Google integrates direct video calling on Android devices
What's the story
Google is "simplifying" video calling on Android mobiles, making it an "integrated part" of the devices so that users can directly start video calls from Phone, Contacts, and Messages apps. "Video call" would be listed in the options from where users make calls/send texts. Android phones would now have the ability to make video calls without switching apps just like iPhones. Read more!
Quote
Google Product Manager Jan Jedrzejowicz's statement
On the company's blog, Jedrzejowicz wrote: "Video calling brings you face to face with your family and friends, whether you're in the same city or thousands of miles away. We want to make it even easier to start a video call from your Android device."
Video Calls
Video calls made through ViLTE for increased call quality
Video calls now made on Android devices would be routed through the carrier's high-quality video channel, ViLTE (video over LTE), an extension of VoLTE. Devices need to have the latest version of apps into which video calling is integrated. Also, Google would later add a function to allow users to upgrade an ongoing voice call to video call with just a single tap.
Duo App
Google also incorporates its Duo video calling service
In case an Android user's mobile carrier does not have or support ViLTE video calling service, Google would link the video calls made on the device through its Duo one-to-one video-calling app. However, to start using this feature, both the caller and the person receiving the call should have the Duo app installed and activated on their phones.
Android Devices
Google still working to bring feature to most phones
Google will be first rolling out the video calling feature to its first-generation Pixel, Android One and Nexus smartphones. It would also be available on Pixel 2 devices out-of-the-box. Google is working with mobile carriers and device partners to make the feature available on other Android phones. However, no specific timeline was given, so other Android users may have to wait a little longer.