10 Failed Startup Product Examples by Google, Microsoft and Amazon

Let’s shed light on some eye-opening analysis that helps you to know how even tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have encountered their fair share of failures in the realm of product startups.

Join me as we delve into the intriguing stories behind ten such startups, uncovering the lessons they hold for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovation enthusiasts.

Google's Product Startups

Well, there is no need to introduce Google.

Am I right?

But did you know that while having endless successful apps, there is a long list of Google failed products?

Yes, you read it correctly.

The search engine giant has had its fingers in numerous pies, but not all turned out to be the sweet successes they were hoping for.

Google Failed Projects List:

• Google Buzz
• Google Answer
• Google Notebook
• Google Wave

Google Buzz

One of Google's most notable failures is Google Buzz, a social networking, microblogging, and messaging tool integrated into their web-based email program, Gmail. Google introduced Google Buzz in 2010.

Why did Google Buzz Fail?

Google Buzz faced intense criticism for its privacy settings, often revealing users' email contacts without permission. This led to lawsuits and public backlash, tarnishing Google's reputation and ultimately resulting in the shutdown of Google Buzz in 2011.

Google Answers

Google Answers is another name in the failed startups list. Google attempted to create a platform where users could ask and answer questions for a fee. It launched in 2002.

Why did Google Answers Fail?

Despite having a unique concept that was supposed to prove useful for all parties, Google Answers struggled to attract a consistent user base. The need to pay for answers when free alternatives like Yahoo Answers and Quora were available hindered its adoption, leading to its discontinuation in 2006.

Google Notebook

Google Notebook was designed to save and organize notes and information from the web. It was launched in 2006 and shut down in 2012.

Why did Google Notebook Fail?

Google Notebook's failure can be attributed to several factors that set it apart from the success of Evernote. One key reason was Google Notebook's lack of robust platform support, making it inconvenient for users who needed to access their notes across different devices.

In contrast, Evernote capitalized on this need by providing seamless synchronization and support for various platforms, like smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Additionally, Evernote's user-friendly interface and features like voice recordings made it a more versatile tool, addressing real-user requirements.

The failure of Google Notebook is its inability to adapt to evolving user habits, and its lack of consistent updates allowed Evernote to gain a competitive edge.

Google Wave

Google Wave, later known as Apache, aimed to revolutionize communication by combining email, messaging, and collaborative editing in one platform. Despite its innovative approach, it couldn't find its footing. It was launched in 2009 and discontinued within just one year.

Why did Google Wave Fail?

Google Wave was ahead of its time, and its complex interface made it difficult for users to grasp its full potential. Additionally, Google's marketing and product positioning didn't effectively convey its value. These factors contributed to its demise.

Apart from these three Google failed products, there are many more like Google Glass, Google Reader, Google Nexus, Google+, Google Allo, Google Inbox, Google Hangouts, Google Play Music, Google Video Player, etc.

Microsoft's Product Startups

Moving on to Microsoft's foray into startups, let's explore some of its products that failed to make the impact they were aiming for.

Microsoft Failed Products List:

• MS Zune
• Windows Me
• Microsoft Bob

MS Zune

When we are talking about Microsoft's failed products, MS Zune is the name that hits the list.

The Microsoft Zune was a line of portable media players and digital media services developed by Microsoft as a competitor to Apple's iPod and iTunes ecosystem.

The Zune brand included hardware devices and an associated software platform for purchasing and managing digital content. It was launched in 2006 and survived till 2011.

What is the Reason Behind Zune's Failure?

Microsoft Zune faced failure due to various factors. Its late entry into a market dominated by the iPod and its lack of substantial innovation posed challenges.

Zune struggled to establish a compelling ecosystem like iTunes, leading to limited market impact. Compatibility issues, less polished software, and a less recognizable brand perception further hindered its adoption.

Microsoft's focus on hardware rather than a comprehensive ecosystem also contributed to its downfall.

Windows Me

Windows Me, short for Windows Millennium Edition, was a Windows operating system version. Despite its release in the year 2000, it failed to achieve widespread acceptance and acclaim and ended in 2003, followed by extended support by July 2006.

Why Didn’t Windows Me Face Success?

Windows Me was plagued with stability and compatibility issues. It was perceived as a stopgap solution between Windows 98 and Windows XP, and its lack of significant improvements led to its underwhelming performance.

Microsoft Bob

Microsoft Bob is the other name on the list when someone searches for failed products of Microsoft. While it aimed to make the interface of Windows 3.1x, Windows 95, and Windows NT more user-friendly by introducing a cartoon-like interface, this attempt at simplification didn't resonate with users. Its lifespan is just one year i.e., from 1995 to early 1996.

Why did Microsoft Bob Fail?

Undeniably, the idea of making computing more accessible was noble. However, the execution in Microsoft Bob missed the mark. Users found the interface cumbersome and counterintuitive, leading to its quick demise.

If you think Microsoft has only these three failed product startups, you are wrong. The list is very long, which includes Kin, Microsoft Portrait, Microsoft Lumia Smartphones, MSN, MSN TV, Microsoft Surface RT, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Microsoft Office Assistant (Clippy), Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, Microsoft Groove Music, TerraServer, Microsoft Band, etc.

Amazon's Product Startups

Lastly, let's explore the list of Amazon's failed products that face downfall because of several reasons:

Amazon Failed Products List:

• Fire Phone
• Amazon Auctions
• Amazon Destinations

Fire Phone

The Amazon Fire Phone was a smartphone developed by Amazon, which aimed to integrate tightly with Amazon's ecosystem of products and services. It was Amazon's first attempt at creating a smartphone and was launched with a lot of anticipation in 2014. However, it did not achieve the level of success that Amazon had hoped for.

This Phone was officially launched on July 25, 2014, and discontinued after a relatively short period of availability. It was reported that Amazon discontinued the Fire Phone in August 2015, just over a year after its initial release.

Reason Behind the Failure of Fire Phone

The Amazon Fire Phone failed due to a combination of factors. Its high initial pricing put it against established flagship phones. Unique features like the 3D display and Firefly seemed gimmicky rather than useful.

The limited app ecosystem, absence of Google Play Store, and reliance on Amazon's Appstore made it less appealing. Consumers' loyalty to existing brands and the late entry into a market dominated by Apple and Samsung hindered adoption. Additionally, the exclusive partnership with AT&T limited its availability, while marketing failed to communicate its value compared to competitors.

Amazon Auction

Amazon Auctions was an online auction platform launched by Amazon.com in March 1999. It was introduced as a way for individuals and businesses to list and sell items through auction-style listings, similar to platforms like eBay. The service allowed sellers to create their listings and buyers to bid on items, with the highest bidder winning the item.

Amazon Auctions was discontinued in September 2000, after a relatively short lifespan of about a year and a half. The service faced challenges and did not gain the same level of popularity as eBay, which was already an established player in the online auction market.

Causes of Failure

Amazon Auction faced an uphill battle due to eBay's stronghold on the online auction market. The lack of unique features and differentiation hindered its ability to attract users away from eBay's platform.

Amazon Destinations

Amazon Destinations was a travel booking service launched by Amazon in 2015. It aimed to offer users hotel and travel packages in specific regions, focusing on local getaways and nearby destinations. However, the service was quietly discontinued in October 2015, just a few months after its launch.

Why did Amazon Destinations Fail?

The main reason behind its failure was likely the intense competition in the online travel industry, dominated by established players like Expedia and Booking.com. Additionally, Amazon faced challenges in establishing itself as a credible and trusted platform in the travel sector, which led to limited adoption and ultimately contributed to the decision to discontinue the service.

Well, the list does not end here; there are endless Amazon products that have failed, such as Amazon Restaurants, Amazon Wallet, Dash Buttons, Pets.com, Myhabit.com, LiveBid.com, BuyVIP, and much more.

Lessons Learned

Well, in my 20+ years of experience, I saw many startups that could not establish themselves as big players in their industries. And if I am talking about Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, they have diversified their portfolios and revenue streams across various sectors and services. This diversity acts as a buffer, allowing them to absorb failures or setbacks in one area without severely affecting their financial health.

On the other hand, startups, often focusing on a specific niche or product, have a more concentrated risk. A single failure or misstep can significantly affect their limited resources and market position. Unlike industry giants, startups might not have the financial cushion to recover easily from such setbacks.

For startups, it's important to manage risks wisely, diversify revenue streams where possible, foster innovation and adaptability, and make strategic decisions based on a solid understanding of market dynamics.

While the road to becoming a big player in an industry is challenging, careful planning and an unwavering commitment to their vision can set startups on a path to long-term success.