\tGoogle announced it is shutting down messaging app Allo, launched two years ago, to put additional focus on its Rich Communication Services (RCS)-powered Messages platform.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Google said it had been working closely with the mobile industry to upgrade its SMS offering and its decision to shutter Allo will allow it to focus on its RCS efforts. Through its work in RCS, Google is looking to create a default texting experience for Android users that could rival Apple\u2019s iMessage and Facebook\u2019s WhatsApp.<\/p>\n
RCS is standardised globally by the GSMA, enabling users across all Android devices to access a smarter default messaging platform.<\/p>\n
Indeed, Google\u2019s decision to shutter Allo is hardly a surprise, after the company said it April [1] it was pausing investment in the app.<\/p>\n
Matt Klainer, VP of consumer communications products at Google, added Messages had absorbed many of Allo\u2019s popular features including Smart Reply, GIFs and Desktop support.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven Messages\u2019 continued momentum, we\u2019ve decided to stop supporting Allo to focus on Messages,\u201d he said. \u201cAllo will continue to work through March 2019…we\u2019ve learned a lot from Allo, particularly what\u2019s possible when you incorporate machine learning features, like the Google Assistant into messaging.\u201d<\/p>\n
Along with Allo, Google also launched video chat service Duo in 2016. The company said the service was still going strong and is now one of the company\u2019s highest rated mobile apps.<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/apps\/news-apps\/google-to-take-on-imessage-with-rcs\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Google announced it is shutting down messaging app Allo, launched two years ago, to put …<\/p>\n
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