- According to anonymous sources, Google may have plans to kill Google Duo.
- Google’s plan could include replacing Duo with Meet, its business-focused video chat service.
- The transition is unlikely to happen in the coming years.
If Google is known for everything, it’s about having multiple services that do the same thing. It is also known to kill popular services that are only a few years old. If you did not know, a new rumor suggests that Google can do both by giving the ax to Google Duo in favor of Google Meet (via 9to5Google).
Right now, Duo is the company’s consumer-centric video chat app – think of it as Google’s version of Apple’s FaceTime. However, meeting is more focused on the business sector, sort of like Google’s response to Zoom.
Related: How to use Google Duo: Everything you need to know!
Likewise, the new head of Google’s communications services, Javier Soltero, sees no reason for both existing services. Therefore, a plan may already be in motion to ax Duo and instead go all-in on Meet.
Google Duo and Google Meet: Why both?
The COVID-19 pandemic and the meteoric rise of Zoom have proven to Google that consumers are fine with using a business product for consumer activities. In other words, people have no problem using Zoom to chat with friends and family and conduct business. Since this is the primary reason that Google Duo and Google Meet are separate services, Google probably feels that Meet can do what Duo just does.
Related: 10 best video chat apps for Android
If you’re a big fan of Duo, do not worry: the source of this information says that it will take up to two years for Google to undergo Duo. In the meantime, Duo will still be working and getting support from Google.
For what it’s worth, Google made a statement 9to5Google related to this rumor. Here’s what the company had to say:
We are fully invested in Duo, which has seen a surprising growth during the pandemic. People all over the world are relying more than ever on video calls, and we have no plans to interrupt that. We will continue to invest in building new Duo features and delivering a great experience for our users, customers and partners. We brought together the Duo organization led by Javier Soltero in May, and it follows that we are looking for ways that our video-produced products can improve side by side.
Of course, there is no denying the rumor, but there is also no confirmation. Take it as you will. However, anyone who is familiar with Google’s history remotely will assure you: it’s very, very likely that Duo will get the ax. It’s just a matter of when.
