Google has released a simple video calling application called Google Duo for Android and iOS devices. Designed as a no frills rival to Facebook Messenger and Apple's FaceTime, the app was first announced at Google I/O in May and will begin to roll out in 78 languages over the next few days. To get started, users simply need to download the app and can instantly begin a video call with a single tap of the face of the person they want to call. Contacts without Duo can be invited over SMS with an app download link. For video calls on the go, Duo will switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data automatically without dropping the call, said Google.
The Android version of the app comes with an innovative feature called Knock Knock, which lets call recipients see live video of their caller before they answer, giving them a sense of what the caller is 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,” said Google in a statement.
