Google Allo It was born with the ambition to compete with WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and other giants, and the arrival of its versión web It was intended to close the multiplatform loop. However, the rollout was late and with limitations that affected its adoption in a market already dominated by well-established alternatives.
Google Allo was the new messaging app Google wanted to use this app to compete with WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others. It was intended to coexist with Hangouts for a time, though they would continue to have different functions. However, we now know that Google Allo It will also arrive in a web version, although it will be too late for this, since the application can already do little to fight against its rivals.
Google Allo
Google Allo came as an interesting application from Google to compete with WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. But when we say interesting, we actually mean that it would have been interesting if it had been released 10 years earlier, because launching now Google Allo has little logicBasically, Google Talk was Google's first messaging service, integrated into Gmail itself. Then they launched with HangoutsThis update was theoretically intended to rival WhatsApp. As we know, it failed to compete with the world's most popular messaging app, despite being pre-installed on many Android phones. But Google decided to launch a new version, Google Allo, with which they expected better results.
While the figures were good at first, the reality is that few users They used it. Its success will again depend on it coming pre-installed on many Android phones, just like Hangouts did. But its major flaw is that it has been launched without being completeThe web version will now be launched. use the service from the PC.
And what made Hangouts interesting was that a user with a computer could Log into your Gmail and write to any user, who would receive it on their mobile phone. This was possible even if your smartphone had no battery. However, this is impossible in the WhatsApp caseFor example, this is what made Hangouts useful. However, Google Allo was launched and didn't even have this feature. Big mistake.
Now we can finally use Google Allo from the computerThe only good thing is that it will eventually replace Hangouts, and it will be a good option since it's just as complete as its predecessor. It will be difficult for it to compete with WhatsApp, but it will be a good option for those who want a communication service with a web version.
Allo web version: availability and requirements
Following multiple hints from product managers on social media pointing to a launch in few weeksAllo enabled browser access with an approach very similar to WhatsApp Web: pairing by QR code between mobile and desktop. Initial activation required strict conditions that limited its daily use.
- Android only at the startThe linking was first enabled for Android phones; iPhone support came later.
- Limited browserIt initially worked only in Google Chrome; over time, compatibility with other browsers was added. Some Chromium-based browsers could function as if they were Chrome.
- Mobile phone turned on and app activeIf the phone ran out of battery, data, or the app closed, the web version would stop working.
- One device per accountAllo was designed to be used on a single phone, which prevented a true multi-device.
This approach contrasted with Hangoutswhich allowed you to continue chatting on your computer even with your mobile phone turned off, and also with alternatives that synchronize messages in the cloud, similar to TelegramEven so, the arrival of Allo Web also meant the Google Assistant's first foray into desktop through a chat window.
Key features and privacy discussion
Allo opted for an agile experience with smart answers which suggested responses based on the context of the message and the content of the images. It also deeply integrated the Google Assistant to check the weather, discover restaurants, or play content without leaving the chat.
It included a incognito mode with end-to-end encryption and timers self destruction configurable; it also allowed adjust text sizesend voice notes, draw on images, and add stickers. Over time, it added improvements such as backups, GIF library and incognito group chats.
These advantages coexisted with criticisms regarding privacy matterThis was primarily because encryption was not enabled by default, and several intelligence functions required data processing to provide suggestions. Public discussion even raised potential risks of accessing messages under legal warrants, fueling the debate about the appropriateness of its default configuration.
A late launch and Google's change of course
Allo tried to position himself when WhatsApp, iMessage and other apps had already consolidated their network effect. Dividing the offering between Allo (messaging) and Duo (video calls) versus the full integration of competitors, and the initial absence of the web versionThese factors hindered its traction. The reliance on active mobile on a desktop and single-device usage added friction.
Over time, Google redirected its strategy: Hangouts for consumers was gradually replaced by Google Chat y Google Meet, while several Allo functions (such as GIFs(intelligent responses or visual enhancements) They migrated to MessagesThe Android SMS/RCS app. Before the service was shut down, the following was provided: conversation export to avoid losing the history. In parallel, Duo continued to evolve with machine learning-based improvements, and Chat expanded collaboration possibilities, even with external users in professional environments.
Although Allo did not manage to unseat the leaders, he made valuable contributions: the early integration of Assistant in messaging, a creative approach in smart answers and private modes with a timer. versión webIts late arrival and restrictions explain much of why it failed to capitalize on the opportunity that alternatives with real cloud synchronization and multi-device support did take advantage of.
