Apple's FaceTime supporting 32-people group video calls, Google Duo had been lagging behind in terms of group calling functionality. Here's more.
Information
It has been over two years since Duo was launched
Google Duo was launched in August 2016 for Android and iOS, and allows users to make high-definition video calls even on weak connections. End-to-end encryption is enabled by default, and the app has over one billion downloads on Google Play.
Group calls
What we know about Duo's upcoming group video call feature
Both the aforementioned features had long been rumored, but the confirmation came only recently. While it's unclear when the features will be released, Google Duo will soon allow group video calls supporting up to seven people. However, reportedly, once a group video call is made, more people cannot be added to the group mid-call.
How to
Making a group call on Google Duo is simple
Making a group video call on Google Duo is fairly simple. One simply has to create a group in the app from one's contacts before making a call. Multiple groups can be created, and these groups can be easily accessed as they appear in a user's contact list right at the top.
Low light mode
What we know about the low light mode
While group calling was a highly sought-after feature, Duo's upcoming low light mode is less exciting. When a caller is in a room or a setting that is dark, the option to enable low light mode automatically pops up on screen. The feature adjusts videos for dark environments so others can see a caller better. It's unknown when the feature will be launched.