Google Duo for Android contemplate ditching phone number for calls
Google is contemplating connecting Duo Android users via there email addresses, Jane Manchun Wong has tipped.
No doubt the battle for supremacy and the present condition the whole world finds itself has seen the launch of several video conferencing apps with the existing ones coming up with new changes to suit public demand. Facebook launching Messenger Rooms and Zoom Communication scalling up with their flagship meeting are all testament to that.
The video calling app launched in May, 2016 ensured Duo users have a phone number before they can create a call but that trend might be coming to an end with Manchun Wong, a Reverse Engineering expert teasing the new update on Twitter.
Wong tipped the launch of the new feature on Twitter through an image showing a new “Reachable with email address” toggle on the Google Duo app. It is also being interpreted as Google’s preparation for allowing Google Duo use without adding a phone number at all. The “Reachable with email address” option has been tipped to show up in the Account section of Settings. The screenshot says that it would “let people contact you on Duo Android with your email address.”
Google Duo is working on “Reachable with email address” setting pic.twitter.com/BbCiOhoW0Z
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 30, 2020
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
This could really come in handy considering Google’s sole objective of connecting users all over the world with a wide range of services from just a single address.
9to5Google reported in January that
Google allowed the use of Duo for Web without linking a phone number. You can do video calls by just using an email address. However, the accounts that don’t have a mobile number linked don’t show up in the contact list. 9to5Google said this could mean that the same ability may come to the Android app as well.
It’s not clear right now whether Google will allow the accounts with only email address on Android as users are still required to create new addresses with a recovery phone number. But with the possible new change, reaching people via email address might be allowed.
It is also worth noting that Google last month announced that it is adding a “Duo Moments” feature for users to take screenshots during video call. It also said that it is increasing the number of participants in group video calls to 12. It is also working on providing better experience, even on lower bandwidth connections.
This could add to the several changes Google has been announcing for the video-calling app off late. With the never-ending battle for the top and genuine promise of handling user data, always expect Google to give in their last.
Originally Posted On NaijaTechGuy
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