Clicks Technology and the rise of retro-inspired hardware

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, hardware company Clicks Technology debuted a smartphone that resembles a BlackBerry. The device, priced at $499, does not provide access to mobile games and social media, though it allows text messaging and productivity applications. This debut highlights a broader trend of hardware companies leaning into nostalgic designs to offer users a more focused alternative to modern smartphones and laptops.

A key segment of this revival centers on writing tools and audio equipment. Smart typewriters are carving out a niche for a more focused writing experience by reducing distractions. Similarly, modern audio devices are pairing vintage aesthetics with contemporary features like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries.

The pricing and specifications for these writing and audio devices include:

• Freewrite ($699): A smart typewriter designed to provide a minimalist writing experience with a small screen, syncing drafts to the cloud.
• Pomera ($549): A compact digital writing device resembling a small laptop that includes tools like spell check, offering up to 20 hours of battery life.
• We Are Rewind ($579): A modern boom box featuring woofers, tweeters, a cassette player, and a recorder, delivering 104 W of power.
• Bumpboxx: A portable boom box featuring dual cassette decks, a built-in CD player, and support for multiband radio.
• Retrospekt ($99): A portable cassette player featuring play, rewind, fast-forward, and record functions, supporting battery power and USB-C.
• Kickback World ($500): A record player featuring an orange acrylic design that started shipping in January 2025.

The nostalgic trend also extends to photography and communication, where companies are updating classic formats. In photography, companies like Polaroid, Fujifilm, and Kodak are releasing updated versions of instant and hybrid cameras. Meanwhile, landline phones are making a quiet comeback as aesthetic objects.

The pricing and details for these photography and communication devices include:

• Polaroid ($199): An instant camera manufacturer whose recent models feature autofocus and mobile app connectivity.
• Fujifilm ($234): A hybrid camera manufacturer that launched its Instax Mini Evo Cinema variant in January, allowing users to shoot digitally and print photos.
• Kodak ($35): A camera manufacturer offering simple disposable cameras and digital devices, including a miniature keychain digital camera.
• Tin Can ($100): A Wi-Fi landline phone designed for kids that does not require a phone jack, requiring a $9.99/month plan for calling approved contacts.

Why it matters

Tech companies are blending nostalgic design with modern functionality to create devices that offer a more focused or aesthetic alternative to modern smartphones and laptops.