32 People Can Join Google Duo Website Version Together

JAKARTA - It looks like Google is really serious about updating its video conference services. The reason is that compared to similar services and applications, Google Duo is still limited in making the number of calls simultaneously.

Even so, Google understands that the increase in traffic using video conferencing is quite high during the COVID-19 pandemic. This also makes Google to increase the number of users of its services in the Google Duo video calling application.

"We are bringing more people to join. Talks can take place with 32 people in a group call," said Google in a written statement.

In fact, last March Google had increased the number of participants in the Duo call from eight to 12 people. Currently, Google is again increasing the number of members who can join the same call to meet user demands.

Google also announced that Duo users will later be able to make group calls via an application on the website. That way, this service can be an alternative to the use of Zoom, Skype and other similar services.

Chrome's group calling feature will be rolling out in the next few weeks with a new layout or appearance. The layout can show more people at the same time when making a group call.

Not only that, group calls are also easier to do by distributing invitations to potential video conference participants. Another report, Google also announced their latest feature called Family Mode.

In this feature, users can draw real-time on the screen and give certain effects such as funny stickers or flower vases on the face, this effect is similar to that of Snapchat and Instagram. The mute and end call buttons will be hidden to avoid interference with the cursor while on a call. This mode is similar to that used in Google Meet.

To use Family Mode, users must first log in to Google Duo through their Google account. This feature is available for two-person calls and group calls for both Android and iOS users.

Making changes to attract the market

It's interesting to see tech companies struggling to upgrade their video calling software as quickly as possible, as more and more people are stuck at home because until now the COVID-19 outbreak is still worrying.

Like HTC which has launched a Virtual Reality (VR) video chat app, while Skype and Facebook are both rolling out features to make their video calling tools match features and interfaces like Zoom.

Even FaceTime follows the instructions used by Zoom, in the latest iOS beta code, users can turn off the facial interface and replace it with another object. Various choices of video conferencing applications certainly do not escape the question of security too.