We always read about the most popular gadgets on the market. But for every technology that changes our lives there is something that flops. It’s difficult to judge what the public will take a fancy too, so companies take a risk when they release something. Here we explore a handful of technologies that fall outside of the “took flight” category.

Famous tech failures

• Apple TV: Apple TV lets users buy their entertainment straight from iTunes and stream it on their computers, handheld devices, or TVs. The unfortunate thing about this, which may be the reason for its less then popular ranking, is that it is somewhat limited to iTunes.

• Sony Mylo: You will possibly not remember the Mylo. That's because it came and went without eliciting much response from consumers. This Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device enabled consumers to connect to the Internet, send e-mail, and hold online chats. In addition, it came with Skype for free Internet calls. Sadly for Sony, the iPhone and its enormous app store simply overwhelmed the Mylo.

The Segway peters out

• Segway PT: It was believed that the Segway PT would replace cars in urban areas. It made it easy for people to just zip to the market or make the short commute downtown. But it never quite caught on. Unfortunately for the manufacturers, people believed balancing on two wheels made them look a little silly.

The CueCat doesn’t purr

• CueCat: Shaped like a cat, the CueCat was a barcode reader introduced to the public in 1999. It permitted consumers to open a link to an Internet address by scanning a barcode on an item. The thought was that consumers would appreciate surfing to a website without having to type in that site's address. This theory proved flawed, and it wasn't long before the CueCat's maker, Digital Convergence Corporation, was out of business.