Google has announced that its simple video calling app, Google Duo, just received a feature upgrade including the ability to hold calls with up to eight people.

Anyone using Google Duo on either Android(Opens in a new window) or iOS(Opens in a new window) will now be able to have video chats with up to seven of their friends or family. Google points out(Opens in a new window) it achieved this while retaining the end-to-end encryption existing Duo users already enjoy.

If you make a lot of video calls, but your data plan is limited, Google also now has a solution for that which it is slowly rolling out. To begin with, Indonesia, India, and Brazil will gain access to a data saving mode for Duo calls on Android. Turning it on in Settings will see data use minimized for both the caller and the recipient. This is true on both cellular and Wi-Fi connections and is slowly set to roll out to other regions of the world soon.

Finally, Duo users are gaining personalization options for video messages. These message have been a feature of Duo since March last year, with a caller able to leave up to a 30 second message if a call is missed or declined. Now it’s possible to add text and emojis to your message, or draw on it using a range of brushes. Android users will get the personalizaton first, with iOS users getting the update soon.”

First launched back in August 2016, Duo was already a good choice for making video calls. It offers high definition 720p streaming video, optimization for low bandwidth networks, automatic switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks so as not to interrupt an ongoing call, and end-to-end encryption. You can also opt for audio-only calls, record and send video messages, and the “Knock Knock” feature allows you to see a live preview of the person calling you before answering.

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