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

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) with Magic Keyboard

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.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) with Magic Keyboard

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.

iPad Mini 6th Gen (2021)

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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In crafting the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition, Audemars Piguet redefines the concept of special timepieces, creating a category entirely on its own. This collaboration with John Mayer enhances the watch’s allure, blending his artistic sensibility with the brand’s commitment to innovation, passion, and a profound respect for the craft of watchmaking. The result is a timepiece that transcends traditional boundaries, emerging as a unique collector’s item and a demonstration of meticulous craftsmanship and aesthetic perfection. This collaboration secures its place as an iconic piece in the world of luxury watches.

Designer: Audemars Piguet + John Mayer

John Mayer brings a unique perspective to this partnership, channeling his creative flair and imaginative intuition into the creation of the watch. His approach mirrors his music philosophy—each element must resonate with emotion and depth, akin to a chord striking a soulful note. Each component of the watch is designed to reverberate with feeling, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the timepiece. Mayer’s favorite watches are those where the dial is not just observed but experienced, a concept that deeply influenced the design of the “Crystal Sky” dial. Describing it, he likens the watch’s face to a picture window—one looks through it into another world. In this case, the dial is a portal to a moonless, starlit sky, vast and boundlessly deep, offering a sense of the infinite and the eternal. This deep link between the dial’s design and the natural world transforms the watch from simply measuring time to reflecting the timeless expanse of the universe.

The dial is a masterpiece of design, featuring an embossed motif resembling a spread of irregularly shaped crystals. This choice is intentional, echoing the natural crystalline forms found in rock formations and ice, elements that transform under the weight of time itself. The texture adds visual depth and a tactile dimension that begs to be touched and closely inspected. Audemars Piguet used a precise electroforming process to achieve this intricate detail that constructs the dial’s motif atom by atom, reflecting the brand’s dedication to micro-mechanical innovation.

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak “John Mayer” Limited Edition dial detail and self-winding Calibre 5134 movement

The watch’s technical specifications are equally impressive. The heart of the timepiece is the Manufacture’s self-winding Calibre 5134, a movement that maintains a slim profile despite its complexity, measuring just 4.3 mm in thickness. This calibre is an evolution of the Calibre 2120/2800, first launched in 1978 during the quartz crisis—a pivotal moment when mechanical watchmaking proved its enduring value against the rising tide of quartz technology. The Calibre 5134 adapted to a larger 41 mm case size while keeping the streamlined elegance that the Royal Oak is known for. This movement also features a perpetual calendar, one of the most poetic complications in watchmaking, which measures the time in a way that needs no adjustment for months of varying lengths or even leap years.

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition case is crafted from 18-carat white gold, matched with a bracelet of the same material. The use of white gold not only enriches the watch with luxe sophistication but also serves as the perfect canvas to highlight the striking blue “Crystal Sky” dial. While this quarter-million-dollar watch boasts a water resistance of 20 meters, I’d say it’s more for peace of mind than for actual deep-sea diving. After all, who really plans to test those limits with such a masterpiece on their wrist?

18-carat white gold matching bracelet

John Mayer’s passion for this watch is clearly evident through his words and deep involvement in the design process. He views the watch as a portal to a deeper experience and an artistic expression that invites contemplation and connection. “My favorite watches have dials that you can stare endlessly at,” Mayer explains. “A great watch dial feels like a picture window—you look into it, not at it. In the case of this QP, it’s like looking up at a moonless sky. There is a true sense of nature in it.” This reflection captures the watch’s essence, showing it as a canvas that reflects Mayer’s profound appreciation for the nuanced artistry of watchmaking.

Mayer’s engagement was comprehensive; he was involved in every decision, from choosing materials to refining the dial’s specific finish, to ensure that every aspect of the watch aligned with his aesthetic sensibilities. This dedication underscores how the watch goes beyond its functional role to serve as a canvas that mirrors his deep appreciation for the nuanced artistry of watchmaking. Every element of its design, informed by Mayer’s keen artistic eye, invites those who seek not just to tell time but to tell a story.

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak “John Mayer” Limited Edition

Only 200 pieces of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition will be crafted, making it a rare collectible item for watch enthusiasts and Mayer fans alike. Each piece is a tribute to the legacy of the Calibre 5134 and a celebration of Audemars Piguet’s enduring dedication to excellence in design and functionality. This watch is a masterful blend of precise engineering and striking design, serving as a pinnacle of technical skill and a vivid expression of beauty. It embodies the seamless integration of form and function, where every component measures time and tells a story of artistic excellence.

The post A Masterpiece Emerges from the Collaboration Between John Mayer and Audemars Piguet first appeared on Yanko Design.

At Milan Design Week 2024, Samsung Electronics unveiled its “Newfound Equilibrium” exhibition. This impressive showcase is all about Samsung’s forward-thinking design philosophy, which they call “Samsung Design Identity 5.0: Essential∙Innovative∙Harmonious.” It focuses on drawing inspiration from people and shaping the future. Samsung has over 1,500 designers spread across seven global studios, all working to keep their design language fresh and relevant for their customers.

Designer: Samsung

INNOVATIVE, the second exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium

The exhibition is in the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, specifically in Le Cavallerizze. This place is a mix of 16th-century architecture and modern design, showing off Samsung’s knack for blending old and new.

Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, Italy, where Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium exhibition is being held.

First up in the exhibition is the “Essential” area. This is all about getting back to basics and focusing on what really matters. It’s shown in the sleek design of the Galaxy S24 series and some really practical home appliances like the all-in-one washer and dryer. There are also some awesome minimalist installations with translucent cubes and playful lighting that really get the point across.

ESSENTIAL, the first exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium

ESSENTIAL, the first exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium

Next, we move to the “Innovative” section. Here, Samsung shows off its drive to make everyday life better with functional advancements. There are interactive displays that change based on how close you are to them, just like Samsung’s smart TVs and vacuum cleaners that adapt to your needs. This part really shouts about Samsung’s ambition to push tech boundaries.

A display shown at INNOVATIVE, the second exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium, displays forms that shift from solid to ethereal textures as guests move closer or farther away.

INNOVATIVE, the second exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium

INNOVATIVE, the second exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium

Then there’s the “Harmonious” section. This is all about how tech can blend into daily life, like the SmartThings ecosystem and the Music Frame that enhance your home without taking over. There are interactive LED displays that mimic natural events, inviting visitors to imagine a world where tech fits in naturally with human and environmental needs.

HARMONIOUS, the third exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium

The exhibition wraps up with the “Infinite Dream” and “New Dawning” spaces, which celebrate the blend of modern tech with traditional craftsmanship, through collabs with artisans like MUTINA and ALPI.

INFINITE DREAM, the fourth exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium

In a nutshell, the ‘Newfound Equilibrium’ exhibition at Milan Design Week 2024 shows off Samsung’s big ideas about the future of tech and design. It’s about tech and design, living together, and making life better for people all over the world. Samsung’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful and progressive design is clear, and it’s really exciting to see what they’re doing to make tech a force for good in our lives.

Bespoke creations that blend modern technology with traditional craftsmanship are showcased at NEW DRAWING, the concluding exhibition space of Samsung Design’s Newfound Equilibrium.

The post Samsung’s Visual Display of Essential, Innovative, Harmonious Design at Milan Design Week 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

From the moment I set my eyes on the Apple Vision Pro, the intuitive nature of its interface struck me. Controlling the device through natural gestures—like tapping fingers together for selection or pinching to zoom—felt like an extension of my own movements, creating a seamless user experience that was truly impressive. “Everything’s all eye track,” I marveled, amazed by the device’s responsiveness, which made every interaction feel intuitive and natural.

Designer: Apple

During the initial setup, the Digital Crown—borrowed from the Apple Watch—brought up the home view with a simple press. The blend of futuristic technology with familiar elements made the icons react as I looked at them, creating a magical experience. This immediate and responsive engagement reinforced the intuitive nature of the user interface. As I explored this advanced technology, I remember thinking, “I haven’t read any reviews on the Vision Pro, and that’s a good thing.” Approaching the device without any preconceptions allowed me to truly immerse myself in the experience.

As I navigated through a demo photo library, the ambient lighting dimmed, focusing my attention on images that transported me to places like Iceland and the Oregon coast, displayed panoramically. “That was so amazing,” I exclaimed, overwhelmed by the vividness and the immersive experience the photos provided.

Viewing spatial photos and videos added incredible depth to everyday moments. Watching a family birthday party captured with the Apple Vision Pro felt as if I stood among the celebrating children, bringing these moments to life. “So no one else can see this except you and me, huh?” I remarked to Avnish, my guide through this journey, who was able to see what I saw through an iPad. This added layer of interaction enhanced my appreciation for the technology as I watched a spatial video shot with the iPhone 15 Pro, captivated by the depth and realism.

The design of the Apple Vision Pro was notably sleek and modern, with a lightweight, comfortable frame suitable for extended wear. The minimal physical buttons enhanced its streamlined appearance, highlighting its advanced gesture and eye-tracking capabilities. A dedicated button for capturing spatial photos and videos added real-world interactions into vivid digital clarity, showcasing Apple’s meticulous attention to hardware design.

Manipulating my environment with a turn of the Digital Crown was particularly impressive. I could adjust my immersion levels from partial to full, exploring digital renditions of places like Mount Hood National Forest as if I were truly there. This smooth transition back to reality, while remaining connected with those around me, showcased the device’s seamless integration into personal and social settings.

Spatial multitasking introduced a new way to interact with applications, allowing me to manipulate windows in a spatial context as if handling physical objects. This dynamic, intuitive approach transformed traditional interfaces into a vibrant, three-dimensional workspace.

The entertainment capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro were striking. Watching 3D movies like “Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” transformed any space into a personal cinema. The high-resolution display and spatial audio created a viewing experience that far surpassed traditional setups. “That’s impressive,” I remarked, blown away by the depth and immersion of the features.

The Apple Immersive Video demo was a highlight, transporting me to the center of the action—flying over landscapes, diving with sharks, and standing on a soccer field. This segment was so engaging that I was left nearly speechless, managing only to say, “That was so amazing.”

An interactive session where a butterfly landed on my hand and a close encounter with a dinosaur showcased the Apple Vision Pro’s unique capabilities, blurring the lines between digital and physical realities. These experiences felt real and tangible, enhancing my appreciation for the device’s ability to create such vivid and interactive moments.

Finally, with the Apple Vision Pro, I got the chance to rehearse—well, more like pretend—to present Apple’s infamous “one more thing” on the stage of the Steve Jobs Theater. It felt so real that I almost waved to the nonexistent crowd! I’ve been to press events there before, but never on stage. The closest I’ve gotten was the last third of the theater.

Photo credit: YouTuber MKBHD demonstrates Keynote on Vision ProMKBHD on YouTube

After the demo—and yes, I highly encourage anyone and everyone remotely interested in spatial computing to visit your local Apple store—I had the option to purchase a brand new Vision Pro constructed right there. The Solo Knit Band, Dual Loop Band, and importantly, the Light Seal are available in size 21W, which fits me perfectly. Apple has streamlined the sizing process in the Apple Store app, which now includes a 3D scan of the face for a customized fit, guiding you through capturing the necessary facial dimensions.

The Apple Vision Pro demo was a breathtaking introduction to futuristic technology that felt straight out of science fiction. Its intuitive interface and gesture controls impressed me immediately, making every interaction feel natural and fluid. While the immersive experience of exploring vibrant, distant locales and engaging with life-like spatial videos was captivating, the demo ended too soon, leaving me eager for a more extended, immersive exploration with the Vision Pro. I’m looking forward to delving deeper into its potential in a longer session.

The post First Time Using the Apple Vision Pro: It Blew My Mind first appeared on Yanko Design.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and swimming pool. As the days become longer and warmer, it’s time to clear away winter debris and prepare for spring’s clear waters. Cleaning your pool in the spring readies it for the upcoming swim season, guaranteeing a clean, hygienic, and enjoyable experience. Among all the available products, the Beatbot AquaSense series stands out as a remarkable robotic pool cleaner, showcasing innovative advancement beyond any other product I’ve seen. From March 20th to April 10th, you can enjoy an exceptional Spring Cleaning offer. Get $200 OFF on the AquaSense and AquaSense Pro at Beatbot’s Official Website.

Designer: Beatbot

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,099 $1,299 ($200 off!). Hurry, deal ends soon!

If you’ve already read my review of the Beatbot AquaSense Pro, please continue reading this article for new information and comparisons with the more budget-friendly second AquaSense model. Essentially, the AquaSense series of robotic pool cleaners revolutionizes the standards of pool cleaning. Its innovative technology ensures unmatched cleanliness by combining elegance and intelligence. Both the AquaSense and AquaSense Pro models offer a perfect blend of sophistication, power, and smart technology aimed at effortlessly keeping your pool in pristine condition. This is the future of pool maintenance, accessible to you now.

Groundbreaking Cleaning Power

The Beatbot AquaSense series delivers unmatched performance through its brushless main-pump motor. This impressive engineering feat generates an astounding 5500 GPH (Gallons Per Hour) suction. The device’s cleaning performance is further amplified by 2×2 ultra-long independent roller brushes. These brushes operate in sync, increasing scrubbing power, and while turning, the two left, and two right brushes operate independently for improved control, thereby achieving greater cleaning coverage. This extends the pool cleaner’s reach and efficiency, ensuring a thorough cleaning that leaves your pool immaculate. With a powerful cleaning system and 150µm fine filtration, even the smallest particles are captured, resulting in visibly cleaner water.

Consider everything that can and can’t be seen by the naked eye, including leaves, bugs, and dirt, which may be at the bottom, floating in, or on the swimming pool. In addition, both the sides below and above the waterline are thoroughly cleaned.

The Aquasense Pro received the Yanko Design’s Editors Choice award for two remarkable features: its ability to navigate steps and clean the swimming pool’s surface. While built-in pool cleaning systems effectively remove leaves and debris, they often leave smaller particles floating on the surface. Traditionally, this has required pool owners to skim the surface with a net manually. The Aquasense Pro eliminates this task.

While the AquaSense Pro is impressive, the standard AquaSense model should not be overlooked, especially for those on a budget or who do not require the extra features of the Pro model. Despite lacking some features of the Pro version, the AquaSense robotic pool cleaner still boasts advanced capabilities that stand out in the industry. Many competitors are corded and offer less than 5000 GPH suction, and they lack intelligent features such as smart return and easy retrieval. However, the AquaSense model excels in these areas, exceeding my expectations. For these reasons, this model has also been awarded Yanko Design’s Editors Choice.

Intelligent Path Optimization

What truly distinguishes the AquaSense series is its powerful quad-core 1.8GHz processor. This processor drives the device’s intelligent features, such as the groundbreaking Intelligent Path Optimization. This feature, which possesses computing capabilities 450 times larger than similar flagship products, enables AquaSense to navigate your pool with remarkable efficiency and accuracy. During my experience with this device, I’ve seen it learn, adapt, and optimize its cleaning path for maximum coverage and efficiency.

If you opt for the AquaSense Pro, this example shows how it has learned to “climb” multiple steps, clean surfaces, and repeatedly clean walls both below and above the waterline. This task requires substantial computing power, strength, and agility to execute. Every component works in sync, from the four brushes and dual propellers to the water suction and rails. This balance of power and finesse enables the cleaner to perform tasks that competing brands in the same class cannot match. On the other hand, the AquaSense model has also inherited similar intelligent processing with 15 sensors, which includes SonicSense Ultrasonic AI Pool Mapping and Obstacle Avoidance and CleverNav Smart Navigation System, enabling it to clean the pool floor in an S-shaped pattern and the walls and waterline in an N-shaped pattern.

This intelligent navigation system includes industry-leading features such as Auto-Return and Waterline Parking. These features ensure that AquaSense smartly returns to its starting point and docks at the waterline once the cleaning cycle is complete or the battery is low. This makes it easy to retrieve without any hassle. The best part about these features is that there’s no longer a need to retrieve the pool cleaner from the bottom using a pool stick.

Unmatched User Experience

The Beatbot App improves the user experience with the AquaSense series. This app allows effortless control of the device from your smartphone. Whether you’re choosing cleaning modes or accessing cleaning records, the app makes managing your pool’s cleaning functionalities just a few taps away. Additionally, the device supports Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, continually enhancing its functionality, much like the smartphone you use daily.

I take great pleasure in monitoring the progress of the AquaSense Pro, particularly from a few days ago when I used a custom cleaning mode. The floor, wall, and surface were cleaned twice! The total run time on a single charge was 331 minutes (5.5 hours), filtering 13,728 gallons of water. The surface cleaning took the longest at 177 minutes, followed by the floor at 81 minutes and the walls at 73 minutes. As for the AquaSense model, it has a solid battery life, lasting up to 3.5 hours and taking approximately 3 hours to charge. All this information and more can be easily accessed through the app.

Spring Cleaning Special Offer

As we embrace the spirit of renewal that comes with spring, there’s no better time to enhance your pool cleaning experience with the Beatbot AquaSense Pro. From March 20th to April 10th, take advantage of an exceptional Spring Cleaning offer with $200 OFF both the AquaSense and AquaSense Pro on Beatbot’s Official Website. Remember that this isn’t just an investment in a robotic pool cleaner; it’s an investment in peace of mind, the luxury of time saved, and the assurance of having the most advanced pool cleaning technology at your service.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,099 $1,299 ($200 off!). Hurry, deal ends soon!

The post Spring into Savings with Beatbot AquaSense Advanced Robotic Pool Cleaning Tech first appeared on Yanko Design.