Google Introduces Revolutionary New Allo Messaging and Duo Video Calling Apps for Android and iOS

In an attempt to “revolutionize” the way we message and video chat with our smartphones, Google has unveiled a new pair of applications — known as Allo and Duo — at the company’s annual I/O developer conference this week.

On the messaging front, Google appears to be seriously stepping up its game with the all new Allo app. Allo, according to Google, is not only an attempt to make messaging more seamless than ever before, but also to express oneself on a more personal level. For instance, the app features what Google has coined a “Whisper/Shout” functionality — which, utilizing an onscreen slider, will allow users to enlarge or shrink the content of their message and how it appears on the screen.

The slider, which will pop up onscreen after you’ve entered text or emojis, will allow you to adjust the size of your messages on an individual basis, at your discretion, in accordance with how important you think the information is. There’s also a feature that Google is calling “Ink,” which will allow you to write or draw on an image using your finger (or a stylus) before it’s dispatched.

Allo will feature quick reply functionality similar to Apple’s iMessage as well, which, according to Google, will learn from you as it’s used overtime. For instance, when sending text, an emoji, or even a sticker (yes, you can even send stickers!) with Allo, your most frequently used icons or phrases will be easily accessible to send without having to select or type them out every time. You can also quick reply to images, for which Google has incorporated a cool new feature that will give you options to choose from based on the contents of the image.

For instance, while Allo was being shown off on stage at I/O 2016, Google showed us how an image of pasta will then present several options, such as “yummy!” Or even conversational reply options based on the type of pasta that the photo is displaying, such as “I love spaghetti!”

When it comes to video calling, Google also introduced Duo — which the company is touting as an app that will “bring video calling to the current generation.” In addition to providing steady, no-cutting in/out video calls (even with a weak wireless or Wi-Fi connection), Duo will boast a feature that Google is calling “Knock Knock!” Odd as it may seem, the company is claiming that Knock Knock! will allow you to see a live streamed video of the person actually calling you before you even answer the call.

Duo is reportedly packed with a slew of enhancements and technological firsts, including the built-in ability to check and verify the strength of your network connection every few seconds, to automatically switch to a stronger connection if one becomes available, end-to-end encryption for enhanced security, as well as a plethora of other behind-the-scenes enhancements that will ensure consistent call quality and fluidity.

It’s not exactly clear yet if Allo and Duo will be viable competitors with Apple’s world-renowned iMessage and FaceTime apps, but, given the current slate of features, it will certainly be interesting to see how they compare — or, more particularly, if they’re better or worse. And fortunately, for those eager to give them a test drive, it won’t be much longer until users will be able to get their hands on both Allo and Duo. Both applications will be coming to Android and iOS later on this summer!

Do you think Duo or Allo will run as smooth as FaceTime or iMessage? Let us know in the comments.