Google dropped its search-by-SMS portal, which is the gateway that enabled mobile users to access its search engine via SMS text.
The search engine company had quietly dropped the service in the last few days and senting an automated shutdown warning, which read:"SMS search has been shutdown. You can continue to search the web at google.com on any device".
Google’s latest move forms part of its efforts to focus on fewer products that have a higher impact on users.
Google spokesperson was quoted by theregister.co.uk as saying that closing products always involves tough choices, but the company does think very hard about each decision and its implications for its users.
"Streamlining our services enables us to focus on creating beautiful technology that will improve people’s lives," spokesperson said.
Launched in 2004, the SMS feature offered abridged query results including phone numbers, addresses, or sports scores through 140-character text messages.
In March, Google revealed plans to axe its Reader web feed application from July 2013, while it had earlier also chopped Apps Script, CalDAV API, Google Building Maker, Google Cloud Connect, Search API for Shopping and Snapseed Desktop for Macintosh and Windows.
