As 2024 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the tech landscape and the major disappointments that defined it. From underwhelming gadgets to botched software launches, this year was not short on tech mishaps. Here's a rundown of the 11 biggest tech flops of 2024, a list that not only reflects industry criticism but also your opinions from our TechRadar poll.

11. GoPro Hero 2024

Kicking off our list is the GoPro Hero 2024, launched in September as a budget-friendly action camera for beginners. Despite its affordable pricing, many users criticized the camera’s lackluster image quality, particularly in low-light environments. With limited recording modes and no support for external microphones, the GoPro Hero left many enthusiasts feeling shortchanged. Its compromise on quality for affordability tarnished its potential in a competitive market.

10. Evie Ring

The Evie Ring, a smart ring designed specifically for women, had a promising start when it launched early in 2024. Featuring period tracking and health monitoring, it aimed to stand out but ultimately fell flat due to its overly simplistic functionalities and lack of accurate data analysis. Compared to rivals that pushed the boundaries of smart ring technology, the Evie Ring was seen as a missed opportunity altogether.

9. Windows Recall

Introduced in May 2024, Microsoft’s Recall feature was supposed to revolutionize how users searched for files on Windows 11 using AI. However, the privacy concerns stemming from its screenshot functionality led to immediate backlash, causing Microsoft to retract the feature. Despite resuming testing later in the year, a series of bugs and a lack of user confidence contributed to its classification as one of the year’s major software flops.

8. New Sonos App

Sonos aimed to revitalize user experience with an all-new app release in May, but instead, users were greeted with significant bugs and missing features crucial for daily use. As feedback poured in, Sonos had to roll back and restore functionalities, sparking frustration among loyal customers. This blunder signaled a need for more thorough user testing before launch.

7. Concord

Sony's ambitious gaming title, Concord, flopped spectacularly after its August launch. Despite substantial development investment, the game lacked player interest and was swiftly removed from servers. Critics deemed it generic and uninspired, reflecting how even AAA titles can misstep when failing to innovate.

6. Windows 11 24H2 Update

The anticipated Windows 11 24H2 update, which arrived in October, was marred by an influx of bugs that diminished the user experience. While the new features aimed to improve security and performance, the glitches overshadowed these benefits and rendered the update more of a technical headache than an enhancement.

5. AirPods Max 2024

The second-generation AirPods Max, released in September, were widely anticipated but ultimately delivered little more than a USB-C port and new color options. The high price of $549 for such minimal upgrades made consumers question Apple's commitment to innovation in their premium audio range.

4. Rabbit R1

The Rabbit R1 launched with high hopes as an AI companion but was criticized for being unnecessary and having a convoluted user interface. Designed to respond to user queries, it failed to prove its relevance in a market already saturated with smartphone capabilities.

3. Spotify Wrapped 2024

Spotify Wrapped 2024 made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Users vented frustrations over missing features and inaccurate listening data. The omission of popular stats and the introduction of poorly received AI elements spoiled the annual year-in-review experience, overshadowed further by Apple Music Replay’s success in comparison.

2. Humane AI Pin

The Humane AI Pin's release in April generated buzz, only to be met with criticism for its high price, slow performance, and lack of practicality. While it promised to offer a groundbreaking experience as a smartphone alternative, it ultimately felt more like a gimmick that failed to resonate with users.

1. Apple Vision Pro

Claimed by our readers as the biggest tech flop of 2024, the Apple Vision Pro defined disappointment due to its outrageous price of $3,500 and underwhelming software ecosystem. Despite receiving praise for its stunning visual capabilities, the lack of substantial app support and sluggish sales painted a bleak picture for Apple's much-touted foray into mixed-reality headsets. As production slowed and developers hesitated to engage, the Vision Pro became a cautionary tale in overpromising and underdelivering in tech.

Reflecting on this year’s blunders, it’s evident that innovation can often miss the mark, reminding us that in the fast-paced world of technology, cautious optimism should always be paired with realistic expectations.