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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How We Host: Interior designer Heide Hendricks shows us how to throw the ultimate farmhouse fêteThe designer, one half of the American design firm Hendricks Churchill, delves into the art of entertaining – from pasta to playlists
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Arbour House is a north London home that lies low but punches highArbour House by Andrei Saltykov is a low-lying Crouch End home with a striking roof structure that sets it apart
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25 of the best beauty launches of 2025, from transformative skincare to offbeat scentsWallpaper* beauty editor Mary Cleary selects her beauty highlights of the year, spanning skincare, fragrance, hair and body care, make-up and wellness
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Inspired by a pebble, the stylish new Alma charger provides pocketable convenienceWhat if technology could quietly allay anxiety and not cause it? That’s the pitch behind new luxury accessories company Addition, starting with its new Alma wireless charger
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The ring’s the thing as Pebble launches a discreet device for memo-taking, Index Ring 01A tiny device with a singular purpose but limitless applications, the Pebble Index 01 is a customisable smart ring for turning mental notes into text
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Tech gift ideas: Wallpaper’s Jonathan Bell lists 12 devices to desire this festive seasonTechnology editor Jonathan Bell delves into the best new releases and most giftable gadgets from 2025, offering up personal favourites as well as a few big hints
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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is a pocket tablet that takes folding screens to new extremesSamsung has announced its newest flagship device, the Galaxy Z TriFold. Featuring three folding screens, this ultimate smartphone can transform into a ten-inch tablet
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Four new keyboards are fresh and functional desktop companionsMechanical keyboards are all the rage, bringing with them new ways of personalising your desktop. We’ve found four devices that hark back to the early days of computing
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Hunker down in a perfectly equipped work-from-home hub this winterIf your WFH set-up needs an upgrade, or if you need to kit out a new small business from scratch, we’ve got you covered
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New Leica Q3 Monochrom camera sees the world in black and whiteDefined by its crisp 60MP monochrome sensor, the Leica Q3 Monochrom is a camera designed for those who want to focus only on light, shadow and form
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 has innovation at its heart – a 3D-printed titanium caseWe delve into Apple’s pioneering use of 3D-printed metal, and how it ties in with the company’s path to carbon neutrality
