Adios, Google Helpouts
Google Helpouts have been a great addition to the Google platform, offering an easy way to learn a new skill or get assistance with a problem over the Internet; any time, any place, but they will soon disappear. On April 20, 2015, Google will permanently cut Helpouts from their marketplace.
The Helpout marketplace offers help on a wide variety of subjects, from individuals or companies. Helpout chats are conducted through live video calls using Google Hangouts. During your Helpout session, you could show the Helpout provider exactly what you needed help with and even allow them to remotely access your computer to troubleshoot performance issues. You also have the option to turn off your camera and just use the voice features.
You can also record the Helpout and it will be automatically saved in the Photos section of your Google+ profile. We have seen Google offer help in various ways from Design Minutes to charity and most recently, Helpouts; unfortunately they will disappear April 20th.
Why is Google removing such an awesome tool?
Google states since the launch of Helpouts in 2013, the Helpout community hasn’t grown at the pace they had expected, so they made the decision to shut it down. You can no longer become a provider for Helpouts, but you can continue to schedule new listings until April 19th, as this is the last day Helpouts will be operational.
Beginning April 20, you will be able to download your Helpouts history by using Google Takeout. They will be available to download until November 1, 2015 and then they will be gone forever. If you have received any reviews as a provider, use Takeout to transfer them before they are lost entirely.
As with many other services Google launches then kills, they may end up integrating the Helpout features into something else; perhaps this will change the way Google+ functions. It would not be difficult for Google to add a “buy” button on profiles of individuals and companies wishing to provide the same Helpout-type services for the Google community. This would eliminate the need for a separate Helpout platform, while still allowing the Google community to continue helping one another. Time will tell.
