analysis How domain investors are being affected by the phase-out of some hardware and consumer electronics

[Eric Lyon]

It's always nice to read about upcoming trends, new technologies, and upticks in stocks that could lead to new and innovative domain investment potentials, but what about the down-cycles, bankruptcies, and phase outs of older technology that could potentially devalue a domain asset or render it useless?

Sure, it's a sensitive subject, I think some of it should be discussed.

Today, I want to brush on some of the sub-categories/niches of hardware and consumer electronics.

With the above in mind, let's dive right in...

LCD TVs​

With advancements in Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology offering superior picture quality and energy efficiency, LCD TVs are being superseded. The phase-out of LCD TVs could affect domain name investments in the niche, though likely in an indirect way.

Potential Effects on Domain Names:

• Decreased demand for LCD-specific domains: As LCD TVs become less relevant, domain names directly referencing "LCD TV" or specific LCD-related technologies may see decreased demand and value.
• Focus shifting to new technologies: The market's shift to alternatives like OLED or other advanced display technologies could increase the value of domains related to those newer technologies.
• Changing SEO relevance: A .TV domain, though typically associated with video content and broadcasting, might see a slight shift in search engine optimization (SEO) relevance if search patterns related to display technologies change significantly. However, a .TV domain's ranking largely depends on content quality and relevance, not just the extension itself.
• Market diversification: The declining dominance of traditional markets, combined with the rise of new top-level domains (TLDs) like .AI or .TECH, suggests that domain investing is becoming more diverse. Investors are looking beyond traditional domains and extensions, adapting to new technologies and market shifts.

Wired Chargers​

Wireless charging is becoming standard in many mobile devices, making traditional wired charging technologies less common. The shift from wired to wireless charging, while not an immediate phase-out of wired chargers (especially USB-C), will likely impact domain name investments in this niche over time.

Potential Effects on Domain Names:

• Decreased demand for "wired charger" domains: As wireless charging becomes more ubiquitous, domain names specifically using terms like "wired charger," "charging cable," or "phone cord" may become less attractive to buyers, potentially decreasing their resale value.
• Increased value for "wireless charging" domains: Domains related to "wireless charger," "inductive charging," "multi-device charging," or specific wireless charging technologies (like Qi) are likely to increase in value as the technology gains broader adoption across consumer electronics, automotive, and other sectors.
• Focus on complementary technologies: There may be a continued demand for domains related to fast charging (e.g., "PD Fast Charger"), portable charging (e.g., "power bank," "portable charger"), and charging infrastructure (e.g., "charging station," "EV charging") as these technologies are crucial for both wired and wireless solutions.
• Geographic variations: Demand for specific charging solutions and associated domains may vary geographically. For instance, the Asia Pacific region currently holds the largest share in the wireless charging market and is projected for the fastest growth.

Note: While wireless charging is growing rapidly, reaching an estimated $14.8 billion market size by 2025, wired charging, particularly USB-C, is also experiencing growth, with the USB-C charging cable market expected to reach $4.09 billion in 2025. This indicates a co-existence rather than an immediate obsolescence for wired chargers in the near future.

Standalone Devices​

The functionality of many specialized electronics is being absorbed by smartphones and smart TVs. The phase-out of standalone media streaming devices, physical media players, and standalone sat navs and alarm clocks will significantly impact domain name investments in those niches. This effect is not a straightforward decline in value but a strategic shift driven by changing consumer behavior, technology consolidation, and the evolution of the market.

Shift from product-centric to function-centric domains

• Decline in hardware-specific domains: Domain names centered around specific device types, like portable-media-streamer.com or blu-rayplayer.com, will lose relevance and value as the products disappear from the market. Buyers interested in these niche names will become scarcer, making it difficult for domain investors to find buyers willing to pay a premium.
• Rise of feature-centric domains: The market's value migrates to the functions these standalone devices performed. Domain names related to streaming, navigation, and time management applications will become more valuable. Examples of valuable domains would be seamlessstreaming.com, advanced-navigation.com, or personalizedalarms.com. Investors will shift their focus from the "what" (the hardware) to the "how" (the software and services).
• Higher risk in declining markets: Domain investment in a fading niche carries a higher risk. Without a clear future buyer, the investment is speculative and may not provide a return. This makes due diligence, such as tracking market trends and analyzing historical sales, more critical.

And that's just a few of the phase outs, but it give you a general idea.

Remember, at the end of the day, a domain name is only worth what a buyer and seller agree on.

What works for one may not work for another and vice versa.

Have a great domain investing adventure!

 

[Wesley S]

i know what you mean, but i would still think cassette.com is a million dollar domain.

 

[Eric Lyon]

i know what you mean, but i would still think cassette.com is a million dollar domain.

The word Cassette, is pretty isolated into it's meaning with a slight exception that could potentially help it with a vertical or even be used for it's nostalgic collectors segment (E.g. A cassette collectors outlet to find rare cassette tapes to add to their collections).

cassette
noun
cas·sette kə-ˈset
ka-
variants or less commonly casette
Synonyms of cassette
1
: casket sense 1
2
: a usually flat case or cartridge that can be easily loaded or unloaded: such as
a
: a lightproof magazine for holding film or plates for use in a camera
b
: a plastic cartridge containing magnetic tape with the tape passing from one reel to another
3
: a cassette tape player

Source

The same thing will potentially happen with Cassettes that happened with Vinyl Records, for the most part.

There should be a collectors market for them, but it's a much smaller audience than back when cassettes were main stream and in every household.

 

[nicenic]

When one tech fades, another rises. What do you think’s next, Eric?