OMD FWD w/c Sept 26th
Google has launched an artificial intelligence app called Allo, rejoining the messaging app war. While Apple (iMessage) and Facebook (WhatsApp and Messenger) have massive head starts, Nick Fox, Google’s VP of Communication Products isn’t stressing about Google rejoining the race. Fox said that “while messaging has been around for a while, smart messaging is much newer”. Google’s AI assistant and search functionality are built into Allo, offering a new level of service which other messaging apps do not offer. For example, if you are making dinner plans, Allo will scan nearby restaurants and cinema timings, helping you plan your night. You can even find out football scores and directions to your destination so you won’t be late. While Google+ or Hangouts may not have dented the messaging or social media scene, Allo represents Google’s persistence and commitment to foray back into mobile communication.
HEADLINES
- Google introduces Trips – a one-stop shop app for the modern traveller and Allo – its machine learning messenger app
- Twitter seem poised for a sale, with Salesforce and Alphabet the front runners, here’s a look at what awaits the new owners
- Snapchat launches Specs – Snapchat unveils £100 Google-glass style spectacles: here is how they work
- Yahoo’s data breach, what you need to know, and how it may affect the future of tech mergers and acquisitions
INSIGHTS
- YouTube living room watch time doubled in the past year, and more nuggets from this Q&A
- People want text conversations with brands but this is rarely supported
- What you need to know about using Twitter’s new character count
COOL
- Copa 90 and Bleacher Report are creating a live TV series on Snapchat Discover
- The ice cubes that tell the bar when you are ready for your next drink
- You can now buy an NFL jersey with an emoji
DEEP READS
- Quartz profiles the companies rewriting the rules of business to find the Perfect Company
- Inside Apple and IBM’s app making machines
- A bit of food for thought on digital ‘distraction sickness’
Share anything interesting you spot with the hashtag #OMDFWD