Allo: Initial Review
I've written about Google's messaging issues plenty of times in the past few years and their latest messaging application, Allo, was released this morning.
It sets up similarly to WhatsApp in that you need to verify your phone number. Then you can start messaging people.
People on iOS that don't have Allo installed get annoying text messages stating they received messages from people using Allo and the messages themselves from a random number. There is also no link to download the app. There is an option to stop the messages.
People on Android that don't have Allo get a native Android pop out notification that they received a message from Allo with the message with options to reply, ignore, or install the app. The messages disappear unless you install the app.
Both methods of contacting no users seem to be unconventional and not in a good way. It has sort of a gimmicky feel to it.
But to the usability of the app. It's a well designed messaging app. It's what you would expect from any messaging app, but it throws in the option to include Google AI when you want. This is definitely a good method of transitioning users to be more comfortable with bots in messaging. And with all the personal information that they have from search, email, and other services, Google has the advantage of providing useful information to users.
Where Allo lacks is that it is only available to Android and iOS phones. The most critical aspect of messaging is to have it available when you need it. While phones may be the most used devices in our lives, the average consumer still uses tablets, laptops, and desktops; this is especially true for the work environment. After a day of having Allo, I tended to go back to Hangouts just because I can message using my phone and laptop without. While it is a habit I have formed for years, I don't think Allo will replace messaging for me as I don't think it has any benefits that I dont get from Hangouts, Google Now, and other simple searches. It's definitely not worth sacrificing universal platform availability.