Google Duo video calls are coming to Android TV - Android

Google’s efforts to bring video chats to your living room are extending beyond Meet support on Chromecast and smart displays like the Nest Hub Max.

The company is planning to roll out Google Duo on Android TV as a beta feature in the “coming weeks.” You’ll need either a built-in camera or a USB camera to start chatting, but it will support both standard and group conversations.

Duo is already available on the Nest Hub Max as well as Android mobile devices, iOS, and computers via the web.

Google Duo on Android TV

As you might imagine, Google is characterizing this more as a solution for everyday conversations than the work-oriented Meet. This is for catching up with friends and family when you’d rather not hold your phone or sit at your computer.

Read more: How to use Google Duo

It’s not certain when Duo will leave beta. It could take a while longer before the calling feature is polished. Even so, this could be vital if you’re stuck at home during the pandemic and prefer to use Duo for staying in touch.

Video chat options on TVs are relatively rare. Skype, for instance, axed its TV app in 2016. In that light, this could easily be your best choice for couch-based video calls if you have an Android TV (or Android TV media hub) and don’t mind spending a little extra on equipment.