As someone who just bought an Apple Watch not too long ago, I can’t begin to tell you what a heaven-sent it is to be able to ‘summon’ your phone through the watch. I’m decently organized, but I do tend to leave my phone, wallet, keys around the house sometimes, and I just wish there was a way to track or summon your wallet the way you would your phone – WITHOUT fitting a godawful AirTag inside it. Sure, there are cards that help you track your wallet too – until you switch from iOS to Android, and then suddenly you need a new tracker. By that metric, Seinxon has accomplished something genuinely clever: creating the first wallet that plays nice with both Apple Find My and Google Find My Device simultaneously. For those of us living in mixed-device households (or who might switch platforms someday), this dual-ecosystem approach solves a real problem rather than creating another walled garden.

The wallet launched at $65 for early backers (34% off the planned $99 retail), which initially seemed steep until you dig into the technical details. Most tracking wallets are essentially leather pouches with a slot for an AirTag or a Chipolo card. The Seinxon integrates both tracking systems natively, eliminating bulk while tapping into Apple’s network of nearly a billion devices and Google’s massive Android ecosystem. Honestly, this is genuinely smart engineering that acknowledges how people actually use technology across multiple platforms and devices.

Designer: Seinxon

Click Here to Buy Now: $65 $99 (34% off) Hurry! Only 14 days left. Raised over $79,000

The tracking capability alone would make this interesting, but Seinxon packed in five additional features without creating a bulky monstrosity. The detachable magnetic cardholder serves double duty as a phone stand, addressing the awkward “prop your phone against a water glass during lunch” problem we’ve all experienced. The magnetic attachment feels substantial in a satisfying, Apple-accessory kind of way – strong enough to stay put but not so powerful that it requires a wrestling match to separate components.

The wallet’s somewhat modular design means you can detach the card holder and have it hooked to your phone, while the bifold remains in your pant pocket. It’s a nice way to separate elements based on where you need them. The card holder, however, has all the tracking tech, so it’s best placed back in the wallet when you’re not using its phone-stand feature.

The built-in NFC business card functionality transforms the wallet from passive storage into an active networking tool. Tap your wallet against someone’s phone, and your contact details transfer instantly. This feature has existed in various forms for years, but integration into something you already carry eliminates the need for yet another gadget. The implementation here matters – the NFC chip remains powered even when the wallet battery runs low, ensuring your digital business card works even if tracking temporarily doesn’t.

This might be the first wallet with an IP rating, but it doesn’t hurt that the Seinxon Trackable Wallet+ is IP68 certified. This specification means the wallet can survive submersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes – plenty of protection for rain, spills, or the occasional accidental washing machine trip. Achieving this level of water resistance with multiple electronic components requires careful gasket design and material selection. The company apparently tested prototypes through 200 submersion cycles to validate the waterproofing claims. It just means the wallet’s durable against water and splashes, I don’t recommend jumping into a pool with it.

Battery life typically becomes the Achilles heel of smart accessories, especially those running multiple radios. Seinxon addressed this potential weakness by incorporating wireless charging, eliminating fiddly ports that could compromise waterproofing. The Qi-compatible charging coil works with standard charging pads, though the company recommends their own charging mat for optimal alignment. According to their testing data, a full charge powers the wallet for approximately three weeks of normal use. The battery itself is a custom 400mAh lithium polymer cell rated for 500+ charge cycles before capacity degradation becomes even slightly noticeable.

The physical design balances tech integration with wallet fundamentals. At just 14mm thin, it maintains a reasonably slim profile while accommodating up to eight cards plus cash. The exterior uses vegetable-tanned leather from an Italian tannery that meets environmental certification standards, while also boasting RFID-blocking features that prevent your cards from digital theft and unwarranted scanning. The stitching pattern cleverly conceals antenna placement while maintaining signal strength, showing attention to both aesthetics and functionality.

The interface handles both Apple and Google tracking setups through a unified process rather than forcing users through separate workflows. Location history, battery status, and NFC card customization all live within a clean interface that doesn’t require a computer science degree to navigate. The company promises three years of software updates, addressing the common concern that crowdfunded products become abandonware shortly after delivery.

The Seinxon Trackable Wallet+ represents what crowdfunding platforms do best: enabling innovative solutions that larger companies overlook because they’re too invested in their ecosystems. By bridging the Apple-Google divide while adding genuinely useful features, Seinxon has created something that solves actual problems rather than inventing new ones. The wallet starts at a rather impressive $65, which definitely undercuts most wallets, let alone paying for a wallet, a phone stand, an AirTag, and an Android tracker. The 6-in-1 Seinxon Trackable Wallet+ ships globally starting July 2025.

Click Here to Buy Now: $65 $99 (34% off) Hurry! Only 14 days left. Raised over $79,000

The post Why this Android + Apple Trackable Wallet Could Change Your EDC Game Forever first appeared on Yanko Design.

The clacking of marbles against plastic, the agonizing wait as your ball teeters on the edge of a trap, the trash talk between friends gathered around a tabletop game. Remember that? The “Tricky Traps” LEGO Ideas project bottled that exact feeling, transporting us back to the days when entertainment didn’t require a charging cable. Created by LEGO enthusiasts BRICKUP and JodyPad, this 600-piece recreation of the classic 80s Tomy game has already captured over 1,000 supporters on the LEGO Ideas platform. Nostalgia sells, but this project goes beyond mere sentimentality. The creators have meticulously designed each piece to function exactly like the original, resulting in a LEGO set you’ll actually play with long after building it.

I’ve always had a soft spot for LEGO sets that do something after you’ve snapped the last brick into place. The company has quietly built an impressive portfolio of interactive builds over the years. The playable chess sets let you stage epic battles between minifigures. The LEGO Mario sets transform your living room floor into a real-world platformer with electronic sensors and sound effects. Even the Ideas Maze set from 2016 brought genuine gameplay to the LEGO experience, with a tilting labyrinth that challenged your steady hand. “Tricky Traps” continues this tradition, blending the satisfaction of construction with the thrill of competition.

Designers: BRICKUP & JodyPad

The original Tricky Traps captured 80s kids’ hearts with its devilish obstacle course for marbles. Players navigated through moving platforms, sudden drops, and precarious pathways, all while racing against opponents and the clock. This LEGO recreation maintains that essence while adding the unmistakable texture of brick-built design. Each of the approximately 600 pieces serves a purpose, creating a 1:1 scale model that doubles as a fully functional game. The designers incorporated Technic elements to recreate the motorized aspects of the original, ensuring that this isn’t just a static display piece. The attention to mechanical detail shows a deep understanding of both LEGO engineering and what made the original game so addictive.

LEGO shines brightest when it pushes beyond static models. The grand piano that actually plays, the Nintendo Entertainment System with its scrolling TV screen, the functioning typewriter with its satisfying key action. “Tricky Traps” belongs in this category of builds that reward you twice: first during construction, then every time you play with it. For a generation raised on instant digital gratification, there’s something revolutionary about a toy that demands patience, skill, and physical presence. If this set makes it through the LEGO review process, expect to see adults hogging it at family gatherings, reliving their youth one marble at a time, while introducing a new generation to the analog joys of mechanical gaming.

The project still has 589 days to gather the 5,000 supporters needed to reach the next review milestone, but its early momentum suggests a hunger for tactile, interactive play experiences. With enough support, it could potentially become a retail box set that all of us can assemble and play with. If you want to see that happen, i.e., if you love tactile games over doomscrolling displays, go ahead and give the Tricky Traps your vote on the LEGO Ideas website here!

The post LEGO’s ‘Tricky Traps’ Promises a Hands-On Experience That Will Captivate All Ages first appeared on Yanko Design.

Few cinematic antiheros have captured our collective techno-anxiety quite like the T-800 Terminator. That chrome skull with piercing red eyes has haunted our dreams since 1984 when Arnold first uttered those now-legendary words: “I’ll be back.” Four decades later, the endoskeleton design remains a masterclass in mechanical menace, a perfect fusion of human anatomy and cold machine precision. The exposed pistons, hydraulic jaw detail, and that unwavering death stare somehow manage to be both familiar and utterly alien. James Cameron’s creation tapped into something primal about our relationship with technology – the fear that one day our creations might look back at us with those same emotionless eyes.

Now that iconic design has found a brilliantly practical new purpose on your desktop. Someone has finally answered the question nobody thought to ask: what if the relentless killing machine from the future could hold your Sennheisers? The result is this meticulously crafted 3D-printed Terminator Endoskeleton Headphone Stand, and I’m absolutely here for this unexpected fusion of 80s sci-fi nostalgia and modern desktop organization. Standing at approximately 8.5 inches tall, this menacing little skull transforms the mundane act of storing your headphones into something with far more cult weight than your minimalist wood or metal stand. Etsy seller by the name of ‘ProperCrafts’ offers it in two finishes, and judging by the photos, both capture the weathered metallic sheen that made the original so compelling.

Designer: ProperCrafts

The true showstopper here is undoubtedly the glowing red LED eyes, powered via USB. They cast an ominous glow across your desk that hits the perfect balance between practical lighting and nostalgic fan service. The lights activate when plugged in, bathing your workspace in that signature Skynet red that instantly communicates “cybernetic organism” rather than “plastic headphone stand.” This feature transforms what could have been a simple novelty into something genuinely atmospheric. The wiring is cleverly concealed within the stand itself, maintaining the clean aesthetic while providing that essential touch of authenticity.

The side of the cranium features detailed mechanical elements that would make Industrial Light & Magic’s original model makers nod in approval. Even the base has been thoughtfully designed with enough stability to prevent toppling when supporting even the heaviest audiophile-grade headphones.

For the 3D printing enthusiasts looking to take this piece to the next level, an acetone bath can smooth out the visible layer lines for an even more screen-accurate finish. Fair warning, though: this finishing technique requires significant experience with 3D printing materials and can easily ruin the entire piece if performed incorrectly. The standard finish looks fantastic out of the box, so novices should resist the urge to experiment unless they’re comfortable potentially sacrificing their new cybernetic desktop companion to the gods of DIY finishing. A little masking, a little spray paint, and you can actually turn this plastic piece into a shimmering chrome skull that should have the average mother fervently whispering “Santa Maria” every time she enters your room.

While modern CGI has given us more elaborate killer robots, nothing has quite replaced the primal fear of that chrome skull with glowing red eyes. Priced between $121-151 depending on finish options, it’s on the expensive side for sure, but feels reasonable once you consider that it also serves as a detailed movie prop with a fair bit of functionality (just like this Sauron headphone stand). For anyone who grew up watching the Terminator films or simply appreciates retrofuturistic design, this headphone stand delivers both nostalgia and utility in equal measure. Your headphones finally have a resting place worthy of Judgment Day.

The post This Terminator T-800 Headphone Stand Is A Must-Have for Sci-Fi Audiophiles first appeared on Yanko Design.

Now that you’re an adult, taking your temperature is no big deal—maybe even pretty routine. But if you think back to when you were a kid, it was sometimes more of a struggle with your parents, especially if you were really feeling under the weather. There aren’t any needles involved, but it can still be a scary experience for young children, particularly when they don’t understand what’s happening. But what if checking their temperature could be a bit more fun and playful?

That’s the idea behind the Ducky Thermometer for Kids—a concept thermometer designed to bring comfort, safety, and a touch of fun to a child’s health routine. As its name suggests, it’s shaped like an adorable, friendly rubber ducky that helps put kids at ease by making them feel like they’re just playing. It can transform a potentially stressful moment into an engaging and playful interaction.

Designer: Geonwoo Kang

The ducky shape isn’t just adorable and inviting for kids—it’s thoughtfully designed to fit comfortably in small hands, allowing children to hold it themselves. This sense of involvement can help reduce anxiety, as kids feel more in control when they’re able to participate in the process, such as helping a parent position the thermometer on their forehead. To make the experience even more engaging, there’s a sound mode that can be adjusted with a slider, adding a playful touch to every temperature check.

What makes this thermometer even more unique is the display at the bottom of the duck, which shows the child their temperature—not with numbers, which might be confusing or intimidating—but with expressive ducky faces. There are three kinds of duckies to represent different temperature ranges: Active Ducky, with a smiling and happy look, represents a normal temperature; Resting Ducky, sitting down with a worried expression, appears if there’s a mild fever; and Sick Ducky, who looks unwell, shows up when the child has a high fever.

Although the product renders don’t show it, including a display for parents to view the exact temperature would be a valuable addition, as this information is essential for assessing and managing a child’s illness. Even so, small innovations like the Ducky Thermometer remind us that parenting doesn’t have to be all stress and worry. By blending playful design with practical functionality, Ducky turns everyday health checks into moments of comfort and connection—helping both parents and children feel a little more at ease, no matter what the day brings.

The post Duck-inspired thermometer concept makes taking temperature fun for kids first appeared on Yanko Design.

There is something oddly frustrating about fishing around for the right key while juggling a phone, bag, or coffee cup. Traditional key holders sometimes make things tidier, but they still leave you with a tangle of metal, mystery jingles, and the occasional scratch on your favorite gadget. The simple act of grabbing a key shouldn’t feel like a daily puzzle, yet for many of us, it somehow does.

Key holders have existed for ages, but their designs rarely change. After all, keys are just keys, right? That’s why when an entrepreneur set out to rethink this small but stubborn daily problem, they partnered with a design team to create a truly clever alternative. The result is Keyo—a sleek, minimal organizer that borrows inspiration from those classic multi-cartridge pens you might remember from school.

Designer: Diego Mata, NOS Design

Keyo is compact, with a shape that feels natural in your hand or pocket. It’s designed to simplify one of those little interactions you repeat countless times a week. The hard plastic shell protects your keys from scratches and damage, while also keeping them from scratching anything else in your pocket or bag. It’s the kind of thoughtful upgrade that makes you wonder how you ever managed the old way.

The real fun comes with the sliding mechanism. With a satisfying click, you can deploy each of the three stored keys individually, so you always get the one you want, right when you need it. No more fumbling or flipping through a ring of lookalikes. This smooth action feels almost like using a fancy pen: one push, one key, and you’re set.

Keyo’s design also means less noise and less clutter. By housing everything inside a lightweight and durable shell, it cuts down on the jangling sound that follows most keychains. The body is available in several colors, making it easy to match your mood or style. Whether you prefer understated black or something a bit more playful, there’s a version for everyone.

Inside, the mechanism is designed to fit a wide variety of key shapes and sizes. The length of Keyo is carefully tuned to accommodate the most common key heads on the market, so you don’t need to order custom keys or make modifications. Just load them in and you’re ready to go, no fuss or extra trips to the hardware store required.

It’s the sort of concept that makes everyday life just a little smoother. With Keyo, searching for the right key becomes a thing of the past, replaced by a quick, intuitive motion that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. For anyone tired of the daily key shuffle, it’s a smart solution waiting to be brought into reality.

The post Clicker Pen Key Holder Concept Turns Everyday Keys Into Pocket Perfection first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember the entire Oscars debacle when La La Land was accidentally announced as the Best Picture winner when the award actually belonged to Moonlight? Remember when the design of the announcement card leaked online and the entire internet agreed that the layout was RIDDLED with readability errors? Or maybe you remember the time a Citibank employee accidentally transferred $900 million to the creditors of Revlon instead of paying the actual $7.8 million? The review of the banking dashboard’s graphic design exposed how bad design is often MUCH costlier than good design, given the severe impact it can have on societies.

Cut to the year 2025, and to the world’s third-richest man’s wedding invite: Bezos is marrying his long-time girlfriend Lauren Sanchez in Venice, and a leak of the wedding invite just shows how little the world’s elite think about design in general. The card, which looks like it was pulled from an MS Word template in the 90s, has the least creative design I’ve seen as a 34-year-old man who’s attended enough weddings in his life to know what a good invite looks like. At YD, we usually credit the designers, but this might be the first time I’m choosing not to. Not because I don’t know who designed the card, but because this is one of those rare occasions where we talk about the ‘lack of design’ rather than the presence of it.

It’s estimated that Bezos and Sanchez are spending around $56 million on their wedding (although rumors in December indicated ‘falsely’ at a $600 million spend). It’s safe to say that even with a conservative budget of 1/10th that amount, Bezos could put together a much better invite. So what’s wrong with the invite’s design? Let’s get a little technical.

We start with the most obvious lack of any actual information. Sure, Bezos has a lot of name recognition, but does it hurt to put your name on your own wedding invite? Maybe a date too? These seem much more crucial to the invite than perhaps a dress code, or even a location (considering Bezos apparently rented ‘most of Venice’ for the nuptials). The lack of any identifying information really steals the credibility of the invite. More so, the word ‘WEDDING’ seems to be missing from the entire text, too. Strange…

As for the graphical layout itself, it lacks any sort of character or panache. Text in the center, with haphazard stickers on the outside that look like they came in a free PNG pack. Gondolas, feathers, birds, butterflies, all hideously generic pieces of clip art that only an 8-year-old would use. Centrally aligned text in that italic font is difficult to read too, and with just the words UNESCO and CORILA in bold, it really undercuts what the invite is all about – a wedding. And sure, one could argue that a wedding invite hardly has the same impact as accidentally announcing the wrong winner at the Oscars, or sinking hundreds of millions of dollars because of human error… but it’s the attitude towards good design that’s the problem. Fix that and you fix culture.

But hey, the invite literally has the entire design community talking… and that’s what’s so horrendously powerful about bad design – or polarizing design too. It spreads like wildfire, doing a far better job than good design at acquiring more eyeballs. I assume that’s probably why Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket looks the way it does too…

The post Jeff Bezos’ Wedding Invite Looks Worse Than An 8-Year Old’s Scrapbook first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Fairphone 6 arrives with a quiet confidence, carrying on the company’s mission to make smartphones that respect both the planet and the people who use them. At first glance, it might look like any other modern device, but every detail tells a different story. This phone is built for those who want more than just the latest specs. It is for anyone who values mindful design and practical longevity, right down to the smallest screw.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Fairphone 6 is the careful choice of materials. Recycled plastics form the backbone of the frame and back cover, while ethically sourced metals like Fairtrade gold and conflict-free tin and tungsten make up the internal circuitry. Even the battery is produced with responsibly sourced cobalt and lithium. By focusing on these thoughtful materials, Fairphone manages to shrink the environmental footprint of each phone, setting an industry example that others will hopefully follow.

Designer: Fairphone

Repairability has always been Fairphone’s hallmark, and the sixth generation stays true to those roots while adding a new layer of durability. The back plate and battery are both removable, not with a quick snap but with a few turns of a screwdriver. It is a subtle shift that gives the phone a more solid feel without locking out the user. If the battery ever fades or a component needs swapping, it is just a matter of unscrewing, replacing, and reassembling; no special tools or trips to a service center required.

Customization is where the Fairphone 6 truly stands apart. The accessory ecosystem is designed with the same sustainable mindset as the phone itself. Instead of relying on sticky adhesives or magnets, everything from cardholders to finger loops and lanyards attaches with sturdy screws. Whether you use them on the bare phone or with the matching protective case, these add-ons are made from recycled materials and built to last through daily use. The result is a phone that feels uniquely yours, down to the smallest accessory.

This screw-based system is more than a clever engineering trick. It ensures that every attachment remains secure and functional over time, avoiding the wear and tear that comes with less robust solutions. It is a design philosophy that values longevity and flexibility, making it easy to update or personalize your phone as your needs change. Each accessory fits neatly into the overall vision of sustainability, blending practical function with an honest, transparent approach to design.

With the Fairphone 6, repairability and sustainability are not just marketing buzzwords: they are woven into every fiber and feature. It is a phone for those who want their technology to reflect their values, proving that innovation does not have to come at the expense of responsibility or individuality.

The post Fairphone 6 Proves Sustainability and Customization Can Go Hand in Hand first appeared on Yanko Design.

Audio equipment typically prioritizes function over form, leaving content creators with gear that performs well but looks utterly forgettable. The new Saramonic Air wireless microphone system breaks this convention entirely, wrapping professional-grade recording capabilities inside a design that genuinely deserves attention. This dual-channel system transforms the mundane necessity of wireless audio into something that actually enhances your creative setup.

The design language speaks volumes about Saramonic’s intentions here. Rather than following the typical black-box approach, the Air system embraces retro-futuristic aesthetics with refined metal shells and carefully considered proportions. The galactic gray finish catches light beautifully, while subtle internal illumination adds a sophisticated touch that suggests premium engineering. Every curve and angle feels intentional, creating visual harmony that complements modern cameras and mobile devices.

Designer: Saramonic

Weighing just 11 grams each, the transmitters practically disappear when clipped onto clothing, yet their compact form houses impressive technical capabilities. The 9.7mm lavalier microphone features a 6mm diaphragm that captures significantly more detail than standard alternatives. This larger surface area translates into richer audio reproduction, from deep bass tones to crisp high frequencies that bring interviews and dialogue to life.

The charging case deserves particular recognition as a design masterpiece. Its transparent lid reveals the transmitters inside like precious instruments, while LED battery indicators provide essential information without cluttering the aesthetic. The pocket-friendly dimensions ensure portability never becomes a compromise, and the automatic charging function eliminates workflow interruptions. This attention to both form and function exemplifies thoughtful industrial design.

Technical sophistication hides beneath the beautiful exterior. Two-level intelligent noise cancellation suppresses ambient sound without introducing unwanted artifacts, while customizable EQ modes enhance vocal clarity naturally. The built-in limiter protects against audio spikes, and a safety track provides additional security for critical recordings. These features work transparently, allowing creators to focus on content rather than technical adjustments.

Connectivity options reflect modern production needs perfectly. USB-C, Lightning, and traditional 3.5mm outputs ensure compatibility across virtually any device combination. The system can simultaneously feed two devices, supporting workflows where creators need to record for both professional cameras and social media platforms. The receiver’s full-color display provides real-time monitoring without requiring separate apps or complicated setup procedures.

The front-facing pickup design minimizes plosives while maintaining a clean on-camera appearance. This consideration for visual aesthetics extends the design philosophy beyond mere technical specifications. Content creators can confidently feature the microphone system in their shots, knowing it enhances rather than detracts from production value.

Professional creators will appreciate how the Air system elevates their entire kit’s visual appeal. The retro-futuristic design suggests serious attention to craft, while the compact form factor respects the mobile nature of modern content creation. At $139 to $169 depending on configuration, this system delivers both striking aesthetics and genuine performance improvements that justify the investment for creators who value both sound quality and visual design.

The post Saramonic Air Wireless Mic Brings Retro-Futuristic Flair to Creators’ Toolkits first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

For a company that single-handedly revived transparent tech, the Headphones (1) have absolutely no transparency in their design. If you saw this video dated a month or so ago, it was Nothing literally confirming that they were due to debut their first over-ears. The internet’s been asking for Nothing to build AirPods Max ‘killers’ for a while, and it seems like Carl Pei finally had his cards in place to make this play…

However, images from a private preview earlier last week showed what the headphones looked like – and the internet has thoughts. A lot of people on Reddit can’t help notice the odd shape, commenting on how it looks different from what they expected… and that’s a good thing. Subverting expectations is great if you can create a design that’s somehow received more positively than the consumer’s expectations. The problem is that Nothing’s ardent fan base now always has the highest expectations. And as a fan, I did too.

Designer: Monica Bhyrappa

Call me pedantic, but Nothing’s entire design DNA was transparency. Whether it was the earbuds or the phones, there was always an element of ‘see-through’ in their tech. Not so much in the phones, given how densely components are packed inside, but the Ear (1), Ear (a), and Ear (open) all had a transparent outer housing that let you peer into the electronics below. While the ‘alleged’ Headphones (1) do have a transparent shell, the design is FAR from actually transparent. In fact, it’s entirely opaque, except for one can-hugging outer shell that doesn’t really let you ‘peer into the headphones.’

That’s when I stumbled upon the ‘Spectrum’ headphones by Monica Bhyrappa. These phones were especially designed for wearers with autism, allowing them to experience less sensory load as compared to other humans. Autistic people experience the world very differently, and an overload of sensory input can easily overwhelm them. The Spectrum are a specially-tuned pair of noise-canceling headphones designed to phase out too many noises, allowing wearers to focus on audio that actually matters.

The design brief is spectacular, and I’m all for accessible tech, but I couldn’t help but also notice one of Monica’s concept renders, which featured a set of transparent cans… and the second I saw them, I knew exactly what I wanted the Nothing Headphones (1) to look like.

Nothing’s ethos is broadly to make tech fun again – not through awkward shapes, but through an eye-catching design that boasts transparency. You have a broader appreciation for tech if you know what’s inside it, or at least that’s what I personally believe. Beats by Dre had this entire scandal following a teardown that revealed metal cubes inside the headphones, added with zero purpose other than to make them feel ‘heavier’ and therefore ‘premium’. Nothing’s transparent tech was supposed to be an open challenge to that.

Are the upcoming Headphones (1) ‘fun’? I’m sure there’s a set of people who love the design, and a set of people who think it’s funky, but not specifically for them. That isn’t the point I’m trying to make. What I personally wish is that the headphones adopted the ‘transparency’ design direction more aggressively. Headphones aren’t like phones. They’re thicker, have more air gaps to allow for vibrating components and air-based resonance. This inherently allows for headphones to have a lot of empty space on the inside – empty space that is PERFECT for beautifully showcasing through transparency.

No, I don’t want glyphs on my headphones. But I do wish they looked a little different. I wish they championed transparency more than they currently are… because let’s not deny that Monica Bhyrappa’s Spectrum headphones do look absolutely gorgeous!

The post Here’s the Nothing Headphones (1) we wish existed instead first appeared on Yanko Design.

There was a time when listening to an album meant more than tapping a screen. You’d open a case, slide in a disc, and sit with the music from start to finish. The ClearFrame CD Player revives that experience not with nostalgia, but with intent. It doesn’t just play your albums. It exhibits them.

Set behind a crystal-clear shell, the disc spins like a sculpture in motion. Your album art, once forgotten in a drawer or buried on Spotify, now floats on your wall or desk like a curated gallery piece.

In an era of algorithmic playlists and invisible files, ClearFrame is a reminder that presence still matters.

The Player That Reframed My Daily Routine

At first, I thought it was just a beautiful object—something I’d admire occasionally, maybe play once a week. But within days, ClearFrame had reshaped my habits. It became my morning ritual companion, my afternoon focus anchor, and surprisingly, my way of rediscovering albums I forgot I loved.

• Plays full albums while I cook or read
• Loops a single track to help me write
• Turns guests into curious onlookers who ask, “Wait… is that a CD player?”

There’s a strange power in seeing your music—watching the disc spin, the LED glow, the cover art behind the clear face. Suddenly, sound becomes sculpture.

Designed to Display, Built to Play

• Transparent Polycarbonate Shell
  The album becomes the focal point—protected but never hidden.
• Visible Circuit Board
  Honest engineering that feels like part of the design, not a secret.
• Floating Disc Mechanism
  Smooth motion + warm LED lighting gives each playback a ritualistic calm.
• Wall-mountable or Desktop-friendly
  Display like a photo frame or place beside your speaker setup.
• Bluetooth 5.1 + Headphone Jack
  Stream wirelessly or go classic with a plug-in.
• USB-C charging + 7–8 hour Battery.
  Portable enough to carry room to room.
• Multiple playback modes
  Loop a track, let the album ride, or pause for silence.

ClearFrame isn’t trying to be “smart.” It’s trying to be present, and in doing so, becomes more essential.

Why Physical Still Wins

The more digital our lives become, the more we crave something real, something to touch, see, and return to. ClearFrame doesn’t replace streaming. It offers an alternative state of mind.

You choose an album. You see it. You hear it all the way through. No shuffling. No ads. No interruptions.

It’s a gentle confrontation with the way we consume music today, and a subtle push to slow down, look up, and listen better.

Design That Reflects Discipline

ClearFrame’s visual simplicity hides a surprising depth of thought.

It was developed by a Tokyo-based team known for merging tech with clarity, removing friction, not adding features. Every detail—the sharp edges, the floating CD, the matte circuit board—was chosen to showcase music as something worth displaying.

It doesn’t shout. It just sits there, spinning, glowing, doing one thing well. That’s the power of restraint.

Who It’s For

• Design Enthusiasts
  A daily-use object that elevates your space and sparks conversation.
• Music Lovers Rediscovering the Physical
  ClearFrame transforms forgotten CDs into something worth revisiting.
• Minimalists & Analog Fans
  No apps. No updates. No distractions. Just the disc, the art, and you.

A Living Album Cover for Everyday Life

What would your favorite album look like framed in motion? Imagine a desk that becomes a music gallery. A bedroom wall that reflects your taste—literally. ClearFrame doesn’t just play music. It turns your albums into an ongoing exhibition.

It’s not about going back in time. It’s about bringing what mattered back into view.

Not just a CD player, but a daily reminder that music deserves your full attention. ClearFrame is available now for $199.

The post This Transparent CD Player Turns Your Albums Into Art, And Makes Streaming Feel Soulless first appeared on Yanko Design.

A failed experiment just became the defining feature of a $5,300 luxury speaker. Bang & Olufsen’s aluminum experts in Struer, Denmark were attempting deep black anodization when something unexpected happened. The test piece emerged with textured swirls and darker pigment streaks – what they called the “burnout” effect. This accident sparked intense experimentation to reproduce the unpredictable finish under controlled conditions.

Designer: Bang & Olufsen

The Revolutionary Spaceshop: Retail Reimagined for Any Planet

Weighing 1000kg and designed by Danish Space Architects SAGA, the Vollebak Spaceshop represents mobile retail architecture for extreme environments. “When we thought about our first shop we didn’t simply think about one city, or even one planet,” explains Nick Tidball, Vollebak co-founder. “We thought about a future in which stores would come to you, bringing the things you needed when you needed them, regardless of where you were hanging out on the beach in LA, or mining asteroids in space.”

Precision-engineered aluminum forms the structure’s foundation. Its exterior panels feature the same burnished, anodized aesthetic as the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition. Inside? Bang & Olufsen’s iconic Beolab 5 and Beosound 2 speakers deliver an immersive, space-inspired soundscape.

Danish Space Architects SAGA specializes in architecture for extreme conditions. This makes them ideal partners for a retail concept that could theoretically function anywhere from Earth to space stations. Following its June 25 unveiling at Bjarke Ingels Group’s Copenhagen headquarters, the Spaceshop will tour key cities globally.

The Accidental Discovery That Defines the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition

Rocket-burn effects on aluminum. That’s what Bang & Olufsen set out to replicate through advanced anodization. Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre, Creative Director for Atelier at Bang & Olufsen, breaks down the process: “Aluminum, in its raw form, has an open structure. Left untouched, it naturally oxidizes to protect itself. But in a controlled environment, you can open the pores, introduce color, and seal it with a layer of aluminum oxide.”

Then came the breakthrough. A test piece meant for deep black emerged with textured swirls of grey and streaks of darker pigment. Teams worked intensively to reproduce this unpredictable finish under controlled conditions. The result? No two speakers appear identical. Each Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition becomes a one-of-a-kind sculptural object shaped by unexpected outcomes in the design process.

Pricing reflects this uniqueness: $5,300 for a made-to-order piece. Available from vollebak.com starting June 25, with Bang & Olufsen availability following later.

Vollebak’s Revolutionary Material Science Legacy

Twin brothers Nick and Steve Tidball founded Vollebak in 2016 with an ambitious mission. They use advanced material technology to tackle fundamental challenges of the next century: space exploration, climate change, human health, and sustainability. Their track record speaks volumes – two-time winners at TIME Best Inventions.

What have they created? Clothing ranges built for Mars and Titan. Gear designed for apocalypse scenarios. The world’s first solar-charged jacket. The first jacket made from graphene. The first computer programmable clothing, bringing humanity one step closer to an invisibility cloak.

This expertise in extreme material applications perfectly complements Bang & Olufsen’s century of acoustic development and aluminum mastery. As Krab-Bjerre puts it: “We’re excited to partner with Vollebak on this ambitious project, showcasing the innovation and experimentation that are at the heart of both brands. Together, we’ve transformed aluminum into a work of art – one that doesn’t just represent space and sound but also imagines the future we’re building towards.”

The Vollebak Anodized Jacket: Wearable Material Innovation

The collaboration extends beyond audio equipment. Enter the Vollebak Anodized Jacket, made from polyamide ripstop fused with a near-invisible layer of metal using galvanic treatment. This experimental process mirrors the speaker’s material experimentation in wearable form.

Why does this matter? It demonstrates how anodization techniques can transfer across product categories, from audio equipment to high-performance clothing. The jacket bridges the gap between traditional clothing and advanced protective gear through galvanic treatment that fuses metal layers with textile.

Bang & Olufsen’s Century of Innovation

Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen founded their company in 1925 in Struer, Denmark. Nearly a century later, their devotion and vision remain the foundation for everything Bang & Olufsen creates. The company has consistently pushed boundaries of audio technology while maintaining its position at the forefront of acoustic innovation.

Today’s numbers tell the story: approximately 900 employees operating in more than 70 markets worldwide. Products sold through Bang & Olufsen stores, bang-olufsen.com, and select retailers globally. Shares listed on NASDAQ Copenhagen A/S. Every product still characterized by the unique combination of beautiful sound, timeless design, and unrivaled craftsmanship.

A Long-Term Partnership for Future Innovation

This collaboration marks just the beginning. Both brands share commitments to pushing boundaries and reimagining what’s possible in their respective fields. The partnership demonstrates how audio engineering and advanced material science can converge to create products that transcend traditional category boundaries.

The June 25 unveiling at Bjarke Ingels Group’s Copenhagen headquarters represents more than a product launch. It’s a statement about the future of design innovation. As the Spaceshop begins its global tour, it will carry this message of material experimentation and boundary-pushing design to key cities worldwide, inspiring new conversations about the intersection of space, sound, and advanced materials.

The post Bang & Olufsen x Vollebak: Accidental Discovery Creates $5,300 Space-Inspired Speaker first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember when musical instruments were simply tools for creating sound? That era is rapidly disappearing as technology transforms our relationship with music. The E-Zither by Jade Inno exemplifies this evolution, taking the traditional Chinese guzheng (a 2,500-year-old zither) and catapulting it into the 21st century with a design that would make Dieter Rams nod in approval. The swooping streamline structure and undulating surface create a sculptural silhouette that appears to float before the performer, simultaneously honoring traditional imagery while completely redefining its expression. What makes this concept particularly fascinating is how it manages to blend technological innovation with cultural preservation, something we rarely see executed with such thoughtful precision.

This isn’t some half-baked concept destined for perpetual “coming soon” status either. Jade Inno has already completed small-scale trial production and plans to release the E-Zither in the Chinese market first. The instrument represents the first implementation of the brand’s new design language, establishing a visual and structural framework for future products. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic disguises a wealth of functionality that transforms the traditional playing experience. The crystal zither pegs add both visual elegance and practical lightness, while the acoustically optimized perforation pattern underneath enhances sound diffusion for a more immersive tonal experience. Each design element serves both form and function, creating a cohesive whole that feels simultaneously familiar and revolutionary.

Designers: Qi Liu & Ou Sheng

Under its elegant exterior, the E-Zither packs serious technological muscle. The instrument integrates 12 distinct functions including a tuner, drum machine, wireless microphone, Bluetooth speaker, and dynamic atmosphere lighting. Eight built-in high-fidelity speaker units deliver 300W peak power, while an NXP DSP chip with acoustic master tuning technology ensures pristine sound reproduction.

The one-key switching between eight different tones allows for unprecedented versatility, giving musicians the ability to shift sonic palettes instantly. That circular control knob isn’t just pretty either; crafted from CNC anodized aluminum with a fine matte finish, it houses controls for tone switching, volume adjustment, and Bluetooth pairing. The 360° dynamic surround lighting system moves with the music, creating what the company calls a “4D immersive experience” that extends beyond mere sound.

The practical considerations are equally impressive. Lightweight, detachable legs make assembly, transport, and storage remarkably straightforward, addressing a common pain point for traditional guzheng players who struggle with the instrument’s typical bulk and weight. This adaptability makes the E-Zither equally suitable for professional stage performances and teaching environments.

The dual-purpose nature of the instrument as both a professional musical tool and entertainment device opens it to a broader audience than traditional zithers could ever reach. For musicians looking to bridge ancient tradition with modern capability, this electronic guzheng offers a compelling vision of how cultural instruments can evolve without losing their soul. I’ll be watching closely to see if Jade Inno can successfully bring this striking concept to global markets after its initial Chinese release.

The post This E-Zither turns the ancient Chinese Guzheng into a 300W Bluetooth Shred-Machine first appeared on Yanko Design.

In an age where touchscreens and voice assistants dominate a child’s interaction with the world, one product dares to turn the page, literally and figuratively, on how kids experience stories. Enter the Children’s Storyteller, a delightfully nostalgic yet forward-thinking audio device shaped like a miniature vinyl record player. At once a design homage and a functional piece of children’s tech, it reimagines storytelling as a tactile, visual, and auditory experience.

At first glance, the Children’s Storyteller is a clear nod to the classic vinyl era. But instead of dusty grooves and grown-up jazz albums, this reinterpretation speaks to the wide-eyed wonder of youth. Its square body, softened by rounded edges, comes wrapped in a vibrant yellow shell, chosen not just for aesthetic cheer but for its psychological associations with joy, energy, and friendliness, qualities crucial in early childhood development.

Designer: Kai Xia

A perforated top adds texture and visual rhythm while subtly improving sound diffusion, a clever intersection of form and function. The central disc, inspired by the vinyl record itself, features story-themed illustrations like the beloved Tortoise and the Hare, grounding the abstract idea of “audio stories” in something children can see and recognize.

What elevates this product beyond gimmick is its well-thought-out interaction design. The tonearm, a familiar sight to any record lover, is reimagined here in yellow and black, echoing the traditional stylus but functioning as a purely visual and symbolic element. It’s a brilliant design gesture, educational, whimsical, and deeply rooted in the narrative the product tells.

The orange control buttons, play, pause, and skip, are intuitive, bright, and perfectly sized for small hands. A black rotary knob likely manages volume, offering a tactile contrast and a pleasing moment of analog interaction in a digital world. Every touchpoint is designed with a child’s comfort, autonomy, and curiosity in mind.

This storyteller isn’t just another toy on the shelf. It’s a cultural bridge. For children, it’s an invitation into the magical world of storytelling. For adults, it’s a sweet echo of the past. By borrowing the design language of a bygone audio era, it plants seeds of appreciation for legacy formats, all while functioning as a thoroughly modern digital audio player.

The result? A hybrid product that feels less like an educational device and more like a playful heirloom, the kind of thing that doesn’t just entertain, but stays in memory long after the stories end.

Designed for children aged 3 to 8, the storyteller is ideal for environments where imagination thrives, bedrooms, playrooms, or even outdoor spaces (with portability as a potential future upgrade). As part of a bedtime routine, it gently ushers kids into dreamland with familiar narratives. During playtime, it becomes an interactive storytelling station, promoting both independent listening and collaborative learning.

In every sense, this product exemplifies what good design can do: speak to its users without overwhelming them. It creates a sensory-rich experience through simplicity, familiarity, and warmth. Most importantly, it creates a dialogue between generations, between stories and listeners, and between old media forms and new technologies.

For designers, educators, and parents alike, the Children’s Storyteller is a quiet revolution, one that proves nostalgia and innovation can coexist, especially when the goal is as timeless as telling a story.

The post A Retro-Inspired Audio Device Redefining Storytime for Modern Kids first appeared on Yanko Design.

We’ve all been there – stranded in a parking lot with a dead car battery, frantically calling for help while your phone battery dwindles to single digits. It’s a modern catch-22 that perfectly captures our dependence on technology. Your car needs electricity to start, your phone needs power to call for help, and you’re stuck in the middle with neither.

The GOOLOO GP4000 jump starter elegantly solves this dual-crisis scenario with a device that’s essentially two lifelines in one compact package. This multifunctional powerhouse doesn’t compromise on either function, delivering serious jump-starting capability alongside substantial power bank functionality. In a world where most multi-function gadgets typically excel at one feature while merely tolerating the other, the GP4000 stands out by refusing to make that trade-off.

Designer: GOOLOO

Click Here to Buy Now

The specs here are genuinely impressive for what might become one of the essential emergency gadgets for modern drivers. Packing a mighty 4000A peak current, this device can breathe life into all gasoline engines and diesel engines up to a massive 10.0L displacement. That covers everything from your neighbor’s compact Civic to your uncle’s heavy-duty F-250. The portable power station operates in temperatures ranging from a frigid -4°F to a scorching 140°F, making it reliable in virtually any climate you might encounter. A single charge provides enough juice for approximately 60 jump starts, which, unless you’re operating an absolute rust-bucket, should last you quite some time. The rugged construction features reinforced corners that can withstand the inevitable drops and bumps that come with roadside emergencies. The built-in LED flashlight becomes even more essential, especially when you’re fumbling with jumper cables in the dark. Different modes support regular, strobe, or SOS blinking patterns, making this a practical must-have for every car owner.

On the power bank side, the 24,000mAh capacity rivals dedicated premium power banks on the market, making this one of the most versatile tech essentials for drivers who demand reliable backup power. The charging arsenal includes dual USB ports and a USB-C port, allowing you to simultaneously charge multiple devices. This capacity translates to roughly 10 full charges for an iPhone or 6 for a Samsung Galaxy device. The inclusion of fast-charging technology means your devices get back to full power quickly, which is particularly valuable during emergencies. The LED indication display provides clear information about remaining battery life, preventing any unwelcome surprises when you need power most. While many multifunctional devices skimp on secondary features, GOOLOO has implemented 10 different safety protections, including overcurrent, short circuit, and overcharge prevention for both the jump starter and charging functions.

What’s particularly interesting is how GOOLOO has managed to pack this innovative emergency tech into a form factor that remains genuinely portable. At 8.97 × 3.92 × 1.49 inches, it’s certainly larger than your pocket-sized power bank, but still compact enough to store in a glove compartment or trunk without sacrificing valuable space. The ergonomic handle design makes it easy to grip even with gloves on during winter emergencies. The bright orange accents serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, making the device easy to spot in a cluttered trunk or at night.

For tech enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, the GP4000 represents a compelling convergence of emergency preparedness and daily utility that could easily earn a spot among the best-designed portable jump starters available today. The GP4000 eliminates the need to carry separate devices for different power emergencies, streamlining your emergency kit while actually improving functionality. It also saves you a crisis call to AAA. The power bank ships along with detachable jumper cables, as well as a nifty hard-shell carrying case.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post This multi-functional 24,000mAh Power Bank can also jump-start your Car first appeared on Yanko Design.

The worlds of contemporary art and luxury spirits rarely intersect with such deliberate intention, yet Anish Kapoor’s latest collaboration with Rémy Martin creates a compelling dialogue between artistic vision and centuries-old craftsmanship. The British-Indian sculptor, known for his mirror sculptures and explorations of void and reflection, has designed a limited-edition decanter for Rémy Martin XO that transcends typical artist collaborations.

Designer: Anish Kapoor

This partnership emerges from personal history rather than commercial opportunity. Kapoor recalls his father drinking Rémy Martin during his childhood in India, creating an emotional foundation that extends beyond mere brand association. The artist describes the cognac as having “a certain sophistication and almost a quiet place in my memory,” establishing the authenticity that distinguishes meaningful collaborations from superficial marketing exercises.

The Design Philosophy Behind Reflective Luxury

Kapoor’s approach to the decanter design centers on his signature manipulation of form and perception. The artist worked directly with Rémy Martin’s design team to create what he describes as a “much simpler design” that relates to the liquid itself and its function. This restraint reflects Kapoor’s mature artistic sensibility, where impact comes through refined execution rather than ostentatious display.

The decanter maintains the classic XO silhouette while incorporating Kapoor’s distinctive visual language. His painted concave mirrors, which have challenged perceptions in galleries worldwide, inform the decanter’s surface treatment. The piece functions as both vessel and sculptural object, creating what Kapoor calls “an alternative reality between art and savoir-faire.”

The solar shape that characterizes the original XO bottle becomes enhanced through Kapoor’s intervention. His treatment of the surface creates infinite reflections, changing the static container into a dynamic visual experience that shifts with light and viewing angle. This modification aligns with Kapoor’s broader artistic practice of creating objects that exist in a state of perpetual visual flux.

Bridging Generational Craft Traditions

The collaboration celebrates parallel traditions spanning centuries. Rémy Martin’s 300-year heritage in cognac production mirrors Kapoor’s decades-long exploration of material and form. Both practices require patience, precision, and an understanding of how time changes raw materials into refined experiences.

Amaury Vinclet, Rémy Martin’s Executive Director, positions the partnership as a meeting between “two visionaries on a constant quest for excellence.” This framing places the collaboration beyond typical luxury brand partnerships, suggesting a deeper alignment of creative philosophies. The project “radiates the energy of Rémy Martin XO, capturing reflections from the past and promises of new futures.”

The artistic process itself became collaborative, with Kapoor working alongside Rémy Martin’s designers to ensure the final piece honored both the cognac’s character and his artistic vision. This integration of perspectives creates a product that functions as both luxury object and artistic statement.

The April 2025 release through selected retail channels creates controlled scarcity without artificial exclusivity. This distribution approach allows the collaboration to serve multiple audiences simultaneously, functioning as both commercial product and artistic edition.

Limited Edition as Artistic Statement

The 700mL limited edition format, priced at $189.99, positions the collaboration within accessible luxury rather than ultra-premium collectible territory. This pricing strategy suggests Rémy Martin’s intention to reach collectors and art enthusiasts rather than targeting only the highest-end market segment.

Kapoor’s involvement extends beyond the decanter design to include a companion artwork, though details about this piece remain limited in the initial announcement. This dual approach suggests the collaboration encompasses both functional design and pure artistic expression, creating multiple touchpoints for engagement.

The personal narrative underlying this collaboration distinguishes it from typical celebrity endorsements or artist partnerships. Kapoor’s childhood memories of his father’s relationship with Rémy Martin create emotional authenticity that informs the design process. This personal connection changes the commercial collaboration into an exploration of memory, heritage, and cultural transmission.

The Intersection of Memory and Luxury

The artist’s description of the project as referring to his history creates layers of meaning beyond the physical object. The decanter becomes a vessel for personal and cultural memory, connecting past and present through both the cognac’s tradition and Kapoor’s artistic evolution. This emotional foundation allows the collaboration to function as both luxury product and personal artifact.

The piece exists simultaneously as commercial object, artistic statement, and memory vessel, creating multiple entry points for different audiences. The limited-edition format ensures exclusivity while the pricing maintains accessibility for serious collectors and art enthusiasts.

The collaboration represents successful fusion of artistic vision and luxury craftsmanship, where personal history informs commercial partnership. Through Kapoor’s distinctive approach to form and reflection, the project creates an object that honors both the cognac’s heritage and the artist’s mature practice, resulting in a piece that functions as both functional luxury and contemplative art object.

The 2025 release will test whether luxury consumers respond to art-driven design that prioritizes personal narrative over commercial spectacle, potentially setting new standards for meaningful brand collaborations in the luxury spirits market.

The post When Art Meets Cognac: Anish Kapoor’s Mirror Universe Reimagines Rémy Martin XO first appeared on Yanko Design.

Buildings are responsible for a huge share of global carbon emissions, especially during the production of materials like cement. Traditional concrete manufacturing is one of the biggest sources of CO2 worldwide. If we can switch to materials that don’t just stop this but even use CO2 to our advantage, then we can make a big difference in fighting climate change. Imagine a future where our homes and offices not only look beautiful but also help clean the air by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2).

Thanks to a team of scientists at ETH Zurich, that future might be closer than we think. They have developed a remarkable new building material that doesn’t just sit there. It’s actually alive and actively helping the planet. This groundbreaking material is a type of concrete, but with a twist: it contains living bacteria. These aren’t just any bacteria as they are specially chosen because they can turn carbon dioxide from the air into solid minerals. That means while regular concrete actually releases CO2 during its production, this living material absorbs it, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

Designer: ETH Zurich

Inside the material, millions of bacteria are hard at work. These bacteria are fed a mixture of nutrients, including calcium. When they “eat,” they react with CO2 in the air, producing solid calcium carbonate. This process is similar to how seashells form in nature. Over time, the bacteria help the material grow stronger while trapping more carbon dioxide. The scientists designed their material to be porous, which means it has lots of tiny holes. These holes give bacteria plenty of room to live and work, while also allowing air to pass through so the bacteria can capture CO2 efficiently.

The new living material could be used in walls, floors, or even outdoor structures. Imagine a city full of buildings that quietly soak up CO2 day after day, making the air cleaner for everyone. But the benefits don’t stop there. The production of this living material uses less energy than regular concrete. Plus, the process is designed to be sustainable from start to finish. The bacteria don’t need fancy care—they just need a bit of food and the right conditions to thrive. If a piece of the material breaks, it can even “heal” itself. The bacteria inside can repair small cracks by producing more calcium carbonate, just like how your skin heals a cut. This could help buildings last longer and require less maintenance.

The research team is still working on perfecting their creation. They want to make sure the material is strong enough for real-world use and figure out the best ways to produce it on a large scale. There are also questions about how the bacteria will behave over many years and in different climates. Still, the early results are very promising. This living building material could offer a win-win solution: helping to build the cities of tomorrow while also cleaning up the air today.

The post Scientists create living building material that traps carbon dioxide first appeared on Yanko Design.

Gaming handhelds have come a long way from their bulky origins, but finding one that balances power with portability remains challenging. Most devices sacrifice aesthetics for performance or vice versa. The AYANEO Pocket S2 Pro tackles this dilemma head-on, combining flagship-level specifications with genuinely premium design elements that make it feel like a luxury device rather than another plastic gaming gadget.

What immediately catches your eye is the sophisticated construction. The CNC-machined aluminum mid-frame gives the device structural integrity while maintaining an incredibly slim 15.9mm profile. Combined with the borderless 6.3-inch display, the Pocket S2 Pro looks more like a premium tablet than a traditional gaming handheld. This attention to design detail sets it apart from competitors that often prioritize function over form.

Designer: AYANEO

The real innovation lies in the detachable directional pad system. Unlike fixed controls that force compromises, the Pro model lets you swap between traditional “cross” and eight-way directional configurations. Fighting game enthusiasts can attach the precision four-way pad for accurate quarter-circle motions, while action game players benefit from the eight-way setup for diagonal movement. This modularity addresses different gaming preferences without requiring multiple devices.

Hardware specifications match the premium exterior. The Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 processor delivers over two million AnTuTu points, while the substantial 10,000mAh battery provides extended gaming sessions. The 16GB of RAM paired with 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage ensures smooth performance and ample space for game libraries. TMR electromagnetic joysticks eliminate drift issues while offering customizable RGB lighting for personal expression.

Cooling represents another thoughtful engineering choice. The custom system incorporates a large copper plate spanning 6630mm² and an extensive fin array covering 14295mm². This thermal management maintains comfortable temperatures during intensive gaming while sustaining the full 20W power output. Extended play sessions remain comfortable without the device becoming uncomfortably warm.

AYANEO understands that gaming handhelds can be personal statements. The limited edition variants reflect this philosophy beautifully. The Retro Power edition channels classic Nintendo aesthetics with its red and beige color scheme, appealing to nostalgic gamers. Meanwhile, the B.Duck collaboration brings playful yellow accents and toy-like charm, targeting collectors who appreciate unique designs over conventional gaming aesthetics.

The differences between Pro and standard models justify the price premium. Beyond the obvious 16GB RAM versus 8GB and 1TB versus 128GB storage disparity, the Pro exclusively features the detachable directional pad system. The enhanced 60W fast charging compared to 40W also reduces downtime between gaming sessions, while the larger 10,000mAh battery extends portable play time significantly.

At $699, the Pocket S2 Pro commands premium pricing, but the combination of innovative controls, luxurious materials, and powerful internals creates compelling value. Whether you prioritize the modular controls, appreciate the sophisticated design, or simply want the most capable Android gaming handheld available, the Pro model delivers an experience that feels genuinely different from typical gaming devices.

The post AYANEO Pocket S2 Pro gaming handheld delivers premium looks and swappable D-pad controls first appeared on Yanko Design.

It’s become a familiar pattern in the smartphone world as brands now often launch their “Pro” and “Ultra” models before releasing the standard, or “vanilla,” version of a series. This shift can make the regular edition feel like an afterthought and sometimes leaves buyers confused about what really separates each version. The lines between Pro and non-Pro are getting less defined, especially as features and designs often overlap across the whole lineup.

Poco has built its reputation on delivering high-performance phones for gaming enthusiasts and power users, usually at aggressive price points. The new Poco F7 follows that tradition, arriving after its Ultra and Pro siblings launched in March but bringing its own bold style and focus on speed. With performance front and center, the Poco F7 aims to give gamers and demanding users something special, even as the competition between models gets more crowded and complicated. After spending time with all three color variants, here’s how the Poco F7 delivers on that promise.

Designer: POCO

Aesthetics

The Poco F7 looks nothing like the Poco F7 Ultra or Poco F7 Pro, giving it a distinct presence in this year’s F7 series lineup. The Poco F7 is available in three color options, Black, White, and Cyber Silver, all featuring a two-tone design, glass back panels, and metal frames, but with very different visual impact.

The Black and White variants offer a more subtle two-tone effect. On the Black model, the glossy finish is paired with a slightly darker accent, creating a sleek look that feels refined and understated, though it does show fingerprints easily. The White variant features a matte finish that resists smudges and pairs a crisp main shade with a softer, almost pearlescent accent for extra depth.

The Cyber Silver edition is the most distinctive of the three. It features a bold, high-contrast two-tone design, with a glossy metallic lower half and a mechanics-inspired upper section covered in geometric overlays and a prominent Snapdragon logo. This version is unapologetically retro-futuristic and expressive, sure to draw attention, though its dramatic look may not appeal to everyone.

A key visual highlight on all three variants is the camera module. It is an elongated vertical oval set in the upper left corner, with a diagonal divider seamlessly integrated into the frame. This divider, flanked by two vivid green lines, separates the dual camera lenses and injects a pop of unexpected color.

While the green accent adds an energetic, gaming-inspired touch, its purpose is somewhat mysterious and may not fit everyone’s taste. Still, this camera island ensures the Poco F7 is instantly recognizable and reinforces its bold personality.

Ergonomics

The Poco F7’s completely flat display, flat side frame, and curved corners give it an iPhone-like impression at first glance. At 163.1 x 77.9 x 8.2mm and 215.7g, it is a large and fairly hefty phone, which makes one-handed use a challenge, especially for those with smaller hands.

That said, the build quality is nothing to scoff at, with a glass back panel and metal side frame that feel solid and premium in the hand. This sturdy construction not only looks refined but also gives the phone a reassuring sense of durability. The IP68 rating adds peace of mind for accidental splashes or brief drops in water, but the device’s overall heft is always present in daily use.

Both the power and volume buttons are placed on the right side and are easily accessible, though the sheer size of the device may require a stretch for some. The fingerprint scanner sits close to the bottom edge of the display, and while it unlocks quickly, transitioning from unlocking to navigating the interface can feel a bit awkward due to its low placement.

USB-C port and speaker placement are standard at the bottom. The dual-SIM tray, USB-C port, and main speaker are located at the bottom, while the top houses a microphone that also serves as a secondary speaker. The phone wobbles when used on a flat surface because of its camera bump, which can be distracting when tapping or typing on a desk.

Performance

The Poco F7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, which delivers consistently fast and fluid performance for everyday tasks. This chip is part of Qualcomm’s top-tier 8-series family, but it’s designed to make flagship-level speed and efficiency more accessible. In simple terms, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 gives you nearly all the power you’d find in the most expensive Android phones, but at a much friendlier price. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or multitasking, the F7 keeps up without missing a beat.

The 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display is vivid and exceptionally bright, with a tall aspect ratio that is ideal for video streaming, browsing, and gaming. Its impressive color range, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and 3200 nits peak brightness ensure content looks sharp and immersive, even outdoors. TÜV Rheinland certifications and high-frequency PWM dimming help reduce eye fatigue during long viewing sessions. Audio performance is also solid, with the dual speaker system producing clear and well-balanced sound with good volume for games, movies, and music.

The Poco F7 is a strong pick for gamers, handling demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty without any stutter or lag. WildBoost Optimization 4.0 is Poco’s dedicated gaming mode that maximizes performance and helps keep gameplay smooth. Visual enhancement features are also available, allowing you to boost frame rates and resolution. This combination means you can play games like Genshin Impact, which are usually limited to 60 frames per second (FPS) on other Android phones, at up to 120 FPS on the F7.

High performance does create heat, especially during long gaming sessions, but Poco addresses this with an advanced cooling system. The F7 includes a 6,000 mm2 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop system, which is the largest Poco has ever used. In real-world use, the phone can still get uncomfortably hot if you are gaming for a long time, although the performance remains stable and responsive without major slowdowns.

Battery life is a strong point, thanks to the 6500mAh cell, and the 90W fast charging means you can get back to 80% in just 30 minutes. Reverse charging at 22.5W is handy for powering up accessories or other devices. As expecged but still disappointing, there is no wireless charging to be found.

The 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS performs well in good lighting, capturing images with pleasing dynamic range and solid detail at 1x. It can digitally zoom up to 10x, and photos at higher zoom levels look surprisingly natural, with restrained processing that avoids the overly sharpened look some rivals produce.

The 8MP ultra-wide camera creates cooler-toned photos with good dynamic range, but distortion is noticeable at the edges. The 20MP front camera is decent for selfies, though it tends to make reds look a bit too saturated, sometimes resulting in an orangish skin tone.

As for video capabilities, the main camera supports up to 4K recording at 60 FPS, delivering sharp and fluid footage suitable for casual clips. In contrast, both the ultra-wide and front-facing cameras are limited to 1080p at 30 FPS, which is serviceable for basic video needs.

The new camera UI makes it easier to access advanced features. Swiping up now reveals modes like Slow motion and Long exposure, which is more convenient than the old side-swiping method. However, the main photo and video interface only provides quick access up to 2x magnification, despite supporting up to 10x for photos and 6x for video. To access higher zoom levels, you need to use the on-screen zoom dial, which can be less intuitive in fast-paced situations.

It would be more user-friendly if dedicated buttons for higher magnifications were available by default. For video specifically, you can initially zoom in up to 2x before hitting the record button, but once recording starts, you can continue zooming up to 6x. This approach may slow you down if you want to quickly capture distant subjects, and a more streamlined zoom interface would benefit users who frequently switch between focal lengths during recording. Hopefully, these interface limitations will be addressed in a future update.

Unfortunately, Poco is also known for including a lot of bloatware, and the F7 is no exception. During the setup process, you are presented with a list of recommended apps, which are selected by default. You have to manually uncheck these recommendations before proceeding, which can be annoying if you prefer a clean start.

Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t a headline feature for the Poco F7, but there are a few things here that help the phone last. Poco doesn’t mention using any recycled or eco-friendly materials in the phone’s build, so if you’re looking for a “green” smartphone, this might not be your top pick.

Where the F7 does shine is in durability and long-term support. It’s rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, so you don’t have to stress about everyday spills or a quick splash at the pool. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, which means it’s built to handle bumps, drops, and scratches better than many budget phones out there.

Perhaps best of all, Poco is promising four years of major Android updates and six years of security patches. This kind of long-term software support is fantastic for a phone in the mid-range category, and it means you can keep your device updated and secure for far longer than most competitors. Even if sustainability isn’t front and center, the F7’s durability and software longevity help it stay out of the landfill for years to come.

Value

The Poco F7 is priced competitively at $399 for the 12GB+256GB model and $449 for the 12GB+512GB version, with early bird deals bringing these down to $339 and $399. At this price point, you get a flagship-level Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, a large 6.83-inch AMOLED display, IP68 water resistance, fast charging, and class-leading software support. It’s rare to find this combination of features bundled together in the global mid-range market.

Notable competitors include the iQoo Neo 10, though it is only available in select markets. If wireless charging or top-tier camera performance is your main priority, you might want to look elsewhere. However, for pure performance and features per dollar, the Poco F7 is tough to beat in the mid-range segment.

Verdict

The Poco F7 stands out by blending flagship-grade performance, a vibrant and expansive display, and reliable battery stamina within a bold, modern design. Its powerful performance, massive display, big battery, and solid build make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a premium experience without the typical flagship price tag.

While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the weight and some software quirks, the overall package is hard to beat in its segment. If you value speed, all-day power, and a futuristic look, the Poco F7 deserves your attention.

The post Poco F7 Review: Flagship Power, Big AMOLED Display, and Bold Design for Under $400 first appeared on Yanko Design.