Followed closely behind the launch of its new messaging service, Allo, Google Inc. has also announced Duo, a simple video-calling app, at its I/O developers conference. Unlike Facebook Messenger, Google decided not to combine the video-calling functionality into its messaging app Allo, but have rather kept them as two separate apps. Allo offers fast video calling with a simple interface that fades away when your call begins.   

Like FaceTime, Duo offers one-on-one video calling, but it differs in the fact that Duo is cross-platform.  

As with Allo, Duo will be available for download in the summer for both iOS and Android users and will be based on a user’s phone number.

Here is a look at the features we can expect to see from Duo, including the ability to work on a fast or slow connection, a Knock Knock feature and end-to-end encryption.  

Slow connection? Duo has you covered

Whether you are on a fast internet connection or a slow connection, Duo has been optimized to adjust the quality of the video so that you remain connected. The app will also have the ability to seamlessly transition between a mobile network and a Wi-Fi network during the call with no interruption to the chat with your friend.   

If it works as described when Duo launches in the summer it will definitely solve plenty of frustrating issues faced during Skype or Hangouts calls when the video freezes.

Live video preview with Knock Knock

A feature that is likely to definitely stand out among Duo’s competitors is Knock Knock. The Knock Knock feature in Duo gives you a live preview of the person calling on your lock screen before you even answer the call. In addition, you can see what the caller is up to and possibly why they are calling.

“A smile, a beach, and a newborn baby can all draw you into the moment, making calls feel spontaneous and natural, and once you pick up Duo it puts you right into the call,” says Google engineering manager Erik Kay.

End-to-end encryption

Finally, to ensure privacy and security, all Duo calls have end-to-end encryption.

Check out Duo in action in the video below.

Image via: Google