Samsung is looking to integrate Google Duo with its messaging app. This will allow users of Samsung Messages, the default messaging app on Galaxy smartphones, to directly video call other users using Google's excellent video calling service Duo.
The report from The Korea Herald states that Samsung is working with SK Telecom and Google to link RCS and Duo together. SK Telecom will allow users to make Duo video calls from within the Samsung Messages app without any data charges for up to 5MB via RCS.
Google already offers Duo integration into the Android Messages app which is the default messaging and RCS client on Pixel and Android One smartphones.
An APK teardown of the latest version of the Samsung Messages app by 9to5Google also confirms work on this front. A shortcut to initiate a Google Duo call will be found inside every chat window as depicted in the mockup below.
It is unclear if this Duo-Samsung Messages-RCS integration will expand to other parts of the world or will only be limited to South Korea since it also has carrier involvement.
Samsung will likely debut this Google Duo and Samsung Messages integration on the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Flip which are scheduled to be announced on February 11. The feature should then also make its way to the Galaxy S10 and Note10 series via a future software update.
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