Google I/O: More Messaging Issues

Google announced another messaging app, Allo. And with it, a video chatting app, Duo.

It seems like I'm writing about Google's confusing messaging products frequently (like here). It's going to be interesting to see which messaging application will be pre-installed with Android phones; will it be Messenger, Hangouts, Allo/Duo, or a combination of those.

Unlike Messenger (Google's version) and Hangouts, Allo has AI built in to offer the user suggested responses and possible related searches within the app. End-to-end encryption can be enabled in incognito mode and messages can be set to be deleted after a set amount of time; but this brings up the question: Why isn't all messages encrypted end-to-end?

Google demonstrated the Whisper/Shout feature of Allo, which I think will be a novelty. It allows the user to change the size of their responses.

Now, Duo. It's a video chatting app that has one distinct feature: Knock Knock. It allows the recipient to preview the caller's video before answering. I'm sure this feature can be enabled/disabled, but I can see this producing some cringe-worthy moments. Video chat is encrypted. Other than that, it doesn't seem like Duo offers much more than its competitors (including Hangouts).

So why didn't Google combine Allo and Duo into one application?

So overall: We have Messenger for SMS/MMS and voice messages. Hangouts is for SMS/MMS, messaging, and video messaging. Allo is a smart messaging that doesn't look to support SMS/MMS. Duo is purely video messaging. Messenger, Allo, and Duo will not require a Google Account (uses a phone number).

The fragmentation of Google messaging may hurt its ability to keep its users from going to other services. It was challenging enough trying to get my friends using Hangouts! Since Allo and Duo don't require a Google account, will Hangouts remain for Gmail chat? Will Allo, Duo, and Hangouts have individual friend lists?

Google needs to place more emphasis in product alignment. I don't know how I'm going to explain the differences to people (e.g. my parents) without going insane.

And where does the recently released Google Spaces fit into all this?