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The 6 Worst Microsoft Products, And Why They Led To Its Downfall

The 6 Worst Microsoft Products, And Why They Led To Its Downfall
Thomas Tamblyn
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Microsoft might be one of the largest technology companies in the world but it has most definitely not been all smooth sailing.

From the glove-unfriendly nature of Windows Mobile to the well-designed but ultimately doomed Zune Player the company has been pressing forward with new ideas that ultimately were actually just too ahead of their time.

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Here's some of the all-time classics, including everyone's least-favourite operating system Windows Vista and Microsoft's first proper smartphone, the ill-fated Microsoft Kin.

If that wasn't enough there's the Swatch Paparazzi, one of the first-ever smart watches launched by Bill Gates and Mischa Barton from the OC. Again, great idea but ultimately, well just look at the name.

6 Things Microsoft Utterly Failed At (List)
Windows Mobile(01 of05)
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Windows Mobile arguably started the mobile computing revolution, and for that we should be grateful. But as time went on it became clear that there were few things more frustrating than trying to press the world's tiniest 'Start' button using the world's tiniest stylus whilst wearing the world's largest gloves. It was impractical.
Microsoft SPOT Smart Watch(02 of05)
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Oh yes. Microsoft made a smart watch. The SPOT-powered Swatch Paparazzi was able to send you live updates from MSN Direct. Those included live news updates, emails and calendar reminders. Again, Microsoft was thinking too far ahead. The Paparazzi was meant for younger users, but required a monthly or yearly subscription service just to get the data sent to your watch. Oh and it was called the Paparazzi.
Zune Media Player(03 of05)
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Zune is the start of a series of failures where Microsoft nailed the design but stumbled on the execution.The Zune player was a genuinely interesting proposition, with great build quality and a pretty well designed interface it was genuinely enjoyable to use. Drawbacks? Well it was a nightmare to use when connected to a computer, it was expensive and ultimately it just didn't come with anywhere near enough storage.
Windows Vista(04 of05)
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Windows Vista. Widely regarded by IT staff around the world as the sole reason for their 'unplanned vacation' Vista was worrying before release, a shock during release and a nightmare to maintain post-release.Clunky, full of bugs and arguably the least attractive OS Microsoft has ever made. Steer clear.
Windows Phone 7(05 of05)
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Windows Phone 7 was again, a matter of design over function. The 'Metro' UI is stunning whilst Nokia's flagship smartphones enchanted journalists around the world. There was just one small catch however, it had no apps. Literally none. It took three major updates and a switch to Windows Phone 8 before Microsoft was able to drag its pride and joy kicking and screaming into the arena where it could finally compete with the likes of Android and Apple.
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