After introducing the audio-only calls functionality to its Duo app in Brazil last week, Google on Monday announced that this feature is now rolling out worldwide.
In a tweet on Monday, Amit Fulay, Head of Product – Google Allo and Google Duo, said, “#GoogleDuo Audio calls is rolling out worldwide now …”
Even though Fulay said that the feature started rolling out on Monday, it currently does not seem to be available for users in India, but we can expect users in the country to start seeing it soon.
Audio-only calls is an interesting feature addition to the app as it was initially pitched as a simplified video calling app. Google Vice President for Product Management Mario Queiroz clarified last week that the audio calls will work well on all connection speeds and will be data efficient as well.
It is important for a brand like Google to roll out this feature soon for its Pixel line up, as users are already using messaging services like WhatsApp to make full use of voice and video calling, that they can find integrated in one application itself. As of now, Google has Google Duo, for video calls, and Google Allo for chat, and if you are using a Google product like Gmail on a computer, then you have google hangouts. The launch of this new feature will improve the reputation of the brand and the product in the instant messaging industry.