Google Allo
 |
|||||
 A screenshot of Allo, showing the "smart reply" feature
|
|||||
| Developer(s) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial release | September 21, 2016 | ||||
| Stable release(s) | |||||
|
|||||
| Development status | Active | ||||
| Operating system | Android, iOS | ||||
| Available in | English | ||||
| Type | Instant messaging | ||||
| License | Proprietary | ||||
| Website | allo |
||||
| Android | 5.0.021_RC16 / January 19, 2017 |
|---|---|
| iOS | 5.0 / January 12, 2017 |
Google Allo is an instant messaging mobile app developed by Google. It includes a virtual assistant and provides a "smart reply" function that allows users to reply to messages with automatic suggestions instead of typing. It was announced at Google I/O on May 18, 2016, and launched on September 21, 2016. The app is available on Android and iOS.
Before launch, Google touted strong privacy in the app, with particular emphasis on messages stored "transiently and in non-identifiable form". However, at launch, privacy was significantly rolled back, with Google now keeping logs of messages indefinitely (or until the user actively deletes messages) in an effort to improve app features. Additionally, privacy advocate and NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden was critical of Allo using unencrypted chat messages by default, with an opt-in feature for full encryption, rather than fully encrypted by default, writing on Twitter that "Google's decision to disable end-to-end encryption by default in its new #Allo chat app is dangerous, and makes it unsafe. Avoid it for now."
Allo was announced at Google I/O on May 18, 2016. At the time, Google said that it would release Allo in summer 2016. Google launched the app on September 21, 2016. It was mentioned during the #MadeByGoogle event in October 2016 that Allo will be pre-installed on Pixel phones, along with its sister app, Google Duo.
Allo is based on phone numbers, not by social media or email accounts.
Allo's "Smart reply" function uses Google's machine learning technology to suggest a reply to the last message, which can be selected from a few options. The feature also analyzes images sent to the user in order to suggest responses. Similar to the smart reply feature seen in Google's Inbox app, it learns from the user's behaviour to adapt its suggestions over time. Allo is one of the apps that support Google Assistant, a conversational virtual assistant.
...
Wikipedia