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When hardware is increasingly becoming just a way to interface with a larger platform (IoT, game console subscription services, etc.), I think there will be a c
by Pils 7y ago
When hardware is increasingly becoming just a way to interface with a larger platform (IoT, game console subscription services, etc.), I think there will be a certain nostalgia for more static, tactile and analog hardware. I collect records, own a couple pocket operators, and buy physical books for similar reasons.
Single-purpose hardware has identity. It has explicit purpose. If it is well-designed, it has an interface that is intuitive while encouraging a limited amount of experimentation. I think a lot of good software emulates these properties, but often with the tradeoff of being less extensible/integrable/power user friendly.
- _bxg1 7y ago> I think there will be a certain nostalgia for more static, tactile and analog hardware There already is, for me. I'd imagine a product like this depends on that nostalgia to a degree.
- toper-centage 7y agoAfter entertaining the idea of getting a smartwatch for years but always feeling unimpressed, I started carrying a dumb casio. There's something great about machines that only do one or two tasks but do it very well. Look at ebook readers. They are not super popular, but they have a solid market.
- rmellow 7y agoOn this point, I just got a Withings Steel HR [1]: It's a classic analog watch, with a sole extra function of measuring heartbeat and exercise on a tiny LCD in the back of the watch face. I love that it's purpose-specific and isn't gimmicky like smartwatches. This also means the battery lasts about a month. Plus, it looks good. [1] https://www.withings.com/ca/en/steel-hr https://www.withings.com/ca/en/steel-hr
- moorhosj 7y agoIn my experience, single-purpose hardware also lasts longer because it isn’t as reliant on software updates and maintenance.