Blackberry, Microsoft, Facebook Among Established Names In Technology Failures List
By Staff Writer
Oct 01, 2014 10:25 PM EDT
Trending News
There are several reasons for the failure of a certain technology. It is either they were launched too early in the market or too late. Likewise, it could either be they were way behind their time or already obsolete at the time of their launch. From gadgets to software and other stuff, failures can be a learning experience and a great teacher.
The year 2014 saw both triumphs and failures in the technology sector. Successful developments include the coming of big and beautiful phablets (a phone and a tablet in one), convenient fitness trackers, and cheap-but-versatile gadgets such as Chromecast.
But while there were successes, there were also flops and failures in this field. Some of them are already familiar and established names. Others are start-ups trying to curve a niche in the tough and competitive technology sector. Here we will look at the collective list of ten of the technology failures for this year by New York Post.and thepush..
Facebook Home
When it was launched in 2013 as an Android app, Facebook Home turned a phone's home screen into Facebook central making connection with Facebook friends the priority over all other functions of the phone. This did not auger well for users who did not like this approach. HTC First, the first phone to carry it, reduced its price to 99 cents per month.
BlackBerry 10
Once the dominant force in the smartphone industry, Blackberry or RIM continued its decline. Released in 2013, the BlackBerry 10 was tipped as the savior of the struggling Canadian company. Packed with iPhone-like touch screen interface and loaded with apps, it could not, however, compete with the iPhone and Android phones.
Microsoft Surface
Microsoft envisioned the Surface as a potential threat to the iPad. Released in 2012, it was positioned as a device that combines a tablet and a laptop. Aside from that, the much fancied snap-on keyboard shown in its ads was actually sold separately.
Apple Maps
If there is one failure that Apple has had over the years, Apple Maps usually comes to mind. Released in 2012 as an attempt to replace Google Maps on iPhones, the app was panned for allegedly providing bad directions as well as its lack of public transit directions. Eventually, Google released Google Maps for iPhone.
Wii U
All eyes were on Nintendo in 2012 as it looked to unveil the successor to its highly successful Wii console. But gaming enthusiasts did not like the bulky controller with built-in screen as well as the lack of notable titles. As a result, Nintendo reduced its sales predictions by 70% last year leaving PlayStation 4 and Xbox One getting the lion's share of the market.
Zune
Pitted as an iPod killer, Zune instead added up to the failures of Microsoft in 2006. From the onset, the music player was a failure and its inability to share songs with other Zune users proved to be a bust. Eventually, Microsoft decided to shelve the hardware in 2011.
Google Nexus Q
What killed the Google Nexus Q in 2012 was its costly $299 price tag. First and foremost, there were similar devices in the market that offered the same functions at a cheaper price. Aside from that, it did not have such an intuitive set-up which was contrary to what Google marketed.
Samsung Galaxy Gear
Backed by a clever marketing strategy and a significant social media hype, the Samsung Galaxy Gear did not meet sales expectations with only a fewer than a million units sold. One reason for its failure is that people did not have an idea of what its functions are aside from telling time. Aside from that, it offered limited connectivity especially for people who did not own a Galaxy Note 2 or a Galaxy S3.
Fitbit Force
Fitbit is an established name when it comes to fitness trackers and the Fitbit Force was supposed to be their gold standard. However, a few weeks after it was launched in the market, users started complaining about skin rashes when wearing the device. In fairness to Fitbit, the company acted quickly and is now offering buyers of the tracker full refund.
Windows Phone
Another one in the list of Microsoft's failures is Windows Phone. The smartphone was only able to collar a 5% market share in the United States and only 7.4 million units shipped in the second quarter of this year. There was one obvious reason for its failure: consumers prefer either iPhones or Androids.
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