Google has begun the I/O 2016 developer conference in style, and the first product to be unveiled was the new smart essaging app, Allo.
It kind of sounds like the word Hello. Allo is built using neural network technology, which allows it to predict your replies to chats, aka Smart Reply. This is quite similar to Google Inbox’s feature, but works better in Allo.
(Images via Google Developer’s Blog and Google Twitter)
Smart Reply can work with images too, Google’s computer vision capabilities, and predicts an appropriate reply.
Google says Allo supports end to end encryption for incognito messages, permanent deletion of messages, message expiration, private notifications and more. Allo supports stickers too, and it kind of looks like Facebook Messenger.
Allo features a built-in chat bot, called Google assistant which you can with, and use it to get information just like you use Google Search. It then works to help you accomplish tasks without leaving the app, including discovering a restaurant and reserving a table there.
Google Allo uses your phone number t login and chat with others in your phone book. The app also has a unique feature called Whisper Shout, which allows you to resize text as if you were talking in a low voice or shouting in CAPS.
Allo lets you communicate with anyone in your phonebook—both Android and iOS. #IO16 pic.twitter.com/nhpxGJDRGP
— Google (@Google) May 18, 2016
The Allo Instant Messenger app for Android and iOS will be available later this summer. This however, puts a big question mark in the future of Google Hangouts, could it be axed?
