Out with the old, and in with the arguably satisfactory alternatives. Today, Google has announced plans to discontinue some services, particularly within Google Sync for Microsoft Exchange and Calendar, as part of some "winter cleaning." The company claims the decisions were based on "less popular" features.

"Last January, we renewed our resolution to focus on creating beautiful, useful products that improve millions of people’s lives every day," reads the official Google Blog. "To make the most impact, we need to make some difficult decisions."

Those decisions include axing Google Sync functionality via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync protocol. New devices will be unable to setup Google Mail, Calendar, and Contacts through the protocol as of January 30, 2013. But existing users and accounts will still retain access for the time being. Essentially, if you're using Google Sync now, there's no need to fret -- until you get a new device.

Google cites the launch of CardDAV -- an open protocol for contact syncing -- along with IMAP and CalDV support as a reason for abandoning the ActiveSync setup. Google Sync will still function though Google's Apps for Business, Government, and Education.

Google Calendar Sync will shutdown for Microsoft Outlook Calendar users today, but current users may continue to use it, albeit without further support form Google. Google Sync for Nokia S60 will phase out on January 30, 2013. 

"We're ending support for Google Sync for all users, other than paid Google Apps users. Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government customers are not affected by this announcement," reads a Google support FAQ.

January 4, 2013 will see the loss of several Google Calendar features. Appointment slots will be removed from Calendar, although the Appointment slots currently on your Calendar will still function for one year.

The ability to check your Calendar through SMS, or creating a Calendar event via SMS are discontinued as of today. Granted, we can't see many people still using either function with the ease of apps.

Google is also shutting down Punchd, the retailer loyalty card app the company acquired back in 2011. The service will officially shut down on June 7, 2013. Participating retailers will also pull the Punchd plug on the same date. According to the blog, Google is "focused on developing products that help merchants and shoppers connect in new and useful ways."

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