Tag Archives: Retro

Edifier D32 Retro Hi-Fi Speaker Hides AirPlay and 11-Hour Battery

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Music has become the backdrop to almost everything, cooking, working, reading, but the hardware that plays it often looks like a leftover from a tech store, plastic boxes that clash with furniture. There is a tension between wanting good sound in every room and not wanting your living space to feel like a gadget shelf. A speaker that behaves like hi-fi but looks like it belongs on a sideboard can quietly solve that.

The Edifier D32 tabletop wireless speaker is that kind of object, a retro-styled piece with a hand-made wooden cabinet, braided grille, and accordion keyboard that feels closer to a mid-century radio than a Bluetooth brick. Behind the nostalgia is a modern 2.1 acoustic architecture and 60 W RMS of power, so it is not just a pretty box pretending to be a speaker. It is meant to fill a room with sound that actually holds up when you stop and listen.

Designer: Edifier

The D32 uses two 1-inch silk dome tweeters and a 4-inch long-throw mid-low driver inside an MDF cabinet with dual bass-reflex ports. The tweeters handle the crisp top end, the long-throw driver and ports take care of the low end, and the enclosure is tuned to minimize resonance and distortion. The result is a compact speaker that can throw clear highs, solid mids, and punchy bass without sounding strained when you turn it up, which is rare for something this size.

The signal path supports hi-res audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz and runs everything through full digital signal processing, a two-way active crossover, and dynamic range control. That means the tweeters and woofer get exactly what they need, and the electronics keep things clean and controlled even when tracks get dense. It is the kind of setup you expect in a bookshelf system, shrunk into something that can sit under a window or on a kitchen counter.

The wireless side covers Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC for high-bandwidth streaming from compatible Android devices, plus AAC and ALAC support, and dual-band Wi-Fi with Apple AirPlay for network playback. There is an 11-hour built-in battery, so you can unplug and move it to another room or out onto a balcony without killing the mood. It can be a fixed living room piece most of the time, then wander when you need sound somewhere else.

Morning coffee with a low-volume playlist coming from the D32 on a sideboard, a workday where it pulls double duty as a Bluetooth speaker for a laptop and a Wi-Fi endpoint for lossless streaming, an evening where it becomes the main system for a movie or a focused album listen. The point is that you do not have to think about what it is connected to. You just pick a source and let the speaker handle the rest, switching smoothly between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and AUX without fuss.

The D32’s mix of retro design and modern audio tech makes it feel like something you keep around, not cycle through. The wooden cabinet and accordion keys give it a presence that does not age the way glossy plastic does, while the 2.1 architecture, hi-res support, and flexible wireless stack mean it can keep up with whatever you are listening to next. It is the kind of speaker that quietly becomes part of the room, doing its job without shouting about it, which might be the best thing a piece of audio furniture can do.

The post Edifier D32 Retro Hi-Fi Speaker Hides AirPlay and 11-Hour Battery first appeared on Yanko Design.

90s Are Back: 7 Products Every Millennial Needs in 2026

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Remember when technology felt magical instead of invisible? When gadgets had personality, and your favorite album came with artwork you could actually hold? The ’90s gave us tactile experiences that today’s sleek minimalism often forgets. Now, designers are bringing back the spirit of that era with products that blend nostalgic forms with modern capabilities. These aren’t dusty relics pulled from storage bins. They’re reimagined essentials that capture what made the ’90s special while delivering the performance we expect in 2026.

Millennials grew up straddling two worlds: an analog childhood and a digital adulthood. These seven products speak directly to that experience, offering familiar shapes and rituals wrapped in contemporary functionality. From music players that look like mixtapes to flame lamps crafted with instrument-making techniques, each piece proves that nostalgia and innovation make better partners than we realized. Whether you’re rebuilding your retro haven or just want technology that sparks joy instead of anxiety, these designs deliver that perfect balance.

1. Samsung AI OLED Cassette and Turntable

Samsung Display dropped two conversation starters at CES 2026 that blur the line between tech demo and actual product you’d want in your living room. The AI OLED Cassette takes the classic tape deck silhouette and transforms it into a smart speaker with two tiny 1.5-inch circular OLED displays sitting exactly where those spinning reels used to hypnotize you. The left screen handles playback controls while the right displays a digital waveform that dances with your music. Both screens respond to touch, so you can skip tracks or adjust settings without fumbling for your phone.

The Turntable goes bigger with a 13.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen that mimics an actual vinyl record player. This isn’t just about displaying album art. The screen becomes an ambient art piece, showing visuals that match your playlist’s mood. Picture hosting friends while your turntable displays swirling colors that sync with jazz or geometric patterns that pulse with electronic beats. The AI integration suggests new music based on what you play, learning your taste over time. These aren’t production models yet, but they showcase where display technology could take us when designers stop making everything a black rectangle.

What We Like

  • The cassette’s standalone functionality means you can discover and control music without an external device.
  • The touch-sensitive displays offer direct interaction that feels intuitive despite the retro packaging.
  • AI-powered recommendations built into the device eliminate the need for phone connectivity.
  • The turntable’s 13.4-inch display transforms any room into a visual experience.
  • Ambient visuals that match your music create an atmosphere impossible with traditional speakers.
  • The circular OLED technology opens creative possibilities beyond typical flat screens.

What We Dislike

  • These remain concept devices without confirmed production plans.
  • Pricing would likely put them in premium territory beyond typical smart speakers.
  • The cassette’s small 1.5-inch display might prove difficult for detailed control.
  • Relying on AI recommendations could frustrate users who prefer manual curation.
  • The turntable’s large circular display demands significant surface space.
  • Without physical media playback, purists might question calling it a turntable.

2. Harmony Flame Fireplace

Real fire indoors sounds risky until you see how this brass lamp handles it. Craftsmen who typically make musical instruments apply those same meticulous techniques to create a safe fireplace that fits on your dining table or patio. The brass box burns bioethanol, an eco-friendly fuel that produces actual flames without smoke, odor, or the mess of traditional fireplaces. Light reflects off the polished brass surface, creating shifting patterns as the flames dance. This turns functional lighting into moving art that changes throughout the evening.

The connection to musical instrument craftsmanship shows in the details. Each lamp gets hand-finished, ensuring the brass develops its signature warm glow. Bioethanol burns clean enough for indoor use while providing the psychological comfort of genuine fire. No installation means you can move it wherever the mood takes you. The flame’s unpredictable movement offers something screens can’t replicate: organic beauty that never repeats itself. This addresses a specific ’90s memory: when gathering around fire pits or candles created natural gathering spots before everyone retreated to separate screens.

Click Here to Buy Now: $239.00

What We Like

  • Handcrafted by musical instrument makers ensures premium build quality.
  • Bioethanol fuel burns clean without smoke or unpleasant odors.
  • Safe for indoor use brings real fire into spaces traditional fireplaces can’t reach.
  • No installation required means portable ambiance anywhere you want it.
  • The brass surface creates mesmerizing light reflections as flames move.
  • Eco-friendly fuel choice aligns with modern environmental consciousness.

What We Dislike

  • Bioethanol fuel requires ongoing purchases, unlike electric alternatives.
  • Open flames still demand attention and caution around children or pets.
  • The brass construction places it in a higher price bracket.
  • Fuel consumption costs add up with regular use.
  • Limited heat output makes it more about ambiance than warmth.
  • Brass requires occasional polishing to maintain its signature shine.

3. RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio

This radio looks like something you’d find in a ’90s camping supply catalog, but its capabilities extend far beyond FM stations. Seven functions pack into one device: Bluetooth speaker, MP3 player, AM/FM/shortwave radio, flashlight, clock, power bank, and SOS alarm. That combination addresses both daily listening and emergency preparedness, making it relevant whether you’re hosting a backyard party or riding out a power outage. The retro aesthetics make it attractive enough to keep visible instead of buried in an emergency kit.

Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream modern playlists while the USB and microSD slots enable offline playback. The shortwave radio capability feels especially ’90s, when scanning international stations offered a window into distant cultures. Hand-crank and solar charging mean it works when the grid doesn’t. The built-in flashlight and SOS alarm complete the emergency features. This versatility reflects the ’90s ethos of multipurpose tools before planned obsolescence became standard. One device replacing seven separate gadgets creates less clutter while ensuring you’re covered for various scenarios.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00

What We Like

  • Seven functions in one device reduce clutter and redundancy.
  • Hand-crank and solar charging provide power independence.
  • Shortwave radio access connects you to international broadcasts without the internet.
  • Bluetooth and MP3 playback bridge nostalgic form with modern features.
  • Emergency SOS alarm and flashlight add genuine safety value.
  • The nostalgic design makes it attractive for daily display.

What We Dislike

  • Multiple functions mean compromises compared to specialized devices.
  • Hand-crank charging requires significant effort for limited power.
  • Solar charging depends on the weather and sunlight exposure.
  • The retro aesthetic might feel too utilitarian for some home styles.
  • Shortwave reception quality varies dramatically by location.
  • Seven functions create a learning curve for optimal use.

4. Perpetual Orrery Kinetic Art

This mechanical solar system model channels the elegance of 18th-century European craftsmanship into a desktop sculpture that never stops moving. Inspired by grand orreries that once graced aristocratic libraries, this version uses intricate mechanisms similar to sophisticated wristwatches to recreate planetary orbits. Planets circle the sun at their relative speeds while the moon goes through visible phases. Even the Tempel-Tuttle comet makes its elliptical journey, appearing periodically like its celestial counterpart.

The kinetic aspect transforms this from static decoration into living art. Watching planets trace their paths provides the same meditative quality as observing aquarium fish, but with educational value built in. The mechanical movement connects to ’90s educational toys that made learning tangible rather than screen-based. Every gear and orbit gets carefully calibrated, turning astronomy into something you can observe daily at arm’s reach. The brass and metal construction gives it substantial weight and permanence, qualities often missing from modern tech gadgets designed for planned replacement.

Click Here to Buy Now: $449.00

What We Like

  • Perpetual motion creates ever-changing visual interest, unlike static art.
  • Mechanical movement provides educational value about celestial mechanics.
  • The 18th-century-inspired design brings historical elegance to modern spaces.
  • Intricate gearing mirrors sophisticated wristwatch craftsmanship.
  • No batteries or power required for operation.
  • Watching planetary orbits offers meditative, calming effects.

What We Dislike

  • The premium craftsmanship commands a significant investment.
  • Delicate mechanisms require careful handling and placement.
  • Dust accumulation on moving parts needs occasional attention.
  • The large footprint demands dedicated display space.
  • Mechanical complexity means difficult repairs if something breaks.
  • Some might find it too ornate for minimalist aesthetics.

5. Side A Cassette Speaker

This Bluetooth speaker disguises itself as a transparent mixtape, complete with Side A labeling and visible “reels” inside the clear shell. The cassette shape isn’t just cosmetic nostalgia. It comes with a clear case that doubles as a display stand, letting you prop it up like you once displayed your most treasured mix. Bluetooth 5.3 handles wireless connectivity while a microSD slot allows offline playback of MP3 files. The sound tuning deliberately evokes the warm, slightly compressed character of actual tape playback rather than clinical digital precision.

At under fifty dollars, this hits the sweet spot between genuine functionality and affordable nostalgia. The transparent shell reveals internal components, mimicking see-through electronics that defined ’90s youth culture. You can actually read the Side A label, adding to the mixtape illusion. The compact size fits easily in bags or pockets, making it practical for travel or outdoor use. This succeeds because it doesn’t try to be an audiophile device. It embraces the cassette’s original purpose: sharing music you love in a format that carries emotional weight beyond pure fidelity.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45.00

What We Like

  • The transparent shell and Side A label nail the mixtape aesthetic.
  • Bluetooth 5.3 provides reliable wireless connectivity.
  • microSD playback works offline without phone dependency.
  • Warm sound tuning captures cassette character instead of sterile precision.
  • The clear case converts into a functional display stand.
  • Under fifty dollars makes it an impulse purchase or an easy gift.

What We Dislike

  • The small size limits bass response and overall volume.
  • Tuned warmth might frustrate those wanting a flat frequency response.
  • The microSD slot only accepts MP3 format, not lossless files.
  • Battery life likely won’t match larger speakers.
  • The novelty factor might wear off after initial excitement.
  • Compact dimensions mean less impressive sound than larger alternatives.

6. Portable CD Cover Player

This device solves a problem streaming services created: what do you look at while listening to music? It plays audio CDs while displaying the album artwork in a dedicated pocket, reuniting the visual and auditory experience that made physical media special. The built-in speaker and rechargeable battery mean it goes anywhere, but the minimalist design also makes it worthy of permanent display. You can even mount it on the wall, turning it into a rotating art gallery that changes with your listening mood.

The combination of portability and display functionality sets this apart from typical CD players. Album artwork wasn’t just decoration in the ’90s. It provided context, told stories, and often became iconic imagery tied to the music itself. This player acknowledges that streaming thumbnails can’t replace holding a jewel case while listening to a new album for the first time. The built-in speaker eliminates setup complexity. Just insert a CD, position the artwork, and press play. That simplicity reflects the ’90s plug-and-play mentality before every device demanded app downloads and account creation.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199.00

What We Like

  • Dedicated artwork display reunites visual and audio elements of albums.
  • Built-in speaker provides true portability without additional equipment.
  • A rechargeable battery eliminates cord clutter for placement flexibility.
  • Wall mounting capability transforms it into a rotating art display.
  • Minimalist design works as decoration even when not playing.
  • Playing physical CDs forces intentional listening instead of endless skipping.

What We Dislike

  • CD collections take up storage space; streaming eliminates.
  • Built-in speaker quality likely can’t match dedicated audio systems.
  • The format limits you to CDs you actually own or purchase.
  • Wall mounting requires an additional bracket sold separately.
  • Physical media scratches and degrades over time.
  • Younger users might not own any CDs to play.

7. Invisible Shoehorn

This stainless steel shoehorn with transparent stand brings utilitarian elegance to something usually hidden in closets. The long handle eliminates back strain when putting on shoes, a small relief that compounds over the years of daily use. The polished steel surface glides smoothly without snagging socks or stockings. When placed in its clear acrylic stand, the shoehorn becomes sculptural, looking nothing like its typical function. It hides in plain sight as an attractive decoration rather than an obvious utility.

The transparent stand concept reflects ’90s fascination with revealing function through form. See-through electronics, skeleton watches, and visible mechanics all shared this philosophy: showing how things work makes them more interesting. A shoehorn seems mundane until you consider how many people strain their backs daily because they don’t have one handy. The long stainless steel construction ensures durability measured in decades rather than years. This represents the opposite of disposable culture: buying something once and using it daily for life.

Click Here to Buy Now: $299.00

What We Like

  • The long handle protects lower backs from repeated strain.
  • Polished stainless steel prevents sock snags and tears.
  • The transparent stand creates a sculptural display from mundane objects.
  • Durable construction ensures decades of reliable use.
  • Unique aesthetic makes it acceptable for visible placement.
  • The smooth surface glides effortlessly for easy shoe wearing.

What We Dislike

  • The minimalist aesthetic might be too subtle for those wanting obvious function.
  • Stainless steel shows fingerprints and requires occasional cleaning.
  • The transparent stand adds bulk compared to wall-mounted options.
  • Higher price point than basic plastic alternatives.
  • The long design requires dedicated storage or display space.
  • Some might find the “invisible” concept pretentious for a shoehorn.

Bringing It All Together

These seven products share a common thread beyond ’90s aesthetics: they make technology feel approachable again. Each one prioritizes tactile interaction and visible personality over disappearing into seamless ecosystems. You can actually touch controls, see mechanisms working, and display these devices proudly instead of hiding them. That philosophy defined ’90s product design before everything became black glass rectangles designed to vanish into backgrounds.

Millennials bridge generations that experienced distinct technology eras. These products honor that position by combining familiar forms with modern capabilities. Whether you’re streaming through a cassette speaker or watching planets orbit on your desk, you’re participating in design that values presence over absence. The ’90s taught us that objects could spark joy and conversation. These seven products prove that the lesson still resonates in 2026, offering alternatives to invisible technology that serves function while sacrificing soul.

The post 90s Are Back: 7 Products Every Millennial Needs in 2026 first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Art Deco Watch Looks Like a City on Your Wrist

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You know that feeling when you spot something so unexpected it makes you stop mid-scroll? That’s exactly what happened when I saw MB&F’s latest creation. The HM11 Art Deco doesn’t just tell time, it looks like someone shrunk an entire 1930s metropolis and strapped it to your wrist. And honestly, I’m here for it.

Let’s talk about what makes this thing so wild. MB&F introduced their HM11 series back in 2023 with the Architect edition, which already pushed boundaries with its architectural inspiration. But the new Art Deco versions, released in 2025, take that concept and run it through a time machine straight to the Jazz Age. Instead of the organic, humanist forms of the original, these new editions embrace the geometric vocabulary of 1930s design, complete with vertical lines, stepped profiles, and those signature sunburst graphics that defined the era.

Designer: MB&F

The case itself is a masterclass in three-dimensional thinking. Picture this: a central atrium surrounded by four peripheral pods, each covered with its own sapphire crystal window. The whole thing sits under a double-domed sapphire roof that creates this incredible play of light and shadow. It’s like looking down at a miniature cityscape from above, which is exactly what MB&F intended. The titanium construction keeps it surprisingly wearable at 42mm wide, though at 23mm tall, this isn’t exactly a watch that’s going to slip under your shirt cuff.

What really gets me excited are the details. MB&F released two versions, and each one has its own personality. The blue dial version features 3N yellow-gold-toned bridges that catch the light beautifully, while the green edition goes for 5N rose-gold-toned bridges. The display markers aren’t your typical hour indexes either. They’re laser-cut with a circular grain finish that echoes Art Deco’s obsession with geometric patterns. And those hands? They’re white gold skeletons with transparent red enamel inserts that create this stunning stained-glass effect when light passes through.

Here’s where things get really interesting from a mechanical standpoint. The movement inside is a fully in-house creation that’s basically a three-dimensional sculpture. It features a flying tourbillon (that’s the fancy spinning cage that helps with accuracy) and uses bevel gears to distribute the mechanics throughout those four pods. The power reserve clocks in at 96 hours, which means you can take it off Friday night and it’ll still be running Monday morning.

But my favorite quirk? You don’t wind this watch with a crown. Instead, you wind it by rotating the entire case clockwise. It’s such a tactile, engaging way to interact with your timepiece, and it completely fits the architectural theme. You’re literally turning a building to power it up. The straps deserve a mention too. The blue version comes on a white lizard leather strap, while the green gets a beige lizard strap, both with titanium folding buckles. They’re textured and refined, adding another layer of 1930s luxury to the whole package.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. At CHF 198,000 (or about EUR 215,000), this is firmly in “if you have to ask” territory. But for that price, you’re getting one of only 10 pieces per color. Twenty watches total for MB&F’s 20th anniversary. This is wearable art that happens to tell time, not just another luxury watch.

What makes the HM11 Art Deco so compelling is how it refuses to play by conventional rules. In a world where most high-end watches still look fundamentally like, well, watches, MB&F went ahead and created something that challenges every assumption about what can sit on your wrist. It’s bold without being gaudy, complex without being cluttered, and somehow manages to be both a tribute to 1930s design and utterly futuristic at the same time.

Whether you’re into horology, design history, or just appreciate objects that make you think differently about everyday things, the HM11 Art Deco is worth paying attention to. It’s the kind of piece that sparks conversations and makes people question what’s possible. And in a market saturated with safe choices and heritage reruns, that’s pretty refreshing.

The post This Art Deco Watch Looks Like a City on Your Wrist first appeared on Yanko Design.

5 Retro Film Cameras with Modern Tech Gen Z Can’t Stop Buying

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In a world where digital cameras and smartphones promise instant perfection, the quiet return of analog photography feels almost revolutionary. Film cameras, once considered obsolete, are now being reimagined with modern features that blend nostalgia with innovation. This new generation of hybrid analog devices brings together the charm of vintage engineering and the convenience of contemporary technology, creating a more mindful, tactile, and emotionally rich way to capture images.

As Gen Z and today’s creators rediscover the pleasure of slowing down, film has become more than a medium, as it is a cultural shift toward intention and authenticity. The resurgence of analog cameras shows that the future of photography is not purely digital but a thoughtful fusion of old-world craft and modern possibility.

1. The Analog Revival In A Digital World

In an age dominated by smartphones and instant image processing, the resurgence of analog cameras might seem unexpected, but it’s far from accidental. Today’s creators, especially Gen Z, crave experiences that feel tactile, intentional, and emotionally grounded. Film photography delivers exactly that. What’s even more compelling is how a new wave of hybrid film cameras blends vintage charm with modern technology, transforming what was once a niche hobby into a vibrant contemporary culture.

Film photography is enjoying a strong comeback, but most point-and-shoot options still fall short. Vintage cameras come with unpredictable quirks, while many new models fail to capture the tactile charm that makes analog shooting special. For anyone wanting the warmth of film with modern reliability, the search often feels frustrating.

The Analogue aF-1 finally blends classic design with contemporary tech. Its compact, matte body, splash-resistant build, and sharp 35mm f/2.8 Double Gauss lens offer a familiar analog feel enhanced by dependable performance.

What truly sets the aF-1 apart is its seamless mix of analog character and digital convenience. LiDAR and Time-of-Flight autofocus ensure crisp shots from 0.5 meters to infinity, while automatic film loading and rewind remove guesswork. The GN8 flash recycles in half a second, and ISO support from 25 to 5000 makes it versatile in any light. With reliable mechanics and intuitive controls, the aF-1 brings film photography back to life without the usual hassles.

2. Why Film Feels Fresh Again

Analog cameras used to be defined by their limitations: no instant previews, finite exposures, manual settings, and the slow ritual of development. Now these very qualities are what attract modern users. The mindful pace of film forces you to slow down, observe, and shoot with purpose rather than rely on endless digital corrections. At the same time, new technologies have removed many of the old barriers, making film more accessible, adaptable, and rewarding for a wider creative community.

Modernized film cameras now include features that were unthinkable in traditional analog devices. Built-in light meters, Bluetooth connectivity, app-based controls, and hybrid workflows allow photographers to enjoy the aesthetic of film without sacrificing convenience. This balance of nostalgia and innovation gives today’s users the best of both worlds: the raw, imperfect beauty of analog paired with the efficiency of digital ecosystems.

The limited-edition Gudetama Retrospekt FC-11 35mm Film Camera brings together Retrospekt’s retro craftsmanship and Sanrio’s iconic lazy egg in a playful, collectible design. The camera features a silicone Gudetama lens cap and a faux leather-wrapped body illustrated with multiple Gudetama poses, making it as much a display piece as a functional camera. Lightweight at just 122 grams, it’s easier to carry than most smartphones and immediately stands out with its bright, character-driven aesthetic.

Built as a straightforward point-and-shoot, the FC-11 offers a 1m fixed-focus lens, optional built-in flash, and simple viewfinder framing for effortless shooting. It supports 200–400 ISO film, uses a 31mm f/9 lens, and has a 1/120-second shutter speed, giving users reliable performance in everyday conditions. Once you press the shutter, all that’s left is to develop the 35mm roll at your preferred lab. Cute, compact, and uncomplicated, the Gudetama FC-11 makes analog photography fun and accessible for beginners and collectors alike.

3. The Quest For Authenticity

Another reason for the revival is the cultural shift toward authenticity. In a world oversaturated with perfectly edited digital images, film offers a refreshing sense of realness. For younger audiences raised on high-resolution screens, film feels novel, tactile, and almost rebellious, an antidote to algorithm-driven perfection.

Online platforms have amplified the analog revival, giving emerging photographers a space to share their work, discuss techniques, and explore the emotional depth behind film practice. Even the waiting period between shooting and developing has become a shared ritual and a reminder that creativity doesn’t need to be rushed.

You can now enjoy the charm of analog photography without losing the comfort and speed of your smartphone. As traditional film cameras fade from everyday use, DIGI SWAP offers an elegant solution that brings them back to life. Many people keep old cameras as sentimental keepsakes, reminders of a time when every click of the shutter held suspense. This system lets you relive that experience by combining the tactile pleasure of a film camera with the efficiency of an iPhone.

DIGI SWAP consists of an adapter and a companion app that work together to recreate the film shooting process. The adapter mounts your iPhone to the back of the camera, projecting the lens image directly into the phone’s sensor, while the app automatically captures each shot when you press the physical shutter. With features like a wind-up lever simulation and a “Film Empty” screen after 36 frames, it preserves the nostalgia of analog photography while breathing new life into classic equipment.

4. Analog Meets Sustainable Living

Sustainability also plays a subtle but growing role. Many film enthusiasts appreciate the long lifespan of well-made analog cameras, which can function reliably for decades. Instead of constant digital upgrades, users invest in repairable, enduring equipment, which is a mindset that aligns with today’s conscious consumption patterns. When paired with eco-friendly film labs and responsible developing methods, analog photography supports a slower, more considered creative lifestyle.

The Lomography Lomo MC-A stands apart from the wave of digital cameras dressed in retro styling by being a truly analog 35mm film camera. Built with a robust metal body in silver or black, it features a retractable 32mm f/2.8 multi-coated glass lens that produces sharp, vibrant images with authentic film character. Manual film advance, tactile dials, and classic controls reinforce the experience of shooting real film rather than simulating it. Three modes, like Program Auto, Aperture Priority, and Full Manual, offer flexibility for beginners and advanced users alike, while fast autofocus and zone focusing support everything from everyday snapshots to street photography.

What makes the MC-A especially practical is its integration of USB-C charging, replacing hard-to-find CR2 batteries with a rechargeable system that lasts up to ten rolls per charge and exceeds 1,200 recharge cycles. The camera also includes signature Lomography tools such as a Splitzer, colored gel filters, protective wrap, and leather accessories, creating a complete, ready-to-shoot analog kit for modern film enthusiasts.

5. A Timeless Art Form, Reimagined

Most importantly, the reimagining of analog cameras reflects a universal desire to reconnect with craftsmanship, with memory, and with the art of paying attention. Modern technology doesn’t erase the soul of film; it simply enhances it. By blending retro charm with intelligent innovation, these cameras invite photographers to rediscover the thrill of uncertainty and the beauty of restraint qualities that feel more relevant than ever in a hyper-digital world.

Kodak’s Charmera camera brings a modern twist to the brand’s iconic analog cameras, especially the single-use models from the 1980s and 1990s. Designed as a miniature digital device, it mirrors the size and retro look of the classic Kodak Fling while replacing disposability with convenient recharging. Its blind-box format adds a collectible appeal, offering one of several vintage-inspired designs, including a rare transparent “secret edition.” Compact and lightweight at just 2.2 inches and 30 grams, it doubles as a charm thanks to its keychain loop, blending nostalgia with everyday portability.

Despite its playful scale, Charmera delivers a complete digital shooting experience with the familiar imperfections of analog cameras. It uses a 1.6-megapixel CMOS sensor to capture 1440 × 1080 photos and 30 fps video, embracing a grainy, film-like aesthetic. With filters, themed frames, and date stamps, plus microSD support and USB charging, it offers a practical way to create retro-style content inspired by classic analog photography.

Analog photography is making a strong comeback, not by rejecting modern tech but by blending with it. New hybrid and updated film cameras keep the charm of shooting on film while adding features that make them easier to use. This mix of old and new shows that people still value slow, thoughtful image-making. In today’s fast digital world, analog feels fresh again.

The post 5 Retro Film Cameras with Modern Tech Gen Z Can’t Stop Buying first appeared on Yanko Design.

SN Operator Brings the Cartridge Ritual to Steam Deck and PCs

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Retro gaming has mostly split into two camps: ROMs and emulators on one side, original cartridges and aging consoles on the other. A lot of people have boxes of SNES games they love, but end up playing downloaded copies on a laptop because it is easier. The Epilogue SN Operator tries to bring those physical carts back into the loop without dragging a CRT out of storage or rewiring your living room.

The SN Operator is a transparent dock that adds a Super Nintendo or Super Famicom slot to a computer or handheld over USB-C. You plug it into a Windows, macOS, Linux machine, or a Steam Deck, drop in a cartridge, and play through Epilogue’s Playback app or your emulator of choice. It behaves like a cartridge slot for your computer, not a black-box ripper, keeping the ritual of inserting a physical cart alive.

Designer: Epilogue

The Playback app handles the heavy lifting, running an in-app emulator that keeps saves synchronized between devices, supports co-op play, modern controllers, cheats, and integrates with RetroAchievements. You are playing from the original cartridge with your own save file, but you get achievements, soft reset, and fast forward layered on top. That turns a 30-year-old game into something that fits a 2025 setup without losing the tactile connection.

The handheld angle is where the SN Operator starts to feel unexpectedly useful. It plugs into a Steam Deck or similar device and effectively turns it into a portable Super Nintendo with a real cartridge slot. Setup is simple: install Playback, connect via USB-C, and you are playing carts on the couch or on a train. Saves stay in sync with your desktop, so you can bounce between screens without juggling files.

The preservation side lets you back up game data and save files from cartridges in a couple of clicks, archiving them on your computer before backup batteries die. Epilogue frames this as keeping titles and personal progress alive for decades, not as a piracy tool. The device is meant for legally owned cartridges and personal, non-commercial use, with no game ROMs included, and it protects cartridge integrity during reads.

Counterfeit detection analyzes cartridge data to help you spot bootlegs in a market where fakes are getting harder to identify by eye. It is not perfect, and results are informational only, but for collectors spending serious money on rare carts, having a hardware tool that can flag suspicious boards is useful on top of the play and backup functions, helping you know exactly what you are putting on the shelf.

The transparent design feels right for this niche. A clear polycarbonate shell shows off the PCB and connector, with dust flaps keeping things clean. Transparent tech is a staple of 1990s gaming, and SN Operator leans into that nostalgia without feeling kitschy. It is a piece of hardware you want on the desk, a little window into the circuitry that is quietly keeping your Super Nintendo library alive on modern machines, whether you plug it into a tower or a handheld.

The post SN Operator Brings the Cartridge Ritual to Steam Deck and PCs first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Engineer Built a 9-Instrument Orchestra From Vintage Computers

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You know that moment when someone takes something impossibly complicated and makes it look like the most natural thing in the world? That’s exactly what happens when you watch Linus Akesson perform Maurice Ravel’s Boléro on nine homemade 8-bit instruments. And honestly, it’s the kind of thing that makes you stop scrolling and just stare.

Akesson isn’t your average musician or engineer. He’s both, which is probably the only way a project like this could exist. The Swedish creator has spent years building custom electronic instruments from vintage computer parts and retro gaming hardware, and this 15-minute performance might just be his magnum opus. We’re talking about a piece that required nearly 10 hours of footage and 52 mixer channels to capture. This isn’t just a fun weekend project. It’s a full-blown technical and artistic achievement.

Designer: Linus Akesson

Ravel’s Boléro is one of those classical pieces that you recognize even if you don’t think you know classical music. It’s hypnotic and repetitive, building slowly over 15 minutes with the same melody cycling through different instruments until it reaches this massive crescendo. It’s also notoriously difficult to perform because of how exposed every musician is. There’s nowhere to hide when you’re playing the same pattern over and over. Now imagine tackling that with a collection of beeping, blooping 8-bit computers that you built yourself.

The instruments in Akesson’s arsenal include things like the Chipophone, an organ-like device that uses old computer sound chips, and the Commodordion, which is essentially a Commodore 64 turned into an accordion. Yes, you read that right. These aren’t instruments you can just buy off the shelf or even find in some obscure music shop. Akesson designed and built them from scratch, combining his deep knowledge of electronics with a genuine love for the aesthetic and sound of vintage computing.

What makes this performance so compelling isn’t just the technical wizardry, though there’s plenty of that. It’s the way Akesson treats these humble, squeaky sounds with the same reverence you’d give to a string section in a concert hall. Chiptune music, the genre that emerged from early video game soundtracks, often gets dismissed as novelty. But in Akesson’s hands, it becomes something genuinely moving. The piece still builds, still swells, still commands your attention the way Ravel intended.

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching someone honor both the past and the present in the same breath. Akesson isn’t trying to prove that 8-bit sounds are better than traditional orchestras, and he’s not making a joke out of classical music. He’s finding a middle ground where nostalgia, craftsmanship, and artistry all meet. It’s retro without being kitsch. It’s technically impressive without being cold or showy.

The video itself is a treat for anyone who loves behind-the-scenes peeks at creative processes. You see Akesson switching between instruments, his workspace cluttered with wires and vintage gear, every sound painstakingly triggered and mixed. It’s a one-man orchestra in the truest sense, except the orchestra is made of machines that were obsolete before many of us were born. In a world where we’re constantly told to upgrade, to move forward, to embrace the newest and shiniest technology, there’s something quietly rebellious about what Akesson does. He takes the discarded, the outdated, the supposedly useless and turns it into art. And not just functional art or conceptual art. Beautiful art. The kind that makes you feel something.

If you’re someone who gets excited about the intersection of design, technology, and culture, this project is basically catnip. It’s proof that limitations can breed creativity, that old technology still has stories to tell, and that sometimes the best way to appreciate a classic is to reimagine it completely. Akesson’s 8-Bit Boléro doesn’t replace the original. It sits alongside it, offering a new way to hear something we thought we already knew.

So do yourself a favor and watch it. Turn up the volume, let those retro beeps wash over you, and marvel at what one person with vision and skill can create. It might just change how you think about what’s possible when art and engineering collide.

The post This Engineer Built a 9-Instrument Orchestra From Vintage Computers first appeared on Yanko Design.

This LEGO Retro TV Build Shows You How Cathode Ray Tubes Actually Worked

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Before flat screens and streaming services, television sets were hulking pieces of furniture that commanded respect and curiosity in equal measure. FMDavid’s LEGO Ideas submission celebrates these beloved artifacts with a build that goes far beyond surface level nostalgia, diving deep into the mechanical heart of what made these cathode ray tube televisions actually work.

The exterior immediately transports viewers back several decades with its mint green housing, classic rabbit ear antenna, and the unmistakable SMPTE color bars displayed on its gently curved screen. Remove the back panel, however, and the true engineering achievement reveals itself. Every major component of a vintage television has been faithfully recreated in brick form, from the deflection coils wrapped around the CRT neck to the colorful wiring snaking between vacuum tubes and capacitors along the chassis floor.

Designer: FMDavid

And that’s what’s so fascinating about this build – the inner guts. Most retro TV builds in LEGO form stop at the cabinet and screen. Slap on some rabbit ears, throw in a color bar pattern, call it a day. FMDavid apparently decided that approach was for amateurs. The real story here happens when you pop off that back panel and discover what amounts to a miniature engineering degree compressed into approximately 200 square studs of space. The cathode ray tube dominates the interior volume exactly as it would in an actual 1960s Zenith or RCA, which tells me this builder actually studied reference material instead of just vibing on childhood memories. Those deflection coils wrapping around the tube neck aren’t decorative. They’re positioned where they’d actually sit in a functioning set, using what appears to be copper-colored flexible elements or possibly custom printed tiles to simulate the electromagnetic coils that would bend electron beams across phosphor screens at 15,734 times per second.

This build works as both display piece and educational tool. The SMPTE color bars on screen are a nice touch that any broadcast engineer would immediately recognize. Those bars weren’t just pretty patterns. They were precision test signals containing specific luminance and chrominance values that let technicians calibrate everything from color temperature to sync pulse timing. The curved screen profile captures that subtle convex bulge of real CRT glass, which existed because a flat surface would implode under atmospheric pressure once you evacuated the tube interior to near-vacuum conditions. Physics demanded that curve, and FMDavid respected it.

The exterior styling nails the mid-century aesthetic with that sage green cabinet color and brown wooden legs angled outward in classic Danish modern furniture tradition. Those aren’t just legs, they’re cultural signifiers of an era when televisions were statement furniture pieces that families planned their living rooms around. The two control knobs on the right panel would’ve been your channel selector and volume control, back when changing channels meant physically walking across the room and turning a mechanical detent switch through twelve discrete positions. No endless scrolling through 500 cable channels, just ABC, NBC, CBS, and maybe PBS if you were lucky.

The component density here feels right for a television set from the tube era without overwhelming the interior space. Real TV sets from the 1960s packed dozens of components into their cabinets, handling everything from IF amplification to horizontal output to audio processing. FMDavid’s arranged the internal elements so you can actually see the relationship between the major systems. The vacuum tubes reminiscent of the old-timey technology, the transformers with their ribbed heat sinks sit where you’d expect them, probably using modified tile or plate stacks to create those distinctive cooling fins that prevented components from cooking themselves to death during long viewing sessions. Those cylinders at the bottom represent capacitors, which in real sets would filter high voltage DC and store energy for the horizontal deflection circuit. Get a capacitor failure in a vintage TV and you’d lose either your picture width or your vertical hold, sending the image rolling endlessly up the screen. Heck, there’s even the RCA output on the back, with the yellow and red for left and right audio channels, and a white for presumably the video.

The build currently sits at 1,136 supporters on LEGO Ideas, which means it needs another 8,864 votes to hit the 10,000 threshold for official review. That’s how the Ideas platform works. You need 10,000 people to vote for your concept within a limited timeframe, then LEGO’s internal review board evaluates it for commercial viability, piece count economics, licensing considerations, and market fit. FMDavid’s got 418 days remaining to gather those supporters. If you want to see this hit production shelves, head over to the LEGO Ideas website, create a free account if you haven’t already, and cast your vote. No money required, just a few clicks to tell LEGO this deserves manufacturing consideration alongside other fan-designed sets.

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NES-inspired 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Has a D-Pad for Volume and Playback

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Most small Bluetooth speakers are generic cylinders or bricks that sit somewhere on a desk and do not really belong to the rest of the setup. At the other end, you have sculptural, art-piece speakers that look great in a gallery photo but feel out of place next to a gaming keyboard. The 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition sits in between, a speaker that actually looks like it belongs on a gamer’s or retro-leaning desk.

8BitDo calls it compact, powerful, and timeless, inspired by the NES and upgraded from the original Cube Speaker. The N Edition is part of the NES40 Collection, designed to sit next to the N40 keyboard and Ultimate 2 controller as a matching sound cube. The grey body, red grilles, and black D-pad top are NES shorthand translated into a speaker, not just random retro dressing borrowed from another era.

Designer: 8BitDo

The top surface is a D-pad layout with a central button, plus and minus on the sides, a power icon at the top, and play/pause at the bottom. You control volume, playback, and pairing with a familiar gamepad language instead of tiny, unlabeled buttons. It is simple, tactile, and instantly recognizable if you have ever held a controller, which makes it feel more like part of a gaming setup than a generic Bluetooth puck that could live anywhere.

The connectivity offers Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4G wireless via the included USB-C adapter, and wired USB audio. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening, but 2.4G and USB give virtually lag-free audio for games and video. The adapter hides in a slot under the dock when not in use, which keeps it from wandering off and makes it easy to move the cube between a laptop, a Switch, or a desktop without digging through a drawer for dongles.

The integrated wireless charging dock is a small square base with a circular pad marked by a lightning-bolt icon and a perforated ring. The dock keeps the cube powered and also acts as a signal extender for 2.4G, so you get better reception when it is parked. It doubles as a visual plinth, lifting the cube slightly and making the whole thing read as one object instead of a speaker plus a random charging pad that does not quite match.

The tech specs are dual 5 W drivers, 120 Hz–15 kHz frequency response, and a 2,000 mAh battery with around 30 hours of use and 3–5 hours of charging. It is slightly larger than a Rubik’s Cube, which makes it ideal for near-field listening on a desk or nightstand. Music and Gaming modes let you tweak the tuning with a single press, so you can lean into clarity for calls or a bit more punch for games.

Retro Cube 2 behaves as a desk companion that actually earns its footprint. It sits next to a keyboard and mouse like a tiny console, charges itself when you drop it on the dock, and gives you a D-pad to poke at instead of a phone screen when you want to skip a track. Whether or not you already own the matching keyboard and controller, a small NES-flavored speaker with a wireless dock and three connection modes is the kind of object that quietly makes a desk feel more finished, especially if you still remember what a D-pad felt like the first time you pressed one.

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This Tiny Retro PC Is Your Alarm Clock, Speaker, and Pixel Canvas

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Cozy desk setups have become a competitive sport. Tiny CRTs, retro keyboards, and beige plastic everywhere, usually looking very cute but doing very little beyond collecting dust and likes. Most of that gear is either pure decor or pure utility, rarely both. MiniToo leans into the 80s PC silhouette hard, complete with a CRT-style screen and chunky keyboard buttons, but it tries to earn its footprint by being a Bluetooth speaker, alarm clock, white noise machine, and pixel art display all at once.

The MiniToo Retro PC Style Pixel Bluetooth Speaker & Alarm Clock looks like a palm-sized beige desktop computer that escaped from an 8-bit office. The CRT-style screen sits on top with a thick bezel, while the sloped keyboard base sports four large square buttons and a bright orange volume knob. It measures about 3.2 by 2.4 by 2.9 inches and weighs just over 200 grams, small enough to fit between your laptop and coffee cup.

Designer: Kokogol

The 1.77-inch TFT screen runs more than seventy clock faces, from DOS blue screens with chunky pixel fonts to colorful analog dials and animated scenes. The companion app lets you design your own pixel faces, animations, and text, then sync them with a tap. You can also cast photos to the screen, turning it into a tiny digital photo frame that cycles through your favorite shots in gloriously chunky pixel form, which somehow makes even vacation snapshots feel more fun.

The audio side packs a 5-watt full-range driver with enhanced bass reflex tuned for near-field listening, good for a desk or bedside but not built to fill a room. Bluetooth 5.3 handles wireless playback, plus it supports white noise and twelve wake-up sounds. You can set alarms, play music, and fall asleep to ambient sounds, all from the same little box that looks like it should be running floppy disks instead of Spotify or whatever you streamed last night.

Built-in pixel tools include a Pomodoro timer, reminders, and simple games that live on the device. It can sit next to your laptop as a focus timer during the day, then shift to an alarm clock and white noise machine at night. The four front buttons and knob make it easy to use without always reaching for your phone, helping it feel like a standalone object rather than just another Bluetooth accessory demanding app attention.

Connectivity options cover Bluetooth 5.3, USB audio, and TF card playback, so it works with laptops, phones, or local files. The app is still required for deeper customization, but once your faces and sounds are set up, the device runs on its own. The compact size makes it easy to move between desk and bedside, or pack as a little travel speaker with personality and actual utility instead of just nostalgia.

MiniToo is clearly gift-ready, shipped in a neat box, and aimed at teens, designers, and retro lovers who want their desks to look like fun. What makes it interesting is not just the nostalgia, but the way it folds real utility into that nostalgia, giving you a tiny computer that finally behaves like the playful, expressive desk companion those beige boxes never were when they were actually new and just ran spreadsheets.

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Timeless rotary phone reborn as modern AI-powered companion that plays music

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Who can forget the charm of rotary phones that were a lifeline in the early ’90s and ’80s? Their iconic mechanical dialling wheel with finger holes, solid build quality, and the unique clicking sound. Everything inside the machine was mechanical and wired on the inside to make communication possible. Even after their technical innovation was surpassed by mobile phones, the appeal of these robust dialers was not forgotten.

A recent re-imagining of this nostalgic device by designer Nico Tangara, who’s impressed us with the Self-Snoozing Alarm Clock shows how enduring designs can bridge analog heritage and modern digital convenience. Tangara’s project revives a vintage rotary telephone, carefully restoring original components while removing outdated elements such as the high-voltage bell and corroded wiring, to make space for low-voltage digital hardware.

Designer: Nico Tangara

At the heart of the redesign is the original rotary dial, preserved as the primary input mechanism. Rather than simply dialing phone numbers, each pulse created by turning the dial is translated into a digital signal. This allows the dial’s mechanical action to control contemporary digital functions. The transformed device blends vintage form with modern intelligence. On the inside, a small single-board computer, which was initially a Raspberry Pi 4, was later swapped for a Raspberry Pi 2 for lighter loads, handles the digital processing. The original speaker and microphone are replaced with improved audio components connected via a USB sound card, ensuring clearer playback and compatibility with the new system.

Beyond its physical transformation, the device gains new functionality: it operates as both a music player and an AI-powered voice interface. By integrating a voice-based model (e.g., ChatGPT), speech-to-text transcription (via Whisper), and text-to-speech output (via Google TTS), the retro telephone can respond to voice commands, play music, and offer interactive voice chat. Interestingly, it can do it all while preserving the tactile nostalgia of rotary dialing phones.

The project demonstrates how old objects can find new life when design respects their identity while embracing innovation. By retaining the rotary dial, handset cradle logic, and the device’s physical essence while embedding modern electronics, the hybrid telephone becomes more than a novelty. It becomes a functional link between eras, and I’m sure people will absolutely love the idea.

In doing so, the designer’s work suggests that the past need not be discarded. Instead, elements of design that once felt obsolete can offer fresh value when rethought for contemporary contexts. The resulting hybrid device stands as a tribute to the charm of mechanical telephony and an example of how thoughtful design can merge tradition with modern technology. Perhaps the ideal starting point for budding DIYers who want to create something out of the ordinary.

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