Back in November 2015, Google asked users to pick the Light Side or Dark Side of the Force, and launched a bunch of "Star Wars"-themed bonus goodies to promote the new "The Force Awakens," including:
- Gmail gets new backgrounds
- YouTube's progress bar and volume slider turn into red or blue lightsabers
- The release date of the film (December 18) got added to your Google Calendar
- In Google Maps, your position marker becomes either a TIE fighter or an X-Wing
- The voice of C-3PO to guide you around in Google-owned navigation app Waze (my personal favorite)
The February 1st end-date is confirmed by Google's "Star Wars" FAQ.
Other, non-app related fun things like the "Lightsaber Escape" game, which turns your phone into a lightsaber as you escape from the evil First Order, will probably stick around for a while.
So while the apps are losing their "Star Wars" shine, just remember - the Force will be with you. Always.