Google Unveils Two New Communication Apps, a Siri Competitor and More
As expected, Google unveiled a number of new products and services to kickoff its annual I/O Conference earlier today in Mountain View, California.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant makes use of AI chatbot technology.
Most importantly, Google took the wraps off of its new Siri competitor – Google Assistant. An upgraded version of Google Now, its described as providing a “two-way dialogue between you and Google.”
Using AI technology, it’s designed to help users no matter where they are or the what the context. Unlike Siri, it seems to excel at understanding and answering follow-up questions to the original query.
It will be available as a standalone app for iOS devices this fall.
Allo and Duo
Both apps will be available on iOS this summer.
The company also unveiled two new communication apps – Allo and Duo.
Allo is a messaging app that offers Google Assistant built-in.
Based on your phone number, it will allow you to contact anyone in your contact list.
One of the more interesting features is the Smart Reply that will allow users to respond to messages without typing a word. It will learn over time and show suggestions that fit your style.
Here’s more about how the feature works:
For example, it will learn whether you’re more of a “haha” vs. “lol” kind of person. The more you use Allo the more “you” the suggestions will become. Smart Reply also works with photos, providing intelligent suggestions related to the content of the photo. If your friend sends you a photo of tacos, for example, you may see Smart Reply suggestions like “yummy” or “I love tacos.”
As hinted by the name, Duo is a FaceTime-like video chat app. The interesting Knock Knock feature will show you a live video preview of the caller before you answer.
Both apps will land this summer for iOS devices.
Google Home
Google Home will arrive sometime this fall. The pricing wasn't announced.
And the company had some hardware to show off as well. Think of Google Home as an Amazon Alexa-like device that will bring the virtual assistant to your humble abode.
Activated by voice, users can accomplish a number of different tasks like search Google, play music, and turn on lights. The Wi-Fi device will land sometime this fall. No pricing was announced.
Unlike the Echo, Home can be customized with different colored bases made from different materials.
