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An example of tech that was super hyped and deservedly popular and faded later is the Rubik's Cube.

There was a real rage in the press and in the street after it was released. Now it can still be bought, but most people would consider it uninteresting.



I'm curious what you mean? It is a good puzzle, but it is hard not to think that hype helped make it more popular? Heck, used to you could go buy a ton of little puzzles to play with. Nowadays, I assume you can still do that, but it isn't exactly easy without going online.


It went viral in schools and among adults in the real world. The press hype seemed organic and not dictated by the newspaper owners.

What we see now with "AI" is that the hype is mostly by online shills with some connection to the funding. The traditional press as well as the alternative YouTube press is increasingly negative.


Honestly think the Rubiks Cube is more hyped than ever.


iPhones comes to mind - except for a small group, most people no longer care. They used to stand in lines for the midnight release.

But the granddaddy for your question would be the Polio vax.




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