Google Allo is a new
messaging app, integrated with AI (or bots) for an improved chat experience.
Yes, Google already has 2 (two) messaging
apps (hangouts and google messenger).
Yes, Google is also rolling out a video calling app (did someone say
Facetime?).
I’m not going to address this strange overkill, as that has been done.
What is it
about?
Without going into much detail, the app has some cool features built in it like quick replies, but the game
changer is without a doubt the the chatbot helper (referred to as the Google assistant).
The Google assistant
in Allo understands your world, so you can ask for things like your agenda for the day, details of your flight and hotel, or
photos from your last trip. And since it understands natural language patterns, you can just chat like yourself and it’ll
understand what you’re saying. For example, “Is my flight delayed?” will return information about your flight status.
(Quoted from Google’s official blog, link provided above)
Implications and the chatbot
arena
As per my previous post, chatbots are here to stay.
Google’s intention was the increase of its products and search, but this is a game changer for chat apps.
Alongside
Facebook’s messenger revolution, Google’s step paves the way for a monetizing the chat area which was considered an issue
up until recently (consider a Google Adwords ad based on chat keywords and suggested by the bot).
I think that this
marks a major step in the evolution of chatbots, but only time can really tell.
What should you
do?
Get in on the action.
Knowing Google, if you’re integrated well into their search platform (basically,
strong SEO and usage of their features should do it) you’re there.
Sounds easy enough, but make sure it’s done
right.