Cell phone photo locker PicPlz shuttering July 3
updated 09:12 am EDT, Sun June 3, 2012
Photos to be deleted, users urged to download pics
Unexpectedly, photo storage and sharing service PicPlz is closing. The permanent shutdown is expected July 3. All photos and user data will be deleted during the closure, with users encouraged to log in and download all photos prior to shutdown. No specific reasons for the shutdown have been given.
The PicPlz website has little information on the shutdown. As this writing, it only says "On July 3, 2012, picplz will shut down permanently and all photos and data will be deleted. We have provided download links for existing users to save their photos. Thank you for your support of picplz and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you."
Following complaints and enquiries from users, the service has promised a mass download tool that will let users sign in and export all their photos in one fell swoop rather than individually. An unofficial app for this purpose as already been posted.
Mixed Media Labs developed the Android and iOS service and application just over two years ago and was a first, and early direct competitor to the recently acquired Instagram. Ten months ago, control of the photo locker was handed over to Sporcle, primarily known for trivia games and light brainteasers. The official PicPlz blog simply states that "we have decided to move on to other projects and have made the tough decision to shut it down. "
