Fossil, a brand known for stylish watches, officially exited the smartwatch market. The company’s last model, the Gen 6, ran on Wear OS. While some speculate that Apple’s dominance in the smartwatch industry played a role in Fossil’s decision, Apple also faced setbacks in 2024. What can’t be said for Pragmatic Play who have released a new chicken road gambling game.
Apple’s Discontinued Products
Apple Pay Later, a service designed to allow users to split payments into instalments, was shut down less than a year after its launch. The company also stopped selling watches with blood oxygen sensors due to a patent dispute. Another major change was the discontinuation of iTunes for Windows, with Apple directing users to newer apps for media management.
Apple’s USB SuperDrive was also discontinued. This external CD/DVD drive was one of the last links to an era when physical discs were standard. The move aligns with the broader industry shift away from optical media.
The Decline of Physical Media
The decline of physical discs became more evident in 2024. Best Buy stopped selling physical movie discs, marking a significant shift in home entertainment. Redbox, once a popular source for DVD rentals, shut down 24,000 kiosks after filing for bankruptcy. The industry has clearly moved towards digital streaming.
ICQ Shuts Down After 27 Years
ICQ, one of the earliest instant messaging services, ceased operations in 2024. Launched in the late 1990s, it was once a popular platform for online conversations. Its closure marks the end of an era for instant messaging, as most users have long since moved to newer apps.
Another Year of Google Shutdowns
Google continued its trend of discontinuing services. The following products were shut down:
- Google Pay (US version) – Phased out in June in favour of Google Wallet.
- Google Podcasts – Integrated into YouTube Music.
- Stack PDF Scanner App – Users were redirected to Google Drive.
- Google One VPN – Shut down due to low usage.
- Google Jamboard – A digital whiteboard service that also had an expensive physical counterpart. The hardware alone cost £5,000, with an annual £600 support fee.
- Chromecast App – Removed after 11 years. Google introduced a £100 streaming device instead.
Failed Hardware Experiments
Not every gadget was built to last. Several hardware projects were discontinued in 2024:
Meta’s AI Chatbots
Meta pulled the plug on its AI chatbots that mimicked celebrity appearances. The idea of using famous faces with different names did not resonate with users, leading to their quiet removal.
Snapchat Pixy Drone
Snapchat attempted to enter the hardware market again with the Pixy drone, a small flying camera. However, overheating battery issues led to a recall, and the product was abandoned.
Spotify’s Car Thing
Spotify’s attempt at an in-car music streaming device, known as Car Thing, failed to find a lasting audience. The £100 accessory became e-waste after Spotify shut down support, though users were given a deadline to request refunds.
Boston Dynamics Retires Atlas Robot
Boston Dynamics retired its hydraulic Atlas humanoid robot after 11 years of development. Known for its impressive mobility, the robot could perform backflips and complex manoeuvres. However, the company has shifted focus to a new fully electric humanoid robot.
The Shutdown of Moxy the AI Robot
Moxy, an AI-powered companion robot designed for children, faced financial difficulties. Initially launched in 2020 with a price tag of £800, the device required cloud connectivity for core functions. As funding ran out, owners were informed that their robots would stop working. The company is searching for solutions to keep Moxy operational for as long as possible.
A Year of Change in Tech
Many of these shutdowns reflect shifting trends in consumer technology. Companies continue to phase out physical media, underperforming services, and experimental products that fail to gain traction. As 2025 begins, new innovations will take their place, while others may quietly disappear by year’s end.
FAQ
Why did Fossil stop making smartwatches?
Fossil exited the smartwatch market after the release of its Gen 6 model, likely due to strong competition from Apple and Samsung.
What happened to Apple Pay Later?
Apple Pay Later was discontinued less than a year after launch. The company shifted its focus to other payment solutions.
Why did Google discontinue so many services?
Google regularly shuts down underperforming products to streamline its offerings and push users toward newer alternatives.
What was Moxy the AI robot?
Moxy was an AI-powered robot designed for children. It lost funding, leaving many owners with a non-functional device.
Is Chromecast completely discontinued?
The original Chromecast app was shut down, but Google introduced a new £100 streaming device under the Google TV brand.
Why did ICQ shut down?
ICQ had become obsolete as most users had moved to other messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
