Google releases new video calling app duo to rival Skype

Technology giant Google has released a one-to-one video calling app, which, it hopes, will rival FaceTime and Skype.
 
Google Duo is available now for Android and iOS and is pitched as a simpler alternative to the established apps from Apple and Microsoft.
 
The new app also has a feature known as "Knock Knock", which allows the receiver of the call to see live video of the person calling before they answer.
 
Calls are end-to-end encrypted and, like FaceTime, the free service only needs the users' phone numbers to connect, in contrast to many similar services which require login details.
 
Google also claims that Duo will work well even on slower network speeds by reducing screen resolution and using both Wi-Fi and cellular data to keep the video running smoothly.
 
Duo is the first of two mobile apps Google is releasing in the coming months, with chat app Allo the next to be unveiled.
 
Allo will feature a robotic assistant which can provide replies on a user's behalf and offer suggestions such as nearby restaurants when friends are discussing food.

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