In a recent blog post, Google announced that two of its video apps, Google Meet and Duo, are about to be combined into one centralized chat service.
The integrated app, which will be called ‘Google Meets’, will inherit features from both video calling platforms, including customizable backgrounds, real-time closed captions, and creative filters and effects.
With Google previously merging all of its messaging services under the umbrella of ‘Google Chat‘, it’s clear the tech company is no stranger to a merger. Here’s how Google’s plan to create “one connected solution” might impact you.
Best of Both Worlds? Google Meets and Duo Combine Forces
Google has finally made the decision to ax Google Duo, its video calling app that was released in 2016.
Rather than abandoning the platform altogether, however, the software firm has decided to transfer all of its features into its enterprise video conferencing tool, Google Meet.
In a blog post recently released by the company, Google announced that it would be adding all Google Meet’s features to the Duo app, so that users can “easily schedule a video meeting at a time that works for everyone, or continue using video calling to instantly connect with a person or group.”
It also explained that later in the year, it would rename the Duo app to Google Meet, and that the single video communications service would be available to everyone free of cost.
“In addition to having new ways to connect, this upgrade will give Duo users enhanced features, previously only available on Meet” – Blog post from Google
While many experts are suggesting this could be a cost-cutting method, Google attests that the merger is in line with its mission to “build a connected experience for all users.”
The changes are planned to come into effect by the end of 2022. If you use either of the video communication platforms, here’s how your experience with the apps could change over the coming months.
How Will This Impact Google Duo Users?
If you’re a loyal Duo user, here’s what new features will be available to you once the service is rolled into Google Meets:
- Customizable virtual backgrounds in calls and meetings
- Schedulable meetings
- In-meeting chat
- Real-time closed captions
- Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Assistant and Google Message integrations
- Video call limit increased to 100 participants
According to Google’s blog, Google Duo users will have to update their app to benefit from these new features.
How Will This Impact Google Meets Users?
Here’s what Google Duo features will be introduced to the Google Meets package:
- Text and video messages
- Fun filters and effects
- Setting up video meetings with phone numbers and email addresses
Is Google Meets the Best Way for Businesses to Stay Connected?
As hybrid working remains a staple in many of our professional lives, the importance of video conferencing technology has never been greater. This places a massive onus on companies like Google to step up to the plate.
Fortunately for Google Meets users, aside from unifying its flagship video calling platforms, the firm plans to invest more in video communication going forward.
According to a recently released statement, the company is continuing to invest in Google Meet to help people “connect, collaborate, and share experiences on any device, at home, at school, and at work.”
This announcement comes as the platform introduces a raft of features, including an “Also invited” tool that displays if attendees are late to meetings and a multitasking feature that allows users to join meetings through apps like Google Docs or Sheets.
With the platform continually refining its offering, Google Meets is a pretty safe bet for businesses looking to stay connected. This being said, lesser-known providers like GoToMeeting and Zoho Meeting also provide quality call services for reasonable monthly rates.
But each solution has its benefits and shortfalls. So to see how Google Meets compares against the competition, you can take a look at our table below.
| Price from The lowest starting price for a paid plan. The lowest price available for your business will depend on your needs. | Best for | Free plan | Breakout Rooms | Whiteboard | Audio-Conferencing | Pros | Cons | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEATURED DEAL  | TOP RATED  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Zoho Meeting | GoTo Meeting | Zoom | RingCentral | Webex | Google Meet | Microsoft Teams | Lifesize | BlueJeans | |
| Value | Sound and video quality | Beginners | Security | Larger businesses | Google Workspace users | Microsoft 365 users | Users that need hardware | Users that need customer support | |
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| Yes (paid plan) – VoIP, Phone & Toll-Free | Yes – VoIP, Phone & Toll-Free | Yes – Add-on audio plan allows you to add Call Out, global Toll-free & local dial-in for premium countries | Yes – Companies get a single audio conferencing bridge dial-in phone number for easy universal access. | Yes – Audio-only calls can be created when a host generates an Audio pin | Yes – Just call the number listed on the meeting invite, or join via the link and turn off your camera | Yes – but only in selected countries, and each user dialing into meetings will need an audio-conferencing license. | Yes – in a meeting contact card, users can tap the phone number under Details to call using their default phone or voice app | Yes – Easy access to audio conferencing is provided via a traditional PSTN number | |
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