Getting to know Google Duo

Milk & cookies. Tom & Jerry. A pair of socks. Inseparable things that are better together. Google wanted to emphasize the value of your close relationships and how you can maintain these no matter the distance with technology. The star of the tech giant’s latest event? It’s Google Duo app. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. It’s Google’s answer to Skype and even Facebook Messenger’s own video calling feature.

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While I’ve had the app installed in my phone, I haven’t really gotten around to using it. Google hosted a small event to let us put Duo through its paces. We completed challenges in escape rooms by talking through the app; there was even a Pinoy Henyo round, where the guessing game had to be done with, of course, Duo. One of the best ways to demonstrate how something works is through getting to use the product. During the event, the tech giant also introduced another inseparable pair to represent the product, Monster RX 93.1’s hosts of The Morning Rush, DJs Chico Garcia and Gino Quillamor.

Here’s what we learned about this very simple yet useful app.

• It’s a free video calling app for everyone. The app isn’t just for Android users but for iOS users, too. And cross-platform calling is certainly allowed.
• It’s not for group chats. If you’re looking to start group video chats, this isn’t the app for you. The app focuses on one-on-one video calls.
• All you need is a phone number. Getting started with Duo is a very simple affair. All you need is a phone number and you’re good to go. You can reach anyone in your address book who’s also on the app, for those who aren’t, you can invite them to start using Duo.

• Peek before you answer. Duo has what Google calls a Knock Knock feature, which shows you a live video preview of the person calling. It lets you know exactly what the other person is doing. And as Chico and Gino joked around that if your significant other calls and looks slightly annoyed, Knock Knock helps brace you for the call or lets you know not to answer it. Knock Knock only works with people in your contact list and can be turned off if you don’t like it.
• Switches between Wi-Fi and cellular calls. During the event, Wi-Fi connectivity was a bit of an issue. Thankfully, there was also cellular data. That in a way showed to us the way Duo switches between the networks without dropping the call. It takes a while before Duo tries to drop the call. It’ll even switch video off but keep audio alive just to keep the conversation going.
• Promised security. So, how does Google handle security with Duo? Google promises all calls are end-to-end encrypted.