Google’s new app, Google Duo, is a video-calling that is simple that’s available for Android and iOS today. Alongside the messaging that is upcoming Allo, it’s one of two communication apps Google announced earlier this year at its I/O conference, and one of four altogether from the company.

In a way, it’s Google’s answer to Apple’s FaceTime, and it makes calling that is one-to-one Android phones, and from Android to iPhone, very simple. Though both parties have to download the app to begin chatting (unlike FaceTime, which is baked into the dialer of compatible iPhones), it’s still an app that is intuitive use.

And while Android users will likely enjoy using Duo to video-call all their friends, iPhone owners won’t find it compelling enough to ring up iPhone that is fellow. However, it may certainly become their app that is go-to when up a buddy who uses Android.
Knock Knock previews

Duo’s unique feature is Knock Knock, which gives you a preview of who is calling by firing up the camera on the other end of the line. If you’re initiating the call, you’ll see a notice that is little says your video is visible, which means the other person can see what you’re doing right at that moment in real time. Android users can regardless see Knock Knock of whether Duo is opened or not (like on the lock screen). On the iPhone though, you’ll only see it if you’re in the app. Otherwise, you’ll just get a notification that is little someone’s calling you.http://thetechlicense.com/2016/08/google-duo-arrives-take-facetime/

Google’s rationale for this is that Knock Knock already gets you smiling before the call starts. Of course, that’s assuming you actually like/want to speak to the other person who is on the other line. Seeing family members on the other line? That gets me smiling.

A few notes to ease your mind for those worried about people hijacking their screen -http://thetechlicense.com/2016/08/google-duo-arrives-take-facetime/-with a video feed while they’re at dinner or a meeting. First, Knock Knock only works with people you already have saved in your contacts — so people that are random n’t show up. Second, you can block a caller them everywhere if you like — but take note that since Duo doesn’t have its own independent friends list, blocking a caller on Duo blocks. Last, the feature can be turned by you off entirely if you don’t like it.