"Revolutionary" is a term that the tech industry likes to throw around. A case in point is the recent announcement of Lytro, a type of camera that promises to eliminate the need to focus on a subject before snapping a picture.
We offer the fine folks at this startup our best wishes, but we can't help but be skeptical. After all, we've heard bold predictions of revolutionary impact before, and the results haven't always been pretty. For skepticism's sake, let's review 12 ballyhooed tech revolutions that didn't pan out.
Technology Fails: 8 Extreme Electronic Disasters
Slideshow: Future Tech That Missed the Mark
Slideshow: Tech Killers: Challengers That Have Tried to Beat Hugely Successful Competitors
Dude, where's my flying car?! We look at 11 venerated visions of future technology that totally missed the mark.
The tech industry has a long history of latecomers taking on dominant products and services. Think Microsoft Zune versus Apple iPad, Google TV versus Apple TV, Mozilla Firefox versus Internet Explorer. We look at some notable clashes of the past decade.
Take a tour through Microsoft's forgettable, regrettable mobile OS history.
Apple sets the standard - for both success and failure. Here's a look at 12 major screwups, some of which almost derailed the company.
Embarrassing moments, unexplained car crashes, and crazy stunts. You never know what the Google Street View team is going to capture on camera next. If only an 'Undo Button' were in play for those captured here.
With the success of the iPod and iPhone, Apple has become celebrated for sleek devices that fly off the shelves. But deep in the annals of Apple history are a number of products that were commercial flops.
The origins of iconic tech products. High-tech hotels. The top 10 cities for tech workers. The silliest BlackBerry accessories. Get it all right here and much, much more.
