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Marble kitchen counters and tabletops will charge your phone while you work

Par : JC Torres
15 janvier 2025 à 16:20

Wireless charging didn’t just free us from the tyranny of tangles, it also opened the doors to creative charger designs. Especially with the addition of magnetic force, chargers no longer needed to be stuck to walls or power outlets or even lie flat on charging beds. Of course, these still required the presence of often very conspicuous chargers that may look out of place in some situations, no matter how aesthetic they might be.

Some furniture makers have started integrating wireless charging into their designs but often end up making the areas too obvious, clashing with the otherwise minimalist and luxurious design of the product. This wireless charging innovation, in contrast, is almost completely invisible, save for a very subtle and elegant halo of light enclosing the charging area. In fact, this technology can be integrated into an equally innovative and sustainable stone-like material that transforms kitchen countertops and luxurious tables into futuristic charging spaces for phones.

Designer: Cosentino x FreePower

Imagine going to a bar and never having to worry about your phone dying. Simply put your mobile device down in front of you and have it charge while you sip your martini and make connections with the people around you. Or how about placing your phone on the kitchen table while you prepare dinner and listen to your favorite podcast, confident that your phone’s battery will be full by the time you’re done? All of this without a single wireless charger that stands out like a sore thumb.

FreePower’s technology was already making these James Bond-like scenarios a reality by integrating the wireless charging components in places you’d least expect them, specifically materials like marble and stone that you’d hardly expect to have embedded chargers. Its partnership with Cosentino, however, adds another twist to that dreamy technology, making it available on materials that are both luxurious and sustainable.

Cosentino’s Silestone, for example, is a low-silica mineral surface that uses recycled materials to reduce the amount of crystallized silica used. Dekton, on the other hand, mimics the appearance and texture of porcelain while using carbon-neutral materials that also help improve its durability and scratch resistance. Both materials are also produced using sustainable processes that don’t sacrifice the planet’s health in the name of luxury.

The collaboration between FreePower and Cosentino opens a new avenue for integrating convenient wireless charging spaces into luxurious but sustainable surfaces that can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, bars, conference tables, and even desks. The only drawback to this ideal situation is that these pieces of furniture have to be custom made, as retrofitting existing counters and tabletops is not yet possible at this time.

The post Marble kitchen counters and tabletops will charge your phone while you work first appeared on Yanko Design.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 Review: Transforming Everyday Listening with Superior Audio and Seamless Communication

20 décembre 2024 à 23:30

Huawei’s FreeBuds Pro 4 aims to redefine the way we experience wireless audio, blending cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design. As the latest addition to the company’s flagship lineup, these earbuds promise high-resolution sound, exceptional call quality, and intuitive features designed for real-world use. From tackling noisy environments during calls to delivering an immersive music experience with tailored EQ settings, the FreeBuds Pro 4 seems ready to take on the challenges of everyday life. Let’s dive into how they perform.

PROS:


  • Bone-Conduction Technology for Outstanding Call Quality

  • Dual-Driver True Sound System for Immersive Audio

  • Effective Noise Control Modes

  • Memory Foam Tips for Comfort and Noise Isolation

  • Dual-Device Connection for Multi-Tasking


CONS:


  • Battery Life with All Features Enabled

  • Limited Customization Options for EQ


RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

FreeBuds Pro 4 redefines clarity and comfort—perfect for immersive listening and crystal-clear calls in any environment.
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Designer: Huawei

Design and Aesthetics

Huawei’s FreeBuds Pro 4 comes into a world already saturated by wireless earbuds that promise comfort, clarity, and a stylish form. The design language of these Huawei earbuds should not be ignored, especially considering how many brands forget that we wear these devices as part of our personal style. This isn’t a gaudy attempt at jewelry. Instead, its understated style enhances its appeal, allowing it to complement a wide range of personal aesthetics while remaining functional. The minimalist design ensures that the earbuds feel professional for work calls yet casual enough for everyday use, making them versatile for any scenario.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4

The FreeBuds Pro 4 comes across more like a finely tuned instrument. The materials and finishing radiate a subtle sense of care rather than flamboyance. They feel confident in their presence. While certain earlier earbud models from various brands have been plagued by slippery finishes or cheap-feeling plastic, Huawei took time to produce something that can actually withstand everyday handling without showing scratches the moment you toss them into a bag. I respect that.

The subtle branding and finishing details don’t scream for attention, but if you pay attention, you notice the layers of careful craftsmanship. These are refined enough that you can hold them and sense the design decisions that Huawei made. They are small objects that serve multiple roles in a modern lifestyle. Whether it’s transitioning seamlessly from a high-stakes business call to an evening of relaxing music, these earbuds adapt effortlessly. They feel purposeful, combining functional elegance with durability—offering a sense of reliability that makes you proud to use them daily, not as just another disposable gadget.

Ergonomics

The fit inside my ears is stable and comfortable, thoughtfully crafted to accommodate a wide range of ear shapes. I wore them for hours on end during my flight from Dubai to Dallas, and they remained incredibly comfortable—a testament to Huawei’s ergonomic design. The memory foam ear tips adapt naturally to the ear canal, creating a secure yet unobtrusive seal that minimizes sound leakage while enhancing comfort. This seal plays a vital role in reducing ambient noise, allowing me to immerse myself in music or focus on work without interruption.

One of the FreeBuds Pro 4’s most impressive aspects is its lightweight construction. Even after prolonged use, I didn’t feel any strain or pressure on my ears, a crucial feature for long-haul travelers or those wearing them throughout the day. The thoughtful balance of form and function ensures these earbuds feel natural as an extension of your daily routine.

The design also fosters a sense of acoustic balance. Whether I was navigating through a bustling airport terminal or seated in a noisy cabin, the FreeBuds Pro 4 delivered a consistent sense of calm. The combination of comfort, practicality, and noise isolation creates an experience that feels uniquely tailored to real-world challenges, making these earbuds more than just another gadget in your bag.

Performance

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 offers a variety of noise control modes that adapt to your environment and personal preferences, enhancing the overall listening experience. The Noise Canceling mode, set to “Ultra,” excels in eliminating background distractions such as bustling terminals or airplane cabins. During my flight from Dubai to Dallas, switching to this mode drowned out the low rumble of the engines and even softened the sharp cries of a nearby baby, making it far easier to focus on music or relax.

The Awareness mode is equally practical for situations where you need to stay alert. While waiting for boarding announcements at the airport, I switched to this mode and appreciated how it amplified surrounding sounds just enough to keep me connected to my environment without removing the clarity of my audio.

For moments when no active noise cancellation is needed, the Off mode provides a more neutral experience, preserving battery life while still offering the same high-quality audio playback. These modes illustrate Huawei’s thoughtful approach to real-world usability. Moving seamlessly between a quiet office, a busy public space, or even transitioning from one to the other, the earbuds adapt without skipping a beat.

What I love most about these transitions is the audible notification that accompanies each mode switch. It’s a simple yet thoughtful addition that ensures I know exactly which setting I’ve selected without needing to glance at the app. This level of intuitive design is rare and makes a noticeable difference in seamless usability.

Through its high-end specifications, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 offers a refined listening experience. At the heart of its design is the Dual-driver True Sound system combined with retuned Digital Cross-Over technology. This configuration allows precise handling of individual frequency ranges, offering clarity and depth for every track. Supporting this is the powerful 11mm Quad-Magnet Dynamic Driver Unit, ensuring rich and distortion-free sound across different genres.

To enhance the audio quality further, Huawei’s proprietary Bluetooth L2HC 4.0 codec enables high-resolution audio transmission at up to 24-bit/48kHz with an impressive 2.3 Mbps speed. These features ensure that music playback remains immersive and true to its original quality, from soft instrumentals to dynamic, bass-heavy tracks.

Using the EQ presets provided in the app, I tested various music genres that align with my preferences.

  • Bass Boost: I turned on “Bass Boost” for tracks like Dua Lipa’s Don’t Start Now and Calvin Harris’s Slide. The low-end frequencies gained a deep, rich punch without overpowering the vocals or the treble. The bass remains tight and controlled, adding energy to upbeat tracks.
  • Treble Boost: For acoustic recordings, I switched to “Treble Boost” while listening to John Mayer’s Neon and Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide. The clarity of the plucked strings came through vividly, giving these tracks a lifelike quality that felt intimate and warm.
  • Voices: For podcasts and vocal-heavy tracks like Adele’s Hello or Sam Smith’s Stay With Me, the “Voices” setting isolated the mids perfectly, making every word and note resonate with clarity. Even during noisy environments, the emphasis on vocal frequencies ensured nothing got lost.
  • Hi-Fi Live: Playing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in “Hi-Fi Live” mode captured the dynamic shifts in the song beautifully. The balance between the intricate layering of vocals and instruments felt almost like being present at a live performance.
  • Classical: While listening to Yo-Yo Ma’s performance of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, the “Classical” preset highlighted the warmth and depth of the cello, enhancing every bow stroke’s detail and emotion.

Sitting next to a screaming infant on an airplane prior to takeoff, I placed a call to a colleague. The sharp, piercing cries of the baby, alternating between high-pitched wails and desperate sobs, created an environment that felt chaotic and overwhelming. The FreeBuds Pro 4, equipped with advanced bone-conduction VPU microphone technology and an AI noise reduction algorithm, dulled the high-pitched wails to a manageable hum. This ensured my conversation remained uninterrupted. On the other end of the line, my colleague heard my voice with alarming clarity, reporting that the background noise was virtually eliminated. Even in a breezy outdoor space, the wind did not translate into overwhelming mic distortion. Thanks to this technology, the other side of the line received a well-isolated version of my voice. Meetings, calls, and interviews can proceed naturally, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Each preset feels tailored to amplify the strengths of specific genres without resorting to over-processing. The Dual-driver True Sound system works with the Digital Cross-Over technology to provide a clean, distortion-free experience. When playing back lossless audio files at 24-bit/48kHz, as in Fleet Foxes’ Helplessness Blues, the earbuds reveal an extra layer of tonal richness that’s absent in most competing earbuds.

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 pushes a real sense of precision in their sound. I know these are not pro-audio-grade studio monitors, but they do not need to be. Instead, they strike a healthy balance between detail and warmth.

Value and Conclusion

In my ongoing evaluation of audio gear, I place a heavy emphasis on how something works in daily life. Specs, brand names, and press releases can only tell a fraction of the story. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 shows the company understands what it means to integrate seamlessly into a user’s world. For example, when moving from a video call on my laptop to playing music on my phone, the Dual Device Connection feature ensures a smooth transition without the need for manual pairing. This functionality, combined with wear detection that pauses and resumes audio automatically, makes the earbuds feel intuitive and effortless to use.

The clarity of call quality, the stable performance in streaming high-fidelity audio, and the robust battery life stand out more strongly than any marketing buzz. The brand’s focus on noise cancellation that actually works in varied environments shows care and attention to real-world challenges. The comfort of memory foam ear tips that reduce sound leakage stands out as well. This new Huawei model demonstrates that the company took real-world obstacles into account, from wind noise to inconsistent network conditions.

The underlying message from Huawei’s FreeBuds Pro 4 is that refinement and practicality don’t have to sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. High-resolution audio retains its crispness without compromising stable connectivity. The design combines comfort with individuality, avoiding the generic aesthetic that fades into the background. Noise cancellation handles unpredictable environments effectively, not limiting itself to quiet offices. Smart features are thoughtfully implemented to enhance workflows without coming across as gimmicks.

All these elements come together in these earbuds and reflect an approach that respects the user’s real-world context. After thorough use, I am impressed with how consistently well these earbuds handle everyday challenges. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 is far more than a spec sheet or a flashy launch event. They’re a step toward making wireless earbuds fit into our lives as effortlessly as possible, blending balanced sound reproduction, stable calls, and comfortable ergonomics in a way that rewards those who actually pay attention to what matters.

The post Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 Review: Transforming Everyday Listening with Superior Audio and Seamless Communication first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hisense HT Saturn Soundbar Showcases Wireless 4.1.2 Audio and Immersive Performance at CES 2025

20 décembre 2024 à 14:39

Hisense is set to redefine home theater audio in 2025 with its new sound system designed to make great sound feel effortless. The Hisense HT Saturn offers a bold promise of fully wireless surround with a 4.1.2 channel audio system, delivering cinematic sound without the hassle that plagued older setups. It transforms the usual nest of cables into a sleek environment, allowing four individual wireless satellite speakers and a standalone 6.5-inch subwoofer to settle comfortably wherever the room’s personality leads. The company’s engineers believe it’s time to give home audio the freedom it deserves. As Hisense describes it, “Everything sounds like it’s a perfectly balanced home theater audio system.”

Designer: Hisense

Hisense’s approach draws attention to how people actually live. The HT Saturn listens to the room before it does anything else, using a small dongle that connects to the TV and emits a precise calibration tone. This tone interacts with the room’s surfaces, furniture, and layout, allowing the system to analyze sound reflections and distances. Based on this data, the system automatically adjusts each speaker and subwoofer to deliver balanced audio tailored to the unique acoustics of the space.

A Home Theater Built for Big Screens

The HT Saturn sets a new standard in audio performance. It was purpose-built to complement Hisense TVs 85 inches and larger. Featuring Pure Surround Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it surrounds users with multidimensional soundscapes, ensuring every audio detail is delivered with precision and creating a fully immersive experience. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster or gaming with friends, the system captures every detail with precision, enhancing the emotional impact of every scene.

The company seems intent on proving that there is more to a satisfying experience than numbers on a spec sheet. The HT Saturn distinguishes itself acoustically by pairing premium sound quality with intuitive features that simplify its use, from its automatic calibration to its seamless integration with TV speakers. This seamless collaboration is powered by Hisense’s proprietary Hi-Concerto Technology, which synchronizes the HT Saturn with the TV’s built-in speakers to deliver an expanded and immersive audio field.

Another subtle touch is the single remote approach, which simplifies daily interactions by replacing the need for multiple remotes. This integration ensures that users can control the HT Saturn and TV seamlessly, avoiding the clutter and confusion often associated with multi-remote setups. Everything is integrated, even the onscreen menus. The company’s representatives made it clear that the HT Saturn is less about forcing people to understand complex settings and more about putting them at ease from day one. The inclusion of EZ Play ensures direct control via the Hisense remote, further simplifying the user experience.

Hisense’s forward-thinking design choices extend to the system’s use of advanced connectivity options and seamless integration with evolving home entertainment setups. The HT Saturn fully utilizes advanced connectivity options like HDMI eARC and Bluetooth 5.3, enhancing the user experience by ensuring high-quality audio transmission, seamless device pairing, and broad compatibility with evolving television technologies. The system also includes five tailored EQ modes, optimizing sound for movies, music, sports, and more to suit user preferences.

Tailored Sound Modes for Every Occasion

One of the HT Saturn’s defining acoustic qualities is its ability to adapt. The system’s ability to compensate for unconventional speaker placement ensures “tremendous flexibility” while delivering uncompromised sound. Wherever you’re seated—directly in front of the screen or off to the side—the HT Saturn fine-tunes its output to ensure every spot feels optimal.

While final pricing and release details remain unannounced, Hisense plans to showcase the HT Saturn at CES 2025, where attendees can experience its innovative wireless capabilities and immersive sound performance firsthand. I’ll be at CES to explore Hisense’s innovations in depth, focusing on HT Saturn’s wireless flexibility, acoustic calibration, and overall user experience. I’m eager to test how it performs in a live environment and will share those insights with you.

Initial observations suggest that this wireless sound system, with its 13-speaker system and tailored sound modes, might redefine expectations regarding installation and comfort.

The post Hisense HT Saturn Soundbar Showcases Wireless 4.1.2 Audio and Immersive Performance at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Vase-like speaker concept charges your earbuds and keeps the music playing

Par : JC Torres
9 décembre 2024 à 14:20

Given your seemingly uncanny ability to lose small but important objects like keys and eyeglasses, productivity gurus often advise regularly putting these things in a single place whenever you come home, preferably somewhere near the door. As if our lives weren’t already complicated enough, wireless earbuds add another thing that we can easily misplace, even if they actually have a charging case to call home. Sometimes, even that charging case gets lost in the shuffle.

Part of the problem lies in the transition of those earbuds from our ears to their charging case, which can take more than just a few seconds and a lot of fumbling around. This concept design tries to offer our little audio companions a home of their own while also solving that common problem of having to stop your music or podcast once you’ve arrived home.

Designer: Siyeong Park

Many of us have probably developed the habit of listening to music or podcasts to pass the time during commutes. Sometimes, we even do it when we’re running or exercising outdoors. Regardless of the activity, we all have the same behavior when we get home: we take off the earbuds, search for their case in our pockets or bags, and then slip them in for charging. It’s a simple series of actions that have one rather important consequence: it pauses the music we’ve been listening to.

SOAK is a concept for a wireless speaker that hits two birds with one stone, so to speak. On the one hand, it offers a safe and consistent place for your earbuds the moment you enter the house or room. The vase-like design has a bowl-shaped container on top where you can simply drop the earbuds into. In theory, it should charge the buds even without the charging case, but that would require a different kind of technology for truly wireless charging.

The real magic, however, is that the speakers can seamlessly continue playing whatever is being sent to the earbuds. This means you don’t have to pause the music or podcast just because you need to remove the earbuds, letting you continue the rhythm and the vibe of whatever you were listening to. In other words, you decide when you want to stop the music, not the limitations of technology and manufacturer design.

It’s definitely an idyllic scenario, though it’s probably not that easy to implement yet. Most of the technologies needed, like over-the-air wireless charging, do exist today, but support from devices is still quite poor. It does paint a picture of a smarter home that isn’t just focused on lighting or appliances, but one that is designed around our modern lifestyles and habits.

The post Vase-like speaker concept charges your earbuds and keeps the music playing first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mag Tube and Mag Qube: Qi2 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers with a Creative Twist

Par : Aki Ukita
3 décembre 2024 à 02:45

Wireless chargers are shaking up wireless charging with a splash of creativity and innovation. Gone are the days of boring, tangled cables. Now, wireless charging is not just about functionality but also about fun and design. The simplest chargers might be flat, but innovations like Apple’s MagSafe and the Qi2 standard have sparked a wave of imaginative designs. This tech leap has taken wireless charging from basic to bold, opening up a world where chargers are not just functional but also fun.

Magnetic wireless chargers have transformed into shapes and sizes that are as diverse as they are functional. Some are stylish and decorative, while others are downright playful. Yet, they all share a common goal: to be efficient and user-friendly, making charging a joyful experience. Enter the Mag Tube and Mag Qube 3-in-1 Intelligent Charging Stations, bringing a unique twist to the design, literally. These futuristic Qi2-compatible MagSafe chargers are not just about charging; they’re about transforming the experience into something delightful.

Designer: ADAM elements

Click Here to Buy Now: $62.30 $89 (30% off, use coupon code “30DISCQTUBE”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Say goodbye to flat, boring chargers! With magnetic wireless charging, you don’t have to lay your phone flat anymore. These chargers elevate your device, letting you use it at a comfortable angle while it charges. However, many chargers that offer this feature compromise on versatility, locking your phone into one position. Plus, their design often takes up space even when not in use, which can be a hassle.

Mag Tube Qi2 3-in-1 Intelligent Charging Station

The Mag Tube and Mag Qube are like transforming robots, ingeniously solving these issues. Their top halves rotate at a 45-degree angle, creating a perfect charging surface for video calls or watching shows. And the best part? No manual twisting required. Just press a button, and these chargers magically transform into multi-functional stations, ready to power up your devices.

Mag Qube Qi2 3-in-1 Intelligent Charging Station

But wait, there’s more! These futuristic chargers aren’t just for your phone. With a simple button press, hidden chargers for your Apple Watch and AirPods (or any Bluetooth earbuds) are revealed. At the end of the day, press the buttons again to retract the chargers and return them to their sleek, space-saving forms. It’s a seamless, satisfying experience that you’ll look forward to every time.

Both the Mag Tube and the Mag Qube support 15W max output for fast iPhone wireless charging, as well as 2.5W for both the Apple Watch and the AirPods. You can even charge all three devices at the same time, cutting down on your downtime. You can also just place your phone flat on top when you don’t want to be distracted. The choice is yours to make, not the charger’s.

Offering versatility, these chargers are compatible with the iPhone 12 and newer models. They come with features like Foreign Object Detection, Over-current Protection, and Over-voltage Protection, plus a 3-year limited warranty. The Mag Tube and Mag Qube are not just stylish and space-efficient; they offer a futuristic charging experience that’s both convenient and reassuring.

The Mag Tube and Mag Qube Qi2 3-in-1 Intelligent Charging Stations are game-changers in a time when the wireless charging market is growing at a rapid pace. They combine style, functionality, and a touch of magic, delivering a charging experience that’s as enjoyable as it is innovative. So why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Embrace the future with these innovative chargers and experience the magic of wireless charging like never before.

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The post Mag Tube and Mag Qube: Qi2 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers with a Creative Twist first appeared on Yanko Design.

Your Wireless Charger Might Be Hurting Your Battery — Aukey’s MagFusion Pro Series Has the Fix

Par : Sarang Sheth
15 septembre 2024 à 20:45

I bought a wireless charging power bank a few months back for my iPhone 15 Pro. I don’t use it anymore just because of how much it heats up my battery. You see, a battery’s biggest enemy is heat. Heat affects the lithium-ion sub-structure, not only causing your battery to lose efficiency over time but also potentially catch fire. Neither of those things are good, obviously – which is why Aukey’s new chargers with its proprietary Omnia-Frez technology keep your devices cool while they wirelessly charge.

Aukey’s MagFusion series, equipped with the innovative Omnia-Frez cooling technology, offers a practical and stylish solution to one of the most frustrating problems of modern tech—overheating during charging. Whether you’re a mobile gamer fighting through long boss battles, an Apple enthusiast with too many cables cluttering your desk, or a commuter relying on your phone for navigation, the MagFusion lineup promises to keep your devices cool, charged, and ready for anything.

“The new Omnia-Frez technology addresses the challenge of overheating while charging head-on,” said David Yunyou Wu, Vice President of AUKEY. “Overheating slows down charging and degrades a battery’s lifespan, but AUKEY’s revolutionary Omnia-Frez cooling technology is changing the game for iPhone users.”

Designer: Aukey

The MagFusion 3-in-1 Pro is the perfect charging station for those who live deep within the Apple ecosystem. It’s designed to handle your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously, offering a sleek, minimalist design that’s far more appealing than the spaghetti mess of cables we’re all too familiar with. But it’s not just about looks—this charging hub is all about efficiency. Thanks to the Omnia-Frez cooling system, the 3-in-1 Pro keeps your devices running cool by reducing charging temperatures by up to 20°C (68°F), which leads to faster charging times and a longer lifespan for your battery. In fact, Aukey’s testing shows that an iPhone 15 Pro charges a full 26 minutes faster on the 3-in-1 Pro compared to traditional wireless chargers. Plus, the adjustable stand allows you to prop your phone at the perfect angle for FaceTime calls or a quick glance at notifications.

Not only does it work beautifully, but the 3-in-1 Pro is also easy on the eyes, made with tempered glass and aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s a charging station that will look just as good in a modern office as it would on your nightstand. All the while, a strong magnetic connection ensures your iPhone stays firmly in place—so even if you accidentally nudge it, it’s not going anywhere.

If mobile gaming is your thing, Aukey’s MagFusion GameFrost was tailor-made for you. We’ve all had our phones get alarmingly hot mid-game, only to watch performance tank as the heat throttles the processor. The GameFrost combats this by offering three adjustable cooling modes—Common, Medium, and Freezing—that you can tweak depending on how intense your gaming session gets. This performance enhancer disguised as a charger keeps your phone cool enough to handle whatever game you throw at it without losing speed or lagging when you need it most. And, of course, it charges your phone at the same time, pumping out 15W of wireless power for iPhones compatible with Qi2 and MagSafe.

But Aukey didn’t stop at function; they added a dash of flair with customizable lighting effects. Whether you prefer a pulsing glow during late-night gaming sessions or a solid color that matches your RGB keyboard, GameFrost lets you set the mood. The real-time temperature display is a nice touch, too, giving you live feedback on just how cool your device is staying, ensuring both peace of mind and bragging rights.

For those always on the move, the MagFusion Dash Pro transforms your car into a high-tech charging station. We’ve all been there—halfway through a road trip or stuck in traffic, watching your phone heat up as it juggles GPS, podcasts, and texts. The Dash Pro prevents that problem with its active Omnia-Frez cooling system, designed to keep your phone cool even on long, grueling drives. It delivers 15W wireless charging and is compatible with iPhones using Qi2 tech, ensuring your phone stays powered up without becoming a hot brick in your hand.

What sets the Dash Pro apart, though, is its secure, no-nonsense design. It’s compact yet sturdy, with a strong magnetic mount that holds your phone firmly in place, even over potholes and bumpy roads. The adjustable ball joint means you can tweak your phone’s angle to suit your line of sight—perfect for navigation. With its sleek profile and silent operation, this is the kind of tech you’ll barely notice while it quietly does its job.

Aukey’s Omnia-Frez technology, featured in every MagFusion product, works its magic through a combination of cooling techniques. A 7-blade fan spins silently, whisking heat away, while alloy cooling fins and a thermoelectric chip work in tandem to dissipate heat quickly. The result is a cooler, more efficient charging experience, with no throttling or battery damage from excessive heat. And, unlike many cooling systems, this one is impressively quiet. Whether you’re deep into a gaming session, working at your desk, or listening to tunes on the road, the MagFusion series operates with barely a whisper, making it as unobtrusive as it is effective. So, whether you’re catching up on emails, dominating the leaderboards, or navigating rush hour traffic, you can count on your phone being ready for action without going mercurial… literally.

The post Your Wireless Charger Might Be Hurting Your Battery — Aukey’s MagFusion Pro Series Has the Fix first appeared on Yanko Design.

Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Station is a pocketable accessory for juicing-up Apple devices

Par : Gaurav Sood
8 septembre 2024 à 18:15

Anker has brought its new line of chargers to IFA 2024 that enhance your wireless charging experience and hone portability. The one making headlines is the MagSafe-compatible 3-in-1 travel charger that folds like a puck, something similar to the Twelve South Butterfly.

The fold-out charger does draw inspiration from the Butterfly but improves on the design and functionality with an added third charging pad. The trifecta charging pads should be more than enough for travelers who love to carry their share of Apple gadgets!

Designer: Anker

The Qi2-certified 15W MagGo Wireless Charging Station folds into an easily carriable form which lends it ultra-portable aesthetics. The three equidistant charging ports include a Qi2-certified 15W charger, a 5W Apple-certified Apple Watch charger, and a 5W Qi puck in the middle. The latter houses the USB-C power input port to charge up the battery. Targeted for the Apple ecosystem of devices it can simultaneously charge your Apple iPhone 15, Apple Watch, and Airpods Pro while traveling.

The pocket-friendly accessory comes with Apple’s Magnetic Power Profile technology for stable and efficient charging on the go. It has a dedicated StandBy and landscape mode for optimal viewing while binge-watching on the iPhone. There’s a quick snap mode that turns this usable accessory into a puck-sized dimensions of 2.36 x 2.36 x 1.4 inches that can be put inside a pocket – it’s that compact. Anker specifically mentions the charger can also charge Apple Watches with undetachable metal straps which is a bonus.

Anker’s 3-in-1 MagGo Wireless Charging Station comes with a 40W adapter and a 5-foot USB-C to USB-C cable for quick charging of the 3-in-1 pad. It is currently up for grabs on Anker’s website and Amazon for $90. You can choose the accessory from a cool selection of color options including black, white, pink and green. The colorful variants (pink and green) are slated to arrive later this year.

The post Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Station is a pocketable accessory for juicing-up Apple devices first appeared on Yanko Design.

Godox Cube-S: A Tiny Wireless Dual Microphone that Packs a Punch

Par : Sarang Sheth
20 août 2024 à 01:45

The name Godox is probably most synonymous with innovative lighting solutions, but the company’s new Cube-S wireless microphone marks a sharp pivot into audio that’s as much about practicality as it is about portability. Debuting today, on August 19, 2024, the Cube-S aims to be the go-to option for creators on the move who need high-quality audio in a tiny, discreet package.

The standout feature? Its size. The Cube-S is genuinely pocketable, measuring just under 9 cm in length, and is roughly the size of a lipstick tube. This level of miniaturization is particularly impressive given that the microphone still manages to pack features like noise reduction, a 300-meter range, and even Apple Find My. With a sleek capsule design, The Cube-S includes everything a content creator or mobile journalist might need: two wireless mics and one plug-in receiver that attaches to a host of supported devices like your smartphone, tablet, action camera, DSLR, etc.

Designer: Godox

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Godox has nailed the design ethos of “less is more” with the Cube-S. The microphone has an understated matte finish, with clean lines and subtle branding. It’s designed to be both portable and inconspicuous, making it ideal for vloggers or interviewers who need to blend in while recording. The form factor is clever, too. Despite its tiny size, it offers secure magnetized attachment options for clothing or surfaces, ensuring it stays put during use. If you want to get creative, there’s even a lanyard attachment that lets you wear the mic around your neck like modern-day jewelry, and stickers in case you want to jazz your tech up. The device is built with a lightweight aluminum body, adding durability without making it heavier.

The Cube-S comes with two thumbnail-sized microphones, along with a receiver that plugs right into the base of your phone (with both USB-C and Lightning variants available). Clip the mics on using their powerful magnetic snaps, fire the Godox MIC app, and you’re ready to start recording. The microphones support 48kHz high-resolution audio capture, delivering crisp, clear sound that stands up to professional standards. The omnidirectional mic capsule does a commendable job of capturing detailed sound while minimizing ambient noise. For those who regularly produce content on the go—whether it’s interviews, vlogs, or field recordings—this level of audio fidelity is a significant advantage.

Even for its tiny size, the mics have built-in noise reduction, activated simply by tapping the button on the mics. Similarly, the receiver module on your phone has a button too, for remotely triggering recording by double-clicking the button. The Cube-S also offers a substantial transmission range of up to 300 meters. This makes it ideal for scenarios where the subject needs to move freely, whether in a wide-angle video shoot or across a large indoor space. Battery life is another highlight, with the mics themselves lasting for 10 hours on a full charge, extendable to 30 hours in conjunction with the capsule-shaped charging case.

One of the strengths of the Cube-S lies in its versatility. The microphone comes with a variety of accessories, including additional magnetic clips and noise shields, making it adaptable to different recording environments. Furthermore, the Godox MIC app offers remote control over key settings such as gain and monitoring, allowing users to fine-tune their audio without constantly interacting with the mic itself.

For those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, Godox has integrated several features that make the Cube-S a seamless fit. It’s fully MFi certified, ensuring reliable performance with iPhones and iPads. Even more intriguing is the inclusion of Apple Find My support—a particularly thoughtful touch given the mic’s small size. Misplacing something this compact is easy, but thanks to this integration, locating the Cube-S is as simple as tracking down your lost AirPods. This feature, however, is limited to the Cube-S Kit 2, which includes 2 mics and 1 receiver along with the charging case.

So who stands to benefit the most from the Cube-S? Essentially, anyone who values a portable, high-quality audio solution without the usual technical overhead. Whether you’re a content creator recording on the fly, a mobile journalist capturing interviews in dynamic environments, or a professional needing a discreet and effective microphone for presentations or streaming, the Cube-S checks all the right boxes. With its official release date set for August 19, 2024, this could quickly become a go-to device for those who need reliability and performance in a compact form factor.

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Meditation device concept hides earbuds inside to help shut off external noise

Par : Ida Torres
16 juillet 2024 à 10:07

When I want to shut out the outside world and just focus, I put on a pair of noise-cancelling earphones. Sometimes I also want to meditate and since I live in an area where outside noise is constant, earphones and headphones are pretty helpful. What if you actually have a device that is primarily meant to help you meditate, relax, and get in touch with your inner self, with listening to music just being a secondary function?

Designer: Suosi Design

Medispace is a concept for a meditation device inspired by the singing bowls from the Himalayas. Just like the Tibetan bowls that are meant to help you relieve stress and get into your inner self by tapping and touching it, this device is meant to do that but with an urbanite twist. The device is small enough to fit into your palm so it’s easy to make it “sing” as you try to meditate. And what makes it more modern is that there are noise-canceling earbuds that you can use to fully immerse yourself in your meditation.

The device is able to simulate more than ten kinds of singing bowl sound changes. This makes you feel like you are actually using one of those Tibetan bowls as you touch and tap the metal disc on top of the Medispace. Inside, it functions more like a charging case for your earbuds which are part of your meditative experience. Medispace itself looks like a night cream moisturizer container which makes sense since that can also be part of your self-care routine. The earbuds look like your typical listening device but a bit bigger and with a seemingly textured/pebbled surface.

It’s an interesting concept to combine a meditative device with earbuds. But since we live in a world that offers up a lot of distractions, we need all the help we can get to shut off the outside world every once in a while and focus on things like deep breathing, meditation, and our inner lives.

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Nomad 65W AC Adapter has a genius way to charge your Apple Watch and AirPods

Par : JC Torres
10 juillet 2024 à 10:07

It’s almost a fact of an Apple user’s life that owning one product means owning two or three others or even more. iPhone owners are more likely to own AirPods or even an Apple Watch than any other earbuds or smartwatch brand, which does mean they often need accessories that support all two or three. That’s particularly true when it comes to chargers, which is why many Apple-compatible products come in a 3-in-1 design. Unfortunately, those often come with bulky designs to make space for devices, especially where wireless charging is supported because of the space the charging coils take up. This new 65W AC Power Adapter from Nomad, however, has a rather creative solution to that space problem, especially when you need to quickly charge your Apple Watch or even your AirPods.

Designer: Nomad

With so many people owning more than one electronic device, power adapters that have multiple USB ports are a common sight these days. Even Apple eventually launched a dual USB-C charger, though it ironically doesn’t have enough power to support charging multiple Apple devices at the same time, at least not when you have iPhones and iPads and more. Thankfully, there’s a thriving market for third-party accessories, leaving plenty of room for outside-the-box designs like the new Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition.

As the name says, this particular power brick is designed with Apple’s smartwatch in mind, and it charges it in a rather unique way. The top of the charger is actually a wireless charger that supports not just the Apple Watch but also some AirPods with cases that support wireless charging. For Apple Watch Series 7 and later, it can even do fast charging, so you’ll be off to the races in no time flat.

That’s not the only notable feature that it has, of course. The Nomad 65W AC Adapter features two USB-C ports, each giving the full power output if used on its own, and that’s enough to even charge a MacBook Pro or fast charge a MacBook Air. If used at the same time, however, the top USB-C port indicated with a blue accent will push out 45W of power, leaving the lower port with only 20W.

Best of all, Nomad’s AC charger is nearly half the size of Apple’s official charger thanks to GaN technology. This makes the adapter a great traveling companion, and its creative design will let you easily charge your Apple Watch on a bedside wall socket, no additional charging pads or cables required.

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The new boAt Stone Lumos Wireless Speaker will project galaxies on your ceiling while you listen to music

Par : Sarang Sheth
24 juin 2024 à 20:45

Why buy a sunset lamp AND a Bluetooth speaker when you could have both in the same device?! boAt Lifestyle (India’s largest audio hardware brand) just announced the boAt Stone Lumos, a speaker with its own built-in LED projector that casts ambient scenery onto your ceiling while you listen to music.

Scheduled to launch in India today (June 25th), the boAt Stone Lumos is a fairly hefty boombox-style portable speaker boasting a 60W output. However, its crown jewel isn’t the audio, it’s the integration of a projector on the top left of the speaker, which reportedly shines ‘stars and lights’ on the ceiling to create am ambiance that goes together with the music you’re listening to. Details on the projector seem scarce at this point, but given the Rs. 6,999 INR ($83.8 USD) price point, we wouldn’t expect anything too immersive or detailed.

Designer: boAt Lifestyle

The speaker packs a lot of punch for its price tag, boasting a 60W output. A control panel on top of the boAt Stone Lumos lets you adjust various parameters, like playback, volume, EQ, and even cycle through the 7 different projection modes the speaker has to offer.

The control panel offers a variety of adjustments, while a two-part LED projector casts light and stars onto the ceiling above, creating a soothing atmosphere.

The speaker comes with a maximum of 9 hours of playback (with the projector off), has support for the boAt Hearables app, is IPX4 splash and water resistant, and has a built-in mic for hands-free calling. The boAt Stone Lumos also packs Bluetooth 5.3 for a crisp connection, although if you’re old school, there’s 3.5mm aux and USB connectivity too!

What the boAt Stone Lumos does is rather unusual, but seems pretty fitting. Most mid-range Bluetooth speaker do pack their own ambient backlights and LED strips for an extra audio-visual oomph, so the fact that this speaker actually turns your room into a makeshift galaxy just feels like taking wireless speakers to their logical next-step. Now to just play Sky Full Of Stars by Coldplay on this bad boy!

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Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard for Minimalists on the Go

Par : Sarang Sheth
2 juin 2024 à 20:45

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.

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Innovative Bluetooth keyboard turns its surface into a giant touchpad

Par : JC Torres
6 mai 2024 à 13:20

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.

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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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