Google Duo adds Family Mode, web-based calls, its limit for users to 12

Google Duo has raised its game by introducing the family mode and other features to make video chats with loved ones livelier.

The family mode lets users communicate with their family members and friends in a more relaxed way.

This happens along with AR features where filters can be used. The opportunity to doodle while the conversation is still going on is also made possible on the app. Users can also virtually dress up with masks and filters. These are also available for one-on-one users.

Google Duo has also come with a unique effect on Mothers’ Day.

The feature is available for both iPhone and Android users and is end to end encrypted, the blog noted.

“Although the physical separation has been hard for all of us, Google Duo makes it easier to let the family know how much we miss them, show off our latest artwork and just act silly together as we would in person,” Humberto Castaneda Product Manager, Google Duo noted in a blog post.

The interface hides the hang-up and mute buttons so that children don’t randomly hang up family calls.

Formerly, Duo was intended only for one-on-one chats, but only last month, it expanded its limit for users to 12.

Jane Manchun Wong, a reverse engineering specialist, tipped off the launch for the potential upcoming feature on Twitter. Wong posted an image on Twitter, which showed Duo’s feature “Reachable with an email address” toggle on the Google Duo app.

Google has confirmed that it is, in reality, testing the feature with Google Duo. People can now make video calls by just using email ids. It is likely to be worked out in the coming weeks.

A report by 9to5Google declared that Google allowed the use of Duo without having to link the phone number to Google account. The article also stated that making calls is desirable if one does not have a GSuite account, but receiving calls is not possible.

Moreover, the option to invite more people by just sending links will also be made possible.

“To make getting together more comfortable, you’ll also be able to invite anyone with a Google account to connect a group call with just a link,” Google stated in a blog post.

In addition to this, group calls will be made available on Google Duo on the web. This will be first made possible for Chrome users. A new layout will be allowed for users that will let them see more people at the same time.

Earlier this week, Google added a feature to Google Meet wherein users can join a chat by using just their email ids. The collaboration of Google Meet and Gmail was designed for G Suite users to make it more comfortable for them to switch between Gmail and video.