Google's video chatting app, Duo has crossed one billion downloads on the Google Play Store. Duo was launched in 2016 along with instant messaging app Allo. Duo hit 500 million downloads in just six months ago.
Google Duo lets users make video calls in high definition and is optimised for low-bandwidth networks. For security, the app is end-to-end encryption is enabled by default. The app automatically switches between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. A "Knock Knock" feature lets users see a live preview of the caller before answering. An update in April 2017 lets users worldwide make audio-only calls.
In 2018, the company also added Duo support for iPad, Android Tablet, Chromebook, and Smart Displays.
Earlier this month, Google announced to shut down ‘Allo’ and will continue to support and invest in Android’s default messaging app. The company has been working closely with the mobile industry to upgrade SMS so that people around the world can more easily enjoy group chats, share high-res photos, and get read receipts on any Android device.
With partnership of over 40 carriers and device makers, approx. 175 million users are now using Messages, every month.
“Earlier this year we paused investment in Allo and brought some of its most-loved features—like Smart Reply, GIFs and desktop support—into Messages. Given Messages’ continued momentum, we’ve decided to stop supporting Allo to focus on Messages,” said Matt Klainer, Vice President, Consumer Communications Products, Google.
Allo will continue to work through March 2019 and until then, Google will allow you to export all of your existing conversation history from the app.
