Allo web chat now works in browsers other than Chrome

When Google brought its Allo chat app to the web, it only supported Chrome. That partly defeats the point of an app-independent client, doesn’t it? Thankfully, Google agrees. It just expanded Allo’s web support to get it running on Firefox, Opera and iOS devices (including Chrome and Safari). You do have to start by scanning a QR code on the desktop using your phone, which is more than a little unwieldy, but this does mean you don’t have to live within Google’s software ecosystem just to avoid a native app. No, this probably won’t get you to ditch Hangouts or another messaging app, but it does open the door to those who otherwise wouldn’t give it a shot.