Retro Tech Revivals

Bringing back turntables in retro design

Implications - While most designers are focused on innovating micro-media players based on MP3 format, other designers are trying to bring back the phonograph. Reviving retro technology appeals to the aging, affluent boomer demographic who enjoy spending money on gadgets that help them relive their youth.

Trend Themes

  1. Reviving Retro Tech — There's been a recent trend in designers reviving retro technology that appeals to aging, affluent boomer audiences.
  2. Mixing Old and New — Product designers are catering to consumers who adore quirky and unique ways of playing vinyl records by creating products that combine old and new technologies.
  3. Affordable USB Turntables — Companies are creating affordable USB turntables that allow consumers to easily digitize their vinyl collection and transfer music to their computers.

Industry Implications

  1. Consumer Technology — Consumer technology companies can tap into the trend of reviving retro technology to appeal to aging, affluent boomers.
  2. Audio Equipment — Audio equipment manufacturers have an opportunity to create products that mix old and new technology, appealing to a niche market of vinyl record fans who desire unique and artful ways of playing records.
  3. Retail — Retail companies can offer affordable USB turntables to consumers desiring to digitize their vinyl collections and play music on their computers.
3.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
9 Featured
77,618 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Jul 06 — Aug 08
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

iPod Turntables
iPod Turntables
Sergio iSpin iPod
How much more stuff can be attached to an iPod? I half expect to read any day now that an iPod can launch a rocket into space. Can it? Can it? The Sergio iPod turntable and mixer comes with two iPod… MORE
EIP Laser Turntable
EIP Laser Turntable
Nothing Touches Your Vinyl Buy Light
Hey DJ, you like your vinyl records but don't like the fact that you're killing them? The new EIP Laser Turntable plays records without touching them... The catch: a $15,000 price tag. "The Laser Turntable… MORE
Cellphones with Turntables- The "Box to Play" by KDDI AU
Cellphones with Turntables- The "Box to Play" by KDDI AU
Japan's KDDI AU Design Project designed this innovative new phone dubbed the "Box to Play". The phone can transform from a normal-looking cellphone to a box with a graphic music interface. The phone… MORE
Zebra-Striped Turntables
Zebra-Striped Turntables
Montegiro Lusso
Layers of aluminum and black acrylic come together to create the Lusso, a super-stylish turntable. A what, you say? A turntable… record player ...LP spinner! It’s time to go to the attic or the basement… MORE
USB Turntables
USB Turntables
Urban Outfitters Brings the LP Back
Of all the hundreds of USB gizmos, this is my favorite. A plug and play USB turntable. I know I’m not the only one that has a few 45’s and LP’s in the back of the closet. I am? Well anyway. This… MORE
$56,000 Turntables
$56,000 Turntables
The Jubilee by Thorens
Thorens, a Swiss manufacturer of high-end audio equipment, are well known for their awesome turntables. Their newest turntable, the Jubilee, commemorates 125 years of the Thorens name. Weighing in at 58kg… MORE
USB Turntable
USB Turntable
Spin Your Vinyl into the Digital Age
Vinyl still has a better sound quality than CD but where can you play it if your grandfather’s turntable won’t play anymore. Here is Stanton DJ's new professional turntable. The T.90 USB "offers a… MORE
Retro Car Record Players
Retro Car Record Players
VW Van Soundwagon
This gets to be filed under C for "cool as hell". It's a portable, stand-alone record player! The Soundwagon Portable Record Player from Turntable Lab is shaped like a Volkswagen van and "drives" around… MORE
Retro Turntable With USB
Retro Turntable With USB
The Roxy
I love it when something retro pops up that is clever, useful and affordable. Even the name is retro: The Roxy. OK, it's a music player, which is becoming retro, but if you are into this design theme,… MORE