Nico Tangara Transforms Vintage Phone into AI-Powered Device

Designer Nico Tangara continues his ongoing exploration of analog-digital integration with a project that transforms a vintage rotary telephone into a multifunctional device combining a **music player **and an AI-based voice interface. The design maintains the rotary dial as the primary input system, repurposing its mechanical pulse signals for contemporary digital commands.

The project began with the restoration of an original rotary phone. Most internal components were preserved, while elements incompatible with low-voltage digital hardware, such as the high-voltage bell mechanism, were removed. Corroded wiring was replaced to ensure stable electrical performance. The existing reset mechanism, activated either by placing the handset on the cradle or pressing the front button, was kept as part of the operational logic.

all images courtesy of Nico Tangara

Integrating AI and Digital Processing into an Analog Framework

A key technical process involved interpreting the rotary dial’s mechanical pulses and converting them into digital signals. This established an interface where each number functions as a programmable command within the updated system.

For its AI voice functionality, the device integrates the ChatGPT voice model, Whisper for speech-to-text transcription, and Google TTS for output. Initial testing was conducted on a Raspberry Pi 4 for rapid processing, later transitioned to a Raspberry Pi 2 to suit lighter usage demands. Audio performance was enhanced by replacing the original speaker and microphone with components connected through a USB sound card, offering improved sound quality and straightforward compatibility with the Raspberry Pi. Through these modifications, designer Nico Tangara’s project retains the physical character of the rotary phone while introducing a digital framework that supports new forms of interaction.

vintage rotary phone reimagined as a hybrid analog–digital device

the rotary dial remains the primary command interface

mechanical pulse signals translated into digital inputs

corroded wiring replaced to stabilize electrical performance

original internal components preserved during restoration

mechanical pulse signals translated into digital inputs

rotary pulses mapped to programmable digital commands

interior hardware blends restored components with digital modules