Retro Tech Revival: Creator Melds Nostalgia and Innovation

Creator Tru Narla is bringing back the vibrant and personalized technology of the early 2000s. Transitioning from software engineering at companies like Square and Discord, Narla now gains a significant online following by building custom devices. Her creations often feature playful designs and bright colors, a stark contrast to modern minimalist tech. Narla misses the era when gadgets were diverse in shape and hue, aiming to recapture that spirit.

Narla's approach combines engineering with artistry, focusing on creating unique items that evoke nostalgia while serving practical purposes. Examples include a flower-shaped camera and a Magic 8 Ball hairclip. She founded a new company, Pochi, which will offer a habit-tracking mobile app and custom hardware. The company's first hardware product is a digital camera designed to look like a flower, complete with video capabilities.

This venture into hardware creation was partly inspired by Narla feeling that AI was making software content creation feel more accessible and less distinct. She sought a more hands-on approach, learning skills like soldering and 3D printing. Narla believes technology feels human when it tells a story and considers the user experience, aiming to make her creations playful and personal.