Madhurima
SAN FRANCISCO: In these dire circumstances which involve lockdowns and pandemic, people are taking solace in video calls. Hence, Google announced a couple of new features for its audio as well as video calling app, Google Duo. This includes engaging in video calls through google's web browser, Chrome.
In the coming weeks, you will be able to make group calls with Duo on the web, starting as a preview on Chrome, alongside a brand new layout that allows you to see more people at the same time.
Also Read: Privacy Is Being Maintained, There Is No Security Breach: Aarogya Setu App
"To make getting together easier, you'll even be able to invite anyone with a Google account to hitch a group call with just a link," Google said on Friday.
Another new Family Mode feature will let users doodle on video calls for everyone to see and surprise them with fun effects and masks.
The Duo users don't have to worry about accidental mutes or hang-ups because Google has hidden those buttons as people play together.
"This new family mode is available when signed into Duo along with your Google account," the corporate said on Friday.
In addition to bringing masks and effects to the Family Mode, Google said it's also bringing them to any one-on-one video calls on Android and iOS — starting this current week.
"We're also rolling out more effects and masks that assist you to express yourself, from wearing heart glasses to transitioning into a flower," said Google.
Last month, the search engine giant unrolled a brand new video codec technology to enhance video call quality and reliability, even on very low-bandwidth connections.
The company also allowed users to click an image during a video call.
Google has increased its participant limit on video calls to 12 users and soon will further increase the limit.
Google is additionally adding a feature which will now automatically save video and voice messages that previously expired after 24 hours.
Also Read: Apple Plans On Letting You Unlock iPhones Even With A Face Mask!
Every week, over 10 million new people are signing up for Duo, and in many countries, call minutes have increased by over ten-fold, as per the corporate.
