As expected, Google is combining Meet and Duo (Update: And so it starts)

Update: 

As promised, Duo is now rebranding to Google Meet (via The Verge). The update will happen automatically for Duo users as the logo changes from the Duo logo to Meet. Those with the old Meet app will continue to be able to use it, just it won’t have the added perks from the Duo app. Eventually the old Meet app will be phased out entirely, leaving the new Meet app that includes all the previous features found in Duo.

Original (June 1, 2022): 

Google is — once again — revamping its messaging efforts, this time combining Meet and Duo into a single application.

Duo is the popular video calling app Google released in 2016. Meet, meanwhile, is the company’s more comprehensive offering, supporting more platforms and positioned as a competitor to Zoom and Teams. Google is now merging the two apps, blending Duo’s base with Meet’s name.

Google’s messaging efforts can best be described as a chaotic mess. We’ve got a breakdown of the company’s decade and a half of poor decision-making in the messaging space. Google has started, promoted, and then killed off more messaging products than most people can keep track of.

Read more: How does Google Duo compare to WhatsApp, Skype, and other rivals?

Google Meet and Duo will become…Meet

With this latest messaging shakeup, Google is clearly trying to reassure users that the transition will go smoothly and that they won’t lose anything:

In the coming weeks, we’re adding all the Google Meet features to the Duo app, so users can easily schedule a video meeting at a time that works for everyone or continue using video calling to instantly connect with a person or group. Later this year, we’ll rename the Duo app to Google Meet, our single video communications service across Google that is available to everyone at no-cost.

There is no need to download a new app, if you are a Duo user, simply ensure you have the latest version of Duo installed on your device.

Standardizing on Duo’s codebase also gives a clear glimpse into Google’s plans. As a mobile-first app, Duo is a core part of the Android ecosystem. In fact, as part of the Google Mobile Services (GMS) collection, it’s a required component for any company using Google’s stock Android OS on their devices. In contrast, users must manually download Meet.

See also: How to use Google Meet

By migrating Meet’s features to Duo, and then changing the name, Google will be able to benefit from Duo’s broad reach. If it’s successful, it could help propel the all-new Meet to all-new heights.