Google has had... bad luck... when it comes to chat apps. The company has tried a number of different options (probably too many) and we're at the point where even when Google makes a really good chat app (and to be fair, Google Allo is a very good chat app), no one really cares because everyone has already dug in on whatever their chat app of choice is (mainly WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage).
So, even though Allo is a great app and Google has put in a lot of work (did you know it's already on version 6?), the app hasn't caught on because if no one you know uses it, you're not switching and that social pressure is hard to overcome. Still, Google is continuing to work and as proof Nick Fox, vice president of communications products at Google, tweeted out a screenshot of Allo running as a web app in Chrome on a Mac. Fox says the web app is still in "early development" but it does look like a lot of the features are all ready to go. Fox shows stickers in use as well as Google Assistant.
Of course, if you were to go to the web address in the screenshot, you'll probably get a 404 page not found error (if not, please do let us know!) It's also unclear exactly how the app will work, since Allo is tied to your phone number and a single phone, not your Google account. Maybe signing in would be similar to WhatsApp with a QR code that you scan from the phone connected to Allo, or maybe Google will push an authentication notification to your device. We'll have to wait and see.
No word on when this will officially release. We're certainly hoping we won't have to wait another three months until Google I/O, but given that it's still in "early development" that might be the best time to expect it.
Michael Heller is known for his clear and informative articles on mobile technology. He explores important topics such as the rollouts of 5G networks and the advancements in mobile payments, offering readers insights into the evolving tech landscape.
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
![T-Mobile users can get iPhone 16 for the price of a budget phone (no new line) [UPDATED]](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/167601-wide-two_350/T-Mobile-users-can-get-iPhone-16-for-the-price-of-a-budget-phone-no-new-line-UPDATED.jpg)
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: