Google's Allo Messaging App Lands On The Web

Google brought its assistant backed Allo messaging application to the web. Allo on the web requires Google's Chrome browser and can only interact with Allo on Android smartphones for now (iPhone support is coming later.) Google says Allo web access requires the latest version of the mobile Allo app on your handset in order to function. 

The setup process includes a scannable QR code to link the phone and web accounts. There are some limitations. Google says Allo for web only displays what's in the mobile app meaning if the phone runs out of battery or the user quits the app the web client will cease to work or show conversations. 

Meanwhile, a significant number of features are not available on the web such as adding/removing group members, notification/privacy settings, and select chat tools including taking photos, deleting conversations, and blocking contacts. The web version of Allo allows Android device owners to send messages to one another from their web browser. Allo is free to download by following the source links below.


Source: Google Play Store, Allo

Facebook Finalizes WhatsApp Acquisition

Facebook today closed its acquisition of WhatsApp. Announced earlier this year, is valued at $19 billion. U.S. regulators approved the proposal in April, but it did not receive approval from the European Commission until last week. 

As part of the deal, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum joined Facebook's board of directors who will be granted $1.9 billion in stock if he remains with the company for four years. 

WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging service that many use an alternative to traditional, carrier-based SMS services.


Source: WhatsApp

Chrome OS Notification Center Revealed

Just last week, we saw the notification center that is supposedly coming to Chrome OS. This week, Francois Beaufort, the same developer that gave us the first clues about the new feature, has come up with a screenshot that shows the notification center in action. Moreover, a mystery new icon in the Chrome OS interface gives us hope that Google is finally close to fixing the giant mess that messaging is now for users.

First, let’s take a look at the notification center. From the first glance, the aesthetic reminds us of Google Now and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The notification center appears to be including notifications from Google Plus, but also alerts from emails and chats, as well as missed calls. This is precisely what we've been expecting from a “rich notification” center, and we’re very excited to see this feature implemented.

The second intriguing hint contained in Francois Beaufort’s Google Plus posting refers to the new icon that can be seen on the application bar in the screenshot. Beaufort said he doesn't know what’s up with the icon, but he ends his comment with a wink, suggesting he’s talking about an upcoming feature he can’t discuss.

The icon features four colored bubbles, which could mean that Google is preparing one messaging service to rule them all.

Source: Francois Beaufort Google+