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Google Allo Messaging App Launches For iOS and Android (phonedog.com)
An anonymous reader writes: Google has officially launched their long-awaited messaging app for iOS and Android, called Google Allo. There are several unique features associated with this app that Google hopes will win you over. Smart Reply lets you respond to messages with just a tap, so you can send a quick "yup" in response to a friend asking "Are you on your way?" It will also suggest responses for photos. For example, if you send a picture of a dog, Smart Reply might suggest a heart emoji or "Super cute!" message, which you can select and send with a tap. Google says Smart Reply will improve over time and adjust to your style. You can also send large or small text and emojis, as well as draw on pictures. There's an incognito mode that will activate end-to-end encryption, discreet notifications, and message expiration on your chats. Arguably best of all is the Google Assistant that can be added to your chats to automatically cater useful information to you depending on what is being conversed in the chat. For example, it can deliver news, weather, traffic, sports or your upcoming flight status to your chat. You can also ask your Assistant to "share that funny YouTube video or play games with friends right in your group chat." Google Allo is rolling out to Android and iOS starting today.
This is one kind of AI that computers might well excel at. By automating our insincerity, we'll have more time to hunt for pokemonsters, and to while away on Twitter (aka Automated Impropriety).
I'm having the same confusion. I've read the blogs and understand why the keep refactoring and refactoring. But now I'm confused by what app I should be using.
Google Voice has a "chat" (SMS) app that totally sucks. Wait - isn't Hangout supposed to fix this? (no). Now I'm using Hangout - but Voice in GMail (browser) is what pops up.
And if I'm using Allo - who can I chat with? FB users? iMessage? SMS? Just my Google+ friends? The pie is the whole world but this slice is thin. I've given up trying to use 5 apps tied to an experience. SMS is the universal - I go there first. Since that is iMessage for me I get the added feature bonus when chatting with fellow Apple users....but I don't care. I don't use FB messenger because - that's on FB. Hangout? That's only G+. Having to remember which app works for each person is mind boggling - just use SMS platform of the phone. done. Now - if I don't have their phone# I'll use the app. But that's easier to remember.