After failing to catch the imagination of Internet users, Google has finally decided to wind up ‘Buzz', one of the several windows on Gmail. The search engine firm has started this tool as part of its efforts to take on Facebook and Twitter. Buzz lets Gmail users to share and discuss issues.
On Saturday evening, Google popped up a notification on Gmail inboxes, informing users about its plans to shut down Buzz “in a few weeks”. “We will be retiring this service. At that time you won't be able to create any new posts,” the message indicated.
It, however, assured the users that they need not worry about loss of content. Buzz users have two options to save such content. They could archive their conversations using Google Takeout and get access whenever they want to. The other option is to view Buzz conversations on Google Profile.
Facing stiff competition from Facebook and Twitter, Google has been trying out several things to keep afloat and attract new generation of users. Google + (Plus) is the other effort started by Google with much fanfare. Orkut, the social network from Google, however, could make some in roads.
Google, however, remained silent to questions on how Google + was progressing in India; is it going to continue with Orkut, how many people are using Orkut globally and in India.