Recently, My wife and daughter spent some time overseas for over a month - and of course - like anyone does when friends and family are abroad - We made the most of voice and video calling apps. 

![image](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8gaEOU2p30N4Up-KMUl4MQBtnn0F5DyH5bqKKr0QqptnQgPk4lxXaWLJhi8Dcu9i8qE=w300)

The most popular app in this area seems to be Viber. Facebook and WhatsApp also offer these services, amongst many others no doubt. 

I found Viber to be a bit hit and miss - sometimes it would be great quality, often it would suck. Facebook was similar, if slightly better - but that requires a facebook account. Whatsapp was also very hit and miss. 

The one app however, that never failed - was Google's implementation - Google Duo. This app had far superior service reliability, as well as audio and video quality. It is available for use to anybody with a phone number. 

Upon launching the app - you're presented with a very simple screen. 

![sketch-1514807170741.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmW9o16rPCXJ6oWK8mNdit7uxMxjfJwaztGNVSpMCeJ2y4/sketch-1514807170741.png)

This screen provides 3 options 
- Switch between audio/video
- Quick access to call two most recent contacts
- Contacts button. 

In addition, a link to invite friends to use the app may appear. 

Upon clicking the Contacts button - The following screen will appear, listing contacts that are using the services at the top, and contacts that are not beneath it - with a link to invite them to the service. 

![sketch-1514807295581.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVwzraNQ4NPkbRDUC3Lu47cV18jPyLKGNBadCnHijfbCk/sketch-1514807295581.png)

If you use an Android phone with the default Android Phone app, you will find that Duo also is also integrated as shown below: 

![Screenshot_20180101-224907.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVZ5YZxqr9RPAdGQHbAQ2AUd8Cdd2fMtDExt8ifG539Ws/Screenshot_20180101-224907.png)

Also, most recent versions of android provide a link to switch to video calls from within a standard telephone call. 

No review would do this app justice without trying it for yourself to experience the call and video quality. It definitely made it easier to keep in touch with my family during their travels. Highly recommended. 

This app is available on both Android and iOS