Some Google Duo users may soon need to migrate to a different video-calling service, as code within the app indicates it will cease working on certain Android phones this spring.
9to5Google dug through the code of the most recent version of Google Duo and noticed that those with uncertified Android phones may soon be presented with warnings that say “Duo is going away soon” or “Because you’re using an unsupported device, Duo will unregister your account on this device soon. Download your Clips and call history to avoid losing them.”
A certified Android device is one that Google has officially deemed secure. They come pre-installed with the Google Play Store and popular Google apps, as well as Google Play Protect, a suite of security features such as automatic virus scanning and Find My Device. Most popular Android phones fall into the “certified” category, but there are exceptions. Due to US sanctions, for example, Huawei was forced to release phones without Google apps.
If you’re on an uncertified device, Duo access is scheduled to end on March 31, with a 14-day grace period, according to the code. But Google hasn’t made any official announcement, and as 9to5Google notes, “Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect.”
Last week, however, a similar message showed up inside the code for Google Messages.
