Allo is a new messaging app from Google

Google at I/O 2016 developer conference announced a new messaging app called Allo, with Google Assistant built-in. Google says Allo is a "smart messaging app that makes your conversations easier and more expressive."

To get started, you will have log-in to the app with your phone number, so you can get in touch with anyone in your phonebook. It comes with several emojis, stickers, video calling, sent/received icons and option to doodle on photos before sharing them.

Allo comes with Google Assistant so you can interact with the app directly or have one-on-one conversation with friends.  The assistant in Allo lets you bring things like Search, Maps, YouTube and Translate to your conversations, so that you and your friends can use Google together.

The app also offer smart-replies within the app, when having conversation with friends. For example if a message says, "Can we grab lunch tomorrow?" Allo will offer template answers such as "Sure!" or "Sorry, I can't!" so that you can finish your messages quickly.

Smart Reply also works with photos, providing intelligent suggestions related to the content of the photo.  For example, a graduation photo generates auto responses like 'You look great!' and 'Congratulations!'.

Google has added a feature called 'Whisper Shout', that allows you to enlarge or shrink the text simply by swiping the finger up or down across the send button before sending the message. The app also lets you have 'Incognito mode' conversation, to provide end-to-end encryption, discreet notifications and message expiration.

Allo will be available for both Android and iOS this summer. Pre-registration for the app is now live on official Google Play page.