LG Chloe
In 2018, LG revolutionized the way humans interacted with robots, though not in a particularly positive way. During the unveiling of the LG Chloe, an AI robot designed to manage a home, the audience was filled with excitement that quickly turned to cringing. When the presenter asked the robot a question, it failed to respond, leaving the audience in an awkward silence. After two more attempts, the presenter was met with a blank stare, prompting laughter from the crowd. This tech fail earns a 2 out of 10 on the failed scale.
Runcible
The Runcible is a smartphone that defies convention. It is a circular device that is made of wood and has no camera, no apps, and no internet connection. It was designed to be a device that encourages users to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Unfortunately, the Runcible was not well received, and its failure to gain traction earns it a 4 out of 10 on the failed scale.
Google Glass
Google Glass was a revolutionary product that promised to bring augmented reality to the masses. Unfortunately, the product was plagued with privacy concerns and was quickly labeled as a “face computer” by the public. The device was also criticized for its high price tag and lack of features. This tech fail earns a 6 out of 10 on the failed scale.
Microsoft Kin
Microsoft Kin was a smartphone designed to be a social media device. It was marketed as a device that would allow users to easily share photos and videos with their friends. Unfortunately, the device was plagued with issues, including a lack of features and a high price tag. This tech fail earns a 7 out of 10 on the failed scale.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps was a mapping application released by Apple in 2012. The application was plagued with inaccuracies, including incorrect directions and missing landmarks. This tech fail earns an 8 out of 10 on the failed scale.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was a smartphone released by Amazon in 2014. The device was criticized for its high price tag and lack of features. It was also plagued with issues, including poor battery life and a lack of apps. This tech fail earns a 9 out of 10 on the failed scale.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was a smartphone released in 2016. The device was plagued with issues, including a tendency to overheat and catch fire. This tech fail earns a 10 out of 10 on the failed scale, making it the most painful tech fail of the entire decade.
The Cybertruck Fiasco
In late 2019, Elon Musk walked on stage to introduce the world to the Cybertruck. It was a revolutionary design, ditching glass and traditional construction for a stainless steel exoskeleton. It was even fully user upgradable for sustainability. Unfortunately, it was unable to make phone calls, and the small print on the website referred to it as a “very small tablet”. With a 2.5 inch circular display, it was a 2 out of 10 fail.
Tay the AI Twitter Bot
In 2016, Microsoft created a Twitter account that used artificial intelligence to learn how to talk like a human. They called her Tay and claimed that the more people talked to her, the smarter she became. Unfortunately, within 24 hours of being up, Tay was tweeting some of the most horrific racial slurs on the platform. It seemed that the wider population had taken advantage of her AI capabilities, teaching her to say things which were completely out of order. Despite her sophistication in picking up how humans talked, she was not sophisticated enough to know when she was being led on. This was a 3 out of 10 fail.
The Folly of AI
The Tay fiasco serves as a stark reminder of the power of AI and the need to be careful with how much power we give it. AI is a powerful tool, but it is still in its infancy and can be easily manipulated. As such, it is important to be aware of its limitations and to use it responsibly.
Google Nexus Q
The Google Nexus Q was a media streamer released in 2012, intended to be a way for users to display content from their phone onto their TV. It was met with a lukewarm reception, as it was expensive at $300 and could only stream Google content such as Google Play Music, which is now defunct. The New York Times described the device as “wildly overbuilt for its limited functions”, a damning review for any brand.
Google Glass
Google Glass was another tech fail from the search engine giant. Unlike the Nexus Q, which was met with indifference, people were actually excited about Glass. It was intended to be a wearable device that could be used to take pictures, record videos, and access the internet. However, the device was met with criticism due to privacy concerns, as well as its high price tag.
Google Wave
Google Wave was a communication and collaboration tool released in 2009. It was intended to be a platform for users to communicate and collaborate in real-time, but it was met with a lukewarm reception due to its complicated user interface and lack of features. It was eventually shut down in 2012 due to its lack of popularity.
Google Glass
Google Glass was a revolutionary concept that sought to merge the physical and digital worlds. It was a wearable device that allowed users to access the internet, take pictures, and even make video calls. Unfortunately, the product was released before the technology was ready, and it was met with a lukewarm reception from consumers. The hefty price tag of $1500 was also a major deterrent, and the product was eventually discontinued.
Google Stadia
Google’s next tech fail was Google Stadia, which was touted as a revolutionary way to play video games. The idea was that users could watch gameplay on YouTube, and then click one button to jump into the game themselves. All they needed was a good internet connection and no downloads or console were required. Unfortunately, the technology was not quite ready, and users experienced input lag and other issues.
Google Duplex
Google Duplex was another ambitious project from Google that sought to automate phone calls. It was a voice assistant that could make calls and book appointments on behalf of the user. However, the technology was not quite ready, and the calls were often met with confusion from the other end. Google has since discontinued the project.
Google Wave
Google Wave was a communication platform that sought to combine email, instant messaging, and social networking into one platform. Unfortunately, the technology was not quite ready, and users found the platform to be confusing and difficult to use. Google eventually discontinued the project.
Google Allo
Google Allo was a messaging app that sought to combine the best features of other messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, the app was met with lukewarm reception from users, who found the app to be confusing and difficult to use. Google eventually discontinued the project.
Google Buzz
Google Buzz was an ambitious project from Google that sought to combine social networking and messaging into one platform. Unfortunately, the technology was not quite ready, and users found the platform to be confusing and difficult to use. Google eventually discontinued the project.
Google+
Google+ was an ambitious project from Google that sought to combine social networking and messaging into one platform. Unfortunately, the technology was not quite ready, and users found the platform to be confusing and difficult to use. Google eventually discontinued the project.
Google Lively
Google Lively was an ambitious project from Google that sought to combine virtual worlds and social networking into one platform. Unfortunately, the technology was not quite ready, and users found the platform to be confusing and difficult to use. Google eventually discontinued the project.
Google Spaces
Google Spaces was an ambitious project from Google that sought to combine messaging and social networking into one platform. Unfortunately, the technology was not quite ready, and users found the platform to be confusing and difficult to use. Google eventually discontinued the project.
Google Video
Google Video was an ambitious project from Google that sought to combine video streaming and social networking into one platform. Unfortunately, the technology was not quite ready, and users found the platform to be confusing and
The Wii U
The Wii U was Nintendo’s attempt to build on the success of the Wii, a console that had revolutionized gaming by bringing together gamers of all ages. The Wii U was designed to be a hybrid console, allowing gamers to play games on their TV as well as on the controller’s built-in screen. Unfortunately, the console was met with a lukewarm reception due to its confusing name and lack of powerful hardware.
Hardware Issues
The Wii U’s hardware was significantly less powerful than its competitors, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. This meant that the console was unable to run the latest games at the highest settings, making it a less attractive option for gamers. Additionally, the console was plagued by lag and frame rate issues, further diminishing its appeal.
Marketing Fiasco
The Wii U’s marketing was also a major factor in its failure. Nintendo failed to effectively communicate the console’s features and capabilities, leading to confusion and misunderstanding about what the console was and what it could do. Additionally, the console’s name was widely criticized as being too similar to the original Wii, leading many to believe that it was simply an accessory for the existing console.
Lack of Third-Party Support
The Wii U’s lack of third-party support was another major issue. Many developers and publishers chose to focus their efforts on the more powerful Xbox One and PlayStation 4, leaving the Wii U with a limited selection of games. This further reduced the console’s appeal, as gamers had fewer options to choose from.
Poor Online Features
The Wii U’s online features were also lacking. The console’s online store was slow and cumbersome, and the console lacked features such as voice chat and party systems that were commonplace on other consoles. Additionally, the console’s online services were often unreliable, leading to frustration for gamers.
The Wii U
The Wii U was Nintendo’s attempt to stay competitive in the console market, but it was a colossal failure. Despite the hype surrounding the console, it was unable to keep up with the competition, and sales were abysmal. The console’s main selling point was its innovative tablet controller, but the lack of third-party support and the inability to keep up with the competition meant that the console was quickly forgotten.
The Ouya
The Ouya was a console that promised to revolutionize the gaming industry by offering a low-cost console that could play thousands of games for free. The idea was appealing, and the console was able to raise almost nine million dollars on Kickstarter. However, when the console was released, it became clear that its biggest strength was also its biggest weakness. The games on the console were mostly made for phones, and the lack of good controller support and the poor graphics meant that the console was quickly forgotten.
Google Glass
Google Glass was a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display that was released in 2013. The device was meant to be a revolutionary way to interact with the world, but the public was not ready for it. The device was seen as intrusive and creepy, and the high price tag meant that it was quickly forgotten.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps was released in 2012 as a replacement for Google Maps on iOS devices. Unfortunately, the app was plagued with errors, and users quickly realized that it was not up to par with Google Maps. Apple quickly released updates to fix the issues, but the damage was done, and the app was quickly forgotten.
Facebook Home
Facebook Home was a launcher for Android devices that was released in 2013. The idea was to make Facebook the center of the user’s experience, but the app was quickly forgotten due to its lack of features and the inability to keep up with the competition.
Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was a smartphone released in 2010 that was meant to be a social media-focused device. Unfortunately, the device was quickly forgotten due to its lack of features and its high price tag.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was released in 2014 as a way for Amazon to enter the smartphone market. Unfortunately, the device was quickly forgotten due to its lack of features and its high price tag.
Yahoo! Axis
Yahoo! Axis was a web browser released in 2012 that was meant to revolutionize the way people browsed the web. Unfortunately, the browser was quickly forgotten due to its lack of features and its inability to keep up with the competition.
Microsoft Zune
The Microsoft Zune was a portable media player released in 2006 that was meant to compete with the iPod. Unfortunately, the device was quickly forgotten due to its lack of features and its inability to keep up with the competition.
Google Wave
Google Wave was a communication and collaboration tool released in 2009 that was meant to revolutionize the way people communicated. Unfortunately,
1. Sony’s PlayStation 4
In 2013, Sony announced the PlayStation 4, the latest in their line of gaming consoles. The console was met with great anticipation and excitement, as it promised to revolutionize the gaming experience. However, the launch was marred by a series of technical issues, including faulty hardware, software bugs, and connectivity issues. These issues caused many gamers to experience frustration and disappointment, and Sony was forced to issue a series of patches and updates in order to address the problems.
2. Juicero’s Juicing Machine
In 2016, Juicero, a startup company, released a juicing machine that promised to make fresh, healthy juices in the comfort of your own home. The machine cost a hefty $700 and required users to purchase special sachets of cut-up fruit in order to use it. However, it was soon discovered that the same juice could be made faster and cheaper by simply squeezing the sachets by hand. This revelation caused Juicero’s stock to plummet and the company was forced to shut down shortly afterwards.
3. June’s Smart Ovens
June, a company that specializes in smart ovens, released their first generation of ovens in 2018. The ovens were praised for their sleek design and innovative features. However, it was soon discovered that the ovens had a tendency to randomly turn themselves on and heat up to dangerous temperatures. This posed a serious safety risk and caused many customers to return their ovens. June was forced to recall the ovens and issue a software update in order to address the issue.
4. Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7
In 2016, Samsung released the Galaxy Note 7, a flagship smartphone that was met with much anticipation and excitement. However, shortly after its release, reports began to surface of the phone spontaneously catching fire and exploding. Samsung was forced to recall the phone and issue a software update in order to address the issue. The incident caused Samsung to suffer a significant financial loss and damage to its reputation.
The Amazon Ring Security System
The Amazon Ring Security System was designed to provide users with full access to view and hear what was happening in any room at any time. However, the system was only protected by a simple username and password, making it vulnerable to hacking. This led to some horrifying incidents, such as one where a hacker threatened an elderly woman in an apartment with a 50 bitcoin ransom, or else she would be terminated.
The Amazon Ring Smart Doorbells
The Amazon Ring Smart Doorbells were meant to be a useful addition to the security system, but they ended up causing more harm than good. The doorbells started spontaneously bursting into flames, leaving Amazon to address the issue with a software update.
Segways and Hoverboards
Segways and Hoverboards were once the coolest things on the planet, providing an alternative to walking. However, it was soon discovered that these devices were actually quite dangerous, leading to their eventual disappearance.
Segway Fails
The Segway, an innovative two-wheeled personal transporter, has had its share of fails. In 2010, the owner of the Segway company drove one off a cliff and tragically died. Governments have since gotten involved and banned the use of Segways in public spaces, due to their potential danger. Additionally, the supposed hoverboards, which were really just boards, started catching on fire, leading to the recall of half a million of them.
Social Media Fails
Social media has had its fair share of fails, with Facebook leading the pack. In 2018, the company had one of the biggest data breaches of all time, affecting 50 million users. This was followed by the biggest tech scam of the decade, where user data was extracted from Facebook for political advertising.
Usain Bolt Incident
In one of the most memorable tech fails, a cameraman managed to plow straight into Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest sprinter. Even the President of the United States was seen falling off a Segway, showing that no one is immune from tech fails.
Facebook Portal
The launch of the Facebook Portal was met with a great deal of criticism, with many dubbing it the ‘worst tech device of the year’. This device was a camera and microphone that was always on, and was designed to be placed in people’s homes. This raised serious concerns about privacy, and it was a turning point for many people who realized that they did not trust Facebook. In an interview less than six months later, Mark Zuckerberg himself admitted that they did not want a society where there was a camera in every living room.
WhatsApp Update
In January 2021, WhatsApp released an update that caused a great deal of controversy. The notification stated that their terms of service had been updated, but it was not worded in a way that made it clear that data was being shared with Facebook. This caused millions of users to boycott WhatsApp, and many switched to competing apps such as Signal.
Google+
Google+ was Google’s attempt to compete with Facebook, but it was met with a lukewarm reception at best. It was plagued with technical issues, and it failed to gain any traction with users. Google eventually decided to shut it down in 2019, citing security issues as the main reason.
Microsoft’s Windows 8
Microsoft’s Windows 8 was released in 2012, and it was met with a great deal of criticism. The main issue was that the user interface was drastically different from previous versions of Windows, and many users found it confusing and difficult to use. Microsoft eventually released Windows 10, which was much more user-friendly and was better received.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps was released in 2012, and it was a disaster from the start. It had incorrect directions, missing landmarks, and it was generally unreliable. Apple eventually released an updated version of the app, but the damage had already been done and it was widely regarded as one of the worst tech fails of all time.
Yahoo’s Tumblr Acquisition
In 2013, Yahoo acquired the popular blogging platform Tumblr for $1.1 billion. This seemed like a great move at the time, but it quickly became apparent that Yahoo had vastly overpaid for the platform. Yahoo eventually sold Tumblr for just $3 million in 2019, and it was widely regarded as one of the worst acquisitions in tech history.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was released in 2014, and it was met with a great deal of hype. Unfortunately, it failed to live up to expectations and it was quickly forgotten. It was criticized for its lack of features and its high price tag, and it was eventually discontinued in 2015.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was released in 2016, and it was met with a great deal of excitement. Unfortunately, it was soon discovered that the phone had a serious battery issue that caused it to overheat and catch fire. Samsung eventually recalled the phone and discontinued it, and it was one of the most expensive tech fails in history.
Google Glass
Google Glass was released in 2013, and it
WhatsApp Misunderstanding
In 2018, WhatsApp experienced a major tech fail when they mistakenly informed their users that their data would be shared with Facebook. This caused a massive uproar amongst their user base, leading to a significant drop in their user count. Despite the company’s attempts to clarify the misunderstanding, the damage had already been done, leaving them with a seven out of ten rating in terms of tech fails.
Youtube Rewind
Youtube Rewind was an annual tradition that allowed users to relive the most memorable moments from the year. However, this tech fail began in 2016 when the video began to receive an unusually high number of dislikes. This trend continued in 2017 and 2018, with the 2018 video becoming the most disliked video on the entire internet. This tech fail has left many Youtube users feeling disappointed and frustrated.
Google+
Google+ was a social media platform that was launched in 2011. Despite its initial success, the platform quickly began to decline due to its lack of features and user engagement. In 2018, Google announced that they were shutting down the platform due to a security breach that exposed the personal data of millions of users. This tech fail has left many users feeling betrayed and exposed.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps was launched in 2012 as a replacement for Google Maps. However, the app was plagued with inaccuracies and bugs, leading to a massive tech fail. Apple attempted to fix the issues, but the damage had already been done, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disappointed.
Microsoft Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows Vista was released in 2006 as an upgrade to the popular Windows XP. However, the operating system was plagued with numerous bugs and security issues, leading to a massive tech fail. Despite Microsoft’s attempts to fix the issues, the damage had already been done, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disappointed.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was released in 2016 as a flagship device. However, the device was plagued with numerous issues, including battery fires and explosions. This tech fail led to a massive recall of the device, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disappointed.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was released in 2014 as a flagship device. However, the device was plagued with numerous issues, including poor battery life and a lack of features. This tech fail led to a massive drop in sales, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disappointed.
Google Glass
Google Glass was released in 2013 as a revolutionary wearable device. However, the device was plagued with numerous issues, including privacy concerns and a lack of features. This tech fail led to a massive drop in sales, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disappointed.
Microsoft Windows 8
Microsoft Windows 8 was released in 2012 as an upgrade to the popular Windows 7. However, the operating system was plagued with numerous bugs and security issues, leading to a massive tech fail. Despite Microsoft’s attempts to fix the issues, the damage had already been done, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disappointed.
It was a great idea, but it just didnt quite take off.
Youtube’s 2018 Rewind
Youtube’s 2018 Rewind was a major misstep for the platform. Featuring Will Smith, Fortnite, and Marquez Brownlee, the video failed to capture the attention of viewers and instead seemed to be a desperate attempt by Youtube to appear “family friendly”. The video lacked the drama and controversy that had become synonymous with the platform, and instead felt like a promotional trailer for Youtube as a service. This disconnect between Youtube and its creators was a major factor in the video’s failure.
Quibby
Quibby, an app intended to be the “Netflix for the up and coming generation”, was an ambitious project that ultimately failed to take off. The app allowed users to watch big budget content, but with a 10-minute cap on each video. Despite the potential of the concept, Quibby failed to gain traction and was eventually abandoned.
Google+
Google+ was Google’s attempt to enter the social media space, and it was met with a lot of hype. However, the platform failed to gain traction and was eventually shut down in 2019. Google+ was plagued by a lack of features, a confusing user interface, and a lack of content. This, combined with the fact that it was competing with established social media platforms, led to its demise.
Microsoft’s Windows 8
Microsoft’s Windows 8 was a major flop for the tech giant. The operating system was met with a lot of criticism due to its confusing user interface, lack of features, and poor performance. Microsoft eventually released Windows 10, which was much more successful, but the failure of Windows 8 was a major setback for the company.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps was Apple’s attempt to compete with Google Maps, but it was met with a lot of criticism due to its inaccurate data and poor user experience. Apple eventually released a revamped version of the app, but the damage had already been done and Apple Maps was seen as a major failure for the company.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was meant to be the flagship device of the company, but it was quickly recalled due to its tendency to overheat and catch fire. This was a major embarrassment for Samsung, and it cost the company millions of dollars in recalls and replacements.
Facebook’s Libra
Facebook’s Libra was meant to be a digital currency that could be used across the world, but it was met with a lot of criticism due to its lack of regulation and potential for misuse. The project was eventually abandoned, and it was seen as a major failure for Facebook.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was meant to be Amazon’s foray into the smartphone market, but it was met with a lot of criticism due to its lack of features and poor performance. The phone was eventually discontinued, and it was seen as a major failure for Amazon.
Google Glass
Google Glass was meant to be a revolutionary device that would change the way we interact with technology, but
The Rise of Qibi
Qibi was a revolutionary concept in the tech industry, aiming to provide quality TV content for the 20-35 age group in shorter bursts. Led by Meg Whitman, ex-CEO of HP, and Jeffrey Katzenberg, chairman of Walt Disney Studios, the project managed to raise an impressive 1.7 billion dollars in funding.
The Misjudgment of the Audience
However, the project failed to take into account the preferences of the target audience. Instead of enlisting the help of popular YouTubers and TikTokers, Qibi opted for a star-studded cast of Hollywood celebrities. This misjudgment of the audience, combined with the 10-minute cap on the videos, devalued the product and led to its eventual downfall.
The Cost of the Failure
The failure of Qibi cost the company 1.7 billion dollars, a figure which is enough to build a bridge halfway around the world made only of PlayStation 5 consoles. This serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of misjudging the preferences of a target audience.
The Impact of the Failure
The failure of Qibi had a lasting impact on the tech industry, highlighting the importance of understanding the needs and preferences of the target audience. It also serves as a warning to tech companies to not underestimate the power of short-form content, as this is increasingly becoming the preferred method of consuming content for younger generations.
It was the game that was supposed to revolutionize the industry, but it wasnt just a game, it was an experience, and when it came out, it was a complete disaster.
The Twitter Hack
In July of last year, one of the most high-profile hacks in recent memory occurred, with 130 of the world’s most prominent Twitter accounts being compromised. Among those affected were former President Barack Obama, tech billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, and even popular YouTubers such as MrBeast. The hackers were able to gain access to these accounts and use them to scam their followers, telling them that if they sent Bitcoin, they would receive double the amount in return. As these tweets were coming from verified accounts, their followers were likely to trust them and send the money, unaware that the transactions were irreversible. It was later revealed that the masterminds behind the hack were three teenagers, who were simply looking to make a quick buck. However, had the hack been orchestrated by someone with more malicious intentions, the implications could have been far more serious.
Cyberpunk 2077
When discussing tech fails of 2021, one cannot overlook the debacle surrounding Cyberpunk 2077. The game was highly anticipated and promised to revolutionize the gaming industry, but when it was released, it was a complete disaster. It was plagued with bugs, glitches, and crashes, and was so bad that Sony had to pull it from their PlayStation store. The game’s developer, CD Projekt Red, was forced to apologize and offer refunds to disgruntled customers, and the company’s stock price plummeted. It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of this debacle will be, but it is certainly a cautionary tale for developers and publishers.
Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica Scandal
In 2018, Facebook was embroiled in a scandal involving Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm that had harvested the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their knowledge or consent. The data was then used to target political campaigns, and the scandal caused a massive public outcry. Facebook was forced to pay a $5 billion fine to the US Federal Trade Commission, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg was called to testify before Congress. The scandal highlighted the need for increased regulation of tech companies and their data collection practices.
The Equifax Data Breach
In 2017, the credit reporting agency Equifax suffered a massive data breach that exposed the personal information of over 147 million people. The breach was caused by a software vulnerability that had gone unpatched for months, and the company was heavily criticized for its lax security practices. Equifax was forced to pay a $700 million settlement to the US government, and the incident highlighted the need for companies to take data security seriously.
Cyberpunk 2077
The highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 was released in December 2020, with trailers being released as far back as 2013. Despite the hype, the game was a buggy mess, with random teleportation, graphical glitches, and people flying through walls. Those who purchased the game on last-gen consoles were particularly disappointed, as the game ran poorly and looked even worse.
CD Projekt Red
The company behind Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red, attempted to hide the game’s shortcomings by restricting access to early copies, so reviewers couldn’t warn people. This backfired, as the company’s stock price plummeted, they were heavily criticized on social media, and multiple class action lawsuits were filed against them. To make matters worse, the company was maliciously hacked, with the hackers gaining access to confidential data, employee accounts, and even the game’s source code.
Anthem
The launch of Anthem in February 2019 was a disaster. The game was plagued with bugs, and the servers were so unreliable that players were unable to play the game for extended periods of time. The game was also criticized for its lack of content, with some players finishing the game in a few hours. BioWare, the company behind Anthem, attempted to fix the game with patches and updates, but the damage was done and the game was eventually abandoned.
Windows Vista
Microsoft’s Windows Vista was released in January 2007, and was met with a lukewarm reception. The operating system was criticized for its slow performance, high system requirements, and lack of compatibility with older hardware. Microsoft attempted to fix the issues with updates, but the damage was done and Windows Vista was quickly forgotten.
Google Plus
Google Plus was launched in 2011 as a social network to compete with Facebook. Despite its ambitious features, the platform failed to gain traction and was eventually shut down in April 2019. Google Plus was criticized for its lack of features and privacy issues, and its failure to gain traction led to its eventual demise.
Yahoo! Messenger
Yahoo! Messenger was once one of the most popular instant messaging services, but it was eventually discontinued in July 2018. The service was criticized for its lack of features and security issues, and it was eventually replaced by Yahoo! Chat.
Google Wave
Google Wave was a communication and collaboration platform launched in 2009. The platform was criticized for its complexity and lack of features, and it was eventually discontinued in April 2012.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps was launched in 2012 as a replacement for Google Maps. The service was plagued with errors, with some locations being mislabeled and others being completely missing. Apple attempted to fix the issues with updates, but the damage was done and the service was eventually replaced by Google Maps.
Google Glass
Google Glass was a wearable computer launched in 2013. The device was criticized for its high price and lack of features, and it was eventually discontinued in 2015.
Microsoft Kin
Microsoft Kin was a mobile phone launched in 2010. The
Cyberpunk: The Biggest Video Game Disaster
Cyberpunk, the highly anticipated video game, was released to the public in 2020 and quickly became one of the biggest tech fails of the decade. The game was plagued with bugs and glitches, making it unplayable for many gamers. The game was so poorly received that it was pulled from the shelves and the developers were forced to issue refunds to disgruntled customers. The game’s failure was a huge blow to the video game industry, as it was one of the most hyped releases of the year.
Ballistic Missile Threat in Hawaii
In 2018, the citizens of Hawaii were sent a terrifying message on their phones, TVs, and radios: “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill.” This message sent shockwaves throughout the state, as tensions had been rising between North Korea and the US for years and both countries had nuclear weapons. Fortunately, the message was a mistake caused by an internal miscommunication at the Hawaii Emergency Facility, and it took them 38 minutes to correct it.
Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos Scandal
Elizabeth Holmes was a tech entrepreneur who saw an opportunity in medical tech. She founded Theranos, a company that promised to revolutionize the healthcare industry by providing cheaper and faster blood tests. However, the company was exposed as a fraud and Holmes was charged with fraud and conspiracy. It was later revealed that the company had been lying about its technology and had been using its own faulty equipment to conduct tests. The scandal was one of the biggest tech fails of the decade, and it cost investors billions of dollars.
The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica Scandal
The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal was one of the most shocking tech fails of the decade. Cambridge Analytica, a data firm, was able to gain access to the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their knowledge or consent. The company then used this data to influence the 2016 US presidential election. Facebook was heavily criticized for its lack of security and privacy measures, and the scandal cost the company billions of dollars in fines and settlements.
Theronis Company
Theronis Company was founded by a woman who sought to revolutionize the way blood was tested for diseases and cancers. She proposed a machine that could take a single tiny blood sample and perform over 240 tests on it all at once, at a fraction of the cost. This could have been a game-changer in the medical industry, and the woman was hailed as a hero and likened to Steve Jobs for her passion for turtlenecks. The company eventually reached a valuation of nine billion dollars.
The Lies
However, the machine did not do what the woman claimed it did. She told investors that it had been used in the military and emergency rooms, but this was not true. Theronis Company did not even use the machines themselves. They would take blood samples, go into a back room and test it using conventional methods, and then come back and claim their machines had done it. Thus, anyone who had used one of these machines to get their blood results was likely misdiagnosed.
The Consequences
The consequences of this lie were dire. People could be told they had cancer when they did not, or even worse, be told they did not have cancer when they did. This could have had life-altering implications, and it is a testament to the power of lies and deceit.
The Aftermath
Theronis Company eventually had to pay out millions of dollars in fines and settlements. The woman was charged with fraud and sentenced to prison. The company was dissolved and the machine never saw the light of day. This is one of the most horrific tech fails in recent memory, and one that the company would no doubt like us to forget.
Theranos
The Theranos scandal is one of the most infamous tech fails in recent memory. Founded in 2003 by Elizabeth Holmes, the company promised to revolutionize the healthcare industry with its revolutionary blood-testing technology. Unfortunately, the technology was never able to deliver on its promises and the company eventually shut down in 2018. The scandal was so severe that Holmes is now on trial for fraud and there have been multiple documentaries and even a feature film in the works with Jennifer Lawrence playing her. This is a 10 out of 10 fail.
Google Plus
Google Plus was Google’s attempt to compete with Facebook in the social media space. Launched in 2011, it was supposed to be the next big thing, but it never really took off. Google eventually shut down the service in 2019 after a data breach exposed the personal information of millions of users. This was a huge embarrassment for Google and a major tech fail.
Juicero
Juicero was a Silicon Valley startup that promised to revolutionize the juicing industry with its high-tech juicing machine. The machine was supposed to be able to extract juice from pre-packaged bags of fruits and vegetables, but it turned out that the machine was actually unnecessary and the juice could be extracted just as easily by hand. This was a major tech fail and the company eventually shut down in 2017.
Microsoft Kin
Microsoft Kin was a smartphone that was supposed to be the company’s answer to the iPhone. Launched in 2010, the phone was a flop and was discontinued just two months later. This was a major embarrassment for Microsoft and a huge tech fail.
Fuel
Fuel is a meal-replacement shake that was supposed to revolutionize the way people eat. The company promised that its shakes were made from all-natural ingredients and would provide a healthy and convenient way to get all the nutrients you need. Unfortunately, the shakes were not as healthy as promised and the company eventually shut down in 2019. This was a major tech fail.
1. The Sony Betamax
The Sony Betamax was an early home video format released in 1975. It was a revolutionary product at the time, allowing users to record and play back their own videos. Unfortunately, it was quickly overshadowed by the VHS format, which was released shortly after. Despite its superior quality, the Betamax was unable to compete with the VHS in terms of market share and eventually faded into obscurity.
2. Apple’s Pippin Console
Apple’s Pippin console was released in 1995 as a gaming console. It was intended to compete with the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn, but it failed to gain any traction in the market. The console was expensive and lacked the necessary software support to be successful. It was eventually discontinued in 1997.
3. Microsoft’s Zune
Microsoft’s Zune was a portable media player released in 2006. It was intended to compete with the popular Apple iPod, but it failed to gain any traction in the market. The Zune was criticized for its bulky design and lack of features. It was eventually discontinued in 2011.
4. Microsoft’s Kin Phone
Microsoft’s Kin Phone was released in 2010 as a social networking-focused smartphone. It was intended to compete with the Apple iPhone, but it failed to gain any traction in the market. The Kin Phone was criticized for its limited features and lack of support from carriers. It was eventually discontinued in 2011.
5. Google Glass
Google Glass was a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display released in 2013. It was intended to be a revolutionary product, but it failed to gain any traction in the market. The Google Glass was criticized for its high price and lack of features. It was eventually discontinued in 2015.
6. Amazon Fire Phone
Amazon’s Fire Phone was released in 2014 as a smartphone. It was intended to compete with the Apple iPhone, but it failed to gain any traction in the market. The Fire Phone was criticized for its high price and lack of features. It was eventually discontinued in 2015.
7. Microsoft’s Windows Vista
Microsoft’s Windows Vista was a desktop operating system released in 2006. It was intended to be an upgrade to the popular Windows XP, but it failed to gain any traction in the market. The Windows Vista was criticized for its slow performance and lack of features. It was eventually replaced by the Windows 7 in 2009.
8. Microsoft’s Windows 8
Microsoft’s Windows 8 was a desktop operating system released in 2012. It was intended to be an upgrade to the popular Windows 7, but it failed to gain any traction in the market. The Windows 8 was criticized for its confusing user interface and lack of features. It was eventually replaced by the Windows 10 in 2015.
9. Apple’s Ping
Apple’s Ping was a social networking service released in 2010. It was intended to compete with the popular Facebook, but it failed to gain any traction in the market. The Ping was criticized for its lack of features and lack of integration with other services. It was eventually
The Wii U was a major misstep for Nintendo, and its failure was due to a combination of hardware issues, poor marketing, lack of third-party support, and inadequate online features. Despite its shortcomings, the Wii U still managed to find an audience, and its innovative controller design has been adopted by other consoles. However, the Wii U will always be remembered as one of the most horrific tech fails in gaming history.
Tech fails can range from the amusing to the tragic, but they are all a reminder of the importance of being vigilant when using technology. Whether it’s a Segway, hoverboard, or social media, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.
