Drop-stitch: Microsoft's 3D Photosynth app sinks into oblivion

Seeing as Microsoft's axe has been sharpened in recent days, the company has now decided to swing it at some unpopular apps including its cloudy, pic-stitching Photosynth product.

Redmond couldn't quite bring itself to admit it had fallen out of love with Photosynth by posting this statement on Friday:

Today we are announcing that we are retiring the Photosynth mobile apps.

We are doing this because the new Photosynth Preview technology and its cloud processing is a more immersive way to capture a place than the spherical panoramas that our apps produce.

Translation: Microsoft is no longer willing to throw cash at development of the mobe version of Photosynth but it will still limp along as a website.

Existing Windows Phone and Apple iOS users can continue to use the zombified app but Microsoft will no longer provide updates.

It said:

Because the app is now unsupported, we strongly encourage people to upload their panoramas to Photosynth.net. Photosynth.net is still maintained and you will be able to view your panoramas online with or without the Photosynth app.

Microsoft has also confirmed plans to kill off a number of MSN lifestyle apps later this year.

On Wednesday, the Satya Nadella-run software giant said it would lay off 7,800 employees in a huge slash 'n' burn reorg plan. ®