Cisco shuts down the Flip

The flip video camera, which became a sensation when it was launched in 2007 because it was so easy to use, was axed by the technology giant Cisco yesterday, after the product was eclipsed by smartphones and digital cameras which all now shoot video.

The device included a flip-open USB connector that allowed users to instantly upload videos. Cisco bought Pure Digital Technologies, which invented the Flip, for $950m (£584m) in 2009 but is shutting down the division in a restructuring. It is cutting 550 jobs.