Google Killing Off Google+ Photos

Google on Monday announced it is shutting down a major feature of its struggling social network.

Following the launch of its new Photos service in May, the Web giant is bidding adieu to Google+ Photos on Aug. 1. The service will go away first on Android before it's wiped from the Web and iOS.

Google said the move is aimed at ensuring that "everyone has the best photos experience we can deliver."

The company encouraged people still using Google+ Photos to make the switch. If you haven't already, you will soon see a prompt in Google+ Photos on Android with a link to download the new Photos app.

VIEW ALL PHOTOS IN GALLERY

"Don't worry, all your photos and videos will still be saved and available after you switch to the new, standalone Google Photos app," Google said. "With the new app you'll still be able to back up, edit, and share your photos and videos, with unlimited storage, automatic organization, and more."

If you don't update to Photos, Google+ Photos on Android will soon stop working but your images and videos will "remain safely stored and available" via photos.google.com or for export using Google Takeout.

Google Photos offers unlimited free storage for photos up to 16 megapixels and high-definition video up to 1080p.

The service has had a somewhat bumpy rollout, though. First, Google earlier this month was forced to apologize after the service automatically tagged two black people as gorillas. Then, users freaked out after noticing that the app will continue to back up your photos even after it's been uninstalled.

For more, check out PCMag's full review of Google Photos.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes.

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app.

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth.

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light.

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

Read the latest from Angela Moscaritolo

Read full bio