Google rolls out new video call app ‘Duo’

Video calling will soon be as simple as dialing a phone number with “Duo,” a simple one-to-one video calling app that only requires users a Google account and Internet connection.

The latest of Google’s apps for iOS and Android, Duo promises users with a simplified video calling experience sans the requirements imposed by other social media apps.

“Duo is simple from start to finish,” Google said in an official blog post.

“To get started, all you need is your phone number and you’ll be able to reach people in your phone’s contacts list. No separate account is required, so you can sign up in just a few steps. From there, you can instantly begin a video call with a single tap.”

Google Duo features

Another feature that sets Duo apart from other video-calling apps like Facebook Messenger, Skype, WeChat or Viber is its “Knock Knock” feature.

“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.”

Duo also promises users with fast and reliable video connection that works even on slow and erratic Internet connection.

“We all know how it feels when a call fails to connect or when video gets choppy. We’ve built Duo to be fast and reliable, so that video calls connect quickly and work well even on slower networks.

“Call quality adjusts to changing network conditions to keep you connected — when bandwidth is limited, Duo will gracefully reduce the resolution to keep the call going smoothly.

“For video calls on the go, Duo will switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data automatically without dropping your call. You can start your call at home, and continue seamlessly even when you head out the door.

Google has started the rollout of Duo for Android and iOS Tuesday but the new video-calling app is yet to be available for download worldwide.

WATCH: Meet Google Duo, a new way to video call