Google is discontinuing its document scanning app, Stack: PDF Scanner by Google Area 120. This follows the closure of other services like Google One VPN.
Google’s Area 120 incubator is a breeding ground for innovative projects, including the successful document scanner you might be familiar with. It’s also the birthplace of tech giants like Gmail, AdSense, and Google News. However, unlike these success stories, some Area 120 projects are experimental by nature.
If they don’t meet user adoption or performance goals, they may not continue development. This “fail fast” approach allows Area 120 to constantly explore new ideas while focusing resources on the most promising ventures.
Saying goodbye to Stack: PDF Scanner? It seems Google Drive might be the reason. With the arrival of a dedicated Scan button in the Google Drive app for Android and iOS users late last year, Google Drive has emerged as a powerful competitor to Stack.
The built-in scanner in Google Drive boasts a user-friendly experience. It features an auto-capture mode that ensures a clear scan, along with editing options to clean the image or rescan if needed. This makes using it just as simple as your phone’s Camera app, which often includes a QR code scanner as well.
Switching from Stack to Google Drive? Here’s how!
Heads up Stack users, Google will be ending support for the app in the week of September 23rd. But don’t worry, they’re making the switch to Google Drive easy.
Here are your options:
- Move everything in one click: Simply go to the Settings page within the Stack app and tap the “Export all documents to Drive” button. This will create a dedicated “Stack” folder in your Drive and move all your documents there for safekeeping.
- Export individual files: If you prefer more control, you can choose which documents to move. Just use the Share button on any file and select the export option.
No matter which method you choose, Google Drive will be your new home for your scanned documents.
