Google is once again renewing its messaging efforts, this time by combining Meet and Duo into a single application.
Duo is the popular video calling app that Google released in 2016. Meanwhile, Meet is the company’s more comprehensive offering that supports multiple platforms and is positioned as a competitor to Zoom and Teams. Google now merges the two apps and mixes the Duo’s base with Meet’s name.
Google’s messaging efforts can best be described as a chaotic mess. We’ve got an overview of the company’s decade and a half with poor decision making in the communications area. Google has launched, promoted and then killed more messaging products than most people can handle.
Read more: How does Google Duo compare to WhatsApp, Skype and other rivals?
Google Meet and Duo will be … Meet
With this latest messaging shakeup, Google is clearly trying to reassure users that the transition will go smoothly and that they will not lose anything:
In the coming weeks, we’ll be adding all the Google Meet features to the Duo app, so users can easily schedule a video meeting at a time that works for everyone, or continue using video calls to instantly connect with an individual or group. Later this year, we will be renaming the Duo app to Google Meet, our single cross-Google video communication service available to anyone at no cost.
There is no need to download a new app, if you are a Duo user, just make sure you have the latest version of Duo installed on your device.
Standardization on Duo’s code base also provides a clear insight into Google’s plans. As a mobile-first app, the Duo is a core part of the Android ecosystem. As part of the collection of Google Mobile Services (GMS), it is actually a required component for any business that uses Google’s standard Android OS on their devices. In contrast, users have to manually download Meet.
Also see: How to use Google Meet
By migrating Meets features to the Duo and then changing the name, Google will be able to take advantage of the Duo’s wide range. If successful, it can help drive the all-new Meet to whole new heights.