INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Before they were in every home, some of the most essential gadgets of today were technological punchlines, too weird, too early, too
out of stores, and shows how their core ideas came roaring back, better, cheaper and smarter.1
It missed corners, struggled with door thresholds and frequently got stuck
It was out of reach for most at 1,600 euros (about $1,850 today).Why it failed:Inefficient edge cleaning.Frequent navigation errors.Too
expensive for mass adoption.Now:Robot vacuums are now affordable and impressively smart
memory card with a tiny screen that could show in-game stats or play minigames
fitness tracking, media control and even emergency alerts, making them far more than digital accessories.3
It responded to voice commands and displayed simulated emotions
But its $2,500 price tag, repetitive behaviors and lack of real-world function made it more of a novelty than a companion.Why it failed:High
Amazon Astro and ElliQ assist with daily tasks and elder care, while reimagined pet bots like AIBO (relaunched in 2018), Loona and Moflin
now recognize faces, respond with nuanced behavior and learn from interaction.4
Unfortunately, it had poor ergonomics, a limited library of just 22 games and caused eye strain and headaches
It was discontinued within a year.Why it failed:Neck strain and discomfort.Uninspiring graphics and poor UX.Nausea and health
Mobile all?in?one communicator (AT&T EO ? smartphone)The AT&T EO Personal Communicator (1993) was among the first devices to combine a
phone, fax, modem, email and PDA functions
But it weighed over two pounds, cost up to $3,000 and had poor battery life
With apps, high-res cameras, AI chips and blazing-fast internet, they make the EO look like a stone tablet.6
Linux-based PCs with full keyboards, stylus input and developer flexibility
software.Why it failed:Niche appeal: too technical for casual users.Unreliable wireless support; Wi?Fi was clunky.Outperformed by cheaper
PDAs and early smartphones.Now:The Zaurus legacy lives on in the Raspberry Pi ecosystem
The Raspberry Pi 5 and DIY NAS setups using Unraid or TrueNAS offer massive flexibility for media streaming, automation, or even home
servers, all for under $100 and supported by vibrant online communities.7
early portable interaction tied to a console
Nintendo Switch and Valve Steam Deck play AAA games anywhere, with vibrant screens and real controllers
Add cloud gaming options like GeForce Now or ROG Ally, and mobile gaming has become an entire ecosystem.9
early visions of digital currency
Avant worked like a prepaid debit card, while DigiCash allowed anonymous transfers
98% of global GDP) are developing or piloting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)
Examples include:CBDCs are now used for welfare disbursements, transportation payments and remittances, marking a significant evolution in
state-backed digital money.10
Air Fryer (Fred van der Weij prototype ? modern air fryer)In the mid-2000s, Dutch inventor Fred van der Weij built an enormous, homemade
device to solve a personal problem: how to make crispy fries without oil
His early air fryer prototype, made from wood, metal and aluminum mesh, looked more like a backyard science project than a kitchen appliance
It worked (barely) but was never intended for mass production.Why it failed:Oversized and impractical for home kitchens.Built from crude
convection technology, require minimal oil and come with presets, app integration and dishwasher-safe baskets
Yet even the most awkward, overhyped gadgets often contain a sliver of the future
What flopped in 1995 might be indispensable in 2025
Sometimes it shows up wearing red-tinted goggles, costs too much and breaks after three days
But give it a few years and a few billion dollars of R&D and you just might find it in your pocket, running your home or helping you pay for
coffee.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations
Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
