Starting your culinary journey shouldn’t require emptying your wallet or cluttering your countertops with unnecessary tools and gadgets. The most accomplished home cooks understand that delicious meals emerge from mastering a few essential tools rather than collecting every kitchen contraption imaginable. These five kitchen essentials feature an intersection of clever design, practical functionality, and accessible pricing that transforms novice cooks into confident culinary creators.

From Japanese craftsmanship that brings centuries of blade-making tradition to your cutting board, to innovative designs that transform how we interact with our cooking tools, this collection offers both aesthetic appeal and daily usability. The beauty of these selections lies not just in their individual capabilities but in how they work together to create a cohesive cooking experience that grows with your skills and confidence in the kitchen.

1. Iron Frying Plate

The Iron Frying Plate breaks down the barrier between cooking vessel and serving dish. This innovative tool transforms the traditional frying pan into a multifunctional piece that serves both as your cooking surface and your plate. Crafted from 1.6mm-thick mill-scale steel, this beautifully engineered piece brings restaurant-quality searing capabilities to your home kitchen while maintaining rustic elegance that makes it worthy of your dining table. The detachable wooden handle system allows seamless transition from stovetop to table.

The mill scale steel surface develops natural non-stick properties through use, becoming more seasoned and effective with each cooking session. The rust-resistant finish means you can focus on perfecting culinary techniques rather than worrying about maintenance complexities that often discourage beginner cooks. Working with quality steel cookware teaches essential techniques like proper preheating, temperature control, and natural seasoning development.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00

What we like

• Eliminates the need for separate serving dishes, reducing cleanup time and kitchen clutter.
• Develops natural non-stick properties through use, improving performance over time.

What we dislike

• Requires proper seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust and maintain performance.
• Limited to single-portion or small-batch cooking due to compact size.

2. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors

Kitchen scissors are often an afterthought in most home kitchens, relegated to opening packages rather than fulfilling their true potential as precision cutting instruments. These Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors elevate the humble shear into an elegant culinary tool that handles everything from delicate herb trimming to robust meat preparation. The specially designed curved serrated blade creates clean cuts through tough connective tissues, while the ergonomic structure ensures comfortable extended use during lengthy prep sessions.

The black oxidation finish serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, creating a fade-resistant surface that maintains its professional appearance through years of heavy use. This finish process goes beyond mere cosmetic enhancement, actually improving the durability and longevity of the steel while creating a distinctive visual identity that complements modern kitchen aesthetics. These scissors transform tedious food preparation tasks into efficient, enjoyable processes.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00

What we like

• Curved serrated blade design makes cutting through tough meats safer and more efficient.
• Durable black finish resists fading and deterioration while looking professionally sleek.

What we dislike

• Specialized design may require learning proper technique to maximize effectiveness.
• Higher price point compared to basic kitchen scissors may stretch tight budgets.

3. OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker

The OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker turns the often messy and inconsistent process of creating homemade dressings into a foolproof operation that encourages culinary creativity. This ingeniously designed vessel allows you to combine oils, vinegars, herbs, and seasonings with perfect emulsification every time, eliminating the guesswork that often leads beginners to rely on store-bought alternatives.

The watertight construction with its innovative flip-top lever ensures zero spills during mixing and pouring, while the compact 1.5-cup capacity provides the perfect portion size for most salad preparations without creating waste. Crafted from BPA-free Tritan material, this shaker combines durability with complete transparency, allowing you to monitor the mixing process and achieve consistent results. The break-resistant construction withstands daily use while remaining dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup. The dual-function lever flips back for smooth pouring and forward for secure sealing, making storage simple and leak-proof.

Click Here to Buy Now

What we like

• Watertight design with an innovative lever prevents spills during mixing and pouring
• BPA-free Tritan construction offers durability while remaining completely dishwasher-safe

What we dislike

• Single-purpose design may not justify counter space for minimalist kitchen setups
• Compact capacity requires multiple batches when preparing dressings for larger gatherings

4. Black Kitchen Knives

Crafted in Seki, Japan, a region renowned for centuries of blade-making excellence, these Black Kitchen Knives offer the best of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities. Each blade is created through a meticulous hand-forging process that ensures unique character while maintaining consistent performance standards. The molybdenum vanadium steel core receives a titanium coating that creates the impressive black finish while enhancing durability and corrosion resistance far beyond what standard knife steel can achieve.

The full-scale double-edged construction provides superior balance and cutting performance. Working with professionally crafted knives transforms your relationship with food preparation from chore to craft. The superior edge retention means you spend less time sharpening and more time developing proper cutting techniques that improve both speed and safety in the kitchen.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00

What we like

• Hand-crafted Japanese steel construction ensures exceptional sharpness and edge retention.
• Titanium coating provides superior durability while creating a distinctive professional appearance.

What we dislike

• Premium materials and craftsmanship result in a higher initial investment than budget alternatives.
• Requires proper maintenance knowledge to preserve performance and prevent damage.

5. Playful Palm Grater

The Playful Palm Grater gives the traditional box grater a makeover through a lens of ergonomic innovation and whimsical design. Crafted from a single aluminum alloy plate and shaped to nestle perfectly in your palm, this compact tool transforms the often awkward task of grating into an intuitive, controlled process. The paper-curl aesthetic brings unexpected delight to routine kitchen tasks while the thoughtful sizing ensures you maintain complete control over the grating process.

Available in multiple vibrant colors, this grater allows you to inject personality into your kitchen toolkit while maintaining serious functionality. The single-piece construction eliminates the joints and seams where food particles typically accumulate in traditional graters, making cleanup significantly easier and more hygienic. This palm-sized grater excels in situations where precision and control matter most. You can grate ingredients directly over dishes with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating waste while ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Click Here to Buy 2 & Get 10% off: $45.00 $50.00

What we like

• Ergonomic palm design provides superior control and comfort during grating tasks.
• Single-piece aluminum construction ensures easy cleaning and long-lasting durability.

What we dislike

• Compact size limits efficiency when processing large quantities of ingredients.
• Novelty design may not appeal to cooks who prefer traditional kitchen tool aesthetics.

Creating your kitchen sanctuary doesn’t need you to sacrifice style or break your budget. These five kitchen tools combine smart design and professional performance, while co-existing with accessible price points. From the dual-purpose elegance of the Iron Frying Plate to the precision engineering of Japanese black knives, these tools serve multiple roles while maintaining a commendable aesthetic appeal.

Building Your Culinary Foundation On A Budget

The beauty of this collection lies in its synergy. Together, these tools cover every fundamental cooking technique while teaching proper methods through superior materials and construction. The playful palm grater encourages fresh ingredient experimentation, while the dressing shaker transforms simple salads into culinary statements.

Quality scissors and knives build confidence through reliable performance. Investing in well-designed essentials creates a foundation that grows with your skills. These tools convert your kitchen into a workspace and showpiece, inspiring creativity while delivering results that make every meal feel like an achievement worth celebrating.

The post Best Budget Kitchen Tools For Beginner Chefs: 5 Must-Haves Under $100 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aujourd’hui dans ma série “les ados qui ont failli déclencher la Troisième Guerre mondiale”, je vous présente l’histoire complètement dingue de Mathew et Richard, respectivement 21 ans de Cardiff et 16 ans de la banlieue londonienne, qui ont réussi l’exploit de faire trembler le Pentagone armés d’un simple modem 56k et d’une obsession maladive pour les petits hommes verts.

Le Pentagone, cette forteresse imprenable… sauf pour deux ados obsédés par X-Files

Si comme moi, vous êtes fans de X-Files, vous allez kiffer cette histoire. Mathew Bevan, alias “Kuji”, et Richard Pryce, surnommé “Datastream Cowboy” (déjà rien que les pseudos, c’est tout un programme) ont piraté pendant des mois les systèmes les plus secrets de l’armée américaine. Et leur but étaint encore plus fou : Prouver que le gouvernement américain cache l’existence des extraterrestres. Cheh !

Et ils ont effectivement réussi à s’introduire dans ces systèmes ultra-sensibles. Pire encore, ils ont failli créer un incident diplomatique majeur. Un agent du Pentagone a même qualifié Kuji de “plus grande menace pour la paix mondiale depuis Adolf Hitler”. Rien que ça ! C’est beau, j’en suis ému.

L’histoire commence donc dans les bureaux du Rome Laboratory à Griffiss Air Force Base, dans l’État de New York. Les administrateurs système découvrent qu’un programme espion, un “sniffer”, a été installé clandestinement sur leur réseau et le machin avait collecté tellement de mots de passe et d’informations qu’il avait saturé le disque dur et fait crasher le système. Breeeef, imaginez la tronche des admins : le laboratoire de recherche le plus secret de l’US Air Force, celui qui développe l’intelligence artificielle militaire et les systèmes de guidage radar, venait de se faire trouer comme un emmental.

Rome Laboratory, le cerveau technologique de l’US Air Force… infiltré par deux ados

Le 28 mars 1994, Jim Christy, chef des investigations cybercriminelles de l’Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) de l’époque, reçoit l’appel qui va bouleverser sa vie.

“On a un problème”, lui annonce son équipe. Ancien de la NSA reconverti dans la lutte contre la cybercriminalité militaire, Christy comprend immédiatement l’ampleur du désastre. Rome Lab, c’est pas n’importe quoi, c’est l’endroit où se développent les armes du futur de l’armée américaine.

L’équipe de Christy découvre alors rapidement que les intrus utilisent deux pseudonymes : “Datastream” et “Kuji”. Deux hackers fantômes qui se baladent dans les systèmes militaires américains comme dans leur salon mais le pire reste à venir puisqu’ils utilisent les serveurs compromis de Rome Lab comme tremplin pour attaquer d’autres cibles : La NASA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (vous savez, là où sont censés être planqués les aliens), Hanscom Air Force Base, et même des contractants de défense en Californie et au Texas.

Pendant 26 jours, Christy et ses équipes surveillent les deux pirates sans intervenir. Ils veulent comprendre l’ampleur de l’attaque et remonter jusqu’aux coupables. Ce qu’ils découvrent les fait flipper grave : plus de 150 intrusions sur Rome Lab, des téraoctets de données sensibles copiées, des emails d’officiers lus et effacés, et des programmes de simulation de champ de bataille téléchargés. Hé oui, c’est qu’ont découvert les enquêteurs.

Jim Christy quelques années avant la traque des cyber-intrus

Mais le véritable moment de panique arrive quand les agents voient Datastream tenter d’accéder à un ordinateur dans un laboratoire nucléaire en Corée.

“Holy shit”, se dit Christy. On est en 1994, les États-Unis sont en pleine négociation tendue avec la Corée du Nord sur son programme nucléaire alors si les Nord-Coréens détectent une attaque sur leur installation nucléaire venant d’une base aérienne américaine, ils vont croire à un acte de guerre.

Les agents retiennent leur souffle. Heureusement, ils découvrent par la suite que la cible était en Corée du Sud, pas au Nord. Mais Datastream a quand même téléchargé les données du Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute et les a transférées sur les serveurs de l’US Air Force. Et si les Sud-Coréens découvrent ce transfert, c’est l’incident diplomatique assuré. Elle est pas belle la vie ?

Mais alors qui est ce mystérieux Kuji qui fait trembler le Pentagone ? Et bien c’est Mathew Bevan, né le 10 juin 1974 à Cardiff, au Pays de Galles. Un gamin qui vit un calvaire à l’école, harcelé par ses camarades, en difficulté scolaire, alors la nuit, pendant que ses parents dorment, il trouve refuge dans les bulletin boards (BBS) et les premiers forums Internet.

L’univers de Mathew Bevan : une chambre, un ordinateur, et des rêves d’extraterrestres

C’est là qu’il découvre le phone phreaking, l’art de manipuler les systèmes téléphoniques pour passer des appels gratuits n’importe où dans le monde. Cette compétence devient son passeport pour le monde du hacking et un jour, quelqu’un lui donne accès à Sin City, un bulletin board belge, repaire de hackers bien connu de l’époque. En échange de ses techniques de phone phreaking, les habitants de Sin City lui offrent alors documents et méthodes pour pirater des ordinateurs.

Mais le véritable déclic arrive quand Bevan tombe sur Destiny Stone, un bulletin board géré par un phone phreaker australien surnommé Ripmax. “Ce que j’ai trouvé sur son système, c’étaient des centaines de documents sur les OVNIs, les dissimulations gouvernementales et les théories du complot”, se souvient Bevan. Il y découvre notamment l’histoire de 40 hackers qui auraient disparu mystérieusement après avoir ciblé des systèmes militaires pour découvrir la vérité sur les OVNIs.

X-Files - La série qui a inspiré toute une génération de hackers conspirationnistes

Et là, c’est le moment “eureka” de Bevan car si ces 40 hackers ont disparu en cherchant la vérité sur les OVNIs, c’est qu’il y a forcément quelque chose à cacher. Sa mission est donc toute trouvée : reprendre là où les disparus se sont arrêtés, pirater chacune des bases militaires citées par le magazine underground PHRACK, et prouver une bonne fois pour toutes que le gouvernement américain cache l’existence des extraterrestres.

En 1994, Bevan entre alors en contact via IRC avec Richard Pryce, un gamin de 16 ans passionné de musique et d’informatique. Pryce, qui se fait appeler “Datastream Cowboy”, partage la même fascination pour les théories du complot. Il admire les compétences techniques de son aîné et accepte de devenir son “apprenti” dans cette quête de vérité.

IRC : le terrain de jeu des hackers des années 90

C’est Pryce qui découvre Rome Laboratory par hasard, en scannant les adresses IP du réseau militaire américain. “Regarde ce que j’ai trouvé”, écrit-il à Kuji. “Un labo de recherche de l’Air Force avec des sécurités ridiculement faibles.” Bevan comprend immédiatement l’opportunité. Rome Lab est un nœud central du réseau militaire américain, une porte d’entrée vers des dizaines d’autres installations.

Mais contrairement aux espions professionnels, les deux compères ne cherchent pas à passer inaperçus. Ils laissent des traces partout, copient des gigaoctets de données sans discrimination, et communiquent entre eux sans précaution particulière. C’est cette négligence va permettre à Christy de les traquer.

Pour traquer les deux fantômes, l’AFOSI fait appel à son réseau d’informateurs sur Internet. Un de ces informateurs parvient à entrer en contact avec Datastream Cowboy sur Cyberspace, un fournisseur d’accès à Seattle. Le gamin, naïf et impatient de communiquer avec d’autres hackers, tombe alors directement dans le piège et donne son numéro de téléphone personnel à l’informateur.

Le 12 mai 1994, Scotland Yard arrête Richard Pryce à son domicile de Colindale. Le gosse est terrorisé et il avoue tout : les intrusions dans Rome Lab, les attaques contre la NASA, le transfert des données coréennes. Mais surtout, il balance son complice Kuji, même s’il ne connaît pas sa véritable identité.

Pryce comparaît devant la Woolwich Crown Court en mars 1996. Il plaide coupable pour 12 infractions au Computer Misuse Act britannique et écope d’une amende dérisoire de 1 200 livres sterling. Pas de prison, pas de casier judiciaire lourd.

Pendant ce temps, Christy continue sa traque obsessionnelle de Kuji et l’AFOSI met des moyens considérables sur l’enquête. Les experts en profilage psychologique dressent un portrait-robot : homme, entre 25 et 35 ans, très intelligent, formation scientifique, probablement financé par une organisation étatique. Le Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations va même jusqu’à qualifier Kuji “d’agent étranger, possiblement d’origine est-européenne”.

Ils se plantent complètement puisque Kuji n’est qu’un jeune employé informatique de Cardiff, obsédé par X-Files et financé par son maigre salaire dans une petite boîte galloise. Breeeef, les profileurs du FBI peuvent aller se rhabiller.

Le matos de Mathew Bevan à l’époque

Le 21 juin 1996, à l’aube, une escouade de Scotland Yard débarque chez Mathew Bevan. Ils s’attendent à tomber sur un espion professionnel, un agent dormant est-européen et ils découvrent un geek de 21 ans vivant chez ses parents dont la chambre est tapissée d’affiches d’X-Files et de science-fiction. “Les agents ont finalement découvert que l’identité de Kuji était Mathew Bevan, 21 ans, un informaticien avec une fascination pour la science-fiction”, rapporte le dossier d’enquête.

Bevan est arrêté et inculpé, mais contrairement à son jeune complice, il refuse de coopérer. Son père étant policier, il connaît ses droits et prend un avocat. S’ensuit un bras de fer judiciaire de 20 audiences. En novembre 1997, coup de théâtre : le Crown Prosecution Service abandonne toutes les charges. “Décision commerciale”, justifie le procureur. Traduction : ça coûte trop cher et l’opinion publique s’en fout.

Bevan sort libre mais marqué à vie. “Je ne peux plus faire de mal à une mouche maintenant”, confie-t-il. Il se reconvertit dans la sécurité informatique éthique, rejoint Tiger Computer Security, devient développeur chez Nintendo, et finit par fonder sa propre entreprise, Kuji Media Corporation. L’ironie de l’histoire veut que l’ancien pirate du Pentagone soit aujourd’hui payé pour empêcher d’autres de faire ce qu’il a fait.

De hacker à protecteur : la reconversion réussie de Mathew Bevan

Quant à Pryce, traumatisé par son arrestation, il disparaît complètement des radars. Après la confiscation de son ordinateur, il n’en rachète même pas un nouveau. Certains disent qu’il a repris ses études de musique, d’autres qu’il s’est reconverti totalement. Une chose est sûre : l’expérience l’a vacciné à vie contre le hacking.

Le rapport d’évaluation des dégâts, publié le 31 octobre 1994, chiffre les pertes directes de l’US Air Force à 211 722 dollars, sans compter les coûts de l’enquête et du nettoyage des systèmes. Mais les enquêteurs admettent n’avoir découvert que la partie émergée de l’iceberg. Combien d’autres Kuji et Datastream Cowboy se baladent dans les systèmes militaires américains ? On verra bien…

Avant 1994, les militaires américains considéraient leurs réseaux comme protégés par leur complexité technique mais après Kuji et Datastream Cowboy, ils comprennent qu’Internet a aboli les frontières et que n’importe quel ado avec un modem peut devenir une menace nationale. Cette prise de conscience va déclencher une révolution dans la cybersécurité militaire, avec des milliards de dollars investis pour sécuriser ce que deux gamins britanniques avaient démontré être un gruyère numérique.

Et la mauvaise nouvelle, c’est que malgré des mois d’intrusions dans les systèmes les plus secrets de l’US Air Force et de la NASA, Bevan n’a jamais trouvé la moindre preuve de l’existence d’extraterrestres. Pas de débris de Roswell, pas de documents sur la Zone 51, pas de technologies aliens. “J’ai fouillé partout”, confiera-t-il. “Wright-Patterson, la NASA, tous les endroits où étaient supposés être cachés les secrets sur les OVNIs. Rien, nada, que dalle.”

Cette conclusion aurait dû clore le débat, mais les théoriciens du complot ont retourné l’argument : si Kuji n’a rien trouvé, c’est justement la preuve que la conspiration existe et qu’elle est plus complexe et secrète que ce qu’on pourrait imaginer. The truth is ‘still’ out there, comme dirait Mulder… Mais elle n’est pas dans les serveurs du Pentagone visiblement…

Sources : Security in Cyberspace - Rome Laboratory Case Study, Wikipedia - Mathew Bevan, Kuji Media - Confessions of a hacker, InformIT - The Rome Labs Case, ISC2 - 30 Years After Two Kids Broke into the Air Force, Cryptologic Foundation - 1994: Griffiss Air Force Base finds malware

The SSD enclosure I use to clone SSDs is currently on sale at Amazon. You can grab it for a fraction of the cost while this deal lasts.

Samsung just took the covers off the Galaxy Z Fold7, and it represents the biggest change in the foldable flagship since the Galaxy Z Fold3 introduced S Pen support in 2021 and the Galaxy Z Fold5’s new hinge in 2023 that allowed it to close completely flat. This year’s highlights include the thinnest Galaxy Z Fold yet, better durability, larger screens, and, finally, upgraded cameras. It’s not all good news, of course, like the bulging camera bump, but perhaps the change that sent waves across the Internet was the removal of S Pen support.

I have been a great fan of pen-enabled devices, seeing them as the near-perfect fusion of digital and analog worlds, particularly when it comes to drawing and note-taking. Samsung was one of the first few tech companies that embraced this, from the Galaxy Note phones and tablets to the old Samsung ATIV PC line. Although styluses, both active and capacitive, aren’t that rare anymore (thank you Apple Pencil), Samsung remains part of a small group that uses the famed Wacom’s technologies for its smartphones and tablets. Despite my self-professed obsession with the stylus, I think Samsung made the right call in removing it from the Galaxy Z Fold7, but I don’t think the story ends here either.

Designer: Samsung

Why Samsung Removed The Z Fold7 S Pen

Imagine whipping out your smartphone, unfolding it into a tablet, and immediately sketching inspiration or jotting down ideas the instant inspiration strikes. It’s almost like pulling out a paper sketchbook or pocket notebook but with the advantage of apps and the cloud. It’s one of the advertised features of Samsung foldables since the Galaxy Z Fold3 and a dream come true for digital creators. Except, it turns out, very few actually use these devices that way.

The Web, especially YouTube, is filled with anecdotes and examples of artists, designers, and even architects using tablets for their work, but not so much on foldables. Yes, there are very few pen-enabled foldable phones in the market, but there are even fewer voices showing how they use these devices for those very specific purposes. Reading, watching, or even typing, are all covered, but drawing with a stylus and handwritten notes are almost always limited to one-time reviews and demos.

It’s not that the stylus use case is invalid but because, at least at this point in time, consumers have bigger concerns about foldables than where to store the S Pen (more on that later). They are more interested in how thin the phone is when folded, how usable it is as a phone, and, more importantly, how durable that fragile flexible main screen is. As it happens, those are exactly the things that Samsung addressed in the Galaxy Z Fold7, choosing to focus on what people need here and now, while still keeping the doors open for the return of the pen.

Why The S Pen Fold Edition Didn’t Work

Popularity wasn’t the biggest problem of the S Pen for the Galaxy Z Fold. Quite the contrary, it was the symptom, not the cause. The reasons why even die-hard stylus users shy away from the accessory’s foldable version can probably be boiled down to two things: confidence and convenience.

Let’s face it: even with all the marketing and figures, even foldable owners are still a little bit wary of the durability of the foldable inner screen. It tends to be a little softer than a regular phone screen, and poking it with a stylus or pressing down hard on it might cause some to worry. The technology is getting better, of course, but not yet to the point of completely dispelling fears.

There’s also the design of the foldable phone itself, which leaves no room for the stylus unless you don the right case. Tablets have it easy with a large body that can be used to magnetically hold and charge their stylus, but not so much a device that folds down to the size of a pocketable phone. Not unless you have a silo like on the Galaxy S Ultra, but then you’d be going back to the problem of thickness.

There’s also the matter of awkwardness when using the foldable phone as a digital canvas because of its almost square aspect ratio. An iPad mini with the same screen size has a larger surface area and a more rectangular shape that matches paper and notebooks more closely. It’s definitely a minor gripe, but one that gnaws at the creator’s subconscious little by little.

One Chapter Closes, The Next Is Yet To Be Written

To some extent, the removal of S Pen functionality from this year’s flagship foldable definitely feels like a huge loss, but I don’t think the story ends there completely. There are still plenty of ways that foldables can be improved that would allow the triumphant return of the stylus. Samsung does seem to be moving in that direction, though it’s not yet clear when all the pieces will fall into place.

For one, there’s the tri-fold device that Samsung will be unveiling later this year. That will help solve the awkward feeling of scribbling on a square display since it will give you a regular tablet-shaped screen to work with. Whether the “G Fold” will actually come with S Pen support or not is still uncertain, but given the Galaxy Z Fold7, I’m leaning more towards a “no” for now.

Samsung is also rumored to be working on a new stylus technology that is more like the Apple Pencil or Microsoft’s Surface Pen. That means using a stylus that requires a battery in order to remove the need for a digitizer layer underneath the screen. This digitizer is one of the reasons for the thickness of previous Z Fold models, and its removal helped trim down the Galaxy Z Fold7’s size a lot. Of course, this also means no longer using Wacom technology, but that might be a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Such a technology would also mean that Samsung will be able to continue improving the durability of a foldable screen with better Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG). That, in turn, helps give confidence that every press and stroke won’t take the foldable phone closer to its demise.

The Big Question: Galaxy Z Fold7, Skip or Buy?

Setting aside the awkward, bulging camera bump for a moment, the answer is rather a simple one. If the stylus has never captured your fancy, then the Galaxy Z Fold7 represents the best of Samsung’s foldable design and technology. It’s super slim, more usable as a phone when folded, and can take better pictures. It’s still catching up to some of its rivals, especially in the photography department, but it’s encouraging to see some bold choices being made, even if it meant taking out one key feature.

For those who buy Samsung foldables for the stylus experience, the answer is even easier: no. Stick to the Galaxy Z Fold6, which is a decent device on its own, and wait for the next chapter in the story of the Galaxy Z Fold to be written. It’s exciting to finally see some movement from Samsung in this space, and hopefully, all the signs pointing in that direction will come to pass.

The post Samsung Removed the Galaxy Z Fold7 S Pen, and This Stylus Lover Agrees first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ça va, pas trop chaud ? Alors tant mieux, parce que je vais vous faire avoir une petite suée tellement ce truc est cool ! Ça s’appelle Memflix et c’est une bibliothèque JavaScript qui transforme vos documents texte en… fichiers vidéo MP4 ! Oui, vous avez bien lu. Et le plus fou, c’est que vous pouvez ensuite faire des recherches sémantiques ultra-rapides dans ces vidéos.

L’idée est tellement simple qu’elle en devient géniale car au lieu de stocker vos données dans une base de données traditionnelle, Memflix encode tout dans des QR codes qui sont ensuite intégrés frame par frame dans une vidéo. Résultat ? Un stockage 10 fois plus efficace qu’une base de données classique et des recherches qui prennent moins d’une seconde, même sur des millions de chunks de texte.

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.

Camping in 2025 is less about compromise and more about finding the perfect blend of comfort, mobility, and design. The best new campers of the year reflect a sharp focus on utility and clever use of space, often surprising with their ability to deliver a home-like experience in a compact footprint. Each model here answers a different kind of wanderlust, whether you’re drawn to rugged off-grid adventures, family road trips, or spontaneous solo escapes.

What unites them isn’t just innovation—it’s the way thoughtful design transforms the journey itself. From modular interiors and lightweight builds to integrated power solutions and unique silhouettes, these ten campers showcase what’s possible when form meets function. If you’re ready to embrace the freedom of the open road this summer, then these impressive designs offer a fresh perspective on what it means to travel well, wherever you park for the night.

1. Hawk+

The Hawk+ by Four Wheel Campers introduces a new dimension to off-grid travel, blending utility with a comfort-focused layout that genuinely respects the realities of life on the road. Its slide-in design sits harmoniously atop a pickup bed, offering an adaptable space that feels open yet well-contained. Accoutered for nomadic life or overland explorations that demand durability as much as comfort, the Hawk+ stands ready for extended off-grid journeys.

The larger onboard space is remarkably well utilized, supporting all the essentials—eating, sleeping, living, and, impressively, ample storage. Every detail reflects a commitment to making life on the road both practical and enjoyable. The galley sits at the heart of the layout, offering a kitchen counter on one side and a cassette toilet cleverly tucked into storage on the other. Storage extends throughout, wrapping around the interior and making organization effortless.

What we like

• Spacious layout in a slide-in form, maximizing livability without bulk.
• Off-grid readiness ensures longer stays in remote spots.

What we dislike

• Size may limit compatibility with some smaller pickups.
• The minimalist approach could feel sparse to those seeking luxury finishes.

2. VW Ibex Concept

The VW Ibex concept by Sunlight is poised for the wild, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and rugged, go-anywhere capability. At its heart, the Ibex is about pushing boundaries—both literally and figuratively. The high-clearance stance and all-terrain tires signal its off-road ambitions, while the unique silhouette hints at a camper that’s as comfortable on the trail as it is at a festival. The design prioritizes flexibility, with a modular interior that adapts to changing needs.

Inside, the Ibex surprises with a thoughtful use of space. The seating transforms with ease, storage is intuitive, and the ambient lighting gives evenings a cozy, inviting atmosphere. There’s a sense of creative freedom here—a vehicle that doesn’t dictate how you should live, but rather invites you to explore possibilities. The Ibex provides a refreshing take for design lovers on what a modern camper can be, merging utility and personality.

What we like

• Modular, reconfigurable interior adapts for work, sleep, and play.
• Sturdy off-road build extends camping to remote locations.

What we dislike

• As a concept, some features may not reach production.
• Larger size may be unwieldy in urban or tight spaces.

3. Traveler Summit

The Traveler Summit from Happier Camper is an ode to nostalgia, bringing retro lines and cheerful colors into a thoroughly modern camping experience. Its lightweight build makes towing uncomplicated, opening up possibilities for smaller vehicles and spontaneous getaways. The modular Adaptiv system allows travelers to reconfigure the interior in minutes, shifting from lounge to sleeping area or workspace as needed. It’s a design that encourages you to embrace the journey as much as the destination.

What’s most interesting in the camper is the sense of playful practicality. Every component feels thoughtfully selected, from the robust storage cubes to the panoramic windows that frame the landscape. There’s no excess here—just smart solutions for making the most of a compact footprint. For those who appreciate flexibility without sacrificing comfort, the Traveler Summit is a reminder that good design can make even small spaces feel expansive.

What we like

• Lightweight construction enables easy towing and fuel efficiency.
• The Adaptiv interior system offers total layout flexibility.

What we dislike

• Limited space may feel tight for more than two people.
• Minimal insulation could impact comfort in extreme climates.

 4. Lutz Minicamper

The Lutz Minicamper is all about delivering a tiny home experience in a trailer footprint, catering to campers who crave comfort but refuse to tow a full-size van. Its streamlined shape and clever window placement bring in natural light, making the interior feel airy and open. The kitchen is neatly tucked away yet fully functional, while the convertible seating area ensures that space never feels wasted. There’s a strong emphasis on creating a homelike atmosphere in a portable shell.

The interiors of the Lutz Minicamper are warm and welcoming, and the insulation helps maintain comfort across different weather conditions. It’s the kind of trailer that invites you to linger, to cook a real meal, or to unwind with a good book after a day outdoors. If you’re seeking the balance of mobility and genuine comfort, the Lutz Minicamper is a natural fit.

What we like

• Home-like interior with solid insulation for year-round comfort.
• Compact, aerodynamic profile makes for easy towing.

What we dislike

• Limited standing room may not suit taller individuals.
• Smaller water and power reserves require frequent stops.

5. T1 Micro Camper

Grounded’s T1 micro camper reimagines minimalist travel, distilling the essentials into an ultra-compact, electric trike platform. The T1 is about freedom—slipping through city streets or along park trails without the burden of a full-size vehicle. Its micro-cabin houses a convertible bed, a compact kitchenette, and just enough storage for short escapes. Smart features abound, from solar panels to app-based controls, bringing a layer of modern convenience to its pared-down form.

The T1 is fundamentally about movement and efficiency. There’s a liberating sense of not having to plan around parking or campsite restrictions; you can simply ride, stop, and rest. The design is playful yet purposeful, encouraging users to travel light and enjoy the journey. It’s best suited for solo explorers or those who appreciate the challenge of packing smart and living simply.

What we like

• Ultra-compact design enables access to narrow trails and urban spots.
• Electric powertrain cuts emissions and running costs.

What we dislike

• Limited range restricts longer trips.
• Minimal amenities may deter those seeking home comforts.

6. Argonaut Teardrop Camper

Argonaut’s teardrop camper brings an exciting and unique personality to compact camping, where every inch is utilized with precision. Its forward-tilting, slanted design isn’t just a visual statement—it creates extra headroom inside, making the cabin feel less confined. Storage is integrated seamlessly into the walls and under the bed, demonstrating a clear understanding of how to maximize utility in a small package. The combination of wood and metal gives the camper a rugged, timeless presence.

Despite its petite form, the Argonaut feels surprisingly accommodating. The raised roofline means you can sit up comfortably, while the durable exterior hints at years of reliable use. The layout manages to balance privacy, storage, and sleeping space without compromise. This camper is amazing at turning smallness into an advantage, making it ideal for travelers who value simplicity and durability.

What we like

• Innovative height and shape deliver more headroom and a unique look.
• Durable build with metal reinforcements for longevity.

What we dislike

• No official off-road credentials might limit extreme adventuring.
• Compact size isn’t ideal for extended trips or families.

7. Yoho Pop Up

The Yoho Pop Up takes the classic truck camper and gives it a forward-thinking twist, introducing an auto-expanding pop-top that dramatically increases headroom at camp. The lightweight shell keeps things manageable for mid-sized trucks, while the interior offers all the basics: bed, cookspace, and organized storage. The pop-top is the star, transforming the interior from a compact shell into a space where you can stand, cook, and move with ease.

This camper is truly quite adaptable. Travel with the top down for efficiency, then expand at camp for comfort. The materials are chosen for durability, with a focus on resisting the wear and tear of regular use. The Yoho Pop Up is a clever solution that maximizes every square foot, specially designed for travelers who want a go-anywhere base without the hassle of towing.

What we like

• Auto-expanding pop-top delivers standing room in a compact footprint.
• Lightweight build suits a wide range of trucks.

What we dislike

• The interior may feel sparse for longer stays.
• Not suited for larger groups or families.

8. Open Trail 25 AO

The Open Trail 25 AO is built for families, with an interior that prioritizes shared experiences and comfort. The layout is a thoughtful blend of private and communal zones, featuring a spacious main bed, convertible dinette, and bunks for kids. The kitchen is fully equipped, and storage is abundant throughout, making it easy to keep things organized on extended journeys. Its robust chassis and insulation mean you’re prepared for a variety of climates.

The appeal lies in the details that make everyday life easier: a bathroom with a real shower, dedicated storage for gear, and windows that bring in light without compromising privacy. The Open Trail 25 AO isn’t just about moving from place to place—it’s about making the journey feel like home, wherever you park. It is an ideal fit for couples and families seeking an excellent blend of adventure and domestic comfort.

What we like

• Family-friendly layout with multiple sleeping zones.
• Full bathroom and kitchen enhance livability.

What we dislike

• Larger size limits access to rugged or remote sites.
• The heavier build requires a strong tow vehicle.

9. Mammoth Overland SKL

The Mammoth Overland SKL is a rooftop camper designed for those who demand ruggedness and self-sufficiency. Its hard shell is built to withstand harsh elements, and the integrated power station keeps devices charged off-grid. The SKL opens up to reveal a surprisingly comfortable sleeping area, elevated above the ground for safety and better views. Storage solutions are smartly tucked away, and the setup time is minimal, making spontaneous stops possible.

The materials are selected for longevity, and the design is intentionally pared back to reduce failure points. It is great for solo travelers or couples who want to venture far from established sites. The SKL offers a sturdy, dependable base that doesn’t weigh you down. It’s an ideal companion for those who see the outdoors as a place to be both comfortable and self-reliant.

What we like

• Rugged, insulated shell with integrated off-grid power.
• Rooftop design provides safety and unique vantage points.

What we dislike

• Limited interior space compared to larger campers.

10. Love Campers VW ID. Buzz Camper Van

A collaboration between Love Campers and Wild Drives has resulted in the VW ID. Buzz camper van—a vibrant, attention-grabbing design that’s available to rent in the UK. Dressed in a playful lime yellow and white dual-tone scheme, the van’s exterior hints at the cheerful atmosphere inside. The matching interior feels genuinely uplifting, giving the impression of stepping into a moving work of art that’s as much about aesthetics as it is about function.

Space is smartly optimized throughout the cabin. The sofa easily slides out, quickly converting into a comfortable double bed, while the kitchen area—set directly opposite—features a sink with a foldaway faucet and an induction hob for easy meal prep. Every detail is considered, from the sustainable materials to the 77kWh battery and rooftop solar panel that keep devices powered up for off-grid journeys.

What we like

• Sustainable design is ideal for couples or solo travelers.
• Generous battery and solar array capably handle onboard power needs.

What we dislike

• Only includes a portable toilet, which may not suit everyone.
• Limited sleeping space for more than two people.

The post 10 Best Campers Of June 2025: Top Picks For Modern Adventure & Comfort first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ce qu’on ne vous dit pas sur BitTorrent, c’est que des millions de machines continuent de toquer aux portes de serveurs totalement morts depuis des années. Un développeur vient de racheter un domaine abandonné et a pu constater que le réseau P2P est bien plus massif que ce qu’on pourrait croire.

Bon alors, rembobinons un peu. Le gars en question téléchargeait tranquillement ses ISO Linux (on va dire ça comme ça, hein ^^), et son client BitTorrent ramait sévère. Du coup, il ouvre l’onglet des trackers dans qBittorrent et là, surprise : la plupart des serveurs étaient complètement morts. Domaines expirés, serveurs down, le grand cimetière numérique habituel.

Combien d’entre vous ont déjà installé un programme Windows qui a foutu le bordel dans leur système ? Moi je lève la main et je suis certain que je ne suis pas le seul ! Heureusement, Microsoft a peut-être enfin trouvé la solution avec MSIX, un format qui vient remplacer nos bons vieux .exe.

Arrêter de rigoler, je suis sérieux ^^!

Depuis que je suis dans la tech, j’ai vu passer tous les formats d’installation possibles et imaginables. MSI, NSIS, Inno Setup, et j’en passe. Mais ça ne change rien… On finit toujours par formater son PC parce qu’une désinstallation a laissé des traces partout dans le registre. Et c’est avec l’expérience, qu’on apprend bien sûr à méfier de ces programmes qui promettent monts et merveilles mais qui au final polluent votre système.

J’étais tranquillement en train de lire le dernier papier d’Anthropic avec mon café quand mon chat (Percy) m’a regardé avec son regard de psychopathe, semblant me demander pourquoi j’avais l’air de quelqu’un qui venait de voir un fantôme. La vraie raison, c’est que je viens de découvrir qu’Anthropic testait maintenant comment les IA pouvaient nous mentir en pleine face au travers de leur projet SHADE-Arena. Derrière ce nom un peu barbare se cache en réalité un laboratoire secret pour mesurer les capacités de sabotage de nos assistants virtuels préférés.

Vos serveurs web classiques, les censeurs les trouvent en 3 clics. Même avec un VPN foireux, même caché derrière CloudFlare, même en priant très fort, alors imaginez que vous voulez publier un truc sur le web sans que personne ne puisse remonter jusqu’à vous ? Et bien en fait c’est hyper simple avec torserv qui lance automatiquement votre site comme service caché Tor.

Il s’agit d’un serveur web statique durci qui intègre nativement Tor. Pas de base de données MySQL qui traîne, pas de PHP qui fuite, juste vos fichiers HTML, CSS et JavaScript servis proprement. Le truc génial, c’est la configuration zéro. Vous lancez le binaire et hop, votre site devient accessible via une adresse .onion automatiquement générée.

Sunlight, a German camper brand under the Erwin Hymer Group, has long positioned itself as a maker of well-built, functional recreational vehicles for adventure seekers. With models like the CLIFF campervan and its VAN series based on Fiat Ducato and Citroën chassis, the company has carved a name in the market by offering quality, affordability, and a lifestyle-centric design approach. Its offerings combine streamlined interiors, flexible layouts, and thoughtful add-ons like panoramic roofs, modular bedding, and adventure-ready editions. Now, Sunlight is preparing to take its off-grid philosophy further with the VW Ibex concept, its boldest and most rugged camper design to date.

The VW Ibex concept departs from typical touring campervans with an exterior package aimed at overlanding. Built on the Volkswagen Crafter chassis, the Ibex features raised suspension, all-wheel drive, heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, and functional exterior upgrades like roof racks, a light bar, an external spare wheel, and lash panels. The front-end protection, wheel arch guards, and cladding around the body give it a distinctive off-road character that goes far beyond paved campsite roads. The camper embraces a visual language of durability and movement, consistent with Sunlight’s tagline of “outdrive the ordinary.”

Designer: Sunlight

The brand has flirted with more adventurous formats before. Its 2019 CLIFF 4×4 Adventure Van, built on a Fiat chassis, catered to the active crowd with gear-specific storage, a modular hammock, and wakeboard holders. But the Ibex pushes that boundary further. While it remains a concept for now, Sunlight has hinted that a production model may not be far off, suggesting serious intent to address the emerging overland market. If brought to production, the Ibex would mark a major shift toward ruggedized adventure campers that merge capability with lifestyle-centric interiors. Inside, Sunlight vehicles typically favor practical, open layouts over decorative excess. Their recent VAN series, including the V60 and V66 models, integrates space-saving cabinetry, convertible lounges, and bright wood tones in its “Sandbar” trim design. The company’s interior focus remains grounded in functionality, optimized for either couples or small families, with models ranging between 19.5 and 22.5 feet in length. Most of these vans are designed to sleep two to four occupants and remain accessible in price, usually starting around $57,000, depending on the base platform and features.

Sunlight’s marketing reflects a shift toward outdoor sports and action imagery, with visuals featuring surfing, climbing, and mountain biking through scenic locations. The Ibex embodies this evolution in brand identity, aiming to be more than just a mobile living space. Instead, it’s pitched as a launchpad for high-mobility adventures across terrain that traditional RVs rarely reach. By venturing into the off-road camper segment, Sunlight appears poised to broaden its appeal while preserving the balance of simplicity and sophistication it’s known for. Whether parked at a forest trailhead or scaling gravel paths in the backcountry, the VW Ibex concept is a signal that the brand is preparing for a future beyond the grid—one where exploration is no longer limited by the road ahead.

 

The post Sunlight’s VW Ibex concept camper prepares for the wild beyond the campsite first appeared on Yanko Design.

Continuing BMW Motorrad’s tradition of pushing the envelope in motorcycle innovation, the DE-02 electric concept is a compelling evolution in the brand’s forward-looking portfolio. Having previously explored BMW’s design-driven approach to mobility, often marked by a fusion of bold aesthetics and engineering excellence, the DE-02 further solidifies this trajectory. Developed in collaboration with the iconic custom workshop Deus Ex Machina, the DE-02 isn’t just another electric bike.

Built on a platform derived from BMW’s previous electric motocross prototype dubbed E-Parkour, the DE-02 is reimagined with Deus’s distinct aesthetic sensibility. Its minimalistic frame, stripped of unnecessary bulk, keeps the structure lightweight while maintaining rugged functionality. The frame is crafted from chromoly steel, chosen for its balance of strength and weight, while the carbon fiber body elements contribute further to reducing mass without sacrificing durability.

Designer: BMW Motorrad and Deus Ex Machina

A bold reinterpretation of the original CE 02, the DE-02 also draws inspiration from the creative universe of Deus Records, blending lifestyle culture with electric mobility. Departing from the usual utility-focused configurations, this version transforms the “eParkourer” concept into a fully functional DJ booth on two wheels. In place of a surf rack, the bike features a bespoke sound system equipped with four Marshall Middleton speakers and a centrally mounted turntable, inviting riders to mix music anywhere, right from urban alleys to remote mountainscapes. The design is elevated with a hand-stitched leather saddle embroidered with the Deus Records logo, seamlessly integrated with the speaker system and turntable setup.

Additional custom touches, such as a tailored license plate holder, modern LED lighting, shortened indicators, and streamlined mirrors, enhance its distinct character, making the DE-02 not just a motorcycle, but a mobile artistic statement. Powering the DE-02 is a 5.5-kWh battery connected to an air-cooled electric motor delivering 11 kW of continuous power, with peak performance reaching up to 20 kW. This output positions it in the 125cc category for licensing in many regions, making it accessible while offering enough torque for spirited off-road performance. Its chain-driven rear wheel and slim, motocross-style design suggest a focus on agility and maneuverability, ideal for both trail riding and urban environments.

The design places strong emphasis on minimalist, utilitarian styling. A narrow profile, slim tank, and integrated seat give it a purposeful silhouette. Elements like the custom CNC-machined triple clamps and a bespoke swingarm speak to the level of detail and craftsmanship applied. The visual design is further enhanced by a simple monochromatic palette and a high-mounted LED headlight that offers a nod to classic enduro aesthetics. Suspension duties are handled by high-performance components: a WP XACT USD fork up front and a WP shock at the rear. The DE-02 rolls on 19-inch Excel Takasago wheels paired with Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires, underscoring its off-road intentions. Braking is managed by a Beringer system that includes disc brakes at both ends, offering precise stopping power.

While the DE-02 is not intended for commercial production, its creation represents a fusion of engineering and artistry. For BMW Motorrad, it’s part of a broader strategy to explore electric propulsion in motorcycling, beyond commuter-focused scooters. It also highlights how the future of motorcycles may not just lie in performance specifications but also in the emotional and cultural identity that design can offer.

The post BMW DE-02 x Deus electric bike drops beats on the go with integrated turntable and Marshall speakers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Shipping container homes have captured the imagination of architects and homeowners alike, offering a sustainable and flexible approach to modern living. These compact dwellings transform industrial steel boxes into stylish, functional spaces that challenge traditional notions of what a home should be. In 2025, designers are pushing boundaries even further, combining smart layouts, clever insulation, and thoughtful finishes to create tiny homes that feel surprisingly spacious and comfortable.

Whether you’re drawn to the rugged charm of exposed steel, the efficiency of minimalist interiors, or the appeal of high-end amenities packed into a small footprint, there’s a shipping container home to suit every taste. We have curated a collection of five interesting designs that each bring something unique to the table. From multi-container family dwellings to budget-friendly solo retreats, these homes reveal why container living continues to inspire a new generation of tiny house enthusiasts around the world.

1. Double Duo

The Double Duo tiny house reimagines shipping container living by joining two 40-foot containers side by side. This approach results in a surprisingly spacious 640-square-foot interior, a size that is impressive in the world of tiny homes. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms make this house ideal for a couple, a small family, or those seeking a guest space with all the comforts of a modern home. An open living area creates room for gathering, while the flexible floor plan ensures every inch is put to good use.

The exterior can be left exposed for an industrial look or finished with wood cladding to add warmth and character. Large windows brighten the interior, bringing in plenty of daylight and connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The Double Duo’s thoughtful layout and generous size make it an inviting option for those seeking container living without the usual compromises on comfort or privacy.

What we like

• Spacious interior with two full bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Flexible exterior finish options for customized curb appeal.

What we dislike

• The larger footprint may require more land and setup.
• The heavier structure can complicate transportation and installation.

2. The Nook

The Nook makes the most of a single 20-foot shipping container, offering a compact 160-square-foot home designed for affordability and simplicity. The black exterior, paired with cedar accents, creates a contemporary look that turns heads. Inside, the layout is efficient, with a sleeping area, kitchenette, and bathroom all within easy reach. Closed-cell foam insulation keeps the interior comfortable year-round, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort in a small space.

Windows and doors are strategically placed to maximize natural light and views, giving the home an airy, open feel despite its size. The Nook is a perfect solution for solo dwellers or couples looking to downsize without sacrificing style. Its budget-friendly approach makes it attainable for those starting their tiny home journey or needing a compact guest suite or office.

What we like

• Affordable, minimal design for budget-conscious buyers.
• Insulated shell offers year-round comfort in any climate.

What we dislike

• Limited living space may feel restrictive for more than two people.
• Compact kitchen and bathroom limit extended stays or hosting.

3. Rising Sun

Rising Sun by UnContained Dreams is a compact shipping container home that makes clever use of its 9.6-foot height and 8-foot width. Despite its smaller footprint, the interior layout is both comfortable and practical. The designers have addressed the challenges of insulation and thermal performance by applying closed-cell spray foam to the ceiling, floor, and walls. This keeps the house cozy in winter and cool in summer, while the addition of multiple windows ensures the space is bright and inviting.

The exterior features metal with wood trim, achieving a functional look that balances utility with a touch of warmth. Doors cut into the container provide easy access and ventilation, and the thoughtful use of space inside allows for all the essentials. Rising Sun offers a practical solution for those who want a simple, well-insulated, and easy-to-maintain home.

What we like

• Superior insulation for year-round comfort.
• Efficient layout maximizes usable space in a compact footprint.

What we dislike

• Slightly smaller than traditional trailer-based tiny homes.
• Limited width can affect interior design and furniture choices.

4. Modern Side Stack

The Modern Side Stack takes shipping container living to new heights with three high-cube, 40-foot containers arranged in a unique side-by-side configuration. This design delivers a generous 900 square feet, creating a sense of openness rarely found in container homes. The house features multiple outdoor spaces, including decks and patios, that expand the living area and invite residents to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Custom touches throughout the interior showcase the versatility of modular design.

This home’s layout includes spacious bedrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, and thoughtfully integrated storage. The large windows and sliding glass doors make the interior feel connected to nature and full of light. Located in rural Texas, the Modern Side Stack demonstrates how container homes can be comfortable, efficient, and stylish, even in remote settings.

What we like

• Expansive floor plan with custom outdoor living zones.
• Modular design allows for creative layouts and personalization.

What we dislike

• Three-container setup can be more costly and complex to build.
• Requires significant site preparation and infrastructure.

5. Delta Model

The Delta Model by Ark Tiny Homes features an attention to comfort and practicality within a single 40-foot container. This highly insulated home boasts premium amenities and a thoughtful layout that avoids the cramped feeling often associated with tiny homes. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring a full gas range, dishwasher, microwave, and a 10-cubic-foot refrigerator, all arranged for maximum efficiency. Ample cabinetry provides excellent storage, making meal prep and daily living a breeze.

A 9,000 BTU air conditioner ensures the home stays cool or warm regardless of the season. The interior is well-lit and inviting, with the living and sleeping areas designed to feel open and accessible. At a price point of $59,500, the Delta Model offers great value for those seeking a quality container home with all the essentials.

What we like

• Full-featured kitchen and extensive storage options.
• Effective climate control for comfort in any weather.

What we dislike

• Larger appliances may reduce available living space.
• The price may be higher than more basic container conversions.

The post Top 5 Shipping Container Tiny Homes To Inspire Your Next Compact Living Move In 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Vous pensiez que votre imprimante 3D était le summum de la technologie ? Et bien Dr. Engine vient de vous prouver le contraire avec sa factory LEGO qui transforme de la pâte à modeler en produits manufacturés. Et franchement, c’est pas mal foutu du tout !

Cette machine automatisée combine laminoir motorisé, convoyeur à bande et guillotine de précision pour traiter de la modeling clay (comprenez de la pâte à modeler style Play-Doh) avec un sérieux qui ferait pâlir d’envie certaines chaînes de production industrielles.

Quand George Hotz, alias geohot, décide de donner des conseils à une boîte de semiconducteurs, ça donne un README de 100 lignes sur GitHub qui commence par “If you want to get acquired / become scam IP licensing co…I can’t help you.” C’est “subtil” ^^. Le hacker qui a jailbreaké le premier iPhone et qui fait maintenant rouler des voitures autonomes avec comma.ai vient de publier ses “conseils” pour Tenstorrent.

Pour ceux qui ne suivent pas le marché des puces IA de près, Tenstorrent c’est LA boîte qui fait rêver en ce moment. Fondée par Jim Keller (oui, LE Jim Keller qui a conçu les architectures x86-64 chez AMD et les puces A4/A5 d’Apple), l’entreprise développe des processeurs spécialement conçus pour l’IA avec une approche “dataflow” plutôt que l’architecture SIMD classique des GPU.

J’sais pas si vous avez vu, mais le projet Tor vient de sortir Oniux, un nouvel outil qui permet aux applications Linux de se connecter au réseau Tor. Comme ça, fini les fuites de données accidentelles, et adieu les problèmes de configuration SOCKS. En effet, Oniux isole totalement vos applications au niveau du noyau Linux, garantissant ainsi que chaque paquet passe obligatoirement par Tor. C’est un peu comme si vos applications entraient dans le programme de protection des témoins, avec une nouvelle identité garantie par Tor.

Let’s be honest, the tech world hasn’t felt this electric since Steve Jobs pulled the original iPhone from his pocket. Sure, we felt a few sparks fly in 2024 when Rabbit and Humane announced their AI devices, but that died down pretty quickly post-launch. However, when news broke that OpenAI had acquired Jony Ive’s mysterious startup “io” for a staggering $6.5 billion, the speculation machine kicked into overdrive. What exactly are the legendary Apple designer and ChatGPT’s creators cooking up together? The official announcement speaks vaguely of “a new family of products” and moving beyond traditional interfaces, but the details remain frustratingly sparse.

What we do know with certainty is limited. OpenAI and Ive’s company, io, are building something that’s reportedly “screen-free,” pocket-sized, and designed to bring AI into the physical world in a way that feels natural and ambient. The founding team includes Apple veterans Scott Cannon, Evans Hankey, and Tang Tan, essentially the hardware dream team that shaped the devices in your pocket and on your wrist. Beyond these confirmed facts lies a vast expanse of rumors, educated guesses, and wishful thinking. So let’s dive into what this device might be, with the appropriate grains of salt at the ready.

The Design: Ive’s Aesthetic Philosophy Reimagined

If there’s one thing we can reasonably predict, it’s that whatever emerges from Ive’s studio will be obsessively considered down to the micron. His design language at Apple prioritized simplicity, honest materials, and what he often called “inevitable” solutions, designs that feel so right they couldn’t possibly be any other way. A screen-free AI device presents a fascinating challenge: how do you create something tactile and intuitive without the crutch of a display?

I suspect we’ll see a device that feels substantial yet effortless in the hand, perhaps with a unibody construction milled from a single piece of material. Aluminum seems likely given Ive’s history, though ceramic would offer an interesting premium alternative with its warm, almost organic feel. The absence of a screen suggests the device might rely on subtle surface textures, perhaps with areas that respond to touch or pressure. Ive’s obsession with reducing visual complexity, eliminating unnecessary seams, screws, and buttons, will likely reach its logical conclusion here, resulting in something that looks deceptively simple but contains remarkable complexity.

Color choices will probably be restrained and sophisticated, think the elegant neutrals of Apple’s “Pro” lineup rather than the playful hues of consumer devices. I’d wager on a palette of silver, space gray, and possibly a deep blue, with surface finishes that resist fingerprints and wear gracefully over time. The environmental considerations that have increasingly influenced Ive’s work will likely play a role too, with recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes featured prominently in the eventual marketing narrative.

Technical Possibilities: AI in Your Pocket

The technical challenge of creating a screen-free AI device is immense. Without a display, every interaction becomes an exercise in invisible design, the device must understand context, anticipate needs, and communicate through means other than visual interfaces. This suggests an array of sophisticated sensors and input methods working in concert.

Voice recognition seems an obvious inclusion, likely using multiple microphones for spatial awareness and noise cancellation. Haptic feedback, perhaps using Apple-like Taptic Engine technology or something even more advanced, could provide subtle physical responses to commands or notifications. The device might incorporate motion sensors to detect when it’s being handled or carried, automatically waking from low-power states. Some reports hint at environmental awareness capabilities, suggesting cameras or LiDAR might be included.

The processing requirements for a standalone AI device are substantial. Running large language models locally requires significant computational power and memory, all while maintaining reasonable battery life. This points to custom silicon, possibly developed with TSMC or another major foundry, optimized specifically for AI workloads. Whether OpenAI has the hardware expertise to develop such chips in-house remains an open question, though their Microsoft partnership might provide access to specialized hardware expertise. Battery technology will be crucial; a device that needs charging multiple times daily would severely limit its utility as an always-available AI companion.

The User Experience: Beyond Screens and Apps

The most intriguing aspect of this rumored device is how we’ll actually use it. Without a screen, traditional app paradigms become irrelevant. Instead, we might see a return to conversational computing, speaking naturally to an assistant that understands context and remembers previous interactions. The “ambient computing” vision that’s been promised for years might finally materialize.

I imagine a device that feels less like a gadget and more like a presence, something that fades into the background until needed, then responds with uncanny intelligence. Perhaps it will use subtle audio cues or haptic patterns to indicate different states or notifications. The lack of a visual interface could actually enhance privacy; without a screen displaying potentially sensitive information, the device becomes more discreet in public settings. Of course, this also raises questions about accessibility, how will deaf users interact with a primarily audio-based device?

Integration with existing ecosystems will be crucial for adoption. Will it work seamlessly with your iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC? Can it control your smart home devices or integrate with your calendar and messaging apps? The answers remain unknown, but OpenAI’s increasingly broad partnerships suggest they understand the importance of playing nicely with others. The real magic might come from its predictive capabilities, anticipating your needs based on time, location, and past behavior, then proactively offering assistance without explicit commands.

Market Positioning and Price Speculation

How much would you pay for an AI companion designed by the man behind the iPhone? The pricing question looms large over this project. Premium design and cutting-edge AI technology don’t come cheap, suggesting this will be positioned as a high-end device. Looking at adjacent markets provides some clues, Humane’s AI Pin launched at $699, while Rabbit’s R1 came in at $199, though both offer significantly less sophisticated experiences than what we might expect from OpenAI and Ive.

My educated guess places the device somewhere between $499 and $799, depending on capabilities and materials. A lower entry point might be possible if OpenAI adopts a subscription model for premium AI features, subsidizing hardware costs through recurring revenue. The target market initially appears to be tech enthusiasts and professionals, people willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology and design, before potentially expanding to broader consumer segments as costs decrease and capabilities improve.

As for timing, the supply chain whispers and regulatory tea leaves suggest we’re looking at late 2025 at the earliest, with full availability more likely in 2026. Hardware development cycles are notoriously unpredictable, especially for first-generation products from newly formed teams. The $6.5 billion acquisition price suggests OpenAI sees enormous potential in this collaboration, but also creates substantial pressure to deliver something truly revolutionary.

The Competitive Landscape: A New Category Emerges

The AI hardware space is still in its infancy. Early entrants like Humane have struggled with fundamental questions about utility and user experience. What makes a dedicated AI device compelling when smartphones already offer capable assistants? The answer likely lies in specialized capabilities that phones can’t match, perhaps always-on contextual awareness without battery drain, or privacy guarantees impossible on multipurpose devices.

OpenAI and Ive are betting they can define a new product category, much as Apple did with the iPhone and iPad. Success will require not just technical excellence but a compelling narrative about why this device deserves space in your life. The competition won’t stand still either, Apple’s rumored AI initiatives, Google’s hardware ambitions, and countless startups will ensure a crowded marketplace by the time this device launches.

The most fascinating aspect might be how this hardware play fits into OpenAI’s broader strategy. Does physical embodiment make AI more trustworthy, useful, or personable? Will dedicated devices provide capabilities impossible through software alone? These philosophical questions underpin the entire project, suggesting that Ive and Altman share a vision that extends beyond quarterly profits to how humans and AI will coexist in the coming decades.

What This Could Mean for the Future of Computing

If successful, this collaboration could fundamentally reshape our relationship with technology. The screen addiction that defines contemporary digital life might give way to something more ambient and less demanding of our visual attention. AI could become a constant companion rather than an app we occasionally summon, always listening, learning, and assisting without requiring explicit commands for every action.

The privacy implications are both promising and concerning. A device designed from the ground up for AI interaction could incorporate sophisticated on-device processing, keeping sensitive data local rather than sending everything to the cloud. Conversely, an always-listening companion raises obvious surveillance concerns, requiring thoughtful design and transparent policies to earn user trust.

For Jony Ive, this represents a chance to define the post-smartphone era, potentially creating his third revolutionary product category after the iPod and iPhone. For OpenAI, hardware provides a direct channel to users, bypassing platform gatekeepers like Apple and Google. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both parties, and for us, the potential users of whatever emerges from this collaboration.

Waiting for the Next Big Thing

The partnership between OpenAI and Jony Ive represents the most intriguing collision of AI and design talent we’ve seen yet. While concrete details remain scarce, the ambition is clear: to create a new kind of computing device that brings artificial intelligence into our physical world in a way that feels natural, beautiful, and essential.

Will they succeed? History suggests caution; creating new product categories is extraordinarily difficult, and first-generation devices often disappoint (raise your hands if you own a bricked Humane AI Pin or Rabbit R1. Yet the combination of OpenAI’s technical prowess and Ive’s design sensibility offers reason for optimism. Whatever emerges will undoubtedly be thoughtfully designed and technically impressive. Whether it finds a permanent place in our lives depends on whether it solves real problems in ways our existing devices cannot.

For now, we wait, analyzing every patent filing, supply chain rumor, and cryptic statement for clues about what’s coming. The anticipation itself speaks volumes about the state of consumer technology: in an era of incremental smartphone updates and me-too products, we’re hungry for something genuinely new. Jony Ive and Sam Altman just might deliver it.

The post Everything We Know About Jony Ive’s $6.5 Billion Dollar ‘Secret’ AI Gadget first appeared on Yanko Design.

Motorola famously worked with Steve Jobs to bring iTunes to the Razr. Jobs hated the idea of having their software run on someone else’s hardware (which is why he created the iPhone), but up until Apple was ready to formally launch a phone, Jobs reluctantly partnered with Motorola. Now, for what it’s worth, there’s a Moto Razr out there, not with iTunes, but rather, with Windows XP running on it!

Shared on Reddit by Constant_Vehicle7539, this foldable Moto Razr 40 Ultra is running an emulated version of the famous Windows OS. The best part is that when opened halfway, it actually becomes a mini laptop of sorts, giving you a functional (or aesthetically functional, if I’m being accurate) Windows laptop – perhaps the smallest one ever made.

Designer: Constant_Vehicle7539

It’s crazy to actually see this in action. Constant_Vehicle7539 uses the Vectras VM QEMU emulator to run a Windows XP build on the phone. While there’s really no photo of the phone actually running an instance of the desktop (Constant_Vehicle7539 probably just didn’t take any photos), the images here show the boot screen and a few images of the OS setup. My favorite part is when the phone’s half open, looking like a miniature laptop with a touch keyboard. Apparently, Vectras VM offers different emulators, even Windows 11… but for us OG Windows users from back in the day, when we rocked Razrs, Ericssons, and Nokia N Series phones, this is a match made in heaven.

The emulator allows you to run an instance of Windows on any Android, so if you’ve got a dormant old phone lying in a cabinet gathering dust, this is a fun project you could work on. Your friends will be absolutely shocked to see Windows running on a smartphone. However, the only thing more shocking than this is the one time a crazy hacker managed to port iOS 18 onto a Nokia Lumia phone, making the operating system think it was an iPhone (with functional TouchID too!)

The post Moto Razr 40 Ultra Running Windows XP Is The Ultimate Tech Crossover We Didn’t Expect first appeared on Yanko Design.