14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced that it’s shutting down three different software products, all of which will be discontinued in order to focus all efforts on Bing Maps, the service that includes features of basically each of these apps.
Basically, all three have experienced declined popularity lately and although they came in the form of commercial map software products helping developers create applications for their users, the company has slowly moved the focus on Bing Maps in the last few years.
Microsoft says that all AutoRoute clients will be allowed to use the app, while Streets & Trips and Microsoft MapPoint subscribers will receive support until 2015.
“We so appreciate the support of our dedicated users over the years. It was a tough decision to discontinue Microsoft's favorite mapping software products. The retirement of these products will not affect software already installed. Current users may continue to use Microsoft AutoRoute, Microsoft Streets & Trips and Microsoft MapPoint to plan their travel adventures and will have online support until at least July 2015,” the company explained.
As Neowin is reporting, MapPoint and Streets and Trips will still be available for interested customers until December 31, but I really doubt that anyone would be interested in buying a product that will soon go dark.