Google rolls out smart messaging app Allo

"Google Allo can help you make plans, find information, and express yourself more easily in chat," announced Google in a blog post on September 20.

What do you do when stuck at a place and have no one to ask around for directions? Or, that moment when you want to get answers to some out-of-the-box questions, or want to plan an outing with friends to the new cafe in town? The answer to most of these questions would be our go-to-guide - Google.

Now, imagine a situation where you are able to directly chat with Google through its own smart messaging app which also doubles up as your personal chat assistant. Yes, this is exactly what Google has done by having launched Google Allo, a smart messaging app for iOS and Android, on September 20. The announcement made on its official blog (https://googleblog.blogspot.in/2016/09/google-allo-smarter-messaging-app.html) reads: "Google Allo can help you make plans, find information, and express yourself more easily in chat. And the more you use it, the more it improves over time."

Some of the features of Google Allo include Smart Reply which can help people respond quicker even as they are on-the-go. The messaging app also includes a whole array of emojis, stickers, and photos which would add diversity to the communication process and not render it limited only to simple text. Another interesting feature of Google Allo is Google Assistant where one can have a conversation with Google - ask questions and let it help you get things done directly in your chats.

Keeping in mind the privacy and security concerns in place, Google Allo also contains an option of chatting in incognito mode. Messages sent and received using this mode will have end-to-end encryption and additional privacy features such as discreet notifications and message expiration.

If you received an app preview message from someone using Google Allo, you can download the app to reply and to start using the app yourself to message your friends. The app preview message will look like a notification, and you can respond directly through the notification.

If you don't want to download Allo, you can still receive the app preview message and reply.