Google pits Allo and Duo against Snapchat, WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime

In a smack at Snapchat, Allo also features an “incognito” mode that adds end-to-end encryption and allows a person to set a timer on when their chat messages disappear.

In a smack at Snapchat, Allo also features an “incognito” mode that adds end-to-end encryption and allows a person to set a timer on when their chat messages disappear.

A messaging app that incorporates Google's new voice assistant? Say "hello" to Allo.

The company unveiled the new app at its annual conference for software developers in Mountain View, California, on Wednesday. The app, available this summer on both Android and rival Apple phones, allows chatting partners to look up restaurant options and even book a table right in the app.

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"Because the Assistant understands your world, you can ask for things like your agenda for the day or photos from your last trip. If you're planning a dinner with friends, you can ask the assistant to suggest restaurants nearby, all-in-one thread," Pichai further wrote.

The Google Assistant will let you do anything from booking a cab to ordering food without leaving the app. The app will also let you look up GIFs just by typing "@google pictures of funny cats "

It also gives users an array of emojis and stickers and the option to increase or decrease the size of text to add emphasis.

Allo also gives a range of automated responses to questions and even photos, recognizing things like food and dog breeds.

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In a smack at Snapchat, Allo also features an "incognito" mode that adds end-to-end encryption and allows a person to set a timer on when their chat messages disappear.

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"Duo" is a companion app for one-to-one video calling.

"With Duo, our goal is to make video calling faster and more reliable, even on slower network speeds. We also introduced a feature called 'Knock Knock' which gives you a live video of the other caller before you answer," the Indian-born executive posted.

Best of all, both Allo and Duo are based on your phone number, so you can communicate with anyone regardless of whether they're on Android or iOS. Both apps will be available this summer.

With inputs from AP and IANS