Google’s answer to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, Allo, has been updated with a new feature that brings support for the web. Starting today, Google Allo for Android will allow users to chat on their computers, similar to how WhatsApp Web works.
In order to use Allo for web, all you need to do is open the app on your smartphone -> Go to Menu -> tap on Allow for Web -> Scan the QR code with your phone. Once you scan, you will be able to chat on the computer. Akin to WhatsApp, Allo for Web requires you to have the app installed and running on the smartphone. At the moment, the feature is limited to Android, and will soon be rolled out to iOS. It is also worth pointing out that Allo for web only works on the Chrome browser, and you must have the latest version installed.
Allo, launched in September, is the successor to the GChat service by Google. However, unlike the GChat service, which required only the Google account for access, Allo works in sync with the mobile number, bringing it straight in competition with WhatsApp.
Google marketed Allo for its ‘smart replies’, font customization for a personal touch, built-in photo editing tool, stickers, and support for Google Assistant. While most of these features are also available on the web version, the ability to take photos, delete conversations or starting a chat with someone who is not part of the contact list is not supported.
Despite its smart capabilities, the app has not been able to match up WhatsApp’s scale of popularity. As of March, the app was downloaded only 3.1 million times on Android and 264,000 times on iOS. In comparison, WhatsApp boasts over 1.3 billion monthly active users, while Facebook Messenger recorded 1.2 billion monthly users as of April, 2017.
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