It was business as usual in 2025, with only the spectre of AI attempting to re-shape the way we interact with every form of personal tech. Last year we suggested that Google’s Gemini – and its many rivals – would make more inroads into our devices. Let’s click undo and call it for 2026, when Gemini becomes a more integral part of Google’s home eco-system.
The following ten objects are largely free of AI involvement and instead focus on doing their job well with style and panache.
1. Nothing Ear (3) earbuds
Nothing Ear (3) earbuds
Nothing continues to knock it out of the park with no-nonsense devices that are highly specified and admirably priced, without compromising on individual design. The Ear (3) are the perfect case in point.
2. Leica Q3 Monochrom camera
Leica Q3 Monochrom
It’s an extravagant and OTT way of exploring black and white photography, but if you wanted to shun colour in 2025, then the Q3 Monochrom is the most stylish way of doing it.
3. Polaroid Flip instant camera
Polaroid Flip, front view
On the other hand, the newest Polaroid camera, the Flip, positively oozes spontaneity and happy accident of colour and composition. Instant photography continues to be a big hit amongst those who didn’t catch it first time round.
4. Braque speakers by Nocs Design
Braque speakers by Nocs Design
The Braque speakers are ideal for audio minimalists, with hand-crafted cabinets that wouldn’t look out of place in a sculpture gallery.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
Will Apple ever release an iPhone fold? Will Honor be first to four screens? In a quiet year for mobile innovation, Samsung’s triple-screened Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold stood out.
6. Alma Wireless Charger by Addition
Alma Wireless Charger by Addition
A phone accessory that’s far removed from conventional tech aesthetics, the sleek pebble-like Alma charger snaps into place to give you added phone time without fuss.
7. Sleevenote music player
The Sleevenote player
An interesting alternative to the dominance of the streaming giants, Sleevenote – co-created by musician Tom Vek – is a player designed to shape a collection of music you own,
8. FiiO JM21 music player
FiiO JM21 Audio Player
Alternatively, you can ditch the online playlists and go old school with FiiO’s latest mp3 player, the JM21.
9. WAF Audio SP-02 speakers
WAF Audio SP-02 speaker
NY manufacturer Waves and Frequencies made one of our favourite audio devices in the shape of the traditional, boxy and beautiful SP-02 wired speakers.
10. InkPoster frame
InkPoster frame, 28.5" model
InkPoster want to subtly change your physical environment without blanketing rooms in flashing pixels. Their e-ink frame is a high quality way of discretely serving up fresh art throughout the day .
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An inox-fanatic's love letter to stainless steelUltimate stainless steel fan Levi Di Marco has been documenting inox designs on his social media platform @tutto_inox: we asked him to tell us about his not-so-mild obsession and share some of his favourite examples of inox design
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Porthmadog House mines the rich seam of Wales’ industrial past at the Dwyryd estuaryStröm Architects’ Porthmadog House, a slate and Corten steel seaside retreat in north Wales, reinterprets the area’s mining and ironworking heritage
