In 2024, the tech industry witnessed the discontinuation of several notable products and services, signalling shifts in brand strategies and evolving consumer demands. Major players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon retired beloved devices and applications. Here’s a look at five impactful departures from the tech world this year: Nokia-branded smartphones Once the global leader in mobile phones, Nokia struggled to keep pace with modern trends before a licensing deal with HMD Global revived its brand. However, 2024 saw HMD Global shift its focus, launching smartphones under its own name while limiting the Nokia brand to feature phones. While some Nokia-branded Android smartphones remain in stores, their days appear numbered as HMD takes center stage. Google Chromecast The popular Chromecast lineup was officially discontinued in August, joining the infamous "Killed by Google" list. Google reassured users that existing devices would remain functional but announced Google TV Streamer as its replacement. The new device offers a more robust streaming experience and works independently, signalling a shift in how Google approaches big-screen content delivery. Humane AI pin Once touted as a revolutionary step in personal tech, the Humane AI Pin failed to live up to expectations. Designed to project information onto users' hands and enable interaction via voice and gestures, the product faced technical glitches, high costs, and lukewarm reception from early adopters. Created by ex-Apple designers Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, the AI Pin struggled to make a market impact, leaving it as a cautionary tale for ambitious wearables. Microsoft Wordpad Microsoft bid farewell to WordPad, a staple of Windows OS for over a decade, with its removal from all Windows 11 editions. Known for its simple yet functional text-processing capabilities, WordPad is being replaced by Microsoft 365’s Word, which requires a subscription. Although Notepad remains available for free, it lacks WordPad's versatility, leaving users seeking alternatives for lightweight document editing. Apple lightning port The iconic Lightning port, once a hallmark of Apple’s innovation, was retired in favour of USB-C across its entire product lineup. Introduced as a superior alternative to micro USB, the Lightning port provided durability and ease of use. However, EU regulations mandating USB-C as a universal standard prompted Apple to make the switch, signalling the end of a decade-long era. Which one of these tech products will you miss in 2025?
