Google Allo is coming to the desktop (kind of)

Smart messaging app Google Allo is heading to the desktop, this according to a tweet from Google VP of communication products Nick Fox.

The app, currently available on Android and iOS, will also be heading to desktop platforms in the near future in the form of a web app.

Still in early development, but coming to a desktop near you… #GoogleAllo #SneakPeek pic.twitter.com/f7QNFH7IHO

— Nick Fox (@RealNickFox) February 24, 2017

Judging by the attached screenshot, the app will be much like WhatsApp Web, running in-browser with two distinct sections: a contacts pane on the left, and a larger content section on the right.

Google Allo for desktop will compete against the likes of Skype and WhatsApp Web

The use of “desktop” here is a bit awkward though. While desktop implies an actual installable program for Windows or Mac OS, the screenshot itself suggests only a web app.

Nevertheless, Fox failed to clarify whether or not Google is also planning an actual standalone package, akin to the likes of Skype.

Google Allo itself was revealed in May 2016 at the company’s annual I/O Conference, and is powered by Assistant: Google’s artificial intelligence assistant. The app later launched in South Africa in late September.

Fox noted that Allo for desktop is currently in “early development”, but we wouldn’t be surprised to hear more information at I/O 2017, or perhaps even earlier.