Science Google is shutting down its goo.gl URL shortening service - Reason: The company wants you to use the more app-centric Firebase Dynamic Links.

The reason is from the Engadget article.
https://9to5google.com/2018/03/30/google-url-shortener-shut-down/

The goo.gl link is very common on the web and was first launched by Google in 2009. However, the company announced today that it’s winding down the URL Shortener beginning next month, with a complete deprecation by next year. Fortunately, existing links will continue to work.

The URL shortener service launched in 2009 for FeedBurner and the Google Toolbar. With neither of those services available, the same is now happening to goo.gl for both consumers and developers. The latter group is being directed to Firebase Dynamic Links with today’s announcement meant to “refocus” Google’s efforts.

"many popular URL shortening services have emerged and the ways people find content on the Internet have also changed dramatically, from primarily desktop webpages to apps, mobile devices, home assistants, and more."

However, for average users that just want to truncate a link, there is no new alternative from the company, with Google suggesting Bitly and Ow.ly.

Starting on April 13, 2018, new and anonymous users will no longer be able to reach the goo.gl console to create short links. However, existing users will have access to all features like creation, management, and analytics until March 30, 2019, when the console will be discontinued.

Google notes “all links will continue to redirect to the intended destination” even after 2019, with users also able to export link information from the console.

Developers are encouraged to switch over to Firebase Dynamic Links that have the advantage of automatically detecting the user’s platform and send the user to either the web or your app.

"URL Shortener has been a great tool that we’re proud to have built. As we look towards the future, we’re excited about the possibilities of Firebase Dynamic Links, particularly when it comes to dynamic platform detection and links that survive the app installation process. We hope you are too!"

https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/30/google-shutting-down-goo-gl-url-shortening-service/

URL shorteners can be both useful and fun. Google's take on the tech launched in 2009, and added a third-party API, the ability to create QR codes and the power to link right to iOS and Android apps. Even Keanu Reeves has a URL shortener named in his honor. Unfortunately, Google is replacing its own service, goo.gl, with Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) as of April 13th. These new smart URLs let you send folks to any location within iOS, Android or web apps.

You won't be able to create new goo.gl short links after the 13th, but existing users can manage them via the goo.gl console for the next year. After that, all the links will still work, but you won't be able to access the console itself after March 30th, 2019. Google suggests creating FDLs from now on, or using other shortening services like Bitly and Ow.ly.
 
So is it safe to assume Google is just going to get rid of every useful service and feature just because "lol idk"?

They've been operating youtube like that for a decade now.

Basically, they also got rid of a functioning reverse image search and I'm pissed off about that still.

Know of any good alternatives?
 
Know of any good alternatives?
There's an app on Android that let's you reverse image search from press and hold or from gallery, conveniently called "Reverse Image Search by Google". Surprisingly still works and has never been updated in the past....four years? Six?

Alternatively there's extensions for Chromium browsers and for Mozilla based browsers that replace the missing feature.

Bet you anything it's something something alt-right using their service something fake news shortlinks.
 
These new smart URLs let you send folks to any location within iOS, Android or web apps.

Fuck off Jewgle, I don't need a "smart url" I need a way to send a shortened link to someone. I don't need to direct people to "any location within iOS, Android, or web apps," I want to create a link for people to click on.

What's next? A "smart" search engine that removes the web-searching features Google had at the start, but it'll take you to any location within iOS or Android?
 
There goes every short link to be made ever. At least there's some alternatives.

One of the Kiwi Farms users should start a link shortener for everyone here.
 
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  • Agree
Reactions: Jaiman
The suggestions/descriptions/search terms it would spew out for some images was hilarious. I think one for a really busty girl I was reverse image searching gave me something about back pain. I honestly think it was fucking with me.

To be fair it's not wrong.

I genuinely can't imagine how miserable some fetish models' day to day lives must be.
 
To be fair it's not wrong.

I genuinely can't imagine how miserable some fetish models' day to day lives must be.
Seems like the Page 3 girls from the UK seem happy. I volunteer to help out busty women by holding up their tits for them to alleviate back pain. Just walk right behind them holding those honkers up so the pressure is taken off their backs.

On a side note, knew a really busty girl in high school. She didn't get surgery and instead built up her back via pull-ups and inclined push-ups (kind had to do regular push-ups when you got some giant knockers). Problem is a lot of chicks won't do those kind of exercises because they think they'll become freaky mannish looking chicks.

So yeah, the chick from my high school still is sporting those impressive sweater puppets and seems happy about them from what I've heard.
 
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