The Hype-o-Meter: Revisiting the Mega-Anticipated Products of the Past

When the iPhone arrives in two short days, it will mark the launch of the most breathlessly awaited product in the history of technology. That's not hyperbole: For better or for worse, the iPhone really is the most hyped tech product of all time. It may be the most hyped product of any kind since the Gutenberg Bible.

While no other tech products of the past can rightly compare, let's consider some other mega-hyped products of yesteryear. Namely: Did they ultimately live up to the lofty expectations? See if you remember the media circuses around these products of the past... the ultimate track record of most mega-hyped products isn't so hot.

Segway - Probably the only other product that even comes close to the iPhone when it comes to hype. The Segway was shrouded in mystery, known only as "IT" for months and months, and was speculated on greatly by the media, all trying to figure out exactly what it was. When it was finally announced, the press had largely pieced it together: The Segway was a two-wheeled, self-balancing scooter of sorts. Alas, the high price, the low speed and range, and the sheer silliness of the thing have largely relegated it to a toy for the rich.
Verdict: Failure

Windows 95 - The biggest media blitz for a software product that I can ever recall. Windows 95 gave the Windows world a much-needed kick in the rear, and Microsoft knew it would be a hit. The company even licensed a Rolling Stones tune ("Start Me Up") to promote the launch. Consumers loved it, and the OS endured for years.
Verdict: Hit

Windows Vista - Here's proof that all the hype in the world can't salvage a rotten product. Vista is selling decently so far, but reviews have been savage.
Verdict: Failure

Blu-ray/HD-DVD - High-definition DVD had a good amount of hype that trickled away as these formats met with delay after delay, frustrating would-be buyers. By the time they were out, reviews of early hardware were awful while prices were through the roof. The friendly buzz had long since turned sour and both formats remain mired in controversy and skepticism. Whether they eventually recover is anyone's guess. For now:
Verdict: Failure

Apple Newton - Apple's first entry into the handheld computer market tried to ride on the early success of the original Macintosh, but that didn't pan out. The product was too big and heavy, and its poor handwriting recognition became a running joke. It's still got cultlike fans, but the Newton can't be seen today as anything other than an abject failure.
Verdict: Failure

Sony Gaming Platforms - The original Playstation was a surprise hit, and Sony knocked it out of the park with the PS2, which faced the endless lines, desperate parents, and crying children we've come to associate with the Tickle Me Elmo craze. Alas, Sony blew it completely on its follow-ups. It positioned the PSP as a next-gen portable with amazing graphics, only to be overshadowed by the touchscreen-ready Nintendo DS. Then there's the PS3, positioned as a next-gen console with amazing graphics, only to be overshadowed by the nunchuck-ready Nintendo Wii. Sony may never learn.
Verdict: Hit (PS2)/Failure (PS3/PSP)

Bluetooth - Bluetooth was going to replace every cable in your computer! It was perfect for almost any short-range network! It was going to work seamlessly once you cracked open the box! Well, aside from cell phone headsets and the occasional wireless mouse, Bluetooth has been relegated to a still-buggy sideline, and that's only because of the sheer force of its industry group, which has pushed the technology so hard that you just can't get away from it. Sales are high, but only because there's no real competition yet. With the rise of alternatives, Bluetooth will soon go the way of the parallel port.
Verdict: Failure

Nokia NGage - There wasn't that much hype around the NGage, but it's one of few cell phones to get much advance buzz, which makes it apropos for discussion. The NGage aimed to combine gaming with cell phone playing, a noble goal, but alas one that ended in misery. I've never seen more dismal reviews for a product, one which ultimately became such a sore spot for Nokia that it probably hastened the withering of the company's market share in the U.S. Who has a Nokia phone any more?
Verdict: Failure