Google is killing off another service this month, this time it is the turn of Google Alfred, and Google has announced that the app will no longer work after the 19th of July.
Alfred was a mobile app that provided recommendations for places near you, including restaurants, coffee shops, bars, nightclubs, and more. The app aimed to make it easier for users to discover new and interesting places based on their preferences and location.
History and Acquisition
Google originally acquired Alfred and the team behind the app back in 2011. The acquisition was part of Google’s broader strategy to enhance its local search and recommendation capabilities. Alfred was initially developed by Clever Sense, a startup focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide personalized recommendations. The app quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and accurate suggestions.
Despite its initial success, Alfred hasn’t been updated since May of 2012. The lack of updates and new features likely contributed to its decline in user engagement. Google has now decided to shut down the app, and it will no longer function from the 19th of July.
Impact and Alternatives
The shutdown of Google Alfred is part of a broader trend where Google periodically discontinues services that no longer align with its strategic goals or fail to gain significant user traction. While Alfred had a dedicated user base, it faced stiff competition from other local recommendation services like Yelp, Foursquare, and even Google’s own Maps and Search functionalities.
For users who relied on Alfred for local recommendations, there are several alternatives available. Google Maps, for instance, offers robust local search features, including user reviews, ratings, and personalized recommendations. Yelp is another popular option that provides comprehensive reviews and ratings for a wide range of local businesses. Foursquare and its successor, Swarm, also offer location-based recommendations and social features.
The discontinuation of Alfred may also reflect a shift in how users seek and consume local recommendations. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, many people now turn to their social networks for suggestions on where to eat, drink, and explore. These platforms offer a more interactive and visually engaging way to discover new places, often through user-generated content and influencer recommendations.
In addition to these well-known alternatives, several niche apps cater to specific interests and preferences. For example, Zomato focuses on restaurant reviews and food delivery, while Untappd is a social network for beer enthusiasts. These specialized apps offer tailored recommendations that can be more relevant to users with specific interests.
Google’s decision to shut down Alfred also highlights the challenges of maintaining and updating mobile apps in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. As user expectations and technological capabilities continue to advance, apps must continually innovate to stay relevant. This requires significant resources and a clear strategic vision, which may not always align with a company’s broader goals.
Source TechCrunch, Engadget
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