Google's Duo video chat app will soon let you make community video calls on the internet, was revealed today by the search firm. Although social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a convenient way to catch up with your friends and family, group call participants would need a Google account to participate, Google says. The app will roll out in the next few weeks as a preview in Chrome.

Far more enjoyable with family mode.

New family mode allows you to doodle video calls and shock everyone with fun effects and masks that turn you into astronauts, cats and more. Just start a video call, click the menu icon, then tap Family to continue. As normal, Duo calls are encrypted from the end to the end and remain private between you and your loved ones.

 Bring pizzazz Effect to new video calling Style

In addition to bringing masks and effects into our new family mode, we're also adding them to any one-on-one video calls on Android and iOS — starting with a Mother's Day effect this week. We're also bringing out more effects and masks that will help you express yourself, from wearing heart glasses to turning into a flower.

 Bring more people together

Throughout the coming weeks, you'll be able to make community calls on the web with Duo, beginning with a demo on Chrome, alongside a new interface that allows you to see more users simultaneously. You will also be able to invite anyone with a Google account to enter a group call with only one connection, to make it easier to get together.