London, Jun 8 (IANS): Google is phasing out support for some Internet browsers from later this year.

Users of Internet Explorer 7, Safari 3 and Firefox 3.5 and all previous versions will lose some functions from Aug 1.

The features that will gradually stop working include access to Gmail, Google Calender, Google Talk and Google Docs.

The company warned that if users fail to upgrade, then these services will eventually stop working altogether, the Daily Mail reports.

They added that they are urging users to upgrade because of insecurities in the old browsers which could leave them prone to attack.

The announcement was made in a blog by Google's vice president (engineering) Venkat Panchapakesan, who said the move was also influenced by engineers who want to make use of the latest browser technology

Panchapakesan said on the blog: "These new browsers are more than just a modern convenience, they are a necessity for what the future holds."

"Older browsers just don't have the chops to provide you with the same high-quality experience."

Google Chrome users may also be affected by the move - but only if they have chosen to turn off the automatic update feature

Microsoft has also used several methods to attempt to get its users to upgrade. These include placing the software inside their monthly automatic updates.

However, statistics show that as many as 20 percent of Internet users still use Internet Explorer 7 or below. They also reveal that as many as 34 percent of Chinese users are still on Internet Explorer 6.

This is despite Internet Explorer 6 being described as "the least secure software on the planet".