These products not only set the industry standard but also came pre-installed on many top laptops due to their superior features. However, along with the great successes, Microsoft also had its share of forgettable failures, leaving users disappointed and then hating them.
Microsoft Kin
Launched in 2010, the Kin phone was designed to appeal to a younger audience at an affordable price. However, the product was plagued by problems early in its development. Internal disputes and changes within the design team led to months of delays in its release.
Kin ONE and TWO only last 2 months
PHOTO: REUTERS
When the Kin ONE and TWO were released, users were unimpressed with poor performance and the inability to download apps. After just two months of dismal sales, Microsoft decided to recall the products and discontinue production.
Clippy Virtual Assistant
Clippy, the virtual assistant in the Office 97 suite, was designed to assist users with helpful tips. However, this product was disliked by users because it often appeared at the wrong time and provided unnecessary information.
While Clippy may be useful for new users, experienced users find it disruptive to their workflow. If Clippy had been designed as an autocorrect feature, it might have been better received.
Internet Explorer
At one time, Internet Explorer was the dominant web browser on the market, holding around 90% market share in 2004. However, Microsoft's complacency and the emergence of competitors such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome have caused Internet Explorer to gradually lose its position.
Microsoft's Slowdown Will Kill Internet Explorer in 2022
PHOTO: REUTERS
Internet Explorer's security vulnerabilities and slow updates frustrated users. Ultimately, the shift to mobile computing made Internet Explorer obsolete.
Windows 8
Launched in 2012, Windows 8 introduced a completely new interface with a Start screen and a tiled Metro interface to replace the familiar desktop. While Microsoft hoped the change would appeal to customers, many longtime users were disappointed.
The removal of the Start button, an icon that had been associated with Windows since Windows 95, left many users feeling lost. Although Microsoft tried to remedy the situation by reintroducing the button in Windows 8.1, the loss of trust was already there and made Windows 8 one of the company's biggest failures.
Zune music player
Launched in 2006, the Zune was designed to compete with the iPod. With a large screen and wireless syncing capabilities, the Zune had some notable features. However, it only supported a limited number of audio formats and could not play WAV or WMA files.
Zune is not strong enough to compete with iPod
PHOTO: REUTERS
Furthermore, the discontinuation of the MSN music service before the Zune’s launch forced users to purchase songs on the new platform. Despite improvements in later versions, the Zune failed to achieve the sales numbers of the iPod and was discontinued in 2011.
Windows Phone
Launched in 2010, Windows Phone impressed with its unique Metro interface and integration of Microsoft applications. However, the failure of this product was mainly due to Microsoft's inability to compete with Apple and Android, the giants that dominated the mobile phone market.
Furthermore, the lack of interest from app developers has made Windows Phone unable to attract users. Despite launching many impressive phone models, Microsoft decided to withdraw from the phone market in 2017.
Along with the aforementioned failures, Windows Vista, Microsoft Band, and Groove Music Service are also worthy of mention on the list of Microsoft’s memorable failures. The lessons learned from these failures can help Microsoft and other technology companies improve and grow in the future.
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