Last week Google launched Allo, the latest messaging platform from the company. Although it was hyped at Google I/O earlier this year, the Allo release was widely panned with the app frequently described as “half-baked” (which is probably on the generous side). Although Allo does have some nice features, most notably the Google Assistant artificial intelligence technology, some missing functionality could be causing some issues with adoption. In hopes of showing that they are listening and perhaps suggesting fixes are on the way, a Google developer involved with the Allo project recently tweeted about some of the top requests.
Justin Uberti, who is a co-lead on Allo and a technical lead for both Duo and the WebRTC efforts, tweeted out a list of the most common requests Google is receiving as feedback. The items, labeled “suggestions” by Uberti, include in alphabetical order:
- Assistant features
- Desktop app
- Duo integration
- File sharing
- Quick Reply
- SMS
- Themes
If you have spent any time with Allo or checked out some of the coverage of Allo, the majority of these suggestions are probably no surprise to you. In particular, the “Desktop app” item, which implies multiple device support, and SMS support, are probably the two biggest items on the list that users are griping about and cannot figure out how the product made it to release without these capabilities.
https://twitter.com/juberti/status/781719918026731520
What do you think about this list? Would any of these items convince you to jump back on the Allo bandwagon if you have already jumped off or convince you to give it an initial try? Are there any items that you are stunned did not make it onto this list of the most common “suggestions”?
Let us know in the comments below. If you have not checked out our comparison of Allo with Hangouts, which is probably the main Allo competitor within the Google portfolio, here is the video.
In all honesty, 80% of the items in that list should of been incorporated into Allo from day 1. I do understand that not all features should be there from v1 but if you want to compete vs other messaging apps, you need to start playing at their level, not work your way up to their level.
Give me an an ability to reply via Android Wear watch and a way to reply on PC and I’m good to go really.
I’m on Project Fi, and I use Hangouts for sms and an additional Google Voice number on several devices. Until Allo integrates their OWN DAMN PRODUCTS into Allo I’m not using it. I don’t need yet another messaging app.
They should have held off launch into these additions were in place. Google squandered much anticipation and customer patience releasing a half-baked product.
Seriously, if it weren’t such a battery drain, I’d consider it. Used it for a few days and uninstalled.
Funny, what I like best is how little battery it uses but I only use it in incognito mode.
There should be calling feature in the Allo as well, like WhatsApp or Facebook Messanger has too.
Never left. All these features are welcomed. Bring it on
Needs Google Voice integration.
Google Duo is playing the role as Google Voice, and I believe that the Google Voice project is done, and is no longer supported.
I ported my phone number to GV. All of my calling and SMS is done with hangouts through GV. I guess what I am saying is that Allow needs to work with that architecture.
SMS integration would be the first priority to me.
Why aren’t they making allo and duo a base of android? That would be awesome.
They are. They downgraded Hangouts from a “mandatory” app in the packaged version of Android to 3rd parties to a recommended one. Allo and Duo will be default and forced into Android going forward. This is a nice addition and gets rid of the “begging people to download and use all of Google’s services”.
Sweet! Thanks for the reply.
Remove the phone number requirement, I mean it’s just weird that a modern messenger depends on you having someone’s number.
It’s for identification, right? I think it’s just fine, instead of signin up and in, well yes, a Google login wouldn’t hurt, but I think it’s a fine alternative
I have a bunch of people I chat with on hangouts, I don’t have their number, so if Google want people to use allo they need to solve that issue. I use more than one device, and a number is tied to just one device, who lives like that?
As for identification, I could go get a free sim with a new number anytime, it won’t identify me.
I feel like we should be moving away from such limiting systems as phone numbers, not making them a requirement.
Okay true, that is correct, I did not think of that, but I’d like for it to be an alternative in this world where signup once signs you up everywhere (if you know what I mean), but I’d definitely like to see a Google sign in for both Allo and Duo
Yeah, some choice would be nice, a simple “how do you want to sign in” isn’t asking a lot, or is it¿
Well… Apparently it is, though… I wouldn’t think so, but well… Google probably figures something out, I hope
Then tell that to WhatsApp.
You know how long WhatsApp has been around don’t you, it was established when a phone number was the only way to sms someone, I don’t use it because of that limitation.
Also I believe numbers are needed for SMS integration
Let’s hope so
Sssssssmmmmmmmssssssss
The list is perfect to make Allo great. Order of importance though for me would be.
1. SMS
2. Quick reply
3. duo integration
4. Desktop companion app
5. More assistant features
6. themes
I would add tablet support to the list and it would be before desktop app.
100% nail it my friend.
Yup. That list is about right. That’s all they need to do. Let’s see if they can get it right.
Duo integration would be a welcomed feature, but to me the Desktop/Tablet/Non phone device integration is crucial to me. I use it to copy and paste from my computer and chat with people during work. This is the biggest feature for me right after SMS. I can handle using it as my main with SMS and a desktop or tablet app. The rest is just fluff, but to get me to use Allo as my daily driver, it needs multi device support and proper SMS support.
I definitely agree about quick reply (and Android Wear reply for that matter) though. Really frustrating the Google announces Quick Reply in the new versions of Android and then not implement it…
Desktop application please!
SMS should be at the top of the list.
Widget for Android devices will be a good idea. It could be a search and messaging widget combined. Can be a left / right swipe UI to switch between Google Assistant and most used contacts. Also it can show notufication count. Can easily be implemented in a 4×2 widget size. I think this will really help with improving adoption of Allo by users.
Best Regards,
Faraz Jehangir
(Pakistan)
SMS integration. That’s all.
my wife and i love it. the only texting we do is between each other and it works fine. snapping selfies, cleverly answering and audio clips.
perfect for killing time in a doctor’s office waiting room while trying to ignore rubes discussing fox news.
The fact that you feel that you wrote “cleverly answering” tells me that you and your wife are douchebags.
Lol
best shot?
Clever
Total ass wipe.
30 years old and still living with your parents in your sister’s old room?
I use the app but I was hoping the app would replace my stock SMS app not be half assed!
Desktop/tablet is a must for me to adopt it, without it, forget that, I won’t be using Allo. SMS support would be nice too. I know many people will say it’s dead or it must die but hey, without it embedded, Allo won’t ‘happen’, period. They must include it. File sharing would be great too and they must integrate Duo inside of it, it should be an optional way to communicate inside Allo.
Yep, turn off that irritating suggested replies ‘feature’, sort out the media/camera options, half-screen camera as default? Are we only taking photos of coins and small insects? Open the gallery properly to choose a saved image, basically copy WhatsApp apart from the whole facebook thing and you’ve got a good messenger
You can tap on the camera to make it go full screen by the way. I like that feature honestly. If I want to scroll through my sharing options (pictures, stickers, take a photo), I don’t want to hit back to go out of a full screen mode instantly. The default option of showing you can take a photo here is great and is only a tap away if you really want to take a photo.