We almost had a smartphone in the 90s. Why did it fail?
26 June - 26 mins
Podcast Series
Planet Money
In the early 90’s, a company called General Magic began working on a portable device that would allow people to check email, make phone calls, even play games. It was basically a smartphone. But it never caught on.
On today’s show, a theory about why this device failed. General Magic had generous investors, world-class talent and creative freedom. But is it possible what they needed was constraints?
Further reading and viewing:
David Epstein’s book is Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better.
Tony Fadell’s book is Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Make Things Worth Making.
Sarah Kerruish and Matt Maude’s documentary is called General Magic.
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