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

Designer: Elago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Designer: Chanie Liao

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

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

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

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Just in time for Apple’s May 7th event, Blackmagic announced the Micro Control Panel, a tiny, keyboard-sized controller that takes your iPad color grading to a whole new level. Dock your latest iPad Pro in the Micro Control Panel, fire up the DaVinci Resolve app, and this tiny rig rivals most color-grading setups. Designed for professional as well as novice videographers and unveiled at NAB 2024 this year, the new portable control panel features a mounting slot for an Apple iPad Pro, an internal battery, supports both Bluetooth and USB-C connections, and boasts an affordable $495 price tag.

Designer: Blackmagic

Standing out for its portability, the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel is roughly the size of a keyboard. Don’t be fooled by its size, though. This panel packs a punch with high-quality trackballs and machined knobs for precise control over color correction. Whether you’re adjusting shadows, highlights, or saturation, the tactile feedback provided by these controls allows for nuanced fine-tuning.

Beyond color correction, the panel offers a range of transport and grading controls conveniently positioned around the edges. With these buttons at your fingertips, you can navigate your project timeline, set stills, and execute other commands with ease, significantly speeding up your workflow. Notably, some of these controls were previously exclusive to the larger DaVinci Resolve Mini and Advanced panels.

For existing DaVinci Resolve users, the Micro Color Panel offers a familiar feel. The trackballs boast a similar professional design, and the shift keys mimic the layout of higher-end panels. This ensures a smooth transition for experienced colorists while offering a user-friendly introduction for beginners.

An exciting feature for creators on the go is the integrated battery and Bluetooth connectivity. Ditch the cables and achieve wireless control over your color grading suite. This makes the Micro Color Panel ideal for location shoots or editing suites with limited space. But don’t worry, traditionalists can still connect via USB-C if desired.

The biggest perk might be the price tag. At $495, the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel is significantly more affordable than its larger counterparts. This opens the door for a wider range of editors and colorists to experience the power of dedicated control panels and take their creative output to the next level.

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The AURGA Viewer transforms connectivity by serving as a versatile, lightweight wireless HDMI dongle that seamlessly integrates a wide range of devices across various platforms. It combines the functionalities of a wireless video streamer, mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, and digitizer pen, extending the usability of devices far beyond their standard capabilities. This dongle supports high-definition video streaming at 1920x1080p 60Hz alongside 48K audio, ensuring a high-quality viewing and interaction experience.

Designer: AURGA Design

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Ideal for diverse applications, the AURGA Viewer can be used with computers, laptops, single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, and gaming consoles such as the PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch. It also connects seamlessly with mini PCs, cameras, DSLRs, and TV boxes, enhancing its versatility. The device itself is incredibly portable, measuring only 79.4mm by 26mm by 11mm and weighing just 14.5 grams, making it easy to carry and use anywhere.

For Designers – Turn your tablet into a pen display for Windows 10.

For Professionals – More screen space by seamlessly extending your desktop.

For PC enthusiasts and technicians, the AURGA Viewer offers a particularly valuable solution. Typically, setting up a computer to access BIOS settings or conduct tests requires a complete setup with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The AURGA Viewer simplifies this process dramatically by allowing for platform-agnostic remote control with just an HDMI and USB connection—eliminating the need for a monitor or even an operating system installed on the PC. This can be a game-changer for testing PCs, bare motherboards, or any “headless” device, providing both display and control access directly from a mobile device or tablet via the AURGA app.

Amplify your Mini PC – Connect your iPad for greater computing power.

For Photographers & Videographers – A larger monitor screen to make sure your videos are perfect everytime.

A compelling use case also exists for Nintendo Switch users. The Switch operates in different performance modes—handheld and docked. In handheld mode, the display is limited to 720p, reducing visual quality to conserve battery life. However, when connected via the AURGA Viewer, the Switch can output its display to devices like PCs or tablets, allowing users to enjoy the enhanced visual quality of docked mode on a larger, more vibrant screen. This feature is useful when the TV isn’t available or when traveling, ensuring gamers still enjoy high-quality gameplay.

For Developers – Seamless coding experience with extra screen real estate.

For Gamers – Turn your mobile device into a portable gaming console.

Acting as an extension for PCs, the AURGA Viewer serves multiple purposes beyond entertainment, such as allowing a tablet or a second laptop to function as an additional screen. This element is particularly valuable for professionals looking to increase their productivity by expanding their available screen real estate. Additionally, it also allows for interactive control over the primary device using the secondary one, which includes using touch inputs or connecting peripheral devices.. This capability adds significant flexibility and efficiency to any workflow, enabling users to manage tasks and execute commands directly from their secondary screens. Whether for complex professional tasks, creative projects, or general multi-tasking, the AURGA Viewer integrates smoothly into a variety of digital environments, streamlining operations and extending the functionality of connected devices.

The device operates by connecting to devices through HDMI for video output and USB for power and peripheral connectivity. It does not require any software to be installed on the host device, making it a plug-and-play solution that’s easy to set up. The video and control signals are transmitted over a local Wi-Fi network, accessible through the AURGA app available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Android TV with some additional setup.

The AURGA Viewer is a versatile tool that broadens the functionality of electronic setups from gaming consoles to professional workstations. As a compact device, it offers robust solutions for enhancing connectivity and streamlining the use of various devices, making it an essential addition for anyone looking to optimize their digital interactions.

Click Here to Buy Now: $72 $99 (Use coupon code “YANKO” to get an additional $7 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

The post Unlock Seamless Connectivity with a Tiny Device That Redefines Device Integration first appeared on Yanko Design.

Thanks to devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion GO, handheld PCs are becoming more common and more acceptable in the public’s eyes. That horizontal orientation, while more gaming-oriented, isn’t the only possible design, nor is it even the best option. There are other styles, particularly the laptop-like clamshell design, that offer a user experience that is slightly different but also a bit more flexible in its features. Of course, just because it looks like a mini laptop doesn’t mean it has to behave like one, and this particular handheld console concept stretches that design a bit further to transform a gaming device into a lifestyle product.

Designer: Viet Doan Duc

ORBIS, the name for this design concept, wouldn’t be the market’s first clamshell gaming handheld. Chinese brand GPD has been making such devices for years, and recently rival AYANEO even put out two designs for such a portable gaming machine, including one that tries to recreate the experience of the Nintendo DS. What ORBIS does differently, however, is how it gives as much attention on features that let users personalize the device’s appearance as on the specs that drive the use of the gaming computer.

One simple yet significant example is how the removable ABS cover on the lid lets you customize the appearance of the device while also opening the doors to branded accessories. While you can also just slap on stickers like you would on a laptop, this system is more flexible, allowing users to swap out covers depending on their mood or style, just like how you could easily switch cases on smartphones. There is also RGB lighting encircling the analog sticks, delivering not only a gamer aesthetic but also increased visibility in the dark.

The ORBIS handheld takes a bit of inspiration from the Nintendo DS with its second screen right below the gamepad controls, but it also goes beyond what Nintendo’s popular handheld could accomplish. Because it is a gaming PC more than a closed console system, that touch screen can be used for different purposes, including a virtual keyboard. The typing experience will be awkward and difficult, yes, but it’s significantly better than what’s offered on the likes of the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

Admittedly, some parts of the ORBIS concept are a bit too idealistic, like the use of an ARM-based CPU (versus Intel or AMD) together with a high-end NVIDIA RTX graphics processor. Having two 5,200mAh batteries inside such a small and compact device is also unrealistic, without even considering things like thermal management and charging speeds. Of course, as a concept, it’s not wrong to sometimes shoot for the sky, and thankfully, some of the ideas here can actually be easily implemented, especially the parts that can significantly improve the user experience by simply allowing owners to customize their device to their hearts’ content.

The post Handheld gaming console concept offers lifestyle features that go beyond gaming first appeared on Yanko Design.

Having a baby can be a very magical moment, but even the best, most patient, and kindest parents will struggle with some of the aspects of raising an infant. They need constant monitoring, even late at night when even adults should be resting. One of the most problematic things to watch out for is when the baby wets the bed, because it can happen any time, day or night, and even when parents are not paying attention. It might already be too late when the infant cries after having spent long minutes wearing or lying on something wet, which then could bring skin complications and other problems. It’s for that reason that this crib concept was designed, offering a more efficient way to monitor the baby by employing the very same technologies used to monitor plants and their soil’s wetness.

Designers: Anuj Pate, Piyusha Naik

Soil moisture, or the volume of water content in the soil, isn’t exactly the same as determining when a baby wet the bed, but the technology works the same for both cases. The sensor is only able to measure water content indirectly by taking into account other factors like electrical resistance, dielectric constant, and the like. Fortunately, this is enough to also detect if the mattress of a crib is now wet, which is the critical component of the Wee Watch Crib Concept.

In a nutshell, the crib uses copper coils attached to the mattress to implement the moisture detection hardware, since copper is considered to be harmless for the baby in this context. The sensors can sense the wetness of the bed and immediately fire off a notification to parents or caretakers, either audibly or through a phone app. It’s a much more efficient way compared to constantly watching the baby, which is tiring, or waiting for the baby to cry, which could be too late for the infant’s comfort and health.

Of course, the baby crib also has to be comfortable, not just functional, and the Wee Watch design opts to use natural cotton fibers for the mattress as it is gentler on the baby’s skin. The frame is made from laminated timber that’s put together using a moisture-resistant adhesive, and there are tall vents at the bottom to facilitate airflow and regulate temperature. More importantly, the crib is also made to still be useful as the baby grows, about up to two years as long as they still comfortably fit in that space.

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Streaming is big business these days to the point that some kids even declare it to be their dream job. And like any other dream job, the reality is that video streaming isn’t as easy or as magical as it sounds, at least if you’re really aiming to go pro and bring in all the views. You will need to invest in quality equipment that not only makes their work more comfortable but also makes the overall experience more enjoyable. These concept products try to do exactly that, assisting streamers to make them feel more alive, whether onscreen or especially offscreen.

Designers: Mariana Aréchiga, Isaac Saldaña, Ricardo Zerón, Adriana Cruz, Jonathan Gonzalez, Alondra Alvarez, Mariana Pedroza, Juan Muciño

It’s admittedly easy to get started in the live streaming industry. All you need is a decent camera, a reliable Internet connection, and content that will capture the attention of the fickle masses. Going viral and staying relevant, however, requires not only hard work but also tools that will help carry you through both the good times as well as the bad. Alive is a series of product design concepts that try to elevate the streaming experience and beyond, focusing on the things that help streamers stay in control all the time.

One example is a wireless streaming mic that frees you from your desk with its detachable design. While it looks like an ordinary studio mic when on its wireless charging stand, you can easily pick it up and move around without missing a beat or dropping out. It has a helpful ring indicator that quickly clues you in on the volume level without having to check your app’s or computer’s controls.

Lighting does more than just illuminate your face during streams, it can also help set the mood or even indicate your own mood. This conical desk lamp concept delivers that kind of emotional lighting but also provides direct physical controls that don’t leave you at the mercy of buggy apps and spotty network connections. Any streamer will testify to the stress and tension that occurs whenever those supposedly smart lights feel rather dumb due to those technical difficulties.

Power strips are designed to expand your wall socket, but most of them seem to still embrace the limitations of those fixed outlets. This streamer-friendly design, however, has sockets you can rotate so that they adjust to your cables and plugs, not the other way around. There’s also a section of the strip that offers battery backup to make sure critical devices stay powered up even during an emergency. These features might sound trivial, but every small thing that gives streamers peace of mind also helps them create better content.

The post Live streaming accessories give creators the tools to elevate their content first appeared on Yanko Design.

Portable computing demands convenience! This objective has allowed an entire PC to be stuffed into our pockets already. Yet, there is no comparison to the suitability and convenience of a laptop. LG ensured laptops remain the most versatile device for all creative needs with the birth of LG Gram ultra-lightweight laptops. Now, designers believe there is a scope to transform LG’s innovation into an optical illusion.

Of course, the major inspiration for the idea of the Illusion screen is the LG Gram laptop. For me, however, it is reminiscent of a transistor from the era gone by courtesy of its carrying handle and a nice metallic sheen. The Illusion screen laptop is a concept design created by KDM+ through LG Electronics’ industry-academic cooperation project.

Designers: JiHoon Park, Sherry Ahn, Dahyeon Kim and Korea Design Membership

A laptop has reformed the way we work today, essentially merging the previously separated digital experience of desktops. As laptops are the daily drivers of the workforce, the Illusion screen provides a reimagined design that allows the display to disappear into the clamshell design. Taking up a little space on the desk, the Illusion laptop presents configurations and styling options to complement our lifestyle and working requirements.

Chances are the transistor reference would resonate with you too. It appears similar with a unibody design – wrapping up an illusionary display on the front and leather cushioning on the back – extending to the carrying handle on top and a nice tuner-style knob on the right. The highlight is the illusion graphics on the screen that continuously play as moving water droplets or color patterns at different screen angles.

With its interesting modular screen, which can be used at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees and in between, the Illusion laptop is usable in any position the user desires. With that versatility, it opens up a range of use cases on your desk to be used independently (with a magnetic Bluetooth keyboard that resides within in clamshell mode) or with an external screen to enhance your creativity.

Since the LG Illusion screen emphasizes portability and convenience, it comes in this handbag-like form with its handle so you can carry it around like a briefcase without additional casing or luggage. The knob on the side is basically for adjusting the screen angle so you can consume different content at different display orientations. On the bottom of the leather cushioned back panel is the speaker grill of the Illusion laptop while on the top are vents for air. The laptop with the captivating optical display has various connectivity ports on the sides, but there is no word on the specifications one will get in this LG Illusion screen.

The post This ‘PC in a briefcase’ reimagines the LG convertible laptop as an optical illusion first appeared on Yanko Design.

Like it or not, and some definitely don’t, the things that AI and neural networks can accomplish these days are nothing short of mind-blowing. Never mind the rather dated speech recognition that has now become all too common, AI has now become famous and notorious for being able to analyze just about anything and generate something from those data points, whether they’re images, novels, or even the chicken scratch that is our handwriting. Turning human scribbles into digital text that computers can process has long been one of the Holy Grails of computing, but being able to make sense of those scribbles is a different story. AI has come to a point where it can not only understand but even solve handwritten equations, and that’s a capability that this smart calculator is harnessing to ease the pain of cross-checking math problems, almost like magic.

Designer: Divyansh Tripathi

It’s relatively easy for computers and even phones these days to recognize handwriting and turn it into their digital equivalent, but AI goes the extra mile by understanding those words and, in this case, numbers and symbols. Math solvers, just like AI text generators, are somewhat controversial because of their potential for abuse, but the technology itself is quite impressive and, just like any other tool, could also be put to good use.

That’s the potential that the OBSCURA smart calculator concept is trying to harness, offering an all-in-one problem-solving device for any and all numerical problems. Unlike your typical advanced calculator, this one comes with a camera so that you can take pictures of a handwritten formula and run it through a solver such as Photomath, Microsoft Maths Solver, Socratic, and others. It doesn’t stop at “seeing” formulas and problems, however. It also has a built-in mic so you can verbally ask it about the problem.

Of course, you can also just type out the numbers like with any regular scientific calculator. In terms of the device’s interface, what sets this calculator apart is a touch control that lets you adjust the viewfinder or move the cursor around on the display. In all other aspects, it’s pretty much like any other powerful calculator, just that it has AI running inside.

Of course, that raises the question of the purpose of such a device, especially when smartphones have access to the same hardware and AI services. A smartphone, however, also has plenty of distractions that can drag you away from the work at hand, especially if that work happens to involve disagreeable numbers. Obscura, at least, offers to do some of the rote work, especially with cross-checking solutions, but it’s still up to the user to be responsible with such great power in their hands.

The post AI-powered calculator concept can solve even handwritten math problems first appeared on Yanko Design.

Why do all hearing aids have to make you look old and unstylish? Why can’t they be as cool as those modern open-design earbuds? This very predicament inspired a design house to propose a hearing aid form that shifts assumptions and stereotyping. The design is backed by viable features and useful functionality that’ll make any traditional hearing aid user interested in the idea.

Meet Claro, a battery-powered, Bluetooth-connected pair of hearing aids that redefines style without compromising any aspect of functionality. Adapting the open-ear design that we’ve seen on the Bose Open Earbuds, these ergonomic hearing aids seamlessly sit on the user’s ears, sidelining the common medical gadget aesthetics for good.

Designer: Crux Product Design

The hearing aid can be connected to with upto 3 devices simultaneously – so you can connect it to your phone for taking calls, music player to listen to podcasts, or a laptop to join meetings in an instant. Those cables in arch form maximize the flexibility of use with different-shaped ears and wearing comforts. A useful feature comes in the form of inner ear biometrics that detects the Internal Carotid Artery for an unobstructed source of data.

The hearing aid is equipped with sensors to detect health and ear hygiene too. Loaded with advanced sensors for providing functions like pulse oximetry, heart rate and respiratory rate, the gadget eliminates the need for wearing a smartwatch or fitness tracker. To keep all the functions working obstruction-free, Claro can be charged in the provided case. If you are a constant user of hearing aids, you can also swap the internal replaceable batteries with a pair of rechargeable batteries to stay connected for longer without any interruptions.

We hope to see this product become a reality and that possibility cannot counted out as Crux Product Design is committed to bringing new-age solutions to their users.

The post This stylish hearing aid inspired by open earbuds blends ergonomics and functionality first appeared on Yanko Design.

Natural disasters can take a heavy toll on life and property, even when we’ve prepared for the worst. Floods, earthquakes, fires, and volcanic eruptions can send people running to evacuation centers where they may be safe but are hardly intact both in the body and especially in the mind. These refuge centers are often only able to provide the bare necessities when it comes to shelter and food, with electric power and heating sometimes taking a lower priority. That’s not even considering the psychological pain that all evacuees experience during these dark times, which often take a backseat because of the state emergency. Of course, all of these are important factors to consider, and this concept for an add but cute robot tries to address them in its own little way to provide both physical and mental comfort to people who have been displaced by these calamities.

Designers: Taejeong Kim, Yeji Jeon

To be fair, such shelters have to focus on what human needs to survive, like food, clothing, and a stable roof over their heads. Electricity often isn’t even viable during natural disasters when power lines are down, but considering how much we rely on electric appliances and devices these days, it has become almost just as critical. Depending on the location and the nature of the disaster, keeping warm is also important, especially if the person is shivering from shock.

POWER HUG is a product design concept that tries to bring some of that on a personal level, just enough power and warmth to bring a little comfort and ease the worries of the person. It is pretty much a big power bank, one with outlets for both USB cables as well as typical power adapters. It also has a built-in warmer to keep the person toasty, especially at night when temperatures tend to drop drastically.

What makes the design notable, however, isn’t just the features but also its form. POWER HUG comes as a cylindrical robot with two soft, bendable tubes that wrap around each end like a wheel. It has a screen in the middle to show the robot’s face and deliver a more humane touch to the design. Unlike what you might expect from robots, however, this one is covered with a thin cushion and soft fabric so that you can wrap yours around it in an embrace. Paired with its heating capability, it can deliver much-needed warmth, comfort, and perhaps even peace to a troubled person.

Considering its use in emergency situations, it’s almost necessary for POWER HUG to be made accessible and sustainable materials. Its batteries can be sourced from unused electric vehicle batteries, while its fabric can be made from recycled materials. It’s definitely an interesting idea, even if the production of such a device might not be practical, as it emphasizes humans’ need for more than just food and shelter to survive a disaster.

The post Huggable robot concept delivers warmth, power, and comfort during disasters first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wireless charging is finally becoming more common but despite the freedom from tangling cables that the technology offers, wireless chargers still have a few inconveniences, especially when it comes to aesthetics. Only a few of these products can be considered pleasing to look at, especially when mixed with the rest of your room decor. And they still have at least one cable snaking out of their bodies, which might be difficult to hide depending on where you place the chargers. In an ideal future, almost any flat surface can become a wireless charger, immediately juicing up your phone or device the moment you put it down, anywhere you put it down. Part of that future seems to already be here, with a creative wireless technology that can hide that wireless charging space inside stone countertops, seamlessly blending with your choice of interior design.

Designer: FreePower

Wireless chargers remove the messy cables from the charging equation, but the current state of technology requires you to still make physical contact between the device and the surface of the charger. Add to that the hard requirements on materials for the surfaces of wireless chargers and you will find yourself with a few of these products scattered around your house, often sticking out like a sore thumb. Some designs are admittedly more elegant and stylish, but they still add to the visual baggage on what would be an otherwise pristine table or countertop.

FreePower is a technology that tries to offer the best of both worlds, combining the liberating convenience of wireless charging with a clean and unblemished tabletop surface. In a nutshell, it embeds the wireless charger inside the countertop, and not just any countertop, mind you. It is compatible with different stone materials, including quartz, granite, or even marble, materials you’d never think could be used for wireless chargers. Thanks to this innovative design, you don’t need to actually put a charging mat or stand on your kitchen countertop, side table, or bedside table, because the countertop itself is the wireless charger.

Of course, only a portion of the countertop actually functions as the wireless charging zone, but you don’t have to worry about ugly and conspicuous markings that ruin the aesthetic of your beautiful stone top. A customizable LED halo glows around the area where you can place your devices, and you can even turn this light off when it’s not in use. FreePower does even better than most wireless chargers because you can place your phone or earbuds anywhere within that zone, no need to perfectly align with markers.

FreePower is the latest in a growing number of designs that aim to integrate wireless charging technology into every surface inside your home, completely freeing you from unsightly cables. Of course, such a design is also less flexible in that you have very little choice when you want to change furniture or designs. You’ll have to hope there’s also an invisible wireless charger version available for that or else you’ll have to go back to old-school wireless charging mats.

The post FreePower turns your beautiful stone countertop into a wireless charger first appeared on Yanko Design.

Although wireless charging has been around for years, it was only until Apple finally joined the fray that the technology really became popular. Of course, it was Apple’s MagSafe spin on wireless charging that really caught on, but it still sparked interest in a future where wires and cables are a thing of the past. We’re still a long way from that future considering how wireless charging works today, but that’s not to say that there is no progress to improve the situation. These wireless charging product designs, for example, are based on such ongoing development and prepare us for a world where desks can be completely devoid of cables, especially those for charging your multitude of devices.

Designer: Sprout Studios

As convenient as wireless charging might be, especially magnetic wireless charging, the requirement to have the device and the charger touching is still quite restricting. Not only that, you still have to make sure that the charging coils are aligned properly, which is what made it necessary for Apple to implement MagSafe in this way. But what if you could get rid of that restriction? Then every surface or anything on your desk can become a wireless charger.

That’s exactly what these designs are proposing, based on technology being developed by startup DeepCharge. Even a laptop mat, for example, can become a wireless charger that can accommodate phones, earbuds, and other devices as well. This Laptop Pad also has extra features like an antimicrobial frantic top and LED lighting to indicate charging status. You don’t have to ensure that devices are in the right area. Simply place them on the mat and watch the LED indicator light up. Another design involves a charging pad that also acts as a landing pad for drones, though that requires attaching some feet to the quadcopter.

A more ambitious design, however, is based on “transmutation” and “energy hopping” technologies that are still being developed. In a nutshell, it could turn any surface, like a desk or a shelf, into a wireless charging area. Then you have small wireless charging stations that can transfer power from a central hub and distribute it even in areas out of reach of your desk. Pretty much like how mesh routers work today, except spreading electrical power instead of data.

Although the concepts in this collection still look like your conventional technical products, the technology it relies on opens the door to even more flexible designs. Anything on your desk or shelf, be it an accessory or even a piece of decoration, can become one of those satellite charging hubs. With wireless computer peripherals and data connections, such a design could lead to cleaner and tidier workspaces, unless of course, you start cluttering your table with even more devices to charge.

The post Wireless charger concepts imagine a world free from power cables first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sooner or later, we will all need to take some pills regularly, whether it’s for medication or even just daily supplements. But unless you live a very disciplined life or have a sharp mind all the time, there will be times that you miss taking the proper dosage at the right time. Pillboxes try to save us time by splitting pills and tablets into their appropriate days, while smartphone apps give us the timely nudges to take them. The distance between these two objects, however, can lead some people to actually forget to drink those pills, especially if they’re stored in a less accessible place to avoid exposure to sunlight. Smart pill dispensers are becoming more common these days, but this twist on that concept proposes a design that is simpler, more aesthetic, and possibly more accessible since it lets you conveniently place the clock exactly where you need to take those pills.

Designer: Chanho Ju

Yes, the design looks like a huge clock, albeit an extremely minimalist one that doesn’t show the conventional numbers around its face. That face is actually an LCD screen that only displays the clock hands as glowing lines, along with the actual number they’re pointing at for a bit of readability. The display does change its contents when it’s time to take those pills, showing the current alarm time and other necessary information.

While it might sound a little underwhelming when it comes to constantly telling the time, its real worth shines when it comes to dispensing medicine. Simply twist the front to detach the clock, revealing 28 compartments for 28 days’ worth of medication. There are four buttons that let you set how many tablets you take per day, anywhere from one to four pieces. There’s also a special compartment for silica gel to make sure the interior of the clock remains dry and prevent pills from spoiling in humidity.

Combining a clock and a pill dispenser isn’t just some random design decision. Unlike a typical pill box, you can place this +CLOCK concept design anywhere it makes sense, whether it’s near the table, a kitchen counter, or a shelf. Its minimalist aesthetic makes it double as a decorative piece so it won’t exactly stick out like a sore thumb, especially since it also minimally tells the time anyway.

More importantly, however, when it does call your attention, you will be in the right place and at the right time to actually receive the pills that drop from the dispenser. There’s no physical gap between the two actions, so you’re less likely to forget to actually take the pills after you’ve automatically turned off the alarm by habit. It’s a simple yet elegant design that addresses the core problem of forgetting to take medication without having to use sophisticated and ultimately more expensive solutions.

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Projectors are becoming a popular alternative to extra large screens like TVs, mostly at home but sometimes even outdoors. Product design trends have started to move away from bulky boxes to more compact forms, but most of them are still restricted by a few design considerations. Even projectors that are supposedly designed for portability often come with clunky and sometimes unattractive stands, or worse, require setting up on tripods just to get the perfect angle. This concept design tries to solve that problem in a rather creative way, offering a highly compact and portable projector that can be propped up and angled conveniently, all without using a tripod or even a stand.

Designer: Hana Belassi

Thanks to progress in technology and manufacturing, it’s now possible to cram much of the electronics that powered large, hulking projectors into something the size of a small box or even a cylinder. But despite the smaller designs, or probably because of their more cramped designs, these portable projectors often rely on an external mechanism like a tripod or stand to prop them up at the desired angle. Not only does this ruin the aesthetics of the otherwise beautiful product, it also makes it cumbersome to bring the projector along wherever you go.

The Slim.VU concept tries to offer the ultimate on-the-go entertainment experience by encapsulating all the needed parts and design in a single, compact, and portable package. A projector with a built-in battery is not exactly new, but one that comes with 4G connectivity is still unheard of. That enables the projector to function not only without an external power source but even without a Wi-Fi connection, allowing it to access streaming sources without having to use up your phone’s cellular data.

The more interesting aspect of the projector’s design, however, is the built-in stand that looks nothing like a stand. The removable “cap” of this tumbler-like projector functions as this stand, holding the projector in its place magnetically. The curved shape of this stand lets you rotate the cylindrical projector and angle it properly. This way, you don’t need any other accessory to enjoy a video anytime you want, anywhere you go.

The Slim.VU projector concept contains everything you need, freeing you from concerns about power, connectivity, and stability. Of course, actually implementing such a projector is a different matter entirely, and it might need to make a few compromises in exchange for its compact form. Audio and video quality might actually take a hit just to cram this much technology inside a canister shape, making the portable projector less ideal for outdoor use, or even indoor when there’s too much ambient light.

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When people talk about augmented or mixed reality, they most likely imagine strapping bulky visors to their heads and blocking their eyes. Although that is definitely the primary way to experience an immersive fusion of the physical and the digital, mixed reality actually goes beyond living in virtual worlds or seeing apps floating in front of you. You could, for example, point your smartphone somewhere in the real world and see a glimpse of digital information through that small window. Limited as that experience might sound, it can actually open up a whole new world to discover, especially if it allows children to learn more about the world they live in, giving them access to flora and fauna that they would have never encountered in the wild.

Designer: Junwoo Lim

To a child’s eyes, the world is both magical and mysterious, and that’s just for the things they can actually see. Our planet has a lot more treasures and oddities than they could possibly imagine, but most of them are out of reach due to urban development and safety considerations. At most, kids can learn about them through books, videos, and other flat media that, while informative, lack the proper context that young minds need to truly appreciate the scale of these earthbound creatures.

Mono is a mixed reality device concept that unlocks that world and allows kids to not only learn but also enjoy discovering these nuggets of knowledge in a way that doesn’t take them away from their current environment. Using mixed reality technologies, the gadget overlays virtual creatures like insects and animals on top of real-world objects, making them look like they’re actually there on the roof or in your hand. This allows kids to see them in their proper scale, observe their natural movement, or even see them interact with each other, all while still having access to additional text information layered on top of this view.

The device comes in a design that looks like a toy magnifying glass, an object that has long been associated with exploration and discovery. Instead of a transparent lens, it has a camera on one side and a screen on the other. Theoretically, the user can put the screen close to their eye the same way they would use a real magnifying glass, though that raises questions about the safety of that method. The controls for the device are simple enough for a child to understand, including a single button for power and a slider for zooming in and out to understand the scale of the creature being observed.

The Mono concept design tries to fill in an educational need for kids to learn more about the world in a safe and engaging environment, but without weighing down their heads with headsets. It demonstrates how mixed reality can be more than just an entertainment medium or a productivity tool for adults, but something that kids can also benefit from. A magnifying glass design definitely carries that exploration vibe, though it’s questionable whether it’s an appropriate one given how kids are likely to put the screen right in front of their eyes.

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I’m sure of one thing; you need to have great typing skills if you are to use a split keyboard. For example, if you are like me, who has to extend their right hand over the left to find an odd key: we are not designed for this gadget! That said, split keyboards are hailed for their typing comfort, and there are many ergonomists to back it up. The split keyboard: wired and wireless, are functional and comfortable alternative to traditional keyboards because these provide more flexibility.

As opposed to a traditional keyboard that forces you into a fixed, rather unnatural, typing position for an extended period of time, the split keyboard rips that apart in the middle so every user can find their most comfortable position. We have seen a handful, or rather more, iterations of a split keyboard in our time. If I recollect correctly, Naya Create keyboard that added a trackpad to the split design won a lot of accolades back in the day. Now NocFree wants to rival the Create and other similar options with unmatched adjustability offered by its accommodating form factor.

Designer: Solar (NocFree Team)

Click Here to Buy Now: $166 $210 (20% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Before we get into the details of the NocFree Lite, the first prototype of the spilt keyboard, be reminded that the changes in desk setup to address your posture issues and pains, may not be limited to the position of the desk. If you have swapped between sitting and standing desks and been through a range of lumber support chairs, without a respite; consider giving your keyboard a swap. Whether you prefer linear, tactile or clicky switches, the NocFree Lite has the options to be truly effective.

The idea of NocFree keyboard is not accidental. It was conceived after the designer Solar from Kowloon, Hong Kong, battling wrist pain and lower back discomfort, headed out to search for a solution. With the absence of a split keyboard of his choosing, the idea of NocFree was born. It is a keyboard that we would want to use daily, hours at the computer desk or a gaming rig, without feeling the strain on the wrist or the shoulders.

To ensure this, the NocFree Lite Split Wireless Mechanical Keyboard functions in two independent parts for user comfort. And when you want otherwise, the left and right sides of the keyboard can be effortlessly merged. So, with the NocFree, you can start with the fully merged keyboard and gradually separate it as the shoulder begin to feel the strain. The benefit in the latter position is beyond the comfort. The void between the two halves of the keyboard can offer prime desk real estate to place your documents, mouse or maybe a tablet to take notes.

The sleek, adjustable layout of the NocFree Lite comprises 65 keys for utmost productivity. With the necessary keys for all the functionality you need, the keyboard is not a sitting duck. It offers a dazzling array of 31 lighting effects that you can customize for your choice of color, brightness, and transition speed. For further customization, NocFree Lite comes with a few keycap options that may cater to your unique style and preference.

The NocFree Lite comes with a palm rest made from a single piece of walnut. This is also made to split with the keyboard and alleviates palm pressure in either use setting. According to the our information, 20 prototypes of the NocFree Lite have been made and tested, and the keyboard is ready for manufacturing. The idea behind the design is to move split keyboards from a niche to a mainstream choice, for which the makers are currently running an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, where prospective buyers can preorder a unit for $166.

Click Here to Buy Now: $166 $210 (20% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

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Flying cars and AI assistants are a dime a dozen – but have you ever seen a router so adorable it would be the highlight of your interior decor??

The SmartAir Minions Routers were so oddly located in a corner of the Westgate area of the CES 2024 exhibition that it was easy to miss. As chance would have it, I headed to the Westgate area to look for another company, only to suddenly notice these minions through the corner of my eye sitting on a counter. Given the fact that CES is predominantly a tech show, I obviously wondered why these plush-looking toys were on display. A few seconds in it dawned on me – these lifelike characters from the Despicable Me franchise were, in fact, dual and triple-band WiFi 6E routers capable of multi-gigabit internet. The added bonus? They look more adorable and presentable than your existing WiFi router ever could.

Designer: Davolink

Click Here to Buy Now

The routers come in two models, designed to resemble the two key characters in the Minion-verse, the short and adorable Bob, and the tall and klutzy Kevin. The choice of these two characters play well into the routers’ features too – Bob, being smaller, offers dual-band WiFi connectivity, while the taller Kevin (and that tiny antenna-esque toupee of his) offer triple-band internet, giving you 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz, and even 6Ghz.

Together, both the routers provide a brilliant blend between wide coverage and high speeds, enabling everything from 8K streaming to even gaming. The routers eliminate dead zones too, ensuring every corner of your home has WiFi connectivity with a mesh feature to help maximize coverage.

The highlight, however, is the fact that they are a stunning replica of easily some of the most memorable and iconic characters of animated cinema in the past decade. I’ve always advocated for functional products ditching their industrial aesthetic (air purifiers and smart speakers don’t need to look horrendously industrial in today’s day and age), and it seems like it’s time that WiFi routers took that same approach. Bob and Kevin are designed to be the kind of routers that hide in plain sight. They’re adorable enough to be kept on your shelf or tabletop without feeling the need to conceal them behind curtains or other objects, and that’s really what makes them such a standout product. After all, wouldn’t you rather have a router that looks as cute as these little nitwits than something like the boring box you’re currently connected to as you read this article? My only worry is kids trying to play with these and accidentally bringing your entire home network down… but that’s a problem for another day!

Click Here to Buy Now

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There are plenty of productivity techniques floating around the Internet, but one of the most popular ones has actually been around even before the Web as we know now came to be. Named after a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, the Pomodoro technique is so simple that it’s too easy to brush it off as trivial, but its effectiveness has also been known for decades. Of course, that has also led to plenty of apps and gadgets that embrace the hype while forgetting the spirit and actually induce stress and distractions rather than productivity. Fortunately, there are better and more creative ways to design a Pomodoro timer, like this minimalist beauty that allows you to enjoy the simple benefits of the technique without having to rely on a clunky analog timer, especially one that looks like an awkward tomato on your desk.

Designer: Gary Peng

The Pomodoro technique is extremely simple and takes advantage of the fact that the human brain can only concentrate on a single thing for a short period of time. In theory, you do that single thing for 25 minutes and then take a break for 5 minutes before repeating the process. Because it’s that simple, you really don’t need complicated tools other than a timer, whether it’s a mechanical kitchen timer or a smartphone app, both of which come with their pros and cons. That kitchen timer can look odd on your desk and a mobile app risks distracting you with other things on your device.

POD is a tool that combines the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience of an electronic device in a simple yet attractive form. It’s nothing more than a small white puck that has five very discreet dot lights on top arranged in an arc. There is no control other than pushing the puck down like a button, which is what starts the countdown.

Each dot of light represents either five or one minutes, depending on the mode. When you’re in “work” mode, the lights count down to 25 minutes in total, while “break” mode is the usual five-minute period of rest. The POD is also minimally distracting, using only flashing lights to get your attention rather than sounds or vibrations. This means you can easily use it in environments where you need to be very quiet, like in a library.

The POD also relies on trusty CR2032 batteries that you can easily replace, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice for a long time. Its minimalist charm will make it look at home on any desk, table, or shelf, and doesn’t induce the same tension and stress the same way that a ticking kitchen timer would.

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