“From Disasters to Duds: The Failed Products That Tanked Giants’ Fortunes”

Microsoft’s iPod, The Zune

In 2006, Microsoft released the Zune to compete with Apple’s iPod. The Zune was a portable media player that looked similar to the iPod. Although users claimed that the product worked well, it didn’t last. By 2011, the Zune had disappeared.

The Zune’s failure resulted from timing, at least in part. It came out five years after the iPod, and Apple had already monopolized the market. Plus, the Zune offered nothing new and seemed to be no different from an iPod.

Pepsi’s Berry Soda Flavor, Pepsi Blue

In 2002, Pepsi released a soft drink to compete with Vanilla Coke. Instead of going for vanilla, they went with a berry-flavored soda called Pepsi Blue. The drink disappeared by 2004; however, it’s still available in some countries such as Indonesia.

The “berry cola fusion” came out at the wrong time. In 2004, panic erupted over the food dye Blue 1, which is outlawed in most countries. The flavor also didn’t live up to expectations, tasting more like cotton candy.

Apple’s Failed Game Console, The Apple Pippin

Today, Apple seems to succeed with every product. But in the ’90s, the company was still finding its footing. In 1996, Apple released a game console called the Apple Pippin. At the time, Steve Jobs was not with the company, and Apple had collaborated with a Japanese toy firm.