Google targets WhatsApp with new text and video chat platforms

Google last week announced its plans to re-enter the messaging platform with two new messengers Allo and Duo that can make text and video messaging and take on rival platforms such as iMessage, Facetime and even WhatsApp.

The company last week previewed Allo and Duo as the text and video messenger platforms are called with innovative features such as an imbedded smart assistant and machine learning capabilities and a knock knock feature on video calls that will show a live video preview of the caller before you can answer the video calls.

However, Google has also announced that there would be no end-to-end encryptions by default on Allo and users will have to go to the incognito mode to secure themselves.

Edward Snowden went public warning users that "Google's decision to disable end-to-end encryption by default in its new Allo chat app is dangerous, and makes it unsafe. Avoid it for now."

Announcing the new apps Google notes, "Privacy and security are important in messaging, so following in the footsteps of Chrome, we created Incognito mode in Allo. Chats in Incognito mode will have end-to-end encryption and discreet notifications, and we’ll continue to add new features to this mode," thereby indicating that users can choose when they want to go incognito and also indicating a possibility that an end to end encryption could come soon.

However, it added that the video call messenger Duo came fully protected. "We built Duo with privacy and security in mind and all calls on Duo are end-to-end encrypted."

Allo uses the Signal protocol for encryption as revealed by Open Whisper Systems  and interestingly is the same protocol used by WhatsApp.

WhatsApp which was earlier accused of not being so secure announced end to end encryption last month.

Among the other features of Allo are that it is based on the user's phone number and deeply integrates machine learning, and includes emojis, stickers, Ink, and a new Whisper Shout feature.

"Allo has Smart Reply built in (similar to Inbox), so you can respond to messages without typing a single word. Smart Reply learns over time and will show suggestions that are in your style," Google said in its note. Smart assistant allows users to chat one-on-one and find information and  help with tasks enabling the user to book a dinner reservation with friends, get up-to-date sports scores or even play a game. Users can also can ask for things like agenda for the day, details of flight and hotel, or photos from the last trip.

Google has tried to integrate its various other apps such as Search, Maps, YouTube and Translate into Allo and into the conversations.

With Duo Google has tried to create a video calling app for both Android or iOS and promises that it can work even on a slow bandwidth.

Explaining Knock Knock, it says "It shows you a live video preview of the caller before you pick up….. Once you answer, Duo seamlessly transitions you right into the call."

Both apps will be available this summer on Android and iOS.

The new apps are expected to be released soon and are already up on app stores for pre-registration.

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