Google to shut older versions to its applications

Google has announced an end to older versions of Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Sheets and Google Slides starting April.

“This month, users of these legacy versions will begin seeing the below prompts to upgrade. Please note that after March 1, some users with very old versions will be forced to upgrade when they receive the prompt.” Said Google in a statement

Google has asked users to download and install the latest versions of the apps with an assurance that corresponding web and desktop applications will not be affected by the change.  On most devices, you can find an app’s version type in its settings menu. Here is a list of versions to be cut off…

• Google Drive for Android (prior to version 2.4.311)
• Google Docs for Android (prior to version 1.6.292)
• Google Sheets for Android (prior to version 1.6.292)
• Google Slides for Android (prior to version 1.6.292)

• Google Drive for iOS (prior to version 4.16)
• Google Docs for iOS (prior to version 1.2016.12204)
• Google Sheets for iOS (prior to version 1.2016.12208)
• Google Slides for iOS (prior to version 1.2016.12203)

In addition, google has also put to rest Google Contributor which launched in 2015. The service which enabled users to pay a small amount of money to see fewer adverts on AdSense shut down in Mid-January as had been. Google promises to launch an alternative to the services early this year-a promise all previous users are eagerly waiting for.

In an effort to focus the use of its social applications Allo and Duo, google is disabling the hangouts API from April 25^TH. However, this may backfire as studies show alienation of the users to other social interaction platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger. Google has reaffirmed future support for major applications that use the hangouts API like Slack, dialing to call and hangouts on Air tools.