Support for Google Duo Adding group calls in web version; New family mode and mother's day effect announced

Google has confirmed that it will introduce the ability to make group calls through Google Duo on the Web, starting as a preview in Chrome, in the coming weeks. To reduce its reliability in contact numbers, the web version will allow users to initiate a call with anyone who has a Google account. The video call app also has a new familiar mode that lets you scribble during video calls and try out fun effects and skins. The tech giant, in addition to bringing skins and effects to Family Mode, is also bringing a new Mother's Day effect for everyone in an individual video call on Android and iOS.

Starting with Google Duo on the Web, Google He says

which will soon allow Duo for web users to make group calls. The new feature will be implemented in the coming weeks. Your preview will be available in Chrome first, and a broader deployment will eventually begin. Duo on Web's new group calling feature will allow users to start a video call with anyone with a Google account by sharing a unique link with them. This new feature comes just a week after it was reported that Google was working to allow people to contact other users using only their email address, reducing their reliance on phone numbers to make calls. The tech giant hasn't mentioned an exact implementation timeline for this feature. To remember, right now, you can make one-to-one calls using Google Duo on the web.

How to make Google Duo group calls on Android, iPhone, iPad

As mentioned, a new Family mode has been added to Google Duo that allows users to receive calls with family members and use unique features during a video call. To start this feature, head over to the menu icon and then tap Family to get started. It offers the ability to scribble on video calls for all to see, and there are new skins and effects that have been added. This includes a new astronaut mask and a cat mask, along with the other existing ones in the app that have been available for a while. In family mode, the mute and hang buttons are hidden when playing together. Google says this new family mode is available when you sign in to Duo with your Google account. However, we were unable to see this feature within the app at the time of writing. Google may be carrying out a staged launch, and it could be a while before all users can see it.

Finally, Google has also added a new Mother's Day effect within the Duo application in which it allows you to transform into a bouquet of flowers for your mother when you want her tomorrow. This new effect is next to a series of other effects already available in the application. Unlike Family mode, Gadgets 360 was able to detect this new effect on Google Duo. Make sure you are on the latest version of the app if you still can't see this new effect.

---

How do we stay sane during this Coronavirus blockade? We talk about this on Orbital, our weekly tech podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple podcasts or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.