Google Meet and Google Duo are soon to be merged.

Google has stated its intention to merge two of its video communication platforms: Google Meet and Google Duo. Previously, Google has tried several times to make its communication apps robust and reliable. Google had many mergers and plans planted but was not executed. Now, Google is all set to make a powerful and one-stop, easy-to-use video communication platform.

What is the difference between Google Duo and Google Meet?

Both the applications by Google are used for video communications but have different features and varied user experiences. Google Duo launched in 2016, is used as a video calling application with a participant limit of 32. The platform uses existing contacts, and your phone numbers to make calls. It is easy to use and is preferred by families or groups of friends for communication.

On the other hand, Google Meet launched in 2017 was only available by invite as a paid version. Later in 2020, it was made available for free to the users and has proven to be a tough competitor to Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The application allows video and audio communication to a limit of 100 participants. The application provides various features like screen share, background noise cancellation, and virtual backgrounds to name a few. It is majorly used by companies and users for formal meetings.

The Merger Plan

Over the next few weeks, Google is planning to take the initiative by adding new features to Google Duo which include: an increased participant limit to 100 and the availability of virtual backgrounds and filters. The company plans to add an in-call messages feature in Duo for better engagement during calls, as well as add a live captions option. They aim to update Google Duo steadily and by the end of this year merge both the applications into one- Google Meet. They are making sure to combine the best features of both applications to provide a single powerful one. The users won’t have to download the separate application it will be updated in their existing apps. It will previously be installed in new authorized smartphones. 

This decision will benefit the company to retain its users. It will also be easier for the company to maintain one platform with all the best features. As mentioned by Javier Soltero, Google Workspace leader in August 2020, ‘Google Duo and Google Meet should not co-exist’. With proper execution and smooth transition; Google will be able to create a one-stop, powerful video calling platform for all users.