After the launch of Google Photos last year, there were concerns about what it would mean for the existing picture manager Picasa. Google has cleared the air and announced that Google Photos will take over photo editing and storage duties from Picasa soon. Complete and undivided focus on the development of Google Photos has been cited as the reason for this move.
Existing users just have to login to Google Photos and all their Picasa data will already be present. Users unhappy with Google Photos will be given an unspecified separate area to view, download and delete Picasa Web Albums although create, organize or edit albums will be not be available.
Google will cease support for the Picasa desktop app on 1 March, 2016 with the complete transition starting in phases from 1 May, 2016.
[Via Google Blog]