Technology trends that didn't stick

As technology advances ever-increasingly, there are bound to be a few missteps along the way. While some products, like the smartphone, have become integral parts of our daily lives, others still need to catch on for various unforeseen reasons. This article will explore some technology trends that didn't stick and examine the reasons behind their lack of success.
 

3D Television

Image Source: Smartandvision.com

At the height of the hype surrounding 3D movies, television manufacturers began to produce 3D TVs in the hopes of capitalising on the growing trend. However, despite initial excitement, 3D TVs failed to catch on with consumers. 

There were a few reasons for this. Firstly, the glasses required to view 3D content were often uncomfortable, with some users citing headaches and health concerns surrounding the device. Additionally, there simply wasn't enough content available to justify the expense of a 3D TV. 
An issue plaguing even the most established brands, such as the Sony PlayStation 5. 

Perhaps the final nail in the coffin was its practicality. Many people simply didn't see the value in 3D technology for everyday television viewing.
 

Google Glass

Image Source: Mixednews.com

Google Glass was a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display designed to look like a pair of glasses. The idea was to provide users with an augmented reality [AR] experience by overlaying digital information in the real world. 

While the concept was intriguing, the product failed to catch on for several reasons. Initially, as with so many innovative products, the high price tag made it inaccessible to consumers who may have found a use for it. On top of that, much like the concept of walking around with an earpiece on, the design was considered unfashionable and unappealing to many. 

Finally, and most importantly, concerns were raised about privacy and the potential for Google Glass wearers to record others without their consent. A massive no-no for a product which could bring in more lawsuits than revenue.
 

VR Headsets and the Metaverse

Image Source: Dazeddigital.com

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been around for decades, but it wasn't until recently that it became accessible to consumers through VR headsets. However, despite initial excitement, VR headsets have yet to become a mainstream product. 

There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, and seemingly a recurring trend, the high cost of entry made it inaccessible to many consumers. Additionally, the technology is still in its infancy, and there simply needs to be more compelling content to justify a VR headset's expense. Some users also reported experiencing motion sickness and other discomforts when using VR technology, which limits its appeal.

This lack of appeal for VR-based technology is further seen in Facebook's recent move to create the Metaverse. Initially pushed as a solution to lockdowns, the Metaverse was marketed towards professional consumers as a "revolutionary concept" but was largely ridiculed for being nothing more than a rebranding of Second Life (an online multimedia platform that allows people to create an avatar for themselves in an interactive virtual world), an IP that was started back in 2003 before Facebook was even a thing.
 

Segways

Image Source: Slidebeam.com

When the Segway was first introduced in 2001, it was hyped as the future of personal transportation. The self-balancing scooter promised to revolutionise how people got around, but it ultimately failed to catch on. 

Once again, it was too expensive. Additionally, the design was considered impractical for everyday use, and it took the effort to manoeuvre in crowded urban environments. Finally, concerns were raised about safety and the potential for accidents, which limited its use in industrial settings where it would have made the most significant impact.

While there have been rumours that the inventor, Dean Kamen, died after accidentally driving his segway off a roof, this is nothing more than a myth. Dean is still very much alive and celebrated his 72nd birthday at the beginning of this month.
 

Smart Jewelry

Image Source: Electricrunway.com

Never heard of smart jewellery? Don't be alarmed. It's a relatively new trend that has yet to catch on with mainstream consumers and will most likely stay that way. Unlike smartwatches, which are worn on the wrist, smart jewellery is designed to look like traditional jewellery while still having technological capabilities. For example, a smart necklace could track fitness data or receive notifications. 

Yet, despite the potential appeal of this technology, there are a few reasons why it has yet to catch on. Firstly, awareness of this type of product could be a lot higher. This could be attributed to the fact that smartwatches already fill this gap and have more mass appeal due to wristwatches' nature, functionality, and convenience. 

Additionally, some people simply prefer the look and feel of traditional jewellery and may not be interested in adding technology to their accessories. Furthermore, jewellery is often seen as a status symbol, and thus replacing a traditional diamond studded piece with a techy gadget may cheapen the intended impression.

Many technology trends have yet to catch on with consumers over the years. Breaking tech trends has an unfortunate habit of carrying a fleeting, niche interest, whether due to a lack of awareness, high cost, or practicality issues. While some of these trends may have the potential for the future, others will most likely go down in history as yet another example of "what were we thinking?"
 

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