Allo hints at Duo integration, new group chat-sharing features in future update

By Adam Ismail May 16, 2017

duo — Kyle Wiggers/Digital Trends

Google has made a habit out of revealing features it intends to introduce in the code of apps currently on the Play Store. Allo, in particular, has been a recent beneficiary of this practice, with news of chat backups and group incognito conversations being teased behind the scenes long before those features actually debuted.

Well, 9to5Google has torn down the latest Allo APK, and wouldn’t you know, it happened again. In addition to personalized stickers generated based on your selfies, Allo 11 carries evidence of a handful of other features that could debut in the coming weeks and months.

First, Duo integration. Duo is Allo’s video chat focused sibling, and a future update should allow you to make Duo calls from within Allo. The presumption is that, upon initiating a call, you’ll be redirected to Duo. However, if you don’t have the app installed, Allo will suggest you get on that.

There are also new features to get your friends into group conversations much quicker. Eventually, you will be able to push out invite links, and reset them if they go bad. You will also have the option of sharing QR codes — when other users scan them, they can instantly join your chat.

Finally, there are new settings related to Google Assistant lurking in the background, though the report does not elaborate as to what they might entail.

It is worth reiterating that finding mention of features in code is never a guarantee they will appear in a reasonable timeframe, or at all. That said, these seem like pretty safe bets, and Google likes to discreetly push these kinds of changes out individually. Chances are we may not even know when these features finally hit our devices but they give us a good idea of what to expect from Google’s messaging service going forward.

Allo 11 is rolling out right now on the Play Store, so you should be receiving it shortly if you have not already.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Adam’s obsession with tech began at a young age, with a Sega Dreamcast – and he’s been hooked ever since. Previously…

Mobile

A new Google Pixel 6 update is breaking Magic Eraser

Pixel 6 from the side.

The Google Pixel 6 has won over the hearts of many camera enthusiasts with its high-detail image production, but few features have stood out as much as the phone's new Magic Eraser feature, which allows users to exercise some creative control over their images by removing unwanted people and objects. However, a recent update appears to have broken the Magic Eraser, leaving many users frustrated and unable to use one of Google's most marketed Pixel 6 features.

A growing group of unsatisfied Pixel, 6 users across Reddit and Twitter, have shared that they are unable to make use of the Pixel 6 Magic Eraser whatsoever after updating their phones. The problem seems to stem from the latest Google Photos update, according to Android Police. For the time being, there doesn't appear to be any way to fix the issue, with Google recommending that those affected attempt the troubleshooting tips on the support page.

Mobile

Google unwraps several new and festive holiday features for Android

google announces festive new holiday features for android family bell feature

Google is closing out 2021 with a variety of new features for Android fans that are aimed at helping people get more out of this holiday season. The search giant rounded up the new collection of Android features in a blog post, and they include some new Android Auto enhancements, updated widgets for its media apps, and more.

First off, Google is introducing a new Family Bell feature to encourage togetherness and help everyone stay on track. It’s basically a Google Assistant feature that can be set up from an Android phone, speaker, or smart display that alerts you and everyone else in your family when it’s time to do something important.

Mobile

The new Surface Duo 2 costs $1,499, and that’s probably OK

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 has a triple camera setup.

Microsoft introduced its successor to the Microsoft Duo today at its annual Surface event and had the absolute gall to charge yet another $100 for its all-new not-a-phone, the Surface Duo 2. You'll recall last year, when the original Duo hit the shelves, it carried a $1,399 price tag. Since then, the price has dipped to fire-sale levels, hovering around a far-more-palatable $400. So, when Microsoft introduced the Surface Duo 2 at a higher price point, it's bound to give you some pause, and rightly so.

Last week, I wrote up my wishlist for what we needed to see in the Surface Duo 2. Long story short, I asked that Microsoft ditch the not-a-phone narrative, add in flagship specifications, and for the love of Pete, fix the software. Today we found out that Microsoft at least checked one of those boxes.