The tech gadgets that take Gen X on a journey into the past
In the modern technological landscape, nostalgia acts as a lever to launch novelties on the market that bring back to life certain heirlooms of the past. More and more often, in fact, we are seeing the debut of technological devices that, although they retain a retro aesthetic, incorporate modern functionalities that appeal not only to the younger generation, but especially to Generation X, i.e. those born between the 1960s and 1980s.
Among the most recent innovations, for example, is the Casio wristwatch celebrating the CA53W model worn on the wrist of Michael J. Fox, as Marty McFly, in the film Back to the Future. To mark the 40th anniversary of the cult film that has returned to theatres in a remastered version, the Japanese company has unveiled the CA-500WEBF-1A model with a dial adorned with the text OUTATIME, like the DeLorean's number plate, a digital display accompanied by a numerical keypad reminiscent of the time machine's time circuits, and an engraving on the caseback depicting the flow of the channeling stream. Like the original model, it retains the calculator, alarm and stopwatch functions and is on sale on the official website for €119. However, Casio's is not the only proposal for those nostalgic for the technology of yesteryear.
Atari recently announced Intellivision Sprint: a remake of the console of the same name marketed by Mattel in 1979 and intended to challenge the Atari 2600. The device, with a design inspired by the original model complete with a wooden insert on the front, can connect to modern TVs via HDMI, includes two wireless controllers, USB connectors, and comes with 45 built-in games including Astrosmash, Boulder Dash, Shark! Shark!, Baseball, and other titles that crowned their success on CRT televisions. The console is scheduled to be available next December but can already be pre-ordered for 139.99 Euro.
And then there is a new entry for those who appreciate analogue photography: Lomography has unveiled a compact film camera but with a battery that recharges via USB. The Lomo MC-A offers an experience equal to a classic 35mm point-and-shoot camera with a silver metal body, a 32mm multi-coated glass lens with f/2.8 aperture, a liquid crystal display, integrated flash with creative mode and a film advance lever: of course, it also allows you to shoot in manual mode. It is not yet on the market but can be ordered for €499 in black and silver: the first deliveries, also in Italy, are expected by 24 December, making it a candidate as a gift idea for photography enthusiasts.
