Google Duo is Live

[LIVEFRMNYC]

So far it's very simplistic and works great. Video and Audio quality are excellent. It's tied to your number only, not your Google account. Works cross platform on Android and iOS.

You can also use it on an tablet or device without carrier or sim. For example: You can tie it with a Google Voice number. Then receive the text and type in the text code.

Update: I tried to tie the same number to more than one device, doesn't work. It will just deactivate the other device once you input the code they texted to you.

 

[epicrayban]

I installed it. I have no one to Duo.

The coolest thing was when Duo inserted the verification code automatically after the text came in.

The app really does seem smooth and simple to use.

 

[spinedoc77]

So far it's very simplistic and works great. Video and Audio quality are excellent. It's tied to your number only, not your Google account. Works cross platform on Android and iOS.

You can also use it on an tablet or device without carrier or sim. For example: You can tie it with a Google Voice number. Then receive the text and type in the text code.

Update: I tried to tie the same number to more than one device, doesn't work. It will just deactivate the other device once you input the code they texted to you.

Tied to your cell phone number? That kind of sucks, I use google voice for everything. I'm curious how it works iOS to Android as I always have issues trying to video between m y Note 5 and my wife's iPhone 6s.

Edit: Was able to set it up with my Google Voice number, but haven't been able to test out if it actually works.

 

[tbayrgs]

I understand why Google is tying it to a mobile number but at the same time, it seems to really limit it. One of the great aspects of Facetime is that I can make/receive calls from any of my Apple devices if I choose. And since it's tied to an Apple ID, it's not limited to just phones. My kids couldn't call anyone using Duo.

How exactly is this a better solution than Hangouts?

 

[co.ag.2005]

Tied to your cell phone number? That kind of sucks, I use google voice for everything. I'm curious how it works iOS to Android as I always have issues trying to video between m y Note 5 and my wife's iPhone 6s.

Edit: Was able to set it up with my Google Voice number, but haven't been able to test out if it actually works.

Also, I think a benefit of just using a phone number is to let those without a Google account use it. Prime example, my decision to perhaps switch to the Note 7 and cut ties with FaceTime. I have a lot of family that are all on iPhones. Few of which I do FaceTime with (so they can see my daughter) but they don't have Google accounts nor will signup for one just to video chat. Having them install Duo and not have to create a Google account will be nice so that they can keep seeing my daughter via video chat when out and about (and away from my iPad, Macbook Air, etc.).

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Tied to your cell phone number? That kind of sucks, I use google voice for everything. I'm curious how it works iOS to Android as I always have issues trying to video between m y Note 5 and my wife's iPhone 6s.

Edit: Was able to set it up with my Google Voice number, but haven't been able to test out if it actually works.

It works great cross platform. I just spoke with a cousin in South America who's using an iPhone 6S. I also tested it between my iPad and Android tablets, even though it's probably not intended for tablet use yet.

Another thing I noticed ..... If you already registered a device with a number, then it got deactivated from registering another device with the same number, you can activate that device again without the need of a code from a text. It's like the devices are stored to a number. But at the moment only one device can be active on the same number. Google will most likely allow multiple devices on one number very soon.
[doublepost=1471382349][/doublepost]

Also, I think a benefit of just using a phone number is to let those without a Google account use it. Prime example, my decision to perhaps switch to the Note 7 and cut ties with FaceTime. I have a lot of family that are all on iPhones. Few of which I do FaceTime with (so they can see my daughter) but they don't have Google accounts nor will signup for one just to video chat. Having them install Duo and not have to create a Google account will be nice so that they can keep seeing my daughter via video chat when out and about (and away from my iPad, Macbook Air, etc.).

Good point. The older people in my family still use AOL as their only email, and can't remember their Apple or Google credentials.

 

[co.ag.2005]

It works great cross platform. I just spoke with a cousin in South America who's using an iPhone 6S. I also tested it between my iPad and Android tablets, even though it's probably not intended for tablet use yet.

Another thing I noticed ..... If you already registered a device with a number, then it got deactivated from registering another device with the same number, you can activate that device again without the need of a code from a text. It's like the devices are stored to a number. But at the moment only one device can be active on the same number. Google will most likely allow multiple devices on one number very soon.
[doublepost=1471382349][/doublepost]

Good point. The older people in my family still use AOL as their only email, and can't remember their Apple or Google credentials.

haha, yep. Same here. They have their Yahoo accounts and iCloud account they started using their iPhone with. And I actually help keep track of their passwords for all these services too. So to ask them to signup for a Google account just to video chat is a non-starter. It's already like pulling teeth to help them navigate which account needs which password, etc.

 

[tbayrgs]

Also, I think a benefit of just using a phone number is to let those without a Google account use it. Prime example, my decision to perhaps switch to the Note 7 and cut ties with FaceTime. I have a lot of family that are all on iPhones. Few of which I do FaceTime with (so they can see my daughter) but they don't have Google accounts nor will signup for one just to video chat. Having them install Duo and not have to create a Google account will be nice so that they can keep seeing my daughter via video chat when out and about (and away from my iPad, Macbook Air, etc.).

It works great cross platform. I just spoke with a cousin in South America who's using an iPhone 6S. I also tested it between my iPad and Android tablets, even though it's probably not intended for tablet use yet.

Another thing I noticed ..... If you already registered a device with a number, then it got deactivated from registering another device with the same number, you can activate that device again without the need of a code from a text. It's like the devices are stored to a number. But at the moment only one device can be active on the same number. Google will most likely allow multiple devices on one number very soon.
[doublepost=1471382349][/doublepost]

Good point. The older people in my family still use AOL as their only email, and can't remember their Apple or Google credentials.

haha, yep. Same here. They have their Yahoo accounts and iCloud account they started using their iPhone with. And I actually help keep track of their passwords for all these services too. So to ask them to signup for a Google account just to video chat is a non-starter. It's already like pulling teeth to help them navigate which account needs which password, etc.

All good points. There are gonna be drawbacks with either method (Google account vs. mobile number)--this solution does seem less painful to setup.

 

[spinedoc77]

Also, I think a benefit of just using a phone number is to let those without a Google account use it. Prime example, my decision to perhaps switch to the Note 7 and cut ties with FaceTime. I have a lot of family that are all on iPhones. Few of which I do FaceTime with (so they can see my daughter) but they don't have Google accounts nor will signup for one just to video chat. Having them install Duo and not have to create a Google account will be nice so that they can keep seeing my daughter via video chat when out and about (and away from my iPad, Macbook Air, etc.).

I think we may get the best of both worlds as it seems a GV number works, but not on multiple phones. I'll test it a bit when I get home. But I agree with you there is a HUGE benefit to not having to sign up with a google account, you just verify your number and go. One drawback is if you have a wifi only device. I'd love to be able to video chat with my daughters ipad. Maybe there is a way to get GV to work on it.

I hope the Allo app is as nice as this one is so far.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I think we may get the best of both worlds as it seems a GV number works, but not on multiple phones. I'll test it a bit when I get home. But I agree with you there is a HUGE benefit to not having to sign up with a google account, you just verify your number and go. One drawback is if you have a wifi only device. I'd love to be able to video chat with my daughters ipad. Maybe there is a way to get GV to work on it.

I hope the Allo app is as nice as this one is so far.

Tried that already, it works fine.

But it's not made for tablets yet. You have to search for the app on a iPad under "iPhone Only" apps. But it still works great.

 

[maflynn]

Please join the discussion here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/hands-on-with-googles-new-facetime-like-duo-app.1988396/