In today’s tech-savvy climate, people are utilizing the power and sophistication of numerous forms of technology. Wearable tech is one area that has gathered pace, with creations like the Apple Watch and VR headsets hogging the limelight. Over the years, we’ve also witnessed some wearable tech ideas that spectacularly failed.
These wearable tech products might’ve worked in theory, but when it came to their execution, they were nowhere near delivering the type of success designers had hoped for. Unlike tablets and smartphones, which people use to send emails, purchase items from Amazon, and play online casino games, the wearable tech category is littered with countless failures that promised a lot and delivered very little or nothing.
For consumers, these wearable tech products were worth avoiding at the time of their release. Many vanished off the shelves after failing to pick up any momentum. Below, we remember just some of them.
The Microsoft Spot Watch
When the Microsoft Spot Watch was in its planning stages, Microsoft probably imagined it would disrupt the world and create a real buzz. They failed to factor in the rise of smartphones and how consumers would rather invest their hard-earned cash in a portable phone instead. The Microsoft Spot Watch was, therefore, yesterday’s news as soon as it entered the market, with it even requiring a paid subscription for players to receive data like the biggest breaking news stories and weather alerts. Overall, it wasn’t Microsoft’s finest moment.
Bluetooth Headset Sunglasses
An idea that could’ve potentially worked, the Bluetooth headset sunglasses bombed massively. Not only were they far too big and bulky, but they were also heavy and uncomfortable to wear. Throw in their terrible sound quality and poor Bluetooth connections, and these odd-looking sunglasses didn’t bring anything significant to the table.
The Seiko TV Watch
If you ever managed to get your hands on the Seiko TV Watch, we apologize for not putting this article together sooner to warn you. A truly horrible creation, it debuted in 1982 and contained a built-in television on the wrist. While it sounds impressive, the result was painfully bad. Viewing anything on the watch was horrible due to its small 1.25-inch mini LCD screen, while the terrible picture quality didn’t help either. players of the device also had to use it while holding an overly large receiver for it to work. For $495, it’s no surprise the Seiko TV Watch didn’t last long.
Google Glass Explorer Edition
Consumers were understandably excited when a video showcasing the first instalment of augmented reality glasses from Google started doing the rounds. It was a unique idea and looked fascinating, perhaps giving people a glimpse into the future. The result didn’t match the product’s initial hype, though. When it launched in 2013, not enough people wanted it given its expensive $1,500 price. Sure, you could record videos and capture photos, but that was pretty much it.
The Power Glove
The gaming category of entertainment has seen several gadgets come and go. While some inclusions have been remarkable, such as the aforementioned virtual reality headset, they’ve been accompanied by some baffling creations like the Power Glove. Released in 1989, it was designed for the NES and featured the console’s controller crammed into a glove. Yes, you did read that correctly. Offering gesture-based controls, it didn’t work properly, it was uncomfortable to wear, and Mattel, the makers of it, should’ve given up long before it was released.
