Many advancements and developments were seen in the world of technology during 2012. Advancements in technology played a vital role in nearly every field; cell phones came to the market with lot more features, social media was used not just for social networking but also for other purposes like election campaigns etc. Along with the achievements, some failures were also observed. Here is the list of top 10 technological failures during the last year.
10. Apple Maps’ fiasco
Along with the launch of iPhone 5 previous year, a big hype was created around Apple maps but unfortunately, it did not work as expected. Not only the cities were wrongly located but also important landmarks were misplaced e.g. Washington monument appeared immersed in water. Even the CEO of Apple was forced to tell consumers to use Google maps.
9. Facebook’s bungled IPO
Nowadays everyone has an account on Facebook. Facebook launched its stocks in the market in the month of May. The day started with $38 but instead of rising, it finished on $38. Although it did not fall on the same day but by September, the stocks had fallen to $18 and since then it is struggling to pick up price. Stock is selling for $28 at this time.
8. Google Nexus Q
Nexus Q was launched in June 2012. This device uses android and allows you to stream audio and video. Unluckily, it did not hit the market and Google gave it free to those customers who pre-ordered it. Although the gadget was no more released but the Google Online store Store still lists it as a gadget that is not available.
7. Color photo app
Color is a mobile application through which you can share pictures. The app was very much appreciated by the people before its launch. Reports suggest that they turned down the Google’s $200 million offer as they had already earned about $41M from investors without having a single user. Although, it was launched in March 2011, but due to some major issues and bad future prospects, it will close by the end of the year 2013.
6. Groupon grumblings
Daily-deals-offering companies like Living Social and Groupon saw bad business throughout 2012. Followed by an announcement regarding loss in revenue; Living Social announced that they will lay off 400 people. Groupon, a company that Google reportedly wanted to buy for $6 billion during 2010, lost its stock value up-to 79%.
5. SOPA? Nope-a
Bills like Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) aim to close those websites, which share music, videos and other stuff illegally. The members of Congress backed the bill but web giants including Google, Wikipedia, Facebook and Reddit got together against this bill and had a blackout on 18th January.
4. ‘Social discovery’ apps
Apps like Glancee, Grindr, Skout and Banjo lets you find and linkup your partner nearby. Using GPS to add people of same interests as your friends was apparently a good approach but practically people, especially women, did not appreciate it. Most of the apps failed to get a considerable user base.
3. Airtime
Sean Parker with his partner Shawn Fanning introduced a web tool that could be used for video conversation. Launched with a handsome amount of $33 million, only 10,000 users were using airtime, as admitted by Parker himself in October.
2. Zynga
Zynga announced in October that they would lay off 5% employees. Moreover, they were looking forward to shutdown Boston’s studio along with ending the ones in Japan and England. Zynga’s fortunes started to fall down right from the start of 2012.
1. People saying dumb things on Twitter
Now this isnt really a purely technological failure, but its a failure caused by silly use of technology. All of you must be familiar with Twitter, a social media site to share your thoughts or express feelings with others in the form of tweets. However, keep in mind that whatever you tweet people take notice of it and may tease or laugh at you.Chris Brown, McDonald, Spike Lee, Greek triple jumper Paraskevi Papachristou and Oprah Winfrey are just few examples.
