Google is beginning to integrate Duo video calling deeper within Android. Beginning today in a select number of handsets, you’ll be able to place video calls from a number of different apps. It’s hardly surprising to see this kind of deeper integration, but that doesn’t make the fact that it’s going live any less exciting.
Beginning today, you’ll be able to place a video call to your contacts through your Phone, Contacts, and Android Messages apps. The process for placing a video call is slightly different for each one. In the phone app, for instance, the option to place a video call will show up in your call history and search.
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If you’re trying to initiate one through the Contacts app, on the other hand, you’ll see the option appear next your contact’s name. Finally, with the Android Messages app, the option to place a video call will show in your conversation. Both you and the person you’re calling will need to have Google Duo installed and set up, and both of you will need to be running Android 7.0 or later.
Other than those requirements, however, it seems fairly easy to get going with video calls outside of Duo. For now, this functionality is limited to Android One and Nexus devices, along with the first-generation Pixel. Google also notes that this feature will also be available on the Pixel 2 when that launches later on this month.
Google doesn’t intend to leave everyone else out in the cold, however, as it says it’s working with its carrier and device partners to bring this functionality to a wider range of Android devices. There’s no timeline offered for the implementation of Duo video calling on other Android handsets, but now that the door has been open, here’s hoping that those using other Android phones don’t have to wait long. Owners of the devices listed above should see the update go live beginning today, but Google seems to suggest that the roll out may not be complete for some time.
