Let’s face it: Google’s messaging strategy has been a mess ever since it’s inception. After several failed attempts, the company has gone ahead and published a blog post detailing its future plans in the messaging space, particularly with Messages, Duo, Allo, and Hangouts.
Allo and Messages
Google confirmed that Allo will shut down in March of 2019 and that the recommended alternative is Android Messages.
“Given Messages’ continued momentum, we’ve decided to stop supporting Allo to focus on Messages.
Allo will continue to work through March 2019 and until then, you’ll be able to export all of your existing conversation history from the app—here are instructions on how to do so. We’ve learned a lot from Allo, particularly what’s possible when you incorporate machine learning features, like the Google Assistant, into messaging.”
Duo
Google Duo, the company’s consumer-oriented video-calling service, is one of Google’s highest rated mobile apps and they are committed to it in the long-term to support it with new machine learning features.
Hangouts
Although no set ending date for Hangouts was given, Google did say that Hangouts Meet and Chat—G Suite communication apps—will eventually become available to all users. They also made it clear that they are “fully committed to supporting Hangouts users in the meantime.”
After what seems like the millionth time, maybe Google finally does have it right here for once: Messages and Duo for consumers and Hangouts Chat and Meet for businesses.
Source: Google
