Google Allo’s Release Date Is Today: Why It’s The Messaging App You Never Knew You Wanted

Google Allo hasn’t been getting the press it deserves. You might have heard Google’s messaging app mentioned alongside other applications like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, if you’ve been using them up till now, prepare to be amazed. Google Allo’s release date is today, and a quick dive into its features shows what you had no idea you were missing.

Introduction

When you first start Allo, you’ll be asked to verify your phone number and grant it permission to access your contacts. Google will then send a verification code by SMS. Enter that when prompted, and you’ll be allowed to set a profile pic if you’d like. You’ll know you’re set when you see chat bubbles addressing you by name. This is Google Assistant working its magic.

“Smart” Messaging

As CNET mentions, you’ll be greeted by Google Assistant after setting up Allo. This handy feature allows you to get Google search results directly from your Allo chat. Needless to say, the benefits of this are nearly endless. But wait, there’s more!

Allo also allows you to set your messages so they self-destruct. This isn’t a unique feature, but one that will make privacy advocates happy. As Techworm will tell you, messages in Allo’s Incognito Mode can be set to expire after 5, 10, or 30 seconds, as well as a day or week. Finally, you can turn off the expiration date from the chat interface in incognito mode. The recipient can also control these features from their end of the chat.

Google Allo is available on both iOS and Android’s app stores, though it may take some time to roll out worldwide. Android users can also grab a free guide on Allo from a third-party developer on the Play Store. You can query Allo’s assistant by simply texting it, “What Can You Do?”

Privacy Is A Priority

When you start a conversation in Allo, you’ll notice that the option for Incognito Mode exists. Android Authority notes that this allows you to have off-the-record conversations that even Google can’t read. This is done by encrypting a chat so only you and the recipient can read it.

To enter Incognito Mode, just click on the bottom left to start a new conversation. When you’re searching for a contact, you’ll be offered the chance to go Incognito. It’s important to note that only contacts with Allo can participate in private chats.

Photos Get Artsier

Photos aren’t just pictures when you’re using Google’s Allo. Rather, you can doodle on the screen to bring your pictures to life. You can also add text to pictures. Additionally, you can send stickers to friends from Allo’s chat interface.

Simply tap the plus icon at the bottom to get started. Then, select from the icons to share stickers, pics, or even a map location. Allo notes where you are and suggests locales around you that might be send-worthy.

If your pal has Allo, you can also see a message’s status by tapping and holding on it. Allo then says “read” or “delivered” below it. TechCrunch found that you can also change the way text appears by holding the send button down and then dragging up or down. This will make the text seem bigger or smaller, features Allo dubs “shout” and “whisper.”

Always Have A Smart Reply

Allo’s aptly-titled Smart Reply feature takes the words right out of your phone’s mouth. When a friend sends a picture, Allo somehow knows what’s in the pic and can suggest an appropriate response. Smart Reply functions just like autocorrect on your phone. Simply start writing, and Allo will try to fill in the blanks.

But Allo’s assistant isn’t just useful; it puts the “fun” in “functional.” You can also ask the assistant to play a random video or get sports scores, for instance. Google’s smart assistant also has time for small talk whenever you want, and seems to thoroughly understand what you’re asking for.

Group Messaging

Allo also has group messaging, of course. Creating a group is straightforward: just click to start a new message and the option reveals itself. You can also choose from a number of fun avatars to give the group a little logo. If your friends don’t have Allo, the messenger seamlessly transitions over to free SMS. You can still send stickers, pics, and emojis regardless of whether the recipient has this app.

It should be taken with a grain of salt that the Google Assistant is still in preview mode. Google has plans to eventually integrate the Assistant into apps like Google Home, so it will probably get new improvements over time. However, it still seems safe to use and there are no apparent issues.

If you don’t see Allo on your app store yet, no worries. It hasn’t rolled out worldwide yet, but CNET found that it will be released to different markets over the next few days. If you’ve grabbed Allo, let us know what you think below.

[Featured Image by Helar Lukats/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY SA 4.0]