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From Google Glass to Microsoft Zune, tech products that flopped and why
From poor marketing to bad timing, discover why these ambitious gadgets bombed
In the fast-moving world of technology, innovation is often met with excitement, investment, and grand promises. But not everything that starts with a bang ends with a boom—some gadgets and technologies fizzle out despite their initial hype. Let’s take a look at some of the most ambitious tech products that ultimately failed and why they couldn’t stick around.
Google Glass (2013–2015)
What it promised: A futuristic, hands-free augmented reality (AR) experience with voice commands and a built-in camera. It was supposed to revolutionize the way we interact with digital content.
Why it flopped:
Privacy concerns: A camera mounted on your face was a little too dystopian for most people.
High price: At $1,500, it was more of an expensive experiment than a consumer-friendly device.
Lack of clear use cases: It was cool, but not useful enough to justify the cost and weird looks from strangers.
Segway (2001)
What it promised: The Segway was meant to redefine urban mobility, replacing cars and walking with a sleek, self-balancing, two-wheeled vehicle.
Why it flopped:
Awkward design: Riding a Segway never looked as cool as the inventors hoped.
Expensive: Costing upwards of $5,000, it was out of reach for most consumers.
Regulation issues: Many cities banned or restricted its use on sidewalks and roads.
Overhyped launch: Steve Jobs famously warned the creators it might not be as revolutionary as they thought. Turns out, he was right.
Amazon Fire Phone (2014)
What it promised: A smartphone that seamlessly integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem, featuring a 3D interface and object recognition via Firefly.
Why it flopped:
Too focused on selling Amazon products: It felt like a glorified shopping device rather than a competitor to the iPhone or Android.
Limited app selection: Amazon’s ecosystem simply couldn’t compete with Apple’s App Store or Google Play.
High price, low appeal: At launch, it cost as much as an iPhone but lacked the same brand prestige.
3D TVs (2010s)
What they promised: An immersive home entertainment experience that would bring movies to life like never before.
Why they flopped:
Inconvenience: The need for special glasses was a dealbreaker for most.
Lack of content: Studios didn’t create enough 3D content to justify the investment.
Better alternatives: High-definition, 4K, and OLED screens proved to be more appealing upgrades for home viewers.
Microsoft Zune (2006–2011)
What it promised: A true iPod competitor with a sleek design, high-quality audio, and a social sharing feature called “Zune-to-Zune.”
Why it flopped:
Late to the party: By the time Zune arrived, Apple’s iPod had already dominated the market.
Lack of brand appeal: “Zune” never had the same cultural cachet as the iPod.
Poor marketing: Microsoft didn’t create the same level of hype that Apple mastered with its product launches.
Apple Newton (1993–1998)
What it promised: A groundbreaking personal digital assistant (PDA) with handwriting recognition and smart note-taking features.
Why it flopped:
Technology wasn’t ready: The handwriting recognition was so bad that it became a running joke.
Too expensive: At $700, it was pricey for a device with limited practical use.
Outshined by Palm Pilot: Palm’s PDAs did it better, and cheaper.
Why Do Some Revolutionary Tech Products Fail?
While each of these products had its own issues, there are common reasons why even groundbreaking tech fails:
Ahead of its time: Sometimes, the world isn’t ready (or willing) to adopt new technology just yet.
Too expensive: Innovation is great, but price matters. If it’s too costly, adoption suffers.
Poor marketing or execution: Even the best ideas need a clear strategy to succeed.
Better alternatives: If a competing product does the job more effectively, the market moves on quickly.
Better iterations
Not all flops are failures, though. Some of these products paved the way for future successes. Google Glass may have fizzled, but AR is thriving in enterprise applications. The Apple Newton’s ideas eventually helped shape the iPhone and iPad. Even the Segway found a second life with self-balancing scooters and delivery robots.
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Business NewsLoungeBusiness Of LifeFrom Google Glass to Microsoft Zune, tech products that flopped and why
First Published:9 Feb 2025, 02:00 PM IST
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