Do we always look backwards to go forwards with design?

With CeBIT a distant memory, all eyes in the tech world are now focused on Computex 2013, Taiwan's technology show case for everything that's good and right in the world of IT. Looking at the early emailers about what we will be on at the event, KitGuru has noticed something about design and wonders, “Do we always look back to go forward?”

Is there any such thing as a new idea in design?

It's a profound question. Especially when we live in a world dominated by a global army of lawyers and litigators who are on 24-hour standby to swear black-is-in-fact-blue about the originality of their client's latest gizmo.

The Apple case against Samsung is an interesting one indeed. With every trekkie on the planet certain that Kirk was using a tablet PC back in 1966, it's hard to understand where the battle comes from.

When BMW launched its highly popular roadster series of cars (Z4 etc), it was actually listening to an echo of its own designs from decades past.

When it comes to audio, anything that combines iPhones/Pads/Pods with vacuum tubes is looking backwards to go forward. Here's a quick look at one of the latest designs, due to debut at Computex:-

Presumably, by the start of June, there will be Thunderbolts and Lightning etc as well.

This is exactly the kind of design that KitGuru has been receiving in its collective inbox from audio manufacturers in Taiwan. Specifically a company called Add-On Tech.

If that name isn't familiar to you, maybe the giants behind it will be.

In the late 1800s, two German companies battled for wireless supremacy: AEG on one side and Braun Siemens on the other. In 1903, they came together at the behest of Kaiser Wilhelm II and so Telefunken was formed. Today, Telefunken is the underlying driver for Add-On, proving that a Germany/Oriental axis of audio alliance can be a force to be reckoned within the world of high-end AV.

Here's one of their older, more established designs. Telefunky eh?

KitGuru says: We can't wait to see the latest products from Add-On in Taiwan. More than anything, we're keen to see if they sound as good as they look. Without meaning to put down the new-age-mainland-Chinese brands that have come up in the last 5-15 years, the Telefunken Add-On partnership is a lot more interesting.

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