It’s been quite a year for technology, and as we near its end, it’s time to reflect on the products and services we’ve lost. In 2025, several major tech players folded, each leaving its mark, whether for better or worse.
### TiVo Boxes
Believe it or not, TiVo was still making boxes until recently. This beloved DVR brand officially exited the market in October when it quietly removed its products from its website. While TiVo’s hardware is gone, the company has shifted to software, mainly focusing on European markets.
### Microsoft Passwords
Microsoft decided it was time to move on from passwords. It phased out its password manager and introduced passkeys, a more secure login method combining a password with two-factor authentication. Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, compares passkeys to physical keys—much safer and stored directly on your device, reducing the chance of weak passwords being hacked.
### Humane AI Pin
The Humane AI Pin aimed to change how we interact with technology by replacing smartphones. Unfortunately, it struggled with various issues, from a faulty projector to overheating. After less than a year, the product was pulled. Interestingly, OpenAI, with Sam Altman as an investor, is reportedly working on a similar device, although delays are causing uncertainty about its release.
### Skype
Skype, a pioneer in video calling, was recently retired by Microsoft. Launched in 2003, it changed the way we communicate, allowing free calls over the internet. While it once thrived, its relevance dwindled next to competitors like Zoom and FaceTime. Microsoft’s decision to retire Skype and move users to Teams marks the end of an era.
Pocket, the bookmarking app that gained significant popularity since its launch in 2007, was shut down in July. Mozilla, which owned Pocket, stated that web browsing habits have evolved, and they decided to focus on projects better suited to current user needs.
### Zelle
Zelle reduced its footprint by closing its stand-alone app. Instead, it will now operate through partner banks, focusing on its money transfer service. This change follows a trend where users preferred making payments directly through banking apps.
### Meta’s Fact-Checking Program
In a controversial move, Meta discontinued its fact-checking program, claiming it had become politically biased. The company has replaced this initiative with community notes, a crowdsourced approach similar to that of Elon Musk’s X.
### TikTok’s Creator Marketplace
While not a full shutdown, TikTok rebranded its Creator Marketplace into TikTok One. This new platform is designed for advertisers and includes generative AI tools. However, it’s uncertain how this will affect creators seeking brand partnerships.
### Mr. Deepfakes
The notorious deepfake site, Mr. Deepfakes, has officially shut down, which many celebrate. This closure followed the passing of the Take It Down Act, aimed at combating nonconsensual intimate images. Regulators are becoming increasingly vigilant about deepfake content.
### Google’s Dark Web Reports
Google recently axed its Dark Web Report, a service designed to inform users if their data appeared on the dark web. Launched just a year prior, its closure exemplifies Google’s habit of experimenting then sunsetting services.
### Cultural Shifts and User Reactions
Across social media, users express mixed emotions about these changes—nostalgia for old favorites like Skype and TiVo, and relief over the absence of harmful platforms like Mr. Deepfakes. As technology evolves, so do user expectations and experiences.
As we bid farewell to these tech entities, it’s a reminder of how quickly the industry can change. Innovations come and go, but the impact of these products will be remembered—for better or worse.
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