A wise man once said: “Those Who Do Not Learn History Are Doomed To Repeat It.”
…So, it’s best that we take a look at the flops of 2024 in tech. Interestingly, alongside the unforgettable CrowdStrike’s “Update of Doom”, the two “AI-driven” product launches have dominated the lists of tech failures in 2024 – Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1.
Overpriced and underwhelming Humane AI Pin: Marketed as an assistant to simplify daily tasks with AI, the Pin fell short. Given its poor performance, its $700 price tag and a $24 monthly subscription were hard to justify. Consumers expected advanced features, but the device delivered unreliable gesture controls and a dim laser projector that couldn’t compete with smartphone screens. Rabbit R1’s gimmicks overshadow its potential: The Rabbit R1 introduced large action models (LAMs), an AI concept that handles tasks outside the scope of large language models (LLMs). At $200, it offered more value than the AI Pin. (…) The R1 failed to deliver on its CES 2024 promises. LAMs, promoted as revolutionary, proved more gimmicky than groundbreaking. The controversy deepened when a reviewer revealed the R1’s software was essentially an Android app that could be sideloaded onto other devices. This cast doubt on the need for the R1’s hardware.
It taught us a hard lesson – implementing AI solutions and products requires time and expertise. 
Are gadgets getting good again?
What’s on display at the tech industry’s biggest trade show is curiously exciting.Read the article onVox
The outlook for gadgets is improving. As of now, CES 2025 has wrapped up, offering a glimpse into the future of innovative technology:
When I stepped on the showroom floor in Las Vegas at CES, the largest tech industry trade show in the world, earlier this week, I felt a sense of dread. I’ve been coming to the show, off and on, for a decade, and the story is always the same: The industry made new gadgets for you, and they’re slightly better than the old ones. Despite the hype, it’s not often that there’s anything revolutionary. But the vibe was slightly different this year. There was no shortage of new machines on the CES showroom floor that are indeed slightly better than the old ones, and which will make your life easier or more fun — TVs, robotic vacuum cleaners, fancy phone chargers. What really stood out, however, were the growing number of things that are designed to make you — and the planet — healthier.
The article looks at innovative gadgets and breakthroughs that could arrive at our doorstep this year. 
CES 2025 Tech Trends Report: $537B Revenue This Year
The technology market for 2025 looks quite healthy.Read the article onAI Business
Capgemini Research Institute released a report. Their main takeaway? This is the GenAI year – now things will get rolling:
“In 2025, we see AI and Gen AI having a major impact on companies’ priorities and also on many adjacent technology domains, such as robotics, supply chains, or tomorrow’s energy mix.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, understanding emerging technologies is essential for future planning. Our Top Tech Trends of 2025: AI-powered Everything report explores five critical technology trends and their implications for organizations and provides a comprehensive look at innovation and technology priorities through the eyes of business decision-makers.”
Speaking of CES 2025, some optimistic news is emerging from the event:
The technology market for 2025 looks quite healthy, based on the Tech Trends Forecast report presented at the official start of CES on Sunday. The forecast by CES organizer Consumer Technology Association (CTA), presented by Brian Comiskey, senior director, innovation and trends, and Melissa Harrison, vice president marketing and communications at the CTA, showed 2025 industry retail revenue projected at $537 billion, an increase from $520 billion in 2024. Of that, $353 is hardware and $184 billion is software.
But first, there are some issues that we have to deal with. Have you seen a religious figure turned into a shrimp get thousands of engagements on Facebook? If yes, it appears you have been exposed to “AI Slop”:
Low-quality ‘slop’ generated by AI is crowding out genuine humans across the internet, but instead of regulating it, platforms such as Facebook are positively encouraging it. (…) Slop is everywhere but Facebook is positively sloshing with weird AI-generated images, including strange depictions of Jesus made out of shrimps. Rather than trying to rid its platform of AI-generated content – much of which has been created by scammers trying to drive engagement for nefarious purposes – Facebook has embraced it. A study conducted last year by researchers out of Stanford and Georgetown found Facebook’s recommendation algorithms are boosting these AI-generated posts.
