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Leica has long been synonymous with precision craftsmanship and a refined photographic experience. With the Lux Grip, the brand extends its expertise to smartphone photography, bringing DSLR-style ergonomics to the iPhone. Designed for enthusiasts who demand more than the standard touchscreen interface, this MagSafe-compatible grip transforms an iPhone into a more intuitive and tactile shooting tool. With its premium build, mechanical controls, and seamless software integration, the Lux Grip introduces a new level of control for mobile photographers.

Designer: Leica

Design and Build Quality

Leica’s Lux Grip embraces the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic, crafted from high-grade aluminum with a matte black finish that exudes professionalism. Unlike many plastic alternatives, the metal construction adds a reassuring heft without making the iPhone cumbersome to hold. The cylindrical grip on the left side enhances ergonomics, providing a natural resting position for the fingers, while the MagSafe attachment ensures a secure fit across iPhone models from the iPhone 12 onward.

A key design feature is its two-stage shutter button, reminiscent of traditional cameras. This mechanical button allows for half-press focusing and full-press image capture, bringing a level of tactile precision rarely seen in mobile photography. A dedicated dial on the grip enables quick adjustments to exposure settings, zoom, and other camera functions, mimicking the manual control dials found on Leica’s flagship cameras. The inclusion of customizable function buttons further enhances usability, allowing photographers to map key controls to suit their shooting style.

Advantages of the Leica Lux Grip

The Lux Grip stands out by offering features typically reserved for high-end cameras. Unlike touchscreen-based smartphone controls, this grip provides:

• A True Photography Feel: The two-stage shutter button offers mechanical feedback that mimics a traditional camera.
• Improved Ergonomics: The cylindrical grip ensures a stable hold, reducing strain during prolonged shooting sessions.
• Customizable Controls: Two assignable function buttons allow photographers to personalize their workflow.
• Enhanced Stability: A firmer grip reduces unintentional shakes, resulting in sharper images.
• MagSafe Convenience: The attachment is secure but allows for quick detachment when needed.

These advantages make the Lux Grip a compelling choice for content creators, street photographers, and professionals who rely on mobile photography for rapid image capture.

Hardware and Software Integration

Leica’s implementation of a two-stage shutter button brings professional-grade control to mobile photography. The button operates similarly to those found in high-end DSLR and mirrorless cameras, allowing users to engage autofocus and exposure metering with a half-press. This ensures the subject is sharp and well-exposed before taking the shot.

A full press then captures the image with immediate response, eliminating the lag typically associated with touchscreen-based controls. This precise physical interface provides a more stable and reliable shooting experience, reducing camera shake and allowing for smoother action photography.

This advanced shutter system seamlessly integrates into the Lux Grip’s overall hardware and software design. By allowing photographers to lock focus before recomposing their shots, it enhances precision, particularly in portrait and street photography. Additionally, it offers better timing control for capturing fast-moving subjects, ensuring that users don’t miss critical moments. Since it eliminates reliance on touchscreen input, accidental misfocuses are significantly reduced, allowing for greater accuracy in framing and exposure. This integration between the physical shutter button and Leica’s Lux App ensures a fluid shooting experience that mimics traditional cameras, offering professional-level control in a mobile package.

The Lux Grip’s shutter button functions exclusively within the Leica Lux App, unlocking additional features tailored to professional shooting. The app provides quick access to shooting modes, manual exposure adjustments, and real-time focus controls. Users can fine-tune settings such as shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, making it a powerful tool for those who demand full control over their mobile photography workflow.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Battery Life

• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Connection: Ensures real-time responsiveness without significant battery drain.
• Battery Capacity: The built-in 300mAh battery supports approximately 1,000 shots per charge.
• Charging Method: Uses USB-C for convenient recharging alongside an iPhone.

Leica Lux App: Free and Pro Subscription Options

The Leica Lux App operates on a tiered subscription model, offering both a free version with basic functionality and a premium Lux Pro subscription for advanced features.

The free version provides essential tools such as Auto and Aperture modes, a selection of standard Leica lens simulations, and basic editing capabilities. To help new users explore its full potential, Leica includes a two-week trial of Lux Pro, granting temporary access to the premium toolset.

For users seeking greater control over their photography, Leica offers the Lux Pro subscription at $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year—the latter offering an approximate 17% savings. However, customers who purchase the Leica Lux Grip ($329) receive a complimentary one-year Lux Pro subscription, strengthening the connection between hardware and software.

Premium Features and Market Position

• Lux Pro unlocks Leica’s signature features, including:
• Advanced Leica lens simulations, featuring the renowned Summilux-M and Noctilux-M characteristics.
• Professional tools such as RAW capture and processing, real-time histograms, and focus peaking.
• Custom presets and advanced color profiles for a tailored photographic experience.

This premium positioning places the Lux App above competitors such as Halide ($11.99/year) and ProCam ($7.99 one-time purchase). While some photographers appreciate Leica’s refined imaging capabilities, others question the necessity of an ongoing subscription after investing in the hardware. Nonetheless, the basic features remain accessible without a subscription, allowing users to determine if the enhanced tools justify the additional cost based on their workflow and appreciation for Leica’s distinct photographic approach.

Comparative Analysis: Leica LUX Grip vs. Lower-Priced Competitors

The iPhone photography accessory market offers several options catering to different budgets and needs. At $329, the Leica LUX Grip positions itself as a premium tool, while alternatives like the Belkin Stage PowerGrip ($149.95) and ShiftCam SnapGrip ($130) provide more budget-friendly choices.

Build Quality and Design

The Leica LUX Grip features a precision-engineered aluminum build, weighing 130 grams and incorporating a two-stage shutter button, customizable function buttons, and a control dial. In contrast, the Belkin Stage PowerGrip prioritizes utility with a plastic body, focusing more on battery power, while the ShiftCam SnapGrip offers a modular, expandable design with a more compact profile.

Power Management

• Leica LUX Grip: 300mAh battery supports approximately 1,000 shots per charge with USB-C charging (2-hour recharge time).
• Belkin Stage PowerGrip: Features a 10,000mAh battery, doubling as a power bank with 7.5W wireless charging.
• ShiftCam SnapGrip: Offers wireless charging but with a smaller battery capacity compared to the Belkin.

Software and Compatibility

• Leica LUX Grip: Requires the Leica Lux App, offering manual controls, Leica lens simulations, focus peaking, and histogram tools.
• Belkin Stage PowerGrip & ShiftCam SnapGrip: Work seamlessly with any camera app, offering more flexibility but fewer pro-level tools.

Value Proposition

• Leica LUX Grip is ideal for professional photographers seeking precise controls and premium build quality.
• Belkin Stage PowerGrip is best for users needing longer shooting sessions and on-the-go power.
• ShiftCam SnapGrip is a great budget-friendly choice for casual photographers wanting better handling without a steep price.

Key Takeaways

• Leica’s Lux Grip is the only option with mechanical camera controls, a significant advantage for serious photographers.
• Belkin’s PowerGrip offers an integrated power bank but lacks physical controls.
• ShiftCam SnapGrip is a budget alternative with a basic shutter button but lacks the Lux Grip’s refined ergonomics.
• Peak Design’s Creator Kit focuses more on mounting flexibility than advanced shooting features.

For professionals and enthusiasts seeking DSLR-like control in a mobile format, Leica’s Lux Grip remains the most refined choice despite its premium pricing.

The post Leica Lux Grip: A Premium Camera Grip for iPhone Photographers first appeared on Yanko Design.

For a hot minute, gray was everywhere. Not just a little bit here and there—gray dominated. Gray walls, gray furniture, gray kitchen cabinets, gray exteriors. It was the unofficial uniform of home design in the 2010s, with its cold yet “modern” vibe signaling minimalism, sophistication, and, well, the ability to stage a house for resale.

But after years of grayscale everything, we’re collectively realizing it might be time to let this trend rest in peace. It’s not that gray is inherently bad—it’s just been beaten to death – like a song that goes viral on TikTok and then eventually gets hated by everyone. Let’s talk about why this trend exploded, how it overran our homes (and lives), and what’s next now that we’re all over it.

Gray Took Over Everything—and We Let It Happen

Gray didn’t just appear overnight—it filled a vacuum left by the beige overload of the early 2000s. Millennials, raised in homes with yellowy beige carpets and walls, rejected those warm tones for something cooler and more modern. Gray offered an alternative that felt like a fresh start: sleek, clean, and refreshingly neutral. It was the perfect choice for a generation looking to distance itself from the outdated interiors of the past.

Its rise was also deeply practical. Gray was calm and versatile, perfectly aligning with the minimalist aesthetic that dominated the 2010s. It offered a sense of peace in a chaotic world, and for millennials facing housing insecurity and constant economic stress, creating a serene home was a small victory. Gray wasn’t just a color—it was a vibe, one that represented order in an otherwise messy reality.

Real estate developers and landlords also saw the practicality of gray. For new builds and rental properties, it was a neutral, inoffensive choice that made spaces feel modern while appealing to as many people as possible. Add to that the influence of social media, where gray walls and monochromatic palettes became the hallmark of every trendy home makeover video, and suddenly, gray wasn’t just popular—it was unavoidable.

But like every trend that gets oversaturated, gray lost its magic. Entire homes in varying shades of gray began to feel cold, lifeless, and repetitive. What was once sleek and modern became bland and uninspired, leaving people craving warmth, personality, and individuality. The shift away from gray marks a broader move toward more vibrant and dynamic interiors—spaces that finally feel alive.

The Problem With Gray: We Overdid It

The thing about gray is that, like any good trend, it starts out fresh and exciting. But when everything is gray, it starts to feel sterile, repetitive, and kind of lifeless. What started as “modern and clean” quickly spiraled into “cold and depressing.” Then there’s the issue of personality. The beauty of a neutral is that it’s supposed to complement bold accents or allow you to add your own flair. But what ended up happening is that people just stopped adding personality altogether. They leaned into the “safe” choice, and to be honest, there’s only so much you can do with gray walls, gray flooring, and gray furniture before it all blends together into one dull blob of grayscale monotony.

And let’s talk about how this trend wasn’t even a choice for a lot of people. Landlords slapped gray paint on rental walls because it was cheap and easy, leaving tenants stuck with lifeless spaces they weren’t allowed to change. New homeowners, meanwhile, were so drained from the expense of buying a house (because, surprise, buying a house is extremely expensive) that repainting gray interiors wasn’t exactly a top priority. Gray became less of a trend and more of a trap.

The Emotional Toll of Living in Gray Spaces

There’s also something deeper to this shift. Millennials, the generation who popularized gray, are also the generation that got hit with housing crises, skyrocketing costs of living, and an endless sense of instability. Is it any wonder that a neutral like gray—a color that doesn’t ask too much or stand out too loudly—became the default? Gray doesn’t take up space. It’s non-threatening. But it’s also emotionally flat.

Living in gray-heavy spaces can feel uninspiring at best, suffocating at worst. During the pandemic, when many of us were stuck at home 24/7, those blank gray walls stopped feeling sleek and modern. Instead, they felt like cages. People started craving warmth, vibrancy, and a sense of life—things gray can’t exactly deliver.

The Signs of a Shift: Bold and Vibrant Trends Take Over

So, if we’re done with gray, what’s next? Thankfully, interior design is moving in a brighter, bolder direction. Here are a few trends that are leaving millennial gray in the dust:

1. Boho Chic:
This trend is all about earthy tones, natural textures, and an eclectic mix of patterns. Think warm terracotta, soft sage greens, woven baskets, and rugs with bold designs. It feels inviting and lived-in, the opposite of the sterile perfection of gray interiors.

2. Mediterranean Vibes:
Earthy whites, sun-drenched yellows, deep blues, and rustic wood accents are making their way into homes. This trend brings warmth, elegance, and a timeless quality that gray just can’t match. Bonus: it makes you feel like you’re vacationing in Greece.

3. Jewel Tones:
Bold jewel-inspired hues are having a major moment. From emerald green walls to amethyst purple sofas, people are embracing color in a big way. If you’re ready to embrace boldness, jewel tones are rich, luxurious, and full of personality.

4. Statement Walls:
Gray walls are out; patterned wallpapers, murals, and accent walls are in. Adding texture and visual interest to a space brings personality and vibrancy, something gray could never quite pull off.

Why These Trends Feel Right for Right Now

The death of millennial gray isn’t solely about aesthetics—it’s a reflection of bigger cultural shifts. After years of playing it safe, people are ready to embrace individuality and creativity. The pandemic taught us that our homes need to be more than just pretty; they need to feel like places we actually want to live in. Warm colors, bold designs, and eclectic touches bring life to a space in a way gray never could.

And let’s not forget: this is also about reclaiming some sense of joy. Millennials have spent the better part of their adult lives stuck in economic uncertainty. Maybe that’s why gray felt right for a while—it didn’t make any bold promises. But now? We’re ready for something that sparks a little happiness.

How to Move On From Gray (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you’re staring at gray walls and thinking, “Okay, what now?”—don’t panic. Transitioning away from gray doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Here’s how to start:

• Start Small: Add color through accents like pillows, rugs, or artwork. You don’t have to repaint your entire home overnight.
• Focus on Key Areas: Pick one room or one wall to revamp. A bold accent wall or a colorful piece of furniture can instantly shift the vibe.
• Layer in Warmth: Incorporate natural materials like wood, rattan, or woven textiles to add warmth and texture.
• Experiment: Try a peel-and-stick wallpaper or a removable decal for a low-commitment pop of personality.

For renters, small changes like colorful curtains or vibrant bedding can make a big difference. And if your landlord is cool with it, ask about painting one accent wall—it might just convince them to rethink their gray obsession too.

Gray’s Legacy—and What’s Next

So, will gray ever really go away? Probably not. It’s neutral, it’s functional, and for a lot of people, it’s still a safe choice. But its dominance as the color of the decade is definitely over. Gray will stick around in smaller doses—as a backdrop for bolder designs or paired with richer tones—but it’s no longer the main event.

The future of home design is looking a lot more colorful, a lot more personalized, and, honestly, a lot more fun. So let’s raise a glass to millennial gray: you had your moment, but now it’s time to make room for something brighter. And remember, if you’re still surrounded by gray, there’s no shame in taking your time to switch it up. Just know that when you do, your home might finally feel less like a catalog and more like, well, you.

The post It’s Time To Retire ‘Millennial Grey’ – Why The Neutral Interior Color Desperately Needs To Go first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Grammys are exactly a week away, and the air is already buzzing with anticipation. Whether you’re rooting for Charli XCX’s Brat winning Album of the Year or cringing at the idea of Espresso winning the Best Song because it was plastered all across social media, the Grammy statuette—arguably one of the most iconic trophies in music history—will soon take center stage. Shaped like a vintage gramophone, this gleaming golden award has been synonymous with excellence in music since its debut in 1959. Now, thanks to LEGO enthusiast _ironman, this piece of music history has been reimagined in an entirely new way: as a LEGO set.

In true LEGO Ideas fashion, the design captures the essence of the real Grammy award—a gramophone frozen in time, its brass horn glinting with a sense of pride and tradition. But what makes this build more than a miniaturized tribute to the Grammys is its intention. According to _ironman, the project was inspired by a desire to encourage kids to chase their dreams, even in the face of adversity. “One day, I’ll get one of these,” is the thought this LEGO set aims to inspire, especially for children who may be dreaming of making music their career. It’s a powerful idea wrapped in a clever, brick-built package.

Designer: _ironman

Standing at 16.6 x 19.5 x 31 mm, this LEGO Gramophone shows off a minimalist design that doesn’t skimp on details. With 207 pieces, including four golden “records” tucked away in a gold box, it strikes a balance between elegance and accessibility. The build isn’t overly complex, making it a perfect project for music lovers of all ages—LEGO newcomers and seasoned builders alike. There’s even a blank nameplate that you can add your name to, just as the ultimate manifestation!

The idea of merging LEGO with cultural icons isn’t new, but this project feels especially poignant. Music has a way of uniting people, and the Grammys are a celebration of that universal connection. By recreating the Grammy award in LEGO form, this set becomes a bridge between two art forms: music and building. Whether you’re someone who loves constructing MOCs (My Own Creations) or simply admires the rich history of the Grammys, this project has something for you.

As we countdown to Grammy night, this LEGO Gramophone reminds us that creativity knows no bounds. While not everyone will walk away with an actual Grammy, the dream to reach that pinnacle begins somewhere. And sometimes, it starts with a handful of bricks, an idea, and a spark of imagination. So, if you’re as inspired by this as we are, head over to the LEGO Ideas website to vote for _ironman’s project, and let’s make this golden dream an official box set. After all, even the longest musical journey starts with a single note—or in this case, a single LEGO brick.

The post This LEGO Grammy Trophy Replica Turns an Iconic Award into a 207-Brick Collectible first appeared on Yanko Design.

Graphene batteries are developing into the next big improvement in our everyday devices. As opposed to Lithium-ion, these have the potential to improve the performance of our gadgets, but their disposal (like that of their counterparts) is also going to be a hazardous problem. This is where a new biodegradable fungal battery from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) may help.

Courtesy of this breakthrough by Swiss researchers, fungi – which can feed on sugar instead of charging – could be used to power devices in the near future. This is achieved through a 3D printed fungi for battery, which is biodegradable. It can digest itself from the inside once it has served its life purpose, a researcher suggests.

Designer: Empa

The fungal battery is 3D-printed using fungi cells mixed with printing ink (which is nutritious for the fungi and completely biodegradable) that can feed on sugar and be stored in a dried state for transportation and activated by “adding water and nutrients.” This is for the first time, according to the researchers that two types of fungi – yeast fungus for negative (or anode) side and a white rot fungus on the positive (cathode) side – have been combined to create a functioning fuel cell.

“Strictly speaking, the cell is not a battery, but a…microbial fuel cell.” Empa researcher Carolina Reyes informs. The fungi fuel cell has been developed over a period of three years. It does not generate a lot of electricity to maybe power your smartphone today, but can produce enough to “power a temperature sensor for several days.”

So, if you were thinking, these fungi cells are not going to replace the batteries in your everyday devices, instead such batteries when encased in beeswax “can power small sensors to monitor temperature, light, and humidity in agriculture and environmental research in remote areas.” In addition to running devices in the outdoors, these can decompose safely leaving no harmful traces behind. There is no information about making these cells commercially available anytime soon, but the research opens new horizons for the use of fungi to produce electricity and become probable battery alternatives for our portable devices.

The post 3D printed, biodegradable battery made of fungi powers sensors, feeds on sugar instead of charging first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Autumn season is setting in, which means the leaves are starting to change, and its time to whip up some delicious pumpkin spice lattes. Fall doesn’t simply mean sweaters and pumpkin-themed meals, it also welcomes the barbecue season. If you’re in the mood to host a couple of barbecue parties in your backyard this fall, then we’ve curated a collection of top-notch grills to elevate your outdoor grilling game. From an All-in-One-Grill with a whole bunch of different functionalities to a compact grill plate that lets you grill wherever you feel like – these exceptional grill designs perfectly merge style, functionality, and versatility to meet your grilling needs.

1. All-in-One-Grill

Named the All-in-One-Grill, this compact grill is perfect for your barbecue sessions this fall. It is designed to facilitate different kinds of cooking – from frying to smoking, grilling, stewing or even keeping some wine warm for you. Additionally, the griller doesn’t occupy much space either.

Click Here to Buy Now: $449

Why is it noteworthy?

The All-in-One-Grill is manufactured by a small family-owned factory, and it is designed to maximize the limited amount of space available. It includes a wooden base, which doesn’t let your table get burnt, while also functioning as a lid for when the grill is kept aside.

What we like

• The grill supports seven different kinds of cooking
• Makes outdoor cooking a simple, seamless, and efficient task

What we dislike

• The grill is quite simple and isn’t preferred by hardcore grillers

2. WARMBOND BondStove Fire Pit

Named the WARMBOND BondStove Fire Pit, this product is easy to assemble and easy to ignite, making it ideal for people new to firepits. It has a compact and portable design with a dual-air system that eliminates smoke. It has its temperature indicator and lets you grill your food, or even simply warm your hands.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bondstove Fire Pit looks like a Mac Studio of fire pits, featuring a rounded-square body and a metallic design. It has an interior construction that is pretty clever and promotes airflow with efficiency. It provides a bigger fire pit than a typical circular one, and it features a combustion chamber area of 58 liters.

What we like

• Dissipates smoke in a way that keeps the fire pit clean
• Cuts down on excessive smoke and pollution

What we dislike

• Can only be used in well-ventilated areas
• Reduces smoke production, but isn’t 100% smoke-free

3. Compact Modular Grill Plate

Named the Compact Modular Grill Plate, this portable kitchen utensil is all you need to prepare a yummy steak for your next outdoor trip. It is amped with heat conduction, heat uniformity, and plate thickness. The utensil may look pretty simple and unassuming, but once you start using it, you’ll realize how functional it truly is.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89

Why is it noteworthy?

It features a three-layer architecture with two steel layers covering aluminum. It is made using a lower Stainless Steel SUS439 and an upper Stainless Steel SUS304, so you can use it on an induction stove, and it features impressive corrosion resistance.

What we like

• Constructed by experts from Tsubamesanjo in Japan
• Lightweight and compact design

What we dislike

• Cannot handle larger portions of food

4. Otto’s G32

Meet Otto’s G32 – the first smart and modular gas grill. It is designed to revolutionize gas grilling, and it perfectly adjusts to your grilling needs. G32 is an end-of-the-line gas grill, and it is packed with features found in commercial-grade appliances. It is made using premium quality materials with cutting-edge, patent-pending technology.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is amped with connected cooking. You can monitor or control the G32 with your smartphone. You can measure temperatures, check gas levels, and cook recipes using the Otto Wilde app.

What we like

• You can add modules like side cookers, cabinets, or built-in appliances to the line-up

What we dislike

• Quite pricey

5. FYR Grill

The FYR Grill is versatile, durable, and portable. It lets you live-fire grill almost anywhere you like without any boundaries. You can take it wherever you travel, and cook up a delicious barbecue meal. It lets you cook virtually anything from virtually anywhere!

Why is it noteworthy?

The FYR Grill features a modular design that lets you bolt on different accessories with ease. For example, the Santa Maria attachment lets you raise and lower the grates for ultimate temperature control. While, the battery-powered rotisserie attachment helps you slow-roast whole chickens, legs, loins, and more

What we like

• Has multiple attachments to help you grill with ease
• Ideal for different outdoor events

What we dislike

• Assembly and disassembly can be tedious

The post Top 5 Versatile & Stylish Grill Designs To Elevate Your Outdoor Grilling Game This Fall Season first appeared on Yanko Design.

A shutter button, a built-in gimbal for landscape and portrait shooting, a zoom wheel, an integrated LED ring light, a tripod setting, and even an external battery pack to boost your phone’s battery. The Snappy offers way more for photography enthusiasts than the iPhone 16 does. It attaches onto any smartphone, giving you a bona fide DSLR-like experience, complete with an ergonomic grip. When you don’t need to shoot content, the Snappy pops right off, turning your handheld camera back into a daily driver smartphone.

Designer: Buddiesman

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $149 (40% Off) Hurry! Only 21 of 520 left. Raised over $101,000.

Just three weeks ago, Apple debuted the iPhone 16 line-up, adding one crucial new hardware feature to their phones – a Camera Control ‘button’. Designed to help intuitively capture photos without having to fiddle with on-screen controls, the capacitive button lets you perform a variety of actions from zooming, switching between presets, adjusting focal length, or even accessing other key camera features. With the Camera Control, Apple’s reinforced its idea that the smartphone is a great camera first, and then a good mobile device… the only problem is that great cameras are more than just fancy lenses and sensors. Enter the Snappy mobile grip, a device designed to transform the way we take photos on our phones. With its motorized gimbal providing single-axis stabilization, Snappy quickly becomes a trusted companion for anyone tired of blurry images or shaky videos. Unlike larger gimbals such as DJI’s Osmo, Snappy brings stabilization in a small, portable form—making it a solution that fits right into your pocket.

Designed by Buddiesman, a Hong Kong-based manufacturer of photographic gear, Snappy’s centerpiece is its motorized, spring-loaded clamp that securely grips your smartphone. This clamp adjusts easily to accommodate a range of phone sizes, so you won’t have to worry about removing your phone case to make it fit. The ergonomic grip attached to the clamp gives the device a comfortable feel, while an articulated arm allows the phone to be rotated seamlessly between landscape and portrait modes with the flick of a thumbwheel. Powered by a brushless motor, this feature also gives the Snappy stabilizing gimbal-like abilities, ensuring your phone stays level, even during handheld video shoots.

Plug your phone in and it literally feels like a professional camera-mimicking rig for your phone. Use any phone you want with the Snappy and it gives you the added benefit of being able to intuitively capture content the way you would with a more pro-facing device like a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A shutter button on the top lets you easily take photos and record videos without fumbling to touch the screen or hit a volume button to take the shot (like you would with most smartphones). The grip feels instantaneously comfortable, allowing you to point and shoot with a single hand. Worried you’ll accidentally drop your phone? The Snappy has a built-in strap that lets you secure it to your hand too, so even the largest, heaviest of phones don’t put too much strain on that wrist of yours.

If there’s something a photographer hates more than phone cameras, it’s the flashlight on phone cameras. The flashlight is way too coarse, and no self-respecting photographer uses it unless absolutely necessary. To fix that, the Snappy comes with its own multi-LED built-in ring light. Located just beside the phone’s lenses (where you’d expect the MagSafe ring to line up), users can toggle between cool and warm light settings simply by tapping the touch-sensitive zone inside the ring, adjusting brightness to get the perfect shot regardless of the lighting conditions. This feature is perfect for low-light environments where smartphone cameras traditionally struggle.

For even greater flexibility, Snappy allows users to detach the grip from the main body, turning it into a wireless remote. With a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet), you can take photos and videos from a distance, offering a new level of creativity and control in framing your shots. With the remote detached (or even with the remote unit still on), the Snappy can be used as a tripod of sorts, propping your phone up so you don’t need to hold it in your hands. Perfect for using as a phone stand while reviewing the footage you’ve shot, or propping your phone up to take a remote video/photo while you stand away from your camera, this feature gives the Snappy one remarkable ability that neither phones nor DSLR cameras have, barring actually buying a tripod of course. And just in case you’re a tripod purist, the Snappy has a tripod mount too. Want to add accessories to your smartphone camera? The Snappy also includes a cold shoe mount for attaching additional peripherals like microphones or even external lights just in case the ring light on the device isn’t enough.

The Snappy relies on a built-in battery that powers this entire experience. Although the battery’s capacity (and use time) is a bit of a mystery, the folks at Buddiesman tout that the Snappy can transform into a power bank for your smartphone when you’re running low on juice. Just connect your phone to the Snappy’s charging port via a USB-C cable and it instantly begins recharging your phone, giving you the benefit of a gimbal that also enhances your phone’s battery life along with its camera capabilities.

Currently available on Kickstarter, early adopters can secure a Snappy with a pledge of $89, while the retail price is set to be $149 once it hits the market. The $89 kit includes the Snappy itself, although you can upgrade to a bundle that also includes an add-on tripod and an external light that mounts into the Snappy’s cold shoe adapter. With its combination of user-friendly design and professional-grade features, Snappy could very well bridge the gap between smartphones and traditional cameras, bringing the best of both worlds to your pocket. They say the best camera is the one that’s in your pocket. No matter whether it’s the Google Pixel, a Samsung Galaxy, or even older variants of the iPhone, the Snappy turns your phone’s camera into a makeshift pro-grade shooter that’s perfect for turning average photos and videos into polished content.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $149 (40% Off) Hurry! Only 21 of 520 left. Raised over $101,000.

The post Forget the iPhone 16 Camera Control, this Gimbal Attachment gives any smartphone a DSLR experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

There are a lot of things that you can do in your kitchen including cooking all kinds of recipes of course. But did you think that you can actually create shoes just from using household items and combining them with other biodegradable ingredients. That’s what a designer and educator is trying to teach us through a series of YouTube videos and if you’re the type that likes to experiment, then this would be right up your alley.

Designer: Giestas

The Baking Vegan Slippers are just exactly what the name implies. These are slippers that are made from vegan bioplastics and are put together and baked in an oven. If you have all the ingredients suggested in the YouTube video and you can follow the instructions, then you’ll be able to create your own footwear from the comfort of your kitchen.

The top of the shoe uses alginate which is actually a thickener taken from algae while the sole is made from ground cork and bound with something called agar which is an algae-based gelatin substitute. You can also use things like saffron or black tea to color your slippers. Using these food grade, vegan, and biodegradable materials means we can eventually reduce our reliance on things like plastics and fossil fuels.

Design-wise, the options are still a bit limited although we see some different options for the tops. The designer himself says that when it comes to the long term durability of the Baking Vegan Slippers, it still remains to be seen.

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