Google has announced that it will be shutting down the smart messaging app Allo and moving its top features to Messages app, which currently houses all the SMS users receive on their Android.

Google has been working with other companies in the mobile industry to upgrade SMS and add features such as group chats, the ability to share high-resolution images, and enabling ‘read receipts’ on Android devices.

Google Allo will be shut down at the end of March 2019.

Messages app is currently used by over 175 million users worldwide through 40 partner carriers and device makers.

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“In parallel, we built Google Allo, a smart messaging app, to help you get more done in your chats and express yourself more easily. Earlier this year we paused investment in Allo and brought some of its most-loved features into Messages. Given Messages’ continued momentum, we’ve decided to stop supporting Allo to focus on Messages.” said Matt Klainer, VP of Consumer Communications Products.

Some of Allo’s features such as Smart Reply, GIFs and desktop support were added to Messages app earlier this year and the aforementioned ones should follow soon.

“Allo will continue to work through March 2019 and until then, you’ll be able to export all of your existing conversation history from the app. We’ve learned a lot from Allo, particularly what’s possible when you incorporate machine learning features, like the Google Assistant, into messaging.”

How to export existing conversation from Allo?

• Open Google Allo on your Android smartphone
• Go to the menu
• Tap on Settings
• Tap on Chat
• Select one of the following options: Export messages from chats: This only includes message text, not photos or videos; OR Export stored media from chats: This includes photos, videos, and other files
• Choose where you’d like to store them. Messages are stored in CSV file and media is stored in a zip file.

Once the support for Google Allo is withdrawn in March 2019 all of your messages, including incognito ones, and your backups will be deleted.

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