We almost had a smartphone in the 90s. Why did it fail?
Planet Money
- Published
- June 26, 2026
- Duration
- 26:52
- Summary source
- description
- Last updated
- Jul 5, 2026
Discusses In the early 90’s, a company called General Magic began working on a portable device that would allo…
Summary
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 i…
Intelligent Report
Sign in to read teasers, or upgrade to Research Pro to commission intelligent report for this episode. Learn more →
Show notes
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.