Home
News
You are here

Future versions of Google Allo might let you enable end-to-end encryption by default

8comments

By Luis D.

Updated: May 20, 2016, 7:24 AM

Future versions of Google Allo might let you enable end-to-end encryption by default

Google's newly announced 'Allo' messenger seems to have all fronts covered, including the ever-pressing issue of privacy. The app's optional 'Incognito' mode lets users chat between the secure walls of end-to-end encryption, and not only are their messages encoded into scrambled numbers for the eyes of spies, but no copies of the communication are being left behind anywhere. However, the feature doesn't let users interact with the smart 'Assistant', and they are missing out on other functionality allowed by the machine learning algorithms.

The app isn't available to users right now, but they are able to 'reserve' it in the Google Play store and download it later in the year. However, Google – or at least one mindful engineer in its ranks of clever developers – is pushing for flipping the end-to-end encryption switch in 'On' position by default in future versions of 'Allo'.

Security engineer Thai Duong published a blog post, explaining that a setting where users can opt out of clear text messaging is in the plans. Rather than entering 'Incognito mode' and losing out on the cool Google-powered functionality, users will be able to configure 'Allo' to always chat in secure mode while still being able to invoke the smart AI assistant.

As it stands, the machine learning-powered helper cannot function without the ability to scan your messages for contextual clues and deliver appropriate information such as directions, schedules, links, and other data helpful for users. While 'Incognito' mode has the unfortunate side effect of cutting the smart assistant out of the equation, this is a problem Google should be able to solve in the future.

Also read:

source: Thai Duong via Digital Trends

$349

$799

$450 off (56%)

Mint Mobile now sells the Google Pixel 10 with a massive $450 discount. The promo is available on select color variants with 128GB of storage. You also get a 12-month unlimited data plan for $180 instead of $360.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$524

$999

$475 off (48%)

Grab the pro-grade, compact Pixel 10 Pro at Mint Mobile with a 12-month unlimited plan, and you can save a huge $475. The data plan comes with a discount, too: 50% off, to be exact.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$499

$1199

$700 off (58%)

The high-end Gemini AI-enhanced Pixel 10 Pro XL is now available with a mind-blowing discount. You can now save $700 on the phone, plus 50% off unlimited 12-month plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$1399

$1799

$400 off (22%)

The foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold is another standout holiday offer. Right now, you can get the device for $400 off at Mint Mobile. On top of that, you save $180 on 12-month unlimited data plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

View Full Bio

Luis D. has a multitude of news, features and review articles written for PhoneArena. He adeptly demystifies complex technology topics, such as the development of advanced materials for bendable device displays and the evolution of chipset manufacturing.