Physical media is having a moment in 2025, and it’s not just vinyl records getting all the attention. CDs are selling $541 million worth of units, up 1% from 2023, proving there’s still plenty of love for the humble compact disc. While vinyl grabs headlines with its 18th consecutive year of growth, CDs are quietly finding their way back into music lovers’ hearts and homes.

The CD players hitting the market now aren’t the chunky, plastic boxes your parents had in the ’90s. These five designs show how far we’ve come, merging sleek looks with smart features that make sense for how we live and listen to music today. The CD comeback isn’t about looking backward. It’s about finding a middle ground between the instant gratification of streaming and the full commitment of vinyl. Sometimes you want to hold your music, read the liner notes, and experience an album the way it was meant to be heard, and these players make that feel fresh again.

1. ClearFrame CD Player

Now here is something you don’t see every day: a CD player that’s completely see-through. The ClearFrame takes transparency literally, housing everything in crystal-clear plastic so you can watch the magic happen. That black circuit board isn’t hidden away; it’s part of the show, turning your tech into something worth staring at.

It treats your album covers like mini art exhibitions. Slip in your favorite disc, slide the cover into the frame, and suddenly you’ve got a piece that works on your shelf, desk, or even hanging on the wall. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to really focus on an album, not just have music playing in the background. The whole ritual of choosing a CD and watching it spin becomes part of the experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199.00

What we like

• The transparent design turns every play session into a visual experience.
• You can mount it on the wall like an actual artwork.

What we dislike

• All that clear plastic is going to show every fingerprint and dust speck.
• The exposed electronics might need regular cleaning to keep looking sharp.

2. Portable CD Cover Player

This little player gets something that streaming services still struggle with: album artwork matters. The built-in pocket for your CD’s cover art means you’re not just hearing the music, you’re seeing it too. It’s a simple idea that makes a huge difference when you’re trying to connect with an album the way the artist intended.

The portable design with its own speaker means you can take your music anywhere without dragging along extra equipment. Kitchen counter while cooking? Perfect. Bedroom nightstand? Works great. Want to hang it up somewhere? Go for it. This player understands that sometimes you want your music to be the main event, not just background noise.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199.00

What we like

• The album art display brings back the full music experience.
• Built-in speaker means no fussing with separate audio gear.

What we dislike

• A single speaker can’t deliver true stereo sound.
• The compact size might mean compromising on audio quality.

3. Orion

The Orion takes minimalism to its logical conclusion: a flat metal box that does one thing exceptionally well. That powder-coated finish gives it an industrial vibe that’s both tough and elegant. The front-loading slot eliminates the flip-top mechanism, creating cleaner lines and fewer things that can break.

This is for people who want their music equipment to disappear into the background. Just a large eject button and an IR sensor interrupt the otherwise perfect surface. There’s something almost meditative about using gear this simple; it forces you to focus on the music instead of fiddling with settings.

What we like

• The industrial design is both beautiful and built to last.
• Front-loading slot means fewer moving parts to worry about.

What we dislike

• Minimal controls might leave you guessing about basic functions.
• Still in concept phase, so you can’t buy one yet.

4. SYITREN R300

The R300 doesn’t try to hide what it is; it’s a CD player that’s proud of its heritage while embracing modern tech. Those finish options (wood, white, and that fascinating fruit green) show that audio gear doesn’t have to be boring black boxes. The MUSE Design Gold Award isn’t just marketing fluff; this product really does nail the balance between looks and performance.

It handles different types of music amazingly. CDs, burned discs, MP3s, WAV files – it plays them all without breaking a sweat. The Bluetooth 5.3 is cutting-edge wireless tech, while the headphone jack and optical output keep traditional connections happy. That 2000mAh battery gives you over six hours means you’re not constantly hunting for outlets.

What we like

• Multiple color options let you match your style.
• Handles practically any audio format you can throw at it.

What we dislike

• The retro styling might feel too nostalgic for some tastes.
• All those features could make simple tasks more complicated than they need to be.

5. Frame CD Player

The best designs usually know when to quit, and the Frame CD Player nails this philosophy. Clean lines, minimal fuss, and just enough features to do the job right. It’s a clever design that fits into modern spaces without screaming for attention, which is exactly what you want from good design.

The Bluetooth 5.0 connection is where old meets new in the best way. You get the ritual and sound quality of CDs with the freedom to use your favorite wireless headphones or speakers. The rechargeable battery keeps things portable without turning the whole thing into a compromise.

Click Here to Buy Now: $169.00

What we like

• The clean design works in any room without looking out of place.
• Bluetooth lets you go wireless while keeping the CD experience.

What we dislike

• The minimal controls might mean reaching for your phone more than you’d like.
• The simple design could mean missing out on advanced playback features.

CDs Are Having Their Moment Again

Something interesting is happening with how people consume music. After years of endless streaming playlists, there’s a growing appetite for the complete album experience. These CD players tap into that desire for intentional listening. When you put on a disc, you’re committing to the artist’s full vision, not just hunting for the next dopamine hit. CD sales climbed by just under 6.5% at independent record stores, which tells you this isn’t just a fad.

People are actively choosing physical media again. The broader picture shows physical purchases comprised 11% of the $17.7 billion in music revenue recorded in 2024, up 5% from 2023, proving there’s real money behind this trend. These five players solve the biggest problems CDs always had: ugly design and limited functionality. They keep what made CDs great, excellent sound quality, durability, and the satisfaction of actually owning your music, while adding the connectivity and style that make sense for how we live now.

The post Top 5 Modern CD Players That Prove CDs Are Making A Comeback In 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

August cooking hits different. The summer heat makes every kitchen session count, pushing us toward tools that deliver results without the fuss. Whether you’re brewing that essential morning coffee or prepping dinner while trying to stay cool, having the right equipment transforms the entire experience. These five kitchen essentials are the culmination of clever design, meet real cooking needs.

The tools solve actual problems while looking incredible on your countertop. From a coffee machine that thinks like a professional barista to knives forged by Japanese sword makers, these tools bridge the gap between everyday cooking and culinary artistry. The products are simple yet substantial. No complicated learning curves or kitchen overhauls required. These pieces integrate seamlessly into your existing routine while elevating every task they touch. Your August cooking becomes more efficient, more enjoyable, and undeniably more stylish with tools designed for people who cook.

1. xBloom

Meet the coffee machine that thinks like a barista. The xBloom handles everything from grinding beans to executing that perfect spiral pour, all while you’re still half-asleep. This isn’t just another pod machine—it reads RFID tags on each coffee packet to dial in the exact grind size, water temp, and brewing time for those specific beans.

Watching this thing work feels like witnessing kitchen magic. The machine moves the filter from the grinding station to the brewing chamber, then pours in precise spirals just like a trained barista would. Those ex-Apple designers who created it clearly understood that great coffee should be effortless, not a morning struggle with variables you can barely pronounce.

What we like

• Zero learning curve for barista-quality results.
• RFID technology eliminates guesswork.

What we dislike

• Premium pricing puts it out of reach for many.
• Locked into their pod ecosystem rather than any beans.

2. Black Kitchen Knives

These aren’t your typical kitchen knives. Forged in Seki, Japan’s legendary blade-making region, each one gets individual attention from craftsmen who’ve been perfecting their technique for generations. The pitch-black molybdenum vanadium steel with titanium coating looks like something a fantasy character would wield, but cuts vegetables with surgical precision.

Food prep transforms when you’re working with blades this sharp and well-balanced. The full-scale double-edged design means every slice feels effortless, whether you’re working with delicate herbs or tough root vegetables. That dramatic black finish isn’t just for looks; the titanium coating keeps the blade sharp longer and resists the scratches that plague regular knives.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00

What we like

• Authentic Japanese craftsmanship you can feel in every cut.
• Titanium coating maintains appearance and edge retention.

What we dislike

• Investment-level pricing reflects premium materials.
• Black surface shows water spots more than steel.

3. SplatterDōm

Someone has finally tackled the splatter problem properly. This isn’t another mesh screen that blocks access to your food or a flimsy silicone cone that ends up cooking in your sauce. This system keeps oils and sauces where they belong, in the pan, while letting you stir, flip, and season without obstruction.

The unique product is compatible with your existing cookware. No need to replace perfectly good pots and pans to achieve splatter-free cooking. Your stovetop stays cleaner, your clothes stay sauce-free, and cleanup becomes genuinely easier. It’s one of those solutions that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.

What we like

• Works with any existing cookware without modifications.
• Provides real splatter protection without blocking cooking access.

What we dislike

• Requires additional storage space in already crowded kitchens.
• Takes some getting used to if you’re set in your cooking ways.

4. Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs

These chopstick-shaped tongs give you the precision of traditional chopsticks with the grabbing power of proper tongs. Perfect for flipping small pieces of fish, handling sushi, or managing ingredients that regular tongs would crush. They let you deal with delicate ingredients with ease!

The genius lies in the familiar shape; if you can use chopsticks, these feel natural immediately. Made from lightweight stainless steel with that same scratch-resistant black coating, they’re sturdy enough for serious cooking but nimble enough for plating delicate dishes. The design bridges Eastern precision with Western practicality in a way that works.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19

What we like

• Intuitive for anyone comfortable with chopsticks.
• Lightweight design prevents hand fatigue during long cooking sessions.

What we dislike

• Takes practice if you’re not used to chopstick-style handling.
• Won’t completely replace heavy-duty tongs for larger tasks.

5. Supreme Daikon Radish Grater

This grater represents Japanese craftsmanship at its finest. Each blade gets hand-carved using the traditional Hon-Meguri technique, where artisans use sharp chisels to create individual cutting edges. The result is a tool that grates ingredients without tearing fibers, producing that perfect fluffy texture you see in high-end restaurants.

The innovative Quattro blade arrangement prevents ingredients from slipping around while you work, giving you more control and better results. That thick stainless steel construction means this grater will outlast cheaper alternatives by decades. Yes, it’s specifically designed for daikon, but it transforms any grating task into something almost meditative.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00

What we like

• Traditional craftsmanship creates exceptionally sharp, durable blades.
• Quattro design prevents ingredient slipping for better control.

What we dislike

• Specialized purpose limits versatility compared to standard graters.
• Premium construction comes with premium pricing.

Why These Tools Matter Right Now

Cooking demands efficiency and results. These tools deliver both while looking incredible in your kitchen. Each one tackles a specific pain point that home cooks face daily, from achieving café-quality coffee to preventing the endless cycle of stovetop cleanup. The visual cohesion among these pieces creates a sophisticated kitchen aesthetic that feels intentional rather than accidental. Black finishes and clean lines work together, turning functional tools into design statements that enhance your cooking space.

What sets these apart is their focus on real problems. The coffee machine eliminates morning guesswork. The knives make prep work enjoyable rather than tedious. The tongs handle delicate tasks with confidence. The grater produces professional textures. The splatter guard keeps everything cleaner. These aren’t gadgets you’ll abandon after the novelty wears off. Each one deals with fundamental cooking challenges while introducing possibilities you hadn’t considered before.

The post 5 Best Kitchen Gadgets & Tools Of August 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meet Bert and Spot, the dynamic robotic duo developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), making headlines for their innovative approach to exploring Mars-like environments. These two robots are not only technological marvels but also a glimpse into the future of planetary exploration, where humans and intelligent machines work side by side.

Bert is a wheeled rover, while Spot is a four-legged robot resembling a robotic dog, built by Boston Dynamics and enhanced by DLR’s engineers. Together, they form a versatile team designed to tackle a variety of challenges on rugged, rocky terrain similar to what future Mars missions might encounter. Their recent field tests took place in the rocky, volcanic landscape of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, which is considered an excellent stand-in for the Martian surface.

Designer: German Aerospace Center (DLR)

What sets these robots apart is their use of artificial intelligence and teamwork. Bert and Spot are equipped with cameras, sensors, and advanced software that allow them to navigate obstacles, analyze their surroundings, and carry out scientific tasks autonomously. During tests, they practiced searching for signs of life, identifying geologically interesting features, and collecting samples, all tasks that are crucial for Mars missions.

A key innovation in DLR’s approach is the collaboration between robots and astronauts. The team tested scenarios in which an astronaut aboard the International Space Station acted as a mission commander, guiding Bert and Spot remotely. This setup simulates how astronauts in orbit around Mars could oversee robotic explorers on the surface, combining the adaptability of human decision-making with the endurance and precision of robots.

Spot’s agile legs allow it to climb over rocks and uneven ground, making it perfect for exploring areas that are too risky for wheeled vehicles. Bert, with its stable wheels, can carry more equipment and samples. Working together, they can cover more ground and handle more complex assignments than a single robot could alone. For example, Spot can investigate a steep slope or cave, then relay data back to Bert, which can analyze the information and plan the next move.

DLR’s mission with Bert and Spot is to develop reliable systems that could one day help scientists search for signs of past or present life on Mars. The robots’ ability to work semi-independently and cooperate with humans is a major leap forward. By training these robots on Earth, engineers are preparing them for the unpredictable conditions on Mars, where communication delays and harsh environments make autonomous decision-making essential.

The collaboration between DLR, Boston Dynamics, and international partners showcases the potential of combining artificial intelligence, robotics, and human expertise for space exploration. As development continues, it’s easy to imagine a future on Mars where robotic teams like Bert and Spot are the first to scout new frontiers, paving the way for human explorers to follow. Bert and Spot are more than just impressive machines; they are trailblazers for the next generation of space exploration, showing us that the partnership between humans and robots holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Red Planet.

The post German robotics’ Bert and Spot explores Mars-like terrains first appeared on Yanko Design.

One of the few things many disliked about ChatGPT was the confusing number of models. OpenAI claimed GPT-5 would fix this, but it seems to have made it worse. [...]

Claude Sonnet 4 has been upgraded, and it can now remember up to 1 million tokens of context, but only when it's used via API. This could change in the future. [...]

OpenAI wants ChatGPT to know more about you, including your emails, calendar events in Google Calendar and even your Google contacts to reference everything in a conversation. [...]

OpenAI has begun updating its pricing page to include a new plan called 'ChatGPT Go.' It costs 399 INR (Indian Rupee) or roughly $4.55, but there's a catch. [...]

ChatGPT Agent is now rolling out to users with $20 Plus subscription, but OpenAI warns that it will take a few days for the rollout to finish. [...]

I transitioned to GaN bricks last year and never looked back. One power brick, powerful enough to charge my laptop, phone, iPad, AND my watch – all at the same time. It just made sense. Not just because having a 4-in-1 charger cuts the cable and plug/socket headache… but it makes travel EASY. As someone who has to unpack his laptop bag every time he walks through security at an airport, the idea of pulling out 5 different chargers only to then put them all back one by one was just extra trouble than I needed. Now, I have one power brick, three cables, and enough juice to take care of all my devices. However, there was still a problem – the GaN Charger I had only came with a US plug layout. The Voyager 205 solves that.

Hear me out – 205W power output, 8 ports for all your devices, AND a universal design that works with ALL plug types. The Voyager 205 is compact, built for travel, and is powerful enough to singlehandedly power two laptops at once. Slip it into your backpack along with 2-3 cables and you don’t need to carry a single charger around with you. This $89 GaN power brick will juice your phone, laptop, tablet, drone, Nintendo Switch, power bank, smartwatch, AND your TWS earbuds… all at the same time.

Designer: TESSAN

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $128 ($39 off). Hurry, only a few units left!

“Our journey into travel adapter innovation was never just business – it was personal,” say the folks at TESSAN… and it shows. I love my GaN adapter, but I struggled with plug points in China, India, and the EU. The Voyager 205 just adds that last layer of ease and access the power brick industry needed. It’s ruthlessly capable, has so many ports you’ll run out of gadgets, and still manages to be compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The secret lies in how far GaN technology has come in these years.

For newbies, GaN is the latest tech breakthrough in semiconductors. Every product you currently own runs on silicon-based chipsets – the problem, however, is that silicon (as great as it is) doesn’t have a track record for remarkable efficiency. The higher the output, the beefier the chipset, the more heat it generates, and the more power gets lost in the process. It’s why your laptop’s power brick is so huge… but switch to GaN and things change. GaN, or Gallium Nitride is much more power-efficient than Silicon, which means that a palm-sized power adapter can actually pack upwards of 100W of output… or in this case, 205W.

That much wattage is enough to simultaneously charge two laptops at the same time. With 205W and PD3.1, the Voyager 205 isn’t enough power for you, it’s enough power for your entire family. Your laptop, your partner’s laptop, your kid’s iPad or Switch, and even a travel appliance – this thing takes care of it all. The adapter comes with 7 USB ports (2 USB-A ports and 5 USB-C ports), as well as your standard universal AC outlet for anything with a plug, be it a travel kettle, an iron, your beard trimmer, or a hair dryer. Aside from pure unadulterated power, the Voyager 205 is smart enough to divert enough electricity to each gadget. The adapter distributes power to each device depending on their needs, sending more to laptops and tablets (up to 140W to a single port), an intermediate amount to phones, and then distributing an adequate amount to your smaller gadgets like your wearables. It still ensures all your gadgets fast-charge, which is what makes everything worth it at the end of the day.

A universal design means the Voyager works anywhere. Sliders let you eject/retract plug designs based on the country/continent you’re in. The Voyager is designed to be globally compatible, and ships to over 200 countries, which means regardless of where you are, you’re sorted. It measures 3.9 inches tall, 2.1 inches wide, and 2.2 inches deep. The adapter weighs 0.7 lbs (326 grams), making it perfect for slipping right into your backpack and forgetting about any cable or charger woe for the foreseeable future. And for the safety-conscious, it’s made from flame-retardant polymer, and has all the safety checks for power delivery.

At $89, it’s practically a no-brainer, considering it offsets as many as 8 chargers thanks to its 8-in-1 design. For posterity, my 140W charger cost me nearly $100 and charges only 4 devices at a time. If (like me) you’re considering upgrading your existing charger routine to something that’s powerful, travel-friendly, and future-proof, the Voyager 205 ships globally starting November 2025. Each adapter comes with a ___ year warranty, and is built by TESSAN, which currently ranks as the #1 travel adapter brand on Amazon. For good reason, if you ask me.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $128 ($39 off). Hurry, only a few units left!

The post This 205W GaN Travel Adapter is the ONLY charger you need to carry in 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

OpenAI is following Perplexity and is working on its own AI-powered browser codenamed "Aura." [...]

If you’re one of those people who drags themselves home after a long day, feeling like you’ve been running on empty for hours, you’re not alone. The constant cycle of work stress, endless meetings, and the pressure to always be “on” can leave anyone feeling drained. But what if there was a simple, elegant solution that could help you reclaim those precious moments of peace? Enter Recov, a revolutionary incense burner concept that’s designed specifically for people like you who desperately need to rediscover the value of rest.

Created by the talented design team of Ko Ye Been, Lee Ji Ho, Roh Woo Hyun, and Oh Yun, Recov isn’t just another home accessory. It’s a thoughtfully crafted wellness tool that transforms the ancient practice of incense burning into a modern ritual for recovery and relaxation. The tagline “Discover the value of rest” perfectly captures what this innovative product aims to achieve: making rest not just an afterthought, but a deliberate, mindful practice.

Designers: Ko Ye Been, Lee Ji Ho, Roh Woo Hyun, and Oh Yun

The design itself is refreshingly simple yet sophisticated. The clean, minimalist aesthetic features a warm cream-colored body with subtle orange accents that immediately feel calming and approachable. Unlike traditional incense burners that can feel ceremonial or intimidating, Recov looks like it belongs in your contemporary living space. The cylindrical form with its gentle curves and soft lighting creates an atmosphere that whispers “slow down” rather than demanding attention.

What makes Recov truly special is how it reimagines the entire incense experience. Instead of fumbling with matches and worrying about timing, you simply insert an incense stick into the top opening, set your desired duration using the intuitive timer system (15, 30, or 60 minutes), and let the device do the rest. The soft mood lighting gradually illuminates as the incense burns, creating a visual cue that helps your mind transition from work mode to rest mode. The thoughtful engineering extends to practical details that busy people will appreciate. The bottom tray collects ash automatically, eliminating the mess and maintenance that often deters people from using traditional incense. The timer function means you can start your relaxation ritual and trust that it will end safely, allowing you to fully let go without worrying about fire hazards or waste.

But perhaps the most brilliant aspect of Recov is how it makes rest feel intentional rather than guilty. In our productivity-obsessed culture, taking time to simply breathe and be present can feel selfish or lazy. By creating a structured, time-bound experience, Recov gives you permission to pause. It transforms those stolen moments of peace into a legitimate wellness practice, complete with sensory cues that signal to your brain that it’s time to decompress. The accompanying incense options, including “Calm Flow,” “Rest Bloom,” and “Inner Goals,” are specifically formulated to support different aspects of recovery. Whether you need to quiet racing thoughts after a stressful presentation or create a buffer between work and personal time, there’s a scent designed to help you transition more effectively.

The post Recov concept lets you relax with incense and without guilt first appeared on Yanko Design.

You can expect tablet-level versatility from your TV when LG is involved. The South Korean electronics giant previously demonstrated this with the Go model of its wireless StandbyME, which came in a carry case and was designed for outdoor use. Now making its global debut, the new StanbyME 2 offers even greater flexibility. The device is fully detachable from its movable docking stand, allowing it to function as a tablet, hang on a wall as a digital clock, or serve as an ambient display. And if that’s not fun enough, you could even pack the damn thing in the boot of your vehicle and take it camping or to a family picnic.

But it’s not just the portability and multi-orientation abilities that have changed with the StanbyME 2. The new model features an upgraded resolution and enhanced options for customizing audio, visuals, and controls, which can be tailored to users’ personal preferences and diverse media consumption needs, based on the environment it’s being used in.

Designer: LG

The portability of the StandbyME 2 is made possible by a built-in battery, which provides up to four hours of video playback on a full charge. The battery can be charged by docking the display to the stand and using USB-C. With no need for a constant power source, LG’s new display is convenient for both indoor and outdoor use. Like the original StandbyME, the StandbyME 2 comes mounted on a wheeled docking stand for easy mobility. The device can be detached from its base with a single click to be used independently for binge-watching shows, playing board games, or setting up at your creative workspace.

The StanbyME 2 is not a small device. It features a 27-inch QHD display with a native resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels. Interestingly, it offers a dedicated 60Hz refresh rate – don’t bother gaming if you were thinking – but of course, you can find many other practical uses for the detachable screen. If you don’t want to use it as a large display tablet, you can use its built-in strap to get it up on the wall, where it’s your photo frame in disguise.

Of course, it’s portable, but the StanbyME 2 measures 623 × 364 × 28.5 mm and weighs 4.3 kg without the stand. So, it’s no kid’s play to fiddle with it or even think of detaching and moving it around. With the stand included, the display weighs 15.2 kg. The device is powered by LG’s α8 AI processor, runs WebOS 24, and supports voice control. The gadget is not dust and water-resistant, and it is advised to be placed away from direct sunlight.

Courtesy of the AI processor, the device can adjust brightness and tone based on ambient lighting. The 10W side-firing speakers (change output automatically based on the screen orientation) support Dolby Atmos and AI Sound Pro for virtual 9.1.2 surround sound. Clear Voice Pro feature helps enhance speech clarity on the device, Dolby Vision delivers cinematic visuals, while Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 5, HDMI with eARC, a pair of USB 2.0 ports, and a 5V USB port take care of the connectivity. Scheduled to start shipping in the US later this month for $1,400, the StanbyME 2 includes LG ThinQ, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and Google Home integration.

The post LG StanbyME 2 features detachable 27-inch QHD display on wheels loaded with Dolby audio and visuals first appeared on Yanko Design.

There have been numerous studies conducted and articles written on how much food is wasted every day in the U.S. alone. Creative thinkers are developing innovative ways to prevent this waste from ending up in landfills, going beyond traditional methods like composting, reusing, or turning scraps into animal feed. It would also be great if the solutions they develop could be useful in our everyday lives.

Now imagine turning your banana peels, coffee grounds, and vegetable scraps into useful household items instead of throwing them away. That’s exactly what MIT graduates Yiqing Wang and Biru Cao have made possible with their groundbreaking invention, the Foodres.AI 3D printer. This innovative desktop device represents a completely new approach to dealing with food waste by transforming organic waste into functional objects.

Designers: Yiqing Wang and Biru Cao

The technology works through a combination of artificial intelligence and 3D printing. Users simply place their food waste into the machine, and the accompanying mobile app uses AI to analyze the materials through the phone’s camera. The system uses a self-trained object detection model to identify food types and assess their printability, then suggests appropriate “print recipes” based on the physical properties of your waste materials. The printer can create a wide variety of useful items from your kitchen scraps. Users can print cup holders, coasters, decorative items, and custom designs by simply dropping in food waste and selecting the desired form and size. The built-in material processing module helps users mix waste with natural additives to form a printable bioplastic paste, making the entire process seamless and accessible.

What makes this printer particularly user-friendly is its intuitive design that requires no prior 3D printing experience. The app provides a library of design templates, and users can also upload their own custom models. Once you’ve selected your desired object and size, the printer’s custom three-axis extrusion system converts your scraps into something useful. The environmental impact potential is significant, as food waste accounts for up to 50 percent of household organic refuse in the United States. The project began as part of research supported by the MIT IDEAS program, addressing the fact that 40-50% of household food is wasted before it ends up in landfills or compost bins. By enabling people to repurpose non-edible leftovers and organic matter into functional items at home, the Foodres.AI printer promotes what the creators call “hyper-local circular economies.”

Beyond its practical applications, the Foodres.AI printer represents a shift in how we think about waste. Instead of viewing food scraps as something to be disposed of, this technology encourages users to see them as raw materials for creation. By making sustainable behavior interactive, creative, and rewarding, the product builds a community-driven culture of eco-consciousness. As concerns about environmental sustainability continue to grow, innovations like the Foodres.AI printer offer practical solutions that individuals can implement in their own homes, making circular living both achievable and engaging for the average person.

The post 3D printer with AI can turn food scraps into useful items first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google says Veo 3, which is the company's state-of-the-art video generator, is now shipping to everyone using the Gemini app with a $20 subscription. [...]

ChatGPT Deep Research, which is an AI research tool to automate research, is getting support for new connectors (integrations), including Slack. [...]

A few new code references in the ChatGPT web app and Android point to an Operator-like tool in GPT's chain of thoughts. [...]

xAI is preparing the rollout of Grok 4, which replaces Grok 3 as the new state-of-the-art model. [...]

Starting June 9, 2025, Russian internet service providers (ISPs) have begun throttling access to websites and services protected by Cloudflare, an American internet giant. [...]

Most good projects die by a rough cut. You print a crisp lattice, reach for the hobby knife, and five seconds later, there is a gouge exactly on the outer surface – a part that’s easily visible. That small heartbreak is what HOZO Design set out to delete with NeoBlade, a cordless cutter that trades brute force for forty-thousand-times-per-second ultrasonic finesse. The idea is simple: let vibration slice through projects with the perfection of a knife through room-temperature butter.

NeoBlade looks and feels like a chunky marker that fits perfectly into your grip. Battery clicks into the tail, blade peeks from the nose, and the whole tool tips the scale at 6.4 ounces, so even a long session of trimming support material will not sprain a wrist. Press the trigger gently, and Precision mode fires in quick bursts, perfect for knocking a single nub off a resin mini. Pull past the detent, and Continuous mode hums until you let go, turning foam board or acrylic sheet into respectful, silent ribbons. A perfect gizmo for finishing touches on all your projects.

Designer: HOZO Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $149 (33% off). Hurry, only 90/800 left! Raised over $619,000.

Forty kilohertz of motion means the edge never drags long enough to melt plastic or splinter wood. Instead, it slips forward under light pressure, one microscopic slice after another, leaving a glassy face that looks almost molded. A smart driver reads resistance on the fly and feeds anywhere from nine to forty watts to the actuator, so switching from soft PLA to stubborn ABS feels seamless. There is no temperature dial to chase, no speed knob, no guesswork.

Keeping the tip cool is the job of a tiny turbofan buried in the barrel. Air enters through side vents, slides across the metal core, and exits behind your hand, dropping blade temperature far below the scorch line of common filaments. The handle stays comfortable, the cut stays clean, and warping never starts. Two bright LEDs flank the blade to fill shadows that magnify mistakes, a small but welcome nod to late-night builds.

HOZO ships six blade profiles in snap-forward cartridges. A 30-degree spear handles everyday trimming, a longer spear dives deeper stock, a curved slice glides through vinyl and leather, a twin-edge scores parallel grooves, and two chisel tips tackle carving and cleanup. Used blades press into a one-way slot on the cartridge, so they retire safely instead of migrating to a drawer where future you will forget they exist. The tool cap hides a stubby driver and a magnet that holds the fresh blade steady while you line up the tang, a little UX grace that feels earned on a cluttered bench.

Cordless convenience lives or dies by downtime, so NeoBlade ships with an optional TurboDock that charges the handle and a spare cell in about thirty minutes. Slide one battery out, slide the other in, twist, and you are back to slicing before the printer’s next layer cures. Makers on a tighter budget can rely on the USB-C port in the grip, though that route parks the cutter for an hour or more. Early Kickstarter pledges locked in the full kit for $99 USD, a tidy slice off the planned $149 retail tag. The Creator Combo (priced at a discounted $149) packs the NeoBlade, a TurboDock, an extra battery, and a spare blade trial kit with 6 blades.

But don’t confuse this with one of those cheap cutters on Amazon or that soldering iron that you also use to burn off imperfections in 3D prints. Because the edge oscillates instead of tearing, you avoid the fuzzy bead that hot-wire cutters leave in foam and the ragged fringe delivered by abrasive wheels. Clean edges mean less post-processing, which in turn means more time for tuning the slicer profile or experimenting with paint. Model makers, cosplay armor builders, prop shops, even electronics hobbyists who need to notch an enclosure without filling the room with ABS dust will notice the difference on day one.

NeoBlade lands at a sweet spot between pocketable craft knives and industrial ultrasonic stations that never leave a lab. It gives hobbyists, cosplay armor fabricators, prop builders, and small-batch product designers a push-button guarantee of clean edges and repeatable results. By making ultrasonic cutting as casual as clicking a pen, HOZO turns the most stressful step of fabrication into the easiest. Projects move forward, sanding blocks stay clean, and the next big idea arrives sooner because the last one didn’t stall at the trimming stage.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $149 (33% off). Hurry, only 90/800 left! Raised over $619,000.

The post RIP Hobby Knives. The $99 NeoBlade carves through foam and acrylic with ultrasonic precision first appeared on Yanko Design.