Nike Magneto (1995-97)
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
Nike created a pair of futuristic sunglasses that didn't have temples (the part that goes over your ear).
One big catch: to wear them you had to glue frickin magnets on your face so the shades could clip on. pic.twitter.com/MmqZxpcwV9
Non classé
There's a "Museum of Failure" in Sweden which highlights 150+ failed products. It's meant to show that innovation requires risk-taking and failure.
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
Here are 10 gems you may not remember:
ESPN phone (2006)
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
This ESPN-branded flip phone provided grainy video highlights and 24/7 sports news. It cost $399 or "free" with a $65-$225/month plan.
It lasted <1yr, with Steve Jobs telling ESPN execs "“Your phone is the dumbest f***ing idea I have ever heard.” pic.twitter.com/fu7qbVJjsN
Ikea a.i.r. (1980s)
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
Ikea took "DIY" and "transportable" to new heights with its line of inflatable furniture (a.i.r.).
Valves constantly leaked and needed re-pumping. The line did last almost a decade, though. pic.twitter.com/7gVAgia6l4
TwitterPeek (2009-2010)
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
A $200 handheld device that *only* ran Twitter. It was a disaster:
◻️You could only see 20 characters at a time
◻️Linked websites were inaccessible
◻️It only refreshed the 10 most recent Tweets pic.twitter.com/cMjBnJnM4Q
Spray-on Condom (2006-2008)
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
Step 1: Insert junk into spray apparatus
Step 2: Spray on melted latex
Step 3: Wait 3 minutes for it to dry
Step 4: This is the most insane thing ever seen in my life pic.twitter.com/AnyK0H0SJO
Lifesaver Holes (early 1990s)
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
Honestly, this was kind of a good idea.
Lifesaver launched a product that was supposed to resemble the punched out holes from the OG circular candies. It totally flopped. pic.twitter.com/NzDoaFhFRS
Nintendo Power Glove (1989-1990)
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
This was one of Nintendo's first forays into VR tech. It sold 600k units in the first 6 weeks but didn't actually do anything of note.
The hand-motion tech would later develop into the super successful Nintendo Wii controller, though. pic.twitter.com/wazCNtsQDR
Harley-Davidson Cologne (1996-2005)
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 21, 2022
Harley has a strong brand and merch makes up ~5% of its sales. In the mid-90s, the motorbike manufacturer got a little ambitious w/ its brand extension strategy: eau de toilette (AKA cologne).
The scent was called — wait for it — "Hot Rod". pic.twitter.com/XfgTHRM3Zj
Pour répondre à une question : la TVA n'est pas augmentée : une part de ce qu'elle rapporte doit aller financer l'audiovisuel public. Mais du coup, c'est de l'argent qui ne va pas ailleurs. La question (à 3,8 milliards, quand même) est donc : qu'est-ce qui va être définancé ?
— François Malaussena (@malopedia) July 23, 2022
