RIP iGoogle, Google continues its cleaning act

Advertisement
By Agence France-Presse | Updated: 4 July 2012 10:32 IST
Google said Tuesday it was discontinuing its iGoogle page designed as Web "portal," saying it had become less relevant in the age of the mobile Internet.

The portal, which allowed users to personalize their start page, will be cut in November 2013 and was among a handful of products axed by the California tech giant.

"Technology creates tremendous opportunities to improve people's lives. But to make the most of them, we need to focus -- or we end up doing too much and not having the impact we strive for," Google's Matt Eichner said in a blog post.

Advertisement

"So last fall we started a spring clean, and since then we've closed or combined more than 30 products. Today we're announcing a few more closures."

Among other products being eliminated was the Google Mini search service for businesses, Google Talk Chatback and Google Video.

Eichner said users will be given time to go without iGoogle.

"We originally launched iGoogle in 2005 before anyone could fully imagine the ways that today's Web and mobile apps would put personalized, real-time information at your fingertips," he said.

Advertisement

"With modern apps that run on platforms like Chrome and Android, the need for iGoogle has eroded over time, so we'll be winding it down.

"Users will have 16 months to adjust or export their data."

Advertisement

He said Google Talk Chatback had become "outdated" and functions were now served by its Meebo toolbar.

Google Video stopped taking uploads in May 2009 and by Aug 20, the remaining content will be transferred to YouTube, which Google acquired in 2006.

Advertisement

The Symbian search app, which duplicated Google's own search, will also be discontinued.

"Closing products always involves tough choices, but we do think very hard about each decision and its implications for our users," Eichner said.

"Streamlining our services enables us to focus on creating beautiful technology that will improve people's lives."

 

Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.

Advertisement
Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Oppo F35 Pro 5G Review: An 8,000mAh Battery and a Lot to Like
  2. OnePlus 16 vs iQOO 16: Price and Specifications Compared
  3. Samsung Galaxy F70 5G With a 5,000mAh Battery Goes on Sale in India
  4. iQOO Neo 12 Launch Date, Colour Options Revealed
  1. Samsung Galaxy F70 5G With 5,000mAh Battery, 50-Megapixel Camera Goes on Sale in India: Price, Offers
  2. Apple ‘Pro and Tell’ Event Set for Next Week; First MacBook With Touchscreen, New iPad Mini and More Expected to Launch
  3. Cysic Shuts Down Bridge After Attacker Illegally Creates 10 Million CYS Tokens
  4. JPM Coin Arrives on Ethereum as JPMorgan Expands Institutional Payments
  5. Vivo V80 FE Reportedly Spotted on BIS Certification Website, India Launch Seems Imminent
  6. Airtel’s New Recharges in India Announced: Rs. 185, Rs. 203 and Rs. 206 Voice-Only Plans Details
  7. Vivo X500 Ultra Leak Reveals Launch Timeline, Chipset, Display and Key Specifications
  8. iQOO Neo 12 Launch Date Announced; Design, Colour Options Teased
  9. Qubic Halts Chain as Attacker Exploits Weak Seeds to Drain 1,400 Wallets
  10. iPhone Duo Battery Capacity Revealed Days Before Foldable Goes on Sale
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2026. All rights reserved.