The first major update to lo is here. Version 2.0 brings a whole batch of improvements, many of which might give you reason to take another look at lo if you’ve yet to give it a try.
But before you get too excited: SMS/MMS messaging is not one of them.
For those using Android 7.1, there’s now an app shortcut to launch into a new conversation. There aren’t shortcuts yet for specific conversations like you get on ’s Messenger SMS app, however.
Start a new conversation with the new app shortcut in lo.
Several other features that exist in other messaging apps are making their debut in lo 2.0. Now when you use the Android sharing menu your frequent contacts will appear.
And you can now go crazy with GIFs. You’ll access them just as with any other app, though don’t worry about sending any to the Assistant just yet. This’ll just confuse it. There’s also support for the GIF keyboard.
GIF keyboards direct sharing all comes to lo 2.0.
lo also plays better with Android ar, allowing you to draw an emoji or respond with your voice.
lo project lead stin Uberti offered a changelog as well. He’s pretty active on Twitter, even responding to feature requests:
lo 2.0 relnotes (Android):
• App shortcuts
• ndscape
• N quick reply
• N multi-window
• GIF keyboard
• a11y mode
• Incognito key alerts— stin Uberti (@juberti) October 26, 2016
If you want to check out lo for yourself, look for the update in the ay Store or grab it right now from A Mirror.
The impact on you: These are nice additions if you’ve been using lo, bringing in features that are necessary for it to be a viable contender. However, the future of messaging ubiquity here in the U.S. is probably through Rich Communication Services, as the most identifiable way to reach people is still through their phone number.
