Google launches Duo in phased manner, yet to be available in India

Duo, Google's new messenger that was announced at Google I/O earlier this year, is finally being rolled out for iOS and Android smartphones. However, it is not yet available for download in India. When searched on Apple App Store, the Duo app is not yet listed. However, on Google Play Store, the Duo app is listed with 'coming soon' tag. Users can pre-register to which Google will notify the user when the app is released.

Google Duo is a 1-to-1 video calling app, which the company claims is simple to use. To start using the app, users require a phone number and they will be able to connect with people in the phonebook across any device types and platforms. Users will not have to create any special account. There is also a Knock Knock feature in Duo, which allows people to see live video of the caller before they answer.

In short, it starts the live stream even before the call is answered. Google claims that the app will work smoothly even on slow networks as call quality adjusts to changing network conditions to keep the call connected even in limited networks. The app will also switch between WiFi and cellular data too without dropping the call.
 
With the launch of Duo, Google will finally have an offering that will compete against Apple's FaceTime and Microsoft's Skype.

"Video calling is the next best thing to being with someone in person. We have designed the interface to be simple, easy and welcoming. In places like India, it has been designed to adapt to the network connectivity conditions. We hope to make the experience of video calling more personal, inviting easy and smooth", said Amit Fulay, Group Product Manager, Google.