Download Google Duo APK Free on Android
In order to simplify video calls, Google has decided to launch Duo. It is a video calling application designed to compete more effectively with Facetime, Skype, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. As you can see, users already have a plethora of apps and not the least, as they are all offered by web giants. However, Google Duo takes advantage of Google’s massive ecosystem and has a lot more to offer than its competitors.
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Download Google Duo for Android
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(8,049,750 votes)Google LLC Developer | Updated on 09/01/2021
What is Google Duo?
Created by the Mountain View firm, Google Duo is a free video and audio calling application. Unlike FaceTime which only runs on Apple OS, it works on Android and iOS devices. It is thanks to your phone number that the application can work. It then allows you to contact people who are on your contact list.
In addition, the tool uses an end-to-end encryption system to ensure optimal confidentiality. Above all, the platform has many clever features like Knock Knock which offers you the possibility of seeing the live video of your correspondent before answering the call.
All the reasons to choose Google Duo over another application
Google Duo offers many significant advantages that make it a solution of choice. Of course, some of its features aren’t new, but Google has thought about giving it a few extras that could make the difference.
One of the biggest strengths of Google Duo is its great simplicity. Indeed, the interface of the application is very simple. To call, you just have to press a small button and the list of your contacts will be displayed. It’s intuitive, simple and efficient. In addition, the application offers users encrypted conversations. These will remain confidential and no one will have access to them, not even the firm itself. This gives you the guarantee of total respect for your privacy.
In addition, Google Duo relies on a phone number as is the case with WhatsApp. So to use it, you don’t need to have a Gmail address or Google account. Everything goes through the phone number, which means that without a SIM card, you will not be able to use the service even if you have access to Wifi.
Thanks to this type of connection, however, your conversation will never be interrupted. Even if you start chatting with your contacts by connecting to the Wifi of your internet box and then you go out, the cellular network will automatically take over. In other words, Duo is able to switch from one connection to another automatically without the user realizing it.
If your device is unable to receive 4G, 3G or 2G, the application will continue to function. If you had network access when you made your video call, you can still continue to have an audio conversation.
Knock Knock, the functionality that makes the difference
The Knock Knock feature is undoubtedly the feature that sets Google Duo apart from the competition. This is a feature that lets you see who is video calling you before you even take the call. However, this function is only operational with your contacts.
Either way, no stranger will have the idea of video calling you directly for no good reason. Thanks to this feature, you will be able to distinguish several details that relate to the person calling you and in particular where he is. Afterwards, you can decide between accepting or rejecting the call. You have 30 seconds to make up your mind. Once this time has elapsed, the call will be refused automatically.
According to Google, if you know in advance who is calling you and from where, you can get some idea of their state of mind. This will give you the opportunity to prepare yourself for the context of the discussion. To deactivate the functionality, go to the “Parameters” menu of the application. You will then find the option “Manage preferences” to be able to access the button “Disable Knock Knock. “
Additional features available on Google Duo
Google Duo also offers additional features that make it a popular application:
- “Snapshot” functionality: With Google Duo, users can capture the moment with the “snapshot” functionality during a video call. It can be used in place of manual screenshots. The button that relates to this feature is located in the lower left corner. By tapping on it, you will take a picture of the two streams and it will be shared automatically to all participants in the conversation.
- Capture the moment of group sharing: Our meetings have particularly changed because of the Covid-19. Thanks to new technologies, you can now enjoy the pleasures of sharing a video session with friends while preparing dinner or watching a loved one blow out their birthday candles through a video call. When making a group video call, Google Duo gives you the ability to quickly snap a photo together so you can capture the moment on tablets, smartphones, and Chromebooks. Everyone, including chat members, will automatically receive the photos taken.
- Send personalized messages: With Google Duo, sending personalized voice and video messages will be easier. You can share photos to simple notes with doodles or text. You can say “I think of you” or “I miss you” by choosing one of the latest AR (augmented reality) effects.
Zoom on how Google Duo works
To be able to use Google Duo, first download the app on your Android or iOS device. You need to agree to Google’s privacy policy and terms of service. You will also need to indicate whether or not Duo can send you notifications, have access to your camera and your microphone. Then verify your number and type in the one-time verification code you received by SMS. Once all these steps are completed, the main interface of the application will be displayed.
Duo’s main interface is a screen that splits in two. On the top half are the images captured by your camera. The lower part will show the contacts or groups you have a video call session with. At the top of the menu is a search bar that gives you access to settings.
Every time you open the app, you will see your camera view and the search bar. Below will be displayed the groups and contacts. To start making a video call, all you have to do is enter the name of the contact you intend to call in the search bar. A list will appear and you will find the name that you just have to select. In the center, at the bottom of the screen, the “Video call” icon will appear. Tap on it to initiate the call.
In addition, you can manage your preferences on Google Duo. In the main interface of the application, in the upper right corner, is the button with three horizontal dots through which you will find options to access Privacy, Settings, Comments and Help. In the Parameter option, you will be able to make several changes like deactivating the low light mode or the Toc Tock mode.
You can initiate Duo calls from a browser. To do this, simply go to duo.google.com. Then verify your number and you can use the app in your browser instead.