Google isn't quite shutting down Google Photos

Following complaints and confusion about the shutting down of Google+ Photos, the company has moved to clarify the decision and to deny claims that it is planning to close down its social network.

Google+ Photos is one of the best and most popular features of Google's social network. It enables the posting and sharing of images and videos plus image editing features and the ability to create, store and back up whole albums.

Therefore, on Monday, when Google initially revealed that it is shuttering Google+ Photos and that as of August 1, users will have had to migrate to the company's new app, Google Photos, the announcement was greeted with shock by the Google+ community.

"In an effort to ensure everyone has the best photos experience we can deliver, on August 1st we'll start to shut down Google+ Photos -- initially on Android, and soon thereafter on the Web and iOS," said the company in a statement. "If you're still using Google+ Photos, now is a great time to make the switch."

The initial announcement was also seized upon by tech commentators and analysts, as the surest sign yet that the company is starting the slow process of closing down Google+ altogether.

However, the company has now moved quickly to clarify the situation and to deny premature reports of the network's demise.

"The great photo and video sharing service that's part of Google+ is unaffected. You can continue to post photos and videos, and your followers will be able to comment and +1 as before. No change," said Anil Sabharwal, head of Google Photos, in a statement.

What will be coming to an end on August 1 is Google+ Photos' private photo management capabilities -- backing up, creating, album management and sharing with apps beyond Google+.

This will be replaced by the Google Photos app, which offers unlimited storage and backup of photos and videos, in-depth search and album creation and the ability to share and post to virtually any social network. It's also available on iOS and Android.

As for reports of the social network's demise, in an official statement issued to Computer World on Tuesday, Google said: We're committed to Google+ and are actively investing in it. We are incredibly focused on making it the best place to engage with others around interests and shared passions."