GOOGLE GRAVEYARD
‘End of an era’ as Google kills TV-watching feature on millions of televisions – there’s a way to get around it
The tech giant is phasing out Google TV in favor of YouTube - but only for certain content
GOOGLE is snuffing out another popular feature, forcing TV fans to search for an alternate option.
Beginning this month, users can no longer purchase TV episodes and seasons through Google TV.
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Those who want to continue to buy shows can do so on YouTube, depending on country availability.
The company formally announced the change in a blog post on Monday, noting that the change will "roll out over the next few weeks."
Luckily, it's not all doom and gloom, as users won't lose access to your favorite content.
The change only affects your ability to purchase or rent new shows.
Google says users can keep the shows they bought and continue to rent and buy movies through the app.
The change impacts Google TV devices, Android TV devices, and the Google TV mobile app for Android and iOS.
Any TV shows purchased on YouTube will only be accessible through the YouTube app or on YouTube.
The tech behemoth has earned a sour reputation for killing off popular products.
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The losses are so extensive that an online list has sprung up, aptly titled the "Google Graveyard."
The company recently announced that links produced through its now-defunct link-shortening service will stop working in 2025.
Google fans admit ‘I am afraid’ as another popular perk due to shut down forever in weeks and say it ‘drives me nuts’
It is only the latest in a series of inconveniences after Google shuttered goo.gl in 2019, leaving web developers scrambling.
The company previously urged users to transition to Firebase Dynamic Links, but that service has also been deprecated.
Before that, VPN by Google One met a grim end when it was discontinued last month.
The virtual private network provided users with an extra layer of security by encrypting their internet traffic.
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In its absence, the company recommends using the alternative VPN from Google Fi Wireless phone plans.
Google Pixel 8 and newer devices also come equipped with a built-in VPN.
The tech giant is also phasing out support for the Personal Safety app on older Android phones.
The app shares information with your emergency contacts, detects car crashes, and even films your surroundings when you're in a crisis.
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Strings of code in the Personal Safety app show it will only support devices running Android 12 or later.
However, the change only impacts older third-party phones - Pixel users won't be affected.
The Google graveyard - highlights
Google has earned a reputation for killing features and projects, sometimes before their official release. Here are just a few examples:
VPN by Google One - the virtual private network service encrypted users' data and network activity and allowed them to mask their IP address. (2020-2024)
Google Podcasts - the podcast hosting platform doubled as an Android podcast listening app. (2018-2024)
Google Stadia - the cloud gaming service allowed users to stream gameplay through web browsers, TV, mobile apps, and Chromecast. (2019-2023)
YouTube Originals - the Google-owned company shuttered the program, which produced original content including scripted series, educational videos, and more. (2016-2022)
Google Hangouts - the cross-platform instant messaging service posed as a challenger to Microsoft's Skype. (2013-2022)
YouTube Go - the app was aimed at making YouTube more accessible on mobile devices in emerging markets, with features like downloading video on Wi-Fi to view later. (2017-2022)
Google Duo - the video calling app allowed users to call anyone from their contact list. (2016-2022)
Cameos on Google - the tool allowed public figures to record video responses to the most common questions asked about them, which would display in Google Search results. (2018-2022)
Backup and Sync - the desktop software tool for Windows and macOS enabled users to sync files from Google Drive to their local machine. (2017-2021)
Google My Maps - the Android application allowed users to create custom maps for personal use or sharing on their mobile device. (2014-2021)