Google to tidy its messaging app mess

Google reveals plans to address its messy messaging strategy.


Google’s plans include the following:

Goodbye to Allo

Allo, a smart messaging app launched two years ago, will be shut down in March 2019.

What Google says about Allo: “We've learned a lot from Allo, particularly what’s possible when you incorporate machine learning features, like the Google Assistant, into messaging”.

If you want to keep your Allo conversation history, here’s how.

Duo endures

Duo – a video chat service – was launched at the same time as Allo but is still going strong. Google says it plans to bring improvements "based on machine learning that make video calls with Duo simple and reliable."

Messages 

Along with Duo, Messages will be focused at the consumer market.  Google plans to bring enhanced messaging (including group chat) to all Android devices.

An enterprise focus for Hangouts

Ongoing development of Hangouts Chat and Hangouts Meet will focus on supporting communication at work.

Sources: Endgadget; Google