How to use Google Allo

How to use Google Allo

Google has released a new messaging app, and here's how to use Allo.

Google has released its newest messaging app, Allo. But with offerings like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype, not to mention Google’s own Hangouts, already crowding the chat arena, what does Allo bring to the table? We’ll explain how use Google Allo, and show yousome of the impressive features that could make Allo your next must-have chat client. See also: What is Google Allo? What is Google Duo?

Step 1:How to use Google Allo: Install the app

Google has made Allo available on both iOS & Android (sorry Windows Phone users), but unlike Hangouts you can’t use this app on your PC or tablet. It works in much the same way as WhatsApp, in that it uses your phone number to link an account, rather than a Gmail address.

Download Google allo app link for android:https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjF6sXxhLDPAhVEso8KHSRqDPUQFggdMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.google.android.apps.fireball%26hl%3Den&usg=AFQjCNFiC8eGYlloFI34HlhUuK02p_-q3Q&sig2=yfi80-JDGQ8L6mDz78KvHw

Google Allo for iphone :https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjs_5iLhbDPAhXMpY8KHcZICPgQFggbMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fgoogle-allo-smart-messaging%2Fid1096801294%3Fmt%3D8&usg=AFQjCNGTD0Q1jjMst3QUblyh5hJR9XUkwQ&sig2=hVMv59HkhYS_4paSX84P_w&bvm=bv.133700528,d.c2I

Step 2: Download the app, launch it, and you’ll be asked to grant various permissions. These allow the app to send SMS messages, access your contacts, and use the media files on your handset - all pretty standard stuff for messaging apps these days.

Step 3 :Once you’ve agreed to all of these you’ll need to verify your phone number by entering a code that will be texted to you, then either take a selfie or choose an image from your device to act as your profile picture. After that you’re good to go.

 Step 4:When the app launches for the first time you’ll be presented with three options :

Send a message; Start a group chat;Meet your Google Assistant.

As you select each of these options the graphic will disappear from the main page,  but they are all accessible as standard options when you tap the blue Chat icon at the bottom of the screen. 

How to use Google Allo: Send a message

Tapping Send a message opens up your contacts, with a few extra options at the top of the list. The first is Start group chat, which means you can talk with multiple friends at once, again similar to WhatsApp, with everyone seeing all of the messages.

Start Incognito chat is a little more interesting, in that it lets you know by its very existence that normal conversations on Allo are not entirely private. Google stores all messages on its servers, and they are only deleted when you choose to do so.

To be fair Google is making no secret of this, and with email and photos stored in the cloud these days it’s not really an issue unless you’re concerned about security. If this is your wont, then be sure to select the Incognito chat before sending a message.

To send a message to a friend simply type their name into the box at the top, or scroll down through the contact list until you find them. Friends who already have Allo installed will appear in the top section, while all others will have an Invite option to the right of their number. Obviously only those using Allo will be able to receive  messages from the service.

Once you’ve typed your missive and sent it you’ll notice the outline of a circle with a tick inside it appear beneath the message. This will be filled in blue once the message has been received at the other end, and will then change to two ticks once the recipient has read it.

Google has also opened up an extensive range of Stickers and Emoji for use with Allo, all of which can be accessed by tapping the + icon on the left side of the message box. This will then open a window with a variety of cartoon images which can be added to messages.