Finally, the much-awaited smart messaging app from Google was launched officially. Yes, Google Allo which was announced along with Duo video calling app during the Google IO 2016 event held earlier this year is now officially launched. Duo was launched a few days back and now its time for Allo. Allo will be a tuff competitor to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Google Allo:
Google Allo is a smart messaging app developed by Google to take on other messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Google Allo is a standalone app and it was integrated with Google Assistant preview edition. Google Assistant will help to find restaurants nearby, recent news, set an alarm for you and more.
Why Allo?
Google already have a Hangouts app which has chat and video features. But Google says, hangouts will be used for productivity and enterprise service, whereas Allo and Duo are the consumer products. The business and consumer needs are always different, so Google wants to separate the apps for business and consumers. Hence the result for consumers is turned as Allo [smart messaging app] and Duo [Video chat app].
Google Assistant:
Google Allo brings you the Google Assistant, preview edition. Find restaurants nearby, share videos to watch, and get answers, right in your conversation with friends.
Add @google to your group conversation or chat one-on-one with your Assistant. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help. It asks you some questions and it will ask you for the location to serve the results in more accurate manner. Also, it learns from the chats, questions, and replies to do often. This is what Google is calling as Machine learning. With Google Assistant you can make plans with friends, have fun, get answers to your questions and get things done directly in your chats.
The Google Assistant and Smart Reply are only available in English at this time.
Key Features of Google Allo :
Smart Reply and Responses – You can respond to messages without typing a single word. Smart Reply feature learns over time and suggests responses to text and photos, in your style.
Ink – Get creative with the photos you send by doodling on them or adding text.
Stickers – Say it all with the perfect sticker. Stickers in Google Allo are designed by independent artists and studios from around the world to create more than 25 custom sticker packs.
Photos – Edit photos before you send with the built in tools.
Emojis – Make your chat interesting with lots of available emojis.
SHOUT or whisper – No more typing in ALL CAPS to get your point across. Say it louder or quieter by changing the size of your text with a quick swipe.
Google Assistant – Your personal assistant to help you and make your tasks simple.
Incognito mode – Send messages with end-to-end encryption, use private notifications to help keep your chats more discreet, and control how long your messages stick around with expiring chats.
SMS – You can also message your friends who aren’t yet using Google Allo through SMS inside the Allo app itself.
Download Google Allo Now :
The stable version of the Allo app is out and it is slowly reaching all the countries. So Google confirmed that in next few days, it will be available globally.
Google Allo app is available for Android and iOS.
Android users you can download the app from Play Store here. The app is compatible with phones running Android version 4.1 or higher.
iOS users you can download the app from App Store here. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch running iOS 9.1 or higher versions.
Official Website of Google Allo:
The official web page of Allo is live now.
Setup Allo for the first time:
After installing the app on your device, follow the below steps to get started with Allo.
1. Open the app, the app will ask for the permissions for contacts, SMS, and media folder. Once done tap Next.
2. Now Verify your mobile number, by entering your mobile number.
3. Next, snap or upload your profile picture and give your Name.
4. That’s all. Google Allo is ready to use.
Google Allo Tips and Tricks :
Google Allo Menu and Settings:
The layout is very simple and easy to access. Click on the Menu icon on the left corner, to view your profile, blocked contacts, settings and more.
How To Block Contacts in Google Allo:
A simple way to block a contact is, just tap and hold for a second on the person chat, then you will get a pop up with 3 options. Choose Block Contact.
or
1. To block particular contact in Allo, Just open the chat window of that person and click on the profile icon on the top right corner.
2. A pop-up menu will open with few options, tap on Chat Details from that menu.
3. Now the Contact page will open, with Block option. Choose to block the contact.
How To UnBlock Contacts in Google Allo:
1. To unblock contacts in Google Allo, Just tap on the main menu on the top left corner and choose blocked contacts.
2. Now you will see the list of blocked contacts, choose the contact you want to unblock.
How To Disable Automatic media downloads in Google Allo:
By default, automatic media downloads will be enabled in Allo app. You can disable this feature.
1. Go to Menu > Settings
2. Now disable Always Download media option.
How To Disconnect Gmail account from Google Allo:
Once after installing the Allo app on your device, the responding google account also connected to your Allo account. You can disconnect it.
1. Go To Menu > Settings
2. Under Google Account, Click DISCONNECT button.
How To Chat in Incognito Mode :
Tap on new message option, then you will see the Start Incognito Chat option. Choose the option and select the contact to whom you want to chat.
How To Change the Expiration Time of Chats in Incognito Chats in Allo:
You can change the expiration time of chats in Incognito Mode.
1. Open the corresponding chat window.
2. On the top left corner next to the profile picture of the chat person, you will see a timer icon.
3. Tap on the timer icon and choose your desired time.
How To Turn Off Notifications in Google Allo:
You can turn off notifications in Google Allo. Just tap and hold for a second on the person chat, then you will get a pop up with 3 options. Choose Turn Off Notifications option to disable and the vice versa to enable.
Google’s Official Video about Allo:
Conclusion :
After using the app for a day, I like the app very much. Google Assistant is one of the best features in this app. Sure, it will be a tuff competitor to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Haven’t installed it ? Give a try on Allo now and share your experience via comments.
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