Google has started rolling out v2.0 for its recently launched App Google Allo. Like every Android app, it takes time to roll out the update to everyone depending on where you live but eventually it will reach you. 
For those who don’t know, Google Allo is Google’s own newly launched chat messenger launched last month. The v2.0 brings in a bunch of changes such as App shortcuts, Quick Reply (Android N), GIF keyboard, Multi-window support (Android N) etc. App shortcuts is the new feature available only on Pixel devices or Android 7.1 right now in which an icon when pressed for long gives you some options specific to the app. So in this case, you can just start a conversation straight away without even entering Google Allo. Multi-window support as the name suggests allows you to use the app while using other supported apps in Android Nougat. The new update also brings in landscape mode, a new a11y accessibility mode, Incognito key alerts for incognito chats. Further, one can now reply straight from the notification drawer through ‘Quick Reply’. Google has also included a bunch of new themes and the famous GIF keyboard with this new update.
Other than that, Google Allo now supports ‘Direct Share’ as well which allows android users to share content directly to chats in Allo. This has been extremely useful ever since the same feature has been added to Whatsapp Messenger. Also, reports suggest that Google is planning to integrate Allo and Duo thereafter which users will be able to Video call their Allo contact given they have Google Duo installed.
Compared to Duo, Google Allo didn’t do much well and the main reason behind is of course high competition from the likes of Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp or even Google’s own Hangouts app. However, Google claimed that Allo will evolve over time and its seems like v2.0 is the first step.
Image Courtesy: Google Nexus Twitter