Technology has come a long way since it first started, and today we have incredible products from giants like Apple, Samsung, and Windows. However, not all the products were a success. Some of these pieces of technology have even become infamous for the amount of frustration they caused people. Keep reading to learn about the six worst gadgets created, and what made them struggle in the market.
6. Apple Newton
Starting our list of worst gadgets is the Apple Newton. The Newton was a PDA (personal digital assistant) that was plagued by a poorly functioning operating system. People didn’t buy it, and it quickly fell off the shelves. However, it is important to note that the Apple Newton indirectly led to the iPad, proving that sometimes failure is required to get to great success.
5. Google Glass
Fifth on our list of the worst gadgets is the Google Glass. While it may seem like a really cool idea, and is present in several science fiction shows and novels, the Google Glass didn’t fare as well in reality. The piece of technology became synonymous with stuck-up, Silicon Valley tech nerds. Plus, it didn’t help that a tiny computer screen on your face was impractical and not extremely pleasing to the eye.
4. Windows Phone
Next on our list of the worst gadgets is the Windows phone. Similar to the Google phone, the Windows phone made sense: enabling a smartphone to run with Windows software and be compatible with apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. However, people didn’t really want Windows software; they wanted the popular apps instead. Unfortunately, the phone didn’t have all the apps, and it quickly fell to the wayside.
3. Betamax
Rounding out the top three worst gadgets is the Betamax. While it may look extremely similar to a VHS player and tapes. There are some differences, namely that Betamax is “considered” superior to VHS. However, the Betamax comes with a higher price tag. This pushed consumers away from the Betamax and over to the cheaper VHS, even if the quality was a little worse. The movie industry followed suit, and the technology was forgotten.
2. Sega Dreamcast
Second on our list of the worst gadgets is the Sega Dreamcast. Sega used to be a huge contender in the gaming console industry, up there with Game Boy and other popular brands. But that all came to a screeching halt with the development of the Sega Dreamcast. Not only was the product impacted by bad advertising, the lack of popular games, and a clunky controller, but the console flopped so hard that it only lasted two years in North America.
1. Apple Puck Mouse
Last but not least on our list of the worst gadgets is the Apple Puck Mouse. Apple may have its signature mouse, keyboard, and desktop setup that we love today, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road to get there. This is especially true for mouse design. The round, “puck,” mouse was hard to use and maneuver, and it didn’t help that consumers often didn’t know which way was supposed to face up. The puck mouse was launched in 1998 and was discontinued in 2000.