Using a computer these days sometimes feels like a job in itself. There are so many external devices we need to connect but too few ports to plug them into. And there’s the juggling of different apps, workflows, and processes that make even our keyboards feel inadequate to handle. Our computers might be getting more powerful, but they are also getting more complex as well.

Enter the Memdock Gen 2, a revolutionary dock that will help you regain control and level up your productivity. With a 7-in-1 hub, the Memdock G2 delivers all the ports you need to access data, charge your devices, and extend your workspace with an external monitor to get your job done. And with a customizable 7-key keyboard and a dial, you have the power and the flexibility to create your own workflows and shortcuts to maximize your time and spend it on the more important things in life outside of work.

Designer: Memdock

Click Here to Buy Now: $109 $225 ($116 off). Hurry, only 112/500 left! Raised over $57,000.

Right off the bat, you know that the Memdock G2 isn’t your average hub or dock. Instead of a plain old box with ports around it, this innovative device sports not one, not even two, but seven keys and a dial on top. This is the Memdock G2’s special sauce, delivering a powerful experience that you can customize to fit your needs and your working style.

The dial offers a satisfying and tactile way of smoothly controlling the volume, something that music and movie lovers will definitely appreciate. The key right below it controls HDMI output, allowing you to plug in a second monitor to double your viewing space and double your productivity. All seven keys feature Cherry MX Red Switches, a favorite among gamers and typists for their smooth, responsive keystrokes.

As for the six other keys, what they do is truly up to you. You have eight custom actions to choose from, ranging from assigning a custom key, controlling media playback, or creating macros to automate your workflow. The dock’s plug-and-play feature makes it a joy to use. Simply plug the Memdock G2 into a Windows computer and watch the settings interface pop up, giving you full access to the keyboard’s functions. Mac users might have to wait a bit for key customization to land.

Of course, the Memdock G2 isn’t just a macro keyboard device. The 7-in-1 hub functionality helps upgrade your desktop or laptop from a computer to a battle station. A USB-C 3.1 port and two USB 3.0 ports allow you to add any external data source or peripheral to your setup, while the new SD and TF card readers make short work of photos and videos from cameras and gaming handhelds. Speaking of handhelds, the HDMI port’s support for 4K 60Hz output will be a treat for gamers, including Nintendo Switch owners. And when you need to charge your phone or tablet, the 100W PD fast-charging port delivers enough juice to free you from battery anxiety.

With its compact design, the Memdock G2 Hub can accompany you whenever and wherever life takes you. Its potent combination of a 7-in-1 hub and programmable keys offers professionals, content creators, gamers, and anyone in between the power and flexibility they need to be efficient and productive. Plus, it looks great as well, adding a unique aesthetic to any desk. Why settle for a boring multi-port hub or an expensive and complicated macro dock when you can get both in one with the Memdock Gen 2 True Customizable-Keys 7-in-1 Hub.

Click Here to Buy Now: $109 $225 ($116 off). Hurry, only 112/500 left! Raised over $57,000.

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The arrival of the Raspberry Pi really revolutionized not just the computer education market that it targeted but also hobbyists, makers, and all sorts of creators. It offered a computer that, while not as powerful as the weakest laptop in the market, could handle a variety of applications, from programming to word processing to smart home automation. Best of all, it was affordable at only $50 on average.

While the RPi, as it is lovingly called, is now used to power no small number of DIY projects that need a discrete but capable computer, its true calling is still providing that computing power for students, home users, and everyone in between. That’s the calling that Raspberry Pi’s new dynamic duo is answering, providing a simple and minimalist desktop computer at a fraction of the price.

Designer: Raspberry Pi Foundation

The Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer or SBC that shatters misconceptions of what computers look like. Rather than a towering desktop or a slim laptop, you get a credit card-sized electronics board with ports rising from its top. It is definitely a complete computer, but one that needs a keyboard, a display, and a power supply to use like a normal computer.

The Raspberry Pi 500 carries on the new tradition of providing a ready-to-use solution for people who just want a usable Linux computer without having to worry about cases or cables to connect peripherals. It’s part of a rare breed of computers that are hiding inside a keyboard, which is fortunately the right amount of space required by the Raspberry Pi. Although the layout of ports on the back of the keyboard is different, it has the exact number of them, including the 40-pin GPIO connector for experiments and fun.

Of course, you can’t really use a computer these days without some sort of display, so Raspberry Pi launched its own 15.6-inch Monitor for that very purpose. Designed to work with any Raspberry Pi model, in fact, any HDMI device, it fits the use case of the RPi 500 perfectly. Together, you practically have a space-saving computer that only needs a 5V power supply to work. Yes, you’ll need a mouse, too, but Raspberry Pi also sells one, fortunately.

Admittedly, this “Raspberry Pi Desktop” won’t win awards in terms of power, and not everyone will be comfortable using Linux as their operating system. That said, the combo does provide unique value for Linux and power users who want a low-profile, low-power, but still capable desktop computer for their daily needs. Plus, it’s the Raspberry Pi, so you can connect a whole host of other devices, sensors, and DIY components to take it beyond its advertised purposes.

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The HP 970 programmable wireless keyboard is currently its lowest price ever, down to just $89 this Cyber Monday.

The proliferation of video games has proven that this form of entertainment transcends stereotypical age and gender boundaries. Everyone can play and enjoy games, whether on their computers or on their phones. The problem is that most of these games presume that people have full control over their bodies, particularly their hands.

Accessibility controls do exist, though primarily for the two major console platforms. PC gamers, especially those used to keyboards and mice, are unfortunately left to fend for themselves. This concept design tries to level the playing field, no pun intended, with an input device primarily catering to PC gamers with certain physical handicaps. But like any accessible design, it could even benefit “normal” players as well.

Designer: Shivangee Tilak

It’s definitely encouraging to see a lot of focus being paid to gamer accessibility, but most of the narratives revolve around people with complete hand disabilities. Of course, these can benefit all gamers but designs that cater to temporarily disabled people are rarely covered. IGI, or the Inclusive Gaming Interface, is a design concept that does exactly that, targeting gamers with temporary arm injuries, mild arthritis, stroke survivors, or even those with cerebral palsy. And, yes, it works for non-disabled gamers as well.

The shape of the IGI is probably familiar to PC gamers, taking the form of a one-handed keyboard used by the “pros.” They say the devil is in the details, and that’s definitely the case here. Every aspect of this keyboard is not only made with ergonomics and accessibility in mind but also to allow the customization of that experience to fit the needs of the user.

For example, the height of the keys increases as the row moves further away, making them easier to reach without overstretching, and these can be adjusted using a pin on the side of the keyboard. The thumb unit that has a few shortcut buttons can actually be removed and switched to either side of the device, making it an ambidextrous and modular design. There are also detachable palm and wrist cushions, though some will probably question the ergonomics of those designs.

Almost everything about the IGI keyboard is customizable thanks to its modular design and programmable parts. That’s something not only convenient for regular gamers but also critical for those with special needs. Best of all, you can also theoretically mix and match module designs, though the base unit will have a fixed theme. It’s definitely an interesting concept that doesn’t depart too much from convention, though its actual benefits have yet to be tested in the real world.

The post One-handed keyboard concept is an inclusive tool for gamers with disabilities first appeared on Yanko Design.

Few moments in fantasy history are as iconic as Gandalf’s showdown with the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. Now, thanks to a collaboration between Drop and The Lord of the Rings, this epic clash has been immortalized in a way that combines fandom with functionality. The Balrog and Mithrandir Artisan Keycap and Spacebar set offers a chance to bring the magic of Middle-earth to your fingertips, and it’s more than just a collector’s item. It’s a fusion of premium craftsmanship, stunning design, and technical precision that adds a touch of the fantastical to your everyday typing experience.

Designer: Dwarf Factory for Drop

Crafted by Dwarf Factory, each piece is an artisan masterpiece in resin, featuring rich details that evoke the essence of these legendary characters. The Balrog, with its fiery menace and aggressive stance, looks ready to engulf your entire keyboard, while Mithrandir stands resolute, channeling his defiant power just as he did when facing the beast. The level of detail is extraordinary—from the flame-like textures on the Balrog to the serene yet powerful expression of Gandalf, these keycaps are tiny works of art. Available in a 1u size for both characters, and with the Balrog also available as a 6.25u spacebar, these keycaps not only add visual impact but are also fully functional. They integrate smoothly with Cherry MX switches and clones, making them a natural fit for most mechanical keyboards.

The 1u Balrog keycap is nothing short of a fiery masterpiece. Designed to reflect the raw power and menacing presence of Durin’s Bane, it features intricate detailing that brings the dark, fiery creature to life. With its flame-engulfed body and haunting expression, the keycap feels like it’s radiating heat right off your keyboard. The resin material used for the keycap captures the vivid colors of fire, from the burning red to deep molten black, creating a striking visual contrast that mirrors the Balrog’s destructive force. Every angle of this 1u keycap has been meticulously designed to showcase the Balrog’s fearsome nature, making it a perfect choice for those looking to add an element of danger and mystery to their keyboard setup. It fits comfortably on any Cherry MX switch or clone, ensuring that it’s as functional as it is eye-catching.

Mithrandir, or Gandalf, takes center stage in the second 1u keycap, offering a calm but powerful contrast to the Balrog. In this design, Gandalf is depicted in his role as the Grey Pilgrim, holding his staff and ready to face down the ancient evil with the iconic line, “You shall not pass!” The keycap perfectly captures the quiet strength and wisdom that defines the wizard, with intricate detailing in his robes and an expression of calm determination. Crafted in resin, the Mithrandir keycap offers a more subtle aesthetic compared to the fiery Balrog, but its craftsmanship is no less impressive. The muted grey tones and flowing details create a sense of movement, almost as if Gandalf himself is preparing to strike. This keycap serves as a symbol of resilience and courage, and for fans of The Lord of the Rings, it’s a meaningful reminder of Gandalf’s pivotal role in the story.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the 6.25u Balrog spacebar. A true showstopper, this spacebar turns your keyboard into a battleground between the Maiar. Unlike the 1u keycap, the spacebar offers a wider canvas, allowing for even more detail in the Balrog’s fiery design. The flames stretch across the length of the spacebar, creating a dramatic scene that feels like it’s pulled straight from the depths of Moria that comes to life with the backlight switched on. The spacebar also features subtle texturing that mimics the rugged look of stone, further emphasizing the destructive force of the Balrog. With its large profile and vivid design, this spacebar commands attention and becomes the focal point of any keyboard. And, like the other keycaps in the set, it’s compatible with Cherry MX switches, ensuring that your epic setup doesn’t sacrifice functionality for style.

The custom-made keycaps are the perfect combination of nostalgia and utility, seamlessly blending a piece of Tolkien’s world into your everyday life. Whether you’re aligning yourself with the fiery might of the Balrog or the steadfast courage of Mithrandir, these keycaps turn your keyboard into a mini piece of Middle-earth. And with their high-quality resin construction, you can trust that they’re built to last, no matter how epic your typing battles become.

Priced at $49, a notable drop from its original $65, the Balrog and Mithrandir Artisan Keycap and Spacebar set is available for pre-order now, with an estimated shipping date of February 10, 2025.

The post Custom Balrog and Gandalf Keycaps give your Mechanical Keyboard a LOTR Middle-Age facelift first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember the watershed moment when Steve Jobs unveiled the MacBook Air for the first time? He walked up on stage with a manila envelope, and opened it to reveal the thinnest laptop ever made. It changed how laptops looked from then on, and when people first saw the stunningly thin MacBook Air, everyone had the same question on their minds – why doesn’t my laptop look like this? The Tetra keyboard does the same thing for other keyboards. When you look at the Tetra for the first time, chances are you’ll have never seen anything quite like it before. It challenges the notion of keyboard design… and for the better. It’s more compact, easier to use, ruthlessly ergonomic, and comes with a world-first touchscreen display built right in. The keyboard splits in half, allowing you to place the parts wherever you want for a more comfortable typing experience… and the display tilts upwards or sits flat, transforming into a dock for widgets, shortcuts, playback controls, or a media center of sorts. Think Keyboard-Meets-Elgato-Stream-Deck.

Designers: Zikang Feng, Jarvie Liu, and Stephen Ng

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $399 ($150 off). Hurry, only 5/405 left! Raised over $140,000.

Trust the folks at Mobile Pixels to come up with such a unique idea. The company first jumped to prominence with its plug-and-play laptop extending displays (lauded for their compact designs). These displays were targeted at one thing – boosting productivity through multi-display setups. The Tetra keyboard does the same too, in a matter of speaking. The split keyboard comes with its own dedicated screen that can be used as a secondary display or as a control center for apps and shortcuts. While keyboards are a first for Mobile Pixels, the Tetra highlights their bigger goal of enhanced productivity, thanks to a split wireless keyboard design that can be used in a variety of ways for a more comfortable and efficient typing experience.

Split keyboards aren’t new, conceptually. Most researchers noticed that a cramped keyboard, although compact in size, wasn’t great for your wrists and fingers. Over prolonged periods of time, people developed carpal tunnel and ulnar deviation (where your fingers end up deviating sideways) because of the way these keyboards were designed. The split keyboard was created as an ergonomic alternative, increasing the space between your left and right hands while typing, so that they’re in a much more relaxed position. The Tetra takes that concept and builds further on it, turning it wireless, while also introducing a display into the mix.

Broadly, the Tetra exists in three pieces – a central display unit, and the two keyboard halves that attach onto either side. Snap them together or use them independently, the Tetra gives you freedom to set your workspace up exactly the way you want. When attached together in a linear format, you’ve got a comfortable split keyboard with a screen in the middle. The screen functions as an extra display, a shortcut center, or perhaps even a trackpad if you want. The keyboards get spaced out on the left and right, allowing you to type comfortably without having your fingers and wrists bend awkwardly. Alternatively, you can snap the keyboard’s halves away from the display, accessing what Mobile Pixels calls the ‘Split Mode’. The keyboards then can sit anywhere on your desk, as can the screen, giving you full ergonomic freedom. If you want a more traditional keyboard experience, just the two keyboard halves can be attached to each other, creating a compact typing device, while the screen exists independently. Dubbed the ‘Stacked Mode’, this lets you opt for something that feels familiar, with the added benefit of a dock-style screen on the side.

The keyboard comes with a 65% layout, split across its two halves. Scissor switches enable a fair amount of key travel, up to 1.3mm, and a backlight lets you type with ease. The keyboard halves and screen also have an underglow that feels reminiscent of gaming gear. 1200mAh batteries in each half of the keyboard allow it to operate wirelessly for hours if not days, and the central screen remains connected to your machine via a USB-C cable at all times. To charge your keyboard, simply snap them to the screen and pogo pins allow the Tetra to charge all the way through.

The screen is truly where Mobile Pixels’ innovation shines. It’s a little smaller than the ones that Mobile Pixels offers, measuring just 8 inches diagonally – but it’s an IPS LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 300 nits of brightness. The screen stays connected to your machine at all times via cable, and sits on a unique tilting mechanism that lets you either lay it flat or tilt it upwards to face you. Touch sensitivity means you can control the display the way you would a tablet PC of sorts… and the Tetra offers a fair amount of flexibility in terms of how you use said display. You can use it as an extension of your PC or Mac’s shortcut bar, adding your favorite apps to it. Conversely, it also doubles as a media control center for playback, and even transforms into a tiny secondary display for extending or mirroring your screen. Use it to store notes while presenting on a video call. Turn it into a calculator. Allow it to be your dedicated Spotify device. Mobile Pixels created a special interface known as the Tetra Board App that you can use to customize your display. Yes, you can even load functions, tools, macros, and shortcuts, unlocking power-user potential while running apps like Photoshop, Premier, Final Cut, Logic Pro, After Effects, etc.

All this functionality and the Tetra still remains ruthlessly portable. The three components come apart and stack together, allowing them to be carried around with ease. There’s even a soft-fabric case to store your Tetra during travel, allowing you to slide it right into your laptop bag along with your charger and other accessories. I bet your existing ergonomic or split keyboard can’t boast this level of portability. The Tetra starts at $249 and ships globally starting September 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $399 ($150 off). Hurry, only 5/405 left! Raised over $140,000.

The post RIP Ergonomic Keyboards, the Tetra boasts a Split Wireless Design, with an Elgato-style Display in the center first appeared on Yanko Design.

For PC gamers having the right set of peripherals goes a long way in giving them strategic advantage. Be it a gaming keyboard, mouse, gamepad, or steering wheel with pedal inputs – different genres of games demand a varied setup. Take for example racing games that are best played with a steering wheel setup, Battle Royales that need the precise input of a mouse and keyboard, and strategic Multiplayer titles that require a hybrid input of a joystick gamepad.

Eventually, a serious gamer will end up buying the best of all these accessories that’ll take up space on their desk or cabinet. So, how about a multifunctional gaming controller that integrates a keyboard, gamepad and steering wheel into one? A smart peripheral that can be customized depending on the specific needs of the user.

Designer: Thulir S S

This concept design for the brand Logitech more than just caught my eye for the right reasons. Called the Logitech G360, the gaming peripheral is ultra-compact and solves the intended purpose. The highly versatile device is designed aesthetically to not take too much space while keeping the gaming function of each of them, or combined configuration in mind. On the steering wheel base, the gamepad and keyboard are configured to handle the car’s directional inputs, while the connected pedals register the speed, braking and clutch inputs. Simply mount it onto your desk and you’re ready for intense racing action.

When you’re done playing a racing title, you can take out the gamepad from the housing and connect it to play an MMO. For playing real-time shooting titles you can employ the ultra-compact keyboard designed keeping in mind the required input keys for such games. Each of these devices has their independent Bluetooth connectivity hardware, so you don’t have to worry about latency or connection issues.

To add a bit of flair to the whole setup, Thulir imagines the gaming peripheral in sporty Fourmula-1 themes of Red Bull Racing in blue, McLaren in orange and Ferrari in red. I was taken aback by the level of thought put into the design of this concept Logitech gaming accessory. The idea is smart and PC gamers already be licking their fingers.

The post This multifunctional racing wheel has integrated keyboard and gamepad for all your PC gaming needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

It may not have the mechanical joy that the Lofree EDGE offered as the world’s slimmest mechanical keyboard, but the Keychron B1 Pro does offer an incredibly slim design that’s portable enough to slide right into your backpack. Boasting a minimal aesthetic bundled within a portable design, the B1 Pro is an ultra-slim wireless keyboard that comes with a whopping 1200 battery life and a rather commendable $39.99 price tag.

Designer: Keychron

The B1 Pro deviates from Keychron’s usual mechanical keyboards by opting for scissor-switch keys, similar to those found on laptops. This design keeps the profile incredibly thin, measuring just 5.2mm at the front and reaching a maximum height of 14.5mm. It’s incredibly lightweight too, at only 425g, making it a perfect companion for tossing in your bag and working from anywhere.

Despite its slim profile, the B1 Pro doesn’t compromise on performance. With a 1000Hz polling rate on the 2.4GHz wireless connection, you can expect smooth and responsive typing. It also offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly pair it with multiple devices. This is also accompanied by a battery life of a staggering 1200 hours on a single charge. Translated to real-world use, that translates to roughly 8 months of typing for 5 hours a day – a near elimination of charging woes.

The keyboard has a Mac layout while remaining functional with Windows and Linux. It even features the same multimedia and function key functions as Apple keyboards, providing a familiar experience for Mac users with the added benefit of a more comfortable typing experience thanks to the scissor-switch keys. For added comfort during extended typing sessions, the B1 Pro features a 3.2-degree tilt angle and concave keycaps designed to improve accuracy. It even comes with a dedicated emoji shortcut key and a protective silicone keycap cover for increased durability.

The B1 Pro supports ZMK firmware, allowing users to program keys, macros, and shortcuts directly through a web interface. This eliminates the need for complex software installations and provides a user-friendly way to tailor the keyboard to your specific needs.

At an affordable price point of $39.99, the Keychron B1 Pro offers a compelling combination of portability, functionality, and battery life. Whether you’re a minimalist on the go, a student juggling classes, or someone who simply prefers a low-profile keyboard, the B1 Pro is definitely worth considering.

The post Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard for Minimalists on the Go first appeared on Yanko Design.

The iPad Air, now available in both 11-inch and 13-inch models, caters to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you’re a student always on the move or a designer needing ample screen space for intricate visuals, there’s an option perfectly sized for you. The 11-inch version excels in portability, easily slipping into a small bag or backpack, making it the go-to device for students who juggle between classes and study sessions across campus. Meanwhile, the 13-inch model, with its expanded display, provides 30 percent more screen real estate, offering designers and students the luxury of a bigger canvas to work on complex projects or manage multiple applications side by side with iPadOS’s multitasking features.

Designer: Apple

Beyond size, the iPad Air boasts a Liquid Retina display with advanced technologies such as True Tone, high brightness, and anti-reflective coating, ensuring everything you see is detailed and vibrant. This is crucial when precision in color and detail plays a significant part in your coursework or professional projects. The support for P3 wide color gamut also means that the visuals are not just bright but incredibly accurate, which is especially important for design students and professionals who rely on true-to-life colors for their digital artistry.

The repositioned front-facing camera is another subtle yet impactful enhancement. Set along the landscape edge, the camera automatically keeps you in frame during video calls, thanks to the Center Stage technology. This feature is particularly beneficial now that remote collaboration has become more prevalent in both educational and professional settings. Whether you’re presenting a thesis to your class or brainstorming with colleagues over a video call, the camera adapts dynamically to ensure you are always seen, complemented by dual microphones that focus on your voice while minimizing background noise.

Performance-wise, the M2 chip in the iPad Air is a big leap forward, bringing not only speed but also efficiency to every task. This chip is tailored for advanced tasks such as photo and video editing, 3D modeling, and large-scale graphic designs, all while maintaining energy efficiency for all-day battery life. This means less time tied to a power outlet and more flexibility to work in settings that inspire you, be it a quiet corner of a library or lounging at your favorite cafe.

Moreover, the iPad Air now supports not only the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) but also the newly introduced Apple Pencil Pro, enhancing its utility for both students and designers. The Apple Pencil Pro includes a new sensor in its barrel that can detect squeezes, enabling users to quickly switch between tools, line weights, and colors effortlessly—ideal for designers working in applications such as Affinity Designer 2. Additionally, its custom haptic feedback provides tactile responses to actions like squeezing or double-tapping, enhancing the user’s interaction by confirming their inputs in a way that feels intuitive and direct. The inclusion of a gyroscope allows for fine control over tool orientation, mimicking the real-world experience of rotating a pen to achieve the desired stroke or effect.

For those who are prone to misplacing their tools, the Apple Pencil Pro introduces support for Apple’s Find My network, a first for Apple’s stylus line. Both the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) attach magnetically to the side of the iPad Air, where they also charge, ensuring they are always ready for use and conveniently stored. This versatility makes the iPad Air an even more attractive option for anyone looking to maximize their productivity and creative output, whether they are annotating documents, taking detailed notes, sketching out a design, or navigating through complex creative software.

Connectivity is also an important feature of the iPad Air’s appeal. With the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E and the option for 5G connectivity, the device ensures that you can work from anywhere without lag or interruption. This is particularly valuable for students who need to download large resources quickly or for designers who must upload high-resolution files to cloud-based platforms.

Traveling with tech can sometimes feel like a balancing act between staying productive and managing your gear effectively, especially for someone like myself who’s always on the move. One of the standout features of the iPad Air, from my perspective, is its versatility—particularly the ability to detach it from the Magic Keyboard. This becomes incredibly handy during air travel. Picture this: you’re on a flight, deeply absorbed in your latest design project or perhaps the climax of your favorite Netflix series. Just as the airplane prepares for takeoff, the usual announcement comes over the PA: “Please stow your laptops.” However, thanks to the iPad Air’s detachable setup, you can continue your work or entertainment seamlessly by simply detaching the iPad from its keyboard. It’s moments like these where the iPad Air proves its worth, allowing you to maintain your creative or entertainment zone without a hitch.

In terms of the operating system, I appreciate the straightforward and efficient design of iPadOS 17. It simplifies daily tasks and enhances user interaction, making everything from navigation to app management feel more fluid. The customization options in iPadOS 17 are particularly notable; they allow you to tailor the Lock Screen on both the 11-inch and new 13-inch displays. This personalization capability lets you set unique wallpapers and choose expressive fonts that truly reflect your personal style.

As WWDC 2024 approaches, while iPadOS 17 certainly gets the job done, I’m eager to see what iPadOS 18 will bring to the iPad. Anticipating new features and enhancements that could further refine and expand the functionality of this already versatile device adds an exciting layer of potential for iPad users looking forward to the next evolution in their device’s capabilities.

Interactive widgets on iPadOS 17 are also great for productivity. Imagine being able to glance at your screen and tap a widget to immediately capture a brilliant idea in the Notes app or adjust your schedule in Calendar. This kind of immediate interaction is perfect for someone who needs to stay flexible and react quickly to changes, which is often the case in both travel and creative professions.

The enhancements to Messages and FaceTime add a layer of fun and convenience. With new sticker features and the ability to leave video messages, staying connected feels more personal and engaging. For professionals, the Continuity Camera feature is particularly impressive. You can start a video call on your iPad Air and seamlessly hand it off to Apple TV, making it perfect for professional presentations or casual catch-ups.

Freeform’s new tools for drawing and collaboration are a boon for creatives. Whether you’re sketching out a quick concept or organizing a project with teammates, these tools make it easy to bring your ideas to life. And for someone who frequently deals with contracts or creative briefs, the enhanced PDF capabilities in the Notes app can be incredibly efficient, allowing you to annotate, fill out forms, and collaborate without ever needing to print or scan anything.

Lastly, the inclusion of features like Stage Manager, which lets you handle multiple overlapping windows, is ideal for multitasking. This feature, combined with AI-driven capabilities like Live Captions and intelligent accessibility features, ensures that the iPad Air isn’t just keeping up with the demands of mobile professionals and creatives—it’s anticipating them.

Every Apple product I’ve used, from my M1 MacBook Pro to an iPhone 12 Pro Max or a three-year-old iPad Pro with an M1 chip, continues to hold immense value. Remarkably, there has been very little performance degradation, and none feels obsolete. This changelessness is largely thanks to Apple’s timeless design concepts, which are consistently implemented across the product line.

Moreover, the new iPad Air reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. It is crafted with 100% recycled aluminum for its enclosure, utilizes 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and features 100% recycled gold plating and tin soldering in multiple printed circuit boards. These efforts are complemented by packaging that is entirely fiber-based, aligning with Apple’s goal to eliminate plastic from all packaging by 2025. As part of a broader commitment, Apple aims to be carbon neutral across its entire manufacturing supply chain and the life cycle of every product by 2030. These steps not only reflect Apple’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint but also enhance the appeal of the iPad Air to environmentally conscious consumers.

Whether you’re considering an upgrade or this might be your first Apple product, you can trust that in the next year, or even the year after, you won’t feel the need to upgrade unless you choose to. Apple’s commitment to quality, forward-thinking design, and environmental sustainability ensures that its products not only meet current demands but continue to remain relevant and perform excellently well into the future.

The post Why the M2 iPad Air Is Ideal for Students, Designers, and Everyone In Between first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wireless keyboards are nothing new. Whether you’re on a desktop trying to escape the tangle of cables or on a laptop wanting to expand your limited set of keys, a wireless keyboard offers a bit more freedom and flexibility than other keyboards. That said, they still have the same limitations, namely, requiring a separate mouse or touchpad to move the computer cursor around. Not only does that take up more desk space, it also means another device you might forget or lose along the way. Some Bluetooth keyboards add a tiny touchpad off to the side, but that comes at the cost of reducing the number of keys available on the keyboard. This ingenious solution gives the best of both worlds by practically turning the entire keyboard into one giant touchpad you can swipe and pinch, just like any other touchpad.

Designer: Igor Solovyov (Industrial Designer, Clevetura)

Laptops have the advantage of having both a keyboard and a pointing device in a single body, but their arrangement is hardly the best in terms of ergonomics and flexibility. Wireless keyboards with built-in trackpads, on the other hand, try to cram this component in an already small space but still manage to sacrifice keys like the numeric keypad. It’s almost as if there’s no ideal design that solves this problem, but the CLVX 1 boldly tries to think outside the box while offering a keyboard that, at least on paper, matches the functionality of many Bluetooth keyboards in the market today.

In a nutshell, the middle area of the CLVX 1 keyboard is touch-sensitive and functions like a giant touchpad. Thanks to a special slippery coating, you can effortlessly glide your finger across that area to move the mouse around without snagging on the edges of the keys. You can even pinch to zoom or perform any other touch gestures, just like a normal trackpad. As a bonus, the top row of function keys also functions as a slider that you can smoothly swipe without even having to look, making it just as easy to control the volume or any other function you program into the gesture. The keyboard promises that it won’t mix up typing and gestures, as it automatically disables touch detection once you press a key. And in case you’re wondering about mouse button presses, the keyboard has dedicated physical buttons below the spacebar for those actions.

In all other aspects, the CLVX 1 boasts a laundry list of features available on many wireless keyboards and then some. It has a 110-key layout, which is far more than your typical Bluetooth keyboard, and uses scissor switches. The RGB lighting also has a few tricks, like following your finger as you glide over the keys. You can pair up to three devices with it via Bluetooth, but you can also connect to a device using USB-C for a fourth connection.

The CLVX 1 is definitely an intriguing design, but its mettle still needs to be tested in real-world use. The smoothness of swiping over keys will definitely be the biggest point of concern, but the typing experience of having those keys so close together is also an important consideration. Nevertheless, it definitely deserves some praise for thinking outside the box to deliver a design that doesn’t compromise just to mix two functions in one.

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