15 Tech Failures That Were Supposed to Be the Next Big Thing
These ambitious tech products promised to revolutionize industries but instead crashed and burned, becoming cautionary tales of hype gone wrong.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Not every revolutionary concept evolves into the next iPhone or Tesla. Some ideas were overhyped, performed poorly, or simply came at the wrong moment, resulting in failures. From futuristic devices to ambitious platforms, these tech misfires show that even the greatest corporations can make mistakes.
1. Google Glass (2013–2015)
Raysonho on Wikimedia Commons
Google Glass was meant to bring augmented reality into everyday life, offering a hands-free digital experience. However, its awkward design, privacy concerns, and hefty price tag ($1,500) made it a tough sell.
2. Segway (2001–2020)
Jebulon on Wikimedia Commosn
The Segway was billed as the future of personal transportation and hyped as a revolutionary urban mobility device. Despite its futuristic appeal, it was too expensive, bulky, and impractical for most people.
3. Microsoft Zune (2006–2011)
Danielhalton on Wikimedia Commons
Microsoft’s attempt to dethrone the iPod, the Zune had solid hardware but struggled against Apple’s dominance. It lacked an ecosystem as strong as iTunes, and its branding failed to excite consumers.
4. 3D TVs (2010s)
Sony 3D TV on Wikimedia Commons
For a brief period, TV manufacturers pushed 3D televisions as the next evolution in home entertainment. The problem? People hated wearing the glasses; the content was limited, and the effect wasn’t as impressive as in theaters.
5. Apple Newton (1993–1998)
National Museum of American History on Wikimedia Commons
Apple’s first attempt at a personal digital assistant (PDA) was ahead of its time, featuring a touchscreen and handwriting recognition. Unfortunately, the handwriting software was so bad it became a running joke.
6. Juicero (2016–2017)
Steve Jurvetson on Wikimedia Commons
Juicero was a $400 Wi-Fi-connected juicer that required proprietary juice packets to function. The company collapsed after people realized they could just squeeze the packets by hand—no expensive machine needed.
7. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (2016)
Luca Viscardi on Wikimedia Commons
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 was a powerful smartphone with one major flaw—it had a tendency to explode. Due to battery defects, the phone overheated and caught fire, leading to airline bans and mass recalls.
8. HD DVD (2006–2008)
Pagemoral on Wikimedia Commons
HD DVD and Blu-ray battled to become the next-generation disc format, but only one could win. Despite early backing from Toshiba and Microsoft, HD DVD lost when major studios sided with Blu-ray.
9. Google+ (2011–2019)
Kavali Chandrakanth KCK on Wikimedi Commosn
Google+ was Google’s ambitious attempt to take on Facebook, featuring “Circles” for organizing friends and integrated video chats. However, it never gained mainstream appeal and felt like a ghost town compared to its rivals.
10. Facebook Home (2013)
Pixabay on Pexels
Facebook Home was a smartphone interface designed to replace Android’s default home screen with a Facebook-centric experience. It was intrusive, battery-draining, and made phones less user-friendly for non-Facebook tasks.
11. Nintendo Virtual Boy (1995–1996)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Nintendo’s Virtual Boy attempted to bring 3D gaming to the masses but instead caused headaches—literally. The red monochrome display was uncomfortable to look at, and the headset was too bulky to use comfortably.
12. Windows Phone (2010–2017)
Wikimedia Commons
Microsoft tried to challenge iOS and Android with Windows Phone, offering a sleek interface and unique tile-based design. However, poor app support and lackluster developer interest sealed its fate.
13. Blackberry PlayBook (2011–2013)
Abehn on Wikimedia Commons
BlackBerry’s PlayBook tablet was supposed to compete with the iPad but lacked a built-in email app—a dealbreaker for BlackBerry users. It was also slow, expensive, and had limited apps, making it a flop.
14. CueCat (1999–2001)
Shaddack on WIkimedia Commons
The CueCat was a bizarre barcode scanner meant to help users find online content by scanning printed codes. However, it required a clunky wired connection, and typing a website address was just easier.
15. Fire Phone (2014–2015)
Chris F on Wikimedia Commons
Amazon’s Fire Phone had 3D display technology and deep integration with Amazon services, but it failed to impress. High pricing, weak app support, and the lack of compelling features led to poor sales.