As we approach the conclusion of 2023, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the year, particularly on Google’s service lineup, which has witnessed the discontinuation of several popular products, features, and services. In 2023 alone, Google bid farewell to four popular projects, marking an ongoing trend of killing off products and services quicker than most.
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Google Podcasts
One such project was Google Podcasts, a service that facilitated the free streaming of shows. Despite its basic functionality, allowing users to save, subscribe to their favourite creators, and download content, millions utilized the service, supporting a wide array of major and well-known shows. However, Google opted to consolidate its offerings, integrating Podcasts into the YouTube Music umbrella to enhance the appeal of the overall YouTube service. Consequently, the Podcasts app and service are scheduled to be retired in 2024.
Pixel Pass
The Pixel Pass program, introduced less than two years ago, allowed users to pay a monthly fee for their Pixel smartphones, offering an affordable charge with the option for automatic upgrades after two years. Surprisingly, the program met its demise within this short timeframe, no longer accessible for new users.
YouTube Stories
YouTube Stories, providing creators with the ability to upload short, temporary videos akin to Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram Stories, ceased to exist as a standalone feature on June 26, 2023. YouTube, in lieu of Stories, encourages creators to utilize YouTube Shorts, reinforcing short-form content creation on the platform.
Google Stadia
Another noteworthy discontinuation was Google Stadia, a cloud streaming game platform, announced for shutdown in 2022 and officially terminated on January 18, 2023. Despite the unfortunate conclusion, Google concluded the service on a positive note by fully reimbursing users for their investments, whether it was for Stadia gaming controllers, popular games, or monthly subscriptions. This commitment to reimbursement served as a commendable closure for users invested in the Stadia ecosystem.
