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Google Duo updated with audio-only calls option, Allo gets the ability to share files

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By Cosmin Vasile

Updated: Mar 22, 2017, 1:37 PM

Google Duo updated with audio-only calls option, Allo gets the ability to share files

Google Duo, the application that many though it would replace Hangouts, has just received a small but meaningful update today. Alongside Duo, another Google app, Allo received the same treatment on the Android platform.

At a dedicated event in Brazil, Google made several announcements about how it plans to make the internet easier to reach and its products to work better in markets where coverage is scarce.

Google launched Duo last year in an attempt to bring high-quality video calling to users on Android and iOS. Today, the search giant announced it added audio-only calling in the app.

The new feature is especially useful when video calling isn't an option to the poor network connection. Moreover, Google claims the audio calling feature should work very well on all connection speeds, and it's light on the data usage.

Google Duo users in Brazil will be the first to benefit from the new feature, but audio-only calls will be rolled out to users around the world in the coming days.

Also, Allo has been updated with the ability to share documents and other files in group chats. The new feature is available to Android users only, but on the bright side, it should be rolled out to everyone starting today.

Allo users in Brazil will be getting Smart Smiley in Portuguese, a new feature that uses machine learning to help find the right emoji quicker.

On a side note, Google announced plans to roll out the Assistant in Brazilian Portuguese on Android phones running Marshmallow or Nougat.

source: Google

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Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brought a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.