Everyone loves a cool gadget, especially those that seem to be a leap into the future. Unfortunately, not every futuristic looking device manages to stand the test of time. Here are five examples of gadgets that had a lot of promise, but ultimately became obsolete.
The Google Glass: Augmented Reality That Fell Short
When the Google Glass first launched, it seemed to be a step into a sci-fi future. The idea of wearing a pair of glasses that could feed you real-time information about the world around you was exciting. Unfortunately, the device fell short in many ways. The battery life was poor, the price tag was high, and the public backlash over privacy concerns led to the discontinuation of the product.
The Segway: Futuristic Transport That Never Took Off
The Segway was touted as the future of urban transport. Its self-balancing technology was impressive, and it seemed like a convenient solution for short-distance travel. But the Segway never really took off. The high price tag, combined with a series of high-profile accidents, saw the Segway relegated to the realm of mall cops and city tours.
3D Televisions: A High-Tech Fad That Faded Fast
3D televisions were supposed to be the next big thing in home entertainment. The promise of watching movies and TV shows in 3D from the comfort of your own couch was an exciting prospect. However, the need for special glasses, the lack of 3D content, and the fact that many people found the 3D effect uncomfortable meant that the technology never really caught on.
The Palm Pilot: The Precursor to Modern Smartphones
The Palm Pilot was a ground-breaking gadget when it was first introduced. It was one of the first devices to successfully combine computing, note-taking, and communication features into a handheld device. However, with the advent of smartphones, the Palm Pilot quickly became redundant. Today, it’s an interesting piece of tech history, but not a device you’re likely to see in use.
HD DVD Players: The Lost Format War Against Blu-ray
In the mid-2000s, there was a format war raging between HD DVDs and Blu-rays. Both promised high-definition video and advanced features, but only one could come out on top. In the end, Blu-ray won, largely due to its greater storage capacity and better support from movie studios. As a result, HD DVD players quickly became obsolete and are now only found in the collections of tech enthusiasts.