Google launches Messenger

The "Allo" messenger for Google's Android system and Apple's iOS, which was initially launched in the US on Wednesday, includes the new "Google Assistant". Users can chat with it to get information about the weather, news, nearby restaurants or travel opportunities, for example, or ask it knowledge questions. In addition, "Allo" also suggests possible suitable answers in conversations with other people with the help of artificial intelligence. The new messenger should be available for Europe on Thursday night.

The assistant will initially only communicate with users in English, with other languages to follow soon, it said. The Internet company announced the software in May at the Google I/O developer conference.

Currently, Facebook is particularly strong in short message apps. Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp, which is also part of the world's largest online network, each have more than one billion users. Apple has the SMS alternative iMessage, which is, however, only available on the group's devices. Until now, there was no central messaging app from the search engine company for Google's Android operating system. Google had fallen behind in this area and now wants to catch up. The video chat app "Duo", which was also announced in May, was also launched recently. With the "Allo" personal assistant, Google wants to benefit from its wealth of data on local businesses or travel connections as well as knowledge about the world. Facebook also relies on chatbots, but opened its Messenger to assistants from many different providers, from media to airlines or banks. One plan is to establish Facebook Messenger in business-to-customer communications as well, and make money from it. (SDA)