Diving into 2024 Tech: Major Failures to Promising Tech Innovations 

In 2024, the tech industry experienced a wave of activity marked by numerous product launches, app releases, and significant updates. However, not every development received a warm reception. While some innovations pushed the boundaries of technology, others fell short of expectations.  

As we embark on 2025, let’s learn from 2024’s tech failures and anticipate the groundbreaking innovations that will shape our future.  

Promising Innovations 

Meta’s Orion AR Glasses 

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, unveiled its first augmented reality (AR) glasses, the Orion, at the Meta Connect 2024 event. Previously referred to as Project Nazare, these innovative holographic glasses resemble regular eyewear but are packed with advanced AR capabilities. Featuring cutting-edge silicon-carbide architecture, Orion allows intricate holographic projections to seamlessly blend with the real world. 

While the current resolution (12 pixels per degree) isn’t quite as sharp as some competitors, Orion offers impressive features like AI voice assistance, hand and eye tracking, and even a wrist-based neural interface that enables users to operate functions via brain signals. A notable aspect of these glasses is their ability to let wearers interact with their surroundings while accessing digital information— imagine attending a virtual meeting while reviewing documents and taking notes. 

Meta’s Orion glasses are currently in the prototype stage and not yet available for purchase. The manufacturing cost for each pair is around US$10,000 (approx. £7853), but the company expects it will take three to five years to lower the price for consumer accessibility. With their potential to transform how we engage with technology and our environment, the Orion glasses could pave the way for augmented reality to become an integral part of everyday life, making them a standout innovation for the year ahead. 

Huawei Mate XT triple-screen phone 

The smartphone industry has seen its fair share of innovation, from transparent displays to dual-screen devices. However, Chinese tech giant Huawei has outdone itself with the Mate XT, a revolutionary triple-folding smartphone. 

Launched in September 2024, the Mate XT features a unique tri-fold design that sets it apart from its competitors. When closed, it’s a compact 6.4-inch OLED device. But unfold it, and it transforms into a 10.2-inch tablet. This flexibility is made possible by dual hinges and a flexible screen that can bend in multiple directions. To enhance productivity, Huawei has introduced a foldable keyboard that pairs seamlessly with the Mate XT, offering a desktop-like experience. 

The Mate XT, priced at US$2,800 (approx. £2,200), may not appeal to a wide audience, but it has garnered considerable attention and positive feedback within the Chinese market. With a design to enhance the mobile experience, it stands out as a strong competitor for 2025. As the demand for flexible and high-performance devices grows, seeing how the Mate XT fares against established rivals like Apple and Samsung globally will be fascinating. 

Bluesky 

After the decline of X (formerly Twitter), many believed the social media landscape had ended. However, the emergence of Bluesky has proven them wrong. Originally conceived as an internal project by Jack Dorsey at Twitter in 2019, Bluesky aimed to create a decentralized social network. It became an independent entity in 2021, with Jay Graber as its CEO. The text-based social media platform offers users a customisable experience through open protocols. This decentralized approach contrasts sharply with the centralized models of platforms like Facebook (now Meta) and TikTok. 

Since its invite-only launch in February 2023, Bluesky has gained significant traction, especially after the presidential election on November 5. By December 2024, membership surged to over 22 million users, up from about 12 million in mid-October. This growth is attributed to ongoing turmoil at X under Elon Musk, including changes in moderation and alterations to algorithms, which have driven users to seek alternatives. Additionally, events like X’s temporary ban in Brazil and the heightened political climate surrounding the election have further fueled Bluesky’s rise. 

Bluesky’s rapid growth positions it to challenge established platforms and shape the future of social media in 2025. By prioritizing user control and open standards, the platform offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional, often centralized, social media platforms. 

Tech Failures  

Apple Vision Pro 

It’s unusual for a tech giant like Apple to miss the mark with a new product. However, the much-hyped Vision Pro headset seems to be facing significant challenges. Despite its groundbreaking technology and impressive features, the Vision Pro hasn’t resonated with consumers as Apple’s iconic products like the iPod or iPhone did. A major hurdle for the Vision Pro has been its steep price point of US$3,499 (approx. £2,747), which makes it inaccessible to the average consumer. In addition to cost, the headset’s bulky design and limited use cases further contributed to its lack of appeal. Notably, the absence of dedicated controllers restricts the device’s ability to run popular VR games, a key factor driving demand for virtual reality hardware.  

The initial excitement surrounding the Vision Pro has waned, leading to Apple significantly scaling back production. This decision follows comments from CEO Tim Cook, who indicated that the headset is aimed at early adopters and is not intended for the mass market. Disappointing sales have resulted in an excess inventory, with estimates suggesting that Apple may not reach 500,000 sales in 2024. 

Rabbit R1 

The Rabbit R1, a pocket-sized AI device, generated a lot of excitement at CES 2024. It promised to simplify your digital life by combining the functions of your smartphone into a single device. The idea was to use voice commands to perform tasks without switching apps. However, despite the initial buzz, the R1 has not met expectations. 

Despite its price tag of US$199 (approx. £156), the Rabbit R1 cannot fully replace a smartphone, as it lacks the ability to make calls or send texts. While users can add a SIM card for connectivity, this option only raises the overall cost without significantly enhancing its usability on the go. Additionally, the device is limited to just four apps—Spotify, Midjourney, DoorDash, and Uber—when used independently of a phone, further limiting its functionality. Compounding these issues, a security flaw was discovered that posed a risk of exposing every response generated by the device, raising further concerns for potential users. 

Crowdstrike outage 

2024 will be remembered for the biggest IT outage caused by a CrowdStrike update. On July 19th, millions of Windows systems worldwide were crippled, displaying the infamous blue screen of death (BSOD). This incident was largely attributed to a flawed update rolled out by CrowdStrike, a prominent endpoint security vendor known for its Falcon platform, designed to protect systems from cybersecurity threats.  

The outage was caused by a faulty sensor configuration update affecting Windows systems, specifically impacting the Falcon sensor for Windows 10 and above. This glitch disrupted approximately 8.5 million devices and had far-reaching consequences across various sectors, including commercial aviation, healthcare, financial services, and media broadcasting. The aftermath highlighted the risks associated with technology updates and the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Insurers project that this outage could result in losses of around US$5.4 billion for U.S. Fortune 500 companies. 

Distilled 

The future of 2025 looks bright, driven by emerging technologies that are set to transform our daily lives. However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that come with progress. The difficulties faced in 2024 serve as a reminder that success often follows a trail of setbacks. By learning from past mistakes and embracing a responsible approach to innovation, we can harness the power of technology to create a better future.