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Memobottle Launches Stunning EDC-worthy Titanium, Copper, and Satin Steel Bottles for its 10th Anniversary

The pioneer of the ‘flat-pack’ bottle designed to be carried in laptop bags, handbags, and pockets is celebrating a decade of its iconic presence with new limited-edition metallic memobottles, in addition to their Original Tritan plastic and stainless steel ranges. The 10th-anniversary collection features the iconic memobottles made from titanium, copper, and satin steel. As always, the space-saving bottles are sized keeping international paper sizes and notebook proportions in mind, across A5, A6, A7, and Slim form factors.

Designers: Jesse Leeworthy and James Butler

Click Here to Buy Now: $47 $55 ($8 off, delivered before Christmas 2024). Hurry, only few left! Raised over $91,000.

Dubbed the Elements collection, this edition turns bottles rightfully into EDC. Staying hydrated is usually a chore, but these memobottles make being hydrated feel exceptionally cool. The Titanium Ultralight, Copper PVD, and Satin Steel memobottles have a gorgeous microtextured finish reminiscent of high-end tech gear. Leading the collection is the Titanium Ultralight Memobottle, a standout thanks to its use of aerospace and medical-grade TA1 titanium. Known for its exceptional strength and lightweight properties, titanium makes this 600ml Slim bottle both durable and highly portable. The ultralight design allows for easy carrying without adding unnecessary bulk, ideal for those who are constantly on the move. Its slender, flat profile ensures it can slip into bags without taking up much space, making it the perfect choice for minimalists and travelers alike.

Crafted from 304 stainless steel and sand-blasted down to a smooth satin finish.

With a striking warm-toned rosy glow from its PVD Copper exterior, this bottle is bound to make a statement everywhere you go.

Crafted from TA1 – aerospace and medical grade – pure Titanium. At only 0.42 lb, 189g, it’s 48% lighter than its stainless steel counterpart, without compromising on durability.

The Copper PVD memobottle offers a warmer, more luxurious take on everyday hydration. Made from stainless steel with a Copper PVD coating, this A6 model holds 500ml and stands out with its rich, metallic finish. Copper has a natural antibacterial quality, adding a functional edge to the bottle’s already impressive aesthetic. It’s a great option for those who appreciate both style and utility in their daily accessories. The flat design, characteristic of all Memobottles, ensures this one fits neatly into slim bags or alongside laptops, making it a practical yet eye-catching companion for work, commuting, or leisure.

If you want to explore memobottle’s various sizes, the Satin Steel version comes in all four sizes (unlike the Titanium and Copper models that are limited to just a single size). From the compact A7 (250ml) to the larger A5 (1050ml), these bottles are made from 304-grade stainless steel, ensuring they’re as durable as they are stylish. The metallic finish gives them a modern minimalist edge, putting them miles ahead of plastic bottles but also outshining most boring cylindrical thermos designs. Whether you’re carrying the ultra-compact A7 for quick hydration or the larger A5 for all-day use, the Satin Steel bottles and their iconic flat profiles are designed to optimize space in bags while maintaining a strong visual appeal.

Beyond aesthetics, Memobottle even hopes to share a message of sustainability with its broader audience. Aside from just being the most gorgeous set of multi-use bottles that allow you to ditch dependence on use-and-throw bottles of mineral water, the company has also donated over 34 million days of safe water access to communities in need through their partnership with Water.org. As far as the Elements series goes, the use of recyclable materials like stainless steel and titanium reflects the company’s commitment to offering long-lasting alternatives to single-use plastic bottles that can last for years with maintenance. Each bottle is built to endure heavy use over the years, and you can even grab cleaning tablets with your memobottle that you can pop into the bottle when you want an extra deep clean. When the bottles do reach the end of their lifespan, they are fully recyclable too. You can grab your own memobottle Elements-edition, with the Satin Steel and Copper PVD variants shipping before Christmas, and the Titanium Ultralight shipping next year. To make sure your bottles reach you with a minimal carbon footprint, Memobottle has even optimized its shipping routes, using sea freight wherever possible.

Click Here to Buy Now: $47 $55 ($8 off, delivered before Christmas 2024). Hurry, only few left! Raised over $91,000.

The post Memobottle Launches Stunning EDC-worthy Titanium, Copper, and Satin Steel Bottles for its 10th Anniversary first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meta’s futuristic Orion AR Glasses have Holographic Displays and Neural Control. Apple should take notes

At the Meta Connect 2024 keynote, not only did Mark Zuckerberg debut actual Augmented Reality with holographic displays and neural control, it did so in a device that’s smaller, lighter, and one could argue, more socially acceptable (aka stylish) than Apple’s Vision Pro. Dubbed the Orion, it’s simply a developer prototype for now, but Meta hopes to refine the design, improve the displays, and actually sell it at an affordable price to consumers.

Designer: Meta

Orion is not a bulky headset—it’s a sleek, spectacle-like device that weighs under 100 grams, making it comfortable for extended use. This is an impressive feat considering the amount of technology packed into such a small form factor. While Meta Quest Pro and Apple’s Vision Pro are capable of mixed reality, Orion’s fully transparent, holographic display takes things to a different level. Instead of the passthrough experiences that blend digital elements on top of a live camera feed, Orion projects 3D objects directly into the real world using innovative waveguide technology. The frames are made from magnesium, a super-light metal known for its strength and ability to dissipate heat (something even NASA’s relied on for its space hardware).

The core of this magic is a set of tiny projectors embedded within the arms of the glasses. These projectors beam light into lenses that have nanoscale 3D structures, creating stunningly sharp holographic displays. Zuckerberg emphasized that you could go about your day—whether you’re working in a coffee shop or flying on a plane—while interacting with immersive AR elements like a cinema-sized virtual screen or multiple work monitors.

But it’s not just about visuals. The glasses also facilitate natural social interaction: you can maintain eye contact with others through the transparent lenses, and digital elements seamlessly overlay onto the real world. Need to send a message? Instead of fumbling for your phone, a hologram will appear before your eyes, letting you reply with a quick, subtle gesture. This fluid integration of the digital and physical worlds could set Orion apart from its competitors.

When it comes to control, the Orion glasses offer several interaction modes—voice, hand, and eye tracking—but the star of the show is the neural wristband. In contrast to the Vision Pro, which relies on hand gestures, eye-tracking, and voice commands, Orion takes the next step by reading neural signals from your wrist to control the device. This neural interface allows for discreet control. Imagine being in a meeting or walking down the street—gesturing in mid-air or speaking aloud commands isn’t always convenient. The wristband can pick up subtle electrical signals from your brain and translate them into actions, like tapping your fingers to summon a holographic card game or message a friend. This introduces a new level of human-computer interaction, far more intimate and nuanced than what’s currently available on the market.

While Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s previous Quest Pro have been praised for their intuitive interaction systems, Orion’s neural control represents a massive leap forward. It reduces the friction of interacting with digital elements by cutting down on the physical and vocal gestures required, creating a more seamless experience.

One of the key differentiators for Orion is its display technology. Unlike the Vision Pro or Meta Quest Pro, which rely on cameras to pass a live feed of the outside world onto a screen, Orion offers true augmented reality. The glasses project digital holograms directly into your field of view, blending with your surroundings. This isn’t just a camera feed of your environment with digital elements superimposed—it’s real-world AR with transparent lenses that you can see through as you would normal glasses. The holograms are bright enough to stand out even in varied lighting conditions and sharp enough to allow users to perceive fine details in their digital overlays.

Zuckerberg illustrated this with examples: receiving a message as a floating hologram or “teleporting” a distant friend’s avatar into your living room. The display architecture is entirely new, made possible by custom silicon chips and sensors integrated into the glasses, offering a level of immersion that’s more subtle yet more profound than the pass-through systems we’ve seen so far. In a private demo, he even played a metaverse version of Pong with key industry experts like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and investors like Gary Vaynerchuck and Daymond John of Shark Tank.

For all its innovation, Orion is still in the development phase. Zuckerberg was candid that Orion is not yet ready for consumers. Instead, it will serve as a development kit for Meta’s internal teams and a select group of external partners. This will help refine both the hardware and software, as well as grow the ecosystem of apps and experiences that will make Orion valuable when it eventually hits the consumer market. There’s also the matter of affordability—Zuckerberg mentioned the team is working to improve manufacturing processes to bring the cost down. As it stands, this isn’t a device you’ll see in stores next week, but it’s a crucial step in realizing Meta’s vision for the future of AR.

The potential for Orion is vast. Zuckerberg envisions it as the next major computing platform, capable of reshaping how we work, play, and interact with others. By leveraging the power of true augmented reality with a groundbreaking neural interface, Orion positions itself as more than just a wearable gadget—it’s an entirely new way of interfacing with the digital and physical worlds. For now, it’s an exciting glimpse into what the future might hold. The Orion glasses may not be in your hands today, but their arrival could redefine the entire AR landscape in the years to come.

The post Meta’s futuristic Orion AR Glasses have Holographic Displays and Neural Control. Apple should take notes first appeared on Yanko Design.

7-in-1 Titanium EDC Multitool combines both Tactical Gear and a Toolshed into the Ultimate Portable Form

Imagine a toolbox that fits in your palm. Not a metaphor, but an actual toolbox of sorts. The Titanium Multifunctional Magnetic Screwdriver or the TI-MMS for short, is a marvel of compact multitool design that packs a surprising punch. Small enough to disappear in your pocket but packed with enough features to handle a range of everyday situations, it’s like a Swiss Army knife that’s been reimagined for the modern tinkerer. Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, this EDC is light, corrosion-proof, and tough enough to survive whatever you can throw at it—whether that’s a quick fix at home, an emergency situation, or a tactical escape.

Designer: Comandi

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $99 (30% off). Hurry, only 174/200 left!

About the size of a car keyfob, the TI-MMS packs as many as 7 different tools within its palm-sized design, starting with a multi-bit screwdriver. Inside its compact frame, you’ll find a set of 4 hex bits neatly stored with magnets. No more digging through a drawer or toolbox for the right bit—when you need a driver, the TI-MMS lets you mount those bits on top for a standard screwdriver experience. However, if you want to upgrade your drive, mount the bits on the side, within the TI-MMS’ ratchet mechanism that lets you apply some serious torque without feeling like you’re wrestling a stubborn screw. This side-mount option offers a more comfortable grip, especially for those longer jobs where your wrist usually starts protesting.

Beyond its screwdriver duties, the TI-MMS also handles everyday tasks like a breeze. Tucked into its sleek body is a multi-functional pry bar, perfect for prying open stuck lids or pulling out nails. Cutouts in the multitool’s side serve as a hex wrench, with slots that fit 4mm and 6mm nuts, making it handy for tightening bolts when a full toolbox isn’t an option. And for those moments when you need to slice through something—be it tape, a package, or whatever else life throws at you—there’s a foldable scalpel blade that takes replaceable 11# surgical blades. The best part? It’s TSA-compliant. Just pop the blade out before flying, and the tool remains travel-friendly.

While the scalpel blade is designed to also serve as a self-defense tool, the TI-MMS’ integrated window-breaker is perfect for tactical and emergency exits – a feature you hope you never need but are glad to have just in case. A ceramic bead is perched at the top of the tool, ready to smash through glass in an emergency. You never know when you might need to make a quick escape, and this little feature makes sure you’re covered, whether you’re dealing with an actual emergency or just one of those days when you accidentally lock yourself in (or even outside) the car.

In true multifunctional spirit, the TI-MMS also throws in a blunt saw edge (conveniently placed on the pry bar) for more stubborn cutting like thick branches. And for the night owls or outdoor adventurers, there’s an option to install tritium vials in six pre-cut slots, giving the tool a glow-in-the-dark effect that makes it easy to find in your bag or tent, even when the lights are long gone.

Grade-5 titanium was an inspired choice for this tool. Known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, the TI-MMS is built to last while staying remarkably light. At just 80 grams, it’s easy to carry around in your pocket or attached to a keychain, without feeling like it’s weighing you down. Details like brass gaskets and a well-designed integrated lock for your blades just add a chef’s kiss to the overall build. Although the folks at Comandi don’t explicitly say so, the multitool should last you decades without showing any signs of giving up. That’s where the replaceable scalpel blade comes in handy too, allowing you to switch old blades out for new ones so you spend less time sharpening your multitool’s blade and more time actually using it.

And while the TI-MMS covers almost everything you could need in a tool, there is one thing I personally miss: a bottle opener! After a long day of fixing, prying, and cutting, wouldn’t it be nice to crack open a cold one? The TI-MMS ships globally, starting at a discounted price of $69. This includes the compact 7-in-1 multitool itself, along with a detachable scalpel blade, and free worldwide shipping.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $99 (30% off). Hurry, only 174/200 left!

The post 7-in-1 Titanium EDC Multitool combines both Tactical Gear and a Toolshed into the Ultimate Portable Form first appeared on Yanko Design.

DAB Motors unveils Transparent E-bike inspired by Retro Gaming Consoles like the Nintendo 64

Back in the ’90s, transparency became a cool trend in tech, particularly with gaming consoles. Anyone remember the clear plastic of the Nintendo 64 controllers or the transparent Game Boy Color and Advance? Those see-through designs let you peek into the gadget’s inner workings, blending functionality with a futuristic aesthetic, and paving the way for Apple’s gorgeous iMacs and MacBooks, followed by Nothing’s transparent tech that has revisited the retro trend in its own unique way. Fast forward to today, and the French electric motorcycle maker DAB Motors (a Peugeot sub-brand) has captured that retro spirit in its stunning DAB 1α Transparent Edition. This motorcycle, though a far cry from gaming consoles, channels that same nostalgic vibe with modern elegance. It feels like it could have come straight out of an arcade racing game—if those games had ever been this sleek.

Designer: DAB Motors

DAB Motors’ 1α Transparent Edition is all about turning heads, and its translucent bodywork is the ultimate conversation starter. The bike’s frame and design are partially see-through, offering a glimpse at its high-tech components—reminiscent of those old gaming consoles where you could see the wires, circuits, and chips. This visual transparency gives the bike a light, almost futuristic vibe that pairs beautifully with the carbon fiber parts made from repurposed Airbus materials. Yes, you read that right—Airbus.

Beyond the cool see-through aspects, the 1α stays grounded with modern touches, like an Alcantara saddle for comfort and a sharp monobloc LED tail light that’s both translucent and futuristic. The front-end design isn’t shy either, featuring a 2.8-inch integrated LCD dashboard and a lenticular headlight that’ll look right at home whether you’re cruising through city streets or zooming down a highway.

Under the clear, see-through hood, a 25.5 kW brushless DC motor powers this electric motorcycle, allowing it to reach a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). With a torque output of 395 Nm at the wheel, this machine has more pull than many electric cars. The 150 km range is powered by a 72V Li-Ion battery that’s designed to be both repairable and recyclable.

DAB didn’t skimp on convenience either. The bike comes with an onboard charger that works with both home sockets and Type 2 charging stations, offering a full charge in just 3 hours. That’s right—no lengthy overnight charging sessions here. In terms of customization, the DAB 1α offers four ride modes: Eco, Standard, Sport, and a fun Nitrous Boost mode for when you really want to feel the power surge. It even has a reverse mode to help with tight parking situations, which can come in handy, especially for urban riders.

The steel double cradle frame ensures that the bike remains both sturdy and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 125 kg. For suspension, DAB teamed up with Paioli to equip the bike with a 46mm adjustable USD fork at the front and a spring preload adjustable rear—both offering a smooth, responsive ride. And let’s not forget those Brembo radial brakes with dual ABS for stopping power that inspires confidence whether you’re riding in the rain or dry conditions. The wheels on this transparent beauty are custom-made by DAB x FABA, paired with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tires that are designed for performance and grip. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or open highways, the wheels (17-inch front and rear) ensure excellent control and stability.

For all this innovation and style, the DAB 1α Transparent Edition starts at €14,900 ($16,651 USD) – and only 400 units will be made. If you’re already daydreaming about pulling up to your local café on this retro-inspired machine, you might want to act fast. Financing options are available, but once these limited editions are gone, they’re gone. And with worldwide delivery, it doesn’t matter where you are—you can still channel your inner gamer while cruising through the streets on this eye-catching piece of machinery.

The post DAB Motors unveils Transparent E-bike inspired by Retro Gaming Consoles like the Nintendo 64 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nothing launches sports-friendly Ear (open) earphones with built-in ChatGPT for just $149

No, it isn’t Phone (3), but to be honest, haven’t we had enough phone launches already?!

Say hello to the Nothing Ear (open), the latest ‘hearable’ from London-based tech-brand Nothing. Designed in vein with their existing Nothing Ear series, the Ear (open), as its name suggests, is an open-ear wearable and the first of its kind from the company. The newly launched device introduces a distinctive open-ear design that prioritizes comfort, situational awareness, and superior sound quality. This marks the company’s fourth mainline set of earbuds, not counting special editions (like the Nothing Ear (stick)) and their CMF budget line. Known for pushing the boundaries of audio tech with a bold design, Nothing seems intent on revolutionizing the way we experience audio on the move.

Designer: Nothing

One glance at the Nothing Ear (open), and you immediately notice the company’s signature minimalist aesthetic. Transparency is the name of the game here. Rather than having earpieces with silicone tips that create an airtight seal to lock in sound and minimize audio leakage, these open-ear wearables rest against your ear canal, firing audio directly in without compromising your ability to hear the world around you. Sort of like how holding your phone up to your ear lets you hear calls but also lets environmental sounds to make it to your ear so you’re aware of your surroundings. “A lot of people were skeptical internally, but I was really bullish on this form factor because you see people wearing regular earbuds these days, and sometimes they only wear earbuds with one bud in the ear and the other one out… because they want to what’s, you know, happening all around them”, says Nothing founder Carl Pei. “But this form factor opens up, so that you can hear all your surroundings without having to do that.”

Staying true to their design philosophy, the Ear (open) showcases a slim, see-through form factor that emphasizes the craftsmanship behind its sleek exterior. Weighing just 8.1 grams per earbud, these are designed to be lightweight and portable, and with the case measuring a mere 19 mm in thickness, you can easily slip them into your pocket. The buds also come equipped with a smart case that mirrors the same transparency-focused design the company has come to be known for, along with a dimple in the center of the lid for fidgeting purposes. Obviously, the case acts as a charging dock for the earphones when not in use.

The Ear (open) shines with its Open Sound Technology, a software feature that aims to let users enjoy immersive sound while staying connected to their environment. Whether you’re on a busy city street or in a park, these earbuds let ambient sounds like traffic or birdsong through, without drowning out your music or calls. This makes them ideal for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings—whether for safety reasons or just to feel more present.

Supplementing the open-ear design is the Sound Seal System and directional speakers. These features work together to minimize sound leakage, ensuring that you get a rich, personal listening experience without disturbing those around you. This system’s privacy-oriented design addresses one of the common pain points with open-ear earbuds, giving you the best of both worlds—situational awareness and high-quality sound.

The earbuds feature a three-point balance system that, alongside flexible silicone ear hooks, ensures the earbuds sit securely in your ears. Designed with the intent of being worn while running, exercising, cycling, or just walking through the city, the Ear (open) promises a secure fit that won’t fall out during your activities. Combined with their feather-light weight, these earbuds are designed to make you forget you’re even wearing them.

On the performance front, the Ear (open) delivers with its custom patent-pending diaphragm, titanium coating, and ultra-light driver setup. These earbuds are built to handle both the deep lows and the crisp highs, offering a balanced soundstage that’s sort of rare for open-ear designs (although we intend to verify this when we get our review unit!) The bass is further enhanced by an automatic Bass Enhance algorithm, giving the low frequencies an extra punch without distorting the sound quality… something we’ll definitely confirm once we try these bad-boys on.

You’ll get 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the total extending to 30 hours when factoring in the charging case. And if you’re pressed for time, a quick 10-minute charge provides an additional 2 hours of playback. For those who take a lot of calls on the go, the Clear Voice Technology uses AI-enhanced processing to deliver crystal-clear call quality, even in noisy environments. Trained on over 28 million noise scenarios, this tech ensures that your voice comes through loud and clear, regardless of your surroundings. Additionally, Dual Connection allows seamless switching between devices, and a Low Lag Mode is designed specifically for gaming, ensuring minimal audio delay during gameplay.

Earlier in the year, Nothing announced it was bringing ChatGPT to all its earphones, and the Ear (open) gets this feature too, allowing you to tap into GPT instead of your phone’s assistant for a more intuitive, intelligent conversation. Need to check the weather before heading out or quickly look up an answer to that random question nagging at you? Just ask—no need to fumble for your phone. The ChatGPT feature is accessible directly from your earbuds via the Nothing X app, making real-time information just a voice command away. Whether it’s getting directions, solving a debate, or grabbing quick updates on the go, ChatGPT turns your earbuds into more than just audio devices. That’s more than you can say for a pair of AirPods that are still yet to get Apple Intelligence.

The Nothing Ear (open) will be available for pre-order starting September 24th, with the official launch on October 1st. Priced at $149 USD (£129/€149), these earbuds are positioned to offer great value for those who want cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design without breaking the bank. If you’re the kind who needs music while exercising or training, these open-ear wearables might just be perfect to give a try. Especially at that affordable price point.

The post Nothing launches sports-friendly Ear (open) earphones with built-in ChatGPT for just $149 first appeared on Yanko Design.

This miniature LEGO Billiards Table comes with every accessory from cue sticks to powder cubes!

You’ve got Foosball, you’ve got Mini Golf, but have you ever heard of mini billiards? This tiny (yet somewhat playable) LEGO billiards set from the mind of LEGO builder Golden Eye captures the grandeur of a full-scale billiards table, but at a fraction of the size. Built with all the trims and fittings (including pockets, a gutter, and a cue-stand), Golden Eye’s Vintage Billiards Table is an adorable tabletop build that you can potentially even interact with, playing a game on its faux plastic turf!

Designer: Golden Eye

Golden Eye’s MOC (My Own Creation) is a meticulously crafted homage to classic pool tables, incorporating both form and function in a way that LEGO enthusiasts and billiards fans alike will appreciate. It taps into the nostalgia of vintage recreational games while presenting an innovative challenge for builders. The table includes thoughtful design details, such as nets for catching balls, a built-in scoring system with chips, and hooks for accessories like a bridge stick. Every element is designed with precision to replicate the essence of a real billiards table, but in LEGO form.

The underneath tray is practical, offering a space to store additional balls, while also contributing to the table’s structural integrity. The cue stand on the side features both 9-ball and 8-ball racks, giving you the opportunity to explore different game styles, playable with the striped and solid balls that come with the table. As for the accessories, the inclusion of two chalks, two felt brushes, and even a hand-powder stone showcases the level of detail considered to make this as realistic as possible.

Although it isn’t possible to play a proper game on the table (the bricked surface is far too unreliable and the plastic balls have very little weight or inertia), you could totally engage with it on a purely fidget level, using it to pass time and probably settle quick wagers with friends/colleagues.

Golden Eye’s LEGO Vintage Billiards Table is currently a submission on the LEGO Ideas Forum, an online community for fans to share their own creative builds. With just under 2,000 votes, the entry is slowly making its way to the 10,000 vote mark, following which LEGO’s internal team considers it for review before deciding whether to turn it into a box set for people to buy. You can vote for the LEGO Vintage Billiards Table on the LEGO Ideas website here!

The post This miniature LEGO Billiards Table comes with every accessory from cue sticks to powder cubes! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple to launch NEW iPad Mini after 3 years, plus M4 MacBook, iMac, and Mac Mini at upcoming October event

Although Apple just announced latest iterations of the iPhone, Watch, and AirPods, it seems like the company still has new products left to announce. Given that the iPad Pro got the M4 chip earlier this year, it only makes sense that Apple would bring the same flagship chip to their other products. Renowned analyst Mark Gurman announced that Apple has yet another event that’s due for sometime in October. The upcoming October 2024 event is expected to unveil a range of exciting new products, particularly in the Mac and iPad lineup. Among the anticipated announcements are the M4 MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, along with new iterations of the iPad mini (which hasn’t seen an update since 2021) and iPad 11. These product launches continue Apple’s trend of releasing updated models with each passing year, reflecting its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and user experience. This event is expected to mark the debut of the M4 chip series, following last year’s release of the M3-powered devices.

The MacBook Pro is expected to take center stage with updated 14-inch and 16-inch models featuring the new M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. Apple fans are likely to appreciate the continued refinement of performance, even though there are no expected changes to the external design of these laptops. The MacBook Pro last saw a significant redesign in 2021, and rumors suggest that an OLED display and thinner design may not appear until 2026. However, the anticipated internal improvements promise to elevate multitasking, graphics capabilities, and battery efficiency, catering to professionals and creative users alike. These updates should keep the MacBook Pro in contention as one of the most powerful and efficient laptops in the market.

In addition to the MacBook Pro, Apple is also planning to update the iMac with the M4 chip. While there has been speculation about potential design changes, the primary focus for the iMac appears to be performance enhancement. The Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories are also rumored to switch from Lightning to USB-C, aligning with Apple’s gradual transition to USB-C across its product lines. This would provide a more uniform experience for users who own multiple Apple devices, offering a higher degree of flexibility and compatibility across accessories.

The Mac mini is another product expected to benefit from the M4 series, sort of leapfrogging from the M2 chip that it currently has from 2 years ago. The M4 and M4 Pro chips should deliver significant improvements in speed and efficiency. Notably, the Mac mini is rumored to undergo a physical redesign, potentially shrinking to a size closer to that of an Apple TV. This compact redesign is likely to appeal to users looking for a powerful yet space-efficient desktop solution. However, reports suggest that the new Mac mini may forgo USB-A ports, which could stir some debate among users who rely on legacy devices. Given this news, one could assume that the Mac Studio will get a similar M4 upgrade sometime early next year.

The iPad mini is also on the agenda for the October event, with the seventh-generation model expected to feature a faster chip (possibly the A18 that’s inside the flagship iPhones), upgraded cameras, and improved display performance to address the “jelly scrolling” issue that has affected portrait-mode usage. Additionally, the iPad mini is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, making it more future-proof in terms of wireless connectivity. For users seeking a more portable alternative to the full-sized iPad, the iPad mini continues to offer an excellent balance of power and portability. The introduction of new color options will also cater to those who prioritize personalization in their devices.

Lastly, Apple is expected to reveal new lower-end iPads, including the iPad 11 (which hasn’t been updated since 2022). These devices will likely focus on offering accessible entry points into Apple’s ecosystem while maintaining solid performance, making them ideal for education and general productivity purposes.

This October event is shaping up to be an important one for Apple’s computing division, with a strong focus on incremental improvements in performance, user experience, and design efficiency across its product lineup. The introduction of the M4 series will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, while updates to the iPad lineup will maintain Apple’s leadership in the tablet market. It’s just been a week since Apple’s last keynote and the company’s still waiting for consumers to get their hands on the iPhone 16 and Watch 10 devices, so it doesn’t seem like Apple will announce for at least a few weeks. However, if the event’s due for October, we can expect Apple to either announce it formally at the end of the month or silently update devices like they’ve done in the past although the latter seems less likely.

The post Apple to launch NEW iPad Mini after 3 years, plus M4 MacBook, iMac, and Mac Mini at upcoming October event first appeared on Yanko Design.

Batmobile Crocs may be the coolest version of the footwear we’ve ever seen

We’ve seen Shrek Crocs in the past (and tbh they’re hideously brilliant), but nothing really passes the vibe check as much as these Batmobile Crocs. Modeled to look like the iconic vehicle from the 1989 Batman movie starring Michael Keaton, these shoes come with all the bells and whistles, including a graphic on the front showcasing the hood, a set of fins near the ankle, wheel-shaped details around the heel, and the best part, actual windshields on the front! Yes, you’ve got headlights and taillights too, along with the jet engine intake on the frontal tip and an afterburner on the back. Sure, Crocs have a reputation of being considered a fashion faux pas, but this one pulls all the stops. Oh, did I also mention it comes with its own custom Batman Jibbitz charms that you can fasten into the holes on the top??

Designer: Crocs

Wear these shoes and you’re bound to get a few stares – some of awe and others of contempt. If you can look past the latter, the ‘Crocs Batman Batmobile Classic Clogs’ are quite the wearable memorabilia. Announced on the 45th anniversary of the Batman movie, these shoes perfectly capture the unique design of the Batmobile from all those years ago, and I assume it has to do with the clog’s inherent bulbous, curvy shape.

The design is absolutely filled with easter-eggs that make it look almost exactly like the 1989 Batmobile. The front of the clog mimics the 1989 Batmobile’s turbine intake, complete with mechanical lines and even the tiny signal lights from the car. You’ll find the Batmobile’s classic wings molded into the heel straps, adding a bit of flair to an otherwise laid-back piece of footwear. The side profile features carvings that resemble the Batmobile’s rear wheels and side air intakes. It’s clear the design team put thought into translating one of the most iconic vehicles in comic book history onto a clog.

Quite like the Batmobile itself, these shoes are built for everything. As Crocs are known for, they’re lightweight, flexible, and come equipped with their signature ventilation ports to keep your feet cool and dry. This is a crucial feature for anyone who’s spent time in Crocs—they can handle water, mud, or any unexpected elements, just as Batman handles Gotham’s criminal underworld. The pivoting heel straps are a practical addition, keeping the clogs secure on your feet whether you’re on a casual stroll or, hypothetically, chasing after a villain. The Crocs material also makes these shoes easy to clean, which is always a plus if you’re planning to wear them in all kinds of weather… and get this, all Crocs are also flame-retardant, which is definitely a plus too!

In true Crocs fashion, the Batman Batmobile Classic Clog comes with special Jibbitz charms. These small, rubber accessories allow you to personalize your pair with extra Batman-themed flair, further indulging your superhero fantasies. The Batman x Crocs Classic Clog “Batmobile” will be priced at just $69.99 when it launches later this September. A kids’ version will also be available for $54.99 upon release. The Jibbitz, sadly, cost extra.

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

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.

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Foldable Game Boy console lets you go from Classic to Nintendo Switch-style Landscape gaming in seconds

Flip Phones? How about we introduce an era of Flip Consoles!

Meet the Game Boy Flip, an audacious fan-made console concept that features a flip-type gadget with joy-cons. In its shut mode, you’ve got a handheld device that can be used to play Game Boy Advanced or Color games, but open the foldable and you’ve got a larger screen for a more immersive landscape-style game a la Nintendo Switch. I don’t see any cameras on this device but slap a couple and you quite literally have a flip phone that can be used for stuff other than just gaming… not bad, huh??

Designer: Abdelrahman Shaapan

The idea of a foldable gaming console seems like an absolute winner, truth be told. Flip phones are currently in a spot where they’re searching for a problem to solve – but the Game Boy Flip has no such problem. It’s a dedicated gaming device that takes its reputation seriously, offering multiple gaming modes ( we counted as many as three).

The first is just straight-up handheld touchscreen gaming. Use it in the closed mode for more retro old-school games, or open it up for a more expansive contemporary console experience. The dual touchscreens are perfect for immersing yourself in games, although there are arrow buttons on both the left and right side just in case you want some analog action.

If touchscreen gaming isn’t your jam (and a lot of bonafide gamers would feel so), the Game Boy Flip comes with snap-on Joy-Cons that let you play games with advanced controls, just like you would a GBA or Nintendo DS. The closed-display format offers the perfect size and aspect ratio for such games, making it perfect to relive old classics from years ago.

However, open the console up and you’re presented with a modern-day beast. The Joy-Cons snap to the open-screen device, now giving you a larger landscape display that’s perfect for newer games like the ones on the Switch. In fact, I’d go a step further and say the Game Boy Flip looks better than the Switch just given how slick and gorgeous that bezel-less screen is.

The only real difference is that the Joy-Cons don’t exist independently. They’re part of an armature that holds the phone in between (sort of like the Razer Kishi or the Backbone controller) with a USB-C jack plugging into the device to create a ‘wired’ connection, so you can’t detach the Joy-Cons and play with them independently the way you would on a Switch. However, that isn’t really what this concept is all about – it’s more about providing a novel template for the clamshell-style foldable phone, turning it into a Game Boy from the future that’s backward compatible, allowing you to play old classics on a small screen, and modern-day titles on the larger, landscape screen.

Now sure, this is just a fan-made concept of a Nintendo device that will probably never exist… but if anyone there can build a controller prototype for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 or even the Xiaomi Mix Flip, I’m sure there’s definitely a gamer market out there willing to rock a flip phone just for the experience of being able to play games on it effectively!

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UGREEN’s 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is an absolute productivity beast: Hands-On at IFA 2024

Standing amidst its new NAS system, and all its award-winning chargers and power-banks at the UGREEN Booth at IFA 2024 was this one monolithic device that UGREEN’s rep told me was their next piece of product innovation. The new Revodok Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is an ambitious piece of hardware boasting a staggering 120 Gbit/s bandwidth, as many as 13 ports, and the ability to support a single 8K display or dual 4K displays. If you’re tired of waiting for files to transfer or struggling with multi-display setups, this dock promises to take care of it all, especially with Thunderbolt 5’s massive 80Gbps speed boost—three times faster than Thunderbolt 4. Its Bandwidth Boost Mode dynamically adjusts the data flow, making sure nothing bottlenecks, even under heavy load. For power users handling 8K video editing or complex workflows, this feature offers serious appeal. The best part? It’s a compact, vertical number that seriously cuts clutter on your desk, giving you a minimal workplace that’s maximal on productivity and output.

Designer: UGREEN

The Revodok is loaded with as many as 13 ports, making it a versatile hub for just about any setup. Whether you need USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, or even an SD card reader, it’s all there. The dock supports 8K displays at 60Hz and dual 4K setups, catering perfectly to those who thrive on multi-screen environments. Add in 10 Gbps USB 4 support for newer laptops, and you’ve got a future-proof workstation companion. If reliable internet is a priority, the 2.5G Ethernet port ensures stable, high-speed connectivity. Plus, it offers 85W Power Delivery, which can charge demanding devices like laptops, so your desk stays tidy without extra charging bricks cluttering things up.

Despite all the power it packs, the Revodok’s compact design won’t dominate your workspace. Its clean, modern look fits in seamlessly, and it’s portable enough to take with you if your office setup tends to move. Besides, those visible heat-sink fins do tend to give the device a rather cool, almost amphibian aesthetic. Durability and build quality remain key, as UGREEN has a strong track record in this department.

While pricing and exact availability remain under wraps, you can expect the Revodok to hit the high-end market when it arrives later in 2024 or early 2025. It’s aimed at users who are ready for the next generation of connectivity, and it promises to deliver on all fronts. If you’re looking for speed, versatility, and reliability, this dock might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for—plus, it’s bound to make your desk look a bit more impressive.

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We saw the Gravastar Assassin’s Creed Speaker at IFA 2024 and it’s Just Gorgeous

Modeled on the mythical Apple of Eden orb from the smash hit game series Assassin’s Creed, this limited-edition speaker from Gravastar comes with a gorgeously grungy design, and even sports the assassin hood on top to complete the visual metaphor. I was walking by at IFA 2024 when my eyes first saw the Gravastar booth – known for its beautiful steampunk tech designs, the company’s booth was sure to impress. I walked over, and the first thing my eyes saw was this almost sentient-looking orb facing my way, playing music. As a passionate gamer myself (I just finished replaying AC Odyssey a few months ago), the speaker instantly stood out. It had a piercing personality, with an oxidized metal finish well known in the game, given its ancient Greek origins.

The special-edition speaker is a variant of the company’s existing Mars Pro, but uplifted with a special colorway, an assassin hood, and a special Assassin’s Creed box. Announced just months ago, the speaker is limited to just 1000 units, of which the company says only 20 or so are left.

Inspired by the Apple of Eden, the speaker’s golden, orb-like shape features intricate patterns and glowing LEDs that could easily make you feel like you’ve uncovered a piece of ancient tech from the Assassin’s Creed world. Its sharp aesthetic isn’t an afterthought either—it’s a deliberate tribute to the game’s rich lore, which will resonate deeply with fans.

Built from a zinc alloy, the Mars Pro has a solid, hefty feel with a meticulously hand-painted exterior to give it that grunge appeal. This metal build not only makes it durable, but it also minimizes vibrations, ensuring the sound stays clear even at higher volumes. And, of course, there are GravaStar’s signature tripod legs that make the speaker look more like a futuristic drone than a traditional Bluetooth speaker. The legs provide excellent stability and elevate the design, making it more of a centerpiece than a background device.

Under the hood, the speaker packs a 20W system with a built-in subwoofer and two full-range drivers, providing rich, immersive sound. Whether you’re blasting out action-packed game soundtracks or mellow acoustic tracks, the Mars Pro handles a wide range of frequencies with precision.

Bass is strong but balanced, thanks to a dedicated passive bass radiator at the back (visible if you take off the hood). This makes it ideal for a variety of listening experiences—from gaming marathons where you need to hear every in-game detail to casual music sessions. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable connection with minimal lag. You’ll have no problem streaming high-quality audio from your phone, laptop, or other devices. Battery life is solid, too, with a 6,000mAh battery that provides up to 15 hours of playtime, perfect for long listening sessions without needing to recharge constantly.

What makes this edition truly special is its limited availability. GravaStar has a history of releasing attention-grabbing, limited-run designs, and this Assassin’s Creed collaboration fits right into that mold. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the design, while collectors will want to grab it for its exclusivity alone. With only a limited number of 1000 units being produced, this speaker feels more like a piece of memorabilia than just an everyday Bluetooth speaker.

Even the packaging has been designed with the collector in mind, featuring Assassin’s Creed-themed artwork and presentation that further highlights its appeal. From unboxing to placing it on your shelf, it feels like you’re handling a genuine artifact from the game.

All in all, the Mars Pro Assassin’s Creed edition serves as a fine example of how gaming culture and high-end audio can blend seamlessly. With a $329.95 price tag, it’s both a collector’s dream and a speaker that delivers on its promises. Sure, it might not unlock ancient secrets or manipulate time, but it will make your playlist sound legendary.

The post We saw the Gravastar Assassin’s Creed Speaker at IFA 2024 and it’s Just Gorgeous first appeared on Yanko Design.

Self-Sustainable Hydroponic Garden Autonomously Grows Microgreen Superfoods in 7 Days: Minigro at IFA 2024

IFA 2024, Berlin’s iconic tech showcase, has always been the stage for revolutionary gadgets that make daily life easier. And this year, one of the standout contenders in the Sustainability category is the Minigro, a fully automated microgreens growing system from the folks at Grovero. About the size of an aquarium, this device promises to take the hassle out of gardening entirely, offering you fresh microgreens in just seven days without lifting a finger—almost.

What makes the Minigro so impressive is its level of autonomy – perfect for people with a less-than-green thumb. This compact, sleek device handles every part of the growing process: from regulating water levels to adjusting nutrient supply, controlling light exposure, and even managing the microclimate. You could literally walk away after setup, and the Minigro would do all the heavy lifting—turning you into an urban farmer without the muddy boots.

Designer: Grovero

A Completely Automated Green Thumb

The Minigro’s all-in-one solution is driven by an array of advanced sensors and automation. These sensors monitor every detail of the plant’s growing environment, ensuring optimal conditions for your microgreens. Whether it’s temperature, humidity, or lighting, the device adjusts in real time to create the perfect microclimate, so your plants don’t just survive—they thrive.

One particularly clever feature is the sensor-driven LED lighting system. If your Minigro is positioned near a window with natural light, the LEDs dim or brighten accordingly. The system takes into account how much sunlight your greens are getting and adjusts the artificial light to make sure it’s always just right. Basically, your Minigro’s lighting system won’t waste energy if the sun is doing its job.

Foolproof Microclimate Control

Another neat trick? The Minigro knows when you’ve left a window open. Now, normally, an open window could throw off the delicate climate needed for growing microgreens. But Minigro’s sensors detect drafts or temperature shifts caused by open windows, sending you an alert through its accompanying app. This ensures that you’re not accidentally compromising your little green oasis while you air out the room.

The convenience extends beyond just growing. You’ll also get app notifications for any manual tasks—like replenishing nutrients or cleaning the tank. But don’t worry, it’s not like you’re going to have to tend to it daily. These tasks are infrequent and take minimal effort, especially when compared to traditional gardening methods that require constant attention, weeding, and watering.

Your Role: Pretty Minimal, Honestly

With the Minigro doing 99% of the work, your involvement is minimal. Through the app, you’ll receive reminders about the few maintenance tasks—adding nutrients or cleaning the water tank. And that’s pretty much it. As for the tank cleaning, it’s designed to be quick and easy, meaning you won’t be hunched over for hours scrubbing soil off your hands.

You can also monitor the growing process via the app, which shows real-time data on the health and progress of your microgreens. It feels almost like a virtual pet simulator—except you’re rewarded with actual food instead of digital coins. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about opening the app and seeing your greens flourishing, knowing that you did next to nothing to make it happen.

Fresh Greens, All Year Round

So why microgreens? They’re nutrient-packed, versatile, and ready to harvest in just seven days. Whether you’re topping off a salad or blending them into smoothies, fresh microgreens offer a punch of flavor and health benefits. The Minigro makes it possible to grow these tiny greens even in the dead of winter, when outdoor gardening isn’t an option.

The device’s compact size also makes it ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited kitchen counter space. In fact, it’s exactly the same size as your IKEA shelf, making it a perfect fit for most homes. You don’t need a sprawling backyard to enjoy homegrown food. The Minigro turns your countertop into a micro-farm, producing fresh, organic greens year-round, regardless of season or space.

The Minigro is the perfect blend of technology and nature, and it’s designed for those who want the benefits of home-grown food without any of the stress. By automating every aspect of the growing process, it lets you bypass the learning curve of traditional gardening and jump straight to the rewards.

The device is ideal for anyone who loves the idea of gardening but can’t be bothered to maintain it. In a world where everyone seems pressed for time, having fresh greens grown automatically is about as futuristic as it gets. Plus, with the Minigro managing light, climate, and nutrients, you might even feel a little smug every time you see your flourishing greens—especially knowing you barely lifted a finger.

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JMGO’s N1S Ultimate Could Make Your TV Obsolete: The Future of Home Projection at IFA 2024

At IFA 2024, it became clearer than ever: traditional TVs might be yesterday’s news. As home theaters evolve, the focus is shifting from bulky flat screens to sleek, powerful projectors that deliver a true cinematic experience right in your living room. The days of settling for a fixed screen size, limited by where you can hang a TV, are being replaced by projectors that offer flexibility, portability, and, thanks to innovations like 4K laser technology, image quality that rivals—and in some cases surpasses—what any high-end TV can deliver.

Projectors have come a long way from the dim, pixelated displays many still associate with them. Today’s models, especially those from companies like JMGO, are becoming the go-to choice for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment setups. Whether you’re a movie buff, gamer, or just someone who wants a more immersive experience, projectors have quickly gained ground. They offer more screen for your buck, and when it comes to high-definition, they’re not cutting any corners.

That was the vibe at IFA 2024 when JMGO introduced the N1S Ultimate 4K and N1S Pro 4K projectors—both packed with features designed to take advantage of this projector renaissance. Powered by their patented MALC™ 2.0 Triple Laser Optics technology, these devices prove that projectors aren’t just an alternative to TVs anymore—they might just be the future of home entertainment.

Designer: JMGO

A Deep Dive into MALC™ 2.0 Technology

One of the key highlights of the N1S Ultimate is JMGO’s proprietary MALC™ (Multi-Layer Adaptive Laser Control) 2.0 Triple Laser Optics. According to JMGO, the typical trade-off in laser projection—where increasing brightness tends to compromise color accuracy and contrast—has been successfully tackled through MALC 2.0. This system delivers exceptional brightness without sacrificing visual quality, offering users a seamless experience.

The N1S Ultimate 4K projector is capable of producing a whopping 3500 ANSI lumens, which ensures vivid picture quality even in environments with high ambient light. Coupled with a 1600:1 contrast ratio and 110% BT.2020 color coverage, the N1S Ultimate is designed to deliver stunning visuals that don’t lose their luster in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. With an ∆E (Delta E) of less than 1, the color accuracy is spot-on, ensuring faithful reproduction of even the most subtle shades. This combination of brightness, contrast, and color precision makes the N1S Ultimate ideal for both daytime viewing and cinematic experiences.

The JMGO N1S Pro (left) versus JMGO N1S Ultimate (right)

N1S Ultimate vs. N1S Pro: What Sets Them Apart?

While both the N1S Ultimate and N1S Pro share JMGO’s MALC™ 2.0 technology, there are notable differences between the two models that will help users decide which one fits their needs better. The N1S Pro, positioned as a more budget-friendly option, offers 2400 ANSI lumens, compared to the 3500 lumens of the Ultimate. This difference in brightness may be a key factor for users who need a projector for bright rooms or daytime use.

However, both projectors maintain the same level of contrast (1600:1) and color performance, which speaks volumes about JMGO’s commitment to delivering a high-quality experience across their product range. Whether you choose the Pro or the Ultimate, you’ll get stunning visuals with a ∆E of less than 1 and 110% BT.2020 color accuracy, which ensures rich, lifelike images.

Versatility in Every Direction: The Iconic Gimbal

One feature that sets the JMGO N1S series apart is its integrated gimbal design, first introduced in 2022. This allows the projectors to pan 360 degrees and tilt 135 degrees, making it incredibly easy to adjust the projection angle. Whether you want to project on the ceiling for a laid-back movie night or angle it toward a wall to create an impromptu gaming setup, the gimbal provides exceptional flexibility.

This design also adds a futuristic touch to the device, setting it apart from conventional projectors that require cumbersome setups or fixed installations. JMGO’s emphasis on creating a portable and versatile entertainment device shines through in the N1S Ultimate, positioning it as an ideal choice for users who value both style and functionality.

A New Kind of Home Entertainment Ecosystem

Beyond the hardware, JMGO has integrated Google TV into both models, providing access to a wide range of streaming services, including certified options like Netflix. This makes the N1S projectors a true all-in-one entertainment solution—no external streaming devices are needed. Whether you’re watching a movie, streaming a TV series, or projecting a home video, everything is seamlessly managed from the projector itself.

Pricing and Availability

Both the N1S Ultimate and N1S Pro are now available on Amazon in the U.S. and across Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The N1S Ultimate 4K is priced at $2,799 in the U.S. and €2,999 in Europe, while the N1S Pro 4K comes in at $1,999 or €2,299, offering a more affordable option for those who don’t require the full brightness of the Ultimate.

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TCL’s latest phone has a 1-Week Battery Life, and a VERY interesting new Display: Hands-On at IFA 2024

Nobody ever bought a smartphone because of its screen. I’m not talking about foldables, but rather about the regular ‘candybar’ smartphone. The reason you choose a smartphone is for its camera system, its battery life, its processor, its charging speed, its AI features, or its OS. The screen is just one of those aspects that you take for granted… but what if I told you I saw a phone at TCL with a screen so good it’s the highlight of the entire phone? The phone in question is the TCL 50 Nxtpaper 5G phone, and what really sets this phone apart from others is how spectacular its screen is. At first glance, the screen looks like a rather simple matte display, but flip a button on the side, and it magically goes from color to monochrome, transforming into a bonafide electronic ink display that is highly responsive, but has immaculate contrast, and a battery life nearly 7x more than your regular phone. The display is really this phone’s highlight, and shows how TCL’s figured out a compromise between phones and e-ink tablets. The TCL 50 Nxtpaper is a phone when you need it, but hit that switch and you go into easy-reading tablet mode, with a nearly 7-day battery life thanks to the monochrome nature of the display.

The Nxtpaper Display: A Phone Screen That Feels Like Paper

For anyone tired of glossy screens, blinding brightness, and eye strain, TCL’s Nxtpaper technology is a welcome change. The 6.8-inch screen has a matte, anti-glare surface designed to reduce blue light and deliver a paper-like experience, ideal for reading and prolonged use without causing eye strain. Whether you’re reading e-books, scanning through long documents, or even just scrolling social media, the Nxtpaper display reduces the strain that typical LCD and OLED screens can cause.

Unlike traditional smartphone displays, Nxtpaper uses a layered design that reduces blue light by up to 61%, helping prevent eye fatigue. This isn’t just a standard “night mode” either — the display is engineered from the ground up to deliver a paper-like viewing experience that’s easy on the eyes at any time of day. The anti-glare surface also means no more squinting at your phone on a sunny day or awkwardly tilting it to avoid reflections. Text and icons are visible with immense clarity, echoing the feeling of an e-ink screen like the one you’d see on a Kindle.

Despite its paper-like qualities, the Nxtpaper display doesn’t sacrifice color or usability. It’s still a full-color display, and it handles everything from photos to videos smoothly. TCL seems to have struck a balance here, making it a perfect option for people who need their phone for more than just reading but still want that e-paper feel.

Max Paper Mode: Battery Life Like You’ve Never Seen

The Max Paper mode is where the TCL Nxtpaper 50 Pro is an energy-savings-beast. When you first hit the switch on the side, you’re offered an option between color mode, ink-paper mode (which offers a responsive e-paper experience), and Max Paper mode. In the latter mode, the phone dials back performance, display refresh rates, and power-hungry features to turn it into a near e-reader. TCL promises up to one week of battery life when this mode is activated — a remarkable feat for any smartphone.

Max Paper mode works by toning down the display and restricting background processes, essentially transforming the phone into a low-power reader. It’s the perfect solution for those times when you just want to get through a book, read articles, or browse documents without worrying about battery drain. Imagine going on a week-long trip without needing to pack your charger — Max Paper mode could make that a reality. In Ink Paper and Max Paper mode, the phone’s home screen even tells you exactly how many hours worth of battery you’ve got, and it’s honestly stunning to see a day-long smartphone suddenly transition into a device that can last over a hundred hours.

Of course, when you want to switch back to full power for gaming, videos, or multitasking, the phone is more than capable. But for users who want to extend their battery life and spend time in a more relaxed reading environment, this feature is a game-changer.

A Practical Smartphone for Everyday Use

The 50 Nxtpaper phone isn’t just about battery life and an eye-friendly screen. It’s a full-featured Android phone that covers all the basics. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, it comes with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. It runs Android 14 and is promised to get at least two major OS updates, so it’s future-proof for the next few years.

On the camera front, the 108MP main sensor is versatile, delivering high-quality shots with ease. It’s backed by an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens, which offer flexibility for various shooting scenarios, whether you’re capturing landscapes or detailed close-ups. On the front, a 32MP selfie camera ensures crisp photos and video calls.

Other features round out this package nicely, including dual stereo speakers with DTS 3D Boom Sound for immersive audio, 33W fast charging to get you back up and running quickly, and NFC support for contactless payments. Security-wise, the phone includes both a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock for fast, secure access.

Final Thoughts: A Niche, But Useful Phone

The TCL Nxtpaper 50 Pro might not be the device that makes waves for its performance or gaming chops, but it’s not trying to be. Instead, it’s aiming at a niche audience: people who care about eye health and battery life more than shiny OLED displays and top-tier processors. The Max Paper mode could be a revelation for those who find themselves drained — both figuratively and literally — by their current smartphones. Having received a bunch of awards for just how spectacular the screen is, I sincerely hope TCL manages to make this click. I honestly would love to see smartphones trying new innovations like this rather than bending and folding thrice over like that tri-fold phone that TCL’s rumored to also be working on.

The post TCL’s latest phone has a 1-Week Battery Life, and a VERY interesting new Display: Hands-On at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

“Learn to ‘pitch’ your process” AEG+Electrolux Leadership talks about Design Ethos, Career Growth, etc.

It’s rare that we as consumers get a look behind the curtain to see the design process behind the products we use. In fact, even as designers, we’re usually very appreciative of a final product, not having any idea of the process behind it… and rightfully so – companies hold their cards close to their chest. You’re probably never going to get an insight into how Apple makes its phones, or how Lockheed Martin makes its jets. All these processes are highly confidential, however, for creatives, there’s a lot to be learnt from getting exposure to great design companies, their processes, and even the mindsets of their creative leads and heads. It’s rare for us to get such an insight, but not entirely impossible. We got the opportunity to sit down with the design leads at Electrolux and its premium brand, AEG, and ask them questions we wouldn’t normally get to ask. Keeping products and launches aside, we spoke about design processes, thought patterns, approaches to sustainability, and even managed to ask them the most important question of all: What does it take to get hired at Electrolux/AEG! Take a stroll through the interview below with Thomas Gardner (Global Senior Design Lead for Product Line Taste at Electrolux Group) and Christopher Duncan (Head of Product Line Taste at Electrolux Group in Europe APMEA), and be sure to bookmark the page for later.

Yanko Design: For our readers who are getting their first insight into AEG’s design wing, tell us a little bit about the philosophy behind how you operate.

Thomas Gardner: With consumer-centricity and sustainable living as our guiding principles, design has become so much more than just giving form to objects. Working on such a complex ecosystem of appliances involves so many different skillsets and expertise, from usability research to materials specialists, digital craftsmanship and project leadership. We’re not just designing products, we are creating an entire cooking experience that spans all manner of technology and platforms. Being able to create a cohesive and harmonious outcome, that’s the real magic of delivering a range of products such as this.

YD: Does the design team spearhead which direction the company innovates in? Or is it more of a collaborative effort between management, marketing, engineering, design, etc.?

Thomas Gardner: It is absolutely a collaborative effort, since good innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. The only way we can innovate in a meaningful way is to base the creative process on real observations and genuine consumer understanding.

Christopher Duncan: Design has been one of the key ingredients in our innovation process. Because at Electrolux Group we see the designers not just focusing on 3D design. They are at the center of our so-called innovation triangles, our cross-functional teams working on innovation, at the forefront of developing great solutions for our consumers. Thinking out of the box to deliver functional and meaningful design.

YD: Tell us a little about the current line being debuted at IFA 2024.

Thomas Gardner: The three pillars that underpin this range are SUSTAINABLE, PERSONALISED, and INTUITIVE. Sustainable, as in using the full potential of a connected ecosystem in order to guide the user to make smarter decisions about what they cook and how they cook it. Personalized, as in offering an experience that grows and develops with you, guiding you into exploring new techniques and technologies. Intuitive, as in everything being exactly where you need it and where you expect it. As an example, we’ve been working with eye-tracking technology to validate the placement of functions, buttons etc… So let’s say you ask 100 people ‘How would you turn on the oven’ and a majority of the participants first looks in lets say the top left corner of the product, well, you may not have the final solution but you have a really good clue to research further… just one example of how we research and validate that which may seem obvious.

YD: What about the new features being debuted this year?

Christopher Duncan: The new AEG Kitchen Range is articulated around 3 main pillars: A Striking Design, Sustainability enablers, and Assisted Cooking redefined. The jewel of our kitchen design lineup is our stunning AEG SaphirMatt Induction Hob, which received the “Best of the Best” Red Dot Design Award. It’s a perfect example of what I call functional design. Thanks to the matte texture of the ceramic glass we can offer 4 times more scratch resistance and no more fingerprints.

When it comes to responsible living & sustainability, we strengthen our AEG Ecoline offering with better energy class across the whole range and provide eco guidance tips to consumers helping them to save 30% energy across the range.

Let me now elaborate a bit more on what we are doing to bring more assistance to the consumers. We are coming up with new connected User Interfaces, across ovens and hobs, which we call CookSmart Touch. And we are launching a world premiere with AI TasteAssist. This is a cool feature enabled by our AEG App that helps consumers to turn online recipes into optimized settings for their oven. The key insight is that 80% of consumers look online for recipes. And most of these recipes recommend a top-bottom heat 180 degrees program… simply because they are universal recipes that have to apply to any oven. Thanks to AI TasteAssist, we are able not only to automatically translate the recipe into cooking settings for the oven, but we are able to optimize the settings for better taste and more healthy cooking thanks to Steam.

YD: How would you describe your design language?

Thomas Gardner: What I’m personally really proud of is how we’ve managed to keep the design language really restrained. It’s all about having a few visual elements that can be applied across different product categories, creating a sense of familiarity without feeling forced on the individual product. It’s really understated which I feel conveys a strong sense of confidence and purpose. Maybe the best example of this being the execution of the AEG logotype on our Matte Glass products, where the appearance of the logo is simply the absence of matte surface. Our logo, our most precious commodity, simply being expressed in negative space. I really like that.

YD: We’re actually debuting a collaborative Design Competition shortly too, can you tell us what kind of decor do you see these products fitting in? Do you personally believe in a cohesive design language or do you like the idea of products standing out against their surroundings?

Thomas Gardner: For what we do, how we sell our products, and the context they work in, I believe a cohesive design language is critical. Just as an example, having the same tone of black across the range rather than multiples thereof helps not just in simplifying production but also in creating a sense of whole, harmony, and completeness. This becomes even more important in the creation of user interfaces, where learning new icons and behaviors for each product would be extremely frustrating and inefficient for the user.

YD: I’m sure sustainability plays a very important role in the way products function. We remember seeing quite a few unique features in the dishwashers and washing machines from a few years ago. How is this current product line championing sustainability and zero waste on the design end?

Christopher Duncan: As I mentioned, Sustainability is one of the three pillars for this new range. Since 85% of the global climate impact of an appliance is coming from the usage phase, we dedicated more effort to reducing their energy consumption. That means we secured updated energy classes for all products in line with industry best practice. We then spent more time to give eco guidance to our consumers through our new CookSmart Touch User Interfaces, helping them to reduce energy consumption by 30%. Let me give you two examples. On our hobs we offer the SenseBoil technology. Thanks to vibration sensors in the hob, we’re able to detect when the water is boiling, and therefore able to reduce the power at that stage. Did you know that 20 seconds of overboiling with an induction hob consumes as much as charging fully your mobile phone? The second example is on ovens: we have configured our cooking cycles in a way that uses the residual heat in the oven cavity to finish the cooking, to reduce energy wastage. Consumers are really welcoming such smart solutions that help them to reduce their carbon footprint and at the same time save money.

YD: As far as the consumer goes, how do the sustainability-driven features affect/uplift their lives? There was a debate in 2019 about how the ‘Eco’ feature in dishwashers may take less time, but it ends up using more water and energy. How is Electrolux Group approaching these issues this time?

Christopher Duncan: It’s more and more important for consumers, not only because they have become more eco-conscious due to climate change, but also they have felt every month the increasing cost of energy affecting their purchasing power especially during the energy crisis last year. The challenge for us is to make people understand what drives energy consumption in appliances. For example, our dishwashers eco programs take more time. Why? Because what drives most energy consumption is the heating of the water. So to reduce energy consumption, we lower the temperature of the water but we then need to compensate this with more mechanical action from the water jets in order to deliver the same washing performance. It’s quite counterintuitive for consumers to understand that longer dishwasher cycles consume less energy. That’s why we developed the QuickSelect user interface. Slide your finger along the MyTime slider to set the cycle duration. The display will show the program length and provide guidance on energy and water consumption, indicated by green ECO bars on the left-hand side. The more green bars, the less energy and water you use.

YD: What sets your design ethos apart from other brands in this space?

Thomas Gardner: As I touched on before, having the confidence to go understated and restrained, rather than loud and decorative. Having the final consumer in mind rather than the crowded shop-floor environment has guided our process into one of calmness and intuitive, simple usability. Our continued commitment to a more sustainable way of living and eating is also pretty unrivaled in the industry and it carries across to the products we make, no matter if it’s the materials we use or the guidance we provide.

YD: A lot of our readers are designers or aspiring designers. What’s the one thing you learned on the job that you didn’t learn at design school?

Thomas Gardner: Communication and collaboration is everything, at least if you wish to work on complex industrial products like these, that literally involve hundreds if not thousands of people across multiple-year long timelines. The trust and respect of your colleagues is the single most valuable currency you have and it takes years to build up. The language you use is as important as the pictures you show, whether it’s giving a presentation or writing an email. So make sure you master both.

YD: Finally, a portfolio question. What do you look for in a designer/creative and a manager in product line when they apply for a job at Electrolux Group?

Thomas Gardner: Finding that perfect person to join your team can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding and stimulating experiences you encounter as a design leader.

Normally, let’s say I’m hiring for a junior designer, I would be looking for two things, mainly:
1: Does this person have the capacity to be somewhat productive from day one? To know that, I’m looking for some nice computer renders, perhaps some storyboard illustrations, basic Photoshop work, a good sense of visual space, layout etc… Since I’m probably looking at many portfolios in a short amount of time, less is usually better. So pick your top 5-7 projects, no more. But make sure they show variation, no point in showing 10 projects that all demonstrate the same skillset (unless you’re looking for a job to do that exact task, of course).

2: Learn to ‘pitch’ your process. Not the outcome, it’s usually less relevant than you think. But the journey you took, how you got there, that’s what I’m keen to hear. To understand how you think, your process, your enthusiasm for the subject at hand. Don’t be afraid to ‘nerd out’ on some small detail, those things are usually where the magic happens, the thing that stands out and makes your presentation memorable. It’s really hard to disagree with someone who is absolutely passionate over what they have created…

Christopher Duncan: Good tips from Thomas there. From my side, I look for curious people. People who ask the “Why?” question 5 times. Because truly understanding the consumer pain points is what leads to great and relevant innovation. And then having a collaborative mindset. We believe a lot in co-creation at Electrolux. Each function comes with its expertise in the discussion. The outcome is usually surprisingly good. And finally, for a designer/creative, it is very powerful to be able to visualize ideas and concepts quite early in the concept. Because this triggers even more innovative thinking from the cross-functional team.

The post “Learn to ‘pitch’ your process” AEG+Electrolux Leadership talks about Design Ethos, Career Growth, etc. first appeared on Yanko Design.

Timekettle W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds Hands-On: A Comprehensive First Look at IFA 2024

Timekettle just announced its latest gadget at IFA 2024 – W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds. Boasting an edgy design that harks back to the Jabra Bluetooth headset days, the W4 Pro is what you get when you combine a powerful translation engine with an equally powerful AI. Unlike most of Timekettle’s previous devices (which were used for their cross-language real-time translation abilities), the W4 Pro is sort of like an all-knowing AI in your ear that works as your own in-ear personal assistant, translating messages, transcribing conversations, annotating meetings, and even jotting down your ideas for you.

“Interpreter earbuds like the W4 Pro are essential even when phones can be used for translation, because they cater to a more refined and immersive user experience,” said Leal Tian, the CEO of Timekettle. “In cross-language communication, there’s a growing need for meaningful conversations and deeper connections beyond basic translations, especially for business pros, immigrants, and travelers. The W4 PRO meets these needs by allowing natural, hands-free conversations with eye contact, making interactions smoother.”

Unveiled today at IFA 2024, the W4 Pro is shaping up to be a combination of a translator and an assistant. Sort of like a multilingual JARVIS in your ear, the W4 Pro goes well beyond doing what your phone can do for you. Pop the futuristic headset in your ear and it’ll even let you watch movies, TV series, and news/podcasts in different languages, translating or even summarizing them for you. That’s something no translator app is capable of doing yet.

Advanced Translation Technology for Precise Communication

The W4 Pro Earbuds are equipped with an impressive array of features tailored to meet the demands of modern business communication. At the core of their functionality is the ability to facilitate one-on-one communication that is both quick and private. The earbuds allow for a streamlined exchange of information, providing natural and effortless cross-language communication, whether you are in a meeting room or on a phone call. The W4 Pro works across 40 languages and 93 accents when connected to the internet, with 13 primary languages available for offline translation too.

Cutting-Edge 3 Microphone Array for Clear Voice Transmission

One of the standout features is the earbuds’ three-microphone array, which is designed to precisely capture and reduce background noise, ensuring that the user’s voice is transmitted clearly and accurately. This advanced voice recognition technology is complemented by a 95% average translation accuracy, supported by the Opus Algorithm, which speeds up audio transitions, enabling near real-time responses with just a 0.2-second delay. Whether you are in a bustling conference room or on a noisy street, the W4 Pro ensures your words are heard and understood with minimal interference.

Diverse Modes for Every Communication Need

The W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds offer three distinct modes to address various communication needs. The One-on-One Simultaneous Interpreting mode is perfect for personal conversations, providing real-time, two-way translation that allows both parties to speak and listen simultaneously, making bilingual discussions seamless and natural. For multilingual meetings, the Listen & Play mode enables users to switch effortlessly between listening and speaking while ensuring smooth communication through simultaneous interpretation. This mode is enhanced by AI Semantic Segmentation, which quickly parses sentences for better comprehension, and the AI Memo feature, which provides intelligent post-meeting summaries for easy review. Lastly, the Online Interactions mode is designed for video calls, streaming foreign media, and unexpected phone conversations. It ensures full understanding with real-time translated subtitles and audio summaries, while also offering one-way assisted translation for efficient handling of foreign language calls. Together, these modes make the W4 Pro a versatile and powerful tool for professionals navigating multilingual environments.

Seamless Integration in On-Site and Remote Meetings

Another significant advantage of the W4 Pro is its capability to facilitate quick interactions during on-site meetings. The earbuds’ real-time interpreting and playback modes allow users to transition smoothly between listening and speaking, making it easier to participate actively in discussions without missing a beat. Additionally, the device offers the unique ability to translate phone calls and online meetings, further enhancing its utility in both in-person and remote settings. With the W4 Pro, remote communication becomes as seamless as face-to-face interaction, as it translates and displays subtitles in real-time, ensuring clarity and reducing the chances of miscommunication.

Comfort-Driven Design with Superior Audio Quality

Comfort and ease of use are also paramount in the W4 Pro’s design. The earbuds feature an open-ear design that prioritizes user comfort, making them suitable for extended wear. This design choice not only ensures comfort but also eliminates the inconvenience and embarrassment of traditional in-ear devices, particularly in professional settings where maintaining an unobtrusive presence is essential. Despite this open-ear design, the earbuds do not compromise on sound quality; users can expect crystal-clear audio that rivals even high-end music headphones, whether they are in a meeting or enjoying a playlist.

Enhanced Post-Meeting Productivity with AI Integration

The W4 Pro also excels in post-meeting productivity, offering tools that streamline the review and organization of meeting content. The earbuds automatically save audio recordings from meetings, both online and offline, allowing users to revisit important discussions at their convenience. Furthermore, the device leverages AI to extract and summarize key points from these recordings, converting spoken content into concise, shareable summaries. Instead of translating sentences and dialogues, the W4 Pro does something called AI Semantic Segmentation, where it breaks sentences up into meaningful segments, translating them instead of waiting for the entire sentence. This makes the entire translation process up to 200% faster, so there’s never an information lag in a conversation.

HybridComm System for Peak Performance

The technical prowess of the W4 Pro is underscored by its advanced HybridComm system, which integrates voice processing, simultaneous interpreting, and AI translation. This system, combined with Timekettle’s proprietary TurboFast and BoostClean technologies, enhances the device’s performance by filtering out ambient noise and optimizing the speed and accuracy of translations. The W4 Pro is designed to meet the needs of today’s global professionals, providing a reliable tool that adapts to the evolving demands of international business communication.

Overall Specs

The W4 Pro comes in a two-piece set, along with a charging case. Each earpiece has a 6-hour battery life, which is pretty impressive considering the compute power required to record, noise-cancel, translate, and run additional AI commands. The charging case provides an additional 20 hours of use for translation, or 36 hours of use if you’re listening to music. An open-ear design means you’re still aware of your surroundings and aren’t immersed the way you would be with other earbuds (you can still listen to music on it).

The W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds are available for preorder starting today, September 6th, with a $449 price tag that includes the two AI-powered earpieces and the charging case.

The post Timekettle W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds Hands-On: A Comprehensive First Look at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

I Sat In The $15,000 Robotic Massage Chair at IFA 2024: A Luxurious Hands-On with the Bodyfriend Quantum

The beauty of my job lies in not just discovering the new and innovative, it’s also in discovering the bizarrely futuristic… and the Bodyfriend Quantum robotic massage chair firmly fits the latter. Spotted at IFA 2024, the chair feels less like your average massage lounger and more like a Gundam suit with a touch of luxury. Nestled in its sleek, premium leather, with built-in Bang & Olufsen speakers, the Quantum manages to blur the line between high-tech gadgetry and a luxury spa. I didn’t think a chair could make me feel this pampered, but after spending some time in it, I’m convinced—this isn’t just a massage chair; it’s a full-fledged bodygasm.

Sinking into the Quantum was like stepping into a different world, where every detail is designed to make you feel like royalty. But what really sets it apart isn’t just the leather or the fancy tech specs—it’s the attention to detail in how it delivers its massages, all while serenading you with crystal-clear audio from none other than Bang & Olufsen. Let’s just say, it’s not your average chair.

Revolutionary Design Meets Functional Innovation

At the core of the Bodyfriend Quantum is its Robo Walking Technology—a first in the industry—that gives each leg its own independent movement. And trust me, it’s not a gimmick. Sitting in the chair, you immediately notice how much more natural and personalized the massage feels, especially around the lower body. My desk-hunched spine and worn-out calves felt like they were getting precisely the kind of treatment they needed. It’s as if the chair knew what my body was asking for before I did.

This independent leg movement is more than just for show—it makes a real difference in how effectively the chair targets specific muscles. Whether you’re using it for muscle recovery or just as a fancy way to unwind after a long day, the Quantum feels like it’s been engineered with a deeper understanding of how to work the human body. After just a few minutes in it, my lower back and legs were thanking me.

Immersive Sound Through Bang & Olufsen Partnership

The partnership with Bang & Olufsen might raise a few eyebrows. Do you really need top-tier audio in a massage chair? After my experience, the answer is a pretty confident yes. The moment I leaned back and let the chair do its thing, the speakers came to life, filling the space around me with rich, immersive sound. Whether you’re into lo-fi beats, classical symphonies, or nature sounds, the high-quality audio adds a layer of relaxation that most massage chairs simply don’t offer.

It doesn’t feel like a bolted-on extra. The audio blends seamlessly with the massage itself, so whether you’re zoning out to music or catching up on your favorite podcast, the chair’s sonic experience pulls you deeper into that calm state. Benny Kang of Bodyfriend mentioned that the speakers can be used to play binaural beats too, stimulating the mind along with your body.

Precision Massage and Intuitive Control

Bodyfriend has packed a lot of tech into this chair, but it’s the execution that stands out. The XD-PRO thermal module and Finger Moving Massage Module work together to give an eerily human-like touch. It doesn’t just knead your muscles in broad strokes; instead, the chair moves in subtle, calculated increments—80 movements in 1.25mm steps to be exact. For someone who carries a lot of tension in their shoulders and lower back, it’s like having a physical therapist who knows exactly where to focus.

Then there are the finer touches—literally. With 81 air pockets wrapping your body and heat therapy zones that bring the warmth up to a balmy 50°C, the Quantum creates an environment that’s both soothing and deeply therapeutic. The heat applied to the back, calves, and soles not only relaxes muscles but also feels fantastic on sore feet, thanks to its three-step foot roller system. It’s an experience that goes beyond simple pampering.

A Touch of Luxury (and Functionality)

The 10-inch Full HD tablet mounted on the chair is intuitive and easy to navigate. There’s no fumbling with a million buttons—you can switch modes, adjust settings, or dive into the chair’s “High-End Healthcare Massage Mode” with just a tap. If you’re someone who likes control over your relaxation routine, this tablet makes it easy to fine-tune everything from intensity to heat levels without pulling you out of the experience.

It’s also worth noting that the Quantum is clearly built for longevity. The leather is buttery-soft yet durable, and the entire build feels solid and well-constructed—something you’d expect for the price tag this chair is likely to carry. But for anyone serious about integrating relaxation or recovery into their daily routine, it’s hard to imagine anything better.

A Luxurious Experience for the Wellness-Focused

The Bodyfriend Quantum is positioned for those who are serious about wellness and ready to invest in high-end healthcare technology. Its meticulous design, advanced massage features, and thoughtful additions like Bang & Olufsen speakers make it a standout product in the luxury massage chair market. While it caters to those with specific muscle stimulation needs—such as the elderly or individuals recovering from injury—it also serves as an indulgent piece of tech for anyone looking to upgrade their relaxation routine.

After my session with the Quantum, I can safely say it delivers on its promise of providing a unique massage experience. I hate to be the cliche, but I’m the millennial with lower back pain (I lugged a laptop bag around through IFA 2024), so even a 5-minute cycle with the Quantum felt like absolute bliss. Sure, it may come with a premium price, but for those looking to pamper themselves or take better care of their health, the Bodyfriend Quantum is like Chandler and Joey’s Barca-lounger on absolute steroids. You’ll probably spend hours in the chair without realizing it.

Now, if only it came with a built-in coffee machine.

The post I Sat In The $15,000 Robotic Massage Chair at IFA 2024: A Luxurious Hands-On with the Bodyfriend Quantum first appeared on Yanko Design.

Twelve South PlugBug Chargers Hands-On at IFA: The World’s Only Chargers with Apple’s Find My feature

Remember when Apple debuted the Apple TV remote without a Find My feature and the internet collectively groaned because losing your TV remote is perhaps the single biggest cliche as far as remote controllers go? Well, here’s a similar situation – imagine losing the charger to your phone or laptop. I’m sure it’s happened to you multiple times (it literally happened to me today)… and while I don’t recommend waiting for Apple to build the Find My feature into their chargers, I really don’t need to because Twelve South beat them to it. The world’s first (and so far only) charging bricks with their own tracking chip, the Twelve South PlugBug chargers made their first appearance at IFA today. Designed to be compact, colorful, powerful, and trackable, these charging bricks are the perfect accessory for the absent-minded tech-user. Imagine misplacing your charger in a crowded cafe, at work, or under the bed at home; with Find My, you can locate it just like you would an AirTag. That’s what Twelve South brings to the table with the PlugBug 50 and the more robust PlugBug 120.

The PlugBug series comes in 2 models – the smaller 50W charger, and a larger 120W charger with replaceable heads for international travel. The smaller PlugBug 50 has a 50W output (as its name suggests) and offers dual USB-C ports, perfect for powering up your iPhone and iPad simultaneously. It’s designed to slide into your daily routine with ease, packing just enough power to handle multiple devices without taking up much space in your bag, or behind your couch.

The PlugBug 120, on the other hand, is a multi-port powerhouse with 120W of total output, enough to charge a MacBook Pro, an iPad, and two more devices—all at once. With four USB-C ports, it’s ideal for those juggling multiple gadgets, whether you’re working from a coffee shop or charging up in a hotel room. Twelve South deliberately ditched the USB-A ports for these plugs, keeping things modern and up-to-date. The standout feature, however, is the interchangeable plug heads for different regions. Whether you’re hopping between the US, UK, or Europe, the PlugBug 120 has you covered with its international plug options. It’s a simple yet effective solution for people who often find themselves digging through a bag of adapters just to get their gear charged abroad.

But what sets both chargers apart from your standard USB-C bricks is their integration with Apple’s Find My network. Misplaced your charger? No problem. You can track it via the Find My app, and yes, this even works when the charger is offline. Unlike most gadgets you lose in your daily hustle, the PlugBug can be tracked just like an AirTag. It’s a feature that’s becoming increasingly valuable as we juggle more devices in our connected lives. Due to electrical regulations, the Find My feature is powered by a tiny, replaceable battery instead of being directly connected to the plug itself (you’ll need to swap it out every year or so). This simultaneously ensures that Find My works even if the charger isn’t plugged in.

The design of both chargers doesn’t stray too far from what we’ve come to expect from Twelve South—clean, minimal, and functional. The foldable prongs on both models make them super portable, while the compact design ensures they fit into tight spots, whether at home or in cramped outlets on the road. They’re also a combination of white and bright red, so don’t worry about not spotting the charger from a mile away. If the charger does become difficult to find, the Find My is a pretty cool add-on.

As for pricing, the PlugBug 50 will run you $69.99, while the PlugBug 120 is priced at $119.99—not exactly impulse buys, but reasonable for what they offer, especially if you factor in the peace of mind that comes with never losing your charger again. Both models are expected to hit shelves by mid-September 2024.

Given how losing a charger can often feel like losing a limb, the PlugBug lineup offers a bit of relief—and a clever way to keep your tech life on track. Just remember to check Find My before you accuse the couch of eating your charger.

The post Twelve South PlugBug Chargers Hands-On at IFA: The World’s Only Chargers with Apple’s Find My feature first appeared on Yanko Design.

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