Google Releases New Chat App ''Allo'' And Its Clever

Google has launched a smart messaging app called Allo that it hopes will rival WhatsApp, Facebook's Messenger and Apple's iMessage, the big difference in this chat app is base on its "smart" abilities: it can reply to messages for you and has an in-app assistant called "@google" that can search the internet, play videos and offer restaurant suggestions.

Allo can help cut down on typing on small screens by suggesting replies based on context. If a friend asks how you're doing, you can tap "Good tnx." Allo preserves chatting shortcuts such as "u'' for "you." Apple offers something similar on its smartwatch, but not phones or tablets. Allo will also analyze photos to suggest replies such as "beautiful smile" or "the skyline looks great!" — at least for photos with smiles or skylines. Remember that this is software, so its suggestions won't always make sense.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT

When you're chatting with someone, you're often making plans. Google Assistant can retrieve information on nearby restaurants, movie times and even the weather. Everyone in the chat will see the Assistant's replies and can weigh in on the choices.

In some cases, Google Assistant will even anticipate your needs, such as when someone's asking about getting sushi. An oval bubble appears with an offer to retrieve nearby sushi restaurants. After choosing one, you can tap for opening hours, directions or the menu.

Reservations aren't available yet, though Google is considering third-party integrations such as OpenTable for dinner and Airbnb for accommodations. Apple's Messages doesn't invoke the Siri virtual assistant the same way, but it already offers integration with third-party apps so that you can make plans (and reservations) while chatting.

Beyond planning, Google Assistant can give you the latest news and sports scores, translate phrases or do math calculations. Asking for directions will bring up Google Maps.

Plain text is boring, so Allo features a slider that can make your messages and emojis larger or smaller.

Allo will work for iPhones and Android phones, but not tablets.

The new Allo app promises to be 'smart', and am guessing this might be the smartest chat app right now.

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