The biggest tech failures in history

Over the years, there have been many high-profile tech failures—some due to poor execution, others because they were ahead of their time, and some because they simply didn’t resonate with users. Below are some of the biggest tech failures in history.

1. Google Glass (2013-2015)

Google Glass was introduced as a revolutionary wearable technology, allowing users to access information through an augmented reality display. However, it faced numerous issues, including privacy concerns, high costs ($1,500), and limited functionality. Users felt uncomfortable wearing it in public due to its odd design, and the term "Glassholes" emerged for those who wore them. Google discontinued the consumer version in 2015, making it one of the company's biggest flops.

2. Microsoft Zune (2006-2011)

Microsoft launched the Zune as a competitor to Apple’s iPod. While the device itself wasn’t terrible, it failed due to poor timing and lack of innovation. Apple had already dominated the portable music player market with the iPod and iTunes ecosystem. Microsoft failed to offer a compelling reason for users to switch, and despite several iterations, the Zune was discontinued in 2011.

3. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (2016)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 became infamous for one reason—exploding batteries. Shortly after its launch, reports emerged of the device overheating and catching fire. Airlines banned the phone from flights, and Samsung had to recall millions of units, costing the company billions of dollars. Despite Samsung's best efforts to fix the problem, the phone was permanently discontinued, becoming one of the most infamous product failures in tech history.

4. Apple Newton (1993-1998)

Apple Newton was one of the earliest personal digital assistants (PDAs), featuring handwriting recognition technology. However, it was ahead of its time and suffered from poor performance. The handwriting recognition software was widely mocked for its inaccuracy. Despite being a pioneering device, the Newton failed to gain traction and was eventually discontinued in 1998 when Steve Jobs returned to Apple.

5. Facebook Home (2013)

Facebook Home was an attempt to deeply integrate Facebook into Android smartphones. It replaced the standard Android home screen with a Facebook-centric interface. However, users found it intrusive and lacking in essential features. The HTC First, the only phone launched with Facebook Home pre-installed, was a commercial disaster. Facebook quietly abandoned the project within a year.

6. Segway (2001-Present)

When the Segway was introduced in 2001, it was touted as a revolutionary mode of personal transportation. However, it failed to live up to expectations. The price was too high, the design was impractical for everyday use, and cities weren’t ready to accommodate it. The Segway became more of a niche product used by mall cops and tour groups rather than a transportation revolution. In 2020, Segway officially ended production.

7. Yahoo’s Decline (1990s-2017)

Yahoo was once the dominant force in the early days of the internet. However, a series of poor business decisions led to its downfall. The company failed to acquire Google for just $1 million in 1998, passed on a chance to buy Facebook for $1 billion in 2006, and turned down a $44.6 billion buyout offer from Microsoft in 2008. In 2017, Yahoo was sold to Verizon for just $4.48 billion, marking the end of an internet giant.

8. Juicero (2016-2017)

Juicero was a startup that sold a $400 Wi-Fi-connected juicing machine that only worked with proprietary juice packs. The company raised $120 million in funding but collapsed when a Bloomberg report revealed that users could simply squeeze the juice packs by hand—rendering the machine completely unnecessary. Juicero became a symbol of Silicon Valley excess, and the company shut down in 2017.

9. Google+ (2011-2019)

Google+ was Google’s attempt to compete with Facebook in the social media space. Despite the company’s massive resources, Google+ never gained widespread adoption. Users found it confusing and unnecessary, especially since they were already using Facebook. A major security breach in 2018 sealed its fate, and Google shut down the platform in 2019.

10. BlackBerry’s Decline (1990s-2016)

BlackBerry was once the dominant smartphone brand, known for its physical keyboards and strong security features. However, the company failed to adapt to the touchscreen revolution brought by the iPhone and Android devices. Its refusal to innovate quickly led to its downfall, and by 2016, BlackBerry had exited the smartphone market entirely.

Conclusion

The history of technology is filled with both successes and failures. While these tech flops resulted in financial losses and embarrassment, they also provided valuable lessons for future innovation. Many of the companies behind these failures—like Apple, Google, and Microsoft—rebounded with even more successful products. Failure is an inevitable part of progress, and in the world of technology, today’s failure could lead to tomorrow’s breakthrough.