How to group a video conversation between an iPhone and an Android phone

This week, Google has updated the Duo video chat application with a group support allowing eight people to chat simultaneously.

Duo is the Google version of Apple FaceTime, which supports up to 32 people in a single video chat call. But Duo is supported on Android and iOS, making it a compelling alternative to FaceTime for families or groups of friends who do not have all the iPhone. My wife, for example, mainly uses Android. She can not participate regularly in FaceTime calls made by other members of my family on iPhones. Duo allows everyone to have fun.

Here's how to use Google Duo for video calls between iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

• Install Google Duo from the Google Play Store under Android or from the iTunes App Store on iPhone and iPad. Make sure everyone you want to chat with also installs the application.
• Allow the app to access your microphone, camera, and contacts by tapping "Allow Access", then "Allow" and the following pop-ups.
• Swipe up on the bar at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap "Create a group".
• Add the people you want to join your Google Duo group. Do not forget that they also need to install Google Duo. You can select up to seven other people.
• Tap "Done".
• Tap the pencil icon to name your group – choose something like "family" or "friends".

Now on the main screen you will see the group you have created. Just tap it and click "Start" to start the call. However, unlike FaceTime, Google Duo displays your face when the phone rings at the other end of the keyboard, allowing the other person to see you before you even answer. This is great, but it also means that you should repair your hair before you start.