No matter how much we progress as far as technology is concerned, we always look back towards retro stalwarts for inspiration in the designing field. NVDRS Tape foxes around in the Cassette Tape construction but is actually a digital player. Deceptive looks aside, the player continues to follow the 45/60/90 minutes norm, holding 10/15/20 select songs in digital format; uploaded via USB.



Designers: Stefano Pertegato, Massimiliano Rampoldi, Eloisa Tolu, Francesco Schiraldi & Giovanni Mendini

There are a couple of things regarding this player that really stands out. Like for example, if you want to forward or rewind a song, you need to manually do it by rotating the spools with your finger or pencil. To play just slide the Play Button.

Charging it depends how good are you at …you guessed it…rotating the spools! Rotating the second hole of the tape charges the kinetic battery. An LED light indicates the power status: Green-full charge; Amber- Medium Charge; Red- will die out any moment.

Between the two wheels is nestled a small display that only shows you the time elapsed for the song, nothing else! Both the 90 and 60-minute versions are housed in recycled aluminum enclosures, however the 45-min one is constructed from Polypropylene.

Retro, green and spunky makes this my wishlist priority.