Google has upped the ante with the launch of a one-button video-calling app called Duo. The announcement came yesterday and the app is available on iOS and Android.
Recall that the company first unveiled the app during the Google I/O conference earlier this year. The move indicates that the company is all geared up to compete head-to-head with Apple. Those interested can download the app from App Store or Google PlayStore. This, however, is slated to be a gradual roll out — so those who can't find the app yet will have to wait until it is available in their region.
The move appears to be a part of a bigger plan to create traction among users who have pledged loyalty to Apple’s services. Over the past few months, the search engine giant has offered many of its services such as Google Photos, Google Maps and Google Docs to iPhone users. Interestingly, all these apps were alternatives to Apple's apps i.e. Photos, Apple Maps and Notes, but support more devices including Windows PC, Mac, Android devices and iPhones.
According to Nick Fox, Google’s head of communication products, the main purpose of Duo is to promote video calling among android users instead of the usual voice calls. He added that enticing iPhone owners to use the app was the company’s secondary motive.
Google already allows users to video call through its messaging service, Hangouts. Duo is meant to make the experience simpler and convenient for smartphone users. One of the most interesting features of Duo is called Knock-Knock, which allows users to see the caller’s video before accepting and turning on their own camera.
“Apps tend to do best when they’re super-focused. But it’s harder for an app to do well if it tries to do everything, and does none of those things really well,” according to Nick Fox. “The idea is focus — do one thing very well. How it evolves over time, you know, we’ll see.”
Users are required to submit their phone number to sign up and the app sends a confirmation text. The company claims that the app is directly tied with the user’s contact list and phone number, implying that users won't have to maintain a separate contacts list.
“You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your call will connect, or if your friend is using the same type of device as you are,” Google said in a statement that appeared to be a veiled jab at Apple. “It’s no wonder that nearly half of U.S. adults never make video calls on mobile.”
While Android users are likely to use Duo for video calls. iPhone owners will not find it interesting enough to call their fellow iPhone users. Several industry pundits believe that Duo will be a hard sell, considering its late to the party with available services like Facebook Messenger, Skype, and FaceTime.