We all know Microsoft for his Windows operating system or for its office suite, among other software. The company has more than once tried to step out of its comfort zone. products like KinectTHE windows phonesmartwatches ahead of their time or Zunewhich would destroy the Apple iPod are some of its big flops.
Microsoft/Timex Data Link
Timex and Microsoft released a waterproof digital watch for use in space in 1994 and was one of the first smartwatches. Data was transferred optically from a CRT monitor to the watch via a sensor, but the process was slow and required line of sight to the monitor. Although the watch was not very effective, it had some supporters. The switch to LCD screens and the need for a special transmitter probably contributed to its decline. A product well ahead of its time which was the prelude to the next product.
Microsoft SPOT Watches
Back in 2003, the idea of a smartwatch that could receive live information seemed unfeasible. Microsoft’s SPOT (Smart Personal Objects Technology) service offered this technology, but it required a subscription that many consumers were unwilling to pay. It used its own wireless transfer standard instead of using WiFi technology. You could say it was the first smartwatch or smartwatches, but they ended in failure.
Microsoft Lumia/Windows Phone
In September 2013, the company purchased Nokia’s handset business, prompting Microsoft to take over another smartphone business (which ultimately failed). Nokia CEO at the time, Stephen Elop, refused to use Android and instead embraced the Windows Mobile operating system. Although Nokia Lumia phones such as the Lumia Icon received praise for their excellent image sensor, the promotion lacked momentum.
They had to compete with Android, which had already been on the market for some time and was very popular with users. Despite trying everything, to the point of bringing the design of the operating system to Windows 8, nothing worked. In 2019, the Windows Phone platform was officially discontinued.
MicrosoftZune
The digital music player had a short life, starting in 2006 and ending in 2009 when Microsoft stopped producing new devices. The Zune never managed to compete with the Apple iPod. However, Microsoft maintained Zune services for seven years before finally discontinuing Groove Music.
This player has another twist. Despite the commercial failure, the Zune has become an ironically iconic icon and is featured in Microsoft’s third Guardians of the Galaxy movie, where Star-Lord’s stored music is moved from tape to digital.
Microsoft Kinect
Released in 2010 for the Xbox 360 as a device that recognized user actions using image recognition. Although it was initially successful, its mandatory status on the Xbox One caused users to rebel and Microsoft had to relent. Despite this, the damage was done and Kinect support was dropped in 2017. It gave birth to Windows Hello and biometric webcams, enabling facial recognition in our daily lives.
wireless router
Microsoft released a small line of wireless hardware between 2002 and 2004, including the Wireless Base Station (MN-500) as part of its Microsoft Broadband Networking line. Wikipedia reports that Microsoft was actually second in the US consumer router market at that time. They had the problem of not being able to switch to 802.11b or 802.11g fast enough. It was a quick demise for a flagship, but Microsoft never really committed to hardware unless it could be a lasting, profitable hit.
Table of Contents
