Killed by Google: These are the apps I miss the most

Killed by Google: These are the apps I miss the most

  • 23.03.2025 00:17
  • androidauthority.com
  • Keywords: AI, Startup

Google has discontinued several beloved apps like Google Now, Inbox by Google, and Google Trips, leaving users nostalgic for their unique features despite modern replacements. While some features have been integrated into newer services, many still miss the simplicity and functionality of these once-popular tools.

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Google has shut down several apps including Google Now, Inbox by Google, Google Trips, Android Auto on smartphones, Trusted Contacts, and Google Reader. These apps were popular among users but were discontinued, leading to their absence from the market.

Context

Analysis of Discontinued Google Apps: Business Insights and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points

1. Google Now

  • Launch Year: 2012
  • Shutdown Year: 2015
  • Replacement: Replaced by Discover feed, Google Assistant, and other features.
  • User Feedback: Considered ahead of its time with contextually relevant information cards.

2. Inbox by Google

  • Launch Year: 2014
  • Shutdown Year: 2019
  • Key Features: Email bundling, travel document management, email pinning, and reminders.
  • User Preference: Preferred over Gmail during its run.
  • Integration: Many features were integrated into Gmail post-shutdown.

3. Google Trips

  • Launch Year: 2016
  • Shutdown Year: 2019
  • Key Features: Travel planning, itinerary management, offline support, and point-by-point map visualization.
  • Market Impact: Left a significant void in the travel app space.

4. Android Auto on Smartphones

  • Launch Year: 2016 (for smartphones)
  • Shutdown Year: 2022
  • Functionality: Enabled navigation via smartphone cradles in cars.
  • Replacement: Modern vehicles with dedicated screens and Google Maps driving mode.

5. Trusted Contacts

  • Launch Year: 2016
  • Shutdown Year: 2020
  • Key Features: Live location sharing for family and friends.
  • Integration: Functionality merged into Google Maps.

6. Google Reader

  • Launch Year: 2005 (shutdown in 2013)
  • Key Features: RSS feed aggregation, offline functionality via Google Gears.
  • User Sentiment: Considered the perfect RSS aggregator for its time.
  • Market Impact: Spawned alternatives like Inoreader and Feedly.

Business Insights and Market Implications

Strategic Shifts at Google

  • Focus on Core Products: Discontinuation of apps like Google Now, Inbox, Trips, and Android Auto suggests a strategic focus on core products (e.g., Gmail, Maps, Assistant) while integrating features into these platforms.
  • AI-Driven Integration: Apps like Google Now were replaced by more integrated AI-driven tools (e.g., Discover feed, Google Assistant), aligning with Google’s push toward smarter, context-aware services.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Market真空 (Vacuum): The shutdown of apps like Google Trips and Trusted Contacts created opportunities for competitors. For example:
    • Travel Apps: Apps like TripIt and Hopper gained traction in the travel space.
    • Location-Sharing: Alternatives like Family Locator and Life360填补了空白。
  • RSS Market: The decline of Google Reader led to growth in third-party RSS apps (e.g., Inoreader, Feedly), which now dominate the market.

User Impact

  • Disruption: Users reliant on discontinued apps faced workflow disruptions. For example:
    • Inbox by Google: Gmail’s lack of similar features forced users to adopt alternative email management tools or rely on third-party extensions.
    • Google Trips: Travel planners now use a mix of Maps, online tools, and third-party apps to manage itineraries.

Long-Term Effects

  • Shift Toward Consolidation: Google’s trend of integrating features into core products may continue, potentially consolidating its ecosystem further.
  • User Migration: The shutdown of niche apps like Android Auto and Trusted Contacts accelerated user migration to alternative platforms or built-in smartphone features.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

  • No Direct Impact: The discontinuation of these apps does not appear to have triggered significant regulatory scrutiny. However, data privacy concerns surrounding location-sharing apps (e.g., Trusted Contacts) remain relevant in the broader market.

Conclusion

Google’s decision to discontinue these apps reflects a strategic pivot toward simplification and integration. While this approach strengthens core products, it leaves gaps in niche markets, creating opportunities for competitors. Users, however, face disruptions as they adapt to new tools and workflows. The long-term impact of these changes will depend on Google’s ability to maintain innovation while addressing user needs in its core offerings.