Launched in 2012 and discontinued in 2016 after venture capital interest in wearables declined, the Narrative Clip was one of the pioneers of the idea of lifelogging. It was a small wearable camera that could automatically take a picture every 30 seconds whilst being worn throughout the day. At the end of the day the Clip uploads the photos and videos it made into the vendor’s cloud service, where they are processed and organized into collections called Moments, available to the user through a web client or mobile apps. The Moments or individual photos and videos can be shared through other apps or through the company’s own social network.
Progresso Soup Drops
Progresso Soup Drops, launched in 2025, combines the flavors of chicken noodle soup in a candy form. They come in a can that resembles the iconic Progresso soup can and include 20 individually wrapped candies, along with a can of actual Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup. These drops are designed to provide comforting soup flavors in a portable format, making them ideal for cold and flu season.
FoxTrax
FoxTrax, also referred to as the glowing puck, was the first augmented reality system used in sports. The system used modified hockey pucks containing shock sensors and infrared emitters, which were then read by sensors and computer systems to generate on-screen graphics. It was used in Fox Sports’ telecasts of the NHL from 1996 to 1998 at a time when hockey was a low rated sport. However, viewers thought it distracted them from the game.
It was a special effect that tracked every movement of the puck, then superimposed a bluish glow around it for television viewers – all in real-time. When the puck was obscured by a player or by the near boards, the blue glow would highlight where it was. When the puck was passed, a blue comet tail followed it. Most noticeably, when the puck was shot hard, it was followed by a bright red streak, and viewers could easily see the path of the puck if it was deflected or redirected.
McDonald’s Catfish Sandwich
In 1991, the catfish sandwich was McDonald’s intriguing dive into southern cuisine. The 2.3-ounce catfish patty struggled to gain widespread popularity.
Fish McBites
For three months in early 2013, Fish McBites were added to McDonald’s menu, but the public’s response was underwhelming. The meal consisted of fried nuggets of wild-caught Alaskan pollock, a substantial protein source with a mild flavor and delicate texture, and tartar sauce on the side.
Ms Monopoly
In September 2019, Hasbro attempted to make the game of Monopoly more equitable between the sexes. The resulting product was Ms. Monopoly: The First Game Where Women Make More Than Men.
At the start female players get more money than guys—$1,900 versus $1,500—and collect $240 for passing go, rather than the usual $200. The houses and hotels have been replaced by business headquarters in an attempt to step away from the stereotype of women being household bodies.
The property spaces have been replaced with patents that all were invented by women such as chocolate chip cookies, leak-proof diapers, paper shopping bag, the hairbrush, a beauty sponge, and modern shapewear. But, there are plenty of other inventions that would have been much more inspiring to include in a game aimed at children and young adults such as the submarine telescope and lamp, bulletproof vests, and binding material used on modern roofs.
McSpaghetti
McSpaghetti was introduced in the 1970s. The marinara-slathered noodles and optional meatballs were served with a side of garlic bread in a white foam takeout box. McDonald’s had difficulties with sourcing and equipment as well as the public’s annoyance with how long it took to prepare. Spaghetti isn’t exactly viewed as fast food, after all.
McDonald’s Pizza
McPizzas came out in the late ’80s as a family-sized pie. They were eventually reduced to individual-sized pies, but even with the change in measurements, the cook time was still too long for McDonald’s taste.
McDonald’s Onion Nuggets
Launched in 1978 and discontinued in 1979, McDonald’s Onion Nuggets were deep fried chunks of onion, giving them a crispy, golden outer layer. They weren’t a hit for consumers but inspired Chicken McNuggets in 1983.
National Geographic
The rise of the internet and social media has revolutionized the way we consume information. National Geographic, once a trusted source of news and entertainment, is now competing with a myriad of other outlets for our attention.
National Geographic has traditionally focused on natural history and exploration. However, in recent years, the magazine has expanded its scope to include more general interest topics, such as popular culture and current events. This shift in focus has alienated some of National Geographic’s core readership.
National Geographic has been slow to adapt to the changing media landscape. While other magazines have embraced new technologies and platforms, National Geographic has largely remained stuck in the past. This lack of innovation has made it difficult for the magazine to attract and retain new readers.