Kickstarter spotlight: Etcher
The more advanced technology becomes, the more we use it to try to emulate the old days. Got a brand new iPad with a 3 megapixel full color screen, quad core graphics, and full touch input? Great, now turn it into a toy from the 1960s! The Etcher is a case/accessory for the iPad that essentially turns it into an Etch-a-Sketch, complete with the iconic red frame and functional twist knobs. It works just like the real thing by having you twist the knobs to create an image, and even allows you to erase by shaking it. There are a few 21st century features in there though, like being able to save and share your creations.
This accessory might seem a bit weird considering the iPad has more drawing software than anyone is going to need, but the retro factor works heavily in this thing’s favor. All but the very youngest generations have a relationship to this thing, and there are even people who are professional Etch-a-sketch artists. The project is looking for $75,000 in funding, which might take some doing. One Sketcher will put you back $60, which is quite a bit more than the real deal, but on the other hand, this thing is cool, and the irony of turning an iPad into a 1960s toy is lost on no one. I guess there’s something to the saying that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
[Kickstarter]
