Farewell to Familiar Tech: A Look Back at What Disappeared in 2025

Daily Technology

31/12/2025

2025 marked a surprisingly quiet year for major tech discontinuations, yet several notable departures and shifts occurred, signaling the end of eras and reflecting broader industry trends. While not as dramatic as previous years, these changes evoked nostalgia and highlighted the rapid evolution of the digital landscape.

Key Takeaways

The year saw the end of iconic services like AOL's dial-up internet and the phasing out of familiar hardware interfaces.
Emerging technologies, like the Humane AI Pin, struggled to find their footing and were quickly discontinued.
Major tech companies continued to pivot, prioritizing AI and enterprise solutions over consumer-focused products.

The End of an Era: AOL Dial-Up Disconnects

For many, the screeching symphony of a dial-up modem was the soundtrack to their early internet experiences. In September, AOL finally disconnected its dial-up internet service, a move that likely left millions, particularly in rural areas, without home internet access. This marked the definitive end of an era that defined the formative years of the web for a generation.

Fleeting Innovations: The Humane AI Pin

The Humane AI Pin, a wearable AI voice chat device, had a brief and bafflingly hyped existence. Despite its ambitious concept, the device ultimately failed to impress, compounded by its limited functionality and the rapid pace of innovation in multi-functional gadgets. While HP acquired Humane AI, the focus was on its talent and intellectual property, with a hardware revival deemed unlikely.

The Last Home Button

The familiar home button, a staple of the iPhone experience, made its final bow with the iPhone SE. Its replacement by the home button-less iPhone 16e in February means navigating back to the home screen now requires a swipe, a change that has proven inconvenient for some users.

Shifting Priorities: Micron Exits Consumer Memory

In November, memory manufacturer Micron announced its pivot away from consumer markets to focus on high-demand, high-margin AI-friendly memory. This strategic shift, driven by the immense demand from AI companies, means consumers may face continued challenges in finding affordable memory for their PCs.

A New Look for System Crashes: The Black Screen of Death

Windows' iconic Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), a dreaded symbol of system crashes since the early days of graphical interfaces, has been replaced. In the October 2025 release, Microsoft introduced a "simpler UI" on a black background, aiming for a less anxiety-inducing experience. While the visual has changed, the underlying issues that cause these crashes likely persist.

Amazon's App Store Pivot

In August, Amazon shut down its general Android app store, shifting its focus exclusively to apps designed for its own Fire devices. This move, lasting 14 years, underscores Amazon's commitment to driving users towards its proprietary ecosystem.

Skype's Integration into Teams

Once a revolutionary tool for affordable long-distance calls, Skype has been folded into Microsoft's Teams app. Announced in February, this integration signals the decline of the standalone Skype application, which had been a mainstream communication tool for years.

Google Nest Thermostat's Diminished Capabilities

Google's decision to end support for the first two generations of the Nest Learning Thermostat in October effectively "dumbs down" the devices. By disconnecting them from the app, users lose key features like remote operation and notifications, pushing them towards newer models.

Stadia Controller's Final Countdown

Google is ceasing firmware upgrades for its Stadia controllers after 2025. While previously convertible to Bluetooth, those who haven't made the switch by the end of the year will be left with non-functioning collectibles, a final reminder of the short-lived cloud gaming service.

US Grounds DJI Drone Imports

In December, a ban on imports of foreign-made drones went into effect in the US, significantly impacting the availability of products from major manufacturers like DJI. While existing drones can still be flown and purchased, finding new ones will become increasingly difficult.

2025-10-30

Humanoid Robots and AI Revolutionize Automotive Production

Explore how AI and humanoid robots are revolutionizing automotive production, addressing labor shortages, enhancing efficiency, and redefining human roles in the industry.