Google is ditching its mobile Shopping apps in favor of a more comprehensive web search.
Following an update to Google’s iOS and Android Shopping platforms, users have begun receiving a “something went wrong” error message that says the app is “unavailable right now” and directs folks to continue browsing via shopping.google.com.
XDA on Friday spotted the change, which was later confirmed in a statement to 9to5Google. “Within the next few weeks, we’ll no longer be supporting the Shopping app,” the Google explained. “All of the functionality the app offered users is available on the Shopping tab. We’ll continue building features within the Shopping tab and other Google surfaces, including the Google app, that make it easy for people to discover and shop for the products they love.”
Most people naturally reach for the Search bar (which filters results by “Shopping”) when in pursuit of products, rather than navigating to a specific app. So this shouldn’t come as much of a blow to consumers.
In fact, folks are pretty used to Google sunsetting software: The firm has killed so many apps and services over the past two decades that there’s an entire digital graveyard dedicated to them. This year alone has already claimed 10 apps, including Loon, Cardboard, and Hangouts (scheduled for execution in the “first half of 2021”).
Don’t expect much of a learning curve between the Shopping app and website. As 9to5Google pointed out, the Android and online experience is “essentially identical.” The biggest change: Google swapped the Android bottom bar for a navigation drawer. Otherwise, you’ll still find recommendations, saved products, and updates and promotions, as well as past purchases for easy reordering.
