Google has introduced two new apps called Allo and Duo for Android and iOS. Allo is an instant messaging app featuring the inbuilt Google assistant, while Duo is a video calling app that claims to work well even on weak data networks.
Duo will take on apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Viber, IMO, and many more.
The app was built by the WebRTC team using a new protocol called “Quic.” Duo is supposed to work in low-bandwidth situations to minimize video lag frustration. The app “proactively monitors the connection and degrades performance,” Google said, adding that it can “switch from Wi-Fi to cellular” as needed.
Allo will also have an incognito mode that offers end-to-end encryption. When you close a message in incognito mode, it’s completely erased, Google says.