Google is correct on their blog when they say that 2020 is the year of the video call — well, in the tech world it is anyway. As such Google have improved their offerings immensely during that period and now they are about to expand their features once again, onto the big screen.
Last week we reported on Cast abilities coming to Google Meet — Google Meet on Cast — using the latest version of Chrome and a Chromecast device with the latest firmware installed. Meet is able to Cast to any Chromecast, TVs with built-in Chromecasts and Nest displays.
Now Google is expanding this Casting capability to their personal video call offering — Google Duo. Google Duo is set to roll out a Beta on Android TV in the coming weeks. Using Duo on Android TV you will be able to initiate calls from your TV and if your TV does not have a camera built in you will be able to plug in a USB camera. We are unsure if all cameras will work, only time will tell.
Duo of course also works on Nest Hub Max with calls able to be started using Google Assistant:
Hey Google, start a group call
It is unclear just when this new beta will arrive but we look forward to testing it out — hopefully it lands in stable format for everyone soon.
Why can’t we just cast a Duo call from a mobile device, and then lean the mobile device against the TV/wall/other with the camera facing outwards?
Use the camera on mobile, with the participants on the TV.