Google Allo conversations are about to get a lot more animated.
Google on Thursday started rolling out three new features for its smart messaging app: an easy way to add GIFs to your conversations, animated emoji, and a Google Assistant shortcut.
To add a GIF to a conversation, just tap the smiley icon in the chat bar and swipe left to browse or search for the perfect one. Another fun feature called Lucky will let you roll the dice and let the app select a GIF for you. Just type "@lucky" followed by a phrase like "lmao," "wow," or "I love you" to share a randomly selected GIF with your friends.
Meanwhile you can also now "step up your emoji game" with some new animated options in Allo, Google Group Product Manager Amit Fulay wrote in a blog post. "We're guessing that you don't keep a straight face when you hear a great joke," he wrote. "So why should emoji?!"
To animate an emoji, touch and hold the send button, then drag up to see it come to life. This only works on 10 emoji right now (try it on the smiley and kiss faces).
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For the uninitiated, Google first released Allo in September on iOS and Android. The chat app is integrated with Google Assistant, which adds search results to your conversations. If, for instance, you're chatting with a friend and decide to see a movie together, a Google Assistant icon will appear offering nearby showtimes.
With the latest update, it will be easier to bring Google Assistant into your chats. Just tap the Google Assistant icon in the compose box and Assistant will be there to assist.
These new features started rolling out yesterday to Android, and should reach iOS some point "soon," Fulay wrote.