Video calling for your Android device just got easier with Google Duo and ViLTE integration

In an era of optimal connectedness made possible through cutting edge technology, distance and time matter no more for staying in touch with our dear ones. The feature of video-calling accomplishes exactly this, as it brings us face to face with our family and friends, whether we’re in the same city or thousands of miles away. Taking a cue, Google has made video calling an integrated part of phones with Google Duo. This means that users can start a video call directly from within the Google Phone, Contacts, and Android Messages app.

To sink its claws deeper into the flourishing Android markets, Google plans to roll out integrated video calling to first-generation Pixel, Android One, and Nexus devices, as also on Pixel 2 phones. We're working with our carrier and device partners to bring this experience to more Android devices over time, quoted Jan Jedrzejowicz, Product Manager, Phone app on the GoogleBlog.

If you and the person you’re video calling are on a carrier that supports ViLTE (video over LTE) video calling, your video calls will be routed through the carrier’s ViLTE service. If not, Google Duo will connect your video call to anyone with the Duo app installed. If one has a contact that has Duo installed and associated with a phone number, the icon to call them over video would appear in both call history and search. For Contacts app, one needs version 2.1 and up, the video option will show by a contact's name. For Android Messages app a version 2.6 or up is required where the video option will show in a Messages conversation.


To place a video call- Open the Phone, Contacts, or Messages app. As stated in the aforementioned areas, tap Video call option. To end the call, tap End call option. Google in its statement has also promised to add the ability to upgrade an ongoing voice call to video with just a tap, later this year.

Source: GoogleBlog