Google Duo, Google's video calling product, is getting new features including a better video codec.

Duo is end to end encrypted, and it already uses AI to reduce audio interruptions. In the coming week, Google is rolling out a new video codec technology to improve video call quality and reliability, even on very low bandwidth connections.

In addition, when you’re on a video call with another person, starting today you can quickly take a photo together to capture the moment on smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks, and share it automatically with everyone on the call. You'll be able to do this on group calls and on more devices soon.

Group calling is on the rise—in the past four weeks, Google says it is seeing eight times the number of group calls on Duo. On Android and iOS, Google recently increased our group size to 12 participants (instead of 8), and in the coming weeks the company plans to increase participants even further.

Duo makes it easy to send personalized video and voice messages when you can’t call. Over the past year, Google has added even more ways to share a quick moment, from photos to simple notes with text or doodles. In the past few weeks, Duo users are sending 180 percent more messages, with an 800 percent increase in regions particularly impacted by social distancing. You can say “I miss you” or “I’m thinking of you” using one of our latest AR effects. And soon, Google promises that you’ll have the option to automatically save your messages in Duo instead of having them expire after 24 hours.