Google has finally pulled the plug on Google+, the social networking tool it launched in a bid to compete with Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook.
The service was initially launched in 2011 and was Google’s fourth attempt at a social network. Despite a massive, massive push (the tech company reportedly pulled in a staggering number of employees to work on it) Google+ never took off.
It had a solid idea behind it: users could create ‘circles’ of friends in different areas of their life with integrated chat through Google Hangouts. There was also plenty of support for groups and communities.
But the might of Facebook proved too much.
Wiping Google+ from the face of the internet doesn’t mean that other Google services are gone. Google Photos continues to live on and any pictures or videos stored there will continue to be accessible. YouTube comments and Gmail messages are also unaffected.
But G+ does join an increasing list of shuttered Google services. In 2019 alone the company has also shut down its Inbox by Google service, the goo.gle URL shortener and its Google Allo instant messaging app.
In fact, the list of Google’s discontinued products and services is now so strong it merits its own Wikipedia page.
Which gives you plenty of confidence in the upcoming Google Stadia game-streaming service doesn’t it?
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