How to Avoid Dead Technology Before You Buy It – Lab

Nothing feels worse than bringing home a new electronic device or gadget and finding it to be outdated, unsupported, or on life support. Dead technology clutters your home, wastes money, and frustrates you when it stops working weeks after you installed it.

At The Lab, we help you stay ahead and make smarter, lasting technology decisions. With a few simple checks, you can avoid purchasing a device that has already reached the end of its life cycle.

Step 1: Check Support Status

Before you buy any technology, check the support timeline. Visit the database that tracks support schedules for thousands of products across a variety of industries. If the device you’re holding is listed as unsupported or nearing the end of its life, just leave it.

If you want to go even faster, use AI. Take a quick photo of the device and ask your AI chatbot of choice, its model, when it launched, and whether it’s still supported.

This extra step protects you from purchasing technology that is abandoned with no updates, no security patches, and no future.

Step 2: View Generation Number

Brands release new versions of devices for a reason. If the current version is Gen 5 and you are using a Gen 1 or Gen 2 model, support may be dead or ending soon.

Older generations lose access to new features, run slower, and become incompatible with updated apps and ecosystems.

As a general rule, anything three or more generations behind is too far behind to be considered a smart purchase.

Step 3: Check the Companion App

Most smart home devices rely on apps to function. Before purchasing, open your app store and look for the companion app linked to the device. Tap version history and check when the last update was released.

If the app was updated within the last six months, that’s a good sign. If the last update is in early 2023 or earlier, the device is living in the past.

Stale apps indicate poor developer support and often break when the phone’s operating system is updated. Inactive apps are one of the clearest warnings that hardware won’t last long.

Step 4: Follow the 70% Rule.

Big discounts are tempting, but smart home gadgets that are more than 70% off are rarely a true bargain. When a product reaches that level of price reduction, it usually means the manufacturer is clearing out end-of-life inventory.

These devices often lose support quickly, stop receiving updates, or die when the company shuts down its servers. Saving a few dollars feels good. Don’t bring home a device that stops as soon as you set it up.

Smart Technology Purchasing Starts With Awareness

Dead technology isn’t always obvious. Companies rarely advertise that a product is in its final upgrade cycle or that support will end in the next quarter. That’s why a few simple checks will make a difference.

When you evaluate support status, generation, application activity, and pricing patterns, you protect your investment and ensure your home remains connected, secure, and functional.

Stay Ahead of Dead Technology With Help From the Lab

If you’re unsure about a device or want expert insight before purchasing, The Lab is here to help. We test, analyze and break down the latest smart home technology so you can make decisions with confidence.

Whether you’re outfitting a new home, upgrading old appliances, or fixing a frustrating configuration, we can guide you to technology that lasts.

Ready to make smarter technology choices? Contact The Lab today and get unbiased, expert recommendations you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dead technology?
Dead technology refers to devices that no longer receive updates, support, or security patches. These products lose compatibility and often stop working.

Why is support status important?
Without updates, devices become vulnerable to security issues and may stop working with modern apps and operating systems.

How do I know if a gadget is too old?
Check the generation number and compare it to the current model. A large generation gap usually indicates that the end of the device’s lifespan is near.