Google Allo is the second of the search engine giant’s communication apps that is set to be officially released following the release of video calling app, Google Duo.
Even before the app is released (although interested parties can still pre-register for the app in the Play Store), the app is already garnering some interesting reviews and ratings in the Android Store. As at the time of this writing, the Play Store rates the Google Allo app at 4.8 out of 5, which is an amazing stat for an app that is yet to be official. In addition, the reviews that follow the rating are nothing but impressive, with many of those commenting full of praise for the messaging app.
A quick look at the reviews provided will tell you that many of those testing the app are more than impressed with it. However, the question that comes in is whether those already deep into WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Viber will make the switch to this AI-backed messaging app. This is especially because most of the services on offer are a lot like what these other apps offer.
For starters, users must provide their phone numbers for an account to be created. However, the app has more to offer thanks to the deep integration of Google Assistant, which can be helpful when chatting with friends or even when there is no one to chat with. In short, you can also chat with the Assistant one-on-one, just like you’d do with your friends.
Other than the above-mentioned Google Allo abilities, those who opt for the app will also be able to enjoy features such as Smart Reply where the app keeps on learning your ways of communication and in doing so, it starts providing you with smart replies that are based on how you communicate with different individuals in similar cases. It can suggest replies whether you are dealing with photos or texts, meaning you keep chatting with very little typing effort needed.
There is a feature known as Ink. With this, users can get creative with photos before sharing them with friends. There is also the Whisper Shout feature that does away with the need to send a message in caps so as to show emphasis and instead, users will only have to swipe in order to increase the size of the text in question. Just like many other messaging apps out there, Google Allo also comes with support for stickers, which have been designed by independent studios and artists from all over the world.
As far as security is concerned, Google incorporated an Incognito Mode that offers end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages as well as private notifications, a feature that prevents any prying eyes from seeing what you are up to.
Since the Google Allo app is still in pre-registration stage, the only way you can get a taste of the app is via a direct invitation. Otherwise, you may have to wait a little longer before the official release, which shouldn’t be far from now.