We’re still curious to know about the Allo smart chat and Duo video calling–two new instant messaging apps that Google launched back in May at the Google I/O 2016. The new programs are not yet released publicly but they are already being tested by several users. We’ve been saying that these two will not replace Hangouts but looks like the latter will be phased out soon. Well, not totally scrapped out of the IM game but just on mobile. Hangouts was just updated with major changes for Android N Preview. This means we’ll get to see the new features and improvements on Android Nougat.
No confirmation yet but some beta tester of the new apps said that Hangouts on mobile will be phased out soon. This change will result in Allo and Duo being the default messaging apps on the upcoming Android 7.0. This information was shared by a self-confessed “third level beta tester”.
It’s the first time we hear such kind of beta tester but a reliable source of both XDA and Google is saying there is no truth to the third level beta tester claim. What the tech industry have are family, friends, testers, and Googlers–no third level anything or anybody.
The same source also said that Messenger and Hangout will not go away (not yet). As for Allo, the new IM app is said to support only Allo messages. It will not include any SMS or Google Voice yet. We’re taking all these information with a grain of salt for now. We’ll see when these Allo and Duo become commercially available.
VIA: XDA Developers
It makes absolutely no sense to not be able to send SMS with allo. Seems like an apple move to me but I could be wrong. Just like it makes no sense for Google to make its apps better for apple but it does. Im still at a loss that apple users can like YouTube comments and Android users cannot.
Even Apple has imessage, I wish Google could make one solid phone app that handles calls, sms, contacts, video chat, and everything, and STUCK WITH IT! Why not update Hangouts? Why do we need yet ANOTHER communication app?
What difference does it make to be the default app if it isn’t replacing Hangouts or SMS? You will still need to use Hangouts to send a Hangouts message or messenger to send an SMS.
You can merge hangouts with SMS
There was actually another supposed “Googler” that said that those claims by the Third Level Beta Tester is lying and not true.
Source: http://www.xda-developers.com/exclusive-new-information-about-googles-allo-has-emerged/
Google likes to have two and three of basically the same app. Android all the way, but it can be a little confusing.
A bit behind the curve, eh, guys? This is already presumed debunked… Will provide source, if asked, but I’m pretty sure most of us have already read the XDA post.
This article was completely pointless.
Did you get it as Google Now spam too? I opened in private mode just in case to see if this site was another one I’ll have to block from GNow.
I sure did.
I got it as Google now spam too. Odd.
Still need to be able to send SMS MMS from either carrier or Google Voice number and only Hangouts can do that and I need that functionality on the phone
If Allo doesn’t support sms it’s literally irrelevant, why would one switch from whatsapp or telegram, or any data messaging service for that matter? My family and I use telegram and I use whatsapp as well, I’d have to make everyone download this new app which is work in itself and convince non techies why it’s better or worth using over our current apps. Literally the only thing that would make me switch is if it supports sms, that way I can delete all the apps, not keep installing more.
I never understood the point of Google’s chat apps. Really, all I use now is BlackBerry Hub and bbm. I’ll pass on yet another useless chat app.
Did you send this in 2005?
I use a BlackBerry Priv, and use BBM and BlackBerry Hub, which put Google’s chat apps in their place.
You’re quite loyal.
I use what’s good. Google doesn’t know how to make good chatting apps.
That’s so true. I have been jumping from Skype to Kik, didn’t consider bbm.
You should try it. It’s pretty good now!
Yes, nothing like apps built on the most invasive advertising platform in the world. And in Java no less.