Killed by Google🪦

[Issue #11] Over past two decades, Google killed 20+ hardware products. While most were failures, few pivoted into their existing hardware offerings. Today, we look at Google's graveyard!

Oct 31, 2023

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Google is a company that is known for its innovative software products, but the company has also ventured into the hardware market over the years. However, not all of Google's hardware experiments have been successful. In fact, the company has killed a number of hardware products over the years, for a variety of reasons.

In our today’s deep dive, we will take a look at some of the most notable Google hardware products that have been killed. We will discuss what the products were, why they were killed, and what the impact of their discontinuation was.

Here is a look at some of the Google hardware products that have been killed:

Google Search Appliance

The Google Search Appliance was a physical device that allowed organizations to index and search their own data using Google's search technology. The project started in 2002 and the product was launched in 2007, but it was discontinued in 2018. Google cited declining sales and the increasing popularity of cloud-based search solutions as reasons for the discontinuation.

DropCam

DropCam was a home security camera company that was acquired by Google in 2014. DropCam cameras were known for their high quality video and easy-to-use software. However, Google discontinued the DropCam brand in 2018 and merged it with its Nest smart home product line. They will end support in 2024.

Nexus Q

The Nexus Q was a streaming device that was launched in 2012. The device was designed to allow users to stream content from their smartphones and tablets to their TVs. However, the Nexus Q was plagued with problems, including technical issues and a high price tag. Google discontinued the device in 2013 after just a few months on the market.

Google Glass Explorer Edition

Google Glass was a wearable computer that was launched in 2013. The device was designed to allow users to view information and interact with applications without having to use their hands. However, Google Glass was met with mixed reviews and was criticized for its high price tag and privacy concerns. Google discontinued the Explorer Edition of Google Glass in 2015.

Jaquard

Jaquard was a project that was launched by Google in 2015. The project aimed to develop interactive fabrics that could be used to control devices and interact with the digital world. Google released a number of Jaquard-enabled products, including jackets and backpacks. However, the project was discontinued in 2019 and the app support was stopped in 2023.

Google Daydream

Google Daydream was a virtual reality platform that was launched in 2016. The platform was designed to allow users to experience VR content on their smartphones. However, Google Daydream faced stiff competition from other VR platforms, such as Oculus and HTC Vive. Google discontinued the platform in 2019.

Nest Secure

Nest Secure was a home security system that was launched in 2017. The system included a base station, door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a key fob. However, Nest Secure was met with mixed reviews and was criticized for its high price tag and lack of features. Google discontinued the system in 2020.

Google Clips

Google Clips was a wearable camera that was launched in 2017. The device was designed to take short videos of people's lives without them having to manually press a button. However, Google Clips was met with mixed reviews and was criticized for its high price tag and short battery life. Google discontinued the device in 2019.

These are just a few of the Google hardware products that have been killed. While Google has had some success with hardware products, such as the Nest thermostat and the Pixel phone, the company has also had its fair share of failures. It remains to be seen whether Google will continue to venture into the hardware market in the future.

… and that’s our Insight Scoop for this week!

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