As 2012 comes to an end, Google is continuing to clean up its services that have been outdated or become less popular.

On January 4, 2013, Google will be shutting down several less popular Google Calendar features. Users will be unable to create new reservable times on their Calendar through Appointment slots, but existing Appointment slots will continue working for one year. In addition, Google will discontinue two Calendar Labs' Smart Rescheduler. Finally, Check your calendar via sms and Create event via sms (GVENT) - U.S.-only features for creating and checking meetings by texting information to Google - will be discontinued today, as most users prefer mobile Calendar apps.

Google Sync was designed to allow access to Google Mail, Calendar and Contacts via the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync protocol. With the recent launch of CardDAV, Google now offers similar access via IMAP, CalDAV and CardDAV, making it possible to build a sync experience using open protocols. Starting January 30, 2013, consumers won't be able to set up new devices using Google Sync; however, existing Google Sync connections will continue to function. Google Sync will continue to be fully supported for Google Apps for Business, Government and Education.

In addition to Google Sync, Google is discontinuing Google Calendar Sync on December 14, 2012 and Google Sync for Nokia S60 on January 30, 2013. The company is also ending service for SyncML, a contacts sync service used by a small number of older mobile devices on January 30, 2013.

The Issue Tracker Data API allows client applications to view and update issues on Project Hosting on Google Code in the form of Google Data API feeds. Google will shut down the Issue Tracker API on June 14, 2013.

Punchd is an app that keeps loyalty punch cards on smartphones. On June 7, 2013, Google will discontinue the Punchd Android and iOS apps, and merchants will no longer honor Punchd loyalty cards. Users can continue to earn punches and redeem rewards at participating businesses until June 7, 2013.