Here's how Google Duo stacks up against Facebook Messenger, Skype and more

Google announced its video chat service called Duo just a few months ago at Google I/O. Just yesterday, the service was rolled out to users worldwide, which will give many an excuse to skip on Hangouts, a service that Google has barely updated in the past years. So how does it compare with the existing players? Let’s find out! Google Duo What we like: With Duo, Google brings in a fresh new look, but more importantly, it is the simplicity of setting up such a service that got us up and running in no time. No, we are not talking about an Android smartphone, but the same is equally quick to setup even on an iOS device. Compare this to other popular video calling services where you have to create a user ID, and sync your contacts, etc. You get the picture. It makes everything else out there feel old and complex. What we did not like: It has no extra feature, apart from Knock Knock that lets you see the caller before answering the call, and the ability to block numbers. There are some niggles, however. While you can call up your friend who owns an iOS device, Duo for now is only available on your smartphone with a SIM card inside (not even tablets). Also one can only be signed in using one device at any given time. This alone pushes us to the likes of Facebook Messenger. Skype What we like: While Skype was pretty much a simple app earlier, the service soon added chats to its list of features. Placing a call is as simple as tapping the video call button. Being one of the older VoIP calling services also means that there is a lot in here that you could not get elsewhere. This would include Skype to Skype calls, group video calls, instant messaging, screen sharing and more importantly, the ability to call local landline numbers as well. This is indeed plenty more than what Messenger and Duo currently offer. Also, Skype is available on almost every single platform out there (including Windows 10 Mobile) including a web app (it’s even available on the Xbox One). So you have no excuse to not be connected. Skype is also among the few apps that let you host a conference call on video. What we did not like: Setting up Skype did take up a fair bit of time. Hit the sign up button and you have to add your full name, Skype name, Skype password, email ID, and then enter your phone number with the country code. Setup blues aside, the service is not entirely free. You can either choose to fill up your account with Skype credits in advance or pay as you go but this again is only for calling up landline numbers. FaceTime: What we like: It simple to use and comes pre-installed on every Apple device. Like voice calls, Facetime calls can also be answered on any of your Apple devices. Transitioning from data to Wi-Fi connectivity is instant and results in no dropped calls. What we did not like: The service is limited to Apple devices only. Functionality is a bit too limited with just the ability place one on one video calls. All-in-all this is very familiar to what we have on Duo, but Duo is cross-platform and even simpler to use. Facebook Messenger: What we like: It’s simple to use and comes integrated into the Facebook Messenger app. With the primary purpose of the app being instant messaging, you can also place VoIP calls and now, even video calls. Placing a call is as simple as tapping the button on the top right corner of your chat window. Also Facebook recently removed the requirement of having a Facebook account as well, so you can sign up for Messenger and its services with just your phone number. What we did not like: We really have no complaints here as the service is available for free and offers features similar to Skype at no extra cost.