Ressence Type 5G
While smartwatch designers are doing everything they can to imitate traditional timepieces, Belgian startup Ressence is doing the exact opposite. The firm’s advanced-looking Type 5G is completely analogue but is no less futuristic thanks to oil-suspended hands and sub-dials that continually revolve. Available at Ressence, priced approx £27,144.
Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 Speaker
It might sound obvious, but a good sound system should be heard, not seen. Apparently, this philosophy came in loud and clear at Ruark Audio, which has launched the MR1 Mk2 Bluetooth speaker with all the usual mod-cons wrapped in a muted mix of walnut and grey British milled fabric. Available at Ruark Audio, priced £329.99.
Hackett Bright As Rain Umbrella
It’s no coincidence that some of the world’s best rainwear comes from a country where sunshine is a rarity. Teaming up with renowned umbrella manufacturer Fox, fellow Brit brand Hackett has produced a range of Savile Row-worthy umbrellas in a range of bright colourways that’ll have you Singing in the Rain. Available at Hackett, priced £180.
Analogue Nt Mini
Recent world events are enough to make anyone want to go back in time. Fortunately, with the Analogue Nt Mini, we can (sort of). The ultimate nerd’s throwback is a retro-styled console capable of reliving the golden days of NES with over 2,000 pre-programmed games. Who cares if the world burns when you’ve just crushed the end-of-level boss on Streets Of Rage? Available at Analogue, priced approx £366.
Love Intelligent Turntable
Every now and again, an idea comes along that makes everyone think, ‘why has this never been done before?’. This smart-turntable means you can lose the bulky kit: simply pop your prized vinyls down on a flat surface and set the Love to work on top. As it spins, you control it via an app, keeping the crackle and pop of the classic discs with a very digital twist. Available at Kickstarter, priced £329.
The Conran Shop Trook Bark Slingshot
Channel your inner Bart Simpson and take minor rebellions up a notch with this all-natural slingshot. There’s no need to be worried about the eco-impact of your green-fingered roguery as it’s handcrafted from trimmings that have already fallen. Available at Selfridges, priced £26.
BlackBerry KeyOne
After a couple of years in the telephonic hinterlands, BlackBerry is attempting a big comeback with its all-new KeyOne device. Perfect if you’ve missed the click-clack of a physical keyboard, it runs the latest Android OS and features excellent battery life and enhanced security – a Bond-worthy handset if ever we did see one. Available from Spring at BlackBerry, priced £499.
Sony Xperia Touch Projector
With tablets getting bigger and bigger, it seems only economical to skip the successive upgrades and invest in Sony’s game-changing new device. The Xperia Touch is an interactive projector can turn any flat surface including walls and floors into a 23-inch HD touchscreen capable of detecting clicks and swipes using a fast, responsive interface. In short – it’s the future. Available from Spring at Sony, priced £1,220.
