No More Google Helpouts From April 20

Google has shuttered a number of its online services over the years, with Reader being perhaps the most notable. Next on the chopping block is Helpouts, which Google plans to close towards the end of April.

Helpouts was certainly one of the more interesting experiments for the company, offering users advice from experts on a range of topics, from cooking to tai chi. Unfortunately, poor growth has convinced the company to bring the service to an end.

Here’s the blog post from Google Support:

We have some sad news to share: Helpouts will be shutting down on April 20, 2015.

Since launching in 2013, Helpouts has been a home for people to connect with experts on topics they want to learn about or seek advice and solutions to everyday problems. The Helpouts community includes some engaged and loyal contributors, but unfortunately, it hasn’t grown at the pace we had expected. Sadly, we’ve made the tough decision to shut down the product.

Starting April 20, you’ll be able to download your Helpouts history by using Google Takeout (available until November 1, 2015).

We want to thank our community for all their support — both the providers who shared their expertise with the world, and the people who needed some extra help or advice along the way. You’ve had a lot to contribute — and we’ve loved learning alongside you.

As the post mentions, Takeout will let you grab your history until November, so best to take advantage of that before your data is gone for good.

Helpouts is shutting down [Google, via Ausdroid]