The Google Graveyard: A Look at Discontinued Products

Introduction

Hey, corporate professionals! Google is known for its innovation, but not all of its products stand the test of time. Ever wondered what happened to Google Play Music or Google Fiber TV? Let's explore some of the interesting Google products that have been discontinued. 🕵️♂️

Google Play Music: A Tale of Two Services 🎵

Google Play Music was a robust platform that allowed users to store their songs in the cloud and later evolved into a full-fledged streaming service. However, Google also had YouTube Music, another streaming service. Maintaining two platforms became costly, leading to the discontinuation of Google Play Music in late 2020.

The Shift to YouTube Music 🎧

Google decided to focus on YouTube Music, which already had a massive user base. The move was strategic but left some users having to adapt to a new, and arguably less feature-rich, platform.

Nest Secure: High Costs, Low Demand 🏠

Nest Secure was Google's venture into DIY home security, competing with Amazon Ring and SimpliSafe. Despite its robust features, the system was discontinued in October 2020, partly due to its high cost compared to competitors.

The ADT Partnership 🤝

Before discontinuing Nest Secure, Google partnered with ADT, a well-established security firm. This move suggests that Google saw more potential in providing hardware to an existing company rather than competing in the market.

Google Fiber TV: The Cost of Cable 📺

Google Fiber TV was an add-on service for Google Fiber internet, offering cable TV over fiber. However, the cost of licensing popular cable channels became too high, leading to its discontinuation in February 2020.

The Rise of YouTube TV 🌐

Google already had YouTube TV, a streaming service that offered similar channels. The shift towards streaming and the high costs associated with traditional cable led to the end of Google Fiber TV.

Pigeon: Bad Timing and a Pandemic 🐦

Pigeon was a Waze-like app focused on public transit. It offered real-time updates on delays, escalator issues, and even in-route entertainment. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic led to its demise in June 2020, as public transit usage plummeted.

Conclusion: The Ever-Changing Landscape of Google Products 🔄

Google's product lineup is always evolving, and while some products get the ax, others rise to take their place. It's a constant cycle of innovation and discontinuation, making Google a fascinating company to watch.