G suite legacy free edition for personal use
It looks like Google is considering a bespoke solution for the 'G Suite legacy free edition' users for non-business use.
I found the following link in the Workspace help pages:
https://support.google.com/a/answer/60217#nonbiz&zippy=%2Cwhat-if-i-use-g-suite-legacy-free-edition-for-personal-use-and-dont-want-to-upgrade-to-a-google-workspace-subscription
> What if I use G Suite legacy free edition for personal use and don't want to upgrade to a Google Workspace subscription?
> Upgrading to a Google Workspace subscription is a seamless transition for all customers currently on the G Suite legacy free edition.
> However, we understand some customers may not use their G Suite legacy free edition for business and may be interested in other options.
> If you have 10 or fewer users in your group and do not use your G Suite legacy free edition for business, please sign in to your administrator account to provide more information.
> <Sign in to an administrator account (doesn't end in gmail.com)>
> Note that even if you decide you don't want to upgrade to Google Workspace, you'll still retain access to additional Google services and paid content purchased though non-Google Workspace services made with your legacy edition account (such as movies purchased on Google Play). Learn more above.
The <sign-in> link turns into a google form when logged in. I was able to fill it in and specify that I'm only interested in personal use.
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From the same page - it also seems like they'll provide a way to migrate to a non-Workspace account:
> If I don’t want to upgrade to a paid subscription, can I transfer my data?
> In the coming months, we'll provide an option for you to move your non-Google Workspace paid content and most of your data to a no-cost option. This new option won't include premium features like custom email or multi-account management.
> You'll be able to evaluate this option prior to July 1, 2022 and prior to account suspension. We'll update this article with details in the coming months.
So, if I'm interpreting that right --unlike last time they introduced a pricing tier and allowed a legacy free option [which I'm on]-- this time there will be no free option that allows you to use Gmail with your own domain?>>This new option won't include premium features like custom email...Time to move on then. I thought we had an arrangement Google: I use Gmail with my own domain for free, in return for which you get to slurp data from my correspondence. Now you want to slurp my data AND have me pay for the privilege?
The second word of my response to that is "OFF!"
Following the killing of several key products over the years I don't plan to rely on Google going forward. In this context I am going with Fastmail and custom domains.
I am old enough to see my generation has been part of an experiment. Hook people on Saas and then figure out how to bill them. I plan to pay for dedicated services going forward when I can.
We are the gold in other companie's gold rush. I see my value now and will distribute my coin where I choose.