Any selection of the year’s best futuristic forays has to include a robot or two. As well as mechanical quadrupeds, here’s Wallpaper* technology editor Jonathan Bell’s selection of the most quirky tech stories of the past 12 months to see you into 2024, taking in sound, vision, books and mechanical birds.
Quirky tech for 2024
Laika, the robotic space dog
Laika, the robotic dog for space exploration, by Jihee Kim
Yes, it’s a far-fetched, far-future vision, but there’s something especially wholesome about design student Jihee Kim’s dream of a robotic companion that monitors astronauts’ health, both mental and physical.
Birdie air monitor
Birdie Air Quality Monitor
A way of getting wholesome tweets back into your life? Birdie is an zoomorphic air monitor that injects fun into a serious subject.
Fender Saint Laurent Stratocaster
Fender x Saint Laurent Stratocaster and '65 Deluxe Reverb amplifier
Fender went high fashion with this strictly limited edition of the enduring Stratocaster back in June 2023. None more black, it was paired with a bespoke '65 Deluxe Reverb amplifier.
Apple’s Daisy de-manufacturing robot
Apple Daisy de-manufacturing robot
We’re still waiting for Daisy to give us the answer as the underlying question remains – how do we scale down the mountain of e-waste? Daisy is a robot that can turn an iPhone back into its constituent parts: this is the kind of robot army we need.
Moog’s Mini Moog Model D website
Moog's MiniMoogModelD.com website
Pioneering synthesiser maker Moog suffered a blow late in 2023 as a new owner laid off much of its venerable and experienced workforce. A shame, because in recent years the company had done much to democratise access to its majestic machines, with Pentagram’s fun Mini Moog Factory website being a case in point.
A For Ara FS1 and FS2 speakers
A for Ara FS1 speaker
Perhaps the most extreme speakers we saw this year, A for Ara believes in over-engineering, elaborate forms and meticulous craft. An object for the ages.
Disney x Leica Q2 camera
Leica Q2 | Disney ‘100 Years of Wonder’ Edition
It’s not the most obvious partnership, but there’s an undeniable appeal to the pop graphics on the body of Leica’s Disneyfied Q2.
Steve Jobs: Make Something Wonderful
From the book, Make Something Wonderful: Steve Jobs in his own words. Steve's passport, spring 1973. He was 18
A fine read for those fascinated by the enduring legend that is Steve Jobs. Bringing all sorts of Apple-era ephemera together, the book was shaped by Jony Ive’s LoveFrom.
Icoma Tatamel e-scooter
Icoma Tatamel e-scooter
Who wouldn’t love a pocket-sized personal transport? Icoma’s Tatamel e-scooter is about as small as an electrified two-wheeler can get.
Loona Petbot
Loona Petbot
Since the little Loona robot debuted back at CES in 2023, its makers have integrated ChatGPT and Google’s Blockly programming language. Part toy, part pet, and definitely hypoallergenic.
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Gallery Fumi makes LA debut with works from Max Lamb, Jeremy Anderson and moreFumi LA is the London design gallery’s takeover of Sized Studio, marking its first major US show (until 9 March 2024)
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Brazil’s Casa Subtração contrasts dramatic concrete brutalism with openness
Casa Subtração by FGMF is defined by brutalist concrete and sharp angles that contrast with the green Brazilian landscape
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Level up at the The Residence, Claridge’s new André Fu-designed penthouse
Claridge’s The Residence is a new purpose-built two-tier glasshouse overlooking London’s skyline
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CES 2024: truly all the tech you need and then some
The best tech of CES 2024, from next-level laptops to mindful mirrors, audacious audio and more innovation than you can shake a smart bot at
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Cassette players for analogue audio lovers as we explore tapes’ slow and steady revival
Brand-new cassette players, refurbished classics and the best second-hand sources to experience analogue audio in 2024
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Year in review: top 10 gadgets of 2023, as selected by Wallpaper’s Jonathan Bell
Our top 10 gadgets of 2023 are, by definition, items we do not need. Yet, from an e-ink tablet to a flip phone and a coffee maker, they are things we couldn’t help but admire
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Huawei’s new MatePad Pro 13.2-inch tablet has big-screen credentials
The feature-packed Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch is a new hero for curating, creating and reshaping beautiful content, wherever you are
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Wallpaper* gift guide: shopping with technology editor Jonathan Bell
The best tech gifts, from gaming on the go to a Japanese record player, and the odd creative curveball
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Three new record players offer fresh ways to experience old vinyl
Each of these recently released record players makes it easy to bring the warmth of vinyl back into your daily listening habits
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Humane’s Ai Pin is a wearable personal assistant, powered by artificial intelligence
The launch of the Humane Ai Pin sees invisible computing and ubiquitous AI take a big step towards the mainstream
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Google Pixel Watch 2 wants to look after you
The Google Pixel Watch 2 harnesses the power and potential of FitBit, which the company acquired in 2022, for both personal wellness and safety
