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It seems like just yesterday we were pining for Allo to come to the web browser. Now that it is here (for Android users, anyway), the fun is just beginning.
Much like the app counterpart, Allo for Web is seeing consistent and fun updates. Now, before we talk about this latest one, I know there are many of you scoffing and upset that Allo won’t handle SMS.
We get it. We really do.
However, it doesn’t seem likely that Allo will be your SMS messenger anytime soon, if ever. As RCS attempts to get off the ground, perhaps that could be baked in one day. SMS, however, looks very unlikely at this point.
We’re also hopeful that iOS users will be able to get in on the Allo for Web fun very soon, too.
Now For The Fun Stuff
Just two weeks ago, Allo for Web added the Smart Smiley feature which, on its own, is pretty fun. It combines emojis, stickers and GIFs into one search.
Sometimes – sometimes – a jack-of-all-trades approach isn’t the best approach. What I mean is, there are certain things in life that simply need dedicated service. Their own space.
Their own button.
In the modern era of messaging, nothing deserves this more than the all-encompassing GIF. GIFs speak in ways that simple words, emojis, stickers, pictures, and video simply cannot.
Because of their ubiquitous nature, it is only fitting that they get a button all their own with a broader search result output. Say hello to the dedicated GIF button in Allo For Web:
All users should be seeing this update immediately: because web apps! No updates or downloads needed. For the shortcomings of Allo for Web being a Progressive Web App, things like this get me excited about app delivery and the ability for powerful, useful applications to be built using web languages.
Sure, Allo for Web (Allo in general) still needs stuff. And I’m quite certain we’ll hear all about its shortcomings in the comments below. But one thing you have to admit when you use Allo: it’s just fun as hell.
After all, we’re adults talking about stickers and emoji here. Fun seems like a pretty important part of the equation, and Allo has it in spades.
