MANILA – Video calling is the next best thing to being in person, but it can often be too complex. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether you’re on Wi-Fi, or not, or if your friend is using the same type of device as you are. Google created Duo to be a simple one-to-one video calling app that brings you face to face with everyone you care about.
At the launch of the Google Duo app at SM Aura’s SMX Convention Center, members of the media were invited to try out the app through a series of puzzles spread across four rooms. The press were divided into pairs and were tasked to use Google Duo to communicate and receive instructions on how to solve each problem. Upon the completion of those tasks, the pairs were then to use Google Duo in a guessing game revolving around famous duos.
Media guests join TeamAsia’s Bea Lim (center) during the launch of Google Duo
8 Things to Know about Duo
A video calling app for everyone: Duo is a mobile-only app available for Android and iOS devices.
Phone-number based: Duo is based on your phone number, so you can reach everyone in your phonebook without creating an account.
Knock Knock feature: With Knock Knock, you can see a live video preview of the person calling you, and why they’re calling, before you even pick up. Knock Knock only works with people in your contact list, and can be turned off.
Wi-Fi and cellular calling: Duo seamlessly transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, so you can start a call on one network, and switch to another without dropping your call.
1:1 video calling: Duo is focused on 1:1 video calling, rather than group calling.
Lightning fast video: We optimized every aspect of a video call, so that calls connect faster than most other video calling apps and audio and video stays in sync, even on slower networks.
Built to handle slower networks: Works well on slower networks, such as those in emerging markets, and can degrade gracefully to 2G.
Secure: All calls are end-to-end encrypted.
Here are a few features to try when you’re testing out Duo:
Wi-Fi/cellular handoff: Start a call on Wi-Fi and switch to a cellular network (try starting a call on your home Wi-Fi and then disable Wi-Fi in settings)
Performance on varying qualities of networks: Place a call while you’re traveling (passenger of a car, on a train) to see how Duo performs on inconsistent cellular connection
Knock Knock: Receive an incoming call with Knock Knock turned on (default setting) to see live video preview of other caller. Preview will show for max 30 seconds before call disconnects or you pick-up. Note – Knock Knock currently only works on the lock screen for incoming calls on Android devices.
Cross-platform: Call an iOS device from an Android device, and vice versa.
