Microsoft’s 7 most notorious failures of all time

Microsoft is hands down one of the most powerful names in global tech; however, its rise hasn’t been without stumbles.

While Windows, Office, Azure, and Xbox cemented their dominance, the company has also produced some memorable misfires.

Here’s a closer look at Microsoft’s biggest flops that will completely change the way you see this tech giant.

1. Microsoft Band

In the era where Apple and Fitbit lead the wearables market, Microsoft dared to introduce a fitness wristband named “Microsoft Band” in 2014.

Despite smart features and cross-platform support, the device was clunky, uncomfortable, and poorly received.

A second version fared no better, and by 2016, the project was discontinued, leaving Microsoft enthusiasts disappointed.

2. Bing

Microsoft launched Bing in 2009 with a $100 million marketing push to challenge Google. 

While it eventually turned profitable in 2016, it never came close to denting Google’s search dominance.

Even in 2018, Google commanded over 90% of the global market share.

3. Kin

Microsoft’s short-lived Kin phones, launched in 2010, were marketed as social networking devices. 

But without apps or games in the middle of the iPhone era, they sold disastrously, reportedly fewer than 10,000 units.

Within two months, Verizon pulled them from shelves, and by 2011, the brand had vanished entirely.

4. Windows Phone

Hoping to compete with iOS and Android, Microsoft launched Windows Phone in 2010. Despite an innovative design, it never caught proper attention.

By 2017, market share had fallen below 0.1%, forcing Microsoft to abandon the platform, effectively conceding the smartphone war.

5. Microsoft Bob

Introduced in 1995, Bob was a cartoonish interface designed to simplify Windows.

Featuring a digital dog named Rover, it confused rather than helped users and demanded too much processing power.

It was discontinued after just one year, remembered more as a punchline than a product.

6. Groove Music

Evolving from the failed Zune, Groove Music attempted to rival Spotify and Apple Music. Despite a catalog of 50 million tracks, it failed to attract subscribers.

Microsoft shut it down in 2017, transferring customers to Spotify.

7. MSN Messenger

Once boasting 330 million monthly users, MSN Messenger was a pioneer in online chat. 

But as rivals like WhatsApp and Skype grew, Microsoft phased it out in 2014, ending an era of nostalgic status updates and emoticons.