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This is how Google might fix its messaging system

Published Jul 22nd, 2016 11:00PM EDT

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You might not remember them if you don’t follow Android news closely, but Allo and Duo are Google’s latest messaging and video chatting apps. Introduced at Google I/O in May, the two apps are supposed to launch at some point in the future, and they’ll be available on Android and iPhone. Google did not fully explain what’s in store for the Android versions of the apps, but an alleged beta tester revealed on Reddit how these apps should work inside Android 7.0 Nougat.

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Replying to a thread posted a few days ago that proposed that Google would combine Allo and Duo into a single platform, user LTNGNX explained how the apps should work once Nougat rolls out.

Allo and Duo will be default apps, he said, with the Messenger app expected to be phased out gradually. Hangouts will also be phased out “little by little” on mobile devices, but it’ll stay on as businesses use it a lot.

The app will get SMS and Google Voice support and will be associated with a single device, at least initially, with support for more devices supposed to come after that. Eventually, Allo and Duo will also run on Chrome OS, with Allo being a priority, he revealed.

“Allo will be attached to only one phone number (like WhatsApp) at launch,” the leaker explained. “Multi-device syncing will come eventually, once they solve the Incognito situation.”

“Allo and Duo will become direct competition to Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime,” LTNGNX said. “These two apps are very important for Google and things will be done little by little mostly to avoid even more drama with the EU and their shenanigans.”

According to his own account, he’s a third-level beta tester and “breaking an NDA and risking a lot trying to bring some facts and hopes” to the Android section of Reddit.

Android 7.0 Nougat is due this summer at this point we’ll see exactly what’s what with both Allo and Duo.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.