Kodak instant film was actually much better than Polaroid. I recall as a child having one of the Kodak versions. Then, Polaroid sued Kodak claiming patent infringement, and forced Kodak to stop making the film. So my camera was useless overnight. Polaroid didn't even offer to make film for the now useless Kodak cameras. The Kodak version had a much better picture and allowed you to peel the picture off of the rest of the backing and discard everything but the picture. Polaroid never looked as good or was as versatile.

As much of a fan as I am of old technologies, I still have a rather bitter taste in my mouth from that experience. Pardon me for not shedding any tears.

Having said that, this is the demise of a truly useful technology.