Verizon’s BlueJeans App to Discontinue Basic and Free Trial Offerings from August 31
Verizon has announced that it will discontinue the Basic and free trial versions of its BlueJeans app from August 31, according to an email sent to BlueJeans service members. The email, obtained by 9To5Google, stated that the app is being sunset, and as a result, access to the Basic and free trial options will be removed. However, users will still be able to utilize these services until the cutoff date.
In the same email, Verizon advised users to download any recordings they have saved on BlueJeans before August 31. After this date, all content will be deleted in accordance with BlueJeans’ privacy policy.
The decision to discontinue the free offerings of BlueJeans comes after a surge in demand for video conferencing platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic. As businesses and individuals sought ways to stay connected, Google Meet and Zoom emerged as popular choices. Recognizing the growth of the video conferencing market, Verizon acquired BlueJeans in May 2020, a business-focused video software that was first introduced in 2011.
Furthermore, in collaboration with Google, Verizon preloaded the BlueJeans app on its Glass Enterprise Edition 2 smart glasses, which have since been discontinued. This move aimed to expand BlueJeans’ reach and compete with other free services such as Google Meet and Zoom, leading BlueJeans to introduce a free tier in March of this year.
While the discontinuation of the Basic and free trial offerings may disappoint some BlueJeans users, it is indicative of the evolving video conferencing landscape. As the market becomes more competitive, companies like Verizon are shifting their strategies to meet the changing needs of customers.
Verizon’s decision to sunset the Basic and free trial options has prompted users to consider alternative video conferencing platforms that align with their requirements. However, it is important to note that the discontinuation only affects the Basic and free trial versions of BlueJeans, with other subscription plans still available for users who wish to continue utilizing the service.
In summary, Verizon’s BlueJeans app will no longer offer its Basic and free trial options from August 31. This decision reflects the company’s response to a dynamic video conferencing market and presents an opportunity for users to explore alternative platforms to meet their communication needs.
