The Tech That Died in 2024

The tech world is a constant churn of innovation, iteration, and, inevitably, obsolescence. In 2024, several once-promising technologies and platforms were laid to rest as the industry moved on. From devices to apps, here are the key technologies that met their demise this year.

1. Third-Party Browser Cookies

After years of delays and mounting privacy concerns, 2024 marked the end of third-party cookies in most major browsers. Google Chrome, the last holdout, finally disabled them, joining Safari and Firefox. The death of cookies signaled a seismic shift in digital advertising, forcing marketers to adopt new methods like contextual targeting and first-party data strategies. For consumers, it marked a win for privacy, but it also left questions about how the internet will sustain free content without invasive tracking.

2. Standalone E-Readers

Dedicated e-readers, once the must-have gadgets for bookworms, saw their final chapter in 2024. With smartphones and tablets offering comparable reading experiences and multifunctional capabilities, companies like Kobo and PocketBook ceased production. Even Amazon reduced its focus on the Kindle, pivoting to integrate its e-reading platform more deeply into other devices. The e-reader’s decline symbolized the broader consolidation of single-purpose gadgets into multipurpose ones.

3. Blockchain-Based Social Media

Blockchain social platforms like Minds and Voice promised decentralized, user-controlled experiences but struggled to achieve mainstream adoption. The challenges of scaling, monetization, and regulatory scrutiny proved insurmountable. By mid-2024, most of these platforms had shut down or pivoted to niche applications. The dream of decentralized social media isn’t dead, but the technology needs more maturity and user education to thrive.

4. NFT Marketplaces

The non-fungible token (NFT) craze of the early 2020s fizzled out by 2024. Once hailed as the future of digital ownership, the market’s oversaturation, plummeting prices, and ongoing scams eroded public trust. Major platforms like OpenSea and Rarible either pivoted to broader digital asset management or shuttered entirely. While NFTs might find utility in gaming and ticketing, their hype as standalone collectibles is officially over.

5. Standalone Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

As mixed reality (MR) devices gained traction, standalone VR headsets like the Oculus Quest series struggled to remain relevant. Consumers increasingly preferred MR devices, which offered both VR and augmented reality (AR) capabilities. Companies like Meta and HTC announced they would phase out standalone VR headsets to focus on MR ecosystems, signaling the end of an era for VR as an isolated experience.

6. Satellite Phones for Consumers

The rapid rollout of satellite connectivity in mainstream smartphones rendered dedicated satellite phones obsolete in 2024. Tech giants like Apple and Samsung integrated satellite communication for emergency use, making traditional satellite phones redundant for most users. Companies like Iridium and Thuraya shifted their focus to specialized markets like aviation and maritime industries.

7. Streaming-Only Media Services

The proliferation of streaming platforms led to the demise of smaller, niche-only services. Platforms like Quibi, which had already folded, were joined by others that couldn’t compete with giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Max. Consolidation became the name of the game in 2024, with many smaller players absorbed by larger ones or opting to shut down entirely.

8. Physical Video Game Discs

With the gaming industry’s embrace of digital downloads and cloud gaming, 2024 marked the final chapter for physical game discs. Major console manufacturers, including Sony and Microsoft, announced their next-generation devices would be disc-free. Retailers reduced shelf space for physical games, signaling the inevitable shift to a fully digital gaming ecosystem.

9. Legacy Smart Home Hubs

The rise of Matter, the universal smart home standard, made many older smart home hubs obsolete. Devices like the original SmartThings hub and early Wink models were officially discontinued, with manufacturers ceasing support. Consumers welcomed the streamlined interoperability but had to say goodbye to legacy systems that couldn’t adapt.

10. Text-Based Passwords

While not completely eradicated, 2024 saw the beginning of the end for text-based passwords. The widespread adoption of passkeys, biometric authentication, and other passwordless technologies diminished reliance on alphanumeric passwords. Major tech firms like Apple, Google, and Microsoft led the charge, making passwords feel increasingly like relics of a bygone era.

The death of these technologies is not merely an end but a sign of progress. Each departure makes way for innovation and better solutions. As we bid farewell to these tools and platforms, we also look forward to what’s next in the ever-evolving world of technology.