Important information regarding the discontinuation of the “Album Archive”
The company has begun the process of sending notices of the discontinuation of the “Album Archive”, which serves as a repository for user snapshots from Google Hangouts and other “cancelled” services. According to a statement from the company, the Google Album Archive will cease operations on July 19, 2023. This means that all images stored in the archive will become inaccessible, although users can still download them manually.
How to save content from the Album Archive
Users can save content stored in the Google Album Archive until a specified date using a special tool available at this link. This tool allows you to save snapshots, background images uploaded through the Gmail Theme Picker, photo thumbnails, and album comments.
Google Hangouts updates and access to content
The company also reminds that Google Hangouts is being replaced by Google Chat. Some files attached to messages in the canceled messenger may be available in the current one, notes NIXSolutions. Users will continue to be able to view and manage their personal content on services such as Blogger, Chat and Google Photos.