Inspired by the future of sports cars, the original Amida Digitrend was way ahead of its time when it was introduced in 1976. It was well accepted as a driver’s timepiece, but did not make a significant move in the watchmaking world then. Yet, as the legends would, after almost five decades, the watch is making a time-relevant revival in the limited “Take Off Edition.”

Conceived to mark the 50th anniversary of Amida Digitrend’s original model, the Take Off Edition is an amalgamation of heritage and nostalgia. Marking some clever, modern, consumer-centric watchmaking nuances, like the mechanical movement, all steel case, and sapphire crystal prism for display, the watch is a result of the dramatic commitment of a team of enthusiasts including watch designer Matthieu Allègre.

Designer: Amida

The reimagined, modernized version of the new Digitrend functions on the same principle as the OG. It may have the manually wound mechanical movement replaced with an automatic movement i.e. a Soprod’s Newton caliber offering 44 hours of power reserve, but it retains the unique time-telling mechanism that allows a diver to see the time without having to lift the hand from the steering wheel.

For this, the watch has the usual horizontal, dual hour and minute discs, which using the sapphire crystal prism for the display show them vertically; the prism even helps magnify the vertically presented digital numerals for better legibility. This atypical display of the Amida Digitrend is a result of its unusual case shape inspired by classic sports cars and modern architecture. To that accord, the car-body-like case of the Digitrend is made from a block of 316 L stainless steel. It is sleeker – measuring 39mm across – than the original yet maintains a retro-futuristic vibe to it.

The steel casing is overly opaque revealing nothing more than the dashboard-style time display and a winding crown on the side. On the left side of the display are the jumping hours and the trailing minutes are visible in the right corner, with Amida Digitrend typography taking up the center space. The caseback is visually interesting with a serial number for the Take Off Edition, a rocket art, and a see-through window showing the new movement in its entirety. The new Amida Digitrend watch, is set to be available for preorder starting May 28 (delivery to begin in October). It comes paired with either a charcoal Alcantara strap or an orange-colored calfskin strap with a stainless steel buckle.

The post A driver’s delight – the Amida Digitrend makes resounding comeback after 50 years first appeared on Yanko Design.

At Milan Design Week, we got to witness a range of intriguing flat-pack furniture by researchers from the Swiss design school ÉCAL. The interesting collection needs to be immersed in water to reach its final finished form. Dubbed Under Pressure Solutions or UPS, the furniture is crafted from thin and compressed sheets of cellulose sponge, which enables the products to be packed into flat parcels. In fact, some of the objects are compact enough to be pushed through a letterbox, facilitating more efficient shipping.

Designer: ÉCAL

Once you receive the products you need to soak them in the bath or shower, which allows them to blow up to around 10 times their original size in a few seconds. You then wrung out the sponge, and leave it to dry, hardening it, and forming a sturdy, durable, and self-supporting form of furniture that can support the weight of a person. The furniture collection is way better than conventional plastic foam when it comes to durability.

“Cellulose is a part of nature so, like a tree, it can be flexible and strong at the same time,” said ÉCAL researcher and industrial designer Christophe Guberan. The sponge is extracted from wood offcuts, and it is equipped with strength due to the same cellulose fibers that is utilized by a tree to reinforce its trunk and branches.

To create the sponge, the cellulose was derived from woodcuts. The cellulose was then chemically dissolved and regenerated to create sheets utilizing the same process that produces viscose and other cellulose textiles. Glauber’s salt is then added into those concoction, providing the sponge with its pores, and strengthening the cellulose’s ability to absorb water. This material is sold as standardized sheets that are then compressed and dehydrated to support smooth and easy transportation.

By adding small amounts of water, the various furniture pieces can become flexible once again, and they can be repaired by smoothing out any dents. And once the lifecycle of the furniture has been completed, it can be recycled or composted in the backyard.

The post Meet USP – A Sponge Furniture Collection You Can Grown And Expand In Your Own Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

One of my plans in life when I eventually retire is to live somewhere near the beach and just have a daily walk along the shore. Aside from nature and people watching, another thing that I enjoy is to look at some of the things that people leave, intentionally or unintentionally, by the shore and in the water and wonder what’s the story behind it. Of course it’s not a good thing that these trash are left there so it will also be part of my routine to clean this up and think of ways to encourage people not to litter on the beach.

Designers: Shoma Furui and Kem Kobayashi

One idea that came from someone who has been seeing all these tiny pieces of trash left on the Makuhari Beach in Chiba City is to create a game out of them. Debris is a tower-stacking game similar to Jenga and Uno Stacko but is made from the marine plastic collected from the area. The tiles have different color patterns based on the season and the collection site where these microplastics came from. It uses VOC-free (no volatile organic compounds) and water-based acrylic resin as a binding agent.

While you’ll have fun playing the game (if this is your thing), the designer also wants to make Debris a way for consumers to engage with environmental issues. Regular beach clean ups do help keep the shore and water clean but there are also those tiny pieces that remain buried and erode into invisible microplastics. They have an effect on the marine environment that sometimes may not be so visible or obvious to us. Having a game made from these pieces can help us think about our effect on our environment.

It can also be interesting to think about what these colors and shapes were in their previous life as trash. But the important thing is that the materials and process in creating Debris is fully sustainable and it can be disposed of properly when you no longer need it. And hopefully, you get to think about what you’re doing to help preserve marine life and keep places like beaches a safe haven for all.

The post Tower game made from marine plastic helps you think about environmental impact first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most of our modern infrastructure and architecture is bad on concrete, and the production of cement used in concrete is one of the biggest causes of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions. This constitutes a serious issue that must be addressed, especially with the current state of our Planet Earth. In this effort, Nendo displays a specimen of a greener and cleaner way to construct and build with its Block-Wall House. The Block-Wall House is partially built using a new concrete that captures carbon dioxide instead of emitting it!

Designer: Nendo & Kajima Corporation

Tucked away in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, the Block-Wall House is located next to a rural road. The house features a lot of glazing, to offer privacy against pedestrians and passing vehicles. The home is equipped with an angled screen which lets residents look out but makes it quite difficult for a passerby to glance inside. This screen is made using 2000 blocks which have been arranged in parallel rows to form five walls, with a length of 360 feet. This screen is made from the aforementioned sustainable and novel concrete!

This newly developed concrete is made by the Kajima Corporation in collaboration with the Chugoku Electric Power Co, Denka, and Landes Co. The concrete is named CO2-SUICOM, and for its production, a special cement mixture is placed in a curing chamber, and carbon dioxide is pumped into the chamber for absorption. This absorbed CO2 gets stuck inside the concrete and is not released. It is as strong as regular concrete!

“Generally, concrete hardens through a chemical reaction between cement and water,” explains Kajima Corporation. “But with CO2-SUICOM, over half the cement is replaced with a material we call γ-C2S. Instead of reacting with water, γ-C2S reacts with the CO2 in the air to harden. After mixing the materials needed to create CO2-SUICOM, the concrete can be placed in a location with high CO2 levels so it can capture the CO2 and harden, trapping the gas inside. For example, a thermal power plant or other facility that produces carbon-heavy exhaust gases can redirect the gases into a carbon sequestration chamber, where concrete products made with CO2-SUICOM can be placed to capture the CO2 in the gases.”

Currently, the price of producing CO2-SIUCOM concrete is about three times higher than usual concrete in Japan. Hence, work is being done to bring down the price, and Kajima Corporation believes that the concrete will become more economical in the future.

The post Nendo Installs A Carbon-Capturing Wall In A Contemporary Japanese Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

The kitchen is not only a space for cooking but it has evolved into a space for family bonding as well as an interactive space during social gatherings. Just like we pay attention to the décor of the living room and bedroom, it is advisable to enhance the overall look of the kitchen. Since it is not practical to dismantle an existing kitchen, here are some smart and easy ways to enhance the overall look of the kitchen without completely replacing it.

Designer: MAGPIE

1. Paint the Kitchen Cabinets

Image courtesy of: FollowTheFlowStudio

Painting the cabinets can enhance the look of the kitchen at a fraction of the cost. When deciding on the color of the kitchen cabinets, make sure that the cabinets match with color of the countertop and the walls. Opt for glossy or matte finish paint on the cabinets and replace old knobs and handles with new ones as it is one of the easiest ways to upgrade the look of the kitchen cabinets.

2. Install Designer Tiles

Image courtesy of: FollowTheFlowStudio

The kitchen backsplash can transform into a beautiful canvas for introducing color and pattern into your kitchen décor. Tiles come in a variety of styles, colors, and textures, and have the ability to completely transform the appearance of any kitchen just like in this example above. The geometric tile patterns in hues of white, black, and grey combine with the all-white cabinetry to elevate the overall look of the kitchen and impart a modern look to the interiors.

3. Introduce Dual Tones

Image courtesy of: vanitjan

Break away from the conventional, monochromatic color scheme like whites, off-whites, and browns that are found in most kitchens. Instead, consider incorporating a bold, contrasting color or a vibrant shade to infuse a sense of joy into your kitchen’s design. One effective approach to achieve this is by incorporating dual tones, like the bold color combination of tomato red and dark grey overhead and base cabinets of this contemporary kitchen design.

4. Accessorize the Kitchen

One can enhance the overall ambiance of the kitchen by incorporating decorative cookware that is not only functional but also serves as stylish accessories. Some of the most commonly used items that can make a statement include colanders, platters, pots, pans, ladles, and dishes. They effortlessly form a vibrant and eye-catching display with their various shapes, sizes, and colors. Make it a point to keep the counters clean and clutter-free as cluttered surfaces pull down the look of the kitchen.

Designer: Ernest Perera

Dish racks not only hold plates, utensils, and glassware but also serve a dual role by facilitating the drying process via effective water drainage. The Aurea drying racks are crafted from “stratify wood,” and they resemble wooden cutouts that can be used for accommodating plates, openings for wine bottles, and raised sections for cups.

Designer: Gianluca Soldi for SoldiDesign

The Ovetto wastebin is designed by Gianluca Soldi for SoldiDesign while this egg-shaped waste and recycling bin is named after the Italian word for egg and it features an artistic and functional design. The bin includes three compartments for easy waste and recyclable sorting. In this bin, users can simply push one of the three circular hatches to dispose of their waste, and when it’s full, the sides can be opened for removal. Another interesting feature is that the bin has a concealed integrated bottle crusher on top, while its curved shell gives it an elegant sculptural appearance that makes it a decorative statement piece when not in use.

5. Layered Lighting

Image courtesy of: anontae2522

One of the easiest ways to upgrade the look of the kitchen is by designing the space with a layered lighting scheme. This includes ambient lighting for the overall illumination of the space, and task lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting or chimney lighting, which provides focused illumination for food preparation. One can replace ordinary pendant lights with decorative pendant lights in the kitchen or install statement lights above the kitchen island. Also LED lights can be used to illuminate the cabinets.

6. Introduce a Green Thumb

Introduce color and create an artistic kitchen space by hanging planters to showcase your greens or simply grow microgreens. This arrangement not only looks good but also provides organic food for the family while a fresh bouquet of flowers is also an interesting way to elevate the look of the kitchen.

Designer: Tilden Cooper (Assoc. AIA)

Nutraponics is an automated hydroponics system, that functions as a self-sustaining indoor garden that uses water-based solutions instead of soil. This innovative device simplifies plant care by managing growth and monitoring the crops. It combines various technologies, like the balanced light spectrum of the Grow Ring and an electronically controlled water pump, which delivers nutrient-rich water to plant roots through a patented water distribution panel, ensuring plants receive the necessary nourishment as and when required promoting efficient and heat-free growth.

7. Introduce Built-in Appliances

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

Upgrade the overall look of the kitchen and give it a clutter-free appearance with built-in appliances as they work as ergonomic space savers that ensure easy maintenance and create an organized and efficient workspace. Concealing appliances behind closed doors adds sophistication and gives the look of bespoke furniture with a seamless look. However, make sure that the cabinet finishes the match with the appliance fronts. Additionally, one can incorporate the range hood into custom cabinetry to complement the overall kitchen design.

Designer: Alperen Çağdaş

The HIDE is a sleek built-in oven with a hidden interface panel that functions as a hidden handle. This appliance combines the convenience of modern automatic doors, which seamlessly integrates with the kitchen aesthetics.

Designer: Samsung

Samsung has ventured into the Bespoke line that aims to enhance consumers’ lives through innovative design collaborations with artists and designers. The brand actively promotes global participation and recognizes the power of collaboration. Samsung’s Bespoke concept empowers customers to create designs that reflect their unique personality, transforming it into a creative partnership that fosters self-expression for both artists and consumers.

8. Create a Sitting Area

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

In an open-style kitchen, one can improve the functionality of the kitchen by introducing a cozy breakfast counter with head-turning stools. This is a functional addition that not only provides extra seating but also serves as an interesting design statement.

9. Upgrade the Sink

The choice of sink material and the design of the faucets can immediately enhance the look of the kitchen and one can choose from options such as stainless steel, enamel-coated, fire clay, or granite sinks.

Designer: Shubh Wadel

The Grifo-A Sliding Faucet is an innovative faucet that is designed to tackle the challenges associated with conventional dishwashing methods. The faucet reimagines the sink’s functionality, reducing water wastage, introducing height-adjustable sink options, simplifying and expediting procedures, and implementing an efficient leftover food disposal system.

10. Install a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island helps create an extra countertop, that helps in creating a clutter-free space for cooking, and entertaining, and enhancing the overall look of the area.

Designer: Falper

The Falper’s Small Living Kitchens aims to revolutionize the kitchen experience in compact homes. It features kitchen islands that are meticulously crafted to impart a sense of spaciousness and luxury to even the tiniest kitchen spaces. The Small Living Kitchen makes a statement and seamlessly integrates into a variety of home settings, from apartments to houses. These tips will surely help you to upgrade the overall look of your kitchen like a pro.

The post Top Ten Ways to Give a Stylish Makeover to Your Existing Kitchen first appeared on Yanko Design.

One of the most annoying smells I can think of are clothes that dried indoors and did not get any air circulation. That musty smell can be suffocating, even if the clothes were actually cleaned upon washing. Those living in houses or condo units that do not have proper airing space for wet clothes may be familiar with this smell. But what if you can have a drying rack that not only helps your wet clothes dry but also add a pleasing scent to it even as it’s not actually aired outdoors?

Designer: Seungbin Lee

This is the idea behind Air Blossom, a concept for an air drying rack for those living in single households that don’t have proper air circulation. It lets your clothes dry while getting rid of the musky smell that comes from drying indoors through scent filters that are part of the drying process. Aside from this fragrant innovation, the rack can also turn into a display when not in use. Clothes drying on a rack are not the most aesthetically pleasing sight but afterwards, you can turn the rack into a piece of art in the background of your space.

On the surface, it looks like a folding table when not used for anything. When you unfold it and lock it down, it turns into an air drying rack that can is able to rotate your clothes as they dry. There is a filter on the side where you can put your preferred scent so your clothes will not have that dried inside musty smell. When you fold it up and want to use it as a display, the “blinds” close together to form a photo or a painting. It’s unclear if the image and the scent can be customized or if you have to choose from the different options available.

The photo renders show the air drying rack in different pastel colors so maybe you can choose from the one that can fit your home. As someone who lives alone and barely does any clothes washing but maybe still needs it every once in a while, something like this can come in handy.

The post Air drying rack can make your clothes smell nice and your room look pretty first appeared on Yanko Design.

They say Denim was invented in the 17th century, and popularized across parts of Europe and North America in the centuries after that. The material, which was derived while trying to produce a heavy-duty fabric, was perfect for workers in mines, factories, quarries, and gold diggers during the California Gold Rush in the late 19th century. It was durable, tough, comfortable, breathable, and frankly, looked good in both clean or slightly ripped-up styles. In 1873, Levi Strauss obtained a US patent for putting rivets in denim jeans, helping enhance their longevity, and practically turn the garment from a worker essential into a fashion staple. However, denim hasn’t seen much of a change since then. Sure, there have been minor improvements to the manufacturing like the integration of stretchable yarns that give denim a 4-way stretch, but jeans today are still fundamentally no different from the ones made post 1873… and S Jordan Berman and Peter McDougald Juhl want to change that. You see, jeans were originally designed for laborers, but are now worn by practically everyone, and that’s a bit of a problem. Berman and Juhl’s redesigned jeans, dubbed the Standard Issue Denim 001, are actually designed for everyday life – with a fit that’s perfect for work, leisure, and even sport, and a fabric that’s durable, stretchable, and breathable. Life’s changed a lot since 1873… it’s time our jeans changed too.

Designers: S Jordan Berman and Peter McDougald Juhl

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $130 ($30 off). Hurry, deal ends in less than 24-hours!

The Standard Issue Denim 001 isn’t like your regular pair of jeans – it’s designed simultaneously to be worn with semi-formals, casuals, or even as functional-wear while camping and hiking. The jeans boast a perfect fit made possible without needing a belt, and have a unique 4-way stretch fabric that helps you do everything short of actual parkour (or maybe you could), without sacrificing durability.

The secret lies in the fabric. Wares for All Reasons utilizes a proprietary HS Tech stretch denim that combines durability with exceptional flexibility using a combination of 98% cotton and 2% stretchable materials. This allows for a full range of motion without sacrificing the classic denim look. Whether you’re lunging at the gym or negotiating a deal at the office, these jeans are designed to move with you. But functionality isn’t the only focus – The Standard Issue Denim 001 comes in a classic, clean silhouette, free from excessive embellishments. This timeless design ensures the jeans will remain a staple in your wardrobe for every season for years to come.

The jeans boast some clever detailing too, like the split waist construction that allows the waistline to stretch and contract based on your body, giving you a snug fit without a belt. High-step knee darts give you a wide range of motion, allowing you to bend your knees without feeling the fabric stretching too much or pressing against your skin. Zippered pockets at the back give your wallet secure storage, and a slim 5-pocket design also gives you ample storage for your belongings and EDC without that baggy appearance that most cargo pants with multiple pockets have. A high-vis reflective ankle strap lets you be spotted in low light, and a webbing loop in the rear lets you secure your keys or a carabiner to your pants in a way that you really can’t with regular denims unless you attach them to a belt loop.

The Standard Issue Denim 001 comes in 8 sizes with one classic color option (and more on the way). Each pair of Standard Issue Denim 001s is vegan, manufactured ethically, and with a circular product life-cycle. The jeans are made to be durable and last for thousands of washes and tens of thousands of wears (this might just be the last pair of jeans you’ll want to buy), and if and when the jeans finally wear out, they can be returned to their manufacturers who will either repair them for you or offer a 10% discount on your next pair of jeans.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $130 ($30 off). Hurry, deal ends in less than 24-hours!

The post Meet the All-Purpose Jeans that are Reinventing Denim After Nearly 200 Years first appeared on Yanko Design.

In major cities worldwide, the ever-increasing cost of living and space crunch have become common challenges. Toronto, one of Canada’s prominent cities, is no exception. To address this issue, it’s crucial to optimize every available space. In the contemporary era of interior design, the focus has shifted towards planning and adapting to small spaces, mobile housing, multi-use spaces and furniture. As more people yearn to experience city life, it’s imperative to make even the smallest spaces comfortable. The Symington Laneway Suite, situated in Toronto’s Junction neighborhood, is a quintessential example of innovative space utilization and modern interior design.

Designer: Lanescape Architecture

In the heart of Toronto’s Junction neighborhood, on a narrow 17-foot wide lot, stands a beacon of modern living: the Symington Laneway Suite. This 1,000 square foot (92sqm), 2-storey home is a testament to ingenuity, offering a 1-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom residence conveniently close to parks, transit, and community amenities. The exterior is built using black corrugated metal, while horizontal planks add texture to the ground floor, making it feasible to construct.

Don’t be fooled by its size, this suite is packed with features. As you approach, the bright yellow entry door immediately catches the eye. Behind it lies a den/study, complete with a desk, a cozy sitting area, and a built-in shelving niche – perfect for work-from-home needs or simply completing tasks during the day.

Moving through the space, towards the rear of the laneway house, you’ll find the dining area and kitchen. The dining area boasts banquette seating, while the kitchen is adorned with under-cabinet lighting, adding to its ambiance. A sliding door seamlessly extends this open-plan space to a small patio, offering a delightful outdoor escape.

Step onto the patio and take in the ingenious architectural design. The second floor of the laneway house cantilevers outward, providing an additional 3 feet of livable space inside. Stairs between the den and the dining area/kitchen lead to the upper level of the home. Here, a glass partition and railing allow natural light to travel throughout the interior. Upstairs, the small living room, featuring a fireplace, overlooks the laneway with a more private view towards West Toronto. The bedroom and bathroom are located at the rear of the house, facing the yard. Both rooms boast a neutral color palette with added interest in the form of artwork and wallpaper.

The secret to the spacious feel lies in the open floor plan, with not many walls, and large windows that allow light to flow through the space, making it seem open and airy, rather than claustrophobic. The use of a light color palette also makes the space look bigger and airy, making it feel larger than it is. Moreover, the addition of plants brings life to the space, enhancing its overall ambiance.

The post This Tiny Home In A 17-Foot Wide Lot In Toronto Is Redefining Urban Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dubbed the OutIn Nano, this little flask-shaped beauty is your key to a golden cup of coffee literally anywhere. Use it indoors, outdoors, or even in the sky – the OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Maker lets you pull a shot of espresso anywhere, letting you relish your coffee whenever you want. Even equipped with its own water heater, the Nano will warm up your water as it brews the coffee, which means you really don’t need anything apart from an empty cup and a caffeine craving.

Designer: OutIn

The OutIn Nano is perhaps the only portable espresso maker that will heat your water for you. Sure, other portable espresso makers boast a compact design, but every single one of them needs you to add your own hot water. That really isn’t a concern for the OutIn Nano, which has its own heating coil that ensures you get a perfect espresso shot even if all you have is tap water or mineral water around. The vertical flask-shaped design lets you add water to the top, and either a Nespresso or Keurig pod at the bottom, or a small puck filled with your own coffee grounds. A single-button interface gets your coffee brewing, and a built-in pump extracts your espresso right into the OutIn Nano’s cap, which serves as a nifty cup.

A 7500mAh battery powers the OutIn Nano, heating up water in just 200 seconds. Alternatively, you could just add hot water the way you would with any other portable espresso maker and that should speed up the process. The battery life also significantly differs between cold and hot water, with the OutIn Nano brewing 5 cups of coffee if you add cold water and rely on the built-in water heater feature, or a stunning 200 cups of coffee on a full battery if you use pre-heated water.

The resulting coffee is deliciously authentic, with a rich crema created by heating/brewing at 92°C/198°F and passing the water through the coffee grounds at an impressive 20 bars of pressure. The entire cycle takes just 4 minutes from start to finish (if you use the water heater), giving you your espresso. The OutIn Nano holds as much as 80ml of water, which is more than enough for a double-shot, allowing you to either drink your coffee neat or turn it into an Americano or a latte by adding water or milk.

Weighing just 700 grams, the OutIn Nano was practically built for the outdoors. It comes in 5 colors, charges via USB (even working with your car charger), and ships in a soft-shell case that includes the entire coffee-making kit. Heck, the Nano even won both the Red Dot and iF Design Award last year for its impressively compact design.

The post The World’s First Portable Espresso Maker with its own Water Heater lets you Brew Coffee literally anywhere first appeared on Yanko Design.

Even tinier than the PS5 Slim that launched in October last year, this fan-made gaming rig is small enough to slide into a backpack, has a glowing PS logo on the front, docks and charges two DualShock controllers on either side, and has a thermal performance that almost matches up to the regular PS5. Designed by YouTuber NFC, this ‘PlayStation Mini’ relies on a reimagined architecture and an external disc drive that helps cut space by nearly 70%, giving you a final console that’s merely 30% the size of its original self. No Ozempic was involved…

Designer: Not From Concentrate

When rumors of the PS5 Slim began making rounds on the internet, YouTuber NFC (short for Not From Concentrate) hoped that Sony would radically shrink the console and make the disc drive external instead of detachable. Instead, we got a marginally smaller console that had a disc drive that could only be used by snapping it onto the side of the vertical console. Not that anything’s wrong with the PS5 Slim, we think it’s an iteratively improved console, but NFC definitely found himself wanting more. The journey he embarked on is one that not all of us can take – it involved deep designing, engineering, and using CNC machines and 3D printers to build everything from new outer housings to inner thermal architectures, and even adding a logo and backlight to make it something so professional it looked like it came out of Sony’s own headquarters.

The resulting PS5 Mini is probably a one-off unit that NFC built for the YouTube video (you can watch the entire thing above), but it’s a sheer work of art and engineering. Anyone can rip circuitry off from the existing PS5 and cram it into a new plastic body… but only a few of them can do such a great job that the resulting PS5 Mini has a performance that rivals its bigger sibling. In fact, the tinier console is nearly 3.3 liters in volume, making it significantly smaller than the 10.5-liter PS5. It’s so small it fits into most backpacks and is no larger than a thick book.

The PS5 Mini comes with a construction featuring metal, plastic, and even carbon fiber parts. It has a completely new heat sink, a new chassis, outer body with massive grills on the side for air flow, a new fan, and even backlit plastic components that glow blue when the machine’s on. It also features not one but two DualShock controller docks that also charge your controllers when put in place, doing something that even the OG PlayStation couldn’t.

The new build features up to 20 redesigned components that were either made in NFC’s studio workshop on his CNC machine or 3D printer, or ordered from a fabrication website. The size of the new PS5 Mini was determined by the motherboard, which was a compact rectangular little component that served as the starting point for the console’s design. NFC uses a Black-Ridge CPU Cooler heat sink, and even a new fan and fan controller because the original PS5’s fan is a massive component that played a major role in what made the original console so big. NFC explains that Sony prioritized console ‘quietness’ with the old design, owing to the large fan size (larger fans move more air at slower speeds, creating less noise). The power supply was replaced with a smaller 250W GaN one, the front was capped off with carbon fiber that contrasted the white outer body beautifully, and NFC used the original PS5’s status LEDs to light up a new PS logo that now adorned the front.

Surprisingly, even the thermals match up to the original, with idle temperatures being a mere 1°C hotter, and gaming temperatures hitting a marginal but impressive 4°C hotter than the original. The way NFC did this is by literally wiring temperature probes into the different parts of the console to get a holistic reading of the console’s temperature at all times. The new fan works in theory, but NFC does point out that making everything smaller means having a marginally noisier fan. Luckily, this could easily be taken care of by placing the console near some speakers, that would wash out the fan’s sound.

The post Fan-made PlayStation 5 ‘Mini’ is 70% smaller than Sony’s Original PS5 and fits in backpacks first appeared on Yanko Design.

Despite developing an operating system that’s used on a variety of devices and computers, Google has practically snubbed anything other than a smartphone. It’s notorious for having a love-hate relationship with tablets, for example, so it was a bit of a surprise that Google would launch its own foldable device. Perhaps even more surprising is how it might actually release a second-gen foldable phone. Given its pedigree, the next Google foldable is definitely going to pique people’s curiosity, whether it will be called the Pixel Fold 2 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Judging from what we’ve been hearing so far, this foldable phone will be undergoing several significant changes, though not all of them might appeal to Pixel fans and onlookers alike.

Designer: Google (renders courtesy of Smartprix, @OnLeaks)

Google Pixel Fold 2: Design

For three generations since the Pixel 6 in 2021, Google seemed to have settled on a signature design that, unusual as it may have been, gave its phones a unique personality. It seems, however, that Google has gotten tired of that look and will be moving to a different design for the Pixel 9 series. For better or for worse, that change is apparently happening to the foldable version of the Pixel as well, but not in the same way as leaks and renders would have it.

The camera bump, which was a horizontal bar across the width of the Pixel Fold’s “back,” has now been reduced to a more conventional rectangle. But unlike the ones you’d see on other smartphones, Google opted for an odd horizontal layout, with black pill-shaped markings that hold the actual camera lenses. It’s definitely an unusual design, but unlike the current “visor” shape, many might find it visually unappealing.

Fortunately, there will be even more important design changes in store for the Pixel Fold 2 (or Pixel 9 Pro Fold), though they might be a bit more subtle. According to rumors and at least one leaked prototype, the next Google foldable will have an outer screen that is taller than its predecessor, yielding an unfolded shape that is more square than the first Pixel Fold as well. Whereas the Pixel Fold had a rectangular shape that resembled a small notebook, the Pixel Fold 2 could be more like a minuscule iPad mini.

This change in screen aspect ratios isn’t just cosmetic and will have important usability implications. It won’t be as tall and narrow as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which is notorious for being almost unusable as a regular phone, but it could make it a bit more awkward to use the Pixel Fold 2 in folded form, at least with a single hand. Those who loved the current wider design of the Pixel Fold might be disappointed, but those who missed using a 16:9 phone will welcome this change.

Google Pixel Fold 2: Specs and Software

With the change in screen aspect ratios come changes in screen sizes as well, and everyone will probably love what’s rumored so far. The Pixel Fold 2/Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to have bigger screens on both sides, though there is some agreement on the exact sizes. Some claim that the external Cover Screen will be 6.4 inches and the main foldable screen will be 7.9 inches, while another source uses 6.29 inches and 8.02 inches for those same screens, respectively. Either way, it will still be a significant size boost compared to the current Pixel Fold’s 5.8-inch exterior and 7.6-inch interior displays.

As far as the hardware is concerned, Google might debut a new Tensor G4 on the Pixel Fold 2, a very big leap from the Tensor G2 on the OG Pixel Fold. Details on this new processor are still extremely slim at this point, but you can expect significant performance improvements, especially on Google’s favorite AI features. Uncharacteristically, Google might also be extra generous and give the Pixel Fold 2 as much as 16GB of RAM, something that even the Galaxy Z Fold 6 isn’t expected to have.

There seems to be some disagreement on which version of Android the Pixel Fold 2 will ship with, but that mostly depends on when the foldable device will actually launch. It could go with Android 14, which is the current version in circulation, or it could delay it to coincide with the release of Android 15. Pushing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s launch to the end of the year might sound unreasonable, but there might be one very good reason for doing so. Android 15 betas have revealed that Google implemented improvements to the behavior of apps on foldable phones, something that its Pixel Fold badly needed.

Google Pixel Fold 2: Cameras

It’s a bit surprising that there hasn’t been any news on the kind of cameras that the Pixel Fold 2 will bear. The new camera design on the back may look like Google was making room for an additional camera, but the lack of news in that department suggests otherwise. In short, the new Pixel Fold may still be using the exact same three sensors as the current model, with some additional lenses for focusing or maybe a thermal sensor for taking temperatures. It wouldn’t be unheard of for Google, since it prefers to rely on software solutions to improve image quality.

Another big camera design change will be the internal selfie camera which used to sit on the Pixel Fold’s ugly thick bezels. According to leaks and renders, the Pixel Fold 2 will do away with those atrocities, which means there’s a need to move the camera to a different place. The consensus is that it will take the form of an under-display camera similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, but it’s also possible Google will opt for a simpler solution that has a traditional punch-hole cutout for the camera.

Google Pixel Fold 2: Price and Release Date

Although the Pixel Fold 2, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will be advertised as an upgrade, it doesn’t seem like a huge generational leap if not for the difference in design and the new Tensor G4 processor. As such, it’s probably only reasonable to expect that the price tag won’t go higher than the $1,800 that the first Pixel Fold launched with. At the same time, it’s also not expected to go lower than that either.

As for its launch date, that could depend on whether Google wants to delay it to sync with Android 15’s release. If it’s fine with having it run Android 14 out of the box, it could follow the same schedule last year that saw the Pixel Fold hit shelves in June. Otherwise, we might be looking at an October date after Android 15 goes gold. Either way, we’ll definitely find out more next month when Google reveals the real deal at I/O 2024.

Google Pixel Fold 2: Final Thoughts

The first Pixel Fold was definitely a surprise for Google fans. It managed to carry some of the personality of the Pixel design language to a foldable phone, along with Google’s blessed flavor of the Android user experience. At the same time, however, it really failed to stand up to other options in the market, and its very thick bezels were a big turn-off for more design-conscious consumers.

Fortunately, the Pixel Fold 2 will be improving on those pain points, but it raises the question of whether it’s actually enough or if they’re the right changes to make. The screens will be larger and have thinner bezels, but Google is also moving away from an aspect ratio that was praised by some reviewers as one of its winning traits. The camera design will definitely be divisive, especially if it doesn’t bring significant improvements to the camera system anyway. While the Pixel Fold 2, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will catch the attention of Pixel fans and market watchers, it might not end up being the big hit that Google wants it to be, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of low sales that will lead to the early demise of Google’s foldable phone line.

The post Google Pixel Fold 2: News, Rumors, Price, and Release Date first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, as proven by the number of successful crowdfunded projects and launched products that try to capitalize on this ongoing retro trend, especially in the gaming industry. Vintage designs of the past are today’s quirky oddities, and there are many who are quick to jump on the bandwagon. While many of these retro designs try to also recreate the experience of holding a real gaming console or turntable with some modern features and conveniences, others are just content to copy the aesthetics of old-school products and leave it at that. This MagSafe iPhone charger might be in that latter category, and while it is charming in the way it brings back fun, playful memories, it could have probably gone further if it really wanted to.

Designer: Elago

To be fair, the Elago WS M5 Charging Stand does exactly what it says it does, which is to offer a fun MagSafe charger in the design of the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP. In that regard, it does its job well, providing a stable and useful stand for charging the phone. The fixed 30-degree angle, for example, is claimed to be perfect for watching videos or using iOS Standby Mode at night. It even has helpful support on its back to prevent the charger from tipping backward from the weight of the phone.

Elago never claimed that the stand was a functional gaming device, despite all visual indicators. It’s simply meant to inspire a trip down memory lane and nothing more. The buttons do nothing and you can’t fold the charger close like the original handheld it was based on. For a $25 MagSafe charging stand, that’s a bit disappointing. It sort of raises expectations and then dashes them quickly, making those good old days really feel more like a distant memory.

It’s also a missed opportunity for innovation and distinction. Sure, it won’t make much sense to turn it into a makeshift game controller, but having the buttons trigger some action on the phone or do anything at all is significantly better than making you feel like an idiot for expecting that a button press would actually result in something. A clamshell design would have also made this charging stand a bit more portable while relying on a kickstand mechanism to provide that same stability and support.

What this Game Boy-like MagSafe charger really accomplishes is to demonstrate the biggest benefit of this magnetic wireless charging technology. Sure, charging without cables is convenient, but its speed still leaves a lot to be desired. Instead, it’s the freedom to design a wider variety of accessories, from chargers to stands to docks, that MagSafe really shines, and this Elago WS M5, underwhelming as it might be, is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible.

The post Elago Game Boy style MagSafe iPhone charger looks fun but comes up short first appeared on Yanko Design.

If you’re someone who needs a break from the hectic and fast pace of life and needs to indulge in some much-needed me time, then you’re well aware that you need an assortment of accessories to help you achieve this feat. Pampering yourself, and allowing yourself to relax and unwind isn’t a task we can accomplish simply by ourselves. And this is where grooming products, self-care items, and little meditative designs come to the rescue! All you need is an array of thoughtful and well-designed products to give you some amazing me-time, enabling you to truly relax after a long hard day at work. From a zen-like Japanese lantern candle to a battery-free aroma diffuser – we’ve curated a collection of designs that are all you need to treat yourself and take better care of yourself.

1. Rotating Nail Clipper

Called the Rotating Nail Clipper, this unique and one-of-a-kind product protects your wrist from twisting and getting hurt if you ever sit down to trim your nails. It helps you cut your nails efficiently, and you don’t need to unnecessarily twist or bend your wrist to achieve the perfect angle.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

Why is it noteworthy?

This unique nail clipper features a rather practical design that protects you from having to unnecessarily bend your twist while cutting your nails. It is an ergonomic tool made from high-carbon stainless steel and anodized aluminum alloy and has a rather minimalist and clean design ethos.

What we like

• The sleek and clean design is quite easy to use
• You have a variety of colors to pick from

What we dislike

• The price tag is higher as compared to ordinary nail clippers

2. Japanese Lantern Candle

This pretty Japanese lantern resembles the traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, and it features an adorable pillar shape. This candle is a must-have for some self-care sessions when you simply wanna unwind, and let the stresses of the day fade away.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

Why is it noteworthy?

This quaint candle provides a contemporary take on an age-old iconic Japanese design. It offers a rather relaxing glow and has a minimal design ethos, which allows it to perfectly merge with any living space. The lantern is created by handcrafted artisans in Kurashiki, Japan.

What we like

• Since the wax is non-melting, it produces a pretty clarity on the candle

What we dislike

• You need to be careful while using it around children and pets, as it is a fire hazard

3. Legacy Precision Nail File

Designed by Yoshida Yasuri, the Legacy Precision Nail File is made in Japan using meticulous craftsmanship. The file is manufactured through an intricate three-stage sharpening process, making sure it is not dull, but nor does it have sharp edges like typical factory-made nail files.

Click Here to Buy Now: $29

Why is it noteworthy?

The thick stainless steel plate is shaped in all directions six times, on both sides of the nail file, to ensure it is fine, durable, and smooth.

What we like

• Guarantees lifelong durability
• Come along with a handmade leather sheath

What we dislike

• The intricate craftsmanship and quality materials make these files a significant investment compared to standard alternatives

4. Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser

Named the Battery-free aroma diffuser, this soothing little diffuser is what you need for some self-care. It lets you take in deep breaths while harnessing the power of a single candle by using simple physics and science.

Click Here to Buy Now: $249

Why is it noteworthy?

This innovative diffuser doesn’t need batteries, nor does it need any external power sources! The diffuser uses the heat of a single candle to emit lovely aromatic scents. It is build using sustainable materials, and hence it advocates an eco-friendly ethos.

What we like

• The diffuser is made from recyclable materials
• Compatible with different kinds of essential oils

What we dislike

• It doesn’t have electric controls, so it is difficult to adjust the intensity of the aroma

5. Japanese Cypress Vãs Wood Diffuser

Use the Japanese Cypress vãs wood diffuser to diffuse your favorite essential oils without any batteries, power, or electricity. You just need to add a few drops of oil, and the wood diffuser does its own natural magic!

Why is it noteworthy?

The design is inspired by the Latin word for a vessel which is vās, normally used to hold flowers. The vās itself is handcrafted from the Japanese hinoki cypress tree, giving you, not just a natural oil diffuser but also a decorative object to match your wooden theme if you have one.

What we like

• The wood diffuser works as a natural oil diffuser, as well as an elegant home accent

What we dislike

• You can only use 100% pure essential oils, as the diluted ones arent as aromatic and could damage the wood

6. Nike LED Mask

If you’re in the mood to indulge in some self-care and grooming, but don’t want to use the typical old masks from Sephora, then you may want to consider this Nike LED mask. This unique conceptual product lets people take care of their skin, without having to go to a facility to pamper their skin.

Why is it noteworthy?

The mask has a user-friendly CMF which allows users to get comfy with it, and handle it with ease. The mask features Nike’s sporty and fun image, which makes it quite relatable.

What we like

• You don’t need to touch your face with your hands
• Easy to use and accessible design

What we dislike

• It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product

7. Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set

Called the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, this little relaxation-inducing design is all you need to create the smell and lovely experience of having a memorable and enticing outdoor fire. It is the ideal design you need after a long day at work when you simply need to chill and unwind.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99

Why is it noteworthy?

The mini hardwood is retrieved from branches that would otherwise have to be thrown away. They radiate a comforting smoky smell when it is burnt on the little stainless steel oven. Just add a few drops of essential oils from the Mt. Hakusan trees, and you have an amazing outdoor scent.

What we like

• It can be used as a cooking or heating tool, by adding some wood

What we dislike

• Requires small pieces of wood of specific sizes

8. LightVision Meditation Headset

Dubbed the LightVision meditation headset, this unique innovation by Layer Design is amped with LED lights that produce a layer of magic to the visual feed of the user. This creative headset converts natural videos into a sequence of biomorphic design, which is still visible to the closed eyes.

Why is it noteworthy?

The various patterns can be seen as a constantly-changing kaleidoscopes of sequences that activate the brain’s “frequency-following response”. This creates a distraction-free state of mind, helping you focus and meditate.

What we like

• The headset has an ergonomic form which is comfy on the eyes and face

What we dislike

• Meditating with the help of screens may result in tired eyes if you’re using them for long periods

9. Stress-Free Aroma Diffuser

Named the Stress-free Aroma Diffuser, this little diffuser lets you sit back and relax, while taking in a wonderful array of aromatic blends that are designed to soothe your frantic mind, and help you relax. If you’re in the mood for some self-care, or to spend some quality time with your partner, the diffuser is an amazing ambience setter.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

The Stress-free Aroma Diffuser forms a gentle breeze, which lets the aroma softly and evenly disperse even if you’re sitting. It has a porcelain filter which soaks up all the oil to offer a long-lasting experience.

What we like

• The polished base provides an intriguing contrast to the organic-looking porcelain disc, creating a sophisticated decoration piece

What we dislike

• The diffuser seems quite fragile, so you need to handle it with care

10. Aroma Fragrance Pin

This little product is called the Aroma Fragrance Pin, and it is designed to be a tiny pin that maintains a pleasant aroma around you at all times, irrespective if you’re traveling or commuting around. It holds cotton with a lovely essential oil of your choice. It retains the strong fragrance around you.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The fragrance pin forms an individual fragrance bubble around you, and when the smell fades away, it can easily be topped up. It is a great product for those with sensitive noses who get bothered by the aerosol particles in usual perfumes.

What we like

• Functions as a stylish button-style accessory with a lot of colors to pick from

What we dislike

• You need to conduct some trial and error, to figure out how long the oil will last

The post Top 10 Essential Products For Some Grooming & Self Care Time first appeared on Yanko Design.

As a regular (addicted) coffee drinker, I use different methods to get my caffeine fix. Most of the time I just use a good ole coffee brewer but when I need a sort-of espresso fix, my coffee pod machine is the most convenient way since I don’t have an actual espresso machine. However we know that this isn’t the most environmentally-friendly way to consume coffee. But we’re seeing several brands come up with a more sustainable way forward for the k-cup industry.

Designer: Zenpack for Cambio

Cambio Roasters is one such brand that came up with organic coffee pods that were made up of just two materials: #5 polypropylene plastic and aluminum. But they didn’t want to just stop with the pods but come up with sustainable packaging as well. Zenpack created this container with eco-friendly materials that can serve also as a mini recycling bin for the pods before you bring them to the actual recycling bin.

The container is made from molded pulp with added vertical ribs to give it more structure. It is able to hold 10 pods both for when it is shipped and for when you want to hold your used pods. Even the label is sustainable as it’s a glue-free belly band with a tear strip. All of the elements of this packaging can be thrown into a larger receptacle recycling bin. The container can also be used as a temporary compost bin for your coffee grounds and other kitchen scraps.

With people becoming more conscious with how they consume products, it is good that more sustainable brands are emerging. We stan these brands that not only think of their main products but also their packaging, which can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

The post Eco-friendly coffee pod brand pairs product with sustainable packaging first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most of us probably presume that lamps either hang from ceilings, stick to walls, or stand on tables. While elevated lighting is indeed necessary to provide illumination in the darkness, every inch of your room or house definitely deserves a bit of light, especially when it adds a splash of color as well. As far as ambient lighting products go, the tall, stick-like figures known as RGB floor lamps are probably the least known or appreciated. Govee might very well be changing that perception with its new Floor Lamp Pro which not only brings pro-level features deserving of its name but also looks quite sleek and elegant standing anywhere in the room, even when all its lights are turned off.

Designer: Govee

Click Here to Buy Now: $219.99.

Aesthetics

Govee has dozens of designs for different kinds of lighting solutions, but if there’s one trait they share it’s that they shine best when the lights are on, figuratively and literally. When they’re off, they tend to look unimpressive, at least for those that aren’t hidden behind TVs or stuck to wall corners. Floor lamps, however, are always visible and are, therefore, designed to be seen. Fortunately, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro is something that you’ll love seeing even if there’s no light show taking place.

Available in black and gray color options, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro’s dark silhouette cuts a rather striking figure whether it’s standing in a corner or placed somewhere in the middle of the room. The floor lamp’s shape is pretty simple: a tall, thin rod standing on top of a cylindrical base. On closer inspection, you will realize that the rod is made of sturdy aluminum that slightly wraps around a white silicone LED light strip. You’ll hardly see this color contrast unless you intentionally turn the light strip into view, which is actually easy to do since you can rotate the rod 360 degrees.

The can-shaped base is covered with a fabric-like material reminiscent of those found wrapped around smart speakers. That association isn’t by accident as the Floor Lamp Pro, unlike Govee’s other lights, actually comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. This makes the product an all-in-one light and sound system, one of the extremely few floor lamps with such a feature. The bottom of the base itself isn’t covered by this soft material as it exposes the base’s own RGB lights, yet another defining feature of this new Govee Floor Lamp Pro.

Although you can expect the Govee Floor Lamp Pro to be a dazzling sight once the psychedelic lights start to dance, what sets this design apart is how it still catches your eyes once the show is over. Unless you’re familiar with these kinds of RGB floor lamps, you might actually mistake it as some modern design object meant to add some minimalist elegance to your room. This pretty much means that the Floor Lamp Pro provides value all the time, even when you’re not actively using its bright lights.

Ergonomics

Just like any Govee product, setting up the Floor Lamp Pro is practically a breeze. Given the rod’s 67-inch height, you shouldn’t be surprised that it comes in four pieces that you can quickly join and screw together in a snap. You slip in the silicone light strip and install the rod into the base, easily connecting the wires to finally finish the process. It can be done in around 10 minutes, depending on how well-versed you are at assembling things.

You won’t be handling the Govee Floor Lamp Pro most of the time, at least not directly, which is probably for the best. After all, it’s meant to stand in a corner of the room and stay there until the next time you redecorate. And even when you do need to control it, you won’t be able to do it on the lamp itself anyway because it lacks any form of physical control. Instead, you will be operating the lamp remotely, mostly through your smartphone.

Surprisingly, Govee ships a Bluetooth-enabled remote control with the Floor Lamp Pro, which gives you quick and instant access to some of the most basic and important functions. Instead of fiddling with the app to turn down the volume, you can simply press down the button on the remote to save you the trouble and the stress. And to make sure you don’t lose that small remote, you can magnetically stick it to the lamp’s metal rod until you next need its services.

The Govee Floor Lamp Pro isn’t exactly lightweight at 7.3lbs (3.3kg), but that’s fine since you’re unlikely to move it around anyway. One trick that it does have is that you can turn the rod around, making it trivial to customize the lighting experience from bouncing off walls to directly shining the light in your direction. All in all, this Govee product is just as easy to set up just like its siblings, though there is definitely some assembly required. Operating it is also straightforward, though the Govee Home app can admittedly be a bit daunting and overwhelming for first-time users, but that is mostly because of the plethora of features available for such a simple-looking product.

Performance

When you first turn on the Govee Floor Lamp Pro, you might actually be blinded by how bright the LED lights are. It is to be expected from a flagship Govee product, but this one definitely takes it up a notch with a 2,100 ANSI lumens brightness. Govee didn’t skimp on the LED beads either. The light strip, for example, has 162 RGB units and 162 white units, while the base has 30 RGB beads and 30 white beads.

What all these numbers mean in practice is that you have a bright and unbroken beam of light wherever the Floor Lamp Pro shines. You won’t see any distinct cuts or patterns on the projected light thanks to the high density of LED beads distributed along the length of the light strip. And thanks to Govee’s RGBICWW technology, your eyes are treated to the widest range of colors, turning every moment a psychedelic experience.

The Govee Floor Lamp Pro, however, doesn’t stop there. As mentioned earlier, this is one of the extremely few floor lamps to bear a speaker inside. And not just any speaker, mind you, but a Bluetooth speaker system with two full-range and one low-frequency speaker inside. What would normally be a captivating light show becomes an immersive multimedia experience that dances to the beat of your music or even your film. That speaker, though loud, won’t exactly blow your mind with its quality. It’s decent enough for small parties and enhancing the mood of a film or soundtrack, but it isn’t going to win any awards, especially against actual speakers from audio brands.

The Floor Lamp Pro has the ability to sync its lights to music like a magical light and sound show. It can use either the built-in mic to listen to the sounds around it or, better yet, the built-in Bluetooth speaker playing your own tunes streaming from your phone. With Govee DreamView, you can even sync other Govee lights so they all dance to the same beat, whether they’re in the same room or scattered throughout the house. This Music Mode is just one of the many features you can access from the Govee Home app, of course, and there are literally a dozen others you can pick out to set the right mood at the right time, from scheduled activation to scenes for different holidays. You can even enjoy 29 preset white noise sounds to calm you down and help you focus, though not everyone might like the available selection. Fortunately, you can always use your own relaxing notes thanks to the lamp’s speaker.

As a smart lamp, you have a variety of ways you can control the lamp, though what you’ve heard so far requires your fingers to tap your way through menus and options. You can also use your voice thanks to integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Unfortunately, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro doesn’t yet support the new Matter standard that would open up compatibility with other smart home platforms and devices. That will eventually come, but there’s no timeline yet for its arrival.

Sustainability

The Govee Floor Lamp Pro is an exceptional smart lighting product, but it isn’t that too different from other brands when it comes to the materials it uses. There’s plenty of plastic to go around, especially with the silicone light strip. That said, the Floor Lamp Pro is a little unique in its use of slightly more sustainable materials like the aluminum rod and fabric-like cover for the base.

Any damage, however, would require sending the product back for repairs, which is thankfully a straightforward and painless process. It’d be impossible to repair the light strip on your own, at least not without extensive electronics experience, though you might get by with a few dents and knicks on the metal rod. Hopefully, as Govee’s business grows, so will its efforts in sustainability in order to secure a brighter future for its customers.

Value

Truth be told, a floor lamp is a harder sell compared to products like string or strip lights. The latter are more general-purpose and more flexible as they can be used in almost any situation or design. That said, they also don’t have a big effect when it comes to coloring an entire space, at least not without investing in longer strips. Not only is that not economical, it’s not very efficient either.

The Govee Floor Lamp Pro has the power to really change the atmosphere inside a space. Whether it’s bouncing off walls or shining directly, the bright and colorful lights can easily reach across the room. The magic, however, really happens when you start pairing those lights with sounds coming from the lamp’s own speaker. Best of all, it remains just as captivating as a decorative design when it’s not in use. For a floor lamp that costs $219.99, that’s quite a steal.

Verdict

Smart floor lamps are still a pretty niche market, and it might be difficult to justify one or two if you’re not a gamer or a die-hard room modder. Of course, these aren’t the only audiences that these lights serve, but most people probably can’t imagine what they’d want a vertical stick of light for. With the Floor Lamp Pro, however, Govee is pushing the envelope of what floor lamps are capable of and trying to break the mold with a smart lighting solution that can instantly change the ambiance of a room in a cost-efficient and space-saving manner.

The configurable and bright RGB lights are already impressive, but their ability to sync with the music playing from the lamp’s built-in speakers really takes the immersion up a notch. The wide variety of modes and features enables you to almost literally paint a different picture of your room every time, whether you’re having a lively party or trying to focus on work. The Govee Floor Lamp Pro’s value, however, doesn’t end when the lights go off and the music stops. With a sleek minimalist design and quality materials, it becomes a design object that adds a different kind of aesthetic, one that can speak loudly with fewer words and without the dazzling lights.

Click Here to Buy Now: $219.99.

The post Govee Floor Lamp Pro Review: Elevate Your Space with Lights and Sounds first appeared on Yanko Design.

‘There is no friend as loyal as a book,’ but the benefits of reading and the entire idea of owning books are taking a back seat nowadays. The shift of entertainment forms to digital speeds has made our free time busier and immersed our reading hours in reels. The biggest sufferers of this neglect and transformation are kids who remain devoid of bedtime stories and instead are fixated on the screens, swiping through reels and videos with little quality to improve concentration or cultivate the habit of reading.

Taking advantage of all the benefits of reading is essentially impossible going forward. Of course, some parents have managed to keep the routine of reading bedtime stories to their kids; it’s really not a norm anymore. Chishu audiobook player was idealized to help children relive the losing charm of someone reading stories in bed to them. And following the humble recognition of the concept, it is now reimagined with new colors and approach.

Designer: Chanie Liao

Enter Chishu 2X audiobook player, a humble, handy device that wants to improve children’s concentration and cultivate in them the habit of listening to books, at least. The pocket-sized player, equipped with a specially designed story card, is tailored for children below the age of 12. A child can insert the card in a dedicated slot, tune the player to their audio liking, and play the story content while being engrossed in some secondary activity or playing.

The curved, interactive design of the Chishu 2X shortens the distance between children and the audiobook player, making it their storyteller capable of ‘immersing them in the world of stories’ at an early age. To make it more adaptable amid the little ones, the device comes in various base colors. However, each functional area on the device – the story card slot; volume rocker; skip next knob; and the speaker grill – all come in different color options, making the entire package fun to hold and playful to interact with.

Taking of interaction; the little window display in the top right, where the story card slots in from the top, kids can keep tab on the story they’re listening to. The speaker system of the new Chishu 2X has been upgraded and embedded within a lighter and more drop-resistant molded metal body, rendering the device suitable even for older children and young adults to explore.

The post Chishu 2X is a modern granny designed to read bedtime stories to your tiny tots first appeared on Yanko Design.

Designed by Spaces Architects@KA, this tall and narrow home in the streets of New Delhi, India has a unique and mesmerizing element to it. The home includes a large wall mural. This beautiful mural is the focal point of the home, and it covers multiple floors. Spanning through various stories, the mural occupies a significant space in the house, letting the work of art be beautifully integrated with the living space, while also holding a powerful place of its own.

Designer: Spaces Architects@KA

The colorful mural includes a tree with leaves, flowers, and birds. The home is adorned with interior walkways which offer unobstructed and clear views of the mural. Visitors can peacefully admire and gaze at the work of art. The delightful mural adds color and spark to an otherwise pretty neutral home, with a skylight offering natural lighting to the entire area. With the natural light falling artfully and gently on the mural, it creates an interesting effect, adding an other-worldly appeal to the home.

As you walk around the rest of the home, you are welcomed by a comfy space that is designed for a family of five. This spacious home has been tucked away inside a small and narrow site that measures 19 feet by 59 feet. The ground floor of the home can be used to host formal engagements as it includes a lounge, bar, and dining. The wall is lined by a sculptural wood bench, with the dining area softly transitioning into the lounge and bar space. The home also includes a formal living room.

The first floor of the home accommodates a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a kitchen, and a puja space for daily prayers and reflection. This floor was designed to meet the needs of the homeowner’s father. The bedroom is accentuated with gold accents, much like the bathroom. The bedroom also includes an artistic section of the wall. Patterned floor tiles and wallpaper mark the puja room. Cut-outs have been dispersed throughout the home to offer cross ventilation, which allows fresh air to breeze through the home quite naturally. The skylight besides offering access to sunlight, also cuts down the dependency on artificial lighting during the daytime.

 

The second floor of the home is designed for the two daughters. The bedrooms are a direct reflection of their personalities, aspirations, and requirements, paving the way for some individuality inside a collective family home. The third floor is for the homeowners, and this space includes a bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, and a study with a window seat.

The post This Skinny Home In New Delhi Is Brought To Life By A Colorful Mural Spanning Multiple Floors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple has a knack for igniting curiosity with its creative event teasers. This year, they’ve captivated us with an image of a hand holding an Apple Pencil, set against a backdrop shaped by an imaginative Apple logo, which has led to widespread speculation about potential iPad updates. I, along with other members of the media, was invited to tune into Apple’s “special event” on May 7th at 7 AM PST. We’re keen to see if products like the 2021 iPad Mini and the 2015 Magic Trackpad 3, still on the market and recently spotlighted by my colleague, will receive updates. The event, intriguingly named “Let Loose,” promises to possibly reveal these changes, all under the iconic Apple logo that creatively hints at what’s to come.

Designer: Apple

I’m betting that new iPad models being announced at the event will sport a larger 13-inch display while maintaining the sleek size and form factor we’re used to. The Pro model could really impress with a larger OLED screen, especially if they shift the front-facing camera to a horizontal layout. While we’re on the topic of design, I’m hoping for a stronger yet lighter build using titanium, and it wouldn’t hurt to slim down the thickness by 25% while upping the battery life. On the performance front, these new iPads are expected to be powered by the M3 chipset.

I really like the current Apple Pencil, but it wouldn’t hurt for Apple to give us something even more eye-catching. As for the Magic Keyboard, the design is great, but the first row of keys tends to get blocked by the iPad, and the trackpad feels too cramped for comfort. Thinking back to my titanium wish list, wouldn’t it be wild if Apple used titanium in a redesigned Magic Keyboard? That would definitely lighten the load when paired up. But coming back to reality, an aluminum build with a redesigned key layout and a larger trackpad would be more than welcome. And let’s not forget about giving the new iPad Pro some MagSafe compatibility. Just think of the endless accessories that could turn it into a dream machine for creatives and professionals alike.

Apple could potentially make subtle upgrades to the iPad Air and iPad mini or even discontinue the latter. One speculation is a larger 12.9-inch size iPad Air in addition to the 11-inch model. On the peripheral side, it’s unlikely that Apple will update the other products on Sarang’s list.

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The problem with racing simulator rigs are that they aren’t designed by automotive designers, they’re designed by gamers. Most sim-racers are fairly utilitarian looking, with an almost bare-basics cockpit-inspired design focusing on real-world feel. The most aesthetic part is almost always the driver’s seat, and everything else looks like a naked chassis. Not the Pininfarina Formula though… designed by Fabio Bilotta, this concept piece brings the world of automotive art and gaming together to create a rig so unique it’ll garner stares the same way a hypercar does.

Designer: Fabio Bilotta

The Pininfarina Formula combines sleek aesthetics with user-centered functionality. Paying homage to the iconic shape of the Istanbul Air Traffic Control Tower, it embodies a blend of sophistication and dynamism. The secret to the Pininfarina Formula’s sculptural beauty lies in its meticulous material selection. Carbon fiber offers a perfect balance of strength and lightness, while reinforced plywood ensures long-lasting durability. Stainless steel adds a touch of class, and genuine leather elevates the experience with a luxurious feel.

The Pininfarina Formula models itself ergonomically on Formula 1 cars, positioning the user’s feet at shoulder height for optimal control and mimicking the posture of professional racers. But it doesn’t stop there. The setup is designed to adapt to individual needs. The pedal sledge and steering wheel housing are both fully adjustable, allowing users of all heights and preferences to find their perfect racing position.

Whether you prefer the immersive world of virtual reality or the classic experience of a traditional screen, the Pininfarina Formula caters to your taste. Its adaptable design seamlessly integrates with different gaming setups, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite racing titles in the way that suits you best. The setup comes without a wheel or pedals, giving you the ability to attach your own, based on your preferences as well as your budget… although if you’re splurging on a Pininfarina-inspired rig, is money really an object for you?!

Images via Automotive Design Planet

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