What in the world is going on with Google Meet and Duo?

(Pocket-lint) – Last month, Google announced it’s merging Meet and Duo. Specifically, it promised to bring the features of Meet into the Duo app. That process is now underway and live for many users. Unfortunately, Google isn’t making this transition clear, because it’s not getting rid of either app.

Duo has been rebranded as Meet and will offer features from both apps, while Meet will remain Meet. Pocket-lint has broken down everything you need to know.

What’s happening now with Meet and Duo?

Google is attempting to streamline its approach to communication apps. The Mountain View-based company is combining its main video-calling tools, Google Duo and Google Meet, into one platform.

Going forward, there will only be Google Meet. Well, sort of.  Google has already added core Meet features to the Duo app and renamed it the “Meet” app. But the old Google Meet app isn’t going away for now.

It’s being rebranded as “Google Meet (original)” and will remain available in app stores until it’s officially deprecated later. Google said duo.google.com will redirect to meet.google.com/calling over the next few months, too.

Rollout timeline

  • July 2022: Google pushed out a Duo update that added features from Google Meet.
  • August 2022: Google rolled out an update on iOS and Android that changed the Duo logo to the Meet icon.
  • September 2022: Anyone who downloads the new Meet app will receive the new Meet/Duo combo app.
  • Later in 2022: Duo.google.com will redirect to meet.google.com/calling.

How does the new Meet app work? 

The combined app will let you conduct both group and one-on-one calls as well as hold meetings. It uses Gmail addresses and phone numbers to allow you to chat with contacts.

Google is hoping the “Google Meet” brand will become your go-to calling solution – free of any issues that may affect other chat tools available. Many people praised the original Duo app, which launched in 2016, because it would let you call someone directly – including their phone number – without having to send links or have you tap the Meet button in a Google Calendar invite. It was a lot like FaceTime, actually.

Now, all those features you knew and loved are available in the new Meet app, along with old Meet features you may have enjoyed. Nothing is getting cut – except the old Meet (original) app, of course, which will be retired. 

What should you do if you’re a Duo user?

If you were an existing Google Duo user or a user of the original Google Meet app, your history, contacts, and messages won’t disappear in the change. Google promised to “carefully” integrate the platforms.

In fact, if you already have Duo installed, you won’t have to do anything. It’ll just become the new Meet app. Easy peasy.

What should you do if you’re a Meet user?

If you’re a user of the old Meet (original) app, you won’t have to do anything.

It’ll just lack all the new Duo features.

Experience the future of search with Huawei's Petal SearchExperience the future of search with Huawei’s Petal Search By Pocket-lint Promotion . 31 March 2022

This is a better way to browse the web. Google may eventually end support for the app, too. Google said it will inform original Meet users when they “should migrate to the new app experience”, but it isn’t specific on when that will happen.

How does this affect Google Chat?

It doesn’t right now.

Keep in mind, in March 2022, Google announced it would shut down Hangouts in favor of Google Chat. It became Google’s default chat application, meaning users were redirected to Chat when they tried to visit Hangouts in Gmail on the web or tried to use the old Hangouts mobile apps. Google also ended third-party support for Google Talk / GChat last month.

Still confused?

Sorry.

This shift is the just latest step in Google’s constantly evolving messaging strategy, which generally gets more head-scratching the more you read about it.

Check out Google Meet’s support hub if you need more help.

Writing by Maggie Tillman.

Tags:

bedroom-athletics listed on couponmatrix.ukfenn-wright-manson listed on couponmatrix.uklentiamo listed on couponmatrix.uknorwegian-air listed on couponmatrix.uktommee-tippee listed on couponmatrix.ukubereats listed on couponmatrix.uk
bedroom-athletics listed on couponmatrix.ukIf slippers and dressing gowns are your favourite clothing combo, you’ll love the luxury that Bedroom Athletics provides. Featuring only the finest fabrics and fleeces across a range of slippers and fur dressing gowns, you can use the latest Bedroom Athletics discount code from Groupon to secure savings on attire that’ll send you to sleep in a jiffy. With all the bedwear you could ever need stocked under one roof, let Bedroom Athletics keep you cosy.
fenn-wright-manson listed on couponmatrix.ukFenn Wright Manson is a luxury fashion designer for women who enjoy the finer things in life. If you have a wedding, day at the races, or business meeting coming up, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you utilise the amazing savings your Fenn Wright Manson discount code unlocks. With incredible tailoring specifically designed to suit all feminine figures, Fenn Wright Manson should be the only name on your lips when you’re looking for a stunning outfit to impress.
lentiamo listed on couponmatrix.ukFor all your eyewear and contact lens needs, visit Lentiamo for high quality, trustworthy products. Pick up daily use, wearable lenses from weekly to monthly packs, to make stocking up as easy as pie, or grab a top up of lens solution. From your favourite brands to different styles of lenses, Lentiamo provide the best and most comfortable eyewear, whatever your prescription. Use a Lentiamo discount code and you'll get prices that anyone can see are a good deal on all this and more.
norwegian-air listed on couponmatrix.ukTake to the skies with Norwegian Air and whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure you’re in for a high quality yet low cost treat. Use your Norwegian Air discount code to cut the cost of your flight without compromising on comfort, and journey to more than 150 destinations worldwide without breaking the bank. With affordable basic tickets and an array of add-ons for your convenience, you need never spend more than necessary with Norwegian Air on board.
tommee-tippee listed on couponmatrix.ukParenting isn’t the easiest job in the world, but you’ll be a pro in no time with Tommee Tippee. Tommee Tippee has over 50 years of expertise in feeding products like bottles, pumps and cups to make mealtimes more comfortable for parents and babies alike, and with expert solutions to sterilise equipment on the go, you’ll be fully kitted out like the superhero you are. A Tommee Tippee discount code from Groupon could go a long way towards making products like the Tommee Tippee bottle warmer more affordable, so check back here and shop for baby products that make life a little easier.
ubereats listed on couponmatrix.ukLooking to save on ordering in? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve tracked down the best Uber Eats promo codes and discounts available right now! We’ve also rounded up our top tips for finding personalised Uber Eats offers on the app, so you can always score a deal on your fave takeaway. From bao buns to Big Macs; milkshakes to margaritas—whatever you’re feeling, you’ll find it for less on Uber Eats.