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Cut. Print. It’s a wrap. Whatever you wish to say about it, Google is officially pulling the plug on it’s Google Video service. Unfortunately for many subscribing users, Google’s personal foray into the online video marketplace will no longer be maintained or accessible. Somewhat notorious for it’s extensive “BETA” stage (lasting well over a year), the system never caught on, and once Google acquired YouTube, it’s future was in serious doubt. Now, instead of juggling two services, the company will now focus on YouTube and the continuing popularity of that service.
Ironically, it seems the downfall had much to do with the method of transit. One of Google Video’s main features was the ability to purchase and download TV episodes and movies (very similar to iTunes) for a small fee. The downloaded episodes would have no ads, but could only be accessed on the PC; possibly another reason for it’s demise. Either way, YouTube and other services, which offered mostly similar content, was much more popular to use; in YouTube’s case, the lack of cost-even with ads-and implementation of community-centered features cemented it’s status as the premier video site… something Google didn’t couldn’t claim with Google Video.
For those affected by the Google Video shutdown (those who purchased videos from the service), Google will be offering online shopping vouchers for Google Checkout to reimburse anyone who purchased content. This is to replace the lost value of the content, as it will not be available after Google Video is taken down. For more information about reimbursement, see here (external link to TechCrunch); but good luck, in any case. Hopefully, before it’s completely gone, you’ll get a peek at a rare “bad idea” by the company…
Picture courtesy of: Google
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