Google at last released its highly anticipated instant messaging app called Allo
First announced at Google's I/O developer conference in May , Allo is a messaging app for Android and iOS that lets you "make plans, find information, and express yourself more easily in chat".
Like most messaging apps, it lets you write text and send photos, emojis and stickers. All chats are encrypted, and there's even an "Incognito" mode that lets you send Snapchat -style self-destructing messages.
However, there are a couple of features that make Google Allo stand out from the crowd.
The first is a feature called Smart Reply, which lets you respond to messages without typing a single word.
The app uses artificial intelligence to suggest responses to messages you receive from your friends. So if you get a message asking "Are you on your way?" Allo will automatically suggest a response of "yup".
Smart Reply will also suggest responses for photos sent in Google Allo. So if your friend sends you a photo of their pet, you might see Smart Reply suggestions like “nice dog :)” or “aww cute!”
Over time, Allo gets to known your style of conversation, and becomes better at mimicking it, so the responses will seem more natural.
Another interesting feature of Allo is Google Assistant.
A bit like Facebook's Messenger bots , Google Assistant is an artificially intelligent chatbot that will help you find information.
For example, you could ask it to send you daily updates on news, weather, traffic, sports, or your upcoming flights status.
You can also use it to find businesses and shops around you, such as pharmacies, banks, parking, petrol stations and supermarkets.
You can even use it to make dinner reservations, or research holiday destinations, flights and hotels with your friends.
You can either chat with the Google Assistant one-on-one or type @google to bring it into a group conversation.
"The more you use your Assistant, the more useful it becomes by remembering preferences and other information you ask it to," Google said in a blog post.
"Over time your Google Assistant will be able to work seamlessly throughout your day - at home, in your car, and on the go - and will be available in more products coming later this year, like Google Home."
Google Allo is available to download from Apple's App Store and Google Play.
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