2024 is almost here and in keeping with the theme of the end of the line, we list 10 services and devices that have been discontinued this year. What is certain is that next year the same thing will happen again because nothing remains except the memory of using all of the ones we have listed below.
1. Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast was discontinued last August and was replaced by Google TV Streamer. This TV dongle that easily turns a dumb TV or computer monitor into a smart TV only managed to last for 11 years before receiving Google's kiss of death. It was a strange decision because it was probably one of the most useful and popular devices that Google has ever released.
Five years ago, Chromecast Audio was discontinued to make way for the Nest Mini and Nest Audio. For those who are still interested in buying Chromecast with Google TV, please do it quickly because the sale is only while stocks last.
2. Microsoft WordPad
WordPad was introduced in Windows 95 and was discontinued on October 2. WordPad is being removed from Windows 11 computers with the Windows 11 24H2 update. Say goodbye to .RTF files. Microsoft is asking users to switch to Microsoft Word or Notepad to continue accessing text-based documents. These two applications are regularly updated and are better suited for use on modern computers.
3. ICQ
After operating for over 27 years, ICQ will be discontinued on June 26. The official ICQ website issued a surprise announcement with users advised to switch to the VK Messenger or VK Workspace services after that date.
ICQ began service on November 15, 1996 and got its name from “I Seek You”. In the early days of the internet, it was difficult to chat with friends and ICQ was one of the first in line with services like mIRC which launched in 1995.
It was developed by Yair Goldfinger, Sefi Vigiser, Amnon Amir, Arik Vardi, and Yossi Vardi from Israel as a way to facilitate private conversations between users. At the peak of its popularity, ICQ had 100 million registered users. In 2010, it was acquired by Mail.Ru Group, which later changed its name to VK Group.
4. Google Podcasts
Google Podcasts will end operations on June 23, 2024, but was officially blocked in Malaysia on June 28. Google also warned that Google Podcasts will be completely discontinued on August 30, 2024, and users' playlists must be exported before that date or they will be completely deleted. For podcast fans, they are asked to completely migrate to YouTube Music, which also offers the same content as well as local music streaming.
5. Anandtech
Anandtech is not a device or a service, but it is a very important site for technology fans in the early days of the internet. The site began operations in 1997 and is now closed after operating for 27 years in August.
According to AnandTech, the site will continue to be accessible for a while, but will no longer be updated. In addition, the AnandTech Forums appear to continue to operate for now, and are managed by their publisher, Future PLC. Even without any new article updates, it is targeted that the various articles on the site will remain relevant for several years.
6. Apple Devices With Lightning Port
This year, Apple also ended the era of selling devices with a Lightning charging port by replacing it with USB-C. AirPods Max, AirPods, Magic Keyboard, Magic TouchPad, and Magic Mouse have all been updated with a more uniform charging port to meet EU and Indian requirements.
With this, all Apple products can finally be charged using a single universal cable, reducing the need to carry multiple cables when going on vacation. This move follows last year when Apple stopped offering Macs with Intel chips.
7. Adobe Fill & Sign App
Of the many applications that have been discontinued, Adobe's move to no longer offer Adobe Fill & Sign is the one that has angered us the most. Since working , hundreds of confidential documents need to be filled and signed. The Adobe Fill & Sign app has been our choice because it is the easiest to use. But in January, it was discontinued so that users can move to Acrobat Reader. The app has been removed from the Play Store but is still available on the App Store at the time of writing.
8. Free Apple Stickers
Apple will no longer provide free stickers with every product purchase in 2024. It started with the iPad before being discontinued with every purchase of Mac and iPhone 16 devices. No reason was given but it may be the same as when the charging head was also not provided.
We are aware that many Apple users simply leave the stickers in the box unused. The stickers are also made of plastic that Apple wants to stop using. If you still want Apple stickers, you can buy them through a third-party manufacturer on Shopee.
9. Maybank2U App
Maybank announced that the Maybank2u MY app will be completely discontinued on August 28. Customers will have to migrate completely to the MAE app which provides self-access to user accounts for mobile banking needs. This announcement was made following the app which was no longer available for download from the App Store, Play Store and Huawei AppGallery since June 30.
The MAE app has all the functions offered on the Maybank2u MY app including banking and lifestyle, along with enhanced security features via Secure2u as the only way to authenticate transactions.
10. Foursquare
Finally, FourSquare will be shutting down in just 10 days on December 15. This app was very popular during the smartphone era with many checking in just to become Mayor of an area.
However, in 2014, they chose to separate the app, where the location check-in feature was moved to an app called Swarm. With this change, FourSquare is expected to focus more on the Swarm app, and add a number of new features through the app. Previously, FourSquare was said to have laid off more than 100 employees – which may also be in line with this change in strategy.