{"id":41452,"date":"2020-10-15T14:29:37","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T14:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/?guid=7766ee9302ff33cd3886c4d18841cc52"},"modified":"2020-10-15T14:29:37","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T14:29:37","slug":"killed-by-google","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/killed-by-google\/","title":{"rendered":"Killed by Google"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n Wayne Williams<\/a><\/span>
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
15 Oct, 2020<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

It\u2019s become a fact of web life that Google giveth and Google taketh away. Just as you\u2019ve become reliant on one of its free tools for managing your photos, streaming your music library or getting your daily news fix, the search giant decides to put it permanently on ice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes this happens because Google has launched what it believes to be (but often isn\u2019t) a superior service, while at other times it\u2019s simply because Google has lost interest in that product, even if its users haven\u2019t. It is running a business, after all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, few Google tools are unique, and there are usually good alternatives available for its abandoned products. In this feature, we round up the best free replacements for tools that have been consigned to the Google graveyard over the last seven years, or that are about to be killed off very soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google Cloud Print<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2010-2021<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Cloud Print, Google\u2019s cloud-based printing solution, makes it possible to send web pages to printers from any device. Google announced plans to kill the service off late last year, with an execution date of 1 Jan 2021. The company didn\u2019t give a clear reason for the closure, although it did say that Chrome OS, its cloud-based operating system, would be offering improved built-in printing controls.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> Google suggests switching to one of its free printing partners, the best of which is PaperCut Mobility Print. There\u2019s even <\/span>a handy guide<\/span><\/a> that helps you migrate to the service from Cloud Print.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google Play Music<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan: <\/strong>2011-2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> <\/span>Google currently has two music-streaming services \u2013 Google Play Music, which is the default music player on many Android devices, and YouTube Music \u2013 but it now only wants one. Google has been warning users for a while that it will be shutting down Play Music and, in <\/span>a blog post in August<\/span><\/a>, it confirmed that YouTube Music will replace the service by December 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> Although Google would like you to switch to YouTube Music, and is making it as easy as possible to do so, now is the perfect time to move to a better choice. Spotify has a huge library of songs, with both free and paid-for tiers \u2013 and, like Play Music, it lets you import and play locally stored audio files.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hangouts<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2013-2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Google has a number of different messaging apps and is trying to streamline its offerings. It shut down Allo last year (more on that later) and is killing off Hangouts Classic \u2013 its most popular messaging app, with more than a billion installs on Android \u2013 in December 2020. It might seem strange for Google to shut down its most successful service, but the company is focusing on business communication, which in the light of the pandemic-fuelled rise in working from home, seems like a smart bet.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> Google wants you to communicate using Android\u2019s built-in Messages app, or either of Hangouts\u2019 direct successors \u2013 Google Meet or Google Chat (its Slack alternative for businesses). There are much better choices available, however. WhatsApp is packed with features including voice and video calls, is available for your phone, computer and the web, and your friends are probably already using it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google Chrome Apps<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2010-2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Not to be confused with Chrome extensions, Chrome Apps are hosted or packaged web applications that run using Google\u2019s browser. They are downloaded from the Chrome Web Store and look much like a typical desktop app. The chances are you don\u2019t use these, and that\u2019s the reason Google decided to pull the plug on them. Support for them on Windows, Mac and Linux will end in December 2020 (Chrome OS users will continue to have access), and they will be killed off entirely by June 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> Chrome Apps are a nice gimmick, but in truth they don\u2019t serve any great purpose. Rather than installing an app and running it in your browser, just navigate to the actual online service. You\u2019ll get pretty much the same experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

One Today<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> <\/span>2013-2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Google has a non-profit arm that aims to solve some of humanity\u2019s biggest challenges. One Today was an Android app that made it possible for users to donate money to charities and see exactly how that donation was going to be spent. Google killed it off at the start of February 2020, explaining that \u201cin the last few years, we have seen donors choose other products to fundraise for their favourite non-profits\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> <\/span>Thinking of You is a free app for Android and iOS that lets you send a thought to someone you know, along with a donation to one of its many supported charities, including Shelter, Stroke Association, Make-A-Wish, Kidney Research UK, Parkinson\u2019s and Children with Cancer UK. You can also donate directly to charities, and Thinking of You gives all transaction fees to the charities on its app.<\/span><\/p>\n

Datally<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2017-2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Google\u2019s Play store is home to millions of Android apps, including many produced by the search giant itself. Datally was a useful free app (called Triangle when it originally launched in June 2017), that helped users manage their mobile data by viewing and blocking the activity of installed apps. Google never gave a reason for why it pulled Datally from the Play store in October last year, but it\u2019s not the only app to vanish in this way.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead: <\/strong>Data Usage \u2013 Data Manager is a good free alternative for Android that can display daily data usage for apps you use and warn you if you go over your limit. It hasn\u2019t been updated in over a year, but it still works fine with newer versions of Android.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google Daydream<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2016-2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> <\/span>There was a time when virtual reality seemed destined to be the next big thing, and if you couldn\u2019t afford a full-fledged headset such as the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive, you could just drop your Android phone into a VR headset like Google Daydream instead. Developers didn\u2019t flock to it however, and consumers didn\u2019t buy it in any great numbers either, so Google ceased development, stating: \u201cThere hasn\u2019t been the broad consumer or developer adoption we had hoped, and we\u2019ve seen decreasing usage over time of the Daydream View headset\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> If you can afford it, buy a dedicated headset; if you can\u2019t, you can pick up cheap phone-based VR headsets from Amazon and eBay. There\u2019s also Google\u2019s own Cardboard viewer which costs from just \u00a315 (it\u2019s only made out of cardboard, after all) and works with both Android devices and iPhones.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google Trips<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2016-2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> This app for Android and iOS was designed as a trip planner that could pull information on upcoming excursions from Gmail and offer day guides to over 200 major cities. Google killed off the Trips app, but still offers much of the same functionality in in Google Maps and on the web at google.com\/travel.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> <\/span>TripIt is a very similar app available for Android and iOS that helps you organise your travel plans (when you have some again). Just forward your confirmation emails to TripIt and it will build a master itinerary for you, and provide travel stats and carbon footprint details. It also helps you get around and lets you keep colleagues and friends informed of where you are.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inbox by Gmail<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2015-2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Inbox by Gmail provided a different way to access the search giant\u2019s webmail service, and was designed to cut through the junk in a busy inbox and present you with only what\u2019s important. You could even snooze emails for a later time. In shutting down Inbox, Google said it had been \u201ca great place to experiment with new ideas\u201d, but it now wants to focus on just Gmail.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> If you miss Inbox\u2019s clean design, then you can bring it back by installing Simplify Gmail. This Chrome extension was created by Michael Leggett, Gmail\u2019s lead designer from 2008 to 2012, and the co-founder of Google Inbox.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google+<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> <\/span>2011-2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> <\/span>Google+ was the search giant\u2019s attempt to take on Facebook and Twitter, and although Google did everything possible to push it \u2013 including integration with the company\u2019s other services, such as YouTube and Google Drive, and continual redesigns to make it easier to use \u2013 few people were interested and Google eventually threw in the towel, citing \u201clow user engagement\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> Facebook or Twitter would be the obvious choice, but there are lesser-known services to consider such as the currently invite-only Webtalk or MeWe, which is a privacy-focused social network with no ads.<\/span><\/p>\n

Goo.gl<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2009-2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Google\u2019s URL shortener was a useful service for shrinking long, unwieldy web addresses and making it easier for people to share links and measure traffic. Despite its popularity, Google made the decision to shut it down in 2018 (bit.ly\/3kmiica) due to competition from other services and people moving from \u201cdesktop web pages to apps, mobile devices, home assistants, and more\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> Bit.ly is our preferred choice of URL shortener. It lets you shrink long URLs, customise the links, and view the number of clicks for each one \u2013 so you can quickly see how many people have looked at things you\u2019ve shared. It\u2019s free to use, but the paid-for version offers extra features.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google Allo<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan: <\/strong>2016-2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Rather than be put off by the surfeit of mobile messaging apps, in 2016, Google decided the world needed two more and rolled out Allo \u2013 with Google Assistant baked in \u2013 and Duo (for video calling). While Duo still exists (for now), Google killed off Allo in 2019 to focus instead on its Messages app.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> You could use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or any of the many other available chat apps. Telegram is a good alternative to Allo, but focuses more on speed and privacy.<\/p>\n

Chromecast Audio<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan: <\/strong>2015-2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it: <\/strong>Although Google\u2019s Chromecast is best known as a device that can stream video content directly to your television set, there was also a version that could be used to cast audio directly to your speakers from an iPhone, iPad, Android device or PC. It cost \u00a330 and came with a 3.5 mm analogue stereo patch cable and power adapter, but was killed off after the company introduced its own range of Google Assistant-powered smart speakers. The technology lives on in the main Chromecast, however.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead: <\/strong>A smart speaker such as Amazon\u2019s Echo or Google\u2019s own Home\/Nest is great for playing audio, but if you want to \u2018cast\u2019 music from your other devices, then the Roku Express streaming media player (\u00a325 from Amazon) is ideal. It can stream video at up to 4K Ultra HD, and also lets you cast music (and photos) to your TV.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a software solution, try Nero Streaming Player for Android or iOS.\u00a0<\/span>The free app can cast music (as well as photos and videos) to your smart TV or any other UPnP\/DLNA compatible Media Player.<\/p>\n

YouTube Video Editor<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> <\/span>2010-2017<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> <\/span>YouTube Video Editor was a web-based tool you could use to edit and enhance your movies and apply some effects before sharing them on YouTube. While it was a great idea, YouTube says as few as 0.1% of creators bothered with it (many probably didn\u2019t know it existed in the first place), so Google decided to drop it.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> <\/span>It\u2019s better to edit video directly on your PC rather than in the cloud, and Shotcut does this with no fuss. Available for Windows, Mac and Linux, this free tool can handle all the main media formats and the editing is done on a multi-track timeline. When you\u2019ve finished making your movie, go to the Export tab and select YouTube to upload and share your video in MP4 format. See page 28 for details.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google Now<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2012-2016<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Google Now was a card-based search system for iOS and Android that let you view all sorts of relevant information. Cards would appear when you needed them, and it integrated with your installed sites and apps. Google Now also served as the first iteration of its digital assistant, and was summoned by tapping your phone\u2019s button or by saying \u201cOK, Google\u201d. It was eventually replaced by Assistant, which offers two-way spoken interaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/strong> If you\u2019re heavily invested in Google\u2019s ecosystem, use Google Assistant. If Apple is your preferred choice, then Siri will be more suitable. For everyone else, Amazon Alexa is the digital assistant you should opt for. It\u2019s embedded in a number of Amazon products, such as Echo and Fire TV, and can do everything from answering questions and giving you the news to controlling your lights and reading you audiobooks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Picasa<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan: <\/strong>2002-2015<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Picasa was a big favourite for many people, and provided an easy way to organise and edit your photos. It included lots of fun extras such as face recognition, collages and filters, but was eventually replaced by its cloud-based successor, Google Photos.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead: <\/strong>While you can (and probably do) use Google Photos to back up your phone\u2019s photos to the cloud, there are desktop services that are more in keeping with Picasa\u2019s original design, features and spirit, such as DigiKam, which was recently updated and now lets you organise your photos by face. See last issue\u2019s Workshop 1 for details.<\/span><\/p>\n

Orkut<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan: <\/strong>2004-2014<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Before Google+ became Google\u2019s main focus, the search giant had Orkut, an online community that was created by employee Orkut B\u00fcy\u00fckk\u00f6kten. It was designed to help users stay in touch with friends and was hugely popular in India and Brazil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not hard to guess why Google closed it. As the company\u2019s engineering director Paulo Golgher said in a blog post: \u201cOver the past decade, Facebook, YouTube, Blogger and Google+ have taken off, with communities springing up in every corner of the world. Because the growth of these communities has outpaced Orkut\u2019s growth, we\u2019ve decided to bid Orkut farewell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead:<\/span> While the obvious choices are Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you should also consider the Android\/iOS app-based Hello, which is a new social network founded by Orkut B\u00fcy\u00fckk\u00f6kten and a small group of ex-Google engineers. It\u2019s different from other services in that it aims to tie people together, based on their common interests.<\/span><\/p>\n

Google Reader<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lifespan:<\/strong> 2005-2013<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Google killed it:<\/strong> Subscribing to RSS\/web feeds using Google Reader could save you a serious amount of time and effort, especially if you visited a lot of websites on a daily basis. Instead of having to go to each site individually, Reader would fetch all the latest headlines for you, aggregating them in an easy-to-read layout. Also, because it was web-based, you could view your subscriptions from anywhere, including on your phone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sadly, in 2013, Google made the shocking decision to kill off Reader, stating: \u201cWhile the product has a loyal following, over the years usage has declined\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What to use instead: <\/span>In the run-up to Reader\u2019s closure, plenty of rival services surfaced as potential successors, but many have since fallen by the wayside. One that has continued to serve users well is Feedly, which lets you add and organise feeds and tweets, has light and dark modes, and offers mobile apps and browser add-ons. The free version is perfectly adequate for most users, but there\u2019s a paid-for Pro edition with extra features and speedier feed updates from $6 (around \u00a34.50) per month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wayne Williams<\/p>\n

15 Oct, 2020 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s become a fact of web life that Google giveth and Google taketh away. Just as you\u2019ve become reliant on one of its free tools for managing your photos, streaming your music library or getti…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":435,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41452","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/435"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41452"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41452\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41461,"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41452\/revisions\/41461"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41452"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41452"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icloud.pe\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41452"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}