The widely adopted Android and iOS versions of the Google Duo and Meet merger [U]

The widely adopted Android and iOS versions of the Google Duo and Meet merger [U]

Google said at the start of the month before that Duo will shortly become Meet and progressively include all of its features. The Google Duo Meet merger for Android is now being released.

Update 8/1: A significant amount of the Google Duo-Meet merging has only just been implemented. On every device we tested today, including Android and iOS ones on version 170, the "Duo is becoming even better" card is there at the top of the new homescreen.

Touching the FAB reveals the two new calling options in addition to the new "History" area, and before making your first call, you are given a privacy overview.

In conjunction with this update, Google upgraded the green symbol and changed the name of the original Meet app for Android to "Meet (original)".

The Duo app will eventually be renamed as "Google" Meet while retaining its current icon and branding. This change will occur later in the year.

Original 7/11: A few users have reported seeing a "Duo is getting even better" card just beneath the search box after switching to the most recent version (169.0.459621665.duo.android 20220612.16 p6). This is not a widespread launch. To learn more, Google provides a link to this support page.

COMETNEWSFILE

COMETNEWSFILE

COMETNEWSFILE

You may now choose to "Create a new meeting" and "Schedule in Google Calendar" after touching the FAB (Floating Action Button), which drops the word "call" and just reads "New." These choices came from Google Meet.

Consumers are increasingly wanting to do the latter, according to Google, while business users prefer more immediate one-click calling. The Google Calendar creation interface with a prefilled Meet URL is opened by tapping.

While "Create a new meeting" provides a connection to meet.google.com with copy, share, and join meeting options. The modified homescreen's new "Meetings" section, which also lists any upcoming events from your Calendar, will display that meeting.

Google displays a privacy screen before beginning a meeting using the new app, highlighting the departure from end-to-end encryption (E2EE). [Update: Google claims that 1:1 and group video conversations that you initiate by dialing directly still utilize "end-to-end encryption to disguise data using a code that only you and the other callers have access to." However, "cloud-encryption measures" are used by "Meet Meetings in the Duo app" that are accessed via links.]

Your discussions are confidential thanks to cloud encryption from Meet. Cloud encryption, as opposed to end-to-end encryption, enables you to access additional functions, like chat and live captioning. In a call, people will see your name and pronouns associated with your Google Account. Calls can be joined by someone you've previously blocked in Duo in Meet.

COMETNEWSFILE

COMETNEWSFILE

So yet, we've only heard one report on this deployment. Google previously assured us that the merger will be rigorously watched to ensure that users wouldn't be left behind or see a decline in quality. Phase 1 is now taking place as Duo receives existing Meet features. This adds virtual backdrops, text chat during meetings, live closed captioning, and up to 100 (up from 32) participants.