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Due to the current health crisis, many people increasingly turned to Zoom to communicate with their coworkers, students, friends, and family. Zoom has proven unreliable, it has still remained a popular choice. Fortunately, other video chat services are increasing their capacity and capabilities. Google Duo will soon be able to host up to 32 participants in a video call.
Google Duo previously had only been able to host up to eight video calls. They increased the number to twelve last March to help users during the pandemic. Sanaz Ahari Lemelson, Senior Director, Product and Design, Google, tweeted: “We recognize that group calls are particularly critical at this time. We have increased group calls from 8 participants to 12 effective today. More to come. “At the time it was unclear whether this increase would be a permanent or temporary measure.
It seems we now have our answer. Google recently sent out a promotional email stating that Duo will soon host up to 32 people. It is unclear when this change will take effect, but it is certainly welcome. Big corporations and big college courses may not be able to take advantage of this change, but the next Duo update is probably enough for most people.
Google is also adding some additional features to Duo. Duo on the web is coming soon. Users will be able to see more people on their call with grid view and invite anyone with a Google account to their call with a link. The app’s new familiar mode allows users to scribble and add effects on the screen without worrying about accidentally muting or hanging up their call. These various effects will also be available in individual calls on the Android and iOS versions of the app. The first effect is a vase of flowers in honor of Mother’s Day in the United States.
Last April, Google also made “Google Meet” free for all users. Google’s premium video conferencing service was previously only available to business and educational users. Google Meet allows up to 100 participants and various paid features are currently free until September 30, 2020.
