You might not require a phone number to use Google Allo

Google has been trying things to keep its Allo messaging service in the game and to keep its relevance intact, the company might soon link it to your Google account without the need of a phone number to sign up. Allo already has competitors such as iMessage and Facebook Messenger.

According to 9to5Google, Allo’s latest Android release has hidden references to chatting with Gmail contacts once the users connect their account. Users will be able to find people through their email addresses once they have linked everything. Although, there’s no clarity on when this reduced phone dependence will make it to the app, the hints suggest that the new feature might be in the offing. If the feature makes it to the app, this could make Allo a more handy messaging service, particularly if you use it across multiple platforms.

Earlier, Google added options to restore and backing up chats to the Allo app. The update also includes an incognito mode for group chats and offers link previews within the app.