Why You Should Install Allo: Features You Won't Find In Any Other Chat App
We all know that Allo was launched recently and many of the user installed it. Even i tried installing it and found it quite interesting. Though it has not reached that hype which WhatsApp has already created but this is the just the starting and you never know whats next. There are other messaging app like Facebook which eats most my battery so i almost avoid using it. Those who are using WhatsApp and using it daily, they will not think of installing it but they will surely give it a try. But what is it that so many people are still installing it and are happy more than using WhatsApp.
To tell you frankly, Allo is no where near WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. It lacks many creativity approach WhatsApp and even not have as many user as Facebook and might not get as many daily active users as Facebook. But i still believe that Google will come and take it fast. There are other apps also, but we will find it now, what Allo has that is missing from WhatsApp:
1. Google Assistant:
When you start using Allo after all the verification process is complete, you are welcomed by 3 options out of which one is Google Assistant. Allo comes with Google Assistant integration, incorporating the search functionality into the app. Google’s virtual assistant, can pull out information from the web and also embed YouTube videos within a chat. Within messages, users can also call their friends using the Assistant. Google Assistant is a chatbot which will help you with queries like movies playing in theaters near you and restaurants serving Chinese food.
Tap the ‘@’ symbol and select Google Assistant from the list in any chat, individual or group. You can even add your favorite sports team and the AI will show you upcoming matches or the latest scores. The Assistant will also answer the questions you throw at it, although its scope seems pretty limited as of now.
2. Smart/Predictive Replies:
The app is equipped with a 'Smart Reply' feature, earlier seen in the Inbox by Gmail app. It suggests automatic replies to save a user’s time. It uses artificial intelligence to read text and replying patterns of users, and then comes up with relevant suggestions.
It suggests automatic replies to save a user’s time. It uses artificial intelligence to read text and replying patterns of users, and then comes up with relevant suggestions.Initially suggestions may be simple and basic, but with usage it picks up users' idioms to offer quirky replies. So, whether you say ‘hahaha’ or ‘Lol’, the Smart Reply with adjust to your style of communication.
3. Incognito Mode:
Privacy is one a major concern when it comes to digital communication. Google has introduced an Incognito mode in Allo to address this concern. All your chats will be stored on Google’s servers, unless you delete them from your device. But, there is an option to enable end-to-encryption. Google Allo calls this ‘Incognito’ mode, where messages are not only encrypted but can also self-destruct.
It’s based on the company’s open signal protocol and is designed to offer a seamless and secure chatting experience. If a user receives a message while in Incognito mode, its contents on the lockscreen are invisible, making it completely private and secure. You can choose the duration of self-destruction from the timer icon on the top. Once sent, you can even change the duration to a different one.
4. Image recognition
Allo comes with Google's image recognition software for intelligent replies. This can easily spot differences, for instance between a dog and a baby, and then suggest an apt response for the same
5. Gmail account sync
Google Allo takes your phone number for primary identification, but if required then your Google account can also be synced with the app. This will further enable you to get all important updates. For example, if you have a flight to catch, then the app will notify you about the same in advance.
6. Bigger font size:
Google has also introduced a better way for users to express themselves in conversations by allowing user to change the size of the text before you send it. To do that, simply long-press the arrow (send) icon and then adjust the slider up or down to make the text larger or smaller, respectively. The same trick works with Emojis too.
This action changes the size of the entire text but formatting options (i.e. bold, italics) for individual words, like the ones available on WhatsApp and Telegram, aren’t yet available on Allo.
7. Contact List:
InWhatsApp, when you click on the chat icon you are directed to Contact list. It will show you all the contacts that you have in your phone, But in case of Allo, you will be displayed only those contacts that you have conversation with or the only contacts who have installed this app too.
In case you entered a name which is not in the list, you will find an 'INVITE' tag at the end of their name by which you will come to know that its not installed in their phone. Since these users are not on Allo, they will receive an SMS of whatever message you send. Thankfully, those SMS’ will be sent over data/Wi-Fi and hence won’t cost you extra, at least here in India. Also, you won’t be able to see these SMS’ in your standard messaging app, they will only be visible on Allo.
8. Get more stickers and emojis:
WhatsApp has his own set of emojis and smileys. You will find the same in Allo but they are not the only thing you will have. Click on the '+' icon and you will find a sticker like icon. Click on it. Some of the default stickers will be displayed and you can even download more. This reminded me of another messaging app, Hike where there are tons of stickers based on different category.
These are animated stickers, but not GIFs. Currently, there is no support for GIFs on Allo.
9. Doodling the Image:
When you send an image in Allo, you can personalize it with some doodle. You can either doodle on images from your existing media or click one instantly and then start doodling. The customization set may be as extensive as the ones found on Snapchat etc., but for basic use it’s good.
This way Allo can be useful to any users. If you find any of the above point interesting please comment and also let me know if any more feature needs to be added in the list.
Cheers!!!
To tell you frankly, Allo is no where near WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. It lacks many creativity approach WhatsApp and even not have as many user as Facebook and might not get as many daily active users as Facebook. But i still believe that Google will come and take it fast. There are other apps also, but we will find it now, what Allo has that is missing from WhatsApp:
1. Google Assistant:
When you start using Allo after all the verification process is complete, you are welcomed by 3 options out of which one is Google Assistant. Allo comes with Google Assistant integration, incorporating the search functionality into the app. Google’s virtual assistant, can pull out information from the web and also embed YouTube videos within a chat. Within messages, users can also call their friends using the Assistant. Google Assistant is a chatbot which will help you with queries like movies playing in theaters near you and restaurants serving Chinese food.
Tap the ‘@’ symbol and select Google Assistant from the list in any chat, individual or group. You can even add your favorite sports team and the AI will show you upcoming matches or the latest scores. The Assistant will also answer the questions you throw at it, although its scope seems pretty limited as of now.
2. Smart/Predictive Replies:
The app is equipped with a 'Smart Reply' feature, earlier seen in the Inbox by Gmail app. It suggests automatic replies to save a user’s time. It uses artificial intelligence to read text and replying patterns of users, and then comes up with relevant suggestions.
It suggests automatic replies to save a user’s time. It uses artificial intelligence to read text and replying patterns of users, and then comes up with relevant suggestions.Initially suggestions may be simple and basic, but with usage it picks up users' idioms to offer quirky replies. So, whether you say ‘hahaha’ or ‘Lol’, the Smart Reply with adjust to your style of communication.
3. Incognito Mode:
Privacy is one a major concern when it comes to digital communication. Google has introduced an Incognito mode in Allo to address this concern. All your chats will be stored on Google’s servers, unless you delete them from your device. But, there is an option to enable end-to-encryption. Google Allo calls this ‘Incognito’ mode, where messages are not only encrypted but can also self-destruct.
It’s based on the company’s open signal protocol and is designed to offer a seamless and secure chatting experience. If a user receives a message while in Incognito mode, its contents on the lockscreen are invisible, making it completely private and secure. You can choose the duration of self-destruction from the timer icon on the top. Once sent, you can even change the duration to a different one.
4. Image recognition
Allo comes with Google's image recognition software for intelligent replies. This can easily spot differences, for instance between a dog and a baby, and then suggest an apt response for the same
5. Gmail account sync
Google Allo takes your phone number for primary identification, but if required then your Google account can also be synced with the app. This will further enable you to get all important updates. For example, if you have a flight to catch, then the app will notify you about the same in advance.
6. Bigger font size:
Google has also introduced a better way for users to express themselves in conversations by allowing user to change the size of the text before you send it. To do that, simply long-press the arrow (send) icon and then adjust the slider up or down to make the text larger or smaller, respectively. The same trick works with Emojis too.
This action changes the size of the entire text but formatting options (i.e. bold, italics) for individual words, like the ones available on WhatsApp and Telegram, aren’t yet available on Allo.
7. Contact List:
InWhatsApp, when you click on the chat icon you are directed to Contact list. It will show you all the contacts that you have in your phone, But in case of Allo, you will be displayed only those contacts that you have conversation with or the only contacts who have installed this app too.
In case you entered a name which is not in the list, you will find an 'INVITE' tag at the end of their name by which you will come to know that its not installed in their phone. Since these users are not on Allo, they will receive an SMS of whatever message you send. Thankfully, those SMS’ will be sent over data/Wi-Fi and hence won’t cost you extra, at least here in India. Also, you won’t be able to see these SMS’ in your standard messaging app, they will only be visible on Allo.
8. Get more stickers and emojis:
WhatsApp has his own set of emojis and smileys. You will find the same in Allo but they are not the only thing you will have. Click on the '+' icon and you will find a sticker like icon. Click on it. Some of the default stickers will be displayed and you can even download more. This reminded me of another messaging app, Hike where there are tons of stickers based on different category.
These are animated stickers, but not GIFs. Currently, there is no support for GIFs on Allo.
9. Doodling the Image:
When you send an image in Allo, you can personalize it with some doodle. You can either doodle on images from your existing media or click one instantly and then start doodling. The customization set may be as extensive as the ones found on Snapchat etc., but for basic use it’s good.
This way Allo can be useful to any users. If you find any of the above point interesting please comment and also let me know if any more feature needs to be added in the list.
Cheers!!!
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