Source : Internet
Retro tech is making a comeback, and this week, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) put hard numbers to that trend in terms of music consumption habits. Surprisingly, the organization reported that CDs — yes, the shiny, round things that Spotify supposedly killed — are growing once again.
According to the RIAA’s new report, CDs generated $171.1 million in revenue during the first half of 2026 — up 58.6% from roughly $107.9 million in the first half of 2025 — on 17.5 million units sold, up 45.7% from about 12 million units in the same period last year.
That rebound is all the more interesting because it follows a rough 2025. Last year’s full-year report showed CD revenue had actually fallen 7.8% for the full year, from $338.9 million in 2024 to $312.4 million in 2025, while units sold dropped 11.6%, from 33.3 million to 29.5 million.
The growth comes amid a surge of renewed interest in simpler tech, like so-called dumbphones, digital cameras, typewriters, landlines, and physical media like CDs and vinyl, among other categories. For Gen Z, the demand for these devices represents a sort of yearning for an era of tech they never got to experience — where you had more control over when you engaged with technology and how, and tech itself had less room to invade your life with its notifications, addictive apps, and algorithms.
Several startups are playing in this space now, too, including landline makers like Tin Can, Ooma, and Pinwheel, and non-smartphones like those from Light, Dumb Co, Minimal, and others, including the soon-to-launch BlackBerry-like Clicks. Meanwhile, Gen Z consumers are snapping up old gadgets at thrift stores or on vintage tech websites like eBay or Retrospekt.
And to be fair, the trend could be bigger than the RIAA’s numbers demonstrate, as they don’t include used CD sales, like those discs bought from thrift bins or garage sales, nor do they account for how many CDs have now been handed down from Gen X parents to their kids.
We should note there’s one caveat to the trend here.
The RIAA changed how it calculates dollar figures in 2025, switching from estimated retail value to wholesale value. That means the 2024 and 2025 revenue numbers aren’t directly comparable. But unit sales, which aren’t affected by that change, tell the same fundamental story: 29.5 million CDs sold in 2025, down from 33.3 million in 2024. So CDs were still declining before this year’s unexpected rebound.
Vinyl sales continue to grow, too. In fact, so-called physical media revenue in the first half of 2026 jumped 25.9% to $731.5 million, driven not only by the 58.6% increase in CD revenue but also by a 17.7% increase in vinyl revenue.
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From blasting music on a boom box to watching a photo develop in your hands, many people are rediscovering the imperfect charm of older gadgets that smartphones and laptops just can’t replicate.
Tech companies are leaning all the way in, blending nostalgic design with modern functionality. Here are some of the coolest retro-inspired devices out there right now.
Digital typewriters
In a world full of endless notifications, tabs, doomscrolling, and other distractions, smart typewriters are carving out a niche for a more focused writing experience. These devices strip things back to the essentials: just you, a keyboard, and your words.
- Freewrite ($699): Freewrite features a design inspired by classic typewriters, providing a minimalist writing experience. It includes a small screen and satisfying keys to press. However, if you need to make edits, your drafts are synced to the cloud and can be exported to any software.
- Pomera ($549): A more modern take than Freewrite’s device, Pomera looks like a compact laptop and includes helpful tools like spell check, document management, and word counts. With multiple transfer options and up to 20 hours of battery life, it balances simplicity with functionality.
Boom boxes, cassette tapes, and record players
The boom box is re-emerging as both a design statement and a functional audio device. Today’s versions pair chunky buttons, cassette decks, and oversized speakers with modern upgrades like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries. Cassette players, meanwhile, are also reappearing with enhancements, and record players continue to be popular as well.
- We Are Rewind ($525): A modern reimagining of the classic boom box, the GB-001 has everything you desire in a boom box, but better. It keeps all the essential features, such as woofers, tweeters, a cassette player, and recorder, while adding Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. With speakers delivering 104 W of power, it’s built for both nostalgia and high-quality sound.
- Bumpboxx: Now live on Kickstarter, the new BB-777 is a portable boom box that has a bold ’80s aesthetic while packing in a wide range of features. It includes a powerful three-way speaker system, dual cassette decks with recording and high-speed dubbing, a built-in CD player, USB recording, and more. It also supports multiband radio, including AM and FM.
- Retrospekt ($99): A minimalist take on the classic Walkman-style player, this portable cassette device features all the essentials: play, rewind, fast-forward, and record. It supports both battery power and USB-C, making it a simple but modern throwback.
- Kickback World ($500): This DEKO record player started shipping in January 2025 and has become popular not just for being a step up from traditional players, but also for aesthetic appeal with its orange acrylic, “Swedish modernism” design compared to the traditional, suitcase-style record players we normally see.
Instant cameras
There’s something uniquely satisfying about holding a physical photo seconds after taking it. That sense of excitement and anticipation, combined with the imperfect beauty of film, makes each shot feel more meaningful than a quick snap on your iPhone.
- Polaroid ($249): Polaroid has never stopped being popular, but it’s always innovating. Most recently, the Polaroid Flip launched last year, a retro-looking instant camera with modern features like autofocus and app connectivity for remote control.
- Fujifilm ($225): If you want a hybrid camera that lets you shoot digitally and print photos, then there’s the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. It offers the best of both worlds: instant film with the flexibility of digital storage and sharing. In recent years, the device received an upgrade with USB-C. In January, Fujifilm launched a new variant, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema ($412), a three-in-one hybrid camera that can even print images from your smartphone.
- Kodak ($30): You also can’t go wrong with a classic single-use, disposable camera. It’s simple, reliable, and still delivers quality photos without needing any photography skills. Last year, Kodak released a miniature keychain digital camera, the “Charmera.” A twist on its signature “Fling” camera, this tiny device can save and transfer photos and videos using a USB-C cable.
Phones
Landline phones are making a quiet comeback, especially among people seeking a break from screen-heavy communication. They’re also gaining popularity as aesthetic objects, often used as statement pieces in home décor.
- Tin Can ($100): Remember the days when you would rush home after school to use the landline and chat with your friends for hours? That’s the inspiration behind Tin Can. Designed for kids, it resembles a landline phone but doesn’t require a phone jack, just Wi-Fi. Only approved people can call, and parents can easily manage contacts through a companion app. There’s a free plan to call other Tin Can users and a $9.99/month plan for calling all approved contacts.
- Clicks ($499): Announced at CES 2026, hardware company Clicks Technology debuted its smartphone that looks a lot like a BlackBerry, which dominated the phone market back in the 2000s and has seen a revival among Gen Z. While Clicks’ phone has access to text messaging and productivity apps like Gmail and Slack, it doesn’t provide access to mobile games and social media, making it an enticing alternative for people looking to go back to the good old days.
- Pinwheel Home ($68): In July, the kid-focused tech company launched its modern take on the landline phone, giving kids a screenless way to stay connected with family and friends. Like Tin Can, Pinwheel Home operates over Wi-Fi, and parents can approve contacts through Pinwheel’s Caregiver Portal. Calls made between Pinwheel Home devices are free. For families interested in calling regular phone numbers, there are plans starting at $6.99/month for up to five approved contacts, or $9.99/month for unlimited calling.
- Ooma MyPhone ($100): Another kid-friendly home phone option that’s designed as a modern alternative to traditional landlines. It allows calls only between approved contacts and includes Quiet Hours, emergency alerts, and parental call log monitoring. There are no apps, internet access, texting, or social media. The home phone service plan costs $7.99/month.
This post originally published March 28 and has since been updated to reflected updated pricing and discounts.
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