The American innovation model—built on risk, investment, and consumer demand—has spawned countless technological marvels. Yet it’s also fertile ground for spectacular failures. In our "U.S. Inventions" section, we dissect why products backed by millions failed to conquer the market. Was the flaw in the technology itself? A misread of consumer needs? Poor timing? Or corporate politics? From automotive disasters to doomed gadgets and software, we break down case studies to extract hard-won lessons for today’s innovators and entrepreneurs.
Brief Summary:
Invention/Product: Palm Foleo
Company: Palm, Inc.
Country: USA
Period: Announced in May 2007, canceled in September 2007 (before launch).
Essence: "Mobile companion"—a compact subnotebook with a 10-inch screen and full keyboard, designed to work alongside Palm Treo smartphones, providing a larger screen and convenient input for email, documents, and web surfing.
The Palm Foleo became a classic example of a product that was canceled before hitting the market due to extremely negative reactions from the press, analysts, and potential users. It was criticized for unclear positioning (an incomplete laptop and an overly expensive smartphone accessory), high price, limited functionality (ran on Linux but did not support standard applications), and overall lack of prospects in the face of rapidly developing smartphones and emerging netbooks.
Brief Summary:
Invention/Product: Microsoft Kin (models Kin ONE and Kin TWO)
Company: Microsoft (developed by a team from Danger Inc., acquired by Microsoft, creators of Hiptop/Sidekick)
Country: USA
Period: Released in May 2010, discontinued in June 2010 (lasted about 48 days).
Essence: A series of two mobile phones with QWERTY keyboards and touch screens, aimed at youth and active social network use.
One of Microsoft's fastest and most resounding failures in the mobile market. A project with significant resources invested turned out to be unclaimed due to high tariff plan prices, limited functionality (lack of third-party apps, games, calendar), unsuccessful interface, and tough competition from fully-fledged smartphones.
Brief Summary:
Invention/Product: Microsoft Bob
Company: Microsoft
Country: USA
Period: Released in March 1995, support discontinued in early 1996
Essence: A graphical user interface (shell) for Windows 3.1x and Windows 95, representing the computer environment as rooms in a virtual house with animated helper characters.
One of Microsoft's most famous commercial failures. Conceived as a friendly interface for beginners, it proved to be ineffective, resource-intensive, and irritating for many users and was quickly withdrawn from sale. A symbol of a failed approach to simplifying interfaces.
Brief Summary:
Product: Segway PT (Personal Transporter)
Inventor/Company: Dean Kamen / Segway Inc.
Country: USA
Period: Launched in 2001, discontinued original PT model in 2020.
Essence: Self-balancing two-wheeled electric scooter controlled by the rider's body tilts.
A technologically revolutionary product surrounded by unprecedented hype, but failed in the mass consumer market due to high price, regulatory issues, safety concerns, and a "ridiculous" image. Found its niche in tourism, patrolling, and other specific areas. An example of the gap between a technological marvel and market reality.
Brief Summary:
Invention/Product: Apple Newton MessagePad (and Newton OS platform)
Company: Apple Computer
Country: USA
Period: 1993-1998
Essence: One of the first PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) with a touch screen, stylus, and an ambitious handwriting recognition feature.
A famous failure from Apple. A device ahead of its time that was let down by the imperfection of its key technology (handwriting recognition), high price, bulkiness, and short battery life. It became a subject of ridicule but laid the groundwork for future PDAs and smartphones.
Brief Summary:
Invention/Product: AT&T Picturephone Mod II
Company: AT&T / Bell Labs
Country: USA
Period: Commercial launch in 1970, development since the 1960s.
Essence: An early commercial personal videotelephony system that allowed users to see the person they were talking to on a small screen during a call.
A technological pioneer but a resounding commercial failure due to exorbitant costs (both for the service and calls), lack of network effect (few people had it), low video quality, and psychological discomfort for users. Less known than many other failures, but a very illustrative example of how technology can be ready before the market and social norms.
Product: Google Glass (Explorer Edition)
Company: Google
Country: USA
Period: ~2012-2015 (consumer version)
Essence: Wearable computer in the form of glasses with a HUD, camera, and voice control.
An innovative gadget that failed in the consumer market due to privacy concerns, social acceptance issues, price, functionality, and design. Refocused on the corporate segment.