I still don't understand what I'm supposed to use instead, as a consumer. Are Google users just not allowed to IM each other anymore? We have to switch to Google's Slack clone?
It's a big pity. Even though it's a walled garden, Google technologies have the advantage that at least most people have a Google account. To replace it, I have Whatsapp, Signal and Telegram running on my phone. I need all of those (and messages.android.com) running on my PC.
I guess Google couldn't figure out how to monetize it.
I guess Google couldn't figure out how to monetize it.