Retro-gadgets and time travelling tech
THE past, like your house keys, is never where you think you left it. But that doesn’t stop companies trying to redefine it, retro-fit it and market your memories to you. When Atari launched in the 1970s it turned kids more used to playing in the park into a bunch of square-eyed Space Invader killers. Now, after years in the wilderness, Atari is making a comeback with a brand-new games machine, although with a markedly vintage look, judging by the teasing 22-second video the company has posted online. Boasting the trademark wood panelling effect of its famous predecessor, but bearing the rather prosaic name of the Ataribox, it will be based on PC technology – and that’s about all we know about it.
Whether it is aimed at challenging established technology big beasts like Sony and Nintendo for gamers’ affections, or whether it’s targeted at a niche market of nostalgia buffs, time will tell.
Here, then, are some other gadgets and gizmos attempting a comeback:
POLAROID CAMERA
With digital imaging comes infinite storage space, perfect exposure and unbeatable lighting and the freedom to brush your blemishes out of existence. But the hope is that the digital generation will again become enthralled by watching an unrefined physical photo slide from the front of a flashing, whirring, chunky black plastic box – and that the Polaroid camera will once again become hip. However, the novelty may well wear off before it becomes a habit, given that the cost of film stands at about £2.50 per photo.
RECORD PLAYER
Despite the pain of uncertainly positioning a needle over the desired groove after a few drinks in a darkened room, vinyl is hot right now – and the rise in sales is not just down to nostalgia. Dubbed “retro-adapters” by technology patent specialist Tomi Nokelainen, vinyl enthusiasts don’t “use turntable technology” just to listen to music, but for “aesthetic” reasons. Aficionados believe the increase in vinyl popularity has turned music into an art again, something to look forward to holding, and collecting, although mounting on the wall is definitely not recommended.
TYPEWRITERS
The curse of the newsroom is making a comeback. A few taps on your computer keyboard will open you up to a world of online vintage markets, with bidders hoping to get their hands on classic typewriters like the Underwood. How long before the frustration of reopening your crusty phial of Tipp-Ex and re-adjusting your ribbon with inky fingers becomes too much to bear?
SUPER 8 FILM CAMERAS
The 8mm film camera was first manufactured in 1965 by Kodak and soon became a favourite amongst filmmakers. Despite every laptop-owning YouTuber being able to create movies and videos in this day and age, the vintage medium is experiencing a notable resurgence. Steven Spielberg has often attributed his entire career to his childhood use of Super 8, and it was homaged in JJ Abram’s 2011 film of the same name. Amateur and pros alike have begun using them again, thanks to the slightly grainy, retro atmosphere that can be uniquely captured.
THE ORIGINAL RETRO GAMING
Dated consoles like Nintendo’s SNES, the Sega Megadrive and Game Boy are all still in huge demand. Even phone companies have began releasing game applications like Pac-Man for users hoping to relive their youth.
Perhaps on our journey towards the virtual realms of complex avatars and alternate planes of zombie-like existence, something was lost. Something a little more human, a little more simple, and very possibly something worth yearning for.