Google Kills “Slide� in Favor of Google+

[Waqas 48]

Google has thrown in the towel on its $182 million acquisition of Slide as it shifts its social networking efforts to Google+.

The social apps company will be dissolved, according to AllThingsD. Slide founder and Google VP Max Levchin will be leaving the company as a result.

“Max has decided to leave Slide and Google to pursue other opportunities, and we wish him the best,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement. “Most of the team from Slide will remain at Google to work on other opportunities.†Google has decided to discontinue most of Slide products except for social contest site Prizes.org.

Slide was founded in 2005 by Levchin after he sold his last company, PayPal, to eBay. At its peak, Slide was a leader in social networking with apps such as FunWall, Fortune Cookie and SuperPoke. Unfortunately, companies such as Zynga stole its thunder and weakened its influence. In August 2008, the company was acquired by Google as part of its efforts to catch up with Facebook.

Since then, Slide has operated as an independent entity, releasing apps such as group-texting app Disco and Prizes.org. None of them have gained mainstream traction though, and with Larry Page streamlining operations and betting the farm on Google+, there was no need for Slide.

It seems Page isn’t afraid to admit defeat and cut unsuccessful projects before they become a drag on the company. It will be interesting to see what Levchin does next.

More About: Google, max levchin, slide, Social Media, social networking

For more Business & Marketing coverage:

• Follow Mashable Business & Marketing on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Business & Marketing channel
• Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad