Update 1 (09/11/2020 @ 10:11 AM ET): Google Duo can now be installed onto Android TV. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on August 27, 2020, is preserved below.
Google Duo has served as a great way to video chat on smartphones since its launch in 2016, and it’s soon about to make its big-screen debut. Alongside the recent launch of Google Meet on Chromecast, Google on Thursday teased the upcoming launch of Google Duo on Android TV.
“In an effort to bring the video calling experience to more parts of your home, Google Duo is rolling out a Beta on Android TV in the coming weeks,” Google said in a blog post.
If your TV has a camera, you can easily initiate a chat with an individual or group. If your TV doesn’t have a camera, you can use a USB camera. This will be a great new addition as folks can lounge on their couch while chatting with friends and family on a larger display.
The arrival of Duo on Android TV will come shortly after the service became available on the Google Nest Hub Max.
Google is reportedly in the planning stages to integrate some of Duo’s features into Meet, which is rumored to act as the search giant’s primary video calling and conferencing software. Even if the company plans to eventually merge the two services, it’s nice to see Google continue to iterate on Duo with new features and new platform launches.
Once Google launches the Android TV app for Duo, we’ll update this article. Until then, you can always download the latest version of Duo from the Google Play Store listing embedded below.
Google Duo – High Quality Video Calls (Free, Google Play) →
Update: Google Duo now available on Android TV
Users are reporting that Google Duo can now be installed on Android TV.
Yes, I can also find it on the device’s Play Store.
But no banner for Android TV, need to be opened from the settings. Navigation is alright. I don’t have a webcam but voice calls worked. pic.twitter.com/0o7Nrsnq5u
— Android TV Guide (@androidtv_rumor) September 10, 2020
The app doesn’t appear to be on a beta listing, and so, you can expect it to work to the best of your hardware’s ability. One caveat of the current format is the fact that there is no banner available for quickly launching the app, but that can be fixed in future updates.
The post [Update: Available] Google Duo is coming soon to Android TV in beta appeared first on xda-developers.