Dive Brief:
- Google is launching new apps for video calling and chat called Duo and Allo, respectively.
- Seen as Google's successor to Hangouts for everyday consumers, Duo will allow iOS and Android consumers to video chat on a one-to-one basis.
- One cool feature of Duo is Knock Knock, which allows users to see live video of whoever is calling them before they answer. Google plans to turn Hangouts into a B2B product, according to Marketing Land.
Dive Insight:
Allo is treading into a crowded space with competitors that include Facebook’s two messaging apps, Messenger and WhatsApp. But with Google's vast cash reserves, anything is possible. Duo, however, may find more favorable territory in video calling, even with entrenched competition from the likes of Skype and FaceTime.
Duo’s selling point lies in its cross-platform capabilities as a simple one-to-one video calling app available on both Android and iOS. The platform is also designed to adjust call quality based on network conditions via a simple interface and end-to-end encryption.
“We designed Duo to feel warm and inviting, focused on just you and the person you’re calling," according to a Google blog post. "To make calls feel more like an invitation rather than an interruption, we created a feature in Duo called Knock Knock which lets you see live video of your caller before you answer, giving you a sense of what they’re up to and why they want to chat. Knock Knock makes video calling more spontaneous and welcoming, helping you connect with the person before you even pick up.”
The news comes as Google announced it is dropping Google+ Hangouts on Air in favor of YouTube Live. Duo is seen as a Hangouts replacement for video calling on mobile devices.
