Explore the journey of popular gadgets from 2015 to 2023 that have become obsolete in 2024. From smart home devices to gaming consoles, learn about the tech relics of the past and how advancements in technology have shaped their relevance today.
Amazon Echo Show 15: A display for video doorbell feeds, smart home control deck, widget-driven bulletin board, compact smart TV and home for Alexa’s soon-to-be-chattier assistance.
Sonos Ray: A compact soundbar that fits nicely into most living room setups.
AnkerMake M5 3D Printer: A 3D printer that can crank out complex objects at best-in-class speed.
DANGO PRODUCTS D03 Dapper Bifold EDC Wallet: A cool design, exceptional craftsmanship, and perfect usability wallet.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer: A printer that lets you print photos from your smartphone.
Voltrx Electric Protein Shaker: A gadget for fitness enthusiasts that mixes protein shakes.
ESR Kickstand Wireless Power Bank: A travel gadget that serves as a wireless power bank.
GeekTale Smart Fingerprint Door Lock: A home gadget that provides keyless entry.
Belkin 3-in-1 Charging Stand: An everyday gadget that can charge multiple devices at once.
VSSL Insulated Flask: A camping gadget that keeps beverages hot or cold.
Google Home: A brand of smart speakers developed by Google.
Nintendo Switch: A gaming console that can be used as a stationary and portable device.
DJI Phantom 4: A drone equipped with a high-quality camera for aerial photography and videography.
Fitbit Charge 3: A fitness tracker that monitors heart rate, sleep patterns, and more.
GoPro HERO7: A compact action camera for capturing high-quality videos and photos.
Ring Video Doorbell: A smart doorbell that lets you see, hear, and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet, or PC.
Oculus Quest: A virtual reality headset that offers a wire-free VR experience.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Noise-cancelling headphones that offer superior sound quality.
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs: LED light bulbs that can be controlled wirelessly.
Roku Streaming Stick+: A device that provides access to streaming video services.
Tile Mate: A tracker that helps you find your keys, wallet, phone, and more.
Nest Learning Thermostat: A smart thermostat that learns your schedule and programs itself to help save energy.
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker: A kitchen gadget that makes it easy to cook restaurant-quality meals at home.
Apollo (2017-2023): Apollo, a popular interface and design for iOS users, had to shut down due to new API pricing from Reddit.
Microsoft’s Cortana: Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana, couldn’t keep up with the advancements in GenAI and was discontinued.
Stadia: Google’s cloud gaming service, Stadia, also fell behind in the GenAI revolution.
Messenger Lite app on Android: This lightweight version of Facebook’s Messenger app was another casualty of the GenAI revolution.
Clubhouse Clones: Facebook’s Live Audio Rooms, Reddit Talk, Spotify Live, and Amazon’s live radio DJ Amp app, which were all clones of Clubhouse, faded away.
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It’s important to keep in mind that the relevance and utility of these gadgets are not universal and can greatly vary depending on individual needs and preferences. For instance, a professional photographer might find a high-quality drone or a compact action camera extremely useful for their work. On the other hand, a fitness enthusiast might find more value in a smartwatch with health-oriented capabilities or a fitness tracker that monitors heart rate and sleep patterns.
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Moreover, the rapid advancement of technology plays a significant role in determining the relevance of these gadgets. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate, new gadgets are constantly being introduced to the market, offering improved features and functionalities. This continuous influx of new technology can quickly render older gadgets obsolete, regardless of how popular or useful they were at the time of their release.
Furthermore, the tech industry is known for its dynamic and fast-paced nature. What’s considered cutting-edge today might be deemed outdated in just a few years, or even months. This is particularly true for gadgets in the fields of virtual reality, drones, and smart home devices, where technological advancements are occurring at a rapid pace.
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In addition, changes in consumer behavior and preferences can also affect the relevance of these gadgets. As people become more tech-savvy, their expectations from their gadgets also increase. They demand devices that are not only functional but also intuitive, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. Gadgets that fail to meet these evolving consumer expectations can quickly fall out of favor.
Lastly, external factors such as regulatory changes or economic conditions can also impact the relevance of these gadgets. For example, the discontinuation of the Apple Lightning port was a direct result of a law passed by the European Parliament requiring all smartphones and tablets to be compatible.
In conclusion, while these gadgets were popular between 2015 and 2023, their relevance in 2024 and beyond is influenced by a multitude of factors including individual needs, technological advancements, changes in consumer behavior, and external factors. It’s always exciting to see what the future holds for technology and how it will continue to shape our lives.