As 2023 draws to a close, we're not just saying goodbye to another year, but also to a number of beloved consumer hardware and other various technology products that are reaching their end of life. In some cases these are products that were once cutting-edge and innovative, but have since been surpassed by newer, more advanced models. In other cases these were not well-received by the community and lacked consumer support.

Let's take a look at some of the notable tech hardware that will be saying goodbye in 2023:
Google Glass
Google Glass was an ambitious project that aimed to bring wearable computing to the forefront. Launched in 2013, Glass was a pair of eyeglasses that displayed information and allowed users to interact with the internet through a head-mounted display. However, Glass was met with mixed reviews, due to privacy concerns, its high price tag, and limited functionality. Google stopped selling Glass to consumers in 2015, and the project has since been shifted to focus on enterprise applications where they have now also ended sales.
AltspaceVR
Altspace was a popular virtual reality social platform that allowed users to create avatars, interact with others, and attend virtual events. Launched in 2017, AltspaceVR was one of the first VR platforms to focus on social interaction. However, the entity was acquired by Microsoft in 2020, and the platform has since been shut down.
Nest Secure
Google will end support for their Nest Secure platform on April 8, 2024. Competition from established security players and limitations in its expansion capabilities hampered its success. This means that support for Nest Secure officially ends. The tools will no longer connect to the internet or be accessible through the Google Nest app. Core features like arm/disarm, alarm monitoring, and notifications will become unavailable. While some basic functionality might remain (local alarms, manual activation), integration with third-party services like IFTTT will cease.
Other notable tech hardware reaching end of life in 2023:
Amazon Echo Spot: The spherical smart speaker is being discontinued.
HTC Vive Cosmos: The high-end VR headset is being discontinued.
What should the average consumer do with their hardware?
If you own any of the hardware that is reaching end of life, you may want to start thinking about what to do next. In most cases, you will still be able to use the hardware, but you may no longer receive software updates or support from the manufacturer. In other cases, you may need to replace the hardware entirely.
It's important to do your research and decide what the best option is for you. Scower manufacturer sites, forums, and reach out through their support channels if you need. Don't hesitate to buy and sell pre owned tech, either. Just because you no longer need your device or are unable to reap every former benefit doesn't mean it should automatically be considered E-waste
The future of consumer technology
The tech industry is constantly evolving, and new products are always being released. As older products reach their end of life, it's exciting to see what new and innovative hardware will come to market in the years to come.
Here are some of the trends that we can expect to see in consumer tech space in the future:
More artificial intelligence: AI is being used in a variety of tech products, from smartphones to smart speakers. We can expect to see even more AI-powered hardware in the future.
More virtual reality and augmented reality: VR and AR are becoming increasingly popular, and we can expect to see more VR and AR headsets and glasses in the future.
More connected devices: The internet of things (IoT) is growing rapidly, and we can expect to see more devices that are connected to the internet in the future.
The looming hardware graveyard of 2023 doesn't have to be a dead end. Before you toss that outdated device, consider responsible recycling options or trading in/selling. Many manufacturers offer take-back programs or partner with e-waste facilities to ensure proper disposal and resource recovery. By giving your old tech a second life, you can minimize environmental impact and potentially recoup some value. Additionally, remember that advancements in technology often bring improved energy efficiency and sustainability features. Upgrading to newer devices, while it may come with a cost, can contribute to a greener future in the long run.
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