Apple discontinued the iSight in 2006, meaning that it was only in production for 3 years. Makes sense, as computers like the MacBook launched that same year had built-in iSight cameras. Because electronics have become so miniaturized, I feel like we have lost some connection to our devices. I am typing this on my Retina MacBook Pro and my FaceTime camera is nearly invisible and I have no idea where my microphones are located. Today, we don't think about turning on our webcam when we call someone - it's just there. This has put content, and the interactions we have with our computers center stage, but has also made technology more enigmatic. It's a great thing that the devices we use have become less cumbersome and easier to use, but as a lover of objects, I did feel a bit sentimental analyzing the iSight. The iSight's form truly speaks to its function. It looks at you, and when it doesn't, a physical shutter shuts its eye. It listens, and you know for sure because it looks and feels like a microphone. It's a question worth asking - when does magical become obscurity?

Next up: iPod Hi-Fi