Everything Old Is New Again

from Uncanny Valley | WIRED · host WIRED

It doesn’t take much to make people nostalgic anymore. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, folks get whimsical for even their clunky cell phones from 2005, or a defunct video service from just four years ago. Nostalgia sells—especially when you imbue a familiar screen with a bleeding-edge, high-tech foldable display. Companies are building devices meant to make you feel like you’re bounding into the future, while still invoking those good ol’ days. But does sentimentality make for a good product? Or is this all just marketing bluster?This week on Gadget Lab, we talk with WIRED staff writer Louise Matsakis about Byte, the reboot of the six-second video service Vine. Then, a conversation with WIRED senior associate editor Julian Chokkattu about the new Motorola Razr (but with a folding screen!).[#iframe: https://playlist.megaphone.fm?p=DGT6274552575](100%x482)Show Notes: Read Louise's story about Byte here. Read more about the folding Razr here. Read Brian Barrett’s story about why you should wait for glass in foldable devices here.Recommendations: Julian recommends the show Giri / Haji on Netflix. Lauren recommends following Megan Molteni’s coverage of the coronavirus. Mike recommends the Foodsaver space saving vacuum sealer.Louise Matsakis can be found on Twitter @lmatsakis. Julian Chokkattu is @JulianChokkattu. Lauren Goode is @LaurenGoode. Michael Calore is @snackfight. Bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab. The show is produced by Boone Ashworth (@booneashworth). Our consulting executive producer is Alex Kapelman (@alexkapelman). Our theme music is by Solar Keys.How to ListenYou can always listen to this week's podcast through the audio player on this page, but if you want to subscribe for free to get every episode, here's how:If you're on an iPhone or iPad, open the app called Podcasts, or just tap this link. You can also download an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts, and search for Gadget Lab. If you use Android, you can find us in the Google Play Music app just by tapping here. We’re on Spotify too. And in case you really need it, here's the RSS feed. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

What this episode covers

It doesn’t take much to make people nostalgic anymore. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, folks get whimsical for even their clunky cell phones from 2005, or a defunct video service from just four years ago. Nostalgia sells—especially when you imbue a familiar screen with a bleeding-edge, high-tech foldable display. Companies are building devices meant to make you feel like you’re bounding into the future, while still invoking those good ol’ days. But does sentimentality make for a good product? Or is this all just marketing bluster? This week on Gadget Lab, we talk with WIRED staff writer Louise Matsakis about Byte, the reboot of the six-second video service Vine. Then, a conversation with WIRED senior associate editor Julian Chokkattu about the new Motorola Razr (but with a folding screen!). [#iframe: https://playlist.megaphone.fm?p=DGT6274552575](100%x482) Show Notes: Read Louise's story about Byte here. Read more about the folding Razr here. Read Brian Barrett’s story about why you should wait for glass in foldable devices here. Recommendations: Julian recommends the show Giri / Haji on Netflix. Lauren recommends following Megan Molteni’s coverage of the coronavirus. Mike recommends the Foodsaver space saving vacuum sealer. Louise Matsakis can be found on Twitter @lmatsakis. Julian Chokkattu is @JulianChokkattu. Lauren Goode is @LaurenGoode. Michael Calore is @snackfight. Bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab. The show is produced by Boone Ashworth (@booneashworth). Our consulting executive producer is Alex Kapelman (@alexkapelman). Our theme music is by Solar Keys. How to Listen You can always listen to this week's podcast through the audio player on this page, but if you want to subscribe for free to get every episode, here's how: If you're on an iPhone or iPad, open the app called Podcasts, or just tap this link. You can also download an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts, and search for Gadget Lab. If you use Android, you can find us in the Google Play Music app just by tapping here. We’re on Spotify too. And in case you really need it, here's the RSS feed.

NOW PLAYING

Everything Old Is New Again

0:00 26:53

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Building a Bike Path in Morongo Basin

Nov 14, 2025 ·32m

Tattooing in Joshua Tree: A Unique Perspective with Adam Normand of Nomad Tattoo

Nov 8, 2025 ·16m

Unveiling Native Brushstrokes: A Conversation with Antoinette Godin

Oct 31, 2025 ·30m

The Art of Sign Painting with Derek McDonald

Oct 23, 2025 ·23m

Indie Film Maker Mike Caravella - Astral Plane Drifter

Oct 13, 2025 ·27m

Exploring the World of Busking with Cary Baker

Oct 3, 2025 ·26m

Similar Podcasts

2 Old Ladies Walking Rozee 2 Old Ladies Walking features the journeys, insights, and light conversation between Liz and Rosie, two women of a certain age who live in the Hudson Valley of New York. From pelvic floor challenges and life with young adult children to food, bird calls, fear of “mad lamb” disease, and myriad topics in between, we cover it all while walking on the scenic trails of the northeast, or wherever our travels take us. Join us and have a listen! You Bet Your Garden Lehigh Valley Public Media “You Bet Your Garden” touted as an hour of “chemical-free horticultural hijinks,” is a weekly, nationally syndicated broadcast hosted by Mike McGrath. It is produced in the studios of PBS39 in Bethlehem, PA. This weekly call-in program offers ‘fiercely organic’ advice to gardeners far and wide. Celebration of Life Church Bozeman COLC It is our desire at Celebration of Life Church to reach into Bozeman and the entire Gallatin Valley with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and impact it for the Kingdom of God; to go beyond the four walls of the church and touch people in our community with the love of God; and to share the goodness of God in such a way that it will draw all men into a loving relationship with the One True Living God. We also desire to train up in the Word of God and encourage them to take the Gospel message to our community through various outreaches and evangelism. Enjoy our podcast and feel free to visit us. Wired BioHealth wiredbiohealth Welcome to the Wired BioHealth™ Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of mental health complexities beyond addiction. This groundbreaking podcast marks the expansion of our brand’s mission to optimize mental health on a broader spectrum.Hosted by experts in the field, the Wired BioHealth™ Podcast is designed for individuals seeking an objective means to enhance their mental well-being. Join us as we explore the measurable physiological changes that occur on the path to addiction and discover how understanding this spectrum can transform lives.Our commitment is to provide you with the most objective, comprehensive, and accessible approach to optimizing the biological aspect of mental health. To enhance your understanding further, our Wired BioHealth™ consultants are available to answer your questions and offer virtual consultations at no charge.Tune in to the Wired BioHealth™ Podcast for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and actionable advice to help you on

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Uncanny Valley | WIRED?

This episode is 26 minutes long.

When was this Uncanny Valley | WIRED episode published?

This episode was published on January 31, 2020.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this Uncanny Valley | WIRED episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!