Google Introduces Android & iOS Compatible One-To-One Video Calling App

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In addition to launching a new AI-powered instant messaging app, today Google also introduced its one-to-one video calling app. Aptly dubbed “Duo,” the app is a simple, fast video calling app for everyone – whether on Android or iOS, a fast or slow connection. Just like Allo, Duo is also based on the user’s phone number, allowing them to reach anyone in their phonebook.

Duo calls are in crisp HD video (up to 720p) and audio, and has been optimized to work well with all types of network, even if bandwidth is limited it adjusts quality so you’re still able to connect. It also seamlessly transitions calls between cellular and Wi-Fi, so you don’t need to worry about what network you’re on.

Additionally, Duo was also built with privacy and security in mind and all calls on Duo are end-to-end encrypted.

Watch the video above to learn more, and expect both Allo and Duo to become available this summer on Android and iOS.

Google Unveils New AI-Powered Instant Messaging App to Take On WhatsApp

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Some hours back at the Google I/O developers conference, CEO Sundar Pichai unveiled Allo – the tech giant’s fresh start into instant messaging. Compatible for Android and iOS, Allo is absolutely different from Google Hangouts and G Chat programs that everyone is used to – it somewhat favors Whatsapp, but with more options.

For starters, users can guide their fingers to shrink or enlarge texts with a feature Google calls “WhisperShout.” Users can also doodle on photos before sending it out to their contacts.

Here’s the big deal about Allo, aside from regular conversation, the app uses artificial intelligence, which makes it capable of learning a user’s tendencies over time and, through its Smart Reply feature, can suggest responses. What’s more impressive, is the fact that Smart Reply can generate an automated report, to be used or not, when it identifies that a photo has been sent.

The bigger deal, is the fact that Allo will allow users to activate an in-built Google search assistant, a conversational interface that, upon receiving a question, will scan Google’s extensive database for an answer or perform a task like reserving a table at a restaurant, removing the need to navigate away from the app to use the Search function. Lastly, similar to Incognito Mode on the Chrome browser, Allo can encrypt conversations end-to-end to ensure a higher level of privacy.

Allo will be available for the public sometime this summer, for free download on Android and iOS.

Norse Projects Pre-Fall 2016 Lookbook

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Danish fashion house Norse Projects’ Pre-Fall 2016 range blends its signature simple aesthetic with nautical inspirations. Featuring various shades of blue pitted against light neutrals, the collection utilizes complex textural expressions and striped patterns inspired by the work of expressionist painter Agnes Martin. The pieces are then constructed from a variety of fabrics, including crispy … Read more

Sneaker Politics x Reebok NPC UK CNL “Storyville”

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Boutique retailer Sneaker Politics and Reebok have joined forces to deliver a special edition of the NPC UK CNL silhouette. Aptly dubbed “Storyville,” the sneaker is inspired by the red-light district of New Orleans, Louisiana from 1897 to 1917. Located near the French Quarter, Storyville used to occupy a sixteen-block area in the city, where governance on … Read more

Best Gardening Apps for Gardening Lovers

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There’s always something new to learn about a plant, so it doesn’t matter if you’re an expert gardener or a complete novice. Therefore, we have mentioned some of the best gardening apps you should have on your phone. These apps are useful for every one of you who is keen on learning a thing or … Read more

Yohji Yamamoto Discuss His Failures, Successes, and Fashion Philosophy

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Legendary Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto recently sat down with Business of Fashion‘s Imran Amed, for a rare and lengthy interview in which he spoke on his roots, his successes, his failures and his fashion philosophy. Yamamoto who is renowned for his avant-garde tailoring, over-sized silhouettes and dark color palette, spoke about how rejection led him to a life of gambling and drinking, and how going back to Japan saved his life. He also discussed his brand’s history, and gave a few words of wisdom directed at the young designers.

Watch the 39-minute video above to find out how the fashion icon turned his career around, and be sure to head over to Business of Fashion to read the full accompanying article.

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2016 “Monogram Eclipse” Collection

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Taking inspiration from the classic Malle Courrier trunk, French fashion house Louis Vuitton presents the “Monogram Eclipse” collection for Fall/Winter 2016. The luxe treatment has been applied to a number of leather goods and travel items, which boasts smooth leather detailing and dark grey metallic accents. The capsule highlights the introduction of four new baggage options: the Backpack Voyager, the … Read more