As we march toward an ever-more-connected future, some tech products inevitably fall by the wayside. Each year sees innovations that push older gadgets and trends into obsolescence. 2024 was no different. Let’s take a look at the tech we said goodbye to this year and explore why they’re now relegated to history.
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1. DVDs and Blu-rays
Physical media faced another nail in its coffin in 2024, with major retailers like Best Buy announcing the discontinuation of DVD and Blu-ray sales. Streaming services now dominate how we consume video content, offering vast libraries of 4K movies and shows on demand. With convenience and immediacy trumping physical ownership, even die-hard collectors are finding it harder to justify their stacks of discs.
Why it’s gone: The rise of streaming platforms and digital rentals left physical media unable to compete in terms of accessibility and storage.
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2. Landline Phones
While landlines have been on the decline for years, 2024 marked a tipping point. Several telecommunications companies announced plans to phase out traditional copper-wire phone services entirely, encouraging customers to move to internet-based solutions. For many, their smartphone became the one-stop solution for all communication needs.
Why it’s gone: Declining usage, high maintenance costs, and the availability of reliable cellular and VoIP technology.
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3. Passwords
Passwords, long considered a weak link in digital security, finally began to disappear in 2024. The rise of passwordless authentication—using biometrics, email links, or one-time passcodes—became the norm. Major tech players like Microsoft, Google, and Apple championed these changes, ushering in a new era of convenience and security.
Why it’s gone: Hackers and data breaches made traditional passwords increasingly vulnerable, while new technologies offered more secure alternatives.
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4. Third-Party Cookies
In a major shift for digital advertising, 2024 saw the end of third-party cookies in most web browsers. Google’s long-awaited phase-out was completed, joining Firefox and Safari in restricting advertisers’ ability to track users across sites. This change upended digital marketing strategies, with companies shifting to privacy-first solutions like contextual advertising and first-party data.
Why it’s gone: Increased consumer demand for online privacy and new regulations forced advertisers to adapt.
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5. Standalone GPS Devices
The once-essential dashboard GPS device officially became a relic in 2024. With smartphones offering advanced navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, there was little reason to carry a separate gadget. Some companies announced they would stop manufacturing these devices altogether.
Why it’s gone: Smartphones offer free, constantly updated navigation features, making standalone devices redundant.
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6. 3G Networks
After decades of service, 3G networks were fully retired in 2024. Telecommunications companies around the globe completed the transition to faster and more efficient 4G and 5G networks. This change forced older phones and IoT devices reliant on 3G to either upgrade or lose connectivity.
Why it’s gone: The need for higher speeds and network efficiency made 3G unsustainable in the face of modern demands.
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7. Compact Digital Cameras
As smartphone cameras reached new heights in 2024, compact digital cameras quietly faded from the market. Most people found their phones more than sufficient for everyday photography, while professionals continued to rely on high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
Why it’s gone: Smartphone cameras with AI-enhanced features outpaced compact cameras in both convenience and quality.
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8. QR Codes (Sort of)
While QR codes experienced a resurgence during the pandemic, their usage started to wane in 2024. Many businesses moved toward NFC (near-field communication) technology, which offers a more seamless and faster experience for mobile payments, menus, and information sharing.
Why it’s gone: NFC provides a more elegant and user-friendly alternative to QR codes.
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Reflections
Technology is ever-changing, and 2024 was a clear reminder that progress often means letting go. While some of these shifts were met with nostalgia, others, like the end of passwords, were greeted with open arms. As we move forward, it’s worth pausing to appreciate how far we’ve come—and to wonder what else might disappear in the years ahead.
What tech trends do you think will vanish in 2025?