Fast Facts
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Legacy and Impact: Google has created numerous essential services like Search, Gmail, and Android, yet it has also discontinued beloved apps that users miss deeply, such as Google Now and Inbox.
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Google Now’s Premature End: Launched in 2012, Google Now provided proactive, contextual information through scrollable cards but was replaced in 2015 by the less intuitive Discover feed and Google Assistant, which requires user interaction.
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The Loss of Inbox: Inbox by Google transformed email management with features like bundled emails and reminders for easy organization but was discontinued in 2019, despite many of its functionalities being integrated into Gmail.
- Travel and Communication Gaps: Google Trips, a popular travel planning app that syncs with Gmail and offered offline access, was retired in 2019, while Trusted Contacts, which allowed location sharing, was absorbed into Google Maps in 2020, leaving significant voids in travel and safety functionalities.
Killed by Google: The Apps We Miss Most
Google has revolutionized the way we interact with technology. Products like Google Search and Gmail have become staples in our daily lives. However, not every Google app has stood the test of time. Many users mourn the loss of several beloved apps that once made life easier.
Among the most missed is Google Now. Launched in 2012, it delivered personalized information right when users needed it. With scrollable cards, it displayed everything from upcoming events to weather forecasts. Users appreciated its unobtrusive approach—information appeared without needing to ask. After Google shut it down in 2015, many found the transition to Google Assistant lacking.
Another favorite was Inbox by Google. This smarter email client featured unique tools such as email bundling and reminder alerts. Users could easily manage travel documents and appointments. Inbox’s interface felt refreshingly modern compared to Gmail’s static design. Although some of its features made their way to Gmail, the simplicity of Inbox remains unmatched.
Google Trips also left a significant void when it was discontinued in 2019. The app synced travel details from emails and provided rich itineraries. Offline capabilities and point-by-point mapping enhanced travel planning. With no comprehensive alternative available, users continue to express their disappointment over its absence.
The demise of Android Auto for smartphones in 2022 surprised many. Initially, it allowed users to enjoy navigation without needing a car screen. This convenience catered to those with older vehicles. Now, without proper in-car support, many drivers feel left out.
Trusted Contacts was another app that served a vital role in keeping families connected. Launched in 2016, it let users share their live location with loved ones. Its straightforward design made it accessible for everyone. When it was absorbed into Google Maps in 2020, the intuitive ease of Trusted Contacts was lost.
Finally, Google Reader remains a nostalgic favorite for many. This RSS feed aggregator faced its demise in 2013, but not without leaving a lasting impact. Users appreciated the clean organization and ability to catch up on news efficiently. While alternatives exist today, they often lack Google Reader’s charm.
While Google continues to innovate, the shadows of these dead apps linger. Many users wonder what might have been if these tools had the chance to evolve. What about you? Which Google app do you miss the most? Let us know in the comments below.
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