“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,” said Google in a statement. After April 20, Google Helpouts will still let you download your video history through the Google Takeout service. The download option will be available until November 1, 2015.
Google Helpouts launched on November 4, 2013 with several partners onboard, including Sephora, One Medical, Weight
Google Helpouts experts offer tutorials in a wide range of topics, such as art, music, computers, cooking, education, careers, fashion, beauty, fitness, nutrition, health, legal, home improvement and gardening. Some of the tutorials were available for free with the expectation that it would lead to future paid consultations. However, many contributors asked for upfront payments. For example, there is a board-certified gastroenterologist that charges $25 per 15 minutes of consultation and there is a digital audio recording artist that charges $0.65 per minute. Google received a 20% transaction fee from the paid sessions except for health-related Helpouts.
This is the video that Google posted when Helpouts launched:
To a certain extent, Google Helpouts competed against other Google services. For example, many people rely on YouTube for tutorials and tips. YouTube seems to have tutorials for nearly every task whether it is “how to change garage door springs” and “how to tie a bow tie.” Another factor that worked against Google Helpouts is that the experts in the U.K. and Ireland had to start offering their expertise for free and users in the EU could only participate in free Helpouts due to tax laws that went into effect in January.
Google has already removed the Google Helpouts app from iTunes and Google Play. The Google Helpouts app allowed users to participate in video chat sessions from their mobile devices. Google Helpouts relied on the Google Hangouts video service to set up video chat sessions between users and experts.
Amazon offers a service that is similar to Google Helpouts called Mayday through its Kindle Fire HDX devices. And consumers have been very receptive to Mayday, which is a feature that lets you interact with a live customer service agent. You can see the agent, but the agent cannot see you. The agent will be able to see your screen and help you get through tasks like how to find a local plumber.
Google is reportedly working on a new customer support video service for consumers that need help buying an Android-based or Chrome-based device. The customer service agents would likely listen to the specifications that a potential customer wants and then they would recommend a device. For example, if a consumer asks about a smartphone that is about 5 inches and costs under $400, then the agent would recommend the Nexus 5.
Have you used Google Helpouts before? What are your thoughts about Google Helpouts shutting down? Let us know in the comments below!
