Google has finally released the version 9.0 to enhance the feature set of its smart messaging app ‘Google Allo’. Though similar to any version upgrade, Allo 9.0 includes pretty intriguing new features — quick selfie feature, backup and restore as well as more stickers. But what’s much more exciting here is that the update seems to lay groundwork for Allo’s desktop web version, which hasn’t officially arrived yet.
About a couple of months ago, Nick Fox, Google’s VP of Communications (Products) tweeted an early version of the web app with the caption ‘coming to a desktop near you’. However, the screenshot provided only by the latter provided a rough sketch for the desktop version, although we were aloof about the functionality of the web version.
However, via a fresh update from 9to5Google, we have got an idea about the working of the Allo’s desktop version. As you can see in the screenshots attached below (also via 9to5Google), you’ll be able to pair your device (smartphone) to the web client by scanning a QR Code — similar to the web version of WhatsApp.
Another option of connecting would be entering a text code, as seen from the screenshots. We can say that the Allo QR Code scanner is quite minimalistic and only provides a full camera screen for scanning. Once the verification process completes, you’ll be directed to the web version.
It seems Allo’s web app will support a majority of features packed into its mobile app. But, we’re not too sure about the timeline for its release as Fox wrote that it is still in early development.
Thus, you may have to wait quite some time to be able to finally get your hands on the web client. Though, this is something Google should have launched a long time ago — but we all know how the saying goes, better late than never. Other messaging clients have already been providing the ease of seamlessly moving from one platform to another without any major hiccup in the conversation.
With its messy communication stack, Google is finding it a little difficult to promote its applications among consumers. Also, since the competition is one-step ahead of the search giant and is adding new features — or copying them — to cater to the needs of their existing user bases. Allo, on the other hand, attracts users with its quirks like stickers, shouting texts, and Google Assistant, but has been finding it difficult to retain users.
