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Over the past decade, the tech industry has introduced numerous gadgets that, despite initial hype, failed to endure. Factors such as rapid technological advancements, market miscalculations, and shifting consumer preferences contributed to their decline. Here are 20 notable tech gadgets from the past ten years that didn’t stand the test of time:

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1. Amazon Fire Phone (2014–2015)

Amazon’s attempt to penetrate the smartphone market resulted in the Fire Phone, which struggled due to a lack of unique features, high pricing, and limited app support. The device was discontinued within a year, leading to a significant financial loss for Amazon.
TIME: Amazon Fire Phone: Why It Failed to Take Off

2. Flammable Hoverboards (2015–2016)

These self-balancing scooters gained rapid popularity but faced safety issues, including battery fires. Widespread reports of incidents led to recalls and a swift decline in consumer interest.
Consumer Product Safety Commission: Hoverboard Safety Alert

3. Google Glass (2013–2015)

Pioneering the concept of smart eyewear, Google Glass faced privacy concerns and a lack of clear functionality for everyday users, leading to its discontinuation.
technologyreview: Google Glass Is Dead; Long Live Google Glass

4. Microsoft Kinect (2010–2017)

Initially celebrated for its motion-sensing capabilities, Kinect failed to maintain momentum due to limited game support and practical applications, resulting in its phase-out.
techcrunch: Microsoft Kinect is officially dead

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (2016)

Launched with high expectations, the Galaxy Note 7 suffered from battery defects causing explosions, leading to a global recall and tarnished brand reputation.
BBC News: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 banned on US airlines

6. Nintendo Wii U (2012–2017)

As a successor to the popular Wii, the Wii U faced poor marketing and limited third-party support, leading to disappointing sales and its eventual discontinuation.
gamespot: Nintendo Officially Ends Wii U Production

7. Pebble Smartwatch (2013–2016)

Among the first smartwatches, Pebble couldn’t compete with tech giants entering the wearable market, leading to its decline and acquisition by Fitbit.
gizmodo: Pebble is dead

8. 3D Televisions (2010–2017)

Promoted as the next big thing in home entertainment, 3D TVs failed to captivate consumers due to limited content and the inconvenience of 3D glasses.
whathifi: 3D TV is dead

9. BlackBerry PlayBook (2011–2013)

BlackBerry’s attempt at a tablet lacked essential features like native email support, leading to poor sales and its eventual discontinuation.
wikipedia: BlackBerry PlayBook

10. Google Nexus Q (2012)

This media streaming device was criticized for its limited functionality and high price, leading to its cancellation before a wide release.
IGN: Google officially kills Nexus Q streaming device

11. Jawbone UP (2011–2016)

Once a leader in fitness trackers, Jawbone faced stiff competition and financial troubles, leading to its exit from the market.
CNBC: Jawbone is liquidating

12. Amazon Echo Look (2017–2020)

Designed to offer fashion advice using a built-in camera, the Echo Look raised privacy concerns and failed to gain traction, leading to its discontinuation.
The Verge: Amazon discontinues Echo Look

13. Facebook Home (2013)

An Android launcher aimed at integrating Facebook deeply into smartphones, it was poorly received due to limited functionality and user interest, leading to its quick demise.
Medium: Facebook Home fails

14. Apple AirPower (Announced 2017, Cancelled 2019)

Apple’s ambitious wireless charging mat faced technical challenges, leading to its cancellation before reaching consumers.
TheVerge: Apple Cancels AirPower

15. Sony PlayStation Vita (2011–2019)

Despite strong hardware, the Vita struggled with limited game support and competition from mobile gaming, leading to its discontinuation.
Business Insider: Sony officially discontinues PlayStation Vita

16. HTC Vive Pro (2018–2020)

A high-end VR headset that failed to capture a significant market due to its high price and competition from more affordable alternatives.
roadtovr: HTC Vive Pro review

17. Nokia Lumia Series (2011–2015)

Nokia’s partnership with Microsoft to produce Windows Phone devices couldn’t compete with iOS and Android, leading to the series’ end.
The Verge: Windows Phone is dead

18. Ouya Gaming Console (2013–2015)

A Kickstarter-backed Android gaming console that failed to deliver a compelling gaming experience, leading to its quick decline.
**[Engadget: Razer buys Ouya](https://www.engadget.com/2015/07/

19. Google Daydream VR (2016–2019)

Google’s attempt at mobile VR, Daydream, was promising but failed due to limited content, lack of support from major phone manufacturers, and declining consumer interest in smartphone-based VR. Google officially discontinued the platform in 2019.
Forbes: Google Discontinues Daydream VR

20. Apple Watch Series 4 (2018–2024)

Once a popular smartwatch, the Series 4 has been classified as ‘vintage’ by Apple, indicating limited support and repair options.
Apple: Vintage and obsolete products

Conclusion

The relentless pace of tech advancement makes for an intriguing and exciting environment. It can also be fickle, ruthless and unforgiving. While many of the casualties of the last decade were the talk of the town upon their release (some even enduring for a few seasons) many were eventually either lapped by the sheer pace of progress in the arena or simply fell out of favour with a market that’s been spoiled for choice in recent years. With the advent of AI and huge strides in quantam computing, it’s anyone’s guess as to what gizmos, gadgets and gimmicks might pop up next, and whether they’ll endure like the mobile phone or enjoy a brief stint in the limelight followed by a steady downward trajectory.