Brits are pining for the days of cassette tapes, film cameras, and vintage MP3 players, according to a survey of 2,000 adults. The poll revealed a yearning for the comeback of corded landline phones, with some saying film cameras were ditched too soon. this same nostalgia also extends to early mobile phones, portable CD players, and classic typewriters.
Virtual pets have not been forgotten either. Featuring in the top 20 list, six percent still cherish the time they spent raising their vitural companions, despite the fact they didn’t seem to survive past a week. Four in ten admit they may be romanticising old-school tech, acknowledging it was always frustratingly slow and wasn’t always reliable, a key component of technology these days.
Reflecting on the technological evolution over the past 15 years, 81 percent recognise a significant shift in daily tech usage, with many now reliant on smartphones, contactless payments, and streaming services.
However, mobile data was hailed as the most significant technological advancement over the past 15 years.
Tech expert and former Gadget Show presenter Georgie Barrat has teamed up with Smart Energy GB – which commissioned the research – to put some of these nostalgic gadgets to the test.
She said: “There’s something nostalgic about the gadgets we grew up with. But we often view them through rose-tinted glasses – we forget the long loading times, the fragile connections, and how unreliable they could be.”
“Energy meters are a great example of old tech that desperately needed an upgrade,” she said. “The shift from analogue meters to digital smart meters brings lots of benefits – giving you a much clearer picture of how much energy you’re using and what it’s costing, which can help you to cut your bills.”
Despite the surge in digital technology, many still hold onto their old favourites – with 36 percent still possessing a landline, 24 percent storing cassettes, and 23 percent retaining their MP3 players.
A fifth (20 percent) even have a collection of VHS tapes gathering dust. Among those with vintage tech still at hand, 34 percent use it occasionally, while 23 percent keep it as a memento.
Victoria Bacon from Smart Energy GB said: “In today’s world, we rely on technology for almost every aspect of our lives – from staying connected with loved ones to managing work, finances, and our homes.
“We expect our devices to really make a positive difference and to perform seamlessly and consistently, especially when it matters most.
“As with most new tech, smart meter performance is continuing improve, with new research showing nine in 10 smart meter owners now think their smart meter is reliable.
“And because the technology behind smart meters was designed by top cyber security experts, you can be reassured yours has comprehensive security at its heart.”