In 2024, Google once again made headlines by discontinuing several products and services. Known for its vast ecosystem of tools and platforms, Google has always embraced an experimental approach, regularly launching new projects while also sunsetting those that fail to meet its evolving strategic goals or user expectations. This year was no exception, as Google said goodbye to offerings that had carved out unique niches but ultimately fell short of the tech giant’s ambitions. From Jamboard to the Chromecast, 2024 saw the end of products that, despite their promise, could not sustain relevance in an ever-competitive market. Here’s a list of products that Google killed in 2024
Google Jamboard (2017 – 2024)
Introduced in 2017, Jamboard was a digital 4K touchscreen whiteboard designed to facilitate real-time collaboration, integrating seamlessly with Google Workspace services. Despite its innovative approach to enhancing team interactions, Google decided to discontinue Jamboard in 2024, citing a strategic shift towards software-based solutions that offer greater flexibility and accessibility across diverse devices.
Chromecast (2013 – 2024)
Launched in 2013, Chromecast revolutionized media streaming by allowing users to cast content from their devices directly to their televisions. Over its 11-year lifespan, Chromecast sold over 100 million units, becoming a staple in many households. However, in August 2024, Google announced the discontinuation of the Chromecast line, signaling a move towards more integrated smart TV solutions and advanced streaming devices.
VPN by Google One (2020 – 2024)
As part of its Google One subscription service, Google introduced a virtual private network (VPN) in 2020, offering users enhanced online privacy by encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses. Despite the growing emphasis on online security, the service experienced low adoption rates. Consequently, Google shut down VPN by Google One in June 2024, redirecting resources to other security initiatives.
Dropcam (2009 – 2024)
Dropcam, a pioneer in Wi-Fi-enabled security cameras, was acquired by Google in 2014. It allowed users to monitor their homes remotely via live video feeds. In April 2024, Google ended support for Dropcam and Dropcam Pro, encouraging users to transition to the more advanced Nest Cam lineup, which offers enhanced features and better integration with the Google ecosystem.
Google Podcasts (2018 – 2024)
Google Podcasts was launched in 2018 as a platform for discovering and listening to podcasts. Despite amassing over 500 million downloads, the app faced criticism for lacking features compared to competitors. In June 2024, Google announced the discontinuation of Google Podcasts, urging users to migrate to YouTube Music, which now includes podcast support.
Keen (2020 – 2024)
Keen, introduced in 2020, was an experimental project from Google’s Area 120 incubator, aiming to rival Pinterest by allowing users to curate content based on their interests. Despite its unique approach to content discovery, Keen struggled to gain a substantial user base and was shut down in March 2024.
The discontinuation of these products reflects Google’s dynamic approach to its product lineup, continually reassessing and realigning its offerings to focus on areas with greater user engagement and strategic importance. While the end of these services may disappoint some users, it underscores Google’s commitment to innovation and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape.