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Make free video calls using mobile phones or tablets

Make free video calls using mobile phones or tablets

Vote: (19 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Google Inc.

Version: 177.0.485451249.duo.android_20221002.73_p3

Works under: Android

Vote:

Program license

(19 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Google Inc.

177.0.485451249.duo.android_20221002.73_p3

Works under:

Android

Pros

  • Video calls have never been easier for Android users
  • Users can see who's initiating a chat on the other end
  • Intuitive and simple user interface

Cons

  • App doesn't do much more than video or audio calling
  • Compatible with iOS but doesn't offer much more than FaceTime

In simple terms, Google Duo is the Android equivalent to FaceTime on iOS. Users can download the app and begin video chatting with their friends in seconds. Duo gives Android users an excellent communication experience with a couple unique features. However, the app lacks the bells and whistles of communication apps like Facebook Messenger. Few apps will compete with Duo when it comes to simplicity.

Chat With Friends In Seconds, No Complications Involved

Dozens of apps allow users to place video and audio calls, but they're often bloated apps. Duo offers high-definition video and audio chatting without complications. When a user downloads the app, they can connect with friends in seconds. The Duo app is necessary to chat with other users, which shouldn't come as a surprise. Initiating a chat with connected users requires less than three touchscreen taps.

Without a doubt, the prized feature of Duo is Knock Knock. Knock Knock allows a user to see who's calling them on the other side. The caller's camera activates before the call is accepted, so recipients always know who they're about to see. At this point, Duo can claim Knock Knock as an exclusive feature, and it's quite a useful one. Cross-platform conversations are possible as the app is available for iOS users as well.

What's the catch?

For the most part, Duo doesn't come with many notable downsides. Google developed the app with stability and performance in mind. Users won't experience too many difficulties or sudden crashes while using the app. Then again, Duo is a simple, single-purpose app, and that's its greatest weakness. A user can place audio and video calls in seconds, but all other functionalities are absent from the platform.

Although Duo is available on iOS, Android users may struggle to convince their friends to download it. FaceTime is built into iOS, and users may not want to download a separate app to video chat with Android pals. It doesn't help that most people have Facebook Messenger installed on their device, either. For these reasons, Duo's cross-platform capabilities might go unused by the average iPhone owner.

Is it worth downloading?

If you already use another app for video and audio calls, then Google Duo might seem redundant. Adopting a new app, no matter how simple, is still an obstacle after all. Still, Duo succeeds at video and audio chatting with excellent performance and high quality calls. It's simplicity is its biggest asset, and Knock Knock is an incredible feature. Those that download Duo will be rewarded with a great calling app.

Pros

  • Video calls have never been easier for Android users
  • Users can see who's initiating a chat on the other end
  • Intuitive and simple user interface

Cons

  • App doesn't do much more than video or audio calling
  • Compatible with iOS but doesn't offer much more than FaceTime