TL;DR
- Apps killed by Google in 2024 include Chromecast, Google Podcasts, and VPN by Google One, to focus on integrated solutions and higher-priority projects.
- Collaborative tools like Google Jamboard and experimental apps such as Keen and Stack were also shut down due to limited user adoption.
- Legacy services like Play Movies & TV and Gmail Basic HTML View were retired in favor of updated alternatives like Google TV and Gmail’s Standard View.
- Google phased out Dropcam cameras, directing users to its advanced Nest Cam lineup.
Google is infamous for discontinuing apps and services, earning a reputation for pulling the plug on its projects.
There’s even a website, Killed by Google, which tracks the over 200 apps the company has shut down over the years.
Well, this year, the trend continued, with Google retiring several apps and tools that had a niche following but didn’t meet its long-term goals.
Below is an overview of the apps Google killed in 2024.
1) Google Jamboard (2017–2024)
Jamboard was a collaborative 4K touchscreen whiteboard designed for teamwork. It integrated with Google Workspace to support real-time collaboration.
Weighing about 50 kg, it included advanced hardware features like USB ports, Bluetooth, and a webcam.
Launched as a rival to Microsoft’s Surface Hub, it didn’t gain broad adoption. Google decided to discontinue Jamboard in 2024 to focus on software-based collaboration tools.
2) Chromecast (2013–2024)
Chromecast was Google’s popular streaming dongle launched in 2013. For $35 (app KES 4,537), users could stream media to their TVs using compatible apps like YouTube and Netflix.
Over 100 million units were sold globally.
Despite its success, Google replaced the hardware with integrated smart TV solutions, officially discontinuing Chromecast in August 2024.
3) VPN by Google One (2020–2024)
Google’s VPN was introduced as part of its subscription service, Google One, providing encrypted connections and enhanced privacy.
The app struggled to attract users and was discontinued in June 2024. Google redirected resources to its security portfolio, maintaining limited VPN functionality for Pixel and Google Fi Wireless users.
4) Google Podcasts (2018–2024)
Google Podcasts offered users a platform to listen to and manage podcasts but failed to compete with other apps like Spotify.
Also Read: Google launches ImageFX, a standalone text-to-image generative AI tool
Google shut it down in June 2024 and added podcast support to YouTube Music. Users were given tools to migrate subscriptions or download podcast data.
5) Keen (2020–2024)
This experimental Pinterest alternative let users curate and share interest-based content. Despite its unique features, Keen had limited user interest and was shut down in March 2024.
Google also deleted all data associated with the service.
6) Dropcam (2009–2024)
Google retired its Dropcam line of Wi-Fi cameras in April 2024. Initially developed by Dropcam Inc., the brand was acquired by Google in 2014.
Google now focuses on its Nest Cam lineup, which offers more advanced features and better ecosystem integration.
7) Play Movies & TV (2004–2024)
Play Movies & TV allowed users to rent or buy films. Google began phasing it out a few years ago, moving its services to YouTube and Google TV.
The discontinuation finalized in January 2024, making Google TV the central platform for movies and streaming.
8) Stack (2021–2024)
Stack was a PDF scanner app from Google’s Area 120 incubator. It scanned and organized documents into categorized “stacks.”
Announced as discontinued in June, Stack’s service ended in September 2024 as Google shifted resources away from this niche app.
9) Gmail Basic HTML View (2004–2024)
Google removed the Basic HTML View for Gmail in 2024. This simplified view, useful for low-bandwidth scenarios or legacy browsers, lacked modern features. Users now access Gmail exclusively via Standard View.
Google’s decisions show a preference for refining its product portfolio to align with shifting user needs.
However, these frequent changes raise questions about the sustainability of its less-prominent ventures.
If you think we’ve missed something, please drop your thoughts in the comments section below.
