Google announces 'smart messenger' Allo

Watch out Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, Google has a new messenger app on the loose. It's called Allo and Google is calling it a "smart messenger" because it combines communications with its new Google Assistant.

In a lot of ways, Allo (pronounced like the plant) is a response to some of the chatbots Facebook has started to integrate into Facebook Messenger.

The app -- which is separate from Google Hangouts -- lets you use Google within your chats with friends. That means that while using the app, you can pull in other Google features, like searches, locations or videos.

But the real magic with Allo is its integration with Google Assistant.

But the real magic with Allo is its integration with Google Assistant. Allo is the first place Google Assistant will really live. You can ask the Google Assistant questions while inside Allo; you can even play games.

You can even pull other users into the process, by asking @google what restaurant you should eat at, you'll see suggestions and the group can all decide.

You can even take advantage of "Smart Replies" to quickly reply to a message inside Allo with the right context or response. Google says it will be opening up Allo to third-party integration in the future.

All Allo messages will be encrypted (as is the trend with messenger apps), but Allo will also have an incognito mode to make your messages even more private.

Allo will be coming to iOS and Android later this summer.

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