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Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

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Re: Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

#101
post #95
post #81

I really wish they wouldn't overload terms that they themselves invented. In Chrome, "incognito" means we don't save your local history, but it does not add to the transport security. Here, "incognito" means you've got end-to-end encryption (and presumably also doesn't save local history). Why on earth would you re-use the same term when naming two things with similar (thus easily confused) consumer-visible attribute…

End-to-end encryption from your phone to Google's server, where neural networks now analyze all your data, Super cute! Lovely Labrador!

From their FAQ:

"Your chats are end-to-end encrypted and can only be seen by you and the person you're chatting with. Google can't read any of your messages, so you won't see any Smart Reply or Google Assistant features."

https://support.google.com/allo/answer/6383724?ref_topic=637...

Re: Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

#102
post #95
post #81

I really wish they wouldn't overload terms that they themselves invented. In Chrome, "incognito" means we don't save your local history, but it does not add to the transport security. Here, "incognito" means you've got end-to-end encryption (and presumably also doesn't save local history). Why on earth would you re-use the same term when naming two things with similar (thus easily confused) consumer-visible attribute…

End-to-end encryption from your phone to Google's server, where neural networks now analyze all your data, Super cute! Lovely Labrador!

But that's end to middle encryption!

Re: Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

#103
post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Next time I see someone mention how great their monolithic repository is I'll ask how many chat applications you have to checkout before you can code at google.

There was an article posted on here a few months ago about Google's version control system. One of the main features is that you don't actually checkout copies of every file in the repository; instead they're faulted in as you need them. My impression is that the monolithic repository only works because Google's built a bunch of custom tooling to support it. It doesn't mean any company can just roll all of their code…

This maybe? http://m.cacm.acm.org/magazines/2016/7/204032-why-google-sto...

The key here is CITC. All the source code lives "in the cloud" and pulls to your machine as it's needed (using a FUSE file system).

Re: Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

#104

>We can’t wait for you to say hello to Google Allo! We’re beginning to roll out Google Allo for Android and iOS, and the app will be available worldwide in the next few days. I wonder if they are doing this because they expect issues or if they expect everyone to want the app. Personally, I just wish the stock Android messenger could communicate better with imessage group chats.

Without a valid macOS/iOS device key, it's not possible. The key allows your device to publish iMessage signing keys to the Apple directory service that recipient devices use to decrypt your iMessages. Without a device key, your device won't be able to do this.

Is it possible to harvest one from an old iPhone? I'd certainly buy an old iPhone that's mildly damaged if it meant I could use imessage on android.

Re: Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

#105
post #85
post #72

So now google has Voice, Messenger, Hangouts, Allo, and Duo all with overlapping functionality? I wish they would just focus on making Hangouts work really well.

Voice is the most separate and distinct. I use my google voice number whenever I sell or buy anything on CL and I'm sure there are many other more creative uses.

I was really hoping to see some love for Voice on iOS 10 after they added the new messaging and voip features, but I doubt there is much hope of that actually happening. They have yet to release a version suitable for iPad, let alone integrating with new features.

Re: Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

#106
post #81

I really wish they wouldn't overload terms that they themselves invented. In Chrome, "incognito" means we don't save your local history, but it does not add to the transport security. Here, "incognito" means you've got end-to-end encryption (and presumably also doesn't save local history). Why on earth would you re-use the same term when naming two things with similar (thus easily confused) consumer-visible attribute…

I guess overloading a term with similarly-themed features ~= branding.

Re: Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

#107
post #72

So now google has Voice, Messenger, Hangouts, Allo, and Duo all with overlapping functionality? I wish they would just focus on making Hangouts work really well.

In the end, I see all these apps dying. Even hangouts is crappy. They don't have a native mac client. Hangouts was a decent chat app they had. I wish they promoted hangouts as cross platform and as a competitor to both whatsapp and skype.

Re: Say hello to Google Allo: a smarter messaging app

#108
post #95
post #81

I really wish they wouldn't overload terms that they themselves invented. In Chrome, "incognito" means we don't save your local history, but it does not add to the transport security. Here, "incognito" means you've got end-to-end encryption (and presumably also doesn't save local history). Why on earth would you re-use the same term when naming two things with similar (thus easily confused) consumer-visible attribute…

End-to-end encryption from your phone to Google's server, where neural networks now analyze all your data, Super cute! Lovely Labrador!

The encryption for incognito actually is Moxie’s protocol, as used in Signal and WhatsApp. The one single good thing about allo.
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