I was a big fan of the OPPO Find N3, so when I heard rumors that OPPO might be exiting the foldable market, I was disappointed. That’s also why I was excited when I received the news that OPPO is indeed launching a new book-style foldable phone. What I liked about the Find N3 was that its camera performance didn’t feel like a compromise, something that was not always the case with many foldable phones when the Find N3 was released. While having a powerful imaging system on a foldable phone means dealing with a sizable camera bump, it was a trade-off I was happy to live with.

The foldable phone landscape varies significantly across regions. While US consumers are limited to Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, international markets enjoy a more diverse selection, with brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, Huawei, and others competing to deliver increasingly sophisticated foldable devices. Now, roughly 15 months after the Find N3’s debut, OPPO has unveiled the Find N5, pushing boundaries once again.

Designer: OPPO

The Find N5 brings a lot to the table. It’s the world’s thinnest book-style foldable, the first foldable powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and the first foldable certified with IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9 ratings. As a longtime admirer of the Find N3 Fold, I approached the Find N5 with high expectations. Let’s see how it stacks up.

Aesthetics

We are at a time when flagship smartphones are moving away from large camera bumps, and the OPPO Find N5 makes a bold yet elegant statement. The camera island has been thoughtfully redesigned, achieving a 20% reduction in thickness compared to its predecessor while retaining OPPO’s distinctive Cosmos Ring design. This refined approach creates a more sophisticated profile that aligns with the phone’s premium positioning.

The Find N5’s design philosophy emphasizes clean lines and minimal ornamentation, yet manages to maintain visual interest through careful material selection and finish details. Available in two colorways, each variant offers a unique aesthetic appeal. The Cosmic Black variant features a sophisticated matte back panel that evokes a deep, mysterious appearance resembling frosted glass. Its matte gray frame creates a seamless, monolithic appearance that exudes understated luxury.

The Misty White variant, on the other hand, incorporates nano-lithography technology to create an ethereal, constantly shifting pattern across its back panel. This finish catches and plays with light in subtle ways, creating an almost ethereal effect as you move the device. The silver frame provides a striking contrast that highlights the phone’s premium construction while adding a touch of brightness to the overall design.

Both colorways share a similar textured back that delivers an exceptionally refined tactile experience. The surface treatment not only provides a pleasant silky touch but also helps minimize fingerprints and smudges, maintaining the phone’s pristine appearance during daily use.

Ergonomics

The Oppo Find N5 claims the title of the world’s thinnest book-style foldable, measuring just 4.21mm when unfolded and 8.93mm when folded. The phone’s dimensions are 160.87mm x 145.58mm x 4.21mm when unfolded, and 160.87mm x 74.42mm x 8.93mm when folded. The Find N5 boasts more than just thinness; it’s also very light, weighing only 229g. To put it in perspective, that is only 6.8mm thicker and 2g heavier than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Despite its slim profile, the device feels robust and well-engineered. Holding the folded Find N5 feels almost like holding a slab phone, and it fits comfortably in your palm or pocket. Oppo revisited almost every componentfrom the motherboard to the USB-C port, the hinge, and the frameto achieve this balance of thinness, lightness, and durability.

Another impressive feature of this phone is the crease, or rather, the lack of one. It’s barely noticeable both visually and tactically. You wouldn’t notice the crease unless you look at it from a certain angle. What’s even more remarkable is that you hardly feel it when you run your finger across it, both in terms of width and depth. The Find N3 already had a very subtle crease, but the Find N5 takes it to the next level, with a crease that is 10% narrower and 50% shallower. It has the most deceptive crease of any foldable phone I’ve ever tried.

The hinge feels consistent throughout its range of motion. Unlike the inconsistent hinge of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the more effort-demanding hinge of the Pixel Fold, opening and closing the N5 feels smooth and fluid. Unfortunately, the Find N5’s hinge isn’t as steady when the phone is opened at a wider angle. There were a few occasions when the phone slowly opened flat while I was watching a video with the phone at about a 95 to 100-degree angle.

Another thing to note is the position of the volume rocker: it’s too high. You’ll need to shift your palm or hold the phone with two hands to reach it. Also, when I hold the phone open, with my pinky finger supporting most of the weight, it digs into my pinky. But this probably has to do with the position of my pinky, as I tend to support the phone with the side of my pinky near the nail. If I support it with the pad of my pinky, it’s not an issue.

Performance

Display quality stands as one of the Find N5’s strongest features. The outer 6.62-inch OLED screen (2616 x 1140 resolution, 431 PPI) delivers impressive brightness up to 1600 nits outdoors. The inner 8.12-inch OLED display (2248 x 2480 resolution, 412 PPI) reaches 1400 nits of outdoor. Both screens feature adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rates with LTPO technology and support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The outer display’s 20.7:9 aspect ratio provides a familiar smartphone experience, while the inner screen’s 9.9:9 ratio creates an immersive viewing canvas. The transition between displays is seamless, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Find N5 features stereo speakers, but they are only located on the outer screen side. This design choice reduces the immersive experience, as you’ll notice the sound coming from just one side of the phone when watching content with the phone unfolded.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the Find N5 handles multitasking and intensive workloads effortlessly, maintaining cool temperatures even under pressure. Find N5 runs ColorOS15.0.1 based on Android 15. The improved Boundless View makes multitasking, switching between apps, copy and paste easy and seamless. Find N5 further enhances productivity through various AI features, including AI Document for translation and summarization, and AI Call Summary for transcribing audio conversations.

One of the standout features is O+ Connect for Mac, which builds upon OPPO’s existing file transfer capabilities between OPPO devices and iOS and iPadOS. This new functionality enables remote Mac control through the Find N5, though it requires the O+ Connect application to be installed on your Mac. The device also supports the OPPO Pen, adding another layer of productivity and creativity. However, testing this feature wasn’t possible during the review period, as I was unable to acquire the OPPO Pen.

The Find N5’s imaging system builds upon OPPO and Hasselblad’s photography expertise, featuring a triple-camera array. The 50MP main camera shares the same Sony LYT-700 sensor (1/1.56-inch, f/1.89) with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) as the Find X8, delivering excellent results in both daylight and low-light conditions. Images show impressive sharpness, accurate white balance, and strong dynamic range.

Accompanying the main sensor is a 50MP telephoto camera (1/2.75-inch sensor, f/2.7) with OIS, offering 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom capabilities. While the camera technically supports up to 120x zoom, image quality deteriorates significantly beyond 6x. The telephoto lens doubles as a capable macro shooter with a 10cm focal length.

The 8MP ultra-wide camera (15mm-equivalent, 116-degree field-of-view, f/2.2) proves to be the system’s weak point, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. This limitation is especially disappointing given the foldable form factor’s unique advantage for selfie composition using the outer display as a viewfinder.

Video capabilities include 4K 60fps recording on both main and telephoto cameras, while the ultra-wide is limited to 4K 30fps. Camera switching during video recording is possible but lacks smoothness in transition.

OPPO has managed to pack an impressive 5600mAh battery into the Find N5’s slim frame, complemented by robust charging capabilities. The device supports 80W SuperVOOC wired charging and 50W AirVOOC wireless charging, ensuring quick power replenishment when needed. Battery performance is particularly noteworthy given the device’s form factor. The Find N5 easily handles a full day of heavy usage, including extended periods of content consumption on the larger inner display and intensive camera use. This endurance is especially impressive considering the power demands of the big inner screen.

Sustainability

One of the concerns many people have when it comes to foldable phones is durability. The hinge is the essential element of a foldable phone, forming the foundation of its structural integrity and ensuring its overall durability. The hinge of Find N5 is crafted from aerospace-standard Grad 5 titanium alloy and utilizes advanced 3D printing technology to achieve precision and strength. 

Just like the hinge, the inner screen is subjected to the physical stress of opening and closing. To address this, N5 uses what it calls a Dual Shielded Flexible Screen. This technology employs an ultra-thin stainless steel plate, ultra-thing glass, and an exclusive anti-shock film, making Find N5 70% more shock-resistant compared to the previous generation, according to Oppo.

The other worry that comes with a foldable phone is its vulnerability to water. Luckly Find N5 is IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9-rated, which means it can withstand submersion and high-pressure, high temperature. While it does not have an official rating for dust protection, protection against extreme water conditions gives you peace of mind whether you are caught in the rain or accidentally drop the phone into water.

As for the update, Find N5 will get 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates. This is pretty much the industry standard when it comes to software support, so it’s reassuring that OPPO isn’t cutting corners here. Improving the phone’s longevity plays an important role in reducing its negative impact on the environment as time goes by.

Value

The OPPO Find N5 is a remarkable device, showcasing cutting-edge foldable smartphone technology. Its engineering achievementssuch as its thin profile, innovative hinge, and durabilityposition it as a premium option in the foldable space. You’d be hard-pressed to find such a potent laundry list of desirable bullet points in a single device.

While its retail price and market availability will play significant roles in determining its value, the combination of advanced features, productivity tools, and exceptional build quality makes the Find N5 a strong contender in the high-end foldable market. If you’re looking for a blend of portability, build quality, productivity, and camera performance, the Find N5 delivers a compelling package.

Verdict

The OPPO Find N5 represents a refined approach to foldable smartphone design, addressing many common issues associated with the form factor. OPPO has delivered a well-polished device that’s practical for everyday use, with features like its slim profile, near-invisible crease, and water resistance.

Its standout achievements include impressive camera performance, seamless display transitions, and a solid balance between portability and battery life. The integration of productivity features like O+ Connect for Mac and AI tools further elevates its utility.

The OPPO Find N5 stands out in the growing foldable market, offering an impressive package for those seeking a high-end, versatile, and reliable foldable smartphone. As foldables continue to mature, the Find N5 suggests that OPPO is leading the charge in refining this exciting technology.

The post OPPO Find N5 Review: Engineering Excellence, Productivity Powerhouse first appeared on Yanko Design.

Except for the obviously portable kind, most lamps are designed to be left alone where you installed them, especially if they’re placed on walls or ceilings. Even desk lamps are rarely moved unless you’re redesigning your interior or replacing it with something else. You don’t even have any direct interaction with lamps these days, especially smart ones that you can either command with your voice or automate away completely.

In complete contrast, this lamp is almost designed to be played with. Yes, even for the variant that would hang from your ceiling. With a design that seems inspired by some fantasy clockwork contraption, this 3D printed Gear Cube Lamp brings more than just light but also an interactive experience that’s nothing short of a large fidget toy.

Designer: Ruven Bals

Playing with a lamp sounds a bit foolhardy. After all, there is heat as well as electricity involved. Even more worrisome if it’s a design that was just 3D printed and assembled on your own. And yet, that’s part of the adventure with this Gear Cube Lamp, which feels like a journey from start to finish, one that admittedly has a satisfying ending if you do reach the destination.

At first glance, the lamp looks simply like an elaborate cube with pieces whose internal edges are shaped like the tooth on a gear. Twist one corner, however, and all the other pieces turn in sync with each other. It’s reminiscent of the inner workings of a mechanical clock, or some steampunk contraption that threatens to unravel reality with each turn.

Making this elaborate interactive lamp is as much a puzzle as it is a work of art. You 3D print no less than 17 parts of different shapes and sizes, assembling them with the same precision as a model ship. You can opt to use a glueless construction, in which case you need to 3D print 24 additional connectors, or you can fall back to using glue when all else fails.

The end result might very well be worth all that effort, because you will have a lamp that is not only a light fixture but also, in some ways, a toy. The desk lamp variant definitely fits this better, as it can be within reach and easily lets you twist and turn the corners to get your mind wandering. At the very least, it’s an interesting decorative lamp whose form you can change every so often to add a bit of flavor to your space.

The post Clockwork-inspired 3D printed Cube Lamp is part fidget toy first appeared on Yanko Design.

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

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

Designer: Memdock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Huawei’s latest product launch in Kuala Lumpur introduced a series of meaningful advancements. The company is doubling down on foldable displays, audio, and wearables with bold designs and refined engineering. The event introduced the HUAWEI Mate XT, the world’s first commercial tri-fold smartphone, an upgraded MatePad Pro 13.2, the FreeArc open-ear earbuds, and the lightweight HUAWEI Band 10.

Designer: Huawei

HUAWEI Mate XT: The Evolution of Foldable Displays

Huawei’s Mate XT takes foldable smartphones to the next level. The tri-fold design creates a 10.2-inch display while maintaining a slim 3.6mm profile. The Advanced Precision Hinge System and ultra-thin glass (UTG) allow it to fold both inwards and outwards, offering flexibility for various use cases. The structure is engineered for durability, with Huawei’s proprietary hinge mechanism reducing stress points to ensure a smooth transition between folding positions.

For multitasking, the large screen supports split-screen functionality and adaptable viewing modes. Whether reading, browsing, or handling multiple apps simultaneously, the Mate XT transitions smoothly between tasks. The device’s software is optimized to take full advantage of its expanded display, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously without compromise. Huawei has also packed in its Ultra Aperture XMAGE Camera, featuring a 10-size adjustable physical aperture, designed for professionals who need sharp, versatile photography in any lighting condition. The high-resolution sensor, combined with Huawei’s computational photography advancements, ensures professional-grade results without requiring additional editing.

The Mate XT’s battery life is engineered to handle the demands of power users. A high-capacity battery paired with Huawei’s SuperCharge technology allows for rapid refueling, ensuring the device remains ready for productivity or entertainment throughout the day. The addition of improved cooling mechanisms prevents overheating during intensive tasks such as video editing or gaming, making the Mate XT a powerhouse in the foldable space.

HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2: A Tablet Aiming to Replace Your Laptop

Huawei’s latest MatePad Pro 13.2 leans into productivity with a vibrant OLED PaperMatte Display, a 2.8K resolution, and an ultra-slim design. The 1000-nit brightness ensures sharp visuals, whether working indoors or out. It’s paired with the HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard, delivering a near-laptop typing experience with tactile keys and an intuitive layout. The integration of Huawei’s ecosystem allows seamless device interconnectivity, making it possible to switch between a smartphone, laptop, and tablet effortlessly.

Beyond the hardware, Huawei is refining its software ecosystem. Apps like HUAWEI Notes and GoPaint offer deeper creative functionality, while the PC-style multitasking tools make working on a tablet feel less like a compromise. The latency-free stylus support ensures a smooth writing and drawing experience, catering to digital artists, designers, and professionals who need precision tools on the go. A 10,100 mAh battery ensures longevity, with HUAWEI SuperCharge getting the device to a full charge in just 65 minutes, allowing for all-day productivity without frequent recharges.

HUAWEI FreeArc: Open-Ear Audio for an Active Lifestyle

Huawei is stepping into open-ear audio with the FreeArc, a set of hooked earbuds designed for comfort and stability. The C-bridge structure, combined with a flexible 0.7mm nickel-titanium memory alloy, ensures a secure fit without compromising breathability. Huawei’s design team studied over 10,000 ear shapes to refine the ergonomics, making them comfortable for long sessions.

Unlike traditional earbuds that block outside noise, the FreeArc allows for situational awareness, making them ideal for urban runners or cyclists. A 17 x 12 mm high-sensitivity driver, along with Adaptive Equal-loudness Algorithm and Dynamic Bass Algorithm, provides a deep, resonant sound. With an IP57 rating, they hold up in wet and dusty conditions, making them a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The Reverse Sound Waves System directs sound toward the ear canal while minimizing leakage, ensuring privacy while enhancing audio clarity.

The FreeArc earbuds also prioritize voice clarity during calls. Featuring a dual-microphone setup with AI noise cancellation, the earbuds effectively suppress wind and ambient noise, making them ideal for business professionals who need reliable call quality in various environments. The extended battery life, combined with fast-charging capabilities, allows for long listening sessions without frequent recharging.

HUAWEI Band 10: Lightweight, Smart, and Stylish

The HUAWEI Band 10 refines wellness tracking with a sleek design and advanced sensors. It offers an Enhanced Sleep Health Assistant that analyzes sleep cycles in detail, providing actionable insights. The Emotional Wellbeing Assistant tracks physiological changes, helping users monitor stress levels throughout the day.

Customization is at the forefront, with Panda-themed watch faces that adapt based on mood. The Band 10 is lightweight and designed for all-day wear, making it a seamless addition to any lifestyle, whether for fitness tracking or daily productivity. Advanced heart rate monitoring and SpO2 tracking ensure that users receive real-time health insights, supporting both athletic performance and general wellness.

Huawei has also incorporated smart notifications, allowing users to receive messages, calls, and app alerts directly on their wrist without the need to constantly check their phone. The extended battery life makes it practical for continuous wear, ensuring users can rely on the Band 10 as a comprehensive wellness and productivity tool.

Pricing and Availability

The HUAWEI FreeArc earbuds are available for pre-order at £99.99, with a £25 discount running until March 3. The full launch takes place on March 4, with a promotional offer of £20 off until April 1. More details can be found on Huawei’s official site.

With foldable displays maturing, Huawei is showing it’s serious about pushing the category forward. The Mate XT is more than a concept—it’s a product that expands what’s possible in mobile design. The new tablet and audio devices round out a lineup built for users who demand more from their technology. Huawei’s focus on design and technological refinement is user-driven innovation is evident in every aspect of these releases, proving that the brand remains a key player in shaping the future of consumer tech.

The post Huawei Unveils Game-Changing Tri-Fold Smartphone, Pro-Grade Tablet, and Open-Ear Audio Innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Going to CES is a lot like going on a treasure hunt. You know you’re going to be surrounded by tech, but a lot of the stuff you see is either mediocre or iterative. Only one in maybe a thousand or two thousand products actually achieves something so game-changing, you stop, observe, interact, and then praise. At this year’s CES in Las Vegas, the Haply MinVerse was that product for me. At first glance, it looked like an unassuming input device, but the moment I placed my hand on it, everything changed. This wasn’t a typical mouse. It moved in ways no mouse ever had before—through three dimensions instead of two—and, more importantly, it let me feel what was happening on the screen.

The MinVerse, developed by Haply Robotics, introduces a level of tactile interaction that redefines digital creation. Instead of passively gliding through surfaces, it reacts to the virtual world, pushing back when encountering solid surfaces, offering the sensation of weight, and making digital objects feel real. Sculpting in 3D suddenly felt natural, as if I was actually pushing clay rather than manipulating polygons. Controlling objects felt precise, like my hands were directly influencing on-screen physics. I’ve spent years playing VR games knowing fully well that the virtual wall in front of me isn’t real… but with the MinVerse, I tried touching a 3D surface, and the mouse stopped my hand the moment it hit resistance. That’s truly mind-bending.

Designers: Felix Desourdy & Romain Bursi

Click Here to Buy Now: $670 $1500 ($830 off). Hurry, only 13/15 left! Raised over $80,000.

The MinVerse was developed by the folks at Haply Robotics as an iterative improvement to their Inverse robot. The Inverse (which I saw first) is a 3D input and haptic feedback device designed for industrial and scientific applications. It’s impressive, but it isn’t consumer-grade. Realizing that 3D input should be for consumers and smaller creators too, Haply designed the MinVerse, a smaller, flatter, and more advanced version of its predecessor. About the size of a large power-bank, the MinVerse sits at just 40mm or 1.5 inches in height, with the ability to be used on its own, attached to a computer mouse, or even a stylus – effectively revolutionizing fields like design, engineering, creative coding, game development, and even gaming itself.

The device measures 240mm (9.4 inches) wide, 120mm (4.7 inches) deep, and 40mm (1.5 inches) tall when folded shut. Open it and you notice how unique it looks compared to any mouse you’ve ever seen, but you also immediately get the hang of it in minutes without really any learning curve. The mouse’s parallel linkage arms allow for any movement on a 2D plane, but lift your hand off the floor and you realize that you can now manipulate the same cursor in another axis.

A 4kHz refresh rate means smooth usage whether you’re modeling or gaming. Plus, its force feedback, ranging from 2N to 4N, ensures that users don’t just see virtual objects but physically sense them. If a cursor hits a wall, the MinVerse pushes back, making the digital barrier feel solid… and I can’t stress enough how much of a quantum leap this combination of 3D manipulation and haptic reaction is for a lot of professions.

For 3D artists and designers, it offers a way to sculpt, model, and manipulate objects with realistic force feedback. Instead of relying solely on visual cues, they can feel the depth, texture, and weight of their creations. Game developers using software like Blender and Unity can position assets, adjust camera angles, and refine animations with an intuitive sense of touch, making workflows more natural.

Engineers and robotics enthusiasts benefit from the precise force feedback when controlling robotic arms or piloting drones. Instead of abstract joystick movements, they can physically feel the machine’s response, leading to more accurate and immersive control. Even gamers will find the experience transformative—whether it’s feeling the tension of a bowstring, the weight of a sword, or the kickback of a firearm, the MinVerse brings digital interactions closer to reality.

Imagine designing a product and being able to feel how its parts fit together before manufacturing. Or training in a simulated environment where the controls respond like real-world machinery. This technology has the potential to go beyond creative industries, extending into education, medical training, and even remote-controlled robotics.

I’ll be honest – Haptic feedback isn’t new, but integrating it into a consumer device at this level is a major leap forward. The device recreates the sensation of textures, resistance, and force, allowing users to feel surfaces, materials, and physical interactions as if they were truly there. The MinVerse does for mice what the Oculus Rift did in 2012 for VR headsets – make them popular, affordable, compact, and potentially create a new device category for consumers and professionals.

The MinVerse is available for a discounted price of $670 for early adopters, studios (both design and gaming), robotics startups, engineers, and 3D modelers/animators. It’s not cheap – but devices that are a generational leap aren’t supposed to be budget-focused. It comes in a gorgeous matte-metallic space-grey finish along with a comprehensive kit of modules. The modular attachments—including a stylus, a 2D mouse mode, and a VR controller—allow the MinVerse to switch functions seamlessly. The MinVerse connects via USB-C and features a wireless stylus, with a wireless mouse mode coming soon.

Click Here to Buy Now: $670 $1500 ($830 off). Hurry, only 13/15 left! Raised over $80,000.

The post Game-Changing Haptic 3D Mouse Lets You Feel Digital Objects Like They’re Real… We Tried It first appeared on Yanko Design.

In a seamless blend of technology and ecology, artist Raphaël Emine pioneers a new frontier in sculpture by creating 3D-printed ceramic works that serve as hotels for insects and small wildlife. Collaborating with WASP, a leading 3D printing company, Emine utilizes cutting-edge technology to craft intricate, nature-inspired habitats that offer refuge to various species. Named Les Utopies Entomologiques (Entomological Utopias), these structures not only showcase innovative design but also contribute to biodiversity conservation in urban and natural landscapes.

Designer: Raphaël Emine

Drawing from the natural world, Emine’s sculptures embody structural patterns found in honeycomb cells, worm and spider webs, plant fractals, and geodesic mineral formations. These inspirations manifest in the intricate detailing of his 3D-printed ceramic pieces, from their large, welcoming entrances to the decorative, spherical elements adorning their exteriors. Unlike conventional monolithic sculptures, Emine’s creations feature an array of galleries, tunnels, corridors, and balconies, offering insects and small wildlife a safe and dynamic space to inhabit.

Designed for outdoor spaces, these ceramic hotels support multiple cycles of insect and wildlife activity, even accommodating species through metamorphosis and seasonal changes. The porous and textural quality of the clay enhances their suitability as natural shelters, allowing them to seamlessly blend into ecosystems. Emine has successfully installed two of these works: Utopies Entomologiques I in 2023 and Utopies Entomologiques II in 2024. Both installations highlight the durability and adaptability of WASP’s 3D printing technology, particularly with the use of WASP 40100 LDM and Delta WASP 2040 Clay.

Beyond their ecological function, Emine’s sculptures explore baroque and biomorphic aesthetics, invoking a sense of organic grandeur. Their flowing, intricate forms recall elements of utopian architecture, transforming them into both artistic and functional entities. Installed in the palm grove of Parc Maison Blanche in Marseille, these ceramic nests are designed to be either freestanding or suspended from trees, allowing diverse interactions between the sculptures and their environment. Over time, these pieces have attracted a variety of insects and small wildlife, validating their effectiveness as alternative habitats.

The post Artist 3D-Prints Ceramic Homes For Insects In The Forest Inspired By Natural Habitats first appeared on Yanko Design.

Switch 2 is agonisingly close to release at the Nintendo Direct event which will be held on April 2, 2025, at 9 AM Eastern and 6 AM Pacific. The company teased the highly anticipated handheld console in January, and many speculations have ignited the upcoming release since then. At that time Mario Kart 9 was shown off being played using revamped Joy-Cons. The accessory was also used as a mouse, sliding on a flat surface, which is interesting.

The upcoming event that’ll now officially reveal more technical details of the home console cum hybrid handheld that’s bigger than the predecessor. We eagerly await the sequel for a clearer picture of the ‘C Button’ functionality, USB-C ports, and the Joy-Con being used as a mouse input. It is also expected that the price and availability of the Steam Deck killer will be announced at the upcoming event. While a deleted Reddit account had a post revealing the launch date for Nintendo Switch 2 to be May 22, we’ll look at what’s just ahead of us.

Designer: Nintendo

Keeping our focus on the Joy-Cons that were briefly shown to have a mouse-like input, there’s more on this development. A patent filed in August 2023 by Nintendo was published yesterday, giving more details about what the controller can do. There are multiple use case scenarios for this input device, one of them being the mouse functionality along with the associated control schemes. We have to keep in mind though, there’s no mention of Switch 2 anywhere in the patent description, and the assumption is purely based on the factual probabilities.

The renders of this patent clearly show a Joy-Con-like device being used as a mouse. The gadget has a front surface, a first slide surface, directional inputs, an upper surface button, and a sensor for mouse operation. In one of the rendered diagrams, the controller is held horizontally with the thumb of the player on the control stick and the SR and SL buttons facing downwards. By reasonable logic, this means the optical sensor will be downwards, so that the device input can be registered in a mouse-like orientation. It looks like the right side of the controller can be placed on a flat surface for mouse-like functionality. In this orientation, the controller can be docked and charged by the look of things.

This mystery device will have a wrist strap attachment slot with a mention of the “magnet” word 355 times indicating the attachment mechanism to be a more convenient magnetically attaching mechanism. We can also not rule out the possibility of Joy-Cons attaching to the Switch 2 magnetically too. Given the rumors that have surrounded the Switch 2 and the Joy-Cons lately, these seem like the missing pieces in the puzzle of what mouse-like controller we have in hiding when the console is finally in our possession.

The post Switch 2 Joy-Con mouse functionality reiterated by a published Nintendo patent first appeared on Yanko Design.

Valentine’s Day is about expressing love and appreciation for your special someone, not about the pressure of buying expensive gifts. It’s not about the pressure of purchasing extravagant gifts, but about crafting experiences that are both visually appealing and deeply meaningful. A thoughtful and meaningful present can speak volumes without straining your budget. Remember, a well-chosen gift is more than just a gesture; it reflects your understanding, respect, and admiration. The experience of giving the gift should be joyful, not stressful. Here are five affordable gift ideas that are simple, practical, timeless, and heartfelt—perfect for showing how much you care.

As a design enthusiast, Valentine’s Day offers a unique opportunity to blend creativity with sentimentality. It’s not about the pressure of purchasing extravagant gifts, but about crafting experiences that are both visually appealing and deeply meaningful. I remember one year when I decided to design a custom photo book for my partner. Instead of opting for a pricey store-bought item, I curated a collection of our favorite memories, each page thoughtfully designed to reflect our journey together. The joy in choosing this gift was unparalleled. It was more than just a gesture—it was a reflection of my understanding, respect, and admiration for my partner’s taste and our shared experiences. Designing the book allowed me to express my feelings through art and creativity, making the experience of giving it truly joyful and personal. With this mindset, I’ve compiled five affordable gift ideas that are simple yet sophisticated, timeless yet trendy—perfect for showing how much you care while indulging your love for design.

1. For Gamers

Shopping for a gamer on Valentine’s Day can indeed be tricky, especially if you’re not entirely familiar with their favorite game titles or specific preferences. Yet, fear not, because even a modestly priced, thoughtfully chosen gift can significantly enhance their gaming experience. Consider starting with accessories that upgrade their setup. A gaming ergonomic mouse pad, for example, provides essential comfort during those marathon sessions, reducing strain and allowing for smoother gameplay. RGB LED strip lighting is another fantastic option; it transforms any gaming space with customizable colors that set the perfect ambiance. These small touches can make a big difference in creating an immersive environment.

Additionally, practical gifts like cable management clips are invaluable for keeping a gamer’s setup neat and clutter-free, which is often a welcome improvement. For console gamers, thumb grips can enhance precision and control during play—an affordable yet impactful upgrade. To add a personal touch, consider surprising your gamer with themed artwork that reflects their favorite games or characters; this not only personalizes their space but also celebrates their passion in a unique way. By focusing on these budget-friendly options, you can show your appreciation and understanding of their interests without straining your wallet, all while making their gaming experience more enjoyable and personalized.

The Lexip Np93 Alpha gaming mouse integrates a two-axis thumb joystick, providing more control than traditional mice. It features 12 programmable buttons and six ceramic feet for smooth gliding, offering comfort and customization. This innovative mouse uses premium materials, including a soft coating and customizable RGB lighting, to fit any setup.

Additionally, the Lexip Np93 Alpha enhances the gaming experience with features like oil painting and double-injected rubber for a sleek, tactile grip. The customizable RGB lighting ensures it complements any gaming environment. This Valentine’s Day, consider giving the gamer in your life a gift that combines flexibility, control, and ergonomic design. The Lexip Np93 Alpha redefines traditional input methods, making it a must-have for serious gamers.

2. For Music Lovers and Audiophiles

If your special someone is a music lover, showing you care with unique and personalized gifts can create lasting memories without breaking the bank. Start with custom vinyl records that feature their name and a heartfelt message—these not only serve as a tangible expression of your affection but also as a cherished keepsake. Premium-quality headphones or noise-canceling headphones can transform their listening experience, offering rich soundscapes and uninterrupted enjoyment. For those who love tech, smart speakers are an excellent choice; they not only elevate the quality of their music but also offer the convenience of voice commands and smart home integration. A curated playlist of songs that hold special meaning for both of you adds a deeply personal touch, creating an auditory journey through shared experiences.

For an added vibe, consider LED soundbars that sync with the beat of the music, creating a dynamic and visually engaging atmosphere in any room. If your partner enjoys live performances, concert tickets make for an unforgettable gift—offering not just entertainment but also shared experiences that bring you closer together. For those who appreciate vintage charm, retro-inspired designs offer a timeless appeal, whether it’s in the form of record players, radios, or classic album art prints. These budget-friendly options allow you to celebrate their passion for music in thoughtful ways while expressing your love and appreciation.

Take a look at the budget-friendly Miniso G90 headphones that redefine audio innovation by integrating high-quality sound with a built-in detachable touchscreen. Designed for users who value functionality and novelty, these headphones feature premium noise-canceling technology that effectively reduces ambient noise, ensuring an immersive listening experience. Equipped with aptX Adaptive Sound and multiple EQ presets, the G90 optimizes audio clarity for various genres. Its foldable, lightweight design, coupled with plush memory foam ear cushions, offers superior comfort for extended use. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures seamless connectivity, while the intuitive touchscreen allows effortless control of music playback, calls, and noise-canceling modes.

Beyond its cutting-edge technology, the G90 stands out for its unique removable display, which showcases album art, track details, and essential information like time. Complemented by physical buttons for core functions, the headphones provide modern convenience and traditional usability. With a durable 10-hour battery life and a price point under $70, the G90 delivers premium features at an accessible cost, making it an excellent choice for gifting to music lovers seeking style, performance, and affordability in one device.

3. For Bookworms

If your partner is a bookworm who gets completely lost in the pages of a novel, consider enhancing their reading experience with thoughtful accessories that go beyond just another book. While a book may be enjoyed once, the right accessories can be cherished time and again. A well-chosen reading light or task lighting can provide better focus and reduce eye strain, making those late-night reading sessions more comfortable. LED neck reading lights offer a hands-free option, allowing them to read in any position without needing to hold a flashlight or lamp. These practical gifts show your understanding of their passion and support their literary pursuits.

To further elevate their reading experience, consider noise-canceling headphones or earbuds to block out distractions, providing an immersive environment for uninterrupted reading. If they enjoy sipping tea or coffee while getting lost in a story, a stylish tea kettle or coffee maker can enhance this cozy ritual. Bookends add charm and aesthetic appeal to their library, organizing their collection while also serving as decorative pieces. Simple yet meaningful, bookmarks are another delightful addition, offering both utility and personal expression. These budget-friendly gift ideas not only celebrate your partner’s love for books but also demonstrate your thoughtfulness in catering to their unique preferences and habits.

Creativity is not very expensive and the Paris Bookend, inspired by the city of love, makes for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for book lovers and design enthusiasts. Crafted with exquisite detail, this miniature Hausmann-style building brings a touch of Parisian romance to any bookshelf. Its signature Mansard roof supports books effortlessly, while charming elements like chimneys, windows, and a red door add a storybook-like appeal. Resting on a stable platform, the bookend seamlessly blends elegance with functionality, creating a timeless piece that evokes the beautiful streets of Paris.

Whether for a partner, friend, or oneself, this bookend serves as a thoughtful expression of love and appreciation, celebrating both literature and architecture in a uniquely artistic form. For those seeking a personalized Valentine’s Day experience, designer Ezra Feldman offers the 3D file for just $1.60, allowing individuals to print and customize their own Paris Bookend. This flexibility lets users create a one-of-a-kind gift, perhaps even transforming the piece into a decorative lamp with softly glowing windows.

4. For Techies

Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a tech enthusiast can indeed be challenging, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. However, there are many practical and thoughtful options that can delight any techie without stretching your budget. Consider gifts that enhance their mobility and convenience, such as wireless headphones or portable chargers. These items ensure they never have to worry about running out of power while on the go. Solar chargers are another great option, offering an eco-friendly way to keep devices charged anywhere they travel. Multi-purpose chargers with fast charging capabilities or wireless charging features can also simplify their lives by consolidating multiple charging needs into one sleek device.

In addition to power solutions, consider gifts that help organize and streamline their tech setup. Cable management solutions, like sleek organizers or multi-cable stations, can keep their workspace neat and tangle-free—an often overlooked but much-appreciated improvement for those surrounded by gadgets. For a touch of personalization, look for tech accessories that align with their specific interests, whether it’s a smart home gadget or a unique piece of tech-themed decor. These budget-friendly gifts demonstrate your thoughtfulness and understanding of their passion for technology, ensuring they feel appreciated this Valentine’s Day while also enhancing their daily life in meaningful ways.

Any tech enthusiast surely loves minimalist design and wireless charging solutions where chargers have few or no physical buttons. For instance, the MagSafe Trio concept aims to reintroduce tactile interaction, offering a more engaging experience. By adding physical actions like a spring-loaded button to reveal the iPhone charger and a twist-and-pull knob for the Apple Watch, it makes charging feel more personal and intentional in a digital world.

Unlike early flat and horizontal wireless chargers, this concept incorporates vertical charging, adds a soft light feature for extra functionality and the design features a flat top for AirPods. While the concept provides a more interactive approach to charging, it may not suit those who prefer the convenience of simply placing devices down. MagSafe Trio offers a fresh take on wireless charging with innovative, engaging features and its multifunctional design has a very compact footprint making it a suitable addition to one’s desk.

5. For Health and Wellness Enthusiasts

When shopping for a health and wellness enthusiast, consider gifting thoughtful fitness accessories that align with their wellness goals. The key is to choose something they don’t already have, adding value to their existing routine. Essential oil diffusers are a great starting point, offering a calming atmosphere with their favorite fragrances. These can transform any space into a personal sanctuary, perfect for meditation or relaxation. A smartwatch equipped with a pedometer and stress management features can be invaluable for tracking daily activity and well-being, providing insights into both physical and mental health. These devices encourage mindfulness and help set achievable fitness goals.

Additionally, gifts like fitness trackers, workout earbuds, and headphones can elevate their exercise experience by providing motivation through music or tracking progress in real-time. Resistance bands and activewear are excellent additions to their fitness regimen, offering versatility and comfort during workouts. Practical items like gym gloves protect hands during weightlifting sessions, while a water bottle with hydration reminders ensures they stay refreshed throughout the day. A quality yoga mat offers comfort during stretches or yoga practices, supporting their journey toward better health. These budget-friendly options not only demonstrate your thoughtfulness but also support their commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making them feel appreciated and motivated in their wellness pursuits.

You can consider innovative wearable devices like the DnaBand, developed by DnaNudge, which provides personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual’s genetic profile. It functions as a smart fitness tracker, worn on the wrist, and performs real-time genetic analysis of food by scanning product barcodes. The device evaluates whether the selected food is beneficial for the user based on their unique DNA, displaying a green light for suitable options and a red light for less ideal choices. This functionality helps users make informed decisions about their diet, promoting healthier eating habits.

With its growing database, the DnaBand continuously refines its recommendations, providing more accurate suggestions as new information becomes available. The device is comfortable to wear, featuring a magnetic leather strap that fits all wrist sizes. Data is securely stored locally on the band, ensuring privacy and protection. The DnaBand also syncs with fitness activity, adjusting dietary advice based on real-time fitness levels. This wearable offers a seamless way to optimize health through personalized nutrition guidance.

No matter what Valentine’s Day gift you choose, what truly matters is cherishing your relationship and creating lasting, meaningful memories together. After all, the most precious gift is the love and connection you share.

The post Top 5 Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts that Make a Big Impact first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mobile gaming has reached a point where smartphones can handle graphically demanding, console-quality games, yet touchscreen controls continue to be a weak link. The lack of precision forces players to deal with frustrating input delays, limiting the experience. While many controllers attempt to fix this, most introduce bulky designs, awkward mounting systems, and storage challenges that diminish the convenience of gaming on the go.

The OhSnap MCON, introduced at CES 2025, changes the equation. Designed to be the most compact and portable mobile controller ever, it magnetically attaches to the back of a phone and stays out of the way until needed.

Designer: Josh King & Dave Echem

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $149 (20% off). Hurry, only 4/2855 left! Raised over $1.5 million. Less than 72-hours to go.

A Controller That’s Always With You

Most mobile controllers need to be detached and stored when not in use, making them impractical for everyday carry. The MCON solves this by magnetically snapping to the back of a phone, ensuring it’s always within reach. Measuring just 5.67 inches long and under three-quarters of an inch thick, it maintains a low profile without compromising functionality.

“OhSnap MCON eliminates the bulk and hassle of traditional controllers, making it a must-have for every mobile gamer,” said OhSnap CEO Dale Backus. Unlike conventional designs that require clamping mechanisms or wired connections, the MCON stays attached at all times, turning a smartphone into a handheld gaming device without extra baggage.

Rather than relying on cumbersome clamps or expandable frames, the MCON features foldable grips that lock into place for comfort, along with a quick-sliding mechanism for instant access. Press both Quick Launch Buttons, and the controller deploys automatically, shifting the phone into an angled position while extending ergonomic grips that lock into place. This seamless transition allows players to go from checking messages to full gameplay in seconds. When a text or call interrupts gameplay, the controller slides shut, instantly returning the phone to its original form without the hassle of detaching or reconnecting anything.

Precision Controls with Hall Effect Joysticks and Silent Buttons

Despite its compact design, the MCON delivers console-quality precision. Many mobile controllers rely on standard analog sticks that are prone to drift, but the MCON features full-sized Hall Effect joysticks. These use magnetic sensors instead of physical contacts, eliminating drift and ensuring long-lasting durability with consistent responsiveness over time.

The button layout is designed for intuitive control. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that produce loud, clicky sounds, the MCON’s silent tactile buttons allow for smooth, discreet gameplay. Whether gaming in a shared space, on a late-night flight, or during a break at work, these buttons provide instant feedback without drawing attention.
Bumper-style triggers further enhance responsiveness, making them ideal for fast-paced games that require split-second inputs. Every design decision in the MCON is centered around a fluid gaming experience without unnecessary bulk.

Universal Compatibility for Any Smartphone

The MCON works with nearly any modern smartphone, regardless of brand or model. iPhone users benefit from native MagSafe compatibility, allowing the controller to attach magnetically without additional hardware.

For Android users and older iPhones, OhSnap includes a Magnetic Adapter Puck, a thin adhesive-backed disc that replicates the MagSafe attachment system. This ensures seamless integration without the need for clamps, brackets, or extra accessories.

With smartphones varying in size and shape, the MCON’s modular spacer system accounts for different camera bump heights. If a phone has a large camera module, stacking two pucks creates a level attachment. Smaller devices may only need a single puck or none at all, ensuring a stable fit.

Support for foldable phones is also in development, with OhSnap confirming that future updates will introduce mounting solutions for devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr.

Bluetooth and Wired Connectivity for Versatile Gaming

To keep things simple, the MCON connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, allowing for unrestricted movement without cable clutter. Unlike controllers that require a direct USB-C or Lightning connection, MCON’s wireless setup works across all major mobile platforms.

Despite being Bluetooth-powered, battery life is not a concern—a 30-minute charge lasts for weeks, making it one of the most efficient controllers available.

Customization, Repairability, and Long-Term Value

Most controllers are built as sealed units, making repairs impossible. OhSnap designed the MCON with longevity in mind, using high-grade materials to ensure durability while allowing users to maintain and modify their controllers as needed. The entire device can be disassembled with a Torx screwdriver, enabling joystick replacements, button swaps, and even aesthetic upgrades.

Customization is just as important as repairability. The MCON supports interchangeable top plates, adjustable grips, and modular joystick options, allowing players to tailor it to their preferences. This design approach extends the controller’s lifespan while reducing electronic waste, aligning with the growing Right to Repair movement.

From Basement Prototype to Kickstarter Success

What started as a basement project by 19-year-old Josh King evolved into a breakthrough in mobile gaming. King developed the first prototype using a 3D printer in his parents’ basement, determined to create a controller that made sense for smartphones.

After partnering with OhSnap CEO Dale Backus, the MCON evolved into a refined, market-ready product. The response was overwhelming—within just eight days, its Kickstarter campaign raised over $1 million, proving that gamers are eager for a controller that blends function and form.

The Evolution of Mobile Gaming

The OhSnap MCON redefines mobile gaming with Hall Effect joysticks, silent tactile buttons, and an innovative sliding design. It delivers console-level precision in a form factor built for portability. Its MagSafe attachment, instant deployment, and repairable design ensure seamless integration into any gaming setup.

Jump into an online match or explore an open world—MCON keeps your smartphone ready to play. OhSnap best sums it up: “Play Now.”

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $149 (20% off). Hurry, only 4/2855 left! Raised over $1.5 million. Less than 72-hours to go.

The post OhSnap MCON: The Compact Controller That Reinvents Mobile Gaming first appeared on Yanko Design.

The creative process is a multi-faceted journey, one that involves different stages that sometimes require tools different from our normal ones. Authors, for example, often find themselves doodling mind maps or sketching figures, while designers will type out notes and tasks every so often. When it comes to tools like notebooks and paper, there is no one solution that rules them all, but apps offer a kind of synergy that isn’t possible with analog tools.

At the same time, there are in fact too many apps nowadays thriving on buzzwords like GTD, PKM, and AI, and a whole lot of them seem to be targeted at a more tech-savvy audience. Their power often comes with complexity and carries an aesthetic that will spreadsheet-lovers more than stationery collectors. Worry not, because there are indeed note-taking and productivity apps designed with creatives and creators in mind, and these are five of the most powerful and beautiful note-taking apps to help designers, artists, and writers collect inspiration and organize their ideas.

Milanote

Even before the whole tribe of powerful note-taking apps descended on the digital landscape, Milanote was already carving out a niche for itself. Designed specifically with designers in mind, the app offers just enough tools to help users gather as many bits and pieces of inspiration as they can and then organize their thoughts, references, and inspirations for use later.

Designer: Milanote

Milanote basically gives users an infinite canvas to pin card-like objects that can contain text, images, YouTube links, and checklists. These can be arranged in a column or float on their own, drawn over with scribbles, and connected with lines, giving them the freedom to create mood boards, palettes, charts, and other visually interesting compositions to help their creative process. At the same time, it also helps them keep tabs on their tasks with checklists and kanban boards.

Milanote has been around for almost a decade now and, unfortunately, its age is starting to show. Unlike other apps in this space, the selection of objects that you can embed in that canvas is quite limited. While it does keep things simple, it might also fail to give the tools designers need to go beyond these basic building blocks. Milanote’s pricing system hasn’t changed that much either and it is one of the more restrictive and expensive ones out there.

What We Like

• Clean and beautiful interface.
• Simple and easy to use.
• Available on Desktops and Mobile devices.

What We Don’t Like

• Very restrictive free tier, expensive pricing.
• Limited types of objects.

Scrintal

Although it started as something like yet another Notion alternative (more on that later), Scrintal recently launched a new version and a new image, billing itself as a “Playground for the Mind.” Instead of the more document-centric platform it once used, it now embraces a more visual approach to shaping your ideas and documenting your creative process.

Designer: Scrintal

Like with Milanote and other apps like it, Scrintal uses different kinds of blocks to represent objects, but this time with more variety and power. Not only are the more types of blocks, you can also do more with them, like structurally linking them instead of just drawing lines between them. And when you’re done with the free-form brainstorming process, you can actually convert your boards into more traditional structured documents.

If Milanote only had a very limited free tier, Scrintal doesn’t have one at all. You can have a free trial, but that’s pretty much it. And because its “2.0” version is quite new, there isn’t even any mobile app available yet. Of course, you’re unlikely to move blocks around on your phone or tablet, but just being able to view your notes anywhere can be quite convenient.

What We Like

• Powerful free-form canvas for doing anything you want.
• Link blocks not only visually but also logically.
• Switch between visual board and standard documents seamlessly.

What We Don’t Like

• New version doesn’t have mobile apps yet.
• No limited free tier.

AFFiNE

As powerful as many of these note-taking tools might be, very few of us really know what happens behind the scenes. It’s not just because they’re complicated pieces of software but also because we have no access to their code in the first place. Some people are more conscious about their privacy and data security, and AFFinNE tries to serve this user base by offering an open source platform where you can be in total control of your data.

Designer: AFFiNE

AFFiNE’s experience operates on two different levels. On the one hand, you have what looks like a traditional linear document, except that paragraphs are actually blocks that can be almost anything, from images to tables with sliders and controls. Literally flip the switch and you’re taken to an infinite whiteboard where you can arrange these elements in a more visual way.

AFFiNE is one of the very few open source apps in this space, and some might see its fast-paced development and changes as a sign of instability and unreliability. That said, its free tier is quite generous and its lowest paid tier is also affordable, though you will have to for a different subscription to have access to much-hyped AI features.

What We Like

• Generous free tier.
• Seamlessly blends linear documents and visual blocks.
• Open source software with self-hosting options coming soon.

What We Don’t Like

• Still new and undergoing many changes.
• AI features is a separate subscription.

Miro

Generating and organizing your own thoughts is one thing, but working with others can be quite a different beast. Different designers might have different requirements when it comes to their tools, and keeping everyone on the same page can sometimes feel like herding cats. Miro is built specifically to address the needs of collaboration, but rather than using a boring document or spreadsheet, it offers a lot of flexibility in how you express ideas and tasks.

Designer:

Miro makes working in teams not only more efficient but also a bit more fun. Visualization tools can speak louder than words, especially when they’re interactive and pleasing to look at. It also supports a wide variety of templates so you don’t always have to start a mind map or kanban board from scratch, further reducing time and friction.

This is one of the more mature products on this list and, unfortunately, it is also one of the more complicated and expensive ones. Targeted at creative professionals who mostly work with others, Miro has more disadvantages than advantages for the solo designer. It does have AI features to help condense the complexity, but, again, the pricing could be a little too much for individuals.

What We Like

• Plenty of tools for brainstorming, planning, and documentation.
• Expansive library of templates for different use cases.
• Mature and stable platform with large industry backing.

What We Don’t Like

• More oriented towards visual collaboration than individual ideation.
• Expensive pricing plans

Walling

If you’re looking for a more organized visual representation of your content without becoming a full-blown structured document, then Walling might suit your needs and aesthetic tastes. Using the metaphor of blocks, which it calls “bricks” here, you basically create walls of different types of bricks that include images, videos, text, tables, calendars, and more. And, of course, it also has AI to help you generate ideas and organize them.

Designer:

Unlike a more free-form infinite canvas, these bricks follow a grid-like pattern that makes them look more like neatly laid-out magazines than messy whiteboards. Indeed, Walling actually lets you publish your wall or even just a section of it, practically turning it into a webpage. It’s almost like a website builder, but with a lot more freedom in how you want to lay out your cards.

Although Walling has been around for half a decade now, it has only been recently making waves with its simpler and more straightforward interface compared to bloated visual note-taking apps. In that course of time, it has also adjusted its free tier to be a bit more useful, while its paid offerings are also priced competitively.

What We Like

• Clean user interface and magazine-like document layout
• Publishing walls or sections is a simple click.

What We Don’t Like

• No free-form canvas option.
• Heavy focus on AI features.

Honorable Mentions (or Why Your Favorite App Didn’t Make The Cut)

This list is almost literally just the tip of the iceberg. The so-called PKM space is overflowing with apps with a wide range of designs, capabilities, and target audiences. These might not even be the most popular in the market, but power and popularity don’t always translate to satisfying user experiences.

There are definitely more options available, though not all of them might appeal to designers, artists, and creatives. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention them, however, because people have different needs and tastes as well. If the previous five didn’t meet your requirements, the following apps could be more to your liking instead.

Notion and xTiles: Superpowered Databases

Databases and spreadsheets were traditionally seen as the purview of executives and IT, but the likes of Notion and xTiles have made them trendy among the productivity-loving crowd as well. In a nutshell, these platforms offer the ability to display the same piece of data in different ways, turning a line in a spreadsheet into a to-do list or a list of links into a grid of images.

Both these apps work on the level of “blocks,” which can almost be anything. Like Walling, they only allow a limited way of arranging these blocks, often in grids or columns. They are extremely powerful, appealing not just to advanced users but also to more creative people who want to bring their analog Bullet Journals to the digital world. All that power and flexibility, however, translates to complexity and, in many ways, visual chaos. It takes a lot of work to actually make good-looking pages, and you might find yourself losing time to that instead of actually doing creative work.

Obsidian and Logseq: Privacy-First, Visuals Second

When people think of note-taking with computers and mobile devices, they most likely think of typed notes first. In this area, Obsidian and its open source rival Logseq are at the top of the food chain, offering the simplicity of text-based documents but with add-ons that go beyond just words. Both, for example, feature whiteboards and canvases where you can arrange and link your notes visually, mixing in some images and files as well.

These apps value the privacy and longevity of the notes above all, which is why they adopted plain text as their primary document format and stored files locally on the device, with options to sync to the cloud at additional cost. These apps have a large treasury of plugins that add dashboards, spreadsheets, interactive elements, and whatnot to the experience, but at the end of the day, they’re still text-based, and that might be a bit limiting to visual note-takers.

MyMind and Google Keep: Pining for Pinterest

Pinterest is quite a popular resource for designers and artists, making its staggered grid (a.k.a. masonry) layout a favorite among those creating mood boards. It’s a simple design that adds visual interest without going overboard, and it’s the kind of layout that some note-taking apps are trying to adopt as well. It removes unnecessary features and distracting designs so you can simply focus on collecting references, jotting down inspiration, and scrolling through your gallery.

MyMind is a particular example of this design. With its simple and clean interface, it feels almost like Milanote but confined to this dynamic grid layout. It doesn’t come cheap, though, and has no free tier, but Google Keep comes close as a poor man’s moodboard option. That said, it really eschews the freedom of expression in exchange for a tidier space, something that could feel a bit suffocating for some users.

The post Top 5 Beautiful Note-taking Apps to Spark Creativity and Enhance Productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember when we OWNED things? I’m not talking about houses and cars being affordable, I’m talking about a time before the tyranny of subscription fees. You didn’t pay monthly fees for the right to see a movie – you owned a disc with the movie on it and it belonged to you for your entire life. Your external hard disk (yes, the ones we used so lovingly back in the 2010s) was yours to own – it wasn’t a cloud subscription you paid to access periodically. Small monthly fees sure made things seem easier when they actually aren’t – and I think we’re beginning to realize this sooner than later. We create and consume more data now than we ever did… which is why owning your own high-storage SSD makes so much sense in 2025.

Imagine carrying your entire digital life in your pocket—movies, games, work files, and backups—all accessible at speeds so fast they make cloud storage feel ancient. That’s the promise of the Comet Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD, a tiny but ridiculously powerful external drive that redefines storage as we know it. With transfer speeds of up to 7,000MB/s, this thing moves data at speeds so fast your gigabit internet would feel like dial-up.

Designer: Comet

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $199 (35% off) Hurry! Only 6 of 20 units.

To put that speed into perspective, transferring a full 4K movie with Thunderbolt 5 takes just five seconds. It takes the average human 1 minute to reach this sentence, which means you could have transferred 20 movies in this time. Compared to a standard USB 3.2 Gen2 SSD, this drive is seven times faster, which means that whether you’re editing 8K footage, rendering complex 3D models, or moving terabytes of raw photos, your workflow won’t just be smoother—it’ll feel instantaneous.

The highlight of the Comet is that it helps you reclaim ownership of your data and your storage. The tiny device is roughly the size of a stack of credit cards, but boasts storage starting at 1TB and going to 4TB, giving you enough room to store hundreds of AAA games, thousands of high-resolution photos, or an entire library of 4K movies. The 4TB model? That’s basically a Premium Google Drive subscription in your pocket, minus the fees and the agony of waiting for downloads on a half-decent internet connection. If you’re the kind of person who hoards media like a digital dragon, this drive lets you keep everything offline, secure, and instantly accessible.

The Comet SSD works seamlessly whether you’re on a Windows PC, Mac, Linux system, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or a professional editing rig. While Thunderbolt 5 enables its top-tier speeds, it also plays nice with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and even older USB 3.2 standards, giving you backward compatibility so that the SSD works perfectly with all your devices.

The SSD might be tiny but it isn’t fragile. The IP65-rated chassis is resistant to water, dust, and drops from up to two meters, meaning you can toss it in a bag, drop it on the floor, or even get caught in the rain without losing your data. The fanless aluminum casing keeps it cool under load, ensuring long-term reliability even when transferring terabytes of data.

And the best part? The price. $129 gets you the 1TB model, while the top-tier 4TB version goes for $279—a fraction of what some premium SSDs cost. We used to own things – the Comet SSD brings that era back by giving you ownership of your storage… without the fees, without the cloud, and without the possibility of it being hacked/leaked or worse, monetized for ads.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $199 (35% off) Hurry! Only 6 of 20 units.

The post Forget Cloud Storage – This Tiny Thunderbolt 5 SSD Puts 4TB of High-Speed Data in Your Pocket first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple’s latest experiment in robotics feels like a love letter to Pixar’s Luxo Jr. The tiny, energetic desk lamp that hops onto the screen before every Pixar film has always been more than just a mascot—it’s a symbol of character-driven storytelling. Now, Apple’s researchers have taken that same playful, emotive energy and brought it into a real-world robotic lamp, designed not just to function, but to interact, express, and even entertain. Researchers at Apple presented a paper titled ‘ELEGNT’ (Expressive and Functional Movement Design for Non-Anthropomorphic Robot) along with a comprehensive video of the lamp in action.

There’s a poetic connection here. Steve Jobs, the man who shaped Apple’s design philosophy, was also the visionary who helped Pixar become an animation powerhouse. The DNA of both companies has always been about creating technology that feels approachable—whether through the friendly curves of an iPhone or the lifelike expressions of an animated toy. Apple’s robotic lamp embodies that same philosophy, proving that robots don’t need to be powerful to be meaningful. They just need to be relatable.

Designers: Apple Machine Learning Research Division

Developed by Apple’s Machine Learning Research division, this robotic lamp is more than an automated light source. It gestures, reacts, and even sulks when it’s left behind. A demonstration video shows it performing tasks in two modes: “Functional,” where it simply executes commands, and “Expressive,” where it adds personality to its movements. The difference is striking. Instead of cold efficiency, the expressive mode makes interactions feel natural—like the lamp is part of the room’s social fabric, not just an object within it.

In one scene, the lamp hears music and starts swaying, an irresistible display of curiosity. In another, it glances outside before describing the weather, as if pausing to check for itself. When it reminds a user to drink water, it nudges the glass forward—not as a command, but as a gentle encouragement. These small but thoughtful gestures tap into something deeply human: the way we naturally ascribe personality to objects that behave in familiar ways.

This is why anthropomorphism in robotics matters. People don’t just want machines that work—they want machines they can connect with. A robot that can convey joy, hesitation, or even mild disappointment is far more engaging than one that simply executes tasks. It’s a lesson we’ve seen play out in animated films for decades, and it’s one that robotics engineers are beginning to embrace. In a way it also helps shed the impression of robots being scary (Skynet, Terminator, Transformers, Ultron) by embracing more delicate, humane characteristics instead.

Apple’s research aligns with earlier reports from Mark Gurman suggesting the company is developing a home robot with an articulating arm and an iPad-like interface. Speculated to launch by 2026 or 2027, it could integrate with smart home systems and even act as a companion device. If Apple is serious about bringing robotics into consumer spaces, this expressive lamp could be a glimpse of what’s to come.

For now, this experiment serves as a reminder that technology doesn’t have to be rigid or clinical to be useful. The best machines aren’t just the ones that perform tasks efficiently—they’re the ones that make us feel something. And if a desk lamp can make you smile just by hanging its head in disappointment, Apple might be onto something special. You can read the entire research paper on Apple’s website here.

The post Apple Researchers Built A Pixar-Style Robot Lamp That Moves And Emotes Like A Living Creature first appeared on Yanko Design.

Toshiba has been a consistent presence in television manufacturing, continuously refining its technology to enhance the home viewing experience. The REGZA AI Engine, particularly the latest REGZA Engine ZRi, represents a significant evolution in television technology. By incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning, this advanced processor improves picture and audio quality in real-time, adapting to various content types, user preferences, and environmental conditions. Unlike traditional television processors that operate based on static settings, the REGZA AI Engine dynamically adjusts visuals and sound through ongoing scene analysis, providing an optimized experience for viewers.

Designer: Toshina

AI-Powered Picture Optimization

The REGZA Engine ZRi is designed to deliver exceptional picture quality by intelligently analyzing every frame and making precise adjustments to resolution, contrast, color accuracy, and brightness. This AI-driven approach ensures that all types of content, from streaming services to live television, are displayed with clarity and vibrancy.

One of the key features of this technology is 4K AI Upscaling, which enhances lower-resolution content to appear sharper and more detailed on high-resolution screens. Unlike traditional upscaling methods, which simply stretch and sharpen images, Toshiba’s AI-powered approach reconstructs fine details by using deep learning to predict and fill in missing visual information. This results in a more authentic and natural-looking image, even when watching older or lower-quality video sources.

The Dolby Vision IQ and HDR 10+ Adaptive support further enhance the viewing experience by dynamically adjusting brightness and contrast based on ambient lighting conditions. With these technologies, dark scenes remain detailed and visible without overexposure, and bright sequences maintain clarity without appearing washed out. Whether watching a cinematic blockbuster or a high-action sports event, the REGZA AI Engine ensures the best possible visual quality in any lighting environment.

Additionally, AI Picture Optimizer detects the type of content being displayed—such as movies, live sports, or animation—and automatically adjusts color saturation, contrast levels, and sharpness to optimize for that specific category. This feature ensures that vibrant hues in animated films remain true to their intended palette while maintaining a more natural color balance for live-action footage.

Intelligent Sound Engineering with AI

Beyond just enhancing visuals, the REGZA AI Engine brings significant advancements to audio processing, delivering an immersive and cinematic sound experience. Traditional televisions often rely on static audio settings that do not adjust based on the type of content or the acoustic environment. In contrast, Toshiba’s AI-powered audio processing dynamically optimizes sound based on real-time analysis.

The REGZA Power Audio Extreme system enhances depth and clarity by using psychoacoustic bass enhancement technology. This technology adjusts low-frequency sounds to create a richer and more powerful auditory experience. This is particularly noticeable in action movies and live concerts, where deep bass tones contribute to the overall impact of the scene.

Additionally, AI Sound Calibration intelligently balances high, mid, and low frequencies depending on the content being played. For dialogue-heavy content, the AI emphasizes speech clarity, ensuring that voices remain crisp and intelligible without being overshadowed by background music or sound effects. For action sequences and live sports, the AI enhances spatial audio, making the audience feel immersed in the scene.

Another key feature is Room Acoustic Optimization, which uses a built-in radar sensing system to analyze the room’s dimensions and adjust the sound output accordingly. This means that regardless of where a viewer is sitting, the television optimizes the audio projection to ensure a balanced and immersive experience.

Redefining Visual and Audio Perception Through Smart Technology

The Toshiba TV X9900 delivers lifelike visuals through millions of self-luminous pixels that detect nearby colors. It offers 4K quality with Full HD content revealing details that were previously unnoticed. From nature documentaries to sports broadcasts, the television’s color and shadow reproduction transports viewers to remarkable visual landscapes. REGZA Power Audio Extreme provides immersive sound, while its psychoacoustic bass enhancement technology intelligently adjusts frequencies, creating a powerful auditory experience that transforms entertainment.

Toshiba continues to push innovation in smart home entertainment, ensuring its AI-driven technologies evolve alongside consumer expectations. With REGZA Intelligence, viewers can experience adaptive enhancements that improve every aspect of their television use. The company’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality visuals, intelligent sound calibration, and AI-powered enhancements set a new benchmark for immersive entertainment.

The post Toshiba REGZA AI Engine: Advancing Home Entertainment Through AI first appeared on Yanko Design.

Here’s my hot take for 2025, technology that cannot be upgraded is genuinely consumer-unfriendly. Framework proved it was possible by designing a sleek laptop that featured totally upgradable components – most gaming PCs are entirely upgradable too – so why not phones? Why not tablets? And why not drones?

Drones are devices that you probably buy once or twice in your lifetime. Nobody buys a new drone every 2 years – they use the one they have for as long as possible before upgrading (that’s only if they need to upgrade)… which really means you’re stuck with backward tech for a fairly long time. To combat this, Ethan White designed the ARK – a modular drone with an architecture that features removable and upgradable components. Need a new battery? Swap it out. Want a better camera lens? Substitute the older one for a newer model.

Designer: Ethan White

“Traditional drones require complete hardware changes or airframe redesigns to perform different roles. The ARK, however, offers an integrated solution with the simple act of swapping module pack,” says Ethan. Although the drone references Noah’s Ark, it quite literally represents the metaphor of the ‘Ship of Theseus’ – a thought experiment revolving around a ship that remains constant, with its parts gradually replaced over time.

The way the ARK is designed balances purposeful bulkiness with aerodynamics. Sure, laptops can be sleek for cosmetic reasons – but drones need to shed every single ounce they can for efficiency – a heavy or bulky drone can’t fly as well as a lithe, aerodynamic one – so making a drone that’s easy to disassemble, modular, and upgradable presents a unique challenge.

Components can’t be interwoven with each other inside a single outer body. The battery needs to exist independent of the PCB. The motors, sensors, cameras, every element has to be positioned very thoughtfully, so that they can be individually removed and replaced.

To that end, the ARK has a remarkable design, featuring components that interlock together when in use, and separate when you need to perform a swap. All this while still making sure you’ve got a drone that’s portable, foldable, and aerodynamic. The modularity also means you can purpose-build your drone based on your needs. Want something for entertainment, choose a basic package. Want a multimedia beast, upgrade your camera. Want to record at night, swap the daytime camera for a module that supports night vision. Want better range, add better antennas on top. You can build your drone with precise intent, just like you would your PC.

The drone features upgradable PCBs, cameras, propellers/motors, battery packs, and even other components like anti-collision sensors. Although conceptual, Ethan is working on a proof-of-concept and states that he’s aiming for IP43 water and dust resistance, along with a 30-minute flight-time. That might sound dull on paper, but I’d choose 30 minutes of flight with an absolutely incredible camera lens and sensor over 50-60 minutes with a fairly basic lens array. Plus, things will only get better with time – and as a consumer, you directly benefit from it.

The post If Framework Designed A Drone: Meet the Modular Drone Concept with Fully Upgradable Components first appeared on Yanko Design.

Introducing a “Camper you can build your way.” That’s a bold statement to make, but the entire idea of the CampOut series by Four Wheel Campers is based on this idea alone, and we are accepting it with both hands. In the world of truck campers crammed for space with some essential and some not-so-required amenities on board; this camping solutions giant is giving us a pop-up truck camper that evolves with your adventure requirements.

Provided with some standard and other optional modules to choose from, the CampOut modular slide-in truck camper interior can be customized to suit yourself. Buy it completely built-out with all the modules or invest in the stock option and build upon it as and how your adventures demand – no paying for a feature you didn’t want!

Designer: Four Wheel Campers

Camper vans and RVs have their own advantages: primarily comfort; but truck campers are my preferred option for their inherent off-roading capabilities. Now with the CampOut series, pop-up truck campers could suddenly find themselves in the league of adaptors that didn’t choose such camping alternatives because of their rigidity but were always lured by the off-roading abilities.

Offering versatile customization in a lightweight and durable construction, the CampOut is designed to slide into place on any size truck. It has been created in various configurations to fit 5-, 6-, and 8-feet beds. The 5-foot model weighs 860 pounds, while the 8-foot option tips the scale at 1,030 pounds. What actually sets the CampOut models apart is their modular platform that allows adventurers to start with limited modules and then build their way up.

The soft-top, pop-up truck camper comes with a few standard modules. The sleeping area above the cabin, a power module (housing the battery, power monitor, multiple ports, and solar connectivity), and a utility module with top and bottom storage (lower section usable for a propane tank and accessible from the outside). The latter module is topped with a wooden tabletop usable for placing the propane or an induction cooktop. On the outside, as a standard you get L-track and molle panels for gear hauling, USB A, USB-C outlets, and Starlink port.

As an option, depending upon the size of your truck bed, you can choose a seating module comprising benches and a dinette with a swivel table. A water module featuring a sink, faucet, and water tanks for fresh and gray water. fridge module with chest fridge and storage space. For that additional power requirement, CampOut comes with an optional 2000W inverter, a second battery, and 500W rooftop solar panels. Available in the US, the camper starts at $25,995 with the standard modules.

 

The post Four Wheel Campers’ CampOut pop-up truck camper has customizable interior modules you can choose as you go first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lamps do more than just illuminate our surroundings. They can very well change the mood in a room, especially ones whose designs are visible to everyone. The lights could give off a cool vibe that encourages productivity, or it could have a warm glow that makes you feel comfortable and at peace. Sometimes the lamp designs themselves turn a room’s narrative in a certain direction, from nature-inspired organic forms to minimalist, modern, and geometric shapes.

Lamp designs don’t have to be elaborate and complicated to have such effects. Sometimes, just the combination of form and materials is enough to be associated with certain themes and emotions. This standing floor lamp, for example, has a simple bar bent at an angle and a textile cover, but these already effectively convey the atmosphere of a city street mixed with the softness of a pasture.

Designer: Amuni Studio

Traditional street lamps cast a unique glow on the world of the night. Given their utility, their light can sometimes be harsh and cold, but it also offers safety and confidence in the dark of night. The shape of these lamps has almost become iconic, and one only needs to see the silhouette to make the association.

Corium is a standing floor lamp design that does exactly that, using the simple shape of a lamp arm bent forward at a slight angle. The lampshade is also nothing more than a long sheet of metal curving over the length of the light element like an arch. A layer of proprietary recycled leather is draped over this shade, adding a touch of organic texture and warmth to the composition.

In a way, Corium represents contrasting elements that find their harmony inside the modern home. There is the street lamp that is a staple of outdoor urban lighting, while leather is more closely associated with nature and fashion. Utility and luxury, coldness and warmth, light and shade all come together in a simple yet striking design that gives light in its own unique way.

Initially designed to be a pendant lamp, Corium is also an experiment in designing and producing a product entirely done in Latin America. In addition to components sourced locally, the talent and manufacturing involved were also done locally. It gives the lamp an even deeper narrative and a value that transcends its surface appearance.

The post Standing floor lamp uses recycled leather to mix urban boldness and cozy warmth first appeared on Yanko Design.

In the course of using some everyday products, we probably seldom stop to question why things are designed the way they are. Why are appliances like speakers and air purifiers traditionally rectangular and boxy while flashlights and lamps are cylindrical? Sometimes, the answers lie in history and practicality, but other times it’s just a matter of convention and the lack of motivation to think outside the box.

This flashlight design concept, however, isn’t afraid to dare to be different, perhaps even to the point of sacrificing some ergonomics. Embracing a trending design aesthetic, it isn’t just breaking the mold by throwing out most conventions. It is also challenging those conventions to see what’s possible if we’re not afraid to ask “What if?”

Designer: Nikhil Kapoor

Industrial design aesthetics has carried a rather negative connotation of being cold and impersonal, but recent trends have cast a more positive light on modern renditions of the design language. Teenage Engineering’s products, in particular, have presented a certain flavor of minimalism that embraced the cold surface of metal, the angular and sharp edges of boxes, and an intentionally limited color palette.

The FL-1 flashlight concept embraces these design elements to shock and confound. Instead of the conventional barrel form, it comes in a box that will admittedly be cumbersome to hold for long periods of time, at least depending on the size. It could easily fit in the palm of your hand, as many EDC flashlights do these days, but the sharp edges could bite into your skin over time.

The design does have a few interesting features beyond its industrial aesthetic. The rectangular shape gives it enough room to fit two LED lights, which can be turned on individually or together with a simple sliding switch mechanism. There’s also a display to show the remaining battery charge so you’re never caught unaware. The flashlight is charged via USB-C, which is the only reference to the correct scale of the object.

Like Teenage Engineering’s designs, the FL-1 practically uses only two colors, or three if you count the contrasting shade of gray. A vibrant orange backside increases its visibility, but only if it’s upside down, while there’s no method for seeing the flashlight in the dark if it’s right side up. The concept definitely has its flaws, but it is still a worthwhile thought experiment on how we can challenge the status quo and come up with designs that aren’t just different but also even better.

The post Teenage Engineering-inspired flashlight concept breaks the mold with a boxy design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Embarking on your homeownership journey comes with the excitement of setting up your kitchen. You could be a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, but you need to have the right kitchenware to make meal preparation enjoyable and efficient. I know moving into your own home can be terrifying and unchartered territory, and to be honest, if I were in such a position, I would need some trusty and handy tools at my disposal, giving me the confidence that I can take care of my meals without much fuss, So, we’ve curated a collection of the ten essential kitchen items that every first-time homeowner should consider to make their life a whole lot easier.

These products serve functional purposes and bring style and innovation to your kitchen space. Adding these essential items to your kitchen will enhance your cooking experience and add a touch of style and innovation to your home. Each product offers unique features that cater to different culinary needs, making them invaluable additions to any first-time homeowner’s kitchen.

1. Iron Frying Plate

The Iron Frying Plate lets you eliminate the middleman and eat on the very thing you cooked your food on. This unique iron frying pan is your plate and vice versa, allowing you to enjoy your meal immediately after cooking it. It is essential for first-time homeowners,  as it reduces the need for multiple utensils. The frying plate is rust-resistant and uncoated, and it brings out the best flavors and textures of your food like never before.

This beautifully crafted iron frying plate lets you experience a taste of culinary heaven, as it softly and subtly blurs the boundary between cooking and eating. The plate is made from 1.6mm-thick mill-scale steel, and it is equipped with a wooden handle that can be attached and detached with one hand. This makes it easy to serve your dish directly from the pan.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Iron Frying Plate is a game-changer for those who appreciate the art of cooking and serving. The rust-resistant and stick-resistant surface ensures that food is cooked evenly and released easily, enhancing both flavor and presentation. The ability to detach the handle with one hand adds convenience, allowing you to transition seamlessly from cooking to serving.

What we like

• Functions as both a cooking pan and serving plate, streamlining meal preparation and presentation.
• Made from thick mill scale steel for long-lasting performance.

What we dislike

• The sturdy construction makes it heavier than traditional pans, which might be cumbersome for some users.
• Requires specific care to maintain its rust-resistant properties and prevent damage.

2. DraftPro Top Can Opener

Say hello to the DraftPro Top Can Opener – an incredible tool that transforms any can into a luxurious and premium draft-like experience. The DraftPro completely opens the top of a can, forming a wide drinking surface that will elevate aroma and flavor, allowing you to savor every nuance of your preferred drink. It will redefine how you enjoy your beverages – whether it is craft beer, sofa, or tea.

It adopts an innovative approach to the canned beverage experience. It mirrors and recreates the sensation of sipping from a glass, enhancing taste and aroma. It may not be considered an essential per se for your kitchen, but it is a unique and worthy product that will elevate your beverage-drinking experience. If you’re a first-time homeowner hosting dinner parties or gatherings, this can opener will add a touch of fun and amusement to them.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The design allows for effortless ice addition, enabling you to chill your drink directly in the can or mix cocktails on the go. The can opener’s sustainable design ensures that fully opened cans are easy to rinse and recycle or repurpose into creative decor. With precision mechanics, it provides a clean and mess-free experience, fitting both domestic and international cans.

What we like

• Provides a draft-like sipping experience, enhancing aroma and flavor.
• Compatible with a wide range of beverages and allows for cocktail mixing directly in the can.

What we dislike

• May require some practice to use effectively without spilling.
• Fully opening the can may affect its structural integrity for storage or transport.

3. Obsidian Black Mini Grip Tongs

Called the Obsidian Black Mini Grip Tongs, these dark and handsome tongs let you handle and serve food with the deftness of a master chef. They’re a part of the Obsidian Black Kitchen Tongs collection, and they’re available in handy sizes of 4.9″ (12.5cm) or 7″ (18cm). These tongs provide the perfect balance between hygiene and precision. Their compact size makes them ideal for first homes, ensuring they save space, and make room for more important tools.

Irrespective if you’re arranging bite-sized appetizers, creating eye-catching plating shots, or turning over mouth-watering morsels in the pans – these nifty black tongs will provide the precise control you need to accomplish any culinary task with ease. They make for a functional and good-looking addition to your kitchen.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The tong’s compact size makes them ideal for tasks requiring delicate control, such as picking up small hors d’oeuvres or flipping juicy shrimps, all while keeping your hands clean. Crafted from SUS821L1 stainless steel, these tongs are twice as strong as those made from SUS304 steel, allowing for a thinner and lighter design without compromising durability. Their high corrosion resistance ensures they remain a reliable kitchen companion.

What we like

• Ideal for delicate tasks, providing precise handling and control.
• Made from high-strength stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance.

What we dislike

• May not be suitable for larger food items or tasks requiring longer tools.
• While durable, the tongs’ precision design requires careful use to maintain their condition.

4. Sakura Petal Grater

Dubbed the Sakura Petal Grater, this beautifully designed tool is a representation of culinary art meeting Japanese heritage. If you’re a first-time homeowner then you need a grater in your kitchen, and the Sakura Petal Grater makes for a wonderful addition, as it is elegant and yet functional, providing a razor-sharp performance backed by endearing good looks.

The grater comes in pink aluminum or silver copper, and it is covered in commemorative packaging that celebrates the cultural heritage of Japan, and the artist of Tsubame City artisans. You can use the grater to grate ginger, wasabi, or even citrus zest, and it transforms boring meal prep into something creative and fun.

Click Here to Buy Now: $35.00

Why is it noteworthy?

If you like hosting dinners and making them a wonderful affair, then the petal grater is recommended, as it converts a simple task into a moment of artistry. It features a sharp blade that supports efficient and quick grating, adding texture and flavor to your meals. It is a valuable addition to family gatherings, as fresh ingredients can be grated directly at the table, making the overall experience elegant and interactive. It has a compact size, and aesthetically pleasing design making it an interesting conversation piece on the table.

What we like

• Features a sakura-inspired shape which adds some beauty to your kitchen.
• Equipped with sharp blades which make grating easy and efficient.

What we dislike

• Features a compact size which may require frequent emptying when grating larger quantities.

5. Hinoki Essence Cutting Board

You can experience a worry-free food-cutting experience with this beautiful wooden cutting board. It is made from the majestic hinoki cypress, and it has a medium hardness that offers enough resistance without damaging knives. Both the material and shape of the board make it easy to drain juices and clean after use.

It exudes a simple yet beautiful aesthetic, and you can pair it up with the equally elegant Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife. The board is designed with a water-resistant silicone coating that penetrates the fibrous part of the wood to prevent damage, and its gentle, rounded shapes blend naturally with any interior. A handle has been incorporated for easy hanging and hygienic drying.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Hinoki Essence Cutting Board is a blend of traditional materials and modern design. Hinoki cypress wood is renowned for its natural antibacterial properties and resistance to mold, making it an ideal material for a cutting board. The board’s medium hardness provides the perfect balance between durability and knife preservation, ensuring your blades stay sharp longer, and making it a perfect purchase for first-time homeowners.

What we like

• The medium hardness of the hinoki wood is gentle on knives, preserving their sharpness.
• Naturally resistant to mold and bacteria, promoting a hygienic cooking environment.

What we dislike

• Requires regular oiling to maintain its condition and prevent cracking.
• The premium materials and craftsmanship come with a higher price tag.

6. Ori-Kit

Say hello to the Ori-Kit –  a stylish, origami-inspired kitchen set designed to replace bulky utensils and enhance your culinary adventures. The Ori-Kit is an essential tool for first-time homeowners looking to streamline their kitchen setup. Its compact design makes it perfect for small kitchens or apartments where space is at a premium. It includes versatile pieces that replace multiple traditional utensils, helping new homeowners minimize clutter and maximize functionality.

This innovative kit simplifies your kitchen experience by providing a nifty solution for all your cooking needs. It is perfect for both home use and on the go, and is easy to transport, making it ideal for picnics, camping trips, or any adventure where space is limited.

Why is it noteworthy?

The kit includes six cleverly designed pieces – three spoons that can be folded into six different sizes, a versatile food turner, a creatively designed funnel, and a functional colander. The Ori-Kit serves as a flexible and efficient alternative to traditional kitchen tools. You can use it serve, measure or prepare meals. The compact design helps save space, time, and money, making it a must-have for modern kitchens and adventurous cooks alike.

What we like

• Compact and foldable, ideal for small kitchens or on-the-go use.
• Each piece serves multiple functions, reducing the need for additional utensils.

What we dislike

• The origami-inspired design may not withstand heavy use over time.
• May not be suitable for large-scale cooking or serving needs.

7. Black Kitchen Knives

These sharp knives also have killer looks. Made in Seki, Japan, these pitch-black knives are designed to cut through food while being quite fashionable. As you handle the knives, you will feel like a fantasy hero wielding a divine sword with each slide. You will never look at food prep the same way again with these sleek knives. Knives are an essential part of a kitchen, and these full-proof knives are an excellent option for first homes, as they merged goods looks with great functionality.

The knives are crafted from molybdenum vanadium steel with a titanium coating, ensuring durability and sharpness. Each blade is meticulously crafted by a skilled craftsman, offering a full-scale double-edged blade for versatile use. They are available in Santoku, Gyuto, and Petty styles – making them perfect for any culinary task.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Black Kitchen Knives are blessed with stunning aesthetics and exceptional performance in the kitchen. The craftsmanship involved in creating each knife ensures a high-quality product that is both durable and effective. The use of molybdenum vanadium steel provides excellent edge retention, while the titanium coating adds a layer of protection against corrosion and wear. Their sleek black design adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, making them an invaluable purchase for any first-time homeowner.

What we like

• The molybdenum vanadium steel ensures a sharp and precise cutting edge, ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks.
• The sleek black finish adds a modern and sophisticated touch to any kitchen.

What we dislike

• High-quality craftsmanship comes at a cost, making these knives a more expensive option.
• The titanium coating requires careful maintenance to prevent damage and ensure longevity.

8. Smart Tea Pot

Called the Smart Tea Pot, this revolutionary appliance is designed to transform the way you experience tea. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and personalized brewing capabilities, it elevates each sip into a harmonious symphony of flavor and aroma, making every moment a delightful tea journey. It is a great tool for first-time homeowners, as it simplifies and fastens the tea-making process, allowing them to spend more time on the complicated tasks and chores.

The smart teapot is designed with an app-connected brewing system, allowing you to effortlessly brew the perfect cup by selecting your tea type through an intuitive app. This ensures consistent, professional-grade tea without the hassle, allowing you to savor the moment without interruptions. This smart teapot offers an innovative way to enhance your tea-drinking experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $349.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Smart Tea Pot features the ability to personalize and elevate the tea-drinking experience. With six advanced sensors, the teapot analyzes your heart rate, finger temperature, and environmental conditions to tailor each brew to your unique mood and physical state. This personalized tea experience enhances relaxation or focus as needed, making it a valuable tool for mindfulness and well-being. It also simplifies the process of tea-making, grounding it as a much-needed essential for first-time homeowners.

What we like

• Tailors each cup of tea to your unique mood and physical state, enhancing relaxation or focus.
• Offers optimal brewing conditions for a wide variety of teas, expanding your palate.

What we dislike

• May require a learning curve to fully utilize all features and functions.

9.  Ceramic Cup

Called the Ceramic Cup, this exquisite mug is an essential addition to any first-time homeowner’s kitchenware collection. It is made using high-quality craftsmanship and features a unique design which makes it an excellent piece for your kitchen. It adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your kitchen, as well as your dinner table.

For those starting to furnish their homes, this mug offers a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, setting the tone for a warm and inviting home environment. Its thoughtful design encourages mindful living, making everyday routines feel special and intentional.

Click Here to Buy Now: $60.00

Why is it noteworthy?

This minimalist mug is a finely crafted piece that beautifully combines earth and wood, creating a unique and subtle symphony of textures. Designed to delight both your lips and fingers, it offers a sensory experience that enhances the enjoyment of sipping your favorite tea. With its elegant design, this mug invites you to savor each moment, transforming a simple drink into a soothing ritual.

What we like

• Crafted from quality Japanese ceramic, it ensures durability and a refined finish.

What we dislike

• Requires extra care in heating beverages, as it is not microwave-safe.
• It may not appeal to those seeking more vibrant designs.

10. Titanium Artisan Spirits Cup

If you want to add something tasteful to your kitchen, that will elevate your drinking ritual, then you may want to consider the Titanium Artisan Spirits Cup. It merges elegance with exceptional titanium craftsmanship and is designed for the discerning spirits enthusiast. It is a beautifully crafted cup that weighs only 22 grams, offering an effortless sipping experience, and making it a lightweight and versatile design for first-time homeowners.

You can use it to serve sake, tequila, or whisky, making your drinking experience a classy affair. It is blessed with an artful design and precision craftsmanship which makes it a lovely addition for anyone who enjoys the finer and more premium things in life. It has a versatile aesthetic that complements modern interiors and rustic outdoor settings.

Click Here to Buy Now: $27.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The hammered texture of the cup enhances aromatic profiles, enriching the nuanced notes of your favorite spirits and creating a deeply immersive experience with each sip. Each vibrant anodized finish provides a unique hue, offering personalized style and a sophisticated touch to any drinkware collection. Precision craftsmanship ensures a non-slip surface and finely engineered thin lip for a refined sipping experience, enhancing the flavor profile of each spirit.

What we like

• Combines minimalist elegance with practical functionality for a refined drinking experience.
• Hammered texture and precision craftsmanship enhance aromatic profiles and flavor.

What we dislike

• Compact size may not be suitable for those who prefer larger drinking vessels.
• Titanium craftsmanship requires careful handling to maintain its pristine condition.

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Microbrands in the watch world often capture attention by blending accessibility, quality, and striking designs. Montoir, a Chicago-based brand with Swiss-made credentials, entered the scene in late 2023 with its first dive watch. It was a standout debut—a stylish, robust timepiece with a Sellita automatic movement and serious 200m water resistance. Now, Montoir is back with the MWMOD-01 V2 Dive Watch, offering the same successful formula with an exciting twist: bold new colors.

Dive watches have a storied legacy, but Montoir takes that history and redefines it with precision and craftsmanship. The exterior is the definition of a modern classic. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, it combines various finishes—horizontal brushing, mirror polishing, and a lightly blasted dial—for a sophisticated and versatile aesthetic. Under the minimal-functional exterior is the customized Sellita SW200-1 Swiss automatic movement—a hallmark of reliability. Montoir has fine-tuned the movement to a no-date configuration, creating a clean, distraction-free dial. The 38-hour power reserve and robust build ensure it’s as functional as it is stylish.

Designer: Montoir

Click Here to Buy Now: $375 $750 (50% off). Hurry, only 3/139 left! Raised over $62,000. Only 72-hours left.

The new collection boasts dial options in Mint, Salmon, Cool Grey, and Green, alongside existing hues like Polar White, Black, and Blue. These colors are complemented by subtle refinements to the design, ensuring that each variant feels like more than just a palette swap. A green bezel insert paired with the green dial is particularly eye-catching, making it the standout piece of the collection. For the other colors, black bezels maintain a timeless, understated appeal.

The new colors aren’t just cosmetic—they reflect Montoir’s effort to create a timepiece that fits seamlessly into anyone’s wardrobe. The Salmon dial, for example, exudes vintage warmth, while the Cool Grey is a masterclass in understated elegance. Paired with Montoir’s combination of brushed and polished finishes, every variant tells its own story while staying true to the brand’s DNA.

At 40.5mm in diameter and just under 12mm in height, the stainless steel case maintains the same balanced proportions as its predecessor. The brushed finish with polished accents gives it a versatile aesthetic—equally at home underwater or at a casual dinner. The unidirectional bezel with a detailed 60-minute scale ensures functionality for diving enthusiasts, while a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coatings keeps the dial legible under all conditions. The solid caseback, featuring an embossed diving helmet, adds a distinctive touch. Inside, the MWMOD-01 V2 draws its power from the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. This Swiss-made workhorse, a reliable alternative to the ETA 2824-2, offers a 38-hour power reserve and operates at a smooth 28,800 vibrations per hour. While it’s a proven performer, Montoir’s choice to omit a date complication keeps the dial refreshingly clean and focused on legibility.

Speaking of the dial, the new lightly sandblasted matte finish adds depth and texture. The oversized indices, coated in Super-LumiNova BGW9, glow brightly in low-light conditions, as do the hour and minute hands. Depending on the color variant, you’ve got yourself a wonderful contrast between the hands and the watch face. The lighter face shades opt for black hands, making them visible at a glance, while the richer watch faces come with polished chrome-like hands that glimmer in the light, instantly catching your eye.

The watches come equipped with a 20mm tropic-style strap made from recycled FKM rubber. The strap’s quick-release system makes swapping bands effortless, adding to the watch’s versatility. The rubber strap means this is truly a bonafide diver watch, designed to easily take on your diving adventures as a fish takes to water. The watch’s rated for 200m or 20ATM of water resistance too. For those drawn to value-driven watches, the Montoir MWMOD-01 V2 is a compelling option. With Kickstarter pricing starting at $375 for early backers (or $450 after the initial 48-hour window), the watch offers a lot of bang for the buck. For a Swiss-made dive watch with professional-grade specs, the final retail price of $750 still represents strong value.

This second installment from Montoir refines everything the company got right with its first series, building on it with fresh aesthetics and thoughtful design tweaks. Whether you’re an experienced connoisseur or a first-time buyer looking for a robust, stylish diver, the MWMOD-01 V2 is a worthy contender for your collection – especially given its Swiss-made movement at an authentic, non-marked-up price tag.

Click Here to Buy Now: $375 $750 (50% off). Hurry, only 3/139 left! Raised over $62,000. Only 72-hours left.

The post Never Pay A Brand Markup Again: Montoir’s V2 Dive Watch Delivers Swiss-Made Luxury On A Budget first appeared on Yanko Design.