RetroTech: Seiko Executive Egg

[@FilipWahlberg]

The overall tackiness of the device aside, I think that the user interface is brilliant. You immediately understand how to use it, and you can see the amount of recording time left. Combine it with a dynamo to get rid of the battery, and it would've been perfect.

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

You said it way better than what I could!

[@JaredConnell]

Great points, and perhaps a different color scheme could have enabled them to sell to families or kids also

[@LGR]

Looks very much like a 3.5" floppy disk's innards, that's really neat. Looking forward to any future dictation machine episode(s)!

[@alecambo]

I'm subscribed to your channel, fun to see you around here :-)

[@tomtalk24]

Who isnt? Google works in simple ways...

[@chadcastagana9181]

This looks more like 2 1/2 inches

[@BillAnt]

Nowadays the entire electronics could be put on one voice recorder/playback chip for real cheep (pun intended!) :P

[@fernandoschuindt1665]

Look that! I was thinking to myself "that's an oddware!" haha, cheers.

[@custardo]

There are quite a few executives that could (or dare I say should) be replaced with talking eggs, without any ill effects whatsoever.

[@Braeden123698745]

Replaced? They're all bald and useless, thought they already were.

[@volvo09]

You got that right. I support some execs at a bank, and no joke quite a few of them BARELY know how to send an email. I see their secretaries do almost everything for them (including remembering and telling them their monthly computer / phone password!!!!, and repeatedly showing them how to log into services they use almost daily with said passwords!) while they just sit in meetings and collect paychecks. Anyone reading this without knowing these people would think I'm bitter and just making it up to sound better on the internet, but I'm not lying at all... I see it just about every time I have to help them out. When I was there once I got onto this topic talking with a secretary, she told me one of the execs got "locked out" of his car because the key remote wouldn't work. As he was waiting for service to arrive his secretary said "why not just use the key?". Sounds made up, but I swear it's true.

[@kricku]

You mean like the CEO of SNK was?

[@Braeden123698745]

Hahaha that's crazy!

[@jarodlee9124]

Could say that the SNK CEO was replaced by a drinking bird.

[@dougwagner4902]

Re-watching this video made me really miss the puppet segments at the end. This is definitely one of the best ones. I know it's not really everybody's cup of tea but I for one would love to see them back occasionally.

[@wsphomieg]

I was impressed by the recording length.

[@sarahts21]

Well if its 1980's & Japanese, perhaps it's something for the stereotypical 'salaryman' to hear their wife or kids whilst chained to their desk all hours of the day?

[@jameslaidler4259]

alexis And there's the whole working literally to death. That's right guys, a lot of people these days there are WORKING THEMSELVES TO DEATH! Couldn't believe it when I heard that.

[@SecuR0M]

@jackthegamer That's normal for all Western societies. Have you not seen Germany or Spain's birth rates? The only Western society that manages work-life balance responsibly is Israel apparently. Probably only because Jewish grandmothers force their grandkids to marry that nice girl down the street through peer pressure though.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Matt the muppets section is getting so good that its competing with the main content, might start watching it first LOL

[@Karlmit]

Im a first timer. That part felt really odd. Like I was high

[@misterkota1252]

It made me feel weird and awkward and I didn’t like the feeling at all. I actually felt embarrassed for him.

[@terranovarain6570]

Yeah 😆😅🤣😂 contents of house destroyed lmao 😆😅🤣😂

[@DdlyHeadshot]

I was expecting sponsored content, so I was glad to get that...

[@JaredConnell]

@@misterkota1252 i actually feel embarrassed about you, commenting on multiple videos about the puppets really says something about you and its not exactly flattering tbh

[@s.t.e.v.e.r]

what came first...the chicken or the Seiko Executive Egg?

[@wolfgangmcq]

Twicore The egg of course, the robot chicken wasn't on the market until '88.

[@Tamsinjay14]

Twicore chicken

[@oldgoodrandomroutine]

Ba dum tss

[@rasmusslagsvold6180]

Twicore the seiko segg!!

[@OndrejSc]

I did.

[@clipse85]

"Does that really work?"" "We'll never know..." LMAO Haven't laughed that hard in a very long time! Thank you for that!

[@trx4treats]

I agree, that was hilarious.

[@jimbo2revengeance]

I don't know what it is, but something about your videos makes me feel super comfy. Like, i get back from work, suicidal thoughts stalking me all the way home, i turn on my little weak heater to at least unfreeze my hands in this time of the year, i feel like complete shit, but then i turn on my pc, tune into your channel, pour some tea, and just start feeling really good. Good work man, you are my reason to wake up in the morning.

[@jimbo2revengeance]

TheShadowfexGamesHD Czech Republic actually, but don't worry, it's also really fucking cold here...

[@satibel]

fucking cold is the temperature at which you start to fuck?

[@jimbo2revengeance]

manaquri I would say yes, but it's been this cold for a while now, and i didn't fuck anything yet...

[@satibel]

Lonely Driver meanwhile I'm in long sleeved t-shirt at -2°C

[@jimbo2revengeance]

manaquri Respect to you

[@LouSpowells]

Thanks for cracking this one open for us.

[@phydeauxddog]

Lou Spowells That's a really bad yoke.

[@dddtl]

I love the discussion on smart and IoT devices at the end. Finally a tech reviewer who gets it!

[@JamesPawson]

There was a store called "Den for Men" all over Toronto in the 80's that sold nothing but executive toys. I loved looking at their catalogs as a kid.

[@samiam5557]

I recall them being sold. Great muppet sketch, funny!

[@JamesPawson]

It was hilarious :)

[@FinalBaton]

I died at the muppet advice at 2:22 Oh, the number of times you must have been told that in the comment section...

[@BlazeFireXERO]

Love the videos, TechMoan. You're such a good producer of quality content with a strikingly British touch on talking about technology and gadgets, whether they're new or old, always well documented and researched yet so satisfying to watch. Keep them coming, and I hope to see the MiniDisc review from you one day! xP

[@MitchellHang]

Every new Techmoan video gets me quite excited for the day! Keep up with the great content!

[@MaliciousShipBuilder]

Those skits at the end are amazing!

[@brainache555]

So it is now confirmed by @Techmoan that the egg actually did come first!

[@mixedspleens]

Heck, I'm still waiting for that Executive Talking Chicken.

[@MillRunner]

I saw this and immediately thought, "Oh god, is he reviewing one of those Tenga eggs?"

[@dos541]

I watched this video just to see the comments section now as bad as I thought it would be and I was about to make a vibe egg refference

[@Anhjje]

Glad I'm not alone

[@cappuccino3444]

ManlyChicken wtf I saw you on newgrounds years ago

[@domramsey]

You need to replace the caps in that.

[@alptigin5438]

You could do that easier with a Raspberry Pi.

[@sjm4306]

If this were hackaday everyone would be complaining that it could've been done with a 555 ...

[@sjm4306]

BilisNegra It's a jellybean chip that has been around for decades that can perform a multitude of simple functions. Thus, naturally, every smart alec on hackaday thinks it should be used for everything despite potentially easier, better alternatives.

[@genericgreensquid6669]

But you'd need to clear the cache first.

[@ScottGrammer]

Be sure to use the $50 apiece golden ear caps for best sound quality.

[@techman1211]

kind of a calmer and smarter ashens

[@BigKelvPark]

Love the ignoring the replacing the caps advice from the muppet. Fair enough if it was a high end bit of audio kit but for this - you're spot on. Keep it up!

[@RCAvhstape]

That muppet sketch was on point. Internet of Things is overrated.

[@alittleolder]

This is unrelated to this specific video but it's the newest that's why I comment here. I really enjoy your videos and the very professional manner in which they are produced. I really, really apppreciate the time and effort you put into making them. Thanks.

[@SteelSkin667]

That is such a bizarre piece of tech. It's like the bastard child between a 20th century tape recorder and a 19th century Edison tin foil recorder.

[@ExStaticBass]

Top notch skit at the end. I think that's my new favorite part of your channel here.

[@kymmoulds]

Great review as always Matt. Thanks for mentioning Australia. I agree with you that having the name Seiko one would have expected better build quality and playback quality. However, maybe back in those days it was a different story. Keep em' coming. Cheers Kym

[@zamhar]

"You mean the massive Internet Of Things botnet that's used to perform DDOS attacks?" Hahahahaha!

[@MyImmaculateQueen]

Mate you are better than the BBC. You should be on prime time TV. Fascinating and entertaining stuff. Always intrigued by your new videos. Thank you.

[@astrotrance]

Just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying your channel. I love seeing all the old tech get restored to its former glory, and you're genuinely funny throughout. I bet that if this were the 1980s your channel would be a show we here in the US would eagerly await on PBS after episodes of Fawlty Towers. Loving the puppet shows too! Anyway, thank you. Your channel is a welcome oasis from the state of the world, such as it is.

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

"That's it for the moment, as always, thanks for watching." *mouses over video, bar has three minutes left* Muppets!

[@mootbooxle]

Love the puppet bits!

[@GadgetAddict]

That joke at the end reminds me of when I open the Philips Hue app on my phone to turn my lights on and it wants to do a frickin app or firmware update. Annoying!

[@superscatboy]

Do you have the option to bypass the app on those lights, with an actual switch on the wall?

[@ScottGrammer]

Have you noticed that about every 4th of 5th time you open Spotify on a PC, it installs a new version of the app before opening?

[@alexanderthomas2660]

We're 4 years later and yesterday I went to bed about 15 minutes later than planned because I thought to do a quick update of the Hue bridge and one lamp. Big mistake.

[@kieferonline]

Great review and tear down as usual. I'm a huge fan of your videos! After watching this one, I just realized that I enjoy your old tech partly because you usually review (excellently) high end, quality, beautiful products. I think that aspect gives me some nostalgia for better times. Not a fan of this plastic egg but I'm really looking forward to the next video. Thanks for all the hard work!

[@Kilroy72]

The puppet segment was hilarious! I'd love to see more of them.

[@DoctorBlankenstein]

The end recording was actually better than I expected. Another cool video.

[@acoffeewithsatan]

Oh wow, back in the 80s business people were so professional and mature

[@blunderingfool]

I liked the little spot of humour in the middle there, and an interesting toy too. Very well done!

[@Doramius]

My father used to have one of those on his desk at the office. He won it at some executive party. I was very little at the time, but it was around '82 when I first remember it. His also stopped working over time. The last time I remember seeing the egg was probably '91. He may still have it, but I haven't seen it since. I do remember the gold had started to fleck off and it had acquired scratches through the years. Thanks for the memories. Never knew how it worked on the inside.

[@Perktube1]

Hey smart watch, flush the toilet. Does that really work? We'll never know. (mic drop)

[@Alex-oz9eh]

Perktube1 wat

[@kjyhh]

"10 ..9 ..8 ..7 ..6 ..5 ..4 ..3 ..2 ..1 boom"

[@TheExactlyatmidnight]

loved the end, thanks Techmoan.

[@DonaldMohrMusic]

I did find that quite interesting. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@genericgreensquid6669]

+Techmoan When is the episode with floppy disks coming?

[@Techmoan]

I don't have an episode planned featuring floppy discs...are you sure it was me?

[@genericgreensquid6669]

+Techmoan Yes! You were asking for help for them on twitter. Or it wasn't planned for an episode? You could've also bought a GOTEK USB floppy emulator but I see why you would buy the real thing. I too like them.

[@Techmoan]

Oh that, yes I just needed them for something that I was working on. The video won't be about floppies (if it ever happens) ... more something they'll be used in. But that's way into 2017 before I'll start to get a chance to look at it.

[@oldvideopro]

Personally, I'm waiting to hear what was on those Wire recordings! :-)

[@Techmoan]

So am I...I'll get around to it soon.

[@vk4vip]

Love the outro Techmoan, it is certainly very true about the new smart home stuff

[@PaulJCost1]

Interesting item... Using cassette tech inside. Thanks for showing this up. (i do want to see your minidisc video too...)

[@VinchVolt]

We're all patiently awaiting the MiniDisc video.

[@thomask1424]

While the box say Seiko, the egg says Sekisui.

[@TheTundraTerror]

"Why would you want to adjust the heat when you're not in the house?" Because your kid is fucking with the thermostat!

[@ivandeus]

actually it is relevant in cold countrys. if you do not control heating in the house your home may just freeze below zero and all waterpipes crack and so on

[@Emptiness_Machine_2001]

But before that happens, the thermostat or heater (is that the english word for heizung?) will adjust the heat by itself.

[@TheTundraTerror]

Иван Сыромятников Yeah, I live in Canada. Being able to adjust the temperature of the house to be warmer when I get back is very nice. That said, I wanted to be a smart ass.

[@alexe8375]

More like EGGxecutive

[@yoodoo122]

alex E. thats a terrible EGGSCUSE

[@misterdaz1018]

You two should be punished.

[@AtomicDuckQuark]

That joke was a bit eggxaggerated if you ask me.

[@AtomicDuckQuark]

GuinnessandPizza : Well, I'm flabbeggasted to ear that !

[@AtomicDuckQuark]

GuinnessandPizza : Don't act hard boiled now.

[@jamiemarchant]

Neat product. I can see a lot of executives using those. The puppet segment was also really good. :)

[@n00dles79]

I love how you also have the hobby of puppets and you are so good at it that you could probably do that for your sole job

[@PaulMillard1973]

Brilliant!! The egg was certainly a novel interest in the day. But the smart phone/watch sketch really cheered me up 😂😁. Very good sir!!

[@ShadeofBlack1199]

a friend of mine bought one of these recently and replaced the insides with a modern speaker, some rechargable batteries, and a mp3 player. Its pretty neat.

[@henryyang478]

the recording mechanism is amazing!simple yet functional,a very well made novelty toy

[@mistakay9019]

great video! Glad to see your patreon going from strength to strength mat! it's a testament to your work :)

[@MrMakeDo]

I have no knowledge or background in any of these old or modern technologies but I find these videos so strangely fascinating.

[@profrumpo]

Yet another totally unknown product, and yet another splendid video. Loved the brief appearance by one of the Moanpets too :)

[@gavincurtis]

Bravo on the random muppet appearance! Got a good gut laugh out of that which we all need from time to time.

[@sims.3852]

Good job with the new intro. Keep up the good work.

[@BlazeABD]

BilisNegra what is that device to display names?

[@NandR]

I really enjoy these retro tech repair and review videos. This one and the C64 video were very enjoyable. Thank you!

[@PixelOutlaw]

Great coverage as usual. I like the puppetry, good solid humor poking fun at some of the backwards ideas in consumer devices today. 2016, when you invent the product first then try to invent a need for it later.

[@1owk3y]

"You mean the massive unsecured internet things Botnets use to perform DDoS attacks?" "... uh?" "Sorry, I meant to say 'yes', just to carry on the narrative..."

[@MrJPEzra]

What a neat little toy. The way it uses magnetic recording is just wildly imaginative. It reminds me of a floppy disk.

[@FlockingNerds]

I absolutely love these RetroTech videos.

[@Mopki3]

That was more impressive than I expected. You can see the time left.

[@oysteinalsaker]

Serious question: Did you make the muppets yourself or did you buy them somewhere?

[@CoTeCiOtm]

If I remember correctly, he ordered them. I'm almost 100% sure he did a video about it.

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

That is interesting! I like how the thing is half mechanical half electronic, the puppet part is so true!

[@tasmedic]

Cool .. and a particularly fine example of the muppets' segment this time around, too. Pity they don't have their own channel. They're getting more polished every time I see them, and their sarcasm is reaching ever greater heights. Just what I need as an antidote to daytime TV! ATVB

[@hicknopunk]

You are one of the best Humans on the planet. Ty for your time.

[@cpnnpr]

Nice little Seiko and Ghostbusters tidbit! Excellent video and channel. Thanks.

[@agrosyntrop]

would have been nice to hear the last message before you got the egg

[@organiccold]

You manage to find anazingly weird stuff... i love it

[@thaddeusmcgrath]

The Executive Egg would make an excellent Easter basket gift to a love one, hope my wife reads this!

[@ethann_browne]

Yeah, you definitely need to replace the caps on that.

[@rcmaster207]

Love the old tech videos. Keep it up!

[@AnarchicImage]

Always enjoy your videos mate and loved the puppet bit at the end. Jim Henson eat your heart out! lol

[@stabbyjosh7931]

Did they also make an executive chicken? If so, which came out first?

[@notconsenting6633]

LOL the pupets had me rolling!😆👏👏👏

[@maglekaer1]

I love these odd novelties you find sometimes. Keep it coming :)

[@sammeo]

i love your recorded message in the egg

[@Anamnesia]

Smart Thermostat app from the Blue Monday sales? How does it feel?

[@Patchuchan]

I think the Seiko watch was not truly digital but stored analog voltages in the eeprom cells to get much higher storage density than normally would be possible. By playing back the voltages in each cell you got an audio wave form. A similar trick was later employed with modern flash memory to be able to store more than one bit per cell such as MLC having 4 voltage levels per cell and TLC having 8.

[@chrisneary8538]

your puppet sketches are so great, and I don't even know why XD

[@GrahamGibby]

The response to the internet of things question is awesome.

[@kontan2504]

Greetings from France. I actually think you're one of the funniest persons on the web, very British humour, but very funny eventually. Love watching your videos. Great tech reviews, but you should be able to pivot if required!

[@Neojhun]

Can the Puppets be a Stand Alone Series. It soo freaking awesome.

[@deadfreightwest5956]

4:30 - It has Sekisui molded into the bottom.

[@sireugeneyt]

I love how he just opened it up and fixed it so quickly. Like "well this was garbage but I slid a disc under a piece of metal and now it works"

[@Rowsdow3r]

I'm curious what it would be like if you rewired it to have a more sensitive transducer as the mic, and keep the speaker for playback. That's be and interesting thing to hear.

[@jagmarc]

One of the neatest things about this is the recording time indicator. You can see how long you have literally in centimeters

[@squelchedotter]

end sketch is golden

[@ljkkj2511]

I love all of this retro stuff!Thks for show us!

[@kulgan96]

your tech friends are gold

[@18000rpm]

This is genius! The cord is actually an intuitive, physical progress bar UI.

[@Steve-ln3kl]

Surprisingly good audio on that egg.

[@Shamus71]

I used to have a Datsun that would speak to you if a door was ajar, or if fuel level was low. This same type of mechanism was used in a module in the trunk. I took it a part and it was a magnetic disc with tracks for the various alerts that the play head would skip to.

[@edwardsp1916]

Great video, and love the sketch.

[@invadercem2]

This is really cool! I love taking things apart and putting them back together! You got a subscriber outta me. Cheers!

[@jurivlk5433]

I'm a Seiko fan from many years and my father was selling the watches with success. I don't remember these eggs, maybe they were sold only in Japan. We sold pyramid shaped talking clocks or the Seiko wrist computer 2000 in 1983. They also had the first TV-watch or the first watch with pulsation meter. My wrist computer is still working fine.