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When we first got the updated version of Google Duo on our phones, we could Use Google Duo for Group Video Calls. Google raised the limit to 8 people at the halfway point of 2019. Now, as the COVID-19 outbreak makes it hard for people around the world to stay in touch with friends and family, the American tech giant has made it possible for users to have 12-person video calls.
FaceTime lets up to 32 people talk at once over video chat. But Duo works on both Android and iOS, so families or groups of friends who don’t all have iPhones can use it as an alternative to FaceTime. For example, my wife mostly uses Android, so she can’t join FaceTime calls that my other family members start on their iPhones. Everyone can join in the fun with Duo.
Steps to Use Google Duo for Group Video Calls
- Open the Google Duo app on your phone, tablet, or Chromebook, and make sure you’re signed in with your Google account.
- If you’ve never opened the app before, grant it permissions to access your phone’s microphone, camera, and contacts.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen
- Tap on the Create group button.
- Select the contacts you want to include in the group call, and then tap the big blue Done button at the bottom of the screen.
- Name your group call and tap Save.
- Tap the big blue Start call button at the bottom of the screen
When did Google Duo become Google Meet?
Google announced at the beginning of June 2022 that it would be combining Duo and Google Meet. The two video-calling apps were kind of competing with each other, so it makes sense to bring them together.
Then, at the beginning of August 2022, the merge began to happen. But, unfortunately, the process wasn’t as straightforward as we had hoped. The name of the Duo app has changed to Google Meet, but the Google Meet app is still working and is now called Google Meet (original).
All of Duo’s features have stayed the same, but Google has added all of Meet’s features to the app and given it a new name. On the other hand, not all of Duo’s features have been added to the original Meet, which is likely to be phased out at some point.
FAQ
Could you use Google Duo to make group video calls?
Yes, Google Duo lets up to 32 people talk on video at once (although this will go up to 100 when it merges with Meet). Tap “Create Group” at the bottom of the Google Duo screen and choose the people you want to add.
Is Google Duo better than FaceTime?
Apple is best known for its strong stance on privacy. Google, on the other hand, has a track record of collecting data. And the fact that you have to give Google Duo permissions to your contacts, camera, and microphone do feel a tad unnerving.
What is the difference between Google meet and Google Duo?
The Google Meet and Google Duo merger announced on June 2nd, 2022 has officially started. In the coming weeks, Google Duo will be rebranded as Google Meet, and will include all Google Meet features, combining video calls and meetings on mobile and web in “one connected solution”.
Is Google Duo discontinued?
Google Duo and Google Meet have combined into a new Meet app for video calling and meetings. The Google Duo app and icon are now Google Meet . Tip: For Meet (original) users, you can uninstall Meet (original) after you migrate to the new Meet app .