A GOOGLE app used by millions of people will disappear from devices forever tomorrow, despite calls to halt the shutdown.
Users were warned about the closure months in advance, and the US version of the app disappeared in early April.
The final death knell for the Google Podcasts app, launched in 2018, is set to sound tomorrow, June 24th.
In September last year, the tech giant announced that it would retire Google Podcasts in favor of YouTube Music in 2024.
It’s part of efforts to transform YouTube into a one-stop destination for podcasts, music and videos.
Google is still offering users a helping hand in transferring their podcasts to Google-owned YouTube Music.
Using Google Podcast Manager, fans can transfer all of their podcasts to the YouTube Music app.
This service will be available until July 29th.
But many are not interested in the decision and prefer to keep their music and podcast apps separate.
‘I’m still furious’
Shortly after the September announcement, a user wrote in X: “I don’t care if I look like a grandpa. Why do all music services so desperately want me to listen to podcasts on their apps?
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“I don’t want to use my music app for podcasts. I want them separate. It’s better when they’re separate.”
While others actively trying to switch to YouTube Music find the app “frustrating.”
“Still mad about Google Podcasts,” another user he said.
“Trying to listen to podcasts on the YouTube Music app is frustrating at best.
“I love music, but it needs to stay in its lane. Podcasts need their own environment.”
YouTube Music, like the standalone YouTube app, does not allow playback when the screen is off.
And podcast fans say that’s what makes it a weaker alternative, as it means they can’t listen while they fall asleep.
“So Google Podcasts has come to an end,” said a third person, adding: “Their solution: YouTube Music.
“Why… would I use an app that I can’t even use with the screen off? I’m not watching video, it’s my nighttime solution.
“I found a decent replacement anyway.”
Google Podcasts – a brief timeline
Here’s what you need to know…
June 18, 2018 – Google Podcasts launched on Android
May 7, 2019 – Google Podcasts web version announced at Google I/O developer conference
March 25, 2020 – iOS version of Google Podcasts launches, allowing users to use the app on iPhone instead of the web version
May 12, 2020 – Added option to transfer podcast subscriptions and history from Google Play Music to Google Podcasts
February 23, 2023 – Google announces that podcasts will be added to rival app YouTube Music
September 26, 2023 – Google announces that Google Podcasts would be discontinued in 2024, with priority given to YouTube Music
April 2, 2024 – Google Podcasts officially ends on all platforms
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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