Google Health Closes

Google Health is shutting down in January 1, 2012, after consumers failed to adapt the program in a significant way. The program was launched in early 2008. It was intended to give consumers control over their medical records by transferring them online and giving them the management capability of providing access to whom they choose.

Once the program closes, medical data will be available for one more year. Consumers will be able to download data in a number of different formats, but after Jan. 1, 2013, the data will be deleted.

In a similar vein, PowerMeter, a program that the search giant offered to allow consumers to put data about personal energy consumption online, will be closing later this year as well.