Hardware Relics

A curated digital necropsy of devices that dared to define the future, only to be consumed by it.

history Updated: 2024.11.08
Google Glass Explorer Edition
visibility Optical Engine
touch_app Touchpad Nav

Google Glass (Explorer Ed.)

Launched 2013
Processor TI OMAP 4430
Display 640×360 px Prism
Price $1,500.00
warning

Cause of Obsolescence

"The Glasshole Phenomenon."

Despite its technical prowess, Google Glass failed due to a catastrophic failure of social integration. Privacy concerns regarding the always-available camera turned users into social pariahs, and the high price point kept it trapped in a permanent beta phase.

Pebble Smartwatch

Launched 2012 (Kickstarter)
Battery Life 7 Days (e-Ink)
OS Pebble OS (C-based)
Fate Acquired & Shuttered
sentiment_very_dissatisfied

Cause of Obsolescence

Pebble was a victim of its own niche success. While beloved by geeks for its incredible battery life and open API, it couldn't compete with the capital and ecosystem integration of the Apple Watch. Fitbit eventually purchased the assets only to kill the hardware line entirely.

Pebble Classic Watch
Iconic Status Open Source Community

Expiring Assets

Microsoft Zune

Zune HD

Died: 2011

The brown-colored alternative that was actually better than the iPod, but too late to the party.

HP TouchPad

HP TouchPad

Died: 2011 (49 days after launch)

The webOS tablet that lasted less than two months before being discontinued in a fire sale.

Jawbone UP

Jawbone UP

Died: 2017

The fitness tracker that looked like jewelry but suffered from fatal engineering defects.