
Google Discontinues Six Key Products in 2024 | Image Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, December 25, 2024 – Google has further simplified its ​extensive product portfolio by leaving six major offers in ​2024. These products, from hardware to software, reflect ​the technology giant’s ongoing strategy to reallocate resources to initiatives with greater user involvement and strategic alignment. According to Times of ​India, this movement underscores ​Google’s commitment to innovation, even to ​the detriment of the gradual ​elimination of less prosperous businesses.
Jamboard: Collaboration tool announces goodbye
Introduced in 2017, ​Jamboard is a ​4K dashboard designed to improve collaboration in real time. Integrated with Google Workspace, it has become ​a ​valuable tool for teams who need a shared digital web. Despite its initial success, Google announced the interruption of Jamboard ​in 2024. The decision, according to the company, is consistent with its strategy ​to prioritize software ​solutions that offer greater flexibility over multiple devices. This change reflects ​a broader industry trend towards ​agnostic collaboration tools.
Chromecast: Ending an era ​of media transmission
Launched in 2013, Chromecast has transformed the way users broadcast media by ​allowing them to launch the content of their devices ​smoothly. Over 11 years, the ​device has become a last name, selling over 100 million units worldwide. However, in August 2024, Google announced ​that the Chromecast line would be sunset. ​The company attributed this step to an increasing focus on integrated smart television solutions and advanced ​streaming technologies that respond to changing consumer demand. Chromecast’s ​retirement marks the end of an iconic ​device that pioneers the streaming age.
VPN ​by Google One: Short Term Privacy Service
As part of its Google A subscription, the company introduced a Virtual Private Network Service (VPN) in 2020. This offer promised greater confidentiality by encrypting Internet traffic and masking IP addresses. Despite the growing importance of online security, the VPN had to face low adoption rates. As a result, Google suspended the service in June 2024, redirecting efforts to other security initiatives. The decision highlights the competition challenges faced by technology companies in the competitive and specialized cybersecurity market.
Dropcam: Transition to Nest Cam Ecosystem
Acquired by Google in 2014, Dropcam was a pioneer in security cameras with Wi-Fi, allowing users to control their home ​remotely. In April 2024, Google ended with the support ​of Dropcam and Dropcam Pro, encouraging users to switch to their Nest Cam line. The Nest Cam offers advanced features and perfect integration into Google’s ecosystem, making it a more robust solution for home security. According to Google, this ​movement allows for better allocation of ​resources and alignment with the company’s smart home strategy.
Google Podcasts: Migration to YouTube Music
Launched in 2018, ​Google Podcasts has served as a platform for discovering and listening to podcasts. While more than 500 million downloads have been accumulated, the application has difficulty competing with feature-rich alternatives. In June 2024, Google suspended the application, advising users to ​migrate to YouTube Music, which ​now includes podcast ​support. ​This change reflects Google’s intention to consolidate ​media transmission and podcasting within a single platform, improving user comfort and commitment.
Keen: Healing Ends of Experimental Content
Keen, launched in 2020 by the ​Google Area 120 incubator, aims to compete ​with Pinterest by ​allowing ​users to ​deal ​with content according to their interests. Despite its unique approach to content discovery, Keen was unable to attract a significant ​user base and was ​closed in March 2024. Closing the platform ​highlights the challenges of gaining traction in a competitive social discovery landscape, even with Google’s support.
These closures illustrate Google’s adaptive approach to its product portfolio. By interrupting low-performance services, the company realizes resources for projects of greater strategic importance. Although these decisions may disappoint loyal users, they indicate Google’s ​commitment ​to changing with the dynamic technological landscape. According to Times of India, ​this ongoing re-evaluation process highlights the company’s ​approach to long-term innovation and ​growth.