Google Duo is a video calling app that’s ranked as the best for 3G, LTE, and WiFi.
It’s a simple yet reliable app that delivers high-quality video for Android and iOS devices even in challenging conditions.
Google unveils Lyra to improve low bandwidth call connections
Google announced the development of Lyra, a new compression codec that will substantially improve Google Duo calls over slow internet connections.
The AI-powered software is currently being trained in 70 languages by fluent speakers.
When used alongside new video compression tech such as AV1, Lyra will make video chat possible even on 56kbps dial-up connections, Google stated in a blog post.
Lyra can work at speeds as low as 3kbps and outperforms other codecs working at higher speeds.
The end result using Lyra is much better sound quality in video and fewer interruptions and glitches.
To solve the problem of low bandwidth connections and congested networks, Lyra was developed as a high-quality, ultra low-bitrate speech codec. Lyra was developed using traditional codec methods and recent advances in machine learning to create a new way to compress and transmit voice signals.
Make calls between Android and iOS devices by phone, tablet, or web
Video calls with up to 32 people
Family mode
Video effects
Screen capture video calls
Send video and voice message
Send photos and files
Low light mode
Voice call-only mode
The top ranking for Google Duo is based on a technical study carried out by the Signals Research Group. The study investigated video degradation over time, with Google Duo emerging as the best performer against rival apps.
The last update was at the time of writing. As well as expanding group video calls to 32 people, the update also introduced sharing and joining group video chats by link and the ability to take photos during video calls.
The addition of doodles, masks, and other fun video effects to the app’s Family Mode was also new.
Easy to use
Reliable connections even at low speeds
Good picture quality even in low light
Support multiple languages
It’s free
Safe for kids
The family mode requires everyone to sign into their Google account
The Google Duo app can be had from Google Play and from the App Store for iOS.
The Android app requirements vary by device, which may also determine which Google Duo features are available to you.
If your Android TV does not have an integrated camera, you can connect to your TV a camera and microphone via the USB ports. However, you should note Google Duo only works on Android TV devices on Android 8.0 or later.
Google Play rates Google Duo as a 4.5 out of five.
Over at the App Store, Google Duo needs 126 MB and iOS 11.0 or later to work. The App Store rating is 4.7 out of five, with the app being ranked at number five in their social networking chart.
