Google Allo Shutting Down Next Year

Google this week announced that it is shutting down its messaging app Google Allo [iOS Direct Link], and incorporating many of its features into the Messages app on Android smartphones. Google Allo is an expanded messaging app that lets users send GIFs, text from their desktops, and use Smart Reply.

Now, Google says to continue Messages’ momentum it has decided to “stop supporting Allo to focus on Messages.” Many of Allo’s features have already been integrated into Messages, and Allo will continue to work through March 2019. Until then, users will be able to export all existing conversations from the app. Because Google’s main Messages app isn’t available on iOS, Allo users on iPhone will have to migrate to an alternative texting platform when the service shutters.

Google Allo first launched in September 2016, pitched as the company’s “intelligent messaging app,” thanks to the inclusion of Google Assistant. Allo is available on iOS and Android smartphones, and offers many features that are comparable to messaging apps like Apple’s iMessage and Facebook’s WhatsApp.