Google Duo's Farewell: What's Next for Video Calls?

Google Duo, a video calling app loved by millions, is saying goodbye. The app, which has been downloaded over 5 billion times, will be replaced by Google Meet. This change has been in the works since 2020, but users now have until January 2026 to make the switch. Duo was known for its simple design and fun features like Knock Knock, which showed a live video preview of the caller. It also had a low-light mode for better visibility in dim lighting and a screen-sharing option. However, Google has decided to merge Duo's features into Meet, which is more focused on business and education. Users who don't switch to Meet will lose their calling history and messages. To avoid this, they can export their data from Duo before the transition. Meet offers some new features like cloud encryption and live captions, but it lacks some of Duo's casual, user-friendly elements. This isn't the first time a popular app has been discontinued. Remember AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) or Yahoo Messenger? They were once widely used but are now part of tech history. The digital world is always changing, and apps come and go. For those who loved Duo's simplicity, the transition to Meet might feel like a big change. But Google is hoping that the new features in Meet will make up for the loss of Duo's unique qualities. Only time will tell if users will embrace the change or miss the old app.