A Tribute to the Tech We Said Farewell to in 2025
While 2025 may have been a quieter year in terms of tech shutdowns and discontinuations, it still left an impact on the industry and our digital lives. As a long-time tech enthusiast and observer, I've witnessed some significant changes and endings that deserve a proper send-off.
A Fond Farewell to Familiar Faces
In 2022, we bid adieu to some iconic names like the iPod, Google Stadia, and Internet Explorer. These retirements sparked a wave of nostalgia and highlighted the evolving nature of technology. But 2025 brought its own set of changes, some of which might have gone unnoticed by the casual observer.
AOL's Dial-Up: A Screechy Goodbye
For those of us who remember the early days of the internet, the sound of a modem connecting was as familiar as a morning alarm. AOL, the giant of dial-up, finally hung up the phone in September, leaving many rural users without home internet access. It's a reminder of how far we've come and how quickly technology can evolve.
The Rise and Fall of the Humane AI Pin
I must admit, I was a bit perplexed by the hype surrounding the Humane AI pin, a voice chat device powered by AI. Having seen numerous single-function gadgets come and go, I couldn't help but wonder if this pin's short-lived existence was due to the multifunctional capabilities already present in our pockets - our trusty smartphones.
The Last iPhone Home Button: A Nostalgic Farewell
The iPhone SE was the last model to feature a dedicated home button, a feature that many users, including myself, miss dearly. With the introduction of the iPhone 16E, direct access to this capability was sacrificed, leaving us to navigate the screen in new ways.
Micron's Memory Pivot: A Shift in Focus
Memory manufacturers are now prioritizing high-demand, AI-friendly memory, driven by the urgent needs of data centers. Micron's decision to pivot away from the consumer market in November means that finding affordable memory for PCs might become increasingly challenging.
Windows' New Look: Black is the New Blue
Windows' iconic 'blue screen of death' has been a part of our tech lives for decades, but in October 2025, Microsoft gave it a makeover. The new black screen might be less anxiety-inducing, but we'll miss the familiar frown emoticon that accompanied it.
Amazon's Android App Store: A Closed Chapter
Amazon's focus on its own-branded products led to the closure of its general Android app store in August. The store had a good run, lasting 14 years since its launch in 2011, but now, apps are exclusively for Amazon's Fire devices.
Skype's Evolution: A Teams Player
Skype, once a pioneer in cheap long-distance calls, has now been integrated into Microsoft's Teams app. This move, announced in February, marks the end of an era for the standalone Skype app, which had gained popularity before the rise of FaceTime and VoIP communications.
Google's Thermostat: A Lesson in Planned Obsolescence
Google's decision to disconnect the first two generations of its smart thermostat from the app in October is a prime example of planned obsolescence. While the hardware is still functional, the lack of app support means losing key features and security updates, encouraging users to upgrade.
Stadia's Legacy: The Last Controller Stands
Google's custom Stadia controller, designed for its short-lived cloud gaming service, was discontinued in 2022. While the controller is well-designed, the end of firmware upgrades at the close of 2025 means it will join the shelf of non-functioning collectibles for many.
DJI Drones: No Longer Flying High in the US
The import ban on foreign-made drones, which came into effect in December, means that DJI drones are now harder to come by in the US. You can still fly and buy them, but finding them might require a bit of extra effort.
As we reflect on these changes, it's important to remember that technology is ever-evolving. While some may mourn the loss of familiar features and devices, it's also an opportunity to embrace the new and innovative. So, here's to the tech we've lost and the exciting developments that await us in the future. What are your thoughts on these tech transitions? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
