Google Desktop is designed to enable searching data stored on your computer, including files, email, music, photos, and even web & chat history, using the company's proprietary search algorithm.
Google came under fire in 2006 for adding a remote search feature which stored personal information and files on Google servers to be accessed from other computers.
More recently Google Desktop has faced competition from the search features built into both Windows 7 and OS X. It will be discontinued on September 14.
Several other projects are also being shuttered, including Aardvark, Fast Flip, Image Labeler, Notebook, Sidewiki & Subscribed Links. Most include features which have already been integrated into other products, such as the Chrome web browser.
Google Maps API for Flash and Google Web Security are being discontinued, but existing customers will still be supported.
Google Pack is also being dropped, although individual applications from Google and their partners will continue to be available through the Google Pack website.
Google Senior Vice President Alan Eustace said of the moves:
We’ve never been afraid to try big, bold things, and that won’t change. We’ll continue to take risks on interesting new technologies with a lot of potential. But by targeting our resources more effectively, we can focus on building world-changing products with a truly beautiful user experience.
Written by: Rich Fiscus @ 6 Sep 2011 9:48
