Google is streamlining its product portfolio and will be closing or merging some products in the coming months. This has been mentioned on the official blog and is in line with the chief executive Larry Page announcement during the company’s second quarter earnings call. Google products are into tens of dozens and Google needs to merge them in order to get the best of this API’s.
The list of products being shut or merged includes:
1. Aardvark
This was a startup Google acquired in 2010 for USD 50 million. This was type of social search and the team has been merged in the Google plus team.
2. Fast Flip
Fast flip was started in 2009 and will be taken off Google News.
3. Google Desktop
The Google desktop tool or quick search box will be taken off air from 14th September. All the associated APIs, services, plug-ins, gadgets and support will be discontinued as well.
4. Google Pack
This is being taken off as well due to increased focus on the web and cloud applications.
5. Google Maps API for Flash
Google will be shifting focus to JavaScript maps API and only premium paying customer will be supported. The Flash Maps API will be not being killed totally but no new features will be added and only minimal support provided.
6. Image Labeler
This fun experiment which enabled users to explore and label images will be taken off as well.
7. Google Web Security
This became a part of Google via the Postini acquisition in 2007. Google has used the technology to integrate into its existing products like Chrome and only existing customers will be supported with no fresh sales.
8. Notebook
This product will be shut down as well and all the data will be automatically be exported to Google docs.
9. Subscribed Links
The subscribed links feature will be discontinued although developers will be able to access the data in Subscribed Links until September 14.
10. Sidewiki
This service that enables a user to contribute useful information to any web page will also be discontinued although users will be given some months to download existing content.
