As a proud millennial, I grew up watching technology evolve in drastic ways. I can remember how I started using technology in its early stages, and there was nothing but amazement. Back then, internet connection was through dial-up, and people used SMS to contact each other.

A lot has changed in recent years and we’ve witnessed how technology made our lives better. The popular adage was true: Necessity is the mother of invention. The technology I saw this past decade solved a lot of problems and offered convenience, efficiency, and improved productivity.

However, weird technology sprouted too, creating solutions for problems that weren’t exactly there. News about these “innovations” made you wonder: “Do we really need this?”

In true memetic fashion, literally no one asked for these things. Yet here we are, laughing while wondering who on earth needs these? Could it be the start of something new? A glimpse of what’s in store in the next decade to come? Or is it just a useless fad to make something seem “innovative” to keep the headlines humming? After all, technology is rapidly growing and it can be a challenge to keep up.

Tech companies should stop showing off products that won’t cater to anyone. I’ve grown tired of their charade, trying to be the first in everything when in reality, consumers — like us — would just want the best to accompany our lifestyle.

So here they are, the tech we don’t want to see anymore (unless it’s in perfect form).

Foldable Phones

When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold, many people thought it’s the future. Huawei, along with other companies, jumped on the trend Samsung started. Even Motorola made a comeback by reviving the razr as a foldable phone.

Foldable phones are still in their early stages. Even though I’m amazed by these innovations, let’s admit it: No one needs a foldable phone as they are right now. In our hands-on, we said the Galaxy Fold is perfect for those who want to be the first, those who are techies and geeks by heart. Don’t get us wrong. We like the attempt, but foldables — especially the ones announced in 2019 — could have been delayed for at least a year.

It’s merely a way for Samsung to show-off their innovative prowess. Props to them for being first to market, but I would’ve probably appreciated it if it was just a prototype for now and was launched later on when the tech is more mature.

Just like the Galaxy Note 10, the phone didn’t have any groundbreaking features but it’s a solid flagship phone that you would recommend for everyone looking for the best smartphone they can buy. I’m hoping for the day Samsung does the same for the Galaxy Fold. We need a perfected product before we consider getting one.

Headphone jack adapter

The removal of the headphone jack has sparked the outrage amongst headphone jack users, including me. I can’t seem to fathom why would these companies remove the very thing that connects people to music — their reason for living and being. It’s even more irritating when companies solved the problem with a headphone jack adapter. These companies shouldn’t have bothered with removing the headphone jack from the start! Now, we’re going backwards. Bring back the headphone jack!

Notch

The annoying feature from 2018 has carried over to 2019, and possibly until 2020. In the past two years, the notch has been one of the most controversial and hated feature. Despite this, it has become a norm in the smartphones being produced nowadays, especially the affordable ones.

When Essential first started the notch, we didn’t care enough. But having Apple do it and made it sound like a great solution to a non-existent problem of “wanting an all-screen phone,” everyone went crazy. Key word: wanting. Technological advancements should be done to solve a need, not a want.

If you don’t see the problem why the notch is annoying, you probably don’t have a penchant for anything aesthetic. For starters, the notch made screens asymmetrical. Aside from that, it was annoying to look at when you watch a movie or play a game, especially those who haven’t perfected the notch. Pop-up and slider mechanisms were also introduced as an alternative but honestly, the under-display camera seems a lot better as a solution to having an all-screen phone.

Waterfall Display

OPPO, Vivo, and Huawei introduced their waterfall displays in 2019 — for what reason? In my experience with the Vivo NEX 3 and Huawei Mate 30 Pro, the waterfall display is annoying to hold and use. To this date, curved edges are still better than having a display carrying over to the sides. Personally, Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and Huawei’s Mate 20 Pro are the best-curved smartphones, providing better grip for without bleeding the edge too much.

Back then, I was happy with bevels. Sony’s Xperia design was to die for, along with Samsung Galaxy Note’s boxy style. But suddenly you have displays staring to hug the entire sides of the phone. Let’s face it, the waterfall display is just another attempt for an all-screen phone. Honestly, we don’t need it. What we need is for OPPO, Vivo, and Huawei to create a solid smartphone — from a reliable battery, wonderful cameras, and a seamless user experience at an AFFORDABLE price.

Screens on bags, plates, and anywhere it can be placed

Whoever thought of placing a screen on bags, plates, and wherever it can be is a lunatic. Why would I need a screen on my bag?

Or on my plate where I eat my precious food? Why would I need a screen and technology plastered on my everyday items when my current gadgets are already too much. This is literally the biggest “thing no one asked for.”

Dual Display Phones

Yet another attempt for a brand to generate buzz and pioneer a concept in order to look cool, dual display phones should never return in the coming decade. Unless brands make a meaningful reason for people to use it, dual displays are just a fad that would make a perfect accessory to show off to people who don’t matter.

Palm Phone, Google’s Paper Phone, and other dumb phones

This era has cultivated a culture of people glued and addicted to their smartphones. To combat this, Palm has launched a minimalist phone to cover a user’s basic needs. It acts as your second phone because honestly, who can live without a smartphone today? Likewise, Google’s Paper Phone was developed to combat smartphone addiction, making you go old-school. Even Supreme has a dumbphone (the opposite of smartphones).

You see, the problem here isn’t creating more. These companies think they need to make more in order to solve a problem caused by technology’s rapid growth. As much as I love small phones like Palm’s and Supreme’s, the cure to smartphone addiction isn’t another “basic” phone.

We need discipline and a cultural fix. My cousins belonging to Generation Z have their phones at all times as if their life depended on it. As a millennial, it’s ironic for me to say that I require my loved ones to put their phones down so we can have a good time. People seem to have forgotten the value of connection, conversations, and being in the moment. If we’re looking for a solution, it’s highlighting the importance of living your life offline, not another phone.

Looking forward to more meaningful technology

Technology isn’t going to stop evolving, and we’ll see more groundbreaking features in the coming years — both useful and useless. However, I wish we’ll see more well-rounded technology built with the consumer in mind. The geeks are only a fraction of the population, and they’re the only ones appeased by these innovations.

Companies should talk to the general population and see what they need: a gadget or technology that will make their life more efficient, convenient, and productive. Yes, we’re amazed by your new technology, but no, we don’t need all these fancy things. We just need things that are smart enough to make things work.