Google Duo to bring group calls to the web

Google Duo's group calls used to be limited to the Android and iOS apps, but an upcoming update will finally bring the feature to the web. The company also plans to expand the number of people that can join calls from 12 to 32. The update will also feature the new layout with the six-person square grid and a scrolling loop of other callers. The app is also getting link sharing, which means you can add people into a conversation via a link as long as they have a Google account. You no longer have to invite every contact ahead of time. 

Google Duo is also getting a new family mode, which adds fun features such as doodling, effects, and masks. It works on group calls and one-on-one conversations, too. And to prevent any accidental disconnections, you can hide the mute and end call buttons while using family mode.

Source: Google

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Facebook rolls out its redesigned desktop site worldwide

Image courtesy of Facebook

Maybe you've been waiting for a dark mode option to make its way to Facebook's desktop site. Well, your wait is over. Facebook has officially rolled out its new version to the majority of users around the world. Facebook said in a blog post that the new web experience is "faster, easier to use, and gives your eyes a break with dark mode." The overhaul is a significant one with plenty of empty space on the left and right rails, larger icons, the menu bar makes it easier to navigate to different parts of the app, and less clutter. 

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Spotify ventures into video podcasts with new test

Photo by Ashley Carman / The Verge

Spotify is testing a new video podcast feature in its app. It's using YouTube stars' Zane Hijazi and Heath Hussar's Zane and Heath: Unfiltered as its testing ground. According to a source close to Spotify, the global test will be showing up for 50% of the show's podcast listeners. It's available on three recent episodes (28 through 30), but there doesn't seem to be a visual cue to let the testers know that the podcast episode comes with a video. Even with the video playing, you can still lock your phone and continue listening to the audio of the podcast, which might be appealing to some users.

As The Verge reports, listeners will see the video footage at the bottom of their screen when they play the episodes. To see it in full screen, they can tap on the video. The experiment is still in its initial stages, but the source claims it is likely to come to more podcasts soon and "fast." The feature will be useful for programs from Spotify-owned The Ringer since the network uploads video podcasts like The Rewatchables to YouTube already.

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