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It’s been a little over a week since Google Duo first became available. It hit the Play Store to mostly favorable reviews and according to Google’s Sundar Pichai, the app has been downloaded over 5 million times during its first week, that’s a huge number for any new app, Google or not. With so many people now using the app, I have to wonder… are they?
I was one of the first to download and give Duo a shot, enjoying features such as Knock Knock which allows you to see the caller before you answer, and the dead simple sign up process. Although I’d like to say I was using the app daily, I literally only used Duo that first day and that was it. Here’s the kicker: I have made more than a few voice calls since then, so it’s not like I’m exclusively using messaging.
So why am I not using Duo? That’s a little more complicated. It could have something to do with the inconvenience of having to hold your hand out directly in front of your face to get that right angle. On a more deeper level, it also just feels weird to force someone to look at my ugly mug, when straight voice communication will get the job done.
For me, video calls are so much more invasive, almost inconsiderate, and a borderline rude way to butt yourself into someone’s life. It’s almost as if you’re saying, “Hey, I have no idea what you’re doing right now, but really I don’t care. Talk to me. Look at me. I want to see what you’re doing.” It’s the olden days equivalent of someone knocking on your door to ask you something when a simple phone call would do.
Messaging just seems like a more convenient means of communication, even if it’s with a short video message. You get to say what you need to say while allowing the other person to respond on their own time. While I could see myself using Duo, I’d have to find a damn good reason to chat face-to-face with someone and I just can’t see myself using it unplanned, or without warning. How about you guys?
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