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| Tech That Died in 2024 |
The year 2024 witnessed the demise of several tech products and services that once held significant positions in the market. From smartwatches to messaging platforms, the fast-paced world of technology saw many innovations fade into obsolescence. Let's take a look at some of the most notable tech casualties of the year.
Fossil Smartwatches: A Relic of the Past
Fossil, a well-known brand in the smartwatch market, officially discontinued its smartwatch line. The last model, Gen 6, which operated on Google's Wear OS, marked the end of an era. With growing competition from brands like Apple and Samsung, Fossil could not sustain its foothold in the wearables market.
Apple Pay Later and iTunes: End of an Era
Apple made several strategic product cuts this year, including the shutdown of its "Apple Pay Later" service. Launched less than a year ago, the buy-now-pay-later service failed to capture the market, leading to its discontinuation. Moreover, the tech giant finally put an end to iTunes on Windows 10 and 11, urging users to transition to Apple Music and other apps available in the Microsoft Store.
Google Services: Another Round of Shutdowns
Google is no stranger to discontinuing services, and 2024 was no different. Several products met their end, including:
- Google Pay in the US, transitioning users to Google Wallet.
- Google Podcasts, which merged into YouTube Music.
- Google Stack PDF scanner app, urging users to switch to Google Drive.
- Google One VPN, which failed to gain traction.
- Google Jamboard, a cloud-connected digital whiteboard.
- Chromecast, replaced by the more expensive Google TV streamer.
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ICQ: Goodbye to a '90s Classic
The instant messaging service ICQ, a nostalgic relic for many '90s kids, officially shut down after 27 years. Once a dominant player in online communication, ICQ lost relevance in the age of modern messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Hardware Failures: From Redbox to Boston Dynamics
In the hardware segment, Redbox, famous for its DVD rental kiosks, filed for bankruptcy, leading to the shutdown of 24,000 kiosks nationwide. Meanwhile, Boston Dynamics bid farewell to its hydraulic Atlas humanoid robot after 11 years of development, with a new electric version set to replace it.
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Meta and Snapchat's Failed Ventures
Meta's celebrity lookalike AI chatbots, designed to offer a personalized user experience, failed to gain traction and were swiftly discontinued. Similarly, Snapchat's Pixie Drone, a flying camera gadget, was recalled due to overheating battery issues.
Spotify's 'Car Thing' and Moxy the Robot
Spotify's foray into hardware with the "Car Thing" music streaming accessory ended in failure, rendering the $100 device useless. Meanwhile, the AI-powered Moxy robot, designed to be a companion for children, lost funding, leaving thousands of young users without their robotic friend.
Conclusion
The fast-changing technology landscape spares no innovation that fails to adapt. As we move into 2025, tech enthusiasts can expect further shifts in the industry. Stay tuned for updates and related news by reading Hindenburg Research Shuts Down Amidst Controversies.
What other tech products will fade into history next year? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
