Tag Archives: BBC Radio Kent

The Relics of Technology: A Stroll Down Memory Lane

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it’s easy to forget the gadgets and gizmos that once dominated our lives. Today, we’ll take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the tech tools that have faded into the annals of history.

  1. Floppy Disks and CD-ROMs:
    Once, the clunky floppy disks and shimmering CD-ROMs were our only recourse to data storage and transfer. They have now gracefully bowed out, making way for sleek USB drives, capacious external hard drives, and the omnipresent cloud storage that promises accessibility from every corner of the globe.
  2. VHS Tapes and VCRs:
    The ritual of rewinding VHS tapes and the magic of VCRs bringing images to life on screen are chapters from a bygone era. They’ve been overshadowed by the crisp clarity of DVDs, Blu-rays, and the instant gratification delivered by streaming services.
  3. Fax Machines:
    The whirring and buzzing of fax machines, once music to the ears of office-goers have been replaced by the silent, instantaneous delivery of emails and other digital communication channels.
  4. BlackBerry:
    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.

    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.
    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.
  5. The Pager:
    The humble pager, a precursor to the mobile revolution, once clipped to belts, has quietly retreated to the shadows as smartphones dominate the communication landscape with various features unimaginable back in the day.
  6. Film Cameras:
    The instant gratification of digital photography has replaced the thrill of loading film and the patience of development. Though a niche of enthusiasts still cherishes the craft of film photography, digital cameras and smartphones have become our lenses to the world.
  7. CRT Monitors:
    The bulky CRT monitors that once occupied desks were replaced by sleek LCD and LED monitors, marking a significant leap in aesthetics and technology.
  8. Cassette Tapes and Players:
    The tactile joy of flipping a cassette tape is a forgotten pleasure. Digital audio and streaming services have ensnared the auditory senses with a promise of endless playlists.
  9. Typewriters:
    The rhythmic clacking of typewriter keys is a sound from a bygone era, replaced by the soft tapping on modern-day keyboards as computers and word-processing software took over.
  10. Rotary Phones:
    The nostalgic spin of the rotary dial has been replaced by the swift taps on touch-tone and mobile phones, making communication faster and smoother.

Each piece of outdated technology carries with it stories and memories that shaped the era they belonged to. As we embrace the new, it’s a sweet reminiscence to look back at the tech relics that paved the path for today’s digital wonderland.

You can also listen in to my chat with Steve Ladner on BBC Radio Kent by clicking on the play button at the top of the post

Gadget Man – Complete Podcast Episode List

Here’s the COMPLETE list of all Podcast episodes recorded since 2013.

You will find recordings of The Gadget Man, App of the Week and Grumpy Old Gits along with Interviews with racing legend Mark Webber, Tesla’s Laura Hardy and Porsche test driver Gordon Robertson.

Over the years, the The Gadget Man has been featured on many

BBC National Radio :-

BBC Radio Five Live : Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards

BBC Local Radio :-

BBC Radio Suffolk : Mark Murphy, Mark Matthews, Lesley Dolphin, James Hazell, Ronnie Barbour, Rachel Sloane, Etholle George, Graham Barnard, Matt Marvel, Wayne Bavin, and Sarah Lilley

BBC Radio Guernsey : Jenny Kendall-Tobias and Tony Gillham.

BBC Coventry & Warwickshire : Viv Minett

BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester : Tammy Gooding

BBC Radio Kent : Steve Ladner

I have meticulously ensured that every radio appearance was documented where possible. The fruits of these labours can be listened to below. Almost all recordings would have been published with their own write up and added piccies, so if you hear something that you think sounds great, use the search button above to track down the original article.

Finally, it takes enormous amounts of completely unpaid time to present, type, publish or collate all of this information contained in this site. The gadgets I review are very rarely given to me to keep, so if you would like to sponsor my efforts I would very much appreciate it. You can do so at this link paypal.me/pools/c/86TlpimZHI

In the meantime, enjoy the recordings.

Matt Porter, The Gadget Man

Get In Touch!

Matt Porter, The Gadget Man
Matt Porter, The Gadget Man

Thank you for stopping by. I am Matt Porter, widely recognised as The Gadget Man. Based in the UK, I have been featured on :-

BBC National Radio :-

BBC Radio Five Live : Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards

BBC Local Radio :-

BBC Radio Suffolk : Mark Murphy, Mark Matthews, Lesley Dolphin, James Hazell, Ronnie Barbour, Rachel Sloane, Etholle George, Graham Barnard, Matt Marvel, Wayne Bavin, and Sarah Lilley

BBC Radio Guernsey : Jenny Kendall-Tobias and Tony Gillham.

BBC Coventry & Warwickshire : Viv Minett

BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester : Tammy Gooding

BBC Radio Kent : Steve Ladner

BBC Look East
ITV Anglia,
East Anglia Daily Times (EADT),
Ipswich Star and
The Comet.

I have also had my work included in news items by BBC News and ITV News as well as being featured in the documentaries ‘Battle of Britain: The Race for Radar (2020)‘ and ‘The Haunting of M.R James (2018)‘.

My tech acumen extends over 40 years of coding experience and a profound understanding of Artificial Intelligence, which I often elucidate in my monthly product reviews for local magazines.


Matt Porter – The Gadget Man

Technology Commentator and Reviewer

I am deeply immersed in the tech world, constantly exploring the forefront of gadgets and technology. I am available for remote audio/video engagements, live or pre-recorded TV appearances, and interviews, offering expertise in a diverse range of topics:

  • AI Diffusion Image and Video Generation: My fascination with AI extends to its capability to generate compelling visuals. I explore how diffusion models are revolutionizing content creation, enabling the synthesis of images and videos that blur the lines between the artificial and the real, thus providing a new canvas for creativity.
  • Voice Generation and Synthesis: I analyze the nuances of AI-driven voice synthesis, discussing how this technology is creating new opportunities for personalized interactions and revolutionizing fields from customer service to entertainment.
  • Chatbots and Conversational AI: Chat-GPT and similar technologies represent a leap forward in machine understanding. I offer insights into how conversational AI is enhancing customer experiences, streamlining processes, and even offering companionship.
  • Ethics and AI: As we integrate AI more deeply into our lives, I engage in critical discussions about the ethical implications, the balance between innovation and privacy, and the measures needed to ensure responsible use of AI technology.
  • Everyday Innovations: I spotlight gadgets that simplify daily routines, offering insights into devices that enhance everyday life with convenience and efficiency.
  • Retro Tech: I take a nostalgic look at the golden era of technology, revisiting the iconic 80s home computers and timeless mobile phones.
  • Electric Vehicles: I navigate the burgeoning world of EVs, discussing their sustainable future and the technical skills necessary for their maintenance.
  • eBike Insights: I share my personal experiences with eBike technology, from securing support to obtaining firmware updates.
  • Telecommunications: I discuss the ongoing enhancements in broadband infrastructure and the significant shift from copper networks.
  • Streaming Service Evolution: I critique the dynamic landscape of streaming services, addressing the challenges of content access for consumers.

For a deeper understanding of these topics and more, I am your informed source, ready to share knowledge and a unique perspective on the evolving world of technology.


Guest Post Information: Please read attentively.

I receive daily requests for guest post submissions. I uphold high content standards, and I approve and publish all posts. Operating this blog demands both time and financial resources, thus it’s crucial that contributing writers understand the necessity to compensate for my time. The typical post-publishing process takes no more than 10 minutes per article. Please ensure you are agreeable to this arrangement before reaching out.

Product Reviews:

I am perpetually looking for fresh technology to review and am keen to discover new products that would captivate my readers and listeners.

If you’re interested in featuring your product, please complete the form below or contact me at +447813874428 or at [email protected].

I have previously reviewed a variety of items including:

  • Sports Cars
  • Smart Watches
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Drones
  • Baby Monitors
  • Media Streaming Devices
  • Robotic Vacuum Cleaners
  • Smart TVs
  • Soundbars
  • Electric Bikes
  • Electric Cars
  • Cameras

For reviews, I request that products be sent to me and collected afterwards at your expense (if required). I require a minimum of 2 weeks to conduct a thorough review. Post-review, I will notify you regarding the likelihood of a feature and coordinate the collection of the item.

Should you wish to have your product featured, please reach out

Are you representing the company as a PR or Digital agency(required)

Is a visit to your premises necessary to review your product?(required)

Are you happy for us to keep the product to give away, following review? (This is not a prerequisite)

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