Hey, look, Google throws another new application that overlaps (but not completely) a bunch of other apps they have at the wall to see if it will stick.
Allo is sort of a chat / IM app, but not meant to replace Hangouts, but it lets anyone sign in without a Google account, but it doesn't have video, but it does have smart replies and AI, but it doesn't have a multi-person component, but it does have AI recognition of what's in pictures you share, but it doesn't have a Windows version announced (just iOS and Android).
Confused? You're not the only one.
So … I guess I can use this for … mobile-only chatting … with friends who don't have or don't want to use Google accounts. Is that right?
Why some/all of this functionality wasn't loaded into Hangouts, or why Hangouts functionality wasn't loaded into it, so that we have a single product to use rather than 1.5 products … I have no idea.
Also, Google? Hey, y'know, some of us still have keyboards and use computers and laptops and yet, somehow, strangely enough, want to be able to chat with people.
I mean, this looks like it's a nicely-done product, but I just don't understand the road map here that Google's using. Or if there is one.
Google’s Allo puts AI in a messaging app
It’s a smart messaging app that incorporates Google’s machine learning.
Another article about it, focusing on the underlying search assistant AI — http://www.wired.com/2016/05/googles-new-allo-messaging-app-gets-edge-ai/ — but really not explaining how / why a new messaging app, vs the one(s) that Google already has.
Oh, and, hey, Google has a new, separate video app coming out, Google Duo — http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11690728/google-duo-video-call-app-vs-apple-facetime-io-2016 — which is separate from Allo, but parallels what Hangouts does, but without a Google account. Which is keen but is also … rrg.
("Forget it, Jake. It's Google.")
Yup, pretty much my whole page from yesterday 🙂 So frustrating.
Our two messaging applications are Hangouts and Messenger!
Our three messaging applications are Hangouts, Messenger and Allo!
Among our messaging applications are Hangouts, Messenger…
I'll come in again.