134 Countries Developing CBDCs by 2025

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many innovative gadgets were met with skepticism and ridicule. These devices, which were often too expensive, too early, or simply not ready for mass adoption, failed to gain traction initially. However, the core ideas behind these gadgets have since evolved and are now integral parts of modern technology.

The Electrolux Trilobite, introduced in 2001, was the world's first consumer robotic vacuum cleaner. Despite its advanced features like ultrasonic sensors and automatic docking, it struggled with usability issues such as missing corners, getting stuck, and being too expensive for most consumers. Today, robot vacuums have become affordable and highly efficient, with models like the iRobot Roomba j7+ and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra offering advanced features such as AI and LiDAR guidance.

The Sega Dreamcast VMU, released in 1998, was a memory card with a tiny screen that could display in-game stats and play minigames. However, it suffered from short battery life, limited functionality, and weak third-party support. In contrast, modern smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Google Pixel Watch 2 offer a rich second-screen experience integrated with smartphones, supporting features like contactless payments, fitness tracking, and emergency alerts.

Sony's original AIBO, launched in 1999, was a robotic dog with basic sensors and movement capabilities. Despite its $2,500 price tag and repetitive behaviors, it laid the groundwork for modern home robots. Today, functional home robots like Amazon Astro and ElliQ assist with daily tasks and elder care, while emotional robots like the reimagined AIBO and Loona offer nuanced behavior and face recognition.

The Nintendo Virtual Boy, released in 1995, was an early attempt at 3D gaming using red-on-black stereoscopic displays. However, it caused eye strain, had poor ergonomics, and a limited game library. Modern VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and PS VR2 offer full-color OLED displays, spatial tracking, and immersive content libraries, delivering on the Virtual Boy's vision in every way.

The AT&T EO Personal Communicator, introduced in 1993, combined a phone, fax, modem, email, and PDA functions. Despite its innovative features, it was too bulky, power-hungry, and expensive for mass adoption. Today's smartphones, like the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25, compress all these functions and more into sleek, powerful devices with high-res cameras, AI chips, and blazing-fast internet.

Sharp's Zaurus line, like the SL-C3000 released in 2005, was a pocket-sized Linux-based PC with a full keyboard and stylus input. Despite its appeal to tech tinkerers, it failed to reach the mainstream due to high prices and limited connectivity. The Zaurus legacy lives on in the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, offering massive flexibility for media streaming, automation, and home servers at an affordable price.

Apple's Newton MessagePad, released in 1993, was a handheld device with stylus input and handwriting recognition. However, its unreliable handwriting recognition and high cost made it a joke. Today's tablets, like the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab, offer precise stylus input, fast processors, and cloud sync, making note-taking seamless.

Sega's VMU, released in 1999, included small "Chao" minigames to play on the go. However, they were shallow, battery-draining, and not very replayable. Today, portable gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch and Valve Steam Deck offer AAA games anywhere, with vibrant screens and real controllers, rivaling full-fledged consoles.

Finland's Avant stored-value smartcard and David Chaum's DigiCash, both from the 1990s, offered early visions of digital currency. However, they failed due to low demand, poor infrastructure, and regulatory roadblocks. As of 2025, 134 countries are developing or piloting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), marking a significant evolution in state-backed digital money.

In the mid-2000s, Dutch inventor Fred van der Weij built an enormous, homemade air fryer prototype to solve a personal problem: how to make crispy fries without oil. His early air fryer prototype was oversized and impractical for home kitchens. Today's air fryers are sleek, countertop must-haves, offering features like roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating, often replacing entire ovens.

Innovation often arrives in awkward, overhyped forms, but the underlying concepts prove resilient. Robotic assistants, virtual reality, CBDCs, and wearable tech—each was mocked in its early form, but their evolution has made them indispensable in modern life.