In tech tradition, the time period “vaporware” was first utilized in reference to which product?

Usually used to explain a product that was introduced however by no means launched, “vaporware” was reportedly coined by a Microsoft engineer (both John Ulett or Mark Ursino) when requested in regards to the standing of the corporate’s Xenix operating system. The time period was popularized by know-how author Esther Dyson, who featured it within the November 1983 concern of her e-newsletter RELease 1.0.

The time period “vaporware” is a portmanteau of vapor and software program, evoking the picture of one thing promised however by no means materializing – one thing that appears to vanish into skinny air. It’s usually used to explain merchandise which are introduced with nice fanfare however are both indefinitely delayed or by no means launched in any respect.

The idea additionally extends to merchandise introduced far prematurely of their anticipated launch dates, which then appear to fade into skinny air.

The phrase first gained traction within the context of Xenix OS, a model of Unix that Microsoft developed within the late Nineteen Seventies and early Eighties. Unix was developed by Bell Labs and licensed by AT&T to numerous outfits, together with Microsoft, who had to decide on a singular identify for his or her model later known as Xenix. Microsoft licensed Xenix to different firms comparable to IBM, Intel, Tandy, and SCO, although it was by no means offered straight to finish customers. Xenix turned notably well-liked within the company world because of its help for multi-user and networking capabilities.

In 1987, Microsoft offered Xenix to SCO, which later ported it to the 32-bit 386 CPU. SCO continued to develop and help the working system for a number of years. Regardless of its company recognition, Xenix by no means gained mainstream traction. Microsoft reportedly continued to make use of Xenix internally on Solar workstations and VAX minicomputers as late as 1992, additional highlighting its area of interest function within the firm’s broader software program technique.

Within the early Eighties, earlier than the time period vaporware turned extensively identified, a number of high-profile merchandise within the tech business confronted related fates. For instance, IBM’s deliberate however never-released Future Methods mission and numerous different bold software program initiatives contributed to the business’s understanding of vaporware. Different notorious vaporware product embody:

• Half-Life 2: Episode 3 (2007 – TBA?) – The continuation of the favored Half-Life collection has change into probably the most well-known items of vaporware in gaming historical past. Regardless of quite a few hints and fan expectations, it is by no means been launched.
• Apple AirPower (2017 – Canceled 2019) – Apple’s wi-fi charging mat was introduced in 2017 with the promise of charging a number of gadgets concurrently. Nonetheless, it was canceled in 2019 because of technical difficulties.
• Google Glass (2013 – 2015, revived later for enterprise) – Google Glass was extremely anticipated as the subsequent large factor in wearable know-how. Regardless of its preliminary launch, it by no means gained widespread shopper adoption, and the product quietly pale away. It later returned as a distinct segment product for enterprise use.
• Duke Nukem Forever (1997 – 2011) – The online game turned an emblem of vaporware and have become notorious for its terribly lengthy growth cycle. It was introduced in 1997, however after years of delays and a number of modifications in route, it wasn’t launched till 2011 – and it flopped hard.
• Phantom Game Console (2002 – Canceled 2006) – A gaming console from Infinium Labs that promised to revolutionize the gaming business with digital distribution. It by no means launched, and the corporate was embroiled in lawsuits and controversy.
• Microsoft Courier (2008 – Canceled 2010) – This dual-screen pill idea was extremely anticipated as a possible competitor to the iPad. Microsoft canceled the mission in 2010 earlier than it might ever be launched.
• Psion NetBook Professional (2003 – Canceled) – An early try at a transportable pc geared toward professionals. Introduced with a lot fanfare, it was discontinued quickly after its launch.
• Google Wave (2009 – Canceled 2010) – Google Wave was hyped as a revolutionary communication and collaboration software. Nonetheless, it was too complicated for a lot of customers, and Google discontinued it inside a 12 months of launch.
• Solar Roadways (2014 – TBA?) – This idea promised to exchange conventional roads with photo voltaic panels that would generate electrical energy. Whereas prototypes and crowdfunding campaigns generated vital curiosity, the mission has but to ship on its guarantees at a big scale.