As much as we love celebrating the products that improved our lives in 2024, not every release lived up to its potential. Some products we were excited about stumbled due to lackluster performance, questionable design choices, or an inability to meet the lofty expectations they set.
A product doesn’t have to crash and burn to be a letdown. Sometimes, simply failing to live up to the hype is enough. As we say every year, we’re not mad at these products—just disappointed.
Sony Bravia Theater U
Neck speakers have always been a niche alternative to traditional headphones. The idea is to wear them around your neck so those nearby can’t hear what you’re listening to. The unfortunate thing about the Sony Bravia Theater U
Dell XPS 13 (2024)
The year’s Dell XPS lineup should have been a great series of laptops, whether at 13, 14, or 16 inches. The thin yet sturdy frame remains impressively quiet even under stress, and several models feature bright, vibrant OLED displays. So, what’s the problem? The light-up, touch-sensitive function row. While we might learn to live with—or even love—the invisible trackpad, it’s hard to appreciate an ESC key that disappears when the laptop is off. Worse, the touch-sensitive keys can fade in direct light, making locating essential controls like brightness or volume adjustment nearly impossible.
Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is the most technologically advanced VR headset you can buy right now. It features some of the best displays available, making watching movies or experiencing the new “spatial” content feel truly unique. However, the device is uncomfortable to use without third-party straps or headrests, primarily due to its metal and glass front plate. Slipping the power bank into your pocket adds to its inconvenience, especially if you just want to use it for a quick spatial work session. The biggest drawback, however, is the lack of apps that fully utilize its external sensors. While improvements are expected over time, it’s hard to overlook these shortcomings—particularly at a $3,500 price point, where you’d expect Apple to prioritize usability.
Razer Freyja
We’ve been captivated by the Razer Freyja ever since we first saw it at CES last January. This sound-activated haptic chair promises truly immersive spine-tingling rumbles, and it delivers—though perhaps too well, as it also reacts to the low rumble of a deep-voiced NPC. While it includes several game-specific haptic features, these effects only activate sporadically in some games, making it feel more like a novelty than a genuine tool for enhancing immersion. Another drawback is its reliance on a power outlet for the seat cushion, leaving a cable that’s all too easy for your chair’s rolling wheels to snag. Overall, it’s a fascinating device, but it’s still a generation (and a few refinements) away from greatness.
Rabbit R1
Like the rest of the internet, we were charmed by the adorably orange and square Rabbit R1 when it was announced at the start of the year. The AI-powered companion device promised to do it all. However, once we got one, the $200 AI assistant struggled with even the most basic tasks. Its image recognition was wrong so often it made me question if it even had a camera, and its “all-day” battery barely lasted a few hours. To Rabbit’s credit, the company has been rolling out regular software updates for the R1 since its launch, but there’s still a long way to go.
AirPods 4 With ANC
The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (ANC) should have been a slam dunk, but the short battery life and loose fit make it hard to recommend them over previous-generation AirPods. While adding ANC is a welcome upgrade, it struggles to block out louder city sounds like horns and sirens. If ANC is a top priority, the AirPods Pro 2 are a much better option for those committed to the Apple ecosystem. The AirPods 4’s battery life is even more disappointing; it falls short of lasting an entire workday before needing a recharge.
MSI Claw
The MSI Claw launched at an unfortunate time, entering a market crowded with impressive handhelds. Its design was reminiscent of the Asus ROG Ally, but its ergonomics were awkward, and the shoulder buttons were disappointingly spongy. While the handheld received several updates to improve its performance, it still fell short of competing with AMD handhelds powered by the Z1 Extreme. To make matters worse, the $800 price tag felt steep for what it offered.
Roto VR Explorer Chair
The $800 Roto VR Explorer chair is a perfect example of a great concept let down by poor execution. It’s a VR gaming chair designed to rotate in the direction your head turns. In theory, this sounds immersive and exciting, but in practice, it feels more like a clunky carnival ride, constantly stopping and starting. The biggest drawback is that the Explorer doesn’t perform well in games requiring more dynamic movement than simply turning your head. While there are some interesting experiences with the VR Explorer, it ultimately undermines what we love most about VR: the freedom of movement.
Meta Ray-Bans
Don’t get me wrong—I really enjoy wearing my Meta Ray-Bans. Not only are they stylish, but they’re also perfect for capturing high-quality first-person videos and photos. Plus, they’re a convenient way to listen to music or hear your messages without grabbing your phone. However, the big issue with the Meta Ray-Bans is the AI features, which are hit-or-miss. They frequently provide inaccurate or irrelevant answers to your questions or requests. We joked that smart glasses have a bit of a “dad-brain” because of how confidently they deliver the wrong answer. Recently, Meta added a live translation feature, which is a nice addition, but it struggles to keep up when the speaker talks too quickly in another language.
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2024-12-25 11:00:02
