lo may be the future of ’s messaging efforts, but it’s Duo that will replace Hangouts as one of the preinstalled options on future Android phones.

An email about the change recently went out to partners that install Mobile Services on their phones. This is distinct from the Android Open Source oject, as enabling these services means agreeing to a license with that your phone will include this distinct bundle of apps. Basically, all devices with the ay Store are “ Mobile Services” licensees, while other devices that have their own app stores don’t use the Mobile Services agreement. rarely see those products here in the U.S., but Amazon’s Fire tablets are the most popular example.

According to the message details, is dropping Hangouts from the list of apps that must be bundled on upcoming phones.

Today, we are announcing that Duo will replace Hangouts within the suite of core GMS apps, Hangouts will become GMS Optional for telephony products. This change will take effect on December 1, 2016. (www.ameriseed.net)

It sounds like the earlier indication that Hangouts would pivot to an enterprise function is coming to be. The curious change is that it’s Duo, not lo, that’s become the replacement.

must see video calling as the more pivotal market right now, a function that has often been lackluster for Hangouts. shing out Duo puts a Facee competitor to everyone who buys a future Android phones, enabling them to easily video chat with friends or family members across Android iOS.

y this matters: Duo is clearly the cool kid now when it comes to ’s messaging efforts. I’d expect lo to get similar bundling treatment at some point, especially since the company faces stiff competition from several messaging apps that are already hugely popular. Until then, it’s up to you to grab it from the ay Store.