Google merged its famous communication app Google Meet and Google Duo under the name of Google Meet. On June 1, 2022 on Google Workplace Updated, which is the blog used for official feed of the Google Workspace team announced to merge GOOGLE MEET and Google Duo and bringing the features of Meet into Duo.
Quick Overview:
- Google Meet
Google Meet is a platform for video conferences previously known as Google Hangouts. It was released and developed by Google in 2017. It is now available to everyone for free, when previously it was only accessible to enterprise customers. GOOGLE MEET is accessible via the web, Android and iOS mobile devices, and tablets. Google Meet is primarily developed as a tool to host video meetings. However, you can enable the camera and microphone independently, so you may just use it for voice calls if you like.
How to use:
GOOGLE MEET can organize your informal calls and invite your loved ones. You can send them a link that they click on, or they can join by entering in your meeting code. The fact that Google Meet requires no desktop program installation is one of its best features. The only need for the GOOGLE MEET call is that, everyone must be on it, including the host and participants. Moreover, they must use a current web browser.
- Google Duo
Introduced in 2016, Google Duo is a free video chat app. It lets you send video calls, voice calls and messages. GOOGLE DUO is available in Android, iOS, and web browsers. Through this app, one can make individual or group video call, voice call, and can send messages, videos, pictures as well as voice notes. Other prominent features of Google Duo include knock knock feature, group calls up to 32 people worldwide and end-to-end encryption.
How to use: After the installation from Play store or Apple App store, GOOGLE DUO allows you to place voice or video calls. All calls are placed via a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Your mobile minutes are not used for calls. It may cost money to use your mobile data. Just open the GOOGLE DUO app, dial the number or search contact of your choice and do what you want.
What changes it bring?
According to Google Cloud Blog which is the most trusted source that issue news and updated regarding Google, the enhanced features after the GOOGLE MEET DUO MERGE 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 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
Further Features:
According to GOOGLE NEWS further features include:
- By deactivating the Additional Google services control, you can control the Duo video calling access features.
- Keep Google Meet on to prevent users from losing the access of the meeting.
- Users over 18 can have an access of GOOGLE DUO calling features. On the other hand, if someone wants to restrict the app from under 18 users than turn the Google additional control off.
Reason of Merging?
There is no doubt that Google spent hefty amount in the development of both of its communication platform that is GOOGLE MEET and Google Duo. However, the reason of merging is non-other than money. Google Meet is facing tough competition from a video conferencing app zoom which got popularity due to the covid-19 pandemic and had majority of users. Apart from money, GOOGLE MEET AND DUO MERGE is an initiative by Google to make their services more reliable an efficient to their users.
How to use it?
If you already use Duo, make sure you have the most recent version of Duo loaded on your device rather than downloading a new GOOGLE MEET or Google Duo app. If you enable the auto-update option than, Google will automatically update the Duo app in other case updates the app to the latest version. For web users Google Meet will remain on its current position.
From when it is applicable?
Everyone will soon see the new icon of GOOGLE MEET in their devices around September. If one does not have the access of the application than they can install it from their respective Google play store or Apple app Store.