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Google Duo 61 preps group audio, image, and video messages [APK Insight]

Monday’s update to Duo laid the groundwork for a dark mode and added the ability to delete call history. Google Duo 61 is already rolling out this evening and plans support for group messages.

About APK Insight: In this ‘APK Insight’ post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in the case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.

Group messages

Since last year, Google’s video chatting service has had a voicemail-esque capability in case the person you’re calling isn’t available. In June, Duo gained support for sending images from your camera roll to contacts.

Google Duo 61 reveals work on group messaging for all three media types. At the moment, you can only send audio, image, or video to eight individual contacts at a time.

<string name=”group_message_edu_header”>Say hi to the group!</string>

<string name=”group_message_edu_body”>Tap \u201c%1$s\u201d to record &amp; send a video</string>

The contact picker that appears after you record your message will likely display your groups with this change. Alternately, the ability to send a mass message might appear on the group page alongside the current “Start” option for video calls.

<string name=”notification_body_group_audio_message”>New voice message from %s</string>

<string name=”notification_body_group_image_message”>New photo from %s</string>

<string name=”notification_body_group_video_message”>New video message from %s</string>

Add to home screen

The ability to create a homescreen shortcut for individual contacts might launch soon. We’ve spotted this feature before, but a new string suggests that it could finally be coming. It will presumably appear in the overflow menu of a contact’s pre-call screen.

<string name=”contact_action_add_shortcut”>Add to Home screen</string>

Report as spam

The app already has a block user option on the pre-call screen and in settings, but Google Duo 61 suggests spam reporting is also coming.

<string name=”report_as_spam”>Report as spam</string>

How to update?

Google Duo 61 is rolling out now via the Play Store. Thanks to JEB Decompiler, which some APK Insight teardowns benefit from.

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Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com