The photo web app called Picnik will be closing shop, less than a year after it was bought by Google. The decision by Google to shut down Picnik came as a surprise given that they were very positive after buying the company in March 2011. Times have changed, however, and with Google+ providing a Creative Kit that is similar to Picnik in terms of effects, Google decided it was time to bid goodbye to the web app.
Refunds for Premium Subscribers
Premium subscribers will be able to get a full refund of the $24.95 annual membership fee. This gesture shows Google’s commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring that loyal users of Picnik are not left out of pocket due to the sudden closure. The refund process is expected to be straightforward, with users being notified via email about the steps they need to take to claim their refund.
Other Google Services Affected
Picnik was not the lone web app canned; Google Message Continuity, Google Sky Map, Needlebase, Social Graph API, and Urchin are also being taken out. This move is part of Google’s broader strategy to streamline its services and focus on more integrated and scalable solutions. For instance, Google Sky Map, an app that allowed users to explore the night sky, has been open-sourced, allowing the community to continue its development.
Picnik’s team seems to take the removal of the app pretty well, as they even went on to recommend the Creative Kit of Google+. Despite this, it’s still unfortunate that a polished web app such as Picnik was bought and then squashed in less than a year. Now users are either forced to look for an alternative or stick it out with Google’s Creative Kit.
Impact on Users
The closure of Picnik has left many users scrambling for alternatives. Picnik was known for its user-friendly interface and a wide range of photo editing tools that catered to both amateur and professional photographers. The Creative Kit in Google+ offers similar features, but it may not fully replicate the unique experience that Picnik provided. Users who relied heavily on Picnik for their photo editing needs might find the transition challenging.
Alternatives to Picnik
For those looking for alternatives, several web-based photo editing tools can fill the void left by Picnik. Services like Pixlr, Fotor, and BeFunky offer robust photo editing features and have gained popularity among former Picnik users. These platforms provide a range of tools, from basic adjustments to advanced effects, ensuring that users can continue to edit their photos with ease.
Future of Photo Editing Apps
The closure of Picnik highlights the ever-evolving landscape of web-based applications. As technology advances, companies like Google are continually reassessing their product offerings to stay competitive. The integration of photo editing tools into social media platforms like Google+ is a testament to the growing demand for seamless, all-in-one solutions. While Picnik’s closure is a loss for its dedicated user base, it also opens up opportunities for new and innovative photo editing apps to emerge.
Via: PCworld
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