Microsoft is shutting down one of its most popular free mobile apps

Microsoft is shutting down its popular free mobile app, Microsoft Lens, in the coming months. The app, which was previously known as Office Lens, allowed users to scan documents, convert images to various file formats, digitize handwritten text, and save files to cloud storage platforms like OneNote and OneDrive. The app, which has over 50 million downloads and a 4.8-star rating on the Play Store, will begin its phase-out in mid-September. By mid-October, it will no longer be available for download on the Play Store or the App Store. In mid-November, the app will be completely removed from both app stores, and by mid-December, users will no longer be able to create new scans using Microsoft Lens. Microsoft is encouraging users to switch to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which has a scanning feature as well as several other features. This move is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to streamline its product offerings and focus on its core services.