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Google Duo Gets a Simplified Home Screen

Inspired by community feedback

By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 19, 2021 01:25PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Software & Apps Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Google is updating Duo, one of its primary video messaging apps, with a new home screen design, including an easier way to start calls. Google Duo's latest update is fairly big. Google has started rolling out a new home screen to the video app. The new design takes away the old contact list that users could scroll to make calls and replaces it with an easier to search system, as well as a "New Call" button. 9To5Google says the new button will allow users to access all the standard features they have in Duo, including starting a call, creating a group, and more. Google Anyone who has been paying attention to Google recently will probably remember the company recently released a large update to Google Meet, the company's more business-focused video messaging app. That update included all the filters and features that you can add to your calls in Duo, which led some to believe that Google Duo may be next on Google’s app kill list. With Duo receiving a simplified home screen, it is unclear if that is still a concern or not. The update appears to be rolling out to some users already, though Google hasn’t given an exact date on when all Duo users should expect to see it. Google says all the features Duo users are accustomed to are still readily available in the app, even noting how to find them in its original announcement. The update appears to be rolling out to some users already, though Google hasn’t given an exact date on when all Duo users should expect to see it. Google says the changes were inspired by feedback from the community. All you can do now is keep your app updated and lookout for a more simplified home screen with a blue "New Call" button near the bottom. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Set up and Use the Google Duo Chat App Google Pixel Tablet: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors How to Use Google Duo on the Web Android 13: News, Release Date, and Features Rollable Pixel: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors How to Screen Share on Google Duo The Official Android Versions Guide: Everything You Need to Know What Is Samsung's One UI for Android? How to Check for Updates on Your Android Phone What is a Foldable Phone and How Does One Work? Can You Change the Google Home Wake Word? How to Customize Your PS Vita Home Screen How to Use Skype for Android Wear OS vs. watchOS: Which Is the Better Software? How to Skype Multiple People How to Make a Conference Call With Skype Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies