Google Duo 49 preps Holi messaging effects and video invites [APK Insight]

Just last week, Google officially rolled out Duo on the web, while adding audio calls to Home smart speakers. Google Duo 49 for Android reveals work on new messaging effects for Holi and video invites to attract new users.

About APK Insight: In this ‘APK Insight’ post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in the case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.

Holi video effects

Later this month, Indians will celebrate the Hindu spring festival of Holi, which is often associated with bright colors. Google is getting in on the action with four video effects that add colorful powder, borders, sunglasses, and food to short messages. Like before, users will be prompted on Duo’s live preview home screen to apply a video effect before they start recording.

<string name=”holi_food_floating_talkback”>Holi food floating in the air</string>

<string name=”holi_liquid_text_talkback”>Colorful flowing liquid border with caption Happy Holi in English</string>

<string name=”holi_powder_behind_talkback”>Holi powder from behind</string>

<string name=”holi_sunglasses_talkback”>Sunglasses and colorful Holi powder</string>

<string name=”single_tap_holi_effect_home_screen_hint”/>

Speaking of effects, the Valentines’ one could be repurposed as a general, year-round “Floating hearts” filter.

<string name=”floating_bubble_hearts_google_talkback”>Floating hearts</string>

Video invites

Currently, scrolling down to the end of your contacts list or heading to “Invite friends” in the overflow menu will give users the option to send an SMS/RCS message prompting others to join Google Duo. Google might be working on more personalized video invites. This could presumably takes advantage of App preview messages built into Google Play services to play the message for the recipient.

<string name=”record_video_invite”>Record a video invite</string>

Duo rewards

Google Duo 49 tweaks introductory strings for the upcoming rewards revamp revealed with the last release, though it’s not yet clear what exactly this functionality entails.

Google Duo 48

<string name=”link_gaia_dialog_rewards_secondary_description_rewards”>You have the option to use your Google Account to sign in to Duo on your phone and other devices. To redeem rewards, you have to use an eligible Google Account.</string>

<string name=”link_gaia_title_cruiser_consent”>Set up rewards with Google</string>

Google Duo 49

<string name=”link_gaia_dialog_rewards_secondary_description_rewards”>To redeem rewards, you have to use an eligible Google Account. You have the option to use your Google Account to sign in to Duo on your phone and other devices.</string>

<string name=”link_gaia_title_cruiser_consent”>Activate your rewards account</string>

How to update?

Google Duo 49 is rolling out now via the Play Store. We do not post APKs to download directly given the legal challenges associated with copyright and possibility of removal. Meanwhile, that model is perilous given Android App Bundles and Google Play’s Dynamic Delivery.

Thanks to JEB Decompiler, which some APK Insight teardowns benefit from.