UPDATED 22:34 EDT / DECEMBER 31 2018

APPS

Google Duo reportedly testing group calls, low-light features

Google LLC may be working on new features for its Google Duo video calling application, which allows users to make calls in high definition even as it’s optimized for low-bandwidth connections.

The new features, according to a leak by Android Police Monday, include a new group calls mode as well as a new low-light mode. Evidence of group calls coming to Google Duo has been spotted in the past, but Android Police has now obtained the first screenshots of the new feature that presumably come from an unreleased version of the app.

One of the most requested features from Duo users, group calling would help put the app on a par with Apple Inc.’s FaceTime, which is a similar offering for iPhone and iPad users. FaceTime currently supports calls with up to 32 users at once, but Google Duo will be able to support only up to eight people at a time, at least to begin with.

The leaked screenshot clearly shows a new option to “Create a Group” from where users can invite participants to the call, and also create a name for that group.

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Android Police said that once the call has started, new members cannot be added to that group, so the feature is somewhat less functional than Apple’s FaceTime at the moment.

It’s not clear when Google is planning to add the group calls feature to Duo, but the screenshots suggest development is progressing well, so there shouldn’t be too long a wait. The same screenshot also reveals a new button allowing users to call their “Home Devices,” but it’s not clear exactly how this would work.

In addition, Google seems to be testing a new night mode, or low-light mode, for Duo. The leaked screenshots reveal that Duo will prompt users to switch on this new mode in low-light settings to “automatically adjust your video in dark environments so others can see you better.”

Main image: Google

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