Started to merge Google Duo with Meet on Android

About a month ago, Google announced the merging of its two applications Meet and Duo. In particular, the features of Meet would be added in Duo, with the latter being later renamed as “Meet”. The merger now it is practically underway. In fact, the “Phase 1”, which includes in-app virtual backgrounds, text chats during the meeting, real-time subtitles and up to 100 attendees. The next step, however, will see the Duo app renamed to Google Meet with the icon already existing (this change will take place during the year).

After updating to the latest version (169.0.459621665.duo.android_20220612.16_p6), some users have seen a tab just below the search field saying “Duo is getting better still”. Attached is this Google support article explaining the changes and functions that characterize the “new” application. Among them, the button that was previously used to call has now been renamed as “New”. Pressing it, two options will appear: “Create a new meeting” and “Schedule in Google Calendar”. The latter option, according to the company, is something increasingly sought after by consumers.

The item “Create a new meeting”, on the other hand, provides a link to meet.google.com with options to copy, share and join the meeting. This, among other things, will appear on the home screen inserted in the new “Meetings” section, which will list all the events scheduled from your calendar. Also, before starting any meeting, Google will show a privacy page where it is highlighted the abandonment of end-to-end encryption, with the exception of 1: 1 calls and group videos. In particular, the application will take advantage of cloud encryption to keep user conversations private. Unlike end-to-end encryption, this type of encryption allows you to use multiple features like live chat and subtitles.