Google is notorious for launching tools and services, only to withdraw them from public use a couple of years later, but the latest services getting the chop are more notable than usual…
Google+
Google will finally wave goodbye to its Google+ social networking service at the end of March and flick the switch on April 2nd.
Although the service built a loyal fanbase amongst niche communities, it struggled to gain mainstream attention and last year, security issues were brought to light that put millions of users’ data at risk.
Google will continue to offer its Google+ social network as part of G Suite for enterprises, but we’re not sure how long for.
Google URL Shortener
Another valuable tool that will be shut down this month is the Google URL shortener, known as goo.gl.
The tool has been incredibly popular and served as an alternative to commercial bit.ly, but fears over spam, misinformation, and hacking have to lead the company to close down the service for everyday users.
The good news is that links that already existed will continue to function, but users won’t be able to create new links or monitor existing links.
Inbox by Gmail
Google launched Inbox, an alternative to its Gmail application, to experiment with new tools and features and give consumers more control over their mailboxes.
Inbox proved to be very popular, but since then Google has imported many of the most popular features (including a new Material Design) to the Gmail app on iOS, Android, and desktop.
Still, it will be sad to see this service go, and we’ll be interested to see where Google goes with email next…
Allo
Launched as an alternative to iMessage and WhatsApp, Allo was Google’s latest attempt at a messaging service, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver.
Launched in 2016, the messaging tool struggled to gain attention and encourage users to switch from rival applications.
Some of its features were ahead of their time, and it was the application that birthed the Google Assistant, but Allo just wasn’t meant to be.
His brother, Duo, continues to perform well and is today considered to be Google’s rival to FaceTime.
The firm is actively pushing the tool and is set to increase advertising spending to compete against enterprise software like Skype.
Will you be sad to see these features go? Let us know on Twitter using @AppleMagazine.
