There are so many IM apps around and it is difficult to decide which one to stick with for long term use. The latest in the town is Google Allo, which is giving tough competition to others. In this article we compare Allo and iMessage and see which one wins.

App Support and Compatibility

The one thing that’s common between Allo and iMessage is that both of them need you to have the same app on the other device with which you wish to communicate. When it specifically comes to the iOS devices, both Allo and iMessage are supported. In fact, iMessage is exclusive to the Apple devices only. Allo doesn’t include any SMS feature. However, iMessage is available inside ‘Messages’ on your iOS device and it goes well with SMS service too.

You would know that iMessage is available on the Mac computers as well. But, Allo doesn’t have any desktop or web version. So, that’s somewhat a drawback if you wish to use it on a computer. But, Allo offers cross platform compatibility so that’s a plus.

Another point to note is that a lot of iOS users prefer iMessage over any other instant messaging app. So, if you use iOS, there is a fair chance you will like iMessage more than Allo. However, if you need to communicate with someone with a non-iOS device, Allo would be a better choice. And, let’s not forget another popular messaging app WhatsApp, which is also a cross-platform service.

Basic Features Comparison

There are plenty of commonalities between Allow and iMessage in terms of basic features. Both let you send private messages to the others. Both offer encrypted messaging. But, there are more shared features.

Allo and iMessage both offer group chats. You can create groups and add people. You can have a lot of people in a group. If there is something you wish to communicate to several people together, instead of sending individual messages, you can create groups.

Both these apps also let you share pictures, video files and audio clips. This is a basic feature that almost all the instant messaging apps offer. But, that is not all. Both these apps let you send some awesome text effects as well that enhance the overall chatting experience. Also, both these apps support stickers, emojis and even animojis (animated emojis).

Besides the media files, you can also share the contacts and location. Both these apps let you share your current location or your live location. There is one thing to note though. iMessage does not offer video calling. There is a separate app for that called FaceTime. Google Allo has everything including voice calling and video calling. This is where Allo wins for sure.

Advanced Features

As I already told you, iMessage does not support video calling. You can use Apple’s native Facetime for this purpose. But, video calling is hardly an advanced feature as all the IM apps now integrate this feature including WhatsApp, Messenger etc.

imessage-duo

But, there are some advanced features that both these apps do offer. For instance, iMessage has its own App Store independent of iOS App Store. iMessage App Store lets you download the apps that you can use within iMessage. This way you don’t have to leave iMessage in the middle of the conversation to use any app. The App Store has many apps and games that totally enhance your messaging experience.

Google Allo doesn’t have its own App Store. However, it has something which iMessage does not – AI virtual assistant. This smart assistant is capable of suggesting smart replies. It also suggests you places and restaurants based on your text.

CONCLUSION

Both Google Allo and iMessage are quite good. However, if you are an iOS user, you might like iMessage better. If you wish to communicate to someone who doesn’t use iOS, Allo will be the better choice.

The content is taken from respective source: imessageforpcwindows.com