Google to discontinue Picasa on May 1, 2016

Ever since the launch of Google Photos, the nearly nineteen-year-old Picasa has had been under the question mark regarding its development. But with Google’s recent announcement, things just got clear.

Sad yet considerable, Google will be retiring Picasa in the coming months – May 1, 2016 to be exact. The move favors Google’s plan to shift the entire focus on Google Photos.
“One service, one product” kind of thing, actually.

We believe we can create a much better experience by focusing on one service that provides more functionality and works across mobile and desktop, rather than divide our efforts across two different products.

All of your Picasa Web Album data will be relocated into Google Photos, meaning you will be able to access, modify and share your memories through Google Photos. Plus, you’ll also get access to other Google Photos features.

However, if you’re a Picasa-friendly personality and don’t want to engage with Google Photos, a new place will be made available to access your Picasa Web Album data – but with limited controls. You’ll be limited to view, download, and delete your albums. Curation activities will be carried out via Google Photos.

Google will end support for Picasa desktop client as of March 15, 2016. The desktop app will continue to function as it does today, but won’t be developed further.

/ Google Photos