An unofficial blog that watches Google's attempts to move your operating system online since 2005. Not affiliated with Google.

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July 3, 2012

iGoogle Will Be Discontinued

Google's personalized homepage will no longer be available starting from November 2013. The official explanation is that "with modern apps that run on platforms like Chrome and Android, the need for iGoogle has eroded over time".

iGoogle started as a custom Google homepage that allowed you to add gadgets for weather, news, mail and more. "The goal of this initiative is to bring together Google functionality, and content from across the web, in ways that are useful to our users," explained Google in 2005.

Just like My Yahoo, Netvibes and other custom start pages, iGoogle became a dashboard that gathered your favorite content from the web. It was a simplified feed reader, a platform for mini-apps and games, a great homepage for your browser. Social networks and smartphones addressed most of these use cases and iGoogle's popularity declined.

Most likely, Google will promote Google+ as an iGoogle replacement, even though it lacks many of its features. Google+ apps, themes and maybe even a dashboard-like interface could fill iGoogle's void.


iGoogle is not the only Google product that will be discontinued. Google Mini, Google Talk Chatback and the Symbian Google Search app will no longer be available, while the videos uploaded to Google Video will be automatically be migrated to YouTube starting from next month. "Google Video stopped taking uploads in May 2009. Later this summer we'll be moving the remaining hosted content to YouTube. Google Video users have until August 20 to migrate, delete or download their content. We'll then move all remaining Google Video content to YouTube as private videos that users can access in the YouTube video manager," mentions Google. You can manage the videos uploaded to Google Video using this page.

346 comments:

  1. Really? Most people I know still use iGoogle. Either I'm out of touch or Google is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, but Google really does need to shut down services and focus on the most important ones. The number of bugs in Android, Drive, and many other important Google services surprises and unnerves me.

      If they don't bring extra resources to bear on those services and get the bugs under control I think it will undermine user's confidence in them.

      Delete
    2. like Google Glass and self-driving cars. this is BS.

      Delete
    3. iGoogle had become my personal newspaper on the desktop and tablet... So pissed they are planning to discontinue it.

      Delete
    4. I use it every day... it is my homepage ... it is easy .. Google should improve it rather than get rid of it .. I am sure they know what they are doing... so big and smart as they are ... but

      Delete
    5. I use it everyday as well. This saddens me.

      Delete
    6. iGoogle has long been my home page and I have seen nothing that is anywhere near as useful. On its surface, this seems like an idiotic decision by Google, designed to drive away its most loyal followers like me. It seems like the kind of suicidal corporate arrogance that former industry leaders like IBM, HP, Microsoft, and others have followed. If iGoogle goes away, my incentive to use other Google service will be greatly compromised.

      Delete
    7. I have used it since the first year it was out,I use it every day.This is common corporate evil type of move to keep profit making top priority.
      I guess I will move on.

      Delete
    8. I'm setting my home page to Bing, the day they shut down iGoogle.

      Delete
    9. I am moved from my.yahoo.com because igoogle was better. Either they decide to incorporate google+ as the new home page (which I did ask for them to combine the two) or Yahoo home page traffic is on the rise.

      Delete
    10. I've used and liked iGoogle almost since it started. I actually don't mind if it goes, provided they provide something else which works at as well.

      Delete
    11. It's been my homepage since they came out with it. Always had a nice, clean look.

      Google should really do more than just tell us there are replacements; it should offer to migrate our pages to whatever new-tech they want to support, Not just leave us high & dry.

      Delete
  2. Great! Now how will I beat the firewall at work?

    ReplyDelete
  3. The only way I can have a centralized page where I can check my e-mail, tasks, calendar, reader, etc. is iGoogle. There is no other tool to do it. I really hate this... I'm sure we will lose Reader too next year.
    I hate this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I panicked at first, too, but a quick search for "iGoogle alternatives" sent me to Netvibes.

      It's a little different, but definitely has the same functionality, including an email preview widget, just like iGoogle. I'll be migrating in the next few days, in fact.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the tip on NETVIBES I will check it out.

      Like most everyone here, I use iGoogle exclusively for homepage, search, all interface between desktop - web - android phone, web pages, etcccc.

      Does anyone know what will happen to all other Google services; Google Sites, Gmail, Calendar, and others?

      My Verizon mobile required a Google account when activated. I will be checking with them to determine that impact as well, will post anything I find out.

      Delete
    3. Thanks for the heads up on NETVIBES!

      Delete
    4. Well off I go packing to a new service. Bad Decision Google, this was my jumping off point for years and from anywhere (hotel, home, or office). It was a service and now you decision will have me turn to a competitor.

      Delete
    5. I am another very devoted Google fan, that switched to NetVibes last night. Found another search engine also that is pretty cool, www.duckduckgo.com.

      Very stupid and not well thought out decision by Google to encourage it's devoted fans to look elsewhere. Amazingly there are alternatives - ones that don't drive Google ad revenue also.

      Delete
    6. I agree with all. I started using this close to Day 1. Because of iGoogle I got Google Email, because of that I got Google notes (or whatever it was that they discontinued). Because of all these I was OK with Google knowing EVERYTHING I did. They got rid of the Notes thingy and now iGoogle...well soon I may get rid of them too. Thanks for the alternatives.

      Delete
  4. Very disappointing news. I have iGoogle pages established for my personal login, my work login, and my freelance login, with appropriate Gmail and Google bookmarks set up for each. iGoogle is hands down the most commonly used organizational tool on my daily online lives.

    Very disappointed that the Google+ social bandwagon is laiming another far more useful tool.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I used to use it, but I can't remember why I don´t do any more. I suppose that the most people the same thing happened.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is really surprising. I have used iGoogle everyday for many years. However, November 2013 is quite a long time away. I suspect they will build more functionality into Google+ by that time to compensate.

    ReplyDelete
  7. A sad thing. This appears to be a mega-step backwards for those of us that don't really care for Google+.

    This is a great way to aggregate information in one place and easily accessible. Guess I'll need to fine tune my bookmark list. Welcome to 1998.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm in the same boat. I don't understand why it needs to be discontinued. I use it every day on multiple computers. It is how I easily get to my email, news, and search. Google+ is no replacement! Google+ is just another facebook wannabe. You'd think Google would understand that social networks are all passing phases. MySpace was big, now it's virtually dead. Facebook was huge, then it went public and it's all starting to change. People are leaving in droves. Consolidation is the key in my opinion. iGoogle was great for that. I have one place to get everything I use on a daily basis. Very bad decision Google.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Why can't Google just keep what we use and want and not constantly INSIST we use other things??
      I LOVE my igoogle set up!! I have all of the things I like to track daily on it, it gives me damn pleasure for goodness sake during the work day. Is that so much to ask?

      I'M NOT INTERESTED IN PHONE APPS. I work 10 hrs a day on a computer and use Google 50x a day and my little trip to my iGoogle page all those times makes me a little happy. FIGURES YOU WOULD DISCONTINUE IT. I AM ALSO NOT INTERESTED IN CHROME. TRIED IT A FEW TIMES AND IT STINKS.

      Thanks alot Google. So glad you became a huge conglomerate that you think you can just take over our lives. Well, I've got news for you, jerks. BTW, I'm one of the first people who used your plain search page waaaay back when when no one knew who you were. Again-- thanks.

      Delete
    2. I couldn't agree with you more. I also love it and hate the idea of doing without it.

      Delete
    3. You're 1000% right! Chrome is a watered-down piece of s--t of a browser, geared strictly for the dummies of the world (who have been always getting the upper hand in today's screwed up society). Long live Firefox!!! Death to Google Chrome!!! To anyone who disagrees, too bad!!!!

      Delete
  9. Oh no, been using iGoogle as my homepage for years.
    As do most people I know.

    Google+ is not a replacement for me, for one it requires you to have a public Google profile which I refuse to have.

    Hope they will continue the service if enough people care for it.
    It's not something that needs a lot of resources to keep running.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If anyone at Google is reading this, please note that the last time there was such overwhelming negative reaction to a product change was when Netflix high-handed all its customers, forcing changes down their throats and their stock price TUMBLED.
      Google, much as I love you, read the mail and see how unpopular your dissolution of iGoogle is. If you don't care about us, pay attention to your own stock price. You will be alienating and disappointing many millions of people. Do you think this won't affect the stock price? Take a page from Netflx, whose stock price still hasn't recovered. Ask any media person and they will tell you that every negative email stands for thousands of others who didn't take the trouble to write.

      Delete
  10. Last year Google attacked Reader, this year it is even worse they are going to destroy iGoogle ! These two Google services have become the foundation on which I use the web. Thus since last summer I have lost respect for the new crew of Google who are taking the company in a misguided direction. Googe Drive has been the only good news recently. The apparent fact that the majority of users are not educated enough to know what a great service is iGoogle (and Reader) is not evidence that it is not a very valuable service. Shame on the new direction Google is taking.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is horrible news. I've been an IGoogle user and developer for years, and I love the options for this. I just don't get it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Where's the proof iGoogle has lost popularity. Maybe on the Google campus but in the REAL WORLD it has not! Google is flirting with disaster. This is beginning to sound like the Roman Empire in the throes of it's last days when it totally lost touch with it's citizens and economically destroyed itself. All this is happening because of a conversation with Steve Jobs just before he died.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm another user that is in disbelief, I have used iGoogle from the day it was released, might of been a beta user if they had one. I use all the options in iGoogle as in calendar, bookmarks, news, gmail, Docs, photos, etc. If they really do dump iGoogle then it might be it for me with most Google services and will have to go else where like in the past. Google+ will never happen for me, think I logged into it once or twice but saw no point in it, like Facebook, it is for braggers and gossipers and not for productive people.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I go back to the Excite.com and MyWay.com days with regards to dashboards. I am really sorry to see them getting rid of iGoogle.

    ReplyDelete
  15. ... Makes no sense.
    ... iGoogle is perfect for me.

    ReplyDelete
  16. iGoogle is the only reason I switched to Google Tasks. iGoogle is the glue that keeps many Google services sticky for me. Save iGoogle!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. W. T. F.
    And here i was happily enjoying igoogle

    ReplyDelete
  18. But... but... what am I going to do for my homepage?

    D:

    ReplyDelete
  19. no please!! don't remove it. Most of the time I spend on the internet is on iGoogle!

    ReplyDelete
  20. iGoogle is fantastic. I do not understand this decision.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am in disbelief. I have used iGoogle for years as my homepage and news headline aggregation tool. I can't even remember what I did before using it.

    I feel lost....

    ReplyDelete
  22. I stopped using iGoogle right around the time I started using Chrome Apps more regularly. iGoogle rarely had updated widgets (many no longer work) and often just became a glorified RSS reader for me. No G+ support. No Drive Support. No Play support. Google abandoned this long ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I read this I looked into the Chrome Apps and am disappointed that they don't have a "live tile" option so the app page acts more like iGoogle.

      Delete
    2. I don't know what iGoogle widgets you used, but many are updated and supported now. In fact, one of mine just updated yesterday.

      Delete
  23. WOW...that is surprising. I like iGoogle. It's been my start page since its inception. Too bad for those that don't use app based devices.

    ReplyDelete
  24. been trying to find a way to contact Google to tell them how frustration it is that they discontinue igoogle. Anyway we can do a petition? or I should seek alternatives

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cast your vote to keep iGoogle alive at the official forum post!

      http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/websearch/igoogle-personal-homepage/3SDRsOMBonA

      Delete
  25. Google is becoming a cyclops...a giant with only one eye. How can anything replace a collection of handy feeds ( I'm starting to take this personally, Google seems bent on destroying everything that I have come to rely on)

    ReplyDelete
  26. How unfortunate. Perhaps it fell into disuse by most people, but I've used iGoogle from when it was first available and really like it. It's clean and simple (ignoring some of the sidebar missteps along the way). It's one logon. I'm not looking forward to the search for an alternative. Interestingly, since I use gmail as a "secondary" account, I may not even logon to Google hardly ever once iGoogle goes away.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm sure Google's answer to all of you is: Hey, folks show me the money!
    iGoogle clearly doesn't generate any income or very usable data for targeting consumers with ads. But it definitely serves a far greater, public good in providing a sensible and friendly starting point for browsing the web. Why discontinue and not refine? I'm getting very weary of being jerked around by private web concerns. I think it's time for a publicly owned portal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In fact, nationalization is a word that comes to mind.

      Delete
  28. iGoogle has been my homepage since the service started and I shifted to it from MyYahoo. I guess I will have to now switch to Windows Desktop Gadgets at work and Ubuntu Unity apps at home.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Cast your vote to keep iGoogle here!

    http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/websearch/igoogle-personal-homepage/3SDRsOMBonA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the link. I did cast my vote. I have used igoogle for 4 years now I have set up many of my family and friends with their own igoogle page. I cannot see that anything will replace it. :(

      Delete
  30. Well, I wrote Larry Page. Let's see if he writes back. I'm doubting it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Think I might stop using this extension.....I know 90% of these posts hours or days before they are put up here. Come on guys!! pick up the pace!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Discontinuing iGoogle SUCKS.
    Google+ is in NO WAY a replacement and I won't use it.
    Thanx Google. It's been good to know ya.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dear Google,

    Since you said "November 2013," you're obviously hoping to hear from iGoogle users to dissuade you form discontinuing this page. Well, add me to the list. I consider iGoogle to be my online newspaper both on the desktop at work and on my iPad. I've enjoyed going straight to an article of interest with one tap, and also the fact that the lists update over the course of the day.

    Please rethink discontinuing this page in favor of improving it.
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  34. NOOOO !!! doesnt discontinue it... I use it everyday. a lot of my friends use it everyday!! Its another sad victim of google's efforts to centralise everything :(

    ReplyDelete
  35. Apps are not a replacement. I like being able to see email, calendar and weather on the same page as a few specific rss feed titles. Launching a specific "app" in a tab is the same thing as visiting separate websites. This is a step backwards to the internet of 2005, not an innovation worthy of 2013.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Very disappointing news. Having spent quite a bit of time successfully and effectively organizing and retrieving information via iGoogle, I'm going to be far less inclined to make the same mistake with another Google tool if iGoogle really is discontinued.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm shocked to hear Google is actively pushing users to start pages outside of the Google-verse. I don't want to go to another start page, but after iGoogle goes away, I do not see a viable alternative currently offered by Google.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. In one fell swoop, I will be cut off from instant access to all Google properties. Whatever start page I go to will no longer have the black access bar across the top of the page.

      Delete
  38. OK...if so many people are disappointed that iGoogle is going to be shut down (including me), we should be able to use the Internet to start a campaign to let Google know how upset we are. Any suggestions on how to do it? Online petition? Email? Other ideas?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We need a young fire-breather--you perhaps?-- with a pitchfork in hand to rally the peasants and storm the castle.

      Delete
    2. Add a comment to the official iGoogle announcement here:
      http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/websearch/igoogle-personal-homepage/3SDRsOMBonA

      Delete
  39. Crap, guess what my Mum's homepage is! Personally I stopped using it a while ago.

    Wait. November *2013*? Surely this means Google has plans to build a proper replacement? The pieces obviously aren't in place yet, but they've given them selves a year and a half to do it!

    The only question remaining is; why did they bother to tell us so early and cause all this panic?

    ReplyDelete
  40. netvibes was always better than igoogle.

    ReplyDelete
  41. When will Google discontinue Google+?

    ReplyDelete
  42. I am super disappointed about this. I adore my igoogle page with its city theme and all the information I need and want on one home page. Google PLEASE change your mind and keep it!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Google seems to really enjoy pissing off their users. I refuse to use Google+. period. I have used igoogle as my home page since it was released. It's one of the most useful products they have come up with. This is just stupid.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Google seems to really enjoy pissing off their users. I refuse to use Google+. period. I have used igoogle as my home page since it was released. It's one of the most useful products they have come up with. This is just stupid.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'm mad too,and I'm sick of them dropping stuff most of us love! It doesn't make since to me! I guess they don't realize that not near everyone in this economy has an android! I'm at the point of simply dropping Google and using Netvibes for most of my stuff. It's a very good personalized dashboard, and I've been using them long before Igoogle, but not near as often. It's no use using anything else google has,because we know their going to discontinue it. That's my thoughts about it!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I figure google+ will be next to go,then Gmail. Why keep them around,when there, a money maker and so useful to so many people? Isn't that the way their thinking?

    ReplyDelete
  47. http://www.change.org/petitions/google-don-t-kill-igoogle

    Petition to keep iGoogle alive!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Google is more likely to read the feedback here - http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/websearch/igoogle-personal-homepage/3SDRsOMBonA

      Delete
  48. I love iGoogle. What other thing exists as a centralized location for news, comics, sports, etc? Plus Tasks, and many other things?
    I would like to know the real reason for this cancel....

    I hate google+, and I get the feeling I don't like where Google is going in general (Drive, no Docs, etc).

    And Chrome Apps are poor, poor replacements. Nothing centralized. Oh, and most places I work don't allow Chrome yet (due to security reasons, since Chrome isn't really that well tested).

    I will miss iGoogle and will stop using Google a lot. Heck, I'd switch to a Bing homepage if it could duplicate functionality (i can't believe I just said that).

    Google's direction mystifies me. Android is so fragmented. They introduce and kill more services than I can keep up with. Their UI designs are terrible. The color schemes are going backwards (no color buttons in Docs), Gray on Gray, flat design is "in".
    Google really is going down the drain. Apple is going to get more business if this keeps up.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I totally agree with all the posts going on here. My wife and I are avid users of iGoogle and have been for years. I rely on my carefully designed iGoogle page to keep me abreast of all my news sources, from politics to tech to education to sports, I have a dedicated tab for each. At a glance, I can digest it all and dive into any one article. I visit it multiple times daily. Migrating this utility over to G+ seems entirely unfounded if we are adhering to the "user first" dogma that is so clearly at the core of Google's mission.

    Thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Every word you say is true.
      Watch Google's stock price crash as loyal users desert the company that is deserting them.
      This will be a replay of the Netflix disaster.
      And does anyone remember what happened when they tried to change Coke?
      I hope some major stockholders are users of iGoogle and stop this before it's too late.
      What happens to a company that lights a match to this much goodwill and support?
      I guess we will find out.

      Delete
  50. Very unwise decision. iGoogle is my main Google's application.... It seems that Google consumes itself and prompts its users to go away. Sad, very sad....

    ReplyDelete
  51. Congratulations Google, in my book you have now proofed that you are nothing but another Apple. In iGoogle you had a great PLATFORM INDEPENDENT tool with which you attracted millions of customers and which in my case formed my both my private and professional operating procedures. But you couldn't resist taking the path pioneered by the poisoned apple and now are trying to lock people to your brand.

    It's one thing to decide to cancel a flopp such as Wave, something completely different to kill off a product which has so many users and has been around forever. How do you think this decision reflects on reliability of your other products, such as Gmail or Google Docs? Is 'here today, gone tomorrow' your new policy, regardless of the consequences for your customers? One thing is for sure, in the future I will be very wary of jumping on the Google wagon.

    ReplyDelete
  52. i just switch to Igoogle from my yahoo as i found more versatile and convinient ! i found service fantastic and now they want to cancel ? I was tinking to move from Blackberry to Nexus 7 smartphone an pad . All my project will be now on hold and still wait for the BB 10 and windows 8 surface . Google carefull what u do especially after the launch of the most exotic products ever built from Google , customer will loose confidence . good luck .

    ReplyDelete
  53. Noooooooooo please leave iGoogle online, it's the entry point to my online life!

    ReplyDelete
  54. When you kill the Gmail? With modern apps that run on platforms like Chrome and Android, the need for Gmail has eroded over time. :/

    ReplyDelete
  55. iGoogle is central point of my interaction with Google services. Without it i just use bunch of other, better-suited services. I heard that netvibes is quite good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Netvibes is a very good dashboard,and so far,unlike Google and so many of their apps, they haven't said their quitting either. Netvibes seems to know a good thing when they see it. When Igoogle quits,I,and I'm sure many others will quit Google,because you just can't count on them for anything. I hope they'll be happy with the revenue they'll loose in the future. Or as they say:It's not my money!

      Delete
  56. igoogle rocked. Do I need to go back to my yahoo?

    ReplyDelete
  57. This a huge disappointment.
    I love iGoogle's functionality, it's has been my official morning news paper and my entering portal to the web for years, at home and at work -- one tab for each.
    Chrome apps are NOT a replacement! I want my feeds collected on a single page, opening a tab for each is the same as entering other web sites.
    I'm generally a happy Google user, I love my Gmail and Android phone, but if iGoogle is removed with no real replacement I guess I'll start looking elsewhere. Someone here mentioned NetVibes...

    ReplyDelete
  58. Why ?

    How much does it cost to run it ? Not much I would guess.
    Now how will I beat the firewall at work?
    How will I see how much my TSP went up or down ?
    Not happy.
    Will have to start using Netvibes :-(

    ReplyDelete
  59. very disapointing indeed. it works very good and is so integrated throughout the web.

    ReplyDelete
  60. OK ! Then I go back to Netvibes, which in fact is much better than igoogle.

    In the same way, despite the fact that I was among the first Chrome users, I use more and more (again) Firefox (last version) Opera (64 bits) and Bing. Why ? Because I have the bad impression that the speed Chrome is gaining at each release is entirely devoted to collect more and more data about users.

    I noticed accidentally the last Google's bad trick, in the settings, which, by default, run Chrome and a lot of Google processes in the background. At a big price, because it monopolizes 50% of the 4 gigabyte-s's ram of my computer.So, I unchecked quickly this very well hidden and consuming option.

    That's why now I'm using Chrome only for Google products (Drive, Gmail, etc.) Netvibes will just be another non-Google product I'm going to stick to.

    Not to mention that my former consideration for Google is getting lower and lower every day.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Very bizarre, especially as there is no alternative on Firefox. Do I have to find a search engine I can customise?

    ReplyDelete
  62. Please sign petitions : http://www.change.org/petitions/google-don-t-kill-igoogle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cast your vote to keep iGoogle alive at the official forum post!

      http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/websearch/igoogle-personal-homepage/3SDRsOMBonA

      Delete
  63. iGoogle was the one platform that I could see my emails, my calendar, weather, latest news and time without all the other junk many other pages have. I can't believe that it takes a lot of resources to manage the page. I think Google is missing the point that there is a vast number of WEB users still relying in iGoogle and that have no interest in its mobile us. Don't get rid of iGoogle.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I love iGoogle! Please don't go.

    ReplyDelete
  65. What am I going to do with all the gadgets that I developed for iGoogle?
    (o not give me THAT answer)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Such a disappointing decision....
    It cannot been seen any existing chrome extensions or android apps that can replace iGoogle as an integrated platform. Still iGoogle enjoys popularity ammong desktop and laptop sets. I hope google will retire this plan.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Forget you Google! I LOVE iGoogle on my laptop--it's my homepage and I USE that thing! People with phones and tablets don't need it, but people who still use computers do--it it really that much to keep it in stasis so we can keep using it.

    Highly disappointing Google

    ReplyDelete
  68. Without iGoogle as a homepage/portal to consoIidate my widgets I will have no use at all for Chrome. IE and FireFox are just as fast (except for the geeks who measure speed in milliseconds) so I'm transitioning away from Chrome. I'll find another portal and forget all about Google.

    ReplyDelete
  69. There is a petition to keep it going at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/dont-kill-the-igoogle-webportal.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cast your vote to keep iGoogle alive at the official forum post!

      http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/websearch/igoogle-personal-homepage/3SDRsOMBonA

      Delete
  70. Another petition trying to save iGoogle: http://www.change.org/petitions/google-don-t-kill-igoogle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cast your vote to keep iGoogle alive at the official forum post!

      http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/websearch/igoogle-personal-homepage/3SDRsOMBonA

      Delete
  71. Sad to say I'll move to a competing web browser when iGoogle is gone.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I was thinking of switching to a paid Google Apps account because I use iGoogle so much, but I don't want to use Google Apps without iGoogle. I'm afraid I will have to look for another portal -- Netvibes or MyYahoo. Very disappointing, as iGoogle enabled me to keep everything I do on one page and log into that page from any computer.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I neeeeeed my iGoogle!!! :( At least still over a year during which i can use it...

    ReplyDelete
  74. I use iGoogle to display sales numbers from a Microsoft ERP (and the weather)

    If someone needs all the numbers, I can just share tab and checkbox "send my settings". Then the recipient can drag the boxes around however they want.

    Hopefully this functionality is replicate by 11/13

    ReplyDelete
  75. CLEARLY - Google does not listen to the folks that actually use it and depend on it!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Pretty stupid decision. I spent a good chunk of my day with igoogle open. Now I will have to find a non-Google product to replace it with.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I really hope this decision is reversed. Google home page is a big part of people's lives. I myself love it. I don't understand if they are getting rid of page why they are encouraging people to switch to the new look. Come on!!!! Google exec's, give this a second thought. New ideas are not always better.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Amusing how every person here speaking against the removal of iGoogle perceives their use as that of the collective. Google is a data-driven company. They have the numbers that have allowed them to decide it is a less relevant service today and they're moving on that data in the form of iGoogle's death. Get over it.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Heads up. Yahoo is having more then their share of problems right now. Majority of what they offer hasn't been working for months. Check out some of their blogs.

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  80. Once they have made the change I'm sure their numbers will tell them that it was a mistake.Sometimes it's small things like this that kill a company. Google will be just another one in the crowd.

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  81. igoogle discontinued, my wheel family uses it as their homepage. I moved to google because igoogle became even better than my.yahoo.com. We are not happy with this decision of google. I can understand a lot of decisions of google but not this one.

    Brgds, Bas

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  82. Nooooooooo! My iGoogle homepage is where I start my day, where I evaluate my day, and where I end my day. iGoogle keeps me organized (sane), on track, and on time. Where else can I have one-stop access to my email, calendar, rss feeds, the day's weather forecast, my shopping list, and my to-do list all on one page? iGoogle is my daily planner; I don't even want to think about losing access. I hope Google changes its mind about this.

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  83. Guess I'll go back to Yahoo for my home page, even though I couldn't do what I can on iGoogle. I use it everyday, all day. Don't have a smart phone and don't see myself with one for some time. Boo.... Google!

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  84. AAAAaaaarrrrrrrrggggggg!!!!

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  85. Gotocamera has a user friendly and FREE surveillance/video monitoring app for BlackBerry. One can use the service to watch over pets, children, elders, etc., when you're compelled to leave them alone at home or with a nanny. This service can also be used to monitor small businesses. The process of getting started is very simple. All you need to do is set up a GotoCamera Account (also free) to use this app. Just follow the simple instructions on the sign-up page and you're good to get started. The idea behind this app is to assist to make communities safer, and give home owners peace of mind when they’re capable of remotely monitoring their home and loved ones. Considering the fact that they're being used by people in over 180 countries, looks like GotoCamera is definitely doing something right :)

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  86. Thanks god!!! iGoogle was shitty enough

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  87. Hey Google execs, killing igoogle? Nice, but why stop there? There's Reader, Calendar, and lots of other services. Kill Gmail, and while you're at it, close down the search engine itself. Also, renaming the company to GooglePlus LLC wouldn't be a bad idea.

    It's just sad to see this giant losing it's touch and not giving a damn about its users. The company that became what it is today thanks to the INTERNET USERS just decided to channel all their resources on these idiotic facebook wannabes, self driving cars and smart glasses projects. When is this joke going to end?

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  88. NO!! You cannot take my iGoogle homepage away from me. I am too old to change to anything else. I find it convenient with the gadgets I want already there and ready to go. Please, Google, reconsider.

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  89. I'd be surprised if google even reads the blogs. They are not going to care who all leaves them anyway,that's obvious. What isn't obvious to google is Igoogle leads to advertisements,which lead to sales,which leads to profit.Now when google looses it's users,they MIGHT figure this out! They MIGHT! But if they do read this: Why not put ads on the left side of Igoogle much like netvibe only does one on their left side. All you have to loose is nothing,but everything to loose when your users are gone. Do your numbers on ones that even have a smart phone nowadays in this economy. And what difference does it make if they do? I like most others,prefer to look at a monitor on our home computer for most of our browsing. I will use Igoogle till you quit it,and then it will be Netvibes and Yahoo.

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  90. I'll just add a ditto to all of the above

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  91. Well, without IGoogle's functionality available to me, I will have NO reason to log into my Google account any longer. IGoogle was the reason I started using GMail, Google Chat, Google Chrome and even made the idea of using another search engine out of the question.

    The arrogance of these guys, sitting in their fine Italian leather chairs around their expensive conference table being COMPLETELY out of touch with their consumers is laughable.

    I believe that things like IGoogle are a gateway to Google's other products and they are blowing it by dismissing this fact. Boy, they sure are bright up their in their ivory tower.

    Hey Bing developers, do you have an alternative for us simple minded folk?

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  92. wierd decision.... i use iGoogle everyday, it is my home page at work and home. It made me know about most of the new google services while i am trying to search the web. Not sure but I guess Google may lose customers this way. I will be looking for alternatives, such as msn.com but it is nowhere as good and looks ugly compared to iGoogle. I guess some other companies will gain new customers from this bad decision.

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  93. GOOGLE what are you thinking??

    igoogle is one of the most useful home webpages out there! I use it on my internet phones, laptop & iPad...some one at google is a couple of beers short of a 6-pack on this decision! Just hire summer more people if you can't keep up with new products, you are shooting yourself in the foot on this one, if you drop the best stuff you have in favor of new stuff who do you think will pick up the new products, the customers you just pissed off? Use some common sense!
    I remember working for a company like this at one time...they thought outsourcing all their work to India would be the ticket to making $$ and stockholder happiness, I always wondered who would buy their damn PCs, printers, ink, etc after they pissed off so many people...well if you watch the news you know good ole HP is going south, stock had never been the same and I done know anyone interested in their products anymore. It pays to be loyal to your roots. Sad, it wouldn't be the way I would do business! On my way to look for a replacement, won't trust google products again.

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  94. I wonder how many hits netvibes has gotten today? Take heed Google!

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  95. This is not good news at all for me. It's an essential part of my operation.

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  96. Fairly bad decision. It might hold some meaning for them to shut it down from a financial standpoint but i think google largely mis-judges the effect it has on it's userbase. I, for one, will stop using google and therefor stop using their products if i don't have igoogle. It was my main hub and i don't see a reason to use chrome, to use google service if i can't have igoogle.

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  97. I'm very disappointed with the desicion. iGoogle is extremely useful thing for many users.

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  98. I took the hint and moved to Netvibes yesterday. But, sadly. I have used igoogle on all my machines, at home and at work for years. Now, can I trust gdrive, google docs, what will they ditch next???

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    1. I have serious doubts now, been using google services for ages, their decision to discontinue google notebook made me think, now this igoogle decision gives me second thouhts - no longer will I trust them , sure gmail and gdrive are great, but how long will they be around? Looking for alternatives.

      Delete
  99. iGoogle - Best home page going. Very easy to use to bring all my Google products into one place on any PC anywhere.
    Google Chrome refuses to install and run on my main PC, so, that's not an alternative for me.

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  100. iGoogle is my home page. It must stay there !!!!!

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  101. I cannot figure out the point of killing this page? I have used it since inception and it is my personal newspaper for the day. I don't even care if it does not get any more updates but I need it to stay. It cannot cost Google much at all to just leave it running?

    COME ON GOOGLE... LISTEN TO YOUR USERS AND DO NOT KILL IGOOGLE!!!

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  102. Maybe if igoogle was redone as Chrome-only it would satisfy company and customers.

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  103. Long time google user.....I remember way back when I first got my Gmail account or when google was the best web search out there. Sadly they're starting to be like any big corporation where they think they can do what they please.....where THEY tell the customer what they want. This is a poor decision google, one which likely will come back to bite them. I use igoogle daily and a chrome browser, but I'd be hard pressed to tell you the better alternatives.

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  104. Bad decision, I count on my iGoogle page seven (7) services on one web site that likely provide Google with a treasure trove of "free" data. You just drove users to a replacement site, granted the Google service I use will continue to generate you revenue but the other 42% of the "free" data is completely lost to Google. I'm no business genius and clearly this is over-simplification, but not seeing how a 42% loss of potential revenue is a good decision.

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  105. iGoogle has been great for my parents both of whom use Hotmail (I don't know why but that's the way it is) iGoogle has meant that they could have multiple news and weather and video feeds all in one place along with their Hotmail widget. Loosing iGoogle would probably mean a default page of MSN which of course equals Bing, not Google.

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  106. Wow, this is a shocker for me. Everyone I know including me use igoogle. Being an IT guy I have recommended and switched many people over to igoogle because of its' dashboard.

    Google+? Really? I think we are all socially tapped out with the other guys to invest time in another network.

    I guess I will start to move over the my msn or netvibes. No more google search engine for me!

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  107. Bad Bad decision Google. I won't restate all the comments others have made, but I agree completely. I will look for a new search engine and move on even though I have been a huge Google user and fan for years and years. If you quit us, we will quit you! I can't stand Google Chrome and don't have any use for a Google wannabe social network. You really should reconsider.

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  108. Just use a Google Site: widgets, single sign-on for your apps (Cal, Gmail, etc.), tabs. And truly choose your background image, something you couldn't do with iGoogle: finally, Pamela Anderson on a tiger pelt as a background.

    Further more: share it with the world, since it's a Site: another feature unkown to iGoogle.

    Look for the xml source URI of all your iGoogle widgets, and install them.

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    1. This is the best alternative for those who are willing to do a little work and can grasp the technique. Create a blank page with 3 columns and a tabbed, horizontal menu. The gadget directory however is horrible, and Google's Gmail gadget does not work outside of iGoogle. A big drawback. The big question now for developers is whether the Gadget API will be dismantled as well. Most young guns are developing mobile apps I would guess.
      In any event Google has unleashed a firestorm of disaffection, from which it may or may not recover. Users are leaving by the droves.

      Delete
  109. igoogle is what pulled me away from myYahoo, mainly because of the better gmail integration. Guess I'll have to go back to reading yahoo ads and using their search engine. I am another unhappy igoogle user.

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  110. Really! Google, your not keeping in touch with your core customers. Not everyone wants to try every new trick pony. We like what we already have and we can't use Google Chrome on our older MAC systems.

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  111. I have used igoogle for years and many people on to it. It is my homepage. I check it all day and have it perfectly arranged. I have no idea what i will use. Dont like Google+.

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  112. I don't see how smart phone apps are a replacement for igoogle at all. Tiny screen and you basically view one thing at a time. Trying netvibes now. So far it seems pretty slow to respond, but I did most of my igoogle content over there in an opml file fairly easily

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  113. Just move along to Netvibes. These are not the 'Droids' you're looking for. Just remember, my mamma always said 'Stupid is as stupid does.' This looks like a continuation down the whole path of stupidity that Google seems to be traveling on by jamming all their efforts in their futile attempt to overtake Apple in the mobile device market, and Facebook in the dying Social Media circus. It makes me very leery to own any of their stock nowadays.

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    Replies
    1. I wouldn't own their stock. They enjoy hacking people off to much. I wonder how long it will be before they'll drop their new
      google compute engine? After all, that is made for businesses and I'm sure google can"t wait to pull the rug out from under them.

      Delete
  114. That is too bad!!!, iGoogle was my home page with all my favorites RSS.
    It was simple and quick. I tried Google + and I coudn't stand it, I deleted my account.
    I really hope google reconsider their decision! :(

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  115. Totally disappointed!!! Maybe I'll start using my hotmail account again :) Thanks gmail man.

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  116. This is crazy, it works fine and the homepage is one place where you can see everything at once....

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  117. How about migrating to MY.MSN.COM? I know it's microsoft, but it does have the capability of tabs and some various content, although not as extensive as igoogle. Adding an RSS feed is actually easier. Most of the content revolves around MSN, so is limited by comparison. But at least there is hotmail.

    How long before they begin dumping other services, or starts charging? They must figure that as their products become more refined they no longer need us for beta testers. I do appreciate the free services offered, but this doesn't make sense. I use google because of igoogle. There will no real reason to continue once igoogle is laid to rest.

    Thinking of Netflix stellar marketing ploys in the past year or so this appears to be "deja vu all over again."

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  118. I bet Yahoo and MSN are very happy today. We have all been checking them out. I hope SOMEONE at Google is reading these. SAVE igoogle! MSN is so politically biased. Please SAVE igoogle! or incorporate into Google+.

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  119. What are you trying to do....become a dinosaur like AOL???? The igoogle home page is so awesome, too bad most idiots can't make one. I refuse to use Facebook as my homepage (that is so yesterday really, why do you think your social media foray didn't work, the early adopters have already left it for daily usage) as my home page,guess I will have to use MSN.COM. Change for the sake of "new" is not always better! You will NOT rule the world with these type of decisions. Oh, and guess what! I'd actually pay a buck or two a month to use igoogle, that's how much I value your service....so what do you think about that!!!!!

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  120. We are already paying Google through the nose with our privacy! You think they could at least continue iGoogle to keep us happy!

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  121. Actually the only reason I stopped using it so much was that they kept breaking it with untested changes. I had actually set up a fairly sophisticated set of pages for most of the sources I access during the day but at any given time many of them were not working.

    Too bad as I don't think there was anything wrong with the concept. Just a sloppy and ever-changing implementation. Google's Achilles heel across their product lines.

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  122. What an incredibly stupid idea. Google has been my start page since before most people heard of them. iGoogle cemented that decision, and every device I have opens to it. I guess I will ride it out for over a year and hope Google reads enough posts and gets enough emails to change their minds. I looked briefly at Netvibes but it seems like I can pack far more info into my default screen area (I do not want to scroll, I want to see it all in a glance) with iGoogle than I can get with other alternatives. Googles suggestion I use Chrome leaves me nowhere with my iPad.

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  123. This totally sucks Google. Just so ya' know. I am thinking it will be harder to use all the functions Google offers without a common dashboard. This will not be good for Google or us. I hope they think about it again.

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  124. WOW! Who was in charge of the "Google Brain" this week?!?! Just the push I needed to leave Google. Last time I checked, desktops and laptops were still in production.

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  125. I use it every day...I'm very disappointed with the decision.

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  126. I am another very long time, satisfied iGoogle user. The flexibility and ability to serve as a personal portal are functions that satisfy most user's common interface requirements.

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  127. Lol you people should get Android phones. With apps like Google Now it made iGoogle obsolete.

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  128. I would of not known about this if it was not for igoogle.

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  129. For those of us with Google run Android phones that also have laptops, desktops and tablets and use iGoogle on ALL of them - note that the mobile version of iGoogle will be jerked out from under us on July 31, 2012. Nice going Google. Looks like NetVibes is the winner here.

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  130. Don't take it away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  131. I join the many others above: I just switched from Netvibes back to iGoogle, and I use it every day. It's a way for me to access all of my most important stuff, regardless of which browser or computer I am using, I am very disappointed to see that you plan to discontinue this service.

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  132. I join the many others above: I just switched from Netvibes back to iGoogle, and I use it every day. It's a way for me to access all of my most important stuff, regardless of which browser or computer I am using, I am very disappointed to see that you plan to discontinue this service.

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  133. I use iGoogle. It is my start page and I use it very often, everyday. It is where I get my news, sports scores, financial information, technology, etc.. I especially like the real-time updates on the stock markets, sports scoreboards and weather. Google is monitoring all of our feedback. Google...are you that stupid or just dumb! Either keep iGoogle or come out with another free personalized start page for us.

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  134. I am deeply annoyed by this decision and as for it no longer being relevant, well you only have to read the forums and blogs to see how many people are using it regularly and wish to continue using it. Here's hoping it carries on in some form or other.

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  135. I too am a frequent iGoogle user (it is my homepage) - though I could see Google+ being much more useful if it would adopt some iGoogle interfaces. I would like to see a group of feeds on one page (perhaps driven by circles, individual people I am following, RSS feeds that I add, News searches I specify etc.- so I can see in one glance a variety of information - not just the last dozen posts by the most prolific posters. If Google+ were more like iGoogle, I might just use it!

    99% of what I use in iGoogle is as an RSS feed aggregator. I don't use the games, I don't use gadgets (much) - I added themes only for fun, but don't depend on it. Just give me a way to see more streams of content in Google+ before Nov 2013, and I'll be happy!

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  136. Google does not give a 'hoot in hell' what their users want. The are dead set on trying to be the biggest deal on the planet - regardless of who they pisss off. Nevermind that they have invaded our privacy, jerked us around with 30+ apps discontined in the recent past and basically monopolized my search efforts. This is probably a good time to start thinking about a whole other company for my needs. So long Google.....

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  137. I just can not figure Google out. I have been using iGoogle exclusively for four years. During that time I have seen them shoot themselves in the foot time and again. Mostly, by trying to fix what is not broken. I have threatened to leave many times. The last time was when they decided to hide all the tools on the Google Toolbar in the "new and improved gun safe" It was a stupid move. But Google did listen to the riotous complaining and did something about it that solved the problem. They allowed us to have a choice. I hope they do so again. The "Toolbar Riot" was big. But this is bigger, and I feel, much deeper. The users are trying to figure out how to switch to a different company that will quit fucking with them. And that is progress.

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  138. I'm another big time/long time iGoogle user and I can't imagine my internet life without it. I'm hoping they aren't going to just dump it. Seems stupid to do so. Maybe it will just be revamped into something different. It has been so easy to have all the useful google apps (I use too many to list), accessible in one place and have it customized. Google lured us all here with these tools and convenience for a reason, and I can't imagine them risking loosing so many users with one swoop of extinction. I don't usually post here, but I'm hoping they read this and realize what's going on in our heads.

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  139. I can't believe google is doing this. It will drive dedicated google uses to other products like netvibes or worse my yahoo.. I believ it should b further developed too... Such a bad day when google dumps good products

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  140. using igoogle for years, such a piece of service!! can't imagine a pc without it (and now my friends, collegues, and relatives) a pity!!
    I'll probably go to my yahoo or netvibes (have more than a year to do so if they don't change their mind!!!)

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  141. Did I already say this was a stupid move?

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  142. Google is now just one of the many corporations who are f--king up what I like about the internet, take your androids, iPods and other social crap and put them where the sun don't shine!

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  143. hope google support is reading this thread .. KEEP iGoogle, ya bastards! ;)

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  144. If Google gets rid of iGoogle, I will get rid of Google.

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  145. Perhaps, we - the unhappy iGoogle users about to discontinued by Google, should just discontinue Google. I'm sure there's a way to get through life with out them....

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  146. Cannot Google employees who use iGoogle not get together and join the present posters here who are dismayed about this stupid and unaccountable decision to close iGoogle. Surely there are enough at Google Plex to make a lot of noise on this issue?

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  147. Thanks this post!useful information!

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