To the main question of this topic, I think it depends on what you consider "dead". Do you think VHS video tapes are dead? I'd imagine many people do, and I think cassettes are basically at the same level. I personally don't think VHS video tapes or cassette tapes are dead though. As others said, there are still some useful applications for tapes, and there will always be those who appreciate them for historical and nostalgic reasons.