Google to merge Duo and Meet

Google said that it is merging Duo, its video calling app, with its video conferencing app Meet. The Duo app will be renamed Google Meet, creating a single, free video communications service across Google.

Prior to it, Google will add the current Google Meet features to Duo, enabling Duo users to schedule meetings ahead of time, customize virtual backgrounds, use in-meeting chat, and get real-time closed captions, among other things.

The existing calling features of Duo aren't going anywhere, including the ability to start a video call using a phone number or email address.

Google VP Javier Soltero said in a blog post: “This integrated experience will provide users with a single solution for both video calling and meetings with people across their lives.” All conversation history, contacts' and messages will continue to be saved in the app, and there will be no new app to download.

Google recently introduced features like group calls for up to 32 people; doodles and fun effects with family mode; and video calling on tablets, foldables, smart devices, and TVs for Duo. Google has rolled out more than 100 features and improvements.