legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

A Look Back at Technology’s Farewell in 2025

As we bid farewell to yet another year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the technological innovations that exited the stage in 2025. From enduring platforms like Skype to futuristic AI devices that never quite found their footing, this year’s list showcases a variety of tech that has unfortunately made its way to the digital graveyard.

---

January

Zuckerberg at the White House (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Facebook Fact-Checking

Mark Zuckerberg initiated 2025 by eliminating Meta’s formal fact-checking program, a system that had aimed to combat misinformation during the contentious 2016 U.S. presidential race. Nearly a decade later, Zuckerberg decided to pivot, adopting a community notes approach akin to that of competitor platforms like X. He argued that this shift would alleviate concerns around biased censorship from Meta employees. This decision likely intersected strategically with the lead-up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, a period fraught with political tension. Meta’s decision, which also included a $1 million donation to the inaugural fund and a $25 million settlement over a lawsuit regarding Trump’s account ban, reflects a corporate strategy of appeasing a sensitive political climate.

Venu

Originally envisioned as a groundbreaking collaboration between ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, Venu was supposed to consolidate major sports streaming services into one platform. However, a damaging lawsuit from Fubo derailed this initiative, leaving consumers with a fragmented landscape. By late summer, ESPN and Fox One launched separately while Disney adapted by merging Hulu + Live TV with Fubo.

Amazon Prime Try Before You Buy

Initially launched in 2018 as Prime Wardrobe, this service aimed to compete with startups like Stitch Fix. However, as shoppers increasingly gravitated towards AI-driven features such as virtual try-ons and personalized size recommendations, Amazon found it economically unviable to continue the service.

Meta Quest Pro (Credit: Will Greenwald/PCMag)

Meta Quest Pro

Meta’s $1,500 Quest Pro headset was officially discontinued just over two years after its launch. While it made waves for its professional-grade features, the bulk of consumers turned to its more affordable successor, the Quest 3, which garnered the Editors’ Choice award for its impressive specs.

AT&T 5G Home Internet in NY

Offering fixed-wireless internet via cellular networks, AT&T’s service faced obstacles in New York after the state’s new Affordable Broadband Act mandated steep price limits for eligible households. Consequently, AT&T determined that it was no longer economical to maintain operations in the state.

Net Neutrality (Again)

In a contentious turn of events, net neutrality faced further challenges as a court ruling upheld Trump’s FCC appointee, Brendan Carr, who dismantled the regulatory framework established by the FCC in 2024.

---

February

Humane AI Pin (Credit: Eric Zeman/PCMag)

Humane AI Pin

While chatbots and AI tools captivated users, hardware ventures struggled. The Humane AI Pin, designed by a startup acquired by HP, faced sharp criticism and ultimately ceased production due to disappointing reviews and a $699 price tag. The challenges of the AI device market are increasingly pronounced; most functions can now be performed on smartphones and smartwatches. This trend raises questions about what breakthroughs we can expect from tech luminaries like OpenAI and renowned designer Jony Ive.

Facebook Live Video Saves

Remember when Facebook Live was the go-to platform for real-time interaction? In a bid to save on server space, Meta announced it would now keep streams archived for just 30 days, meaning streams that weren’t downloaded would vanish.

Getaround

Initially launched as a pioneering car-sharing platform, Getaround shuttered its U.S. operations this year after struggling to remain profitable. Interestingly, while US operations concluded, the service persists in Europe.

(Credit: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Downloading Kindle Ebooks to Your Computer

After years of allowing users to download eBooks to computers for later transfer, Amazon decided to eliminate this functionality, marking a significant shift in how customers interact with their digital libraries.

Amazon Chime

Launched in 2017, Amazon’s effort to compete in the video-conferencing space ultimately succumbed to the dominance of platforms like Zoom. This led to its closure in February.

Windows Defender VPN

In a move that surprised many, Microsoft terminated its free VPN feature within Windows Defender in February, justifying the decision by emphasizing a need to focus on newer areas of customer interest.

---

March

Nest Protect (Photo by Neil Godwin/T3 Magazine/Future via Getty Images)

Nest Smoke Detector and Yale Smart Lock

The Nest Protect smoke detector and Yale Smart Lock marked significant innovations in smart home safety. However, following over a decade in the market, Google announced their discontinuation, opting instead for a partnership to create an integrated smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

My Nintendo Gold Points

Nintendo’s Gold Points loyalty program, introduced in 2018, saw its demise this March, marking a loss for gamers hoping to accrue rewards on digital purchases.

---

April

(Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

OpenAI’s GPT-4

Throughout its evolution, OpenAI’s GPT-4 was a celebrated model but was ultimately retired to accommodate the rollout of GPT-4o and GPT-5. This was acknowledged as a pivotal moment for the ChatGPT ecosystem, as it marked an innovative leap for conversational AI.

Standalone Zelle App

After a successful run, Zelle decided to terminate its standalone app, encouraging users to reengage through their individual banking applications, thereby streamlining the user experience.

EA Origin

Electronic Arts’ Origin storefront bid farewell in April, after an unsuccessful battle against industry giants like Steam.

---

May

(Credit: Mozilla)

Skype

The rise of platforms like Zoom and Google Meet ultimately led to Microsoft discontinuing its flagship video-conferencing tool, Skype, consolidating consumer offerings under Microsoft Teams.

Passwords on New Microsoft Accounts

In a significant shift towards modern authentication, Microsoft began making passwordless logins the default for new accounts, signaling a broader transition away from traditional passwords.

Symfonisk WiFi Bookshelf Speaker (Credit: Ikea/Sonos)

Sonos-Ikea Partnership

The collaboration between Sonos and Ikea resulted in a popular line of integrated smart speakers but was ultimately dissolved this year due to operational focus shifts following an ill-received app redesign.

Amazon-Stellantis Deal

After announcing an ambitious plan to embed Amazon technology in Stellantis vehicles, this partnership faced hurdles and began to wind down, indicating the complexities of integrating tech within automotive industries.

---

June

(Credit: Ali Jaber/PCMag)

Dyson Zone Air-Purifying Headphones

Dyson’s innovative attempt to blend air purification with headphones came to an end as the Zone’s efficacy was questioned in the marketplace. Its unique design was not enough to secure a place amidst rising consumer expectations.

Email-to-Text Support on AT&T

As texting supplanted emailing for most interactions, AT&T chose to eliminate its email-to-text feature, citing unnecessary redundancy in modern communication practices.

---

July

(Credit: Mozilla)

Pocket (and FakeSpot)

What began as a user-friendly bookmarking tool and review filter fell victim to shifting priorities at Mozilla, leading to the eventual shutdown of both Pocket and FakeSpot.

Nintendo Vouchers Program

Nintendo announced the impending end of its voucher program, impacting gamers looking to leverage multi-game discounts.

---

August

Amazon Appstore for Android

After competing in a challenging landscape dominated by Google Play, the Amazon Appstore officially shuttered, effective August 20, marking an end to its decade-long operation.

Windows 11 SE

Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 11 SE, aiming to refocus efforts where it aligns more closely with computing trends and real-world requirements in educational settings.

Steam for Chromebooks

Following a rocky beta testing phase, Google decided to end support for Valve’s Steam on ChromeOS, reflecting the mixed success of its gaming ventures.

---

September

AOL Dial-Up

In a nostalgic nod, AOL’s dial-up service finally met its end on September 30, 2025, marking a significant moment in the evolution of internet connectivity.

Microsoft Editor

Microsoft shuttered its Editor extension for Chrome in favor of integrating similar functionalities directly into its Edge browser, leaving many Chrome users in the lurch.

Microsoft Lens

In a bid to streamline offerings, Microsoft put an end to its mobile scanner, the Lens, urging users toward alternative applications within the Microsoft 365 suite.

---

October

Windows 10

With the termination of support for Windows 10, users found themselves caught between an aging OS and the hardware requirements of its newer counterpart, Windows 11.

Support for Older Nest Thermostats

Google also began phasing out support for the first and second generations of Nest Learning Thermostats, considerably limiting their remote functionalities.

---

November

Elon Musk and President Trump in the Oval Office (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

DOGE (Maybe)

After a tumultuous year filled with sweeping changes spearheaded by Elon Musk, the status of the Department of Government Efficiency became uncertain, as discussions surrounding its legitimacy generated buzz.

IRS Direct File

The Direct File Pilot, which allowed tax filing directly with the IRS, faced cancellation due to disappointing participation rates, shifting the focus back to traditional tax preparation methods.

---

December

Crucial P510 (Credit: Joseph Maldonado/PCMag)

Micron’s Consumer Business

As demand for AI data centers soared, Micron announced it would discontinue its consumer memory products under the Crucial brand, redirecting resources to meet the needs of AI companies.

Android Instant Apps

Despite offering conveniences since 2017, the Android Instant Apps feature fell short of user expectations and will be discontinued as Google refocuses its strategy.

---

How AI legalese decoder Can Help

As technology evolves, so too does the legal landscape that governs it. The AI legalese decoder serves as a vital tool for tech companies navigating compliance issues tied to these technological transitions. By simplifying complex legal jargon and making it comprehensible, the AI legalese decoder can assist both users and developers in understanding the implications of new policies and regulations. Whether it’s deciphering the fine print behind software discontinuation, understanding privacy policies, or evaluating implications from major shifts like those seen in 2025, the AI legalese decoder ensures that stakeholders are informed and prepared for the next wave of tech innovations.

In embracing evolving technologies, leveraging tools like AI legalese decoder will be crucial for empowering consumers and businesses alike to navigate an increasingly complex tech landscape smoothly.

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link