Retro tech is making a comeback (Image: EXPRESS)
Our phones, TVs and smart devices continue to get more advanced, but it seems some consumers would rather go back to the past. Old-fashioned tech such as record players, cassettes, digital cameras and retro consoles continue to boom in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why.
There’s just something nice about having a vinyl collection, playing old games or watching DVDs. The quality is often better and these products will still work even if the broadband goes offline.
Not getting distracted by a endless smartphone notifications or spending all day doomscrolling is another reason to consider ditching the latest devices.
If you’re fed up with having too much tech, here are 8 gadgets that offer a blast from past.
We Are Rewind’s Edith WE-001 portable player (Image: WE ARE REWIND)
Cassette players
The humble cassette is making a surprise comeback. In fact, there’s a totally new way to play those old tapes you have gathering dust in the loft, and it’s way better than you might remember.
We Are Rewind’s Edith WE-001 portable player adds plenty of modern twists to this ageing tech. This new retro music machine gets full Bluetooth connectivity so you can link it to your wireless headphones, plus there’s a premium design and a fully rechargeable battery.
It’s available now at retailers including Selfridges, Fnac, Turntable Lab. Expect to pay £129.
Brad Retro MKII Turntable from Gadhouse (Image: GADHOUSE)
Vinyl
Vinyl has got its mojo back with old-fashioned records now on trend. There are loads of players flooding the market, including the Brad Retro MKII Turntable from Gadhouse. This portable music maker features USB-C charging, built-in 10-watt speakers plus Bluetooth for easy connections to external speakers.
There’s also an updated motor and belt-drive system that ensures smooth, uninterrupted playback with reduced resonance and vibration. It costs £129 and comes in a number of fruity colours including Tangerine.
SEE THE BRAD RETRO HERE
Fancy something more premium? The Technics SL-1200G is top-rated for budding DJs thanks to its premium design and latest audio technology – shame its costs £4,000.
Blu-ray player’s offer a better experience (Image: PH)
Blu-ray DVDs
Remember a time before Netflix when those living room shelves were bursting with DVDs? Video streaming might seem like the future, but if you want to experience pin-sharp 4K content, impressive Dolby Vision visuals, and the ultimate Dolby Atmos surround sound, you’re best going back to Blu-ray.
This technology can’t be beaten for picture or sound quality (you defininitey won’t suffer any buffering), plus you’ll own the movie or box set for good.
4K Blu-ray players start from around £250 and don’t forget that consoles such as the PS5 are fully compatible with those discs.
CHECK OUT THE BLU-RAY DEAL HERE
PlayStation console (Image: SONY)
Retro consoles
There are plenty of ways to get some retro gaming action from the comfort of your sofa.
Mini gadgets, including the PlayStation Classic and Nintendo Classic Mini Console, all take you back in time.
They even come with their original controllers and are packed with pre-installed games such as The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Kart, Grand Theft Auto, Tekken 3, Rayman and Resident Evil.
Prices start from around £150.
SEE THE RETRO CONSOLE DEALS HERE
FUJIFILM’s the X Half (Image: FUJIFILM)
Camera
Ditching smartphones and snapping images on a real camera is a growing trend. If you fancy embracing this bit of photograph nostalgia, then FUJIFILM’s X Half could be a good place to start.
It features a premium design, large LCD screen and impressive lens plus it can add all sorts of effects to your photos.
There’s even a classic “Film Camera Mode,” which makes every shot look like it was taken using old-fashioned film.
The X Half is out now and costs £699. YOU CAN SEE THE CAMERA HERE
Roberts Rambler radio (Image: ROBERTS)
Radio
Are you tired of shouting out Alexa every time you want the radio to play on a smart speaker? If you simply want to tune into the charts on Sunday night or listen to the Breakfast Show each day, then maybe it’s time to simplify things again. Firms such as Roberts offer plenty of radios that let you listen the good old-fashioned way.
These latest radios allow you to save your favourite channels and offer access to hundreds of stations at the touch of a button.
Prices start from under £100 and most are portable, so they can be carried around the home.
SEE THE BEST RADIO DEALS HERE
Meet the Light Phone 3 (Image: LIGHT PHONE)
Phone
The constant barrage of emails, app alerts and temptation of doomscrolling on TikTok can be stopped in a flash.
The Light Phone 3 strips things back and gives you a digital detox with this device simply offering the basics and nothing more.
You can make calls, send texts, snap photos, set alarms, get directions and listen to podcasts but there’s no access to app stores or other distractions.
It’s also been built to last with it featuring a premium design and an easily changeable battery.
The Light Phone is a modern way of going back to a time when phones were a little less smart
The GB-001 from We Are Rewind (Image: WE ARE REWIND)
Boombox
Dust off your skateboard and get some tunes blasting down the local park. This 80s-style boombox offers a serious blast from the past. The upcoming GB-001 features four power speakers, VU meters, a premium design with a folding handle and the ability to play those classic cassettes.
There are also some modern twists, including the latest Bluetooth technology, a rechargeable battery, and a microphone for live recordings.
Sadly, going back to the past isn’t cheap. The GB-001 costs £389. SEE THE BOOMBOX HERE