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Google is quietly shutting down one of its most popular apps.
Whatever our streaming platform, many of us like to stream a feel-good movie or binge watch a TV show on our phones, TVs, or tablets.
However, Google's recent announcement has gained attention about whether you truly own digital media after purchase.
Come 17 January, Google customers will no longer be able to access their purchased or rented films through Play Movies & TV.
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The app has been removed from all Roku devices and smart TVs, whilst phones and tablets have switched to a 'Google TV app'.
The Play Store abandoned media sales in 2022, but still remains as a downloadable app on the digital store.
Google explained: 'We are making some changes to simplify how you purchase new movies or access the movies and TV shows you've purchased through Google.'
But, don't worry, the media won't be lost entirely.
Purchased films and TV will transfer to Android TV and YouTube, so you can continue to watch there.
Google reassured that 'you'll still be able to access all of your previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube.'
Unlike Google, Sony customers feel they've 'lost out' as the company deletes many Discovery movies and TV shows without announcing refunds or any transferring of content.
Starting January 17, Android TV users can find their purchased titles under the 'Shop' tab in 'Your Library.' On the YouTube app, tap the Movies & TV section where your available content will be under the 'Purchased' tab.
If you use a cable box or set-top box powered by Android TV then all your previously purchased content will now be within the YouTube app. Users can also access this by going directly on the YouTube website.
Google has said that they're aware that YouTube does not offer the purchase and rent of films in all countries and so advisers customers to check the availability of these services in their country.
Users residing in the the UK, US, or Australia will not be affected.
The changes and transition to the new apps will happen 'over the next few weeks depending on your location and country.'
While 17 January is the final deadline, Google says that the update will be rolling out over the 'next few weeks depending on location and country'.
Google has been silently trying to kill its standalone TV app off since its launch in 2021. Instead or trying to reinvent the app or repurpose it, like Apple TV did, Google is removing it all together.
Some lovers of the app aren't so pleased: 'As someone who has purchased a bunch of movies on Google Play Movies, this p*sses me off. I don't mind them shutting down services when there's something put in place to properly replace them.'
Others have recognised the overall risk of purchasing digital movies that are never really yours: 'These digital stores were supposed to be the "own it forever" alternative to streaming services, which have also been rapidly decreasing in quality and increasing in price.'
