Tokyo, Japan – 19 February 2026: Japanese audio specialist Final has announced two new additions to its popular VR3000 for Gaming series: the VR3000 Recable for Gaming and the VR3000 +Condenser Mic for Gaming.
With sales of the original VR3000 exceeding 160,000 units worldwide, the series has become a popular choice for gamers seeking immersive, spatially accurate sound. The two new models introduce detachable cable support and enhanced communication options, giving players greater flexibility to tailor their setup to their gaming style and environment.
Final expands its gaming line-up with VR3000 Recable and VR3000 +Condenser Mic
Both models will be available from selected retailers worldwide from 19 February 2026.
VR3000 +Condenser Mic: $99.99 / £79.99 / €99.99
VR3000 Recable: $84.99 / £69.98 / €84.99
Designed for immersive gaming
The VR3000 for Gaming series was developed through Final’s research into immersive binaural sound reproduction. Rather than artificially boosting certain frequencies, the earphones are tuned to accurately recreate spatial information and deliver a realistic sense of presence within the game world.
This approach allows players to experience clear front, back, left, right and vertical positioning, along with a convincing sense of distance and space. In fast-paced FPS titles or narrative-driven adventures, the natural spatial presentation is designed to enhance immersion and support instinctive reactions.
Final expands its gaming line-up with VR3000 Recable and VR3000 +Condenser Mic
VR3000 Recable for Gaming
The VR3000 Recable introduces a detachable cable design, offering improved flexibility and longevity. Gamers can replace or upgrade the cable independently, helping to extend the product’s lifespan.
It features a high-precision in-house 0.78mm 2-pin connector and includes a soft black OFC cable designed to minimise touch noise while remaining flexible and comfortable during extended gaming sessions.
Specifications
Housing: ABS
Driver: Dynamic
Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
Cable: Black OFC cable with in-line controller mic
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Impedance: 18 Ω
Weight: 20 g
Cable length: 1.2 m
Included accessories:
Eartips (TYPE E, 5 sizes)
Ear hooks (TYPE B)
Dedicated pouch
Final expands its gaming line-up with VR3000 Recable and VR3000 +Condenser Mic
VR3000 +Condenser Mic for Gaming
The VR3000 +Condenser Mic model supports recabling and adds a lightweight dedicated condenser microphone for clear in-game communication.
The microphone is designed to deliver natural voice reproduction without interfering with gameplay. It includes a windscreen sponge to reduce pop noise and maintain clarity, while the cable features integrated controller buttons for convenient volume adjustment during play.
At CES in Las Vegas, Edifier continued its push beyond traditional desktop audio with the announcement of the M90 Compact Active Speaker. Building on the design thinking behind the M60, the M90 is positioned as a flexible, high-resolution audio solution for desks, bookshelves, and TV setups alike.
The M90 reflects a broader shift in how speakers are expected to perform. Rather than serving a single purpose, it is designed to move comfortably between work, gaming, music, and home entertainment.
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Compact design with serious output
Despite its relatively small footprint, the M90 delivers a combined 100 watts RMS of output, split across a bi-amped 2.0 configuration. Each speaker combines a 4-inch long-throw aluminium mid-low driver with a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, driven by high-efficiency Class-D amplification.
Measuring just 133 mm wide, 212 mm high, and 225 mm deep per speaker, the M90 is compact enough for desktop use while offering sufficient output to fill a room. This balance of size and power is central to its appeal, especially in multi-use spaces where equipment needs to stay discreet.
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
End-to-end high-resolution audio processing
At the core of the M90 is a fully digital signal path supporting 24-bit, 96 kHz high-resolution audio. The system uses an active crossover with dynamic range control to maintain smooth transitions between frequencies and balanced sound reproduction at different listening levels.
Both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications underline Edifier’s focus on fidelity, whether audio is delivered via wired connections or over Bluetooth.
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
HDMI eARC and wide connectivity
One of the most notable features of the M90 is the inclusion of HDMI eARC, a connection typically associated with soundbars and AV receivers rather than compact active speakers. This allows the M90 to connect directly to compatible TVs for high-bandwidth audio transmission, simplifying setups and reducing the need for additional hardware.
Alongside HDMI eARC, the M90 offers optical, USB-C, and analogue AUX inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including computers, media players, and turntables. A dedicated subwoofer output is also included for users who want to extend low-frequency performance with an external sub.
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Modern Bluetooth and app control
Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 6.0 with support for the LDAC codec, enabling high-resolution audio streaming at up to 990 kbps from compatible Android devices. Bluetooth multipoint is supported and can be enabled through the EDIFIER ConneX mobile app, allowing easy switching between multiple sources.
Physical control is managed via a rear-mounted control knob for power, volume, and source selection, complemented by a 2.4 GHz omnidirectional remote. When connected via HDMI eARC, HDMI CEC allows volume and power control directly from a TV remote.
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Customisable sound for different uses
The M90 includes three preset sound modes accessible via the remote, with further sound shaping available through a 9-band EQ in the EDIFIER ConneX app. Users can tailor the sound to suit music, gaming, or TV viewing, and manage inputs, playback, and settings from a single interface.
A clear signal of where active speakers are heading
With the M90, Edifier is clearly positioning compact active speakers as central audio devices rather than accessories. By combining high-resolution processing, HDMI eARC connectivity, modern Bluetooth, and app-based control in a compact form, the M90 points toward a future where a single pair of speakers can handle most everyday listening scenarios without compromise.
Portable speakers are no longer just about being loud enough for the kitchen. They have become everyday companions that move with us from room to room, into the garden, and occasionally into a backpack. With that in mind, Majority has announced its new Move range, a family of four portable Bluetooth speakers designed and developed in the UK, with pricing that looks deliberately disruptive.
Launched from Cambridge, the Move range includes the Move M1, M2, M3 and M4, each stepping up in size, power and capability. Across the range, Majority has focused on simple usability, rugged builds, waterproofing, and the latest connectivity features including Bluetooth 6.0 and true wireless stereo pairing.
According to Majority founder Eddie Latham, the aim was straightforward. Build fun, modern speakers that match how people actually listen to music every day, while delivering features usually reserved for higher price points.
Move M1: small speaker, big stamina
The Move M1 is the entry point, and arguably the most surprising. It is palm sized, lightweight, and designed to be genuinely portable rather than something that just looks the part.
Despite its compact dimensions, the M1 delivers a claimed 70 hours of playtime, which is remarkable at this size and price. It is water resistant to IPX5, making it suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, or hanging from a backpack using the built in strap.
This is the kind of speaker you leave on a desk for podcasts, take into the shower, or hand to kids for audiobooks. Pair two together and you get proper stereo sound without complication.
Key specs
12W output
Bluetooth 6.0
Up to 70 hours playtime
IPX5 water resistance
TWS stereo pairing
Hands free calling
USB C fast charging
£29.95
Move M2: more presence, more flexibility
The Move M2 builds directly on the M1, offering a fuller and more confident sound while still remaining easy to carry around. This is the sweet spot for shared spaces, whether that is a kitchen, workshop or a casual gathering with friends.
What really sets the M2 apart is flexibility. In addition to Bluetooth, it supports USB, AUX and Micro SD card playback, allowing you to play music without a phone entirely. Dynamic LED lighting adds a visual element without feeling over the top.
Key specs
30W output
Bluetooth 6.0
Up to 30 hours playtime
IPX7 waterproofing
USB, AUX and Micro SD playback
TWS stereo pairing
Dynamic LED lights
£49.95
Move M3: proper power, still portable
If you want noticeably more punch, the Move M3 steps things up with increased power and improved bass performance. This is the model aimed at people who want room filling sound or something that can hold its own outdoors.
Despite the extra output, the M3 remains portable and practical, with IPX7 waterproofing and long battery life. It still supports stereo pairing, multiple playback options and LED lighting, making it a strong all rounder for home and away use.
Key specs
40W output
Bluetooth 6.0
Up to 30 hours playtime
IPX7 waterproofing
USB, AUX and Micro SD playback
TWS stereo pairing
Dynamic LED lights
£79.95
Move M4: built for social listening
At the top of the range sits the Move M4, the most powerful speaker in the lineup. With 70W of output, it is designed for social spaces, larger rooms, and gatherings where volume and bass matter.
Like the rest of the Move range, two M4 units can be paired for stereo sound, effectively turning them into a portable sound system. Despite its size, it remains rechargeable, waterproof, and easy to move around.
The range will be available from Amazon, Currys and Argos.
The Gadget Man verdict
Majority has clearly put thought into how people actually use portable speakers, not just how loud they can go. Bluetooth 6.0, stereo pairing across the range, long battery life and waterproofing make the Move lineup feel modern and well judged.
At these prices, especially at the M1 and M2 end, this is a range that looks set to appeal to students, families, and anyone who wants fuss free audio that can move with them through daily life. I will be keen to get hands on with them soon.
Well, this is exciting. The lovely folks at Anycubic have been in touch again, and this time they’ve got something rather special lined up for the 3D-printing world. If you’ve been following my recent adventures in the workshop — shelves of resin bottles, spools of filament, and printers humming away like a busy beehive — you’ll know I’ve been especially taken with Anycubic’s approach to innovation lately.
And now, they’ve gone and done it again.
Introducing the Kobra S1 Max Combo
A brand-new machine built to push desktop 3D-printing further — louder, brighter, more colourful, and more capable of serious engineering-grade work.
This is not just a quiet upgrade. This is one of those big leaps.
Kobra S1 Max ComboKobra S1 Max
What Makes It Stand Out?
The expanded spec list from the official campaign page reveals some key details:
Up to 16-colour printing: Start with one ACE 2 Pro module for 4 colours; combine up to four for the full 16-colour capacity.
Huge build volume: 350 × 350 × 350 mm.
Enclosed, actively-heated chamber up to 65 °C. Hotbed up to 120 °C, hotend up to 350 °C.
Hardened-steel hotend (0.4 mm standard with extra 0.6 mm included), optional 0.25 mm brass / 0.8 mm hardened steel nozzles.
CoreXY motion system, active carbon-filter air purification, WiFi6/Ethernet support, 720p monitoring, spaghetti-recognition AI, U-disk/app control.
Materials covered: from PLA/PETG/TPU right up to engineering-grades like ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PA6-CF, PC-CF/GF, PET-CF.
Put simply: whoever said “desktop printers are only for PLA” is going to have a rethink when this lands.
Early Bird Deal (This One’s Actually Worth It)
Anycubic are running a clever early-bird scheme:
Pay £50 now → receive £100 discount off the launch price (5th November to 24th November)
After that, the pricing rolls through phased levels — each with perks (as previously noted).
£749 (25 Nov-1 Dec) with £400 worth of perks
£799 (2 Dec-25 Dec) with £350 perks
£849 (26 Dec-31 Jan) with £300 perks
£949 (from 1 Feb) with £200 perks
So yes — if you’re thinking about it, the earlier the better.
And Here’s the Extra Bit I’m Excited About…
I’ll be in Frankfurt on the 18th November attending formnext — the global additive-manufacturing expo. It’s basically the Glastonbury of 3D printing: people everywhere talking filament, lasers, printheads, sintering furnaces — heavenly stuff.
I’m absolutely planning to track down Anycubic while I’m there and get a closer look at the Kobra S1 Max Combo in the flesh. Expect photos, impressions, maybe even first-hand print samples — all coming your way.
If you’ve got questions you’d like me to ask the Anycubic team directly, let me know in the comments.
Final Thoughts
This is shaping up to be a very compelling machine:
✔ Larger build volume ✔ Multi-colour support baked in ✔ Enclosed, CoreXY, heated chamber = better reliability ✔ Designed for real materials, not just for show
If it delivers what the specs promise, this could be one of the stand-out printers of 2025 — especially for makers and small business production.
I’ll bring back everything I learn at Formnext — stay tuned.
—
Matt Porter – The Gadget Man Currently surrounded by printers. Not sorry.
From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle
There’s something oddly thrilling about letting technology take creative control. I’ve spent years testing gadgets, reviewing innovations, and exploring the limits of artificial intelligence — but this time, I let the tech get a little more personal.
A few weeks ago, I asked Midjourney — my go-to AI image generator — a simple question: “What would The Gadget Man look like with a fresh new hairstyle?”
The result was, quite frankly, impressive. The AI produced a series of strikingly realistic portraits featuring a textured, platinum-blonde cut that looked part cyberpunk, part 21st-century rockstar. I loved it. The catch? It wasn’t real… yet.
The AI Concept
Armed with a few reference prompts and an experimental mindset, I spent an evening fine-tuning the digital version of myself. Midjourney, in its infinite wisdom, decided that bleached hair and choppy texture were the future of The Gadget Man brand.
At first, it was just a bit of fun. But the more I looked at the AI render, the more I realised — this was something I could actually pull off. So, I decided to make it happen.
Turning AI Into Reality
I booked an appointment with my stylist and brought along the AI images on my phone — full 360-degree green-screen shots of the “digital me.” It’s not every day you walk into a salon and say, “I’d like this look, please — it was designed by artificial intelligence.”
To their credit, they didn’t flinch. Instead, we broke it down into human-achievable steps:
The Cut: Short, faded sides with plenty of texture on top.
The Style: Tousled and natural, with enough lift to keep things casual.
The Colour: A cool, silver-white platinum tone — bold but clean.
The Result
Wait and see!!!
AI as a Creative Partner
This little experiment isn’t just about hair — it’s about what happens when AI moves from the screen into the real world. Whether it’s designing products, testing ideas, or in this case, reinventing a hairstyle, AI has become a kind of creative partner.
From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle
From Pixels to Platinum: When AI Designed My New Hairstyle
Coming soon: a behind-the-scenes video of the full transformation — from my original hairstyle to the final platinum reveal. Keep an eye on The Gadget Man socials for the big unveil.
Frankfurt is getting ready to host the world’s largest 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing (AM) event once again. From 18–21 November 2025, Formnext will transform the Messe Frankfurt exhibition halls into a showcase of innovation, collaboration, and real-world applications across industries.
This year promises over 800 exhibitors, including some of the biggest names in the AM world alongside a healthy mix of start-ups and research groups. Expect plenty of world premieres, live demonstrations, and a packed programme across aviation, aerospace, engineering, jewellery, watches, and more.
Spain takes centre stage as the partner country for 2025, bringing around 30 companies to Frankfurt. The Spanish AM sector has been growing rapidly and plays an interesting role as a link between Europe and Latin America, particularly strong in systems, materials, and research.
The Gadget Man will be attending formnext
The supporting programme looks just as impressive as the show floor itself. Three stages will run throughout the event, each with a different focus: industry trends, real-world applications, and the latest technologies. Seminars, talks, and showcases will cover everything from large-format 3D printing to data-driven design and construction AM. Add to that the Formnext Awards, start-up pitches, career opportunities, and networking events, and it’s clear this isn’t just an exhibition – it’s the meeting point for the global AM community.
I’ll be there on Tuesday 18 November for the Press Breakfast and then I’m looking forward to catching up with many of the 800 companies, checking out the latest announcements and exploring the halls. It’s always fascinating to see how far the technology has come, and this year looks set to offer plenty of inspiration.
Tickets are available now from formnext.com/visitors, with an early-bird discount running until 21 October.
If you grew up in the 1980s, you’ll remember that unmistakable feeling of loading a game on your ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, or BBC Micro. The hypnotic screech of the cassette loading, the colour bars flickering on screen, and that eternal moment of suspense — would it load this time, or had the tape stretched just enough to doom you to a R Tape Loading Error?
Loading the KLF Adventure
Fast forward to the 2020s and, somewhere between my love of retro computing, The KLF’s music, and an itch to make something creative, I decided: I’m going to write a text adventure game. Not just any text adventure, but one dripping with late-night 80s energy, pop culture references, and a healthy dose of KLF mythology.
The KLF Adventure Begins
It started innocently enough — I wanted to relive the magic of the Scott Adams-style adventures I played as a kid. Those games weren’t about graphics; they were about imagination. Every location, every object, every strange instruction was something you had to picture in your head. And if you were a bit obsessive (guilty), you’d spend hours mapping every room on graph paper.
Finding the Right Ingredients
The KLF have always been masters of mystery — their story threads through pop hits, art projects, strange performances, and burning a million pounds on a remote Scottish island. That mix of chaos, humour, and myth-making was perfect for a game world.
I started building a map: fictional places merged with real ones from KLF history. Bold Street in Liverpool. The Cavern Club in the 1960s. A boathouse with a roaring fire. And, naturally, Trancentral — the spiritual HQ of The KLF. I even included surreal locations like the “Little Fluffy Cloud Factory” and “Maze of Caves” for that dreamlike adventure feel.
Travel Back in Time to The Cavern Club in 1961
The NPCs? Oh, they had to be special. Sigmund Freud gives cryptic instructions. Ivan Pavlov demands you “Lie Down” before telling you to “Keep Calm”. Even Denzil the Baker makes an appearance, along with other nods that KLF fans will appreciate.
Building It Like It’s 1984 — With a 2025 Twist
I didn’t just want to write about the 80s — I wanted it to feel like the 80s. So I coded the game in a modern environment but kept the old-school constraints: short descriptions, tight vocabulary, and a parser that understands commands like GO NORTH, GET TICKET, or SAY CHILLOUT.
Don’t get stuck in the record industry execs meeting!!!
But here’s the twist — I didn’t do it alone. My coding partners were Gemini CLI and OpenAI Codex, coding with me directly in my command line. The imagery was created using ChatGPT, with animations by Midjourney. The music came courtesy of Suno, while the sound effects were crafted by ElevenLabs. Together, these AI tools became my team of coders, designers, composers, and consultants, enabling me to bring this game to life in a way that would have been impossible on my own.
And because I couldn’t resist going full retro, I’ve also been experimenting with encoding the game into audio so it can be loaded into a ZX Spectrum emulator straight from a physical cassette tape. Because why not?
Timeslips abound in Bold Street with alternate timelines showing Mick Hucknall driving the Ice Kream Van!
The Result
What emerged is The KLF Adventure — part game, part interactive art piece, and part love letter to the days when imagination did the heavy lifting. It’s an 80s-inspired world you can explore, puzzle over, and get gloriously lost in. It rewards curiosity, nods knowingly to KLF lore, and might just make you say “What Time Is Love?” at least once.
For me, this wasn’t just a coding project. It was a way of reconnecting with that kid who sat cross-legged in front of a rubber-keyed Spectrum, waiting for the next adventure to begin. Only now, I’m the one writing the adventure — with a 21st-century team of AIs by my side.
You can even find me in the game… But where?
If you fancy diving in, the game is live at klfgame.co.uk. Just remember: keep your wits about you, don’t trust every whisper, and above all… CHILLOUT. Twice.
For months, I battled a persistent and damaging issue on my Mid 2015 MacBook Pro — a workhorse of a machine that, even at nearly 10 years old, continues to run exceptionally well with a 2.5GHz Quad-Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1 TB SSD and macOS Monterey 12.7.6.
The system process configd would regularly consume 100% of the CPU. The fans screamed. The laptop baked. Performance tanked. Worst of all — two batteries failed completely during the years this bug went undiagnosed.
A Machine with a Backstory
This MacBook Pro actually replaced an almost identical model (with a 500GB SSD) whose keyboard had begun to fail. That original machine is now used as a secondary workstation — mostly plugged in with external monitors, keyboard and mouse and of course, rarely moved.
However, the replacement system was set up via migration from the older Mac, meaning all settings, preferences, and low-level cruft came with it. It’s entirely possible this bug — and the problematic plugin behind it — exists on the secondary machine too, simply hiding in the shadows because that Mac rarely gets unplugged or stressed.
A Hunch from the Past
Throughout the troubleshooting, I had a nagging feeling: years ago, I’d installed a PPP-based VPN service, and I couldn’t shake the idea that something related had survived the years. That memory — almost dismissed — turned out to be the smoking gun.
All the Fixes That Didn’t Work
Before getting to the actual solution, I tried everything:
Resetting network preferences
Disabling IPv6
Safe Mode diagnostics
launchctl unloads
Cleaning out /SystemConfiguration
Monitoring via top and Activity Monitor
Nothing worked. The issue was like digital rot — persistent and invisible.
Enter ChatGPT
Eventually, I turned to ChatGPT for deeper insight. Together, we sampled the configd process and analysed its call stack. That led us to the true culprit:
PPPController.bundle — a legacy dial-up/VPN plugin, long deprecated but still loading in the background.
Despite not being used in years, it was triggering configd into a CPU loop, damaging system performance and hardware.
macOS Protections (and How to Work Around Them)
macOS uses System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Signed System Volumes (SSV) to protect core files. To disable this plugin, you must bypass those protections temporarily.
The Fix (Finally)
WARNING!
DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY OF THE FIXES BELOW WITHOUT CONSULTING A TRAINED APPLE EXPERT! YOU ARE FIDDLING WITH THE WORKINGS OF A COMPUTER AND RISK PERMANENTLY LOSING THE CONTENTS OF YOUR HARD DRIVE. PLEASE, PLEASE!!! TAKE A FULL BACKUP BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
IT TOOK SEVEN ATTEMPTS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF CHATGPT, SO IT FAILED SIX TIMES BEFORE THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED.
top -o cpu showed configd no longer topping the chart
configd -v | grep -i ppp showed nothing — the plugin was gone
The Mac ran cooler, quieter, and battery health stopped declining
Re-enabling Protections
After verifying stability:
bash
csrutil enable
csrutil authenticated-root enable
Then reboot normally.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t your average support task. It took two dead batteries, countless failed attempts, a hunch from years back, and finally the help of ChatGPT to trace configd’s madness back to a plugin that had long outlived its purpose.
If you’ve ever migrated from an older Mac, especially one where you’d used PPP-based VPNs or dial-up tools, this issue may be lurking silently in your system too — especially if that system is mostly docked or plugged in. For me, it nearly cooked a great machine.
Now? My Mid 2015 MacBook Pro is back to being a quiet, powerful daily driver — and I intend to keep it that way.
Have a similar story? Reach out or connect with me on social media. Let’s keep our ageing tech running better than new.
I’ve been testing out the Edifier R1—that’s what they’re called here in the UK (elsewhere known as the Comfo C)—for the past few weeks, and I’ve got to say, they’ve been quite the surprise.
First impressions? Confusion, honestly. I spent longer than I’d like to admit trying to work out which bud went in which ear. Turns out, you don’t need to. These clever little things auto-detect left and right channels. Very smart indeed.
The case is worth a mention—it’s smooth, rounded, and shimmers like a large pearl. It’s not only elegant but practical too, featuring USB-C charging and a magnetic lid that snaps shut with a satisfying click. The earbuds also stay in place magnetically, which is a nice touch.
Comfort-wise, the R1 is excellent. The clip-on design feels light and barely noticeable. I’ve even slept in them—no discomfort whatsoever. That alone makes them stand out in a crowded market.
Sound quality? It’s surprisingly good. You won’t get deep, rumbling bass like you would from sealed in-ear buds, but what you get is crisp and well-balanced sound. There’s no noise isolation by design, so you’re still connected to the world around you, which can be a big plus.
Call quality is solid too. Voices are clear, and switching between paired devices like my phone and MacBook was seamless—just press play or take a call and the R1 handles it smoothly. Pairing was quick using the EDIFIER ConneX app (a separate install if you’ve used older Edifier devices).
Battery life really impressed me—up to 7 hours on the buds alone, with another 21 hours in the case. Even using them overnight, I woke up with charge to spare.
There’s even a clever water drainage mode that plays high-frequency tones to help clear moisture. Not something you see every day!
At around £59, the Edifier R1 offers great value—especially if you’re after comfort, clarity, and awareness while listening. A truly refreshing take on wireless audio.
Once upon a time, a phone was just a phone. The exact when of that once-upon-a-time depends on how far back you travel between now and Alexander Graham Bell. For some, it’s when phones were chunks of Bakelite with rotary dials, while for others the cut-off point is when phones started to offer more than calls, text, and playing “snake”. Today, that’s what we’d call a basic phone. And it’s making a comeback.
Rethinking How Smart We Want Our Phones To Be
Dumbing down
Pretty much every mobile phone available today falls into one of three categories: basic, feature and smart.
A basic phone is designed primarily for calling and texting, with very limited or no internet access and minimal extra functions. It usually has a small screen, physical keypad, and lacks apps or an advanced interface.
A feature phone falls between a basic and a smartphone; it often includes some multimedia functions like a basic camera, FM radio, Bluetooth, and sometimes limited internet access. While it may support some apps, it runs on a lightweight operating system and isn’t built for the kind of multitasking or app ecosystems that smartphones offer.
A smartphone can be your office, your library, your entertainment centre and your link to family and friends. It runs on advanced operating systems like Android or iOS and supports full internet access, multitasking, high-resolution touchscreens, downloadable apps from app stores, GPS, and a wide range of sensors and connectivity options. It essentially functions like a handheld computer and is central to modern digital life.
And a pushback against that modern digital life is partly behind a boost in basic sales.
While “dumb” phones represent a small slice of the overall handset market (around 2%), it is a trend mobile phone manufacturers have taken notice of and are responding to; minimalist or feature-free versions of many phones are being developed and promoted to younger generations, especially Gen Z adults (those born between 1997 and 2012).
Interestingly, older members of Gen Z were on the cusp of the transition from basic phones to smartphones, giving them a unique perspective on both types of devices.
And nostalgia does play a role.
The re-release of classic models like the Nokia 3210 in 2024 has tapped into a sense of longing for the past. These updated versions maintain iconic designs while incorporating modern features such as 4G connectivity and USB-C charging, appealing to both those who remember the originals and younger users drawn to retro aesthetics.
Health and safety
Many seek to reduce their screen time and disconnect from the constant smartphone barrage of notifications and social media updates. There is a growing body of research linking increased levels of anxiety, stress and depression to excessive smartphone use; many feel a “hypervigilance” is forced on them because of constant connectivity.
Social media apps have been associated with increased anxiety and depression – social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and cyberbullying all play their part in pushing people away from a digital lifestyle. And parents are increasingly opting for basic phones for their children to limit exposure to social media and online content.
In addition to mental health concerns, mobile phone users are becoming increasing alarmed by potential security risks associated with smartphones. A 2022 Deloitte survey revealed that nearly 60% of respondents worry about their devices being vulnerable to security breaches and organisations tracking them through their devices. This distrust is further fuelled by the lack of transparency regarding data collection practices and the increasing complexity of mobile operating systems.
Impact on Mobile Entertainment Services
The return to basic phones inevitably limits access to mobile entertainment services a trade-off that sits at the heart of this trend.
Without app stores or constant connectivity, users are stepping away from on-demand video, social media feeds, and mobile gaming. For many, this is a deliberate move a way to disconnect from digital noise and regain focus.
But beyond the digital detox narrative, this shift could also reignite interest in the early formats of mobile entertainment. Just as the return to physical media (like vinyl records or Polaroid cameras) has found a nostalgic and passionate following, the revival of feature phones could mark the rise of a “vintage mobile entertainment” movement.
In this light, basic phone users may come to represent a new niche of digital consumers almost like the purists of mobile culture. People who value minimalism, intentional usage, and a stripped-back experience. This creates an interesting opportunity for content creators and service providers to revisit simpler formats: downloadable tones, static graphics, or even text-based games entertainment designed for accessibility, light data usage, and offline consumption.
Could this be the next micro-market in mobile a new segment of business shaped by nostalgia, simplicity, and purposeful tech use?
Impact on advertisers
The resurgence of basic phones could significantly reshape how advertisers operate, particularly by shifting the expectations and mechanics of engagement. The main challenge is the loss of data-rich environments that smartphones provide. With fewer users engaging via apps or the web, there’s reduced access to behavioural tracking, precise geolocation, and interactive ad formats like video or programmatic banners. This could erode the effectiveness of digital advertising campaigns. However, it also revives older formats such as SMS marketing. Brands might turn to simpler, more direct communication, which can feel more personal or urgent, especially in markets where basic phone usage is growing rapidly. These campaigns could see higher engagement due to their lower saturation and novelty in a world now dominated by digital noise.
Advertisers will need to rethink not only their platforms but their assumptions about user attention, availability, and intent. Those who adapt to offer meaningful engagement in low-tech contexts—rather than trying to recreate the smartphone experience—stand the best chance of staying relevant.
Summary
The resurgence of basic phones represents a significant trend in the mobile phone market, driven by a complex interplay of factors. This movement highlights a growing awareness of the need for a more balanced and intentional relationship with technology. As consumers seek greater control over their digital lives, basic phones offer a viable alternative, promoting mental well-being, privacy, and a more focused lifestyle.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicholas Rossman is a Programme Director at The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF), a global trade body established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK with members across the world. As the voice of the mobile ecosystem, it focuses on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud and monetisation. The Forum, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, provides its members with global and cross-sector platforms for networking, collaboration and advancing industry solutions.
