Brits nostalgic for old tech like film cameras and corded phones, new poll finds
The sense of nostalgia also extends to vintage mobile phones, portable CD players, and even classic typewriters. However, four in ten admitted they view old-school tech through rose-tinted glasses. More than a third acknowledged they ignored how painfully slow those devices were.
In today's world, Britons prioritise reliability in their tech, finding it hard to envision life without the conveniences of smartphones, contactless payments, and streaming services.
Tech expert and former 'Gadget Show' presenter Georgie Barrat has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to revisit some of these retro gadgets.
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. 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."
The research revealed that mobile data is seen as the most transformative technological breakthrough of the last 15 years. Sat-nav applications and tap-to-pay systems followed closely behind, whilst improvements to streaming platforms and connected home devices have equally captivated the British public.
Yet despite this digital transformation, many have clung onto their vintage gadgets – with 36 per cent still possessing a landline telephone, 24 per cent stockpiling cassette tapes, and 23 per cent retaining their MP3 devices. Of those harbouring outdated technology, 34 per cent continue using it from time to time, whilst 23 per cent preserve it for sentimental reasons.
Victoria Bacon from Smart Energy GB commented: "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."
TOP 20 FAVOURITE TECH FROM BACK IN THE DAY, ACCORDING TO BRITS:
Cassette tapes
TVs with Teletext
MP3 players
Landline phones
Film cameras
Early mobile phones
Burned mix CDs or tapes
Polaroid cameras
Portable cassette/CD players
VHS tapes and VCRs
Disposable cameras
Handheld games consoles
Typewriters
Non-handheld games consoles
CD-ROMs
Non-portable CD players
Floppy disks
Fax machines
Digital pets
Reel-to-reel tape recorders
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