Google Shifts Focus as it Phases Out Podcasts, YouTube Lite, Basic Gmail Features, and Google Home Hardware

Google Podcasts will shut down in 2024 as YouTube expands its podcast platform globally. Google Podcasts struggled to gain traction vs YouTube.
YouTube Premium Lite, a cheaper ad-free YouTube option, will end in Europe. It's a way for Google to raise prices after a YouTube Premium increase.
Basic Gmail features like vacation responders and email aliases will only be in Google Workspace soon. Gmail is pushing more users to pay.
Google Home's hardware products and Nest configuration app will be unavailable from this August. Focus is on Nest/Google Home app integration.
Google Messages will end SMS support on some carriers as it pushes RCS adoption. Affected users will need a new default texting app.

Google Podcasts will shut down in 2024 as YouTube expands its podcast platform globally. Google Podcasts struggled to gain traction vs YouTube.
YouTube Premium Lite, a cheaper ad-free YouTube option, will end in Europe. It's a way for Google to raise prices after a YouTube Premium increase.
Basic Gmail features like vacation responders and email aliases will only be in Google Workspace soon. Gmail is pushing more users to pay.
Google Home's hardware products and Nest configuration app will be unavailable from this August. Focus is on Nest/Google Home app integration.
Google Messages will end SMS support on some carriers as it pushes RCS adoption. Affected users will need a new default texting app.