Tech Flops #2

In my last article I wrote about some promising technologies that, despite having started life with such a potential, quickly crashed and burned to become fables for future generations to sneer at. The notorious Microsoft Bob application and Smart Appliances such as the oven that connects to the Internet aside we had the formats HD DVD, Minidisc, DAT Tapes and of course Betamax. As you'd expect, I've saved the best until last.

OS/2

In the beginning this was a joint venture between IBM and Microsoft in the late 80's, the initial few years looked positive with Microsoft publically stating that OS/2 was the future. This was abruptly ended by the release of Windows 3.0 which sold tremendously well owing to it being bundled with a lot of PC's - OS/2 conversely was viewed as a costly substitute.

As you'd imagine, their marriage hit the rocks and IBM went alone. In 1992, they released OS/2 2.0 which they touted as being "a better DOS than DOS and a better Windows than Windows" before rebranding the following version 3 as OS/2 Warp in an attempt to highlight the new performance benefits. OS/2 Warp 4.0 was released around the same time as Windows 95 and included several impressive technologies such as speech recognition. It was however the last widely distributed version of OS/2 before IBM admitted defeat and stopped marketing the OS to individual users.

The reasons for its downfall are numerous; the most prominent being Windows was part of a bundle with many new computers, and a lot of users didn't understand need to replace their OS or even know that they had a choice. A small following of users raised problems like sub-standard driver support for non-IBM hardware; a problem for those attracted by the idea of adopting the OS.

Failed Dot-Coms

What a fantastic time the 90's must have been for entrepreneurs. Quite simply, you think up a half-baked idea involving the Internet, don't even worry about the part of the business plan that talks about how you're going to make a profit, and someone, somewhere is likely spend millions taking a punt on you.

Virtual Reality

The principal of virtual reality has always excited me; the idea is that through the use of hardware such as some special goggles and gloves, you can instantly be transported to an immersive 3D world. I'd imagine nothing substantial has ever developed is a combination of concerns over the cost of the equipment, coupled with the fact that nothing marketed so far has been substantial enough to justify investment by the home user.

Whether virtual reality has a future of not is unclear; to me it seems odd that we still play computer games on the same flat screens as we did decades ago but at the moment there doesn't seem to be a killer alternative on the horizon.

eBooks

I have mentioned them before in the past and whilst the idea is fantastic and indeed environmentally friendly it doesn't seem like the world is ready for them just yet. A lack of high quality, affordable readers and the fact that most prefer the reassuring feel of paper has meant their adoption in the marketplace has been very slow indeed.

Speech Recognition

This technology suffers from a mishmash of technical problems as well as the simple truth that, quite you look like an imbecile when you use it. Even though those with a disability may find the technology useful, the rest of us must just learn to use a keyboard; it's quicker, you won't have to concern yourself with background noise and most crucially the whole room won't unavoidably need to hear the details of the argument you're having with your other half.


------

Chris Holgate writes a weekly article of all things tech related. He is a director and copyrighter of the online computer consumables business Refresh Cartridges who sell cheap ink cartridges, toner cartridges, computer hardware and other computer consumables online. An archive of his work can be found at www.computerarticles.co.uk.