Analogue goes digital: how old formats are being given a new lease of life

We may live in a digital age, but an increasing number of tech companies are adapting and improving analogue (that’s ‘the good old days’ to some) processes.

Unveiled last month, the Ressence Type 2 e-Crown immediately made waves in the world of watches. A collaboration between a forward-thinking Belgian watch brand and tech titan Tony Fadell (who founded home tech company Nest), the Type 2 is a mechanical timepiece that connects to a smartphone. The traditional display belies an electronic system — the e-Crown — that allows the watch to be set via an app, adjust to new time zones and even reset itself to the correct time after the watch is wound down. It’s an inconspicuous, yet ingenious timepiece for those who find conventional smartwatches a touch too futuristic.

The Type 2 is the newest example in this growing category of products. In 2016, Kodak announced it had taken on designer Yves Béhar to revive the Super 8 film camera, a handheld model that revolutionised movie-making when it was first released in 1965, only to be discontinued two decades later. Béhar’s fresh take continues to use 8mm film, but adds a digital viewfinder and modern connections such as USB and HDMI ports. Another design by Béhar, the Love Turntable, is a vinyl record player with a classic stylus (albeit encased in a glossy sculptural arm and capable of recognising and skipping album tracks), as well as Bluetooth and wi-fi to connect to phones and wireless speakers. I’m already dusting off my old vinyls and look forward to giving them a spin when the turntable hits the market in June.

Notebook manufacturer Moleskine recently released a Smart Writing Set that comprises a paper ‘tablet’ notebook, a smartpen and companion app. Drawings and notes made in the notebook are transferred to the app in real time, without the need for scanning or photography. It joins Montblanc’s Augmented Paper Set and Livescribe’s Smartpen in an increasingly crowded market of writing technologies. Combining the timeless experience of pen on paper with digitising and file-sharing technologies, these products allow us to focus on what is truly important — creativity. And hopefully it’s a harbinger of a future in which digital and analogue happily coexist.

The building

After a £55m refurb, Annabel’s reopens this month. The Grade-I listed space on Berkeley Square, two doors from the former spot, is a paean to maximalism by interior architect Martin Brudnizki. Two towering candelabra, featured in Audrey Hepburn’s Paris When it Sizzles, make a sharp impression at the entrance, while each level is a variation on a garden theme — with bespoke furnishings and murals of all manner of flora and fauna. (annabels.co.uk)

The person

Tara Bernerd will soon have her London moment as The Principal, a 334-room hotel on Russell Square, is unveiled with her lavish interiors that nod to the area’s literary history. The self-taught British designer began her career working for Philippe Starck before moving on to hospitality projects such as Sixty SoHo New York and the Thompson Chicago. She’s also working on interiors for One Park Drive in Canary Wharf, by Swiss architect Herzog & de Meuron. (phcompany.com)

The experience

Just open at the House of Illustration in Granary Square, King’s Cross, is the first UK exhibition of graphic design from the world’s most elusive regime. Comprising hand-painted posters and comics, food packaging, ticket stubs and more from the collection of film producer Nicholas Bonner, who leads North Korean tours, the show is a perfect complement to Andreas Gursky’s spellbinding images of the Arirang Mass Games at the Hayward. Until 13 May (houseofillustration.org.uk)

The technology

Recognising that most wearables are clumsy and difficult to use, San Francisco-based tech brand Spire has developed the Health Tag, the world’s smallest consumer device that discreetly attaches to garments. The Health Tag is waterproof and has a battery life of nearly two years, so there is no need to remove it. It captures information such as sleep patterns, breathing and heart rate to help users better manage stress levels. (spire.io)

Tony Chambers is brand and content director at ‘Wallpaper*’