Update to Google’s Duo changes how you use the application

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Apr 9, 201911:28 PM

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The Google Duo app allows users to stream live video, make calls or send video and voice messages to their Duo contacts. A server-side update performed by Google has changed how users select contacts, and whether they are streaming them video or making a voice call to them. In the olden days (like a week or so ago), one would open the Duo app, go to contacts, and tab the video or audio tabs before selecting the recipient.

After the update, when you open the Duo app, you first select the contact that you want to connect with. Only then do you decide if you are going to stream live video or simply make a phone call to your selected contact. If you want to send a message, as soon as you open Duo, you swipe down on the screen. You then are given the option of creating a voice or video message. Once you create that message, you are given the option of sending it to five contacts simultaneously.

The Google Duo app is available from both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for Android and iOS devices, respectively.

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Questions & Answers

What is the primary change in how users initiate a video or voice call after the update?

Users now first select the contact they wish to connect with. Only after choosing the contact do they then decide whether to stream live video or simply make a voice call to that person, reversing the previous process.

How do users now send voice or video messages within the Duo app?

To send a message, users must swipe down on the screen immediately after opening the Duo app. This action then presents the options for creating either a voice or a video message.

What is the new maximum number of recipients for a single message sent via Duo?

After creating a voice or video message, users are now given the option to send it to as many as five contacts simultaneously. This allows for efficient group communication through messages.

Which operating systems support the Google Duo application?

The Google Duo app is accessible for users on both Android and iOS devices. It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android and the Apple App Store for iOS, respectively.

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