Google has a multitude of apps. But apparently, messaging isn't its strong point.
In the past, has numerous messaging apps created by the company rarely get enough traction to take off. In another attempt to fix things, Google introduced Allo, which also was ill-fated.
But Duo which was launched alongside Allo, has a bit more luck.
Duo has seen more growth and praised by many, due to the fact that the app has some innovations and showed some great features and support.
Knowing that Duo has become one of the most popular video calling apps, the Mountain View company is not backing away from adding a new feature to the service.
The app which allows users to send video and audio messages to their contacts, is having an update, as it starts supporting ephemeral messages that will self-destruct in 24 hours.
Starting version 56 of the app, users can open the gallery on their phone, select the photo (or screenshot or any locally-saved image) that they want to share, and tap on ‘Share’ icon. Here, Duo will show a bunch of options.
And before sending the photo, users will have the option to edit the image, add text, and scribble in multiple colors before approving the final result.
Users can then select to up to five contacts to share the image.
Once sent, the feature works much like the photo sharing feature in Snapchat or Instagram.
The image will appear on the recipient’s phone in the form of a thumbnail, with the delivery status, time, and hours left until it expires clearly marked. Tapping on the thumbnail will expand the image to full size and prompt the recipient to respond via a video or phone call.
But unlike Snapchat or Instagram's, Duo's ephemeral feature isn't that simple to use, and isn't the easiest way to share self-destructing photos with someone.
First of all, this is because the function seems to be bare-bones, at least initially. Users can't share a locally-stored video or batch send photos, and it only works with one image at a time.
Second, Duo doesn't have an internal image selector, so the only way to share a photo with someone is through the photo gallery app on the users' phone. And third, recipients can't reply with an image of their own, only videos or calls.
The deletion feature is also a bit confusing .
And while it may seem that sending photographs that disappear may indeed seem so 2011 (the year Snapchat was founded, the app that pioneered ephemeral messaging), the ability to send self-destructing photos is a welcomed addition to Duo.
The reason for this is because in the modern days of the internet, people talk just about anything using their smartphones. And for those who value privacy and can trust Google, the addition should certainly make the app a lot more convincing to use.
And in the market that is already crowded by countless of messaging apps, the ephemeral messages could make Duo shine a little brighter.