Google Duo is a Google application for Android and iOS devices that allows you to make voice and video calls in high definition for free through the internet with your contacts in the address book that have the Duo app in turn. But how do you use it? In this guide, we are going to find out how to Setup Google Duo for PC, how to make a call/video call from an Android / iOS / Computer device using Google Duo.
It is essential to know that Google Duo encrypts calls. Therefore they remain private among users who participate in a market.
The new Duo and Allow applications announced at the Google I / O conference this year caused at least surprise and subsequently generated quite logical questions. Why would Google reinvent the wheel again? After all, there are a lot of similar messengers on the market, including Hangouts of our own design, which is capable of performing similar functions and even more. But Google stubbornly follows its path, presenting to everyone the Duo video messenger.
However, such tactics of “probing the soil” – not the first time for Google. The company is always on the lookout and experimenting with its various products on the principle of “take-off” – excellent, “not take off” – it’s not scary, we’ll close it or combine it with another service. So, this time, the Duo application for video calls does not revolutionize the ranks of instant messengers. In practical terms, Duo is absolutely not a competitor to Skype, Viber, Facebook Messenger, and other services. Quite the contrary, Google approaches this application; on the other hand, as simple and straightforward as possible. Hence the name – Duo, which means “duet” or two participants in a video call. In this article, you can know how to set up google duo for pc.
Table of Contents
How to Setup Google Duo for PC
Set up Google Duo for the web
- In your internet browser of decision, type in the location duo.google.com.
- Confirm the telephone number your Duo account is related to by entering it on the screen.
- Snap Get check code.
- You will get an SMS at the number you furnished with a one-time code.
- Enter the one-time code on the screen.
Utilizing Google Duo on the web is open from pretty much any of the most well-known programs, including Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Be that as it may, you won’t have the option to start bunch calls from the plan right now. On the off chance that you need to lead a gathering call from your PC, you’ll have to utilize the Android application on a Chromebook or Chromebox. We should turn out how to do that next.
How to set up Google Duo on a Chromebook
- Download and introduce the Duo application from the Google Play store.
- Consent to the terms and conditions to concede access to your camera, receiver, and contacts as you would on your Android telephone.
- On the off chance that you’ve just marked into Duo from another gadget, you can sign in with your Google account.
- Google will request that you confirm the telephone number related to your Duo account.
- Select Agree.
- You will get an SMS to the number you gave with a one-time code. Enter the code on the screen.
It would help if you now were signed in and prepared to make your first call.
Note that some undertaking or potentially school-gave Chromebooks may not allow you to utilize the Duo Android application on your Chromebook. If so, you may need to contact your head for authorization to empower this component.
Obviously, you can even now go to duo.google.com and utilize the administration by means of your Chrome internet browser, yet recollect that this strategy won’t take into consideration bunch calls.
How to use Google Duo once you’re set up
First start
After installing and running the application, you understand that simplicity is the main hobby of the application. What do we usually expect from the next Google service? Registration and binding to your Google account. But surprisingly, Duo doesn’t. Moreover, there is no need to register: no usernames and passwords, email addresses with account activation, and other information. All that is required of you is to enter your phone number, to which the messenger will be assigned. If you previously used WhatsApp, then this procedure will be familiar to you. In this regard, Duo leaves far behind such analogs as Facetime, Skype, Hangouts, and many others. Installation is faster and easier. This is an absolute advantage of the new service.
Interface
The Duo workspace is the one and the only screen, in fact, the interface of the front camera of your device, which starts automatically. At the bottom of the screen is a video call button. This panel, which opens with a swipe up, also displays the latest calls (received, dialed, missed).
When you click on the call button, a pop-up window appears with a list of contacts. Duo automatically analyzes the address book on the mobile device and determines those that already have this messenger installed. The rest of the application offers to send an SMS invitation to install the program. But what to do if you need to call a person who is not among your contacts? Such Duo users can also call the phone number, which must be entered manually in the search bar.
In video call mode, the application interface changes slightly. As in any other messenger, the central part of the screen is occupied by the image of the caller; additional buttons appear Bluetooth (if you use the appropriate headset), a microphone, and a control to switch the front and main cameras.
There are few settings in the application: it is possible to turn on vibration when connecting, restrict the use of mobile data, unlink your phone number in case you change your SIM card, or change your mind about using a messenger. In addition, there is a list of blocked numbers where you can enter unwanted contacts.
Calls, Knock Knock feature.
First of all, it is worth talking about the exciting Knock function, which was focused on even during the announcement of the application at the conference. The developers introduce us to the same position during the first call. Knock Knock allows you to see the other person before accepting the market. This feature works provided that both subscribers have activated this option in the application settings. In addition, the caller must be added to the contact list of the interlocutor.
The duo can work with devices that have two main cameras on board, such as the LG G5 or Huawei P9 – the application correctly switches between them and the front camera. In addition, when making calls to Duo, it is possible to change the display priority of the picture in the main window: it can be an image of the person you are talking to or the appearance of your camera. At first, it looks a bit confusing, but if you look at it, it’s actually very convenient.
One of the critical features of the Duo messenger is the ability to adapt to the Internet. With a Wi-Fi connection, the application can also use mobile data transfer to switch between Wi-Fi and mobile Internet seamlessly. If the link is low, the picture resolution is reduced, video transmission may be suspended, Duo will offer to turn off the camera altogether (as with a low battery), but the connection will not be interrupted. In general, calls are relatively stable, even with not very good Internet. Voice transmission, for the most part, is excellent.
Confidentiality
Recently, the issue of confidentiality is one of the main when choosing any messenger. In this case, Duo does not stand aside: calls between users are protected by full encryption using end-to-end technology. The only complaint may be connected with the use of a phone number, for example, by spammers, but in this case, there is the possibility to block unwanted contacts.
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Disadvantages
Yes, we can say that the application clearly lacks the implementation of most functions, whether it is voice calls, group video calls, file or message exchanges. In addition, there is neither a desktop version nor even a web version of the messenger – Duo is available only for iOS and Android devices. But I wouldn’t write it down in minutes since the purpose of Duo is just in simple video calls between two users of mobile devices. The only significant drawback worth noting is the fact that linking a phone number for activation limits the use of the application on only one device. And one more unpleasant nuance that was noticed when using the application – when the device goes to sleep, Duo is often unloaded from memory and does not respond to incoming calls.
Eventually
“Have you ordered a video call?” Get “- this is if, in a nutshell, about the new messenger from Google. If you want to write a few words along with the other person, transfer the picture, connect other users to the conversation, or make a regular voice call without video, as, for example, in Viber and WhatsApp – sorry, this is not the address. Perhaps in the future, the application will become more functional and will attract the attention of an advanced audience. Although, personally, I strongly doubt that Google will want to turn its brainchild into something similar to Skype. The duo most likely will suit those users who expect from it a direct purpose. Instant and straightforward video calls and nothing more. Despite this, Duo, oddly enough, can expect success. More than 5 million downloads of the application at the moment (only on Google Play) speaks for itself.
Security with Google Duo
Google Duo uses end-to-end encryption to make calls made using this platform always remain private. And Google itself has no chance to hear. See or record the audio and video of the call somewhere.
The end-to-end encryption is not to be activated by the user. Because it is an integral part of Google Duo technology, it is not even possible to turn it off. To ensure maximum privacy to the user.
How to get quality video calls
As these weeks of quarantine have taught us. It is not always easy to obtain good audio and video quality during a video conference. That’s why Google itself provides a series of tricks and tricks to avoid unsuccessful conversations (at least from a technical point of view!).
- Control the lighting: Duo automatically activates the low light mode. If the visibility is insufficient, but you can disable this option.
- Always keep the device at eye level.
- Make sure there are no obstacles between yourself and your camcorder.
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network before calling (in this way, you do not use mobile data and ensure better video quality, on average, than that guaranteed by 4G or worse by 3G).
- Keep the shot centered during the Duo video call using Auto Pan (tap the screen during a call, or directly activate or deactivate the functionality in the Settings).
- To appear in front of the background. Use Portrait to blur the background (also, in this case, the functionality can be activated during a call by tapping on the screen or through the settings).