Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot reincarnates as an all-electric humanoid that’s more agile and good-looking

Posted on by

Boston Dynamics has been building a fleet of robots for decades now, and they are quite serious about it. the MIT spin-off has made a name for itself with cutting-edge innovations in robotics that serve a purpose for the future. After retiring the Atlas hydraulic robot just a day ago, now the company is looking beyond the horizon with an all-electric Atlas version which is better than the retired predecessor, both in form and physical capabilities. Plus its smartness with new AI and machine learning tools opens up new avenues of applications that we could only have imagined a decade ago.

After a resounding success with Spot the robot dog and Strech multi-purpose mobile robot, they are entering a new era with Atlas that’s more humanoid without having the limitations of a bipedal robot. The result is a super agile robot that can tackle “dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks.” According to Boston Dynamics, electric Atlas is stronger and dextrous. Even though it looks more human than ever, the machine is not limited by the inherent limitations when it comes to our range of motion.

Designer: Boston Dynamics

The new version has a more refined design that’s akin to a sci-fi movie character. It looks eerily close to a humanoid. The electric version has a straighter back, longer limbs, and a head that can rotate 360 degrees. It’s heartening to see all the exposed cables vanish and a face with a built-in ring light. In the teaser video, it can be seen how the Atlas swivels 180 degrees to get up and then turn to head towards the camera. According to BD, the robot “will move in ways that exceed human capabilities.” Hyundai is one of the first clients to test out the nimble robot, and its agility with the interchangeable grippers for varied tasks.

I can’t help but avoid mentioning the Pixar lamp-like head with a jittery motion reminding us all that it’s a robot at the end of the day. We can expect more information to come in about Atlas in the coming weeks, and other humanoid robots from Figure and Apptronik will have to keep a close eye on this development by Boston Dynamics.

The post Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot reincarnates as an all-electric humanoid that’s more agile and good-looking first appeared on Yanko Design.

HMD’s Clamshell “Boring Phone” is a nightmare for productivity but lifesaver for offline social life

Posted on by

Smartphone usage has become a nemesis for people of all generations, and this addiction isn’t going to die anytime soon. Some try to get out of the clutches with strong willpower, others try to restrict themselves with minimalist phones, and most of us simply give in to the temptation of using the smart device. Eventually, those who can’t limit their screen time succumb to the overhyped online world and damage their mental well-being.

The idea here is to get super bored with your phone, so that you barely find it interesting, to concentrate on more fruitful activities. That’s what HMD Global wants to achieve with a translucent flip phone developed in collaboration with Heineken and Boston-based creative streetwear firm, Bodega. The flip device carries a retro vibe and lets you connect with friends and family via phone calls or SMS. Yes, no social media or other time churning apps on this one folks. Not even the freedom to connect at 5G speeds. Can you take that challenge up when everything around you seems ultra boring, and you have nothing to fall back on?

Designer: HMD, Heineken and Bodega

Those who have seen or owned the Nokia 2660 Flip will instantly be hit by nostalgia, as this tech-handicapped device is based on the retro flip phone. The transparent casing paired with the monochrome theme makes the Boring phone interesting, at least looks-wise. There’s holographic Bodega and Heineken branding all over the device’s rear to pep up its desirability quotient. Functionally the device is super boring but looks steal the limelight here.

The barebones specifications will not interest nerds we are sure, as it comes with a 2.8-inch QVGA (240x320px) primary display and a 1.77-inch cover screen. On the rear, there’s a 0.3MP camera with an LED flash, but don’t bank on this to take normal photos you are used to even in broad daylight. To kill your time, there a snake game, FM radio (goodbye Spotify and Deezer), and a headphone jack to listen to your collection of songs.

128GB of storage should be more than enough to host your collection and if that isn’t enough you can expand it via a microSD card slot. The 1,450mAh battery lasts at least a week on standby and 20 hours on calls. HMD has fitted dual SIM slots and 4G connectivity, thank god for that if you ultimately buy this phone and decide to go on an adventure spree!

The Boring Phone is limited to just 5,000 units worldwide and it won’t be available to buy, spoiler alert. HMD will hand out the transparent flip phone to users via giveaways, competitions and consumer engagement events. This will start at the Milan Design Week on 18 April, and if you want to reclaim your offline social life, find a way to acquire one!

The post HMD’s Clamshell “Boring Phone” is a nightmare for productivity but lifesaver for offline social life first appeared on Yanko Design.

IKEA reveals gaming furniture collection that blends perfectly with modern interiors

Posted on by

There’s something about gamers that reflects in their overall persona and living space. You can walk into a home and instantly tell it’s a gamer’s den. IKEA wants to condition this perception by making a gamer’s living space more accommodating and comfortable for their non-gaming family members or close pals. Taking a detour from the usual dark-themed setups, the BRÄNNBOLL collection of gaming furniture fuses the best of both worlds.

This subtle collection of 20 versatile items makes even more sense as gaming-themed interiors or furniture items are draped in dark-colored hues. Even IKEA’s previous gaming-themed ROG collection was following the norm. This time around the Swedish multinational wants to concentrate more on the simplistic color schemes that are relevant even when you are not gaming, or when other members of the family are around. According to IKEA, the colors used in this collection are inspired by athleisure and street sports. They’ve balanced these hues with neutral and bright colors, so that they easily mix with the modern home interior design.

Designer: IKEA

According to Ikea product design developer Philip Dilé, the collection is about “making it simple for people to create spaces that adapt to gaming, living, and everything in between.” Coming on to the new collection, there is a desk, chairs, storage solutions and accessories that’ll not only appeal to gamers, but also normal users. A deeper insight into the collection reveals a focus on seating. There’s a fold-out armchair that converts into a lounge for playing intense Battle Royale titles, a rocking-style chair for relaxed gaming in utmost comfort, and an inflatable donut chair having a footstool for casual arcade games.

The most luring item in this collection for me is the gaming station that folds away to resemble a contemporary cupboard. It’s like a hidden portal to your gaming island, only revealed when you are in the mood for some serious gaming on your PC or gaming console. The unit includes a foldable tabletop, cable management system, cleverly incorporated PC tower storage, side table that doubles as a storage box and shelves. IKEA has included textile accessories including a mousepad, a throw and a rug to make your PC gaming a satisfying experience every time you open the cabinet doors.

The collection comes with a rollable side table with pegboard customizations to keep your handheld device, gadgets controllers, headphones and of course popcorn basket. Other than this, BRÄNNBOLL collection has the option to pick up wall-mounted display shelves to show off your collectibles and merchandise. There’s no word about the pricing or availability of the collection, but it is expected to be slated to be released in September this year. We should have more information coming in the months leading up to the release, and we are already excited.

The post IKEA reveals gaming furniture collection that blends perfectly with modern interiors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Symphony headphones boast a mini vinyl player to toggle the music playing experience

Posted on by

Vinyl records bring a more immersive listening experience when stacked against the more modern digital formats. This is attributed to the superior music quality, since there is no data loss and the music plays as intended by the composer. And who can deny that distinctive sound and the warm tone teleport audio lovers to a different realm?

Some premium headphones paired with high-end equipment can come close to the quality of vinyl. So a concept artist decided to fuse the two audio parallels into one gadget. These are the Symphony headphones that bring the distinct feeling of analog audio to your ears. Of course, they match the whole experience with immersive sound delivery, and we are already yearning for them to someday come alive as a real pair of headphones.

Designer: Przemysław Wolnicki

The unusual user interaction blends modern technology with the nostalgic charm of the vinyl records. On the outside of each of those cans is a mini vinyl record for controlling the music. Rotating the record makes the song seek forward or rewind backward, while the subtle movement of the needle toggles the current track being played. The tone of the playback can also be adjusted with the player needle which is so damn cool.

This modern headphone design is fused with the nostalgic element of vinyl players most dramatically. There’s no complaining about the luxury and premium looks in this design. The designer has chosen brushed stainless steel for a very audiophile-centric appeal and those elongated bars on each of the head cups remind me of the concept hypercars. The use of see-through glass material further adds to the charm of these dope headphones. Something that Nothing would be inspired by for their next pair of headphones. So, what do you think, are these cans worth all the attention?

The post Symphony headphones boast a mini vinyl player to toggle the music playing experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lamborghini and Babolat design limited edition racquet for unmatchable on court experience

Posted on by

When the automotive finesse of Lamborghini and the sporting innovation of Babolat come together, the result is something magical. Yes, the two proven giants of their niches have designed a limited edition padel racquet that’s second to none. The sporting equipment hones the Italian automotive marques’ carbon fiber manufacturing prowess and the expertise of Babolat’s racquet technology. It took a joint research of six months to develop the racquet.

The stylish BL001 racquet inspired by the sportscar chassis is made for enthusiasts with deep pockets who believe they’ll get an edge over their friendly opponents on the court. The model will be limited to just 50 units worldwide, making it a prized possession for tennis lovers and collectors alike. This will be the first model in the collection set to have two future models – the BL002 and BL003.

Designer: Lamborghini and Babolat

Rarely do you see a padel racquet with such a streamlined shape, of course, the unparalleled peripheral monocoque frame flowing down the handle is the reason. The racquet is lightweight, yet it packs a punch and exceptional ball speed is guaranteed. So, will this racquet turn your shady tennis-playing skills into tournament-winning sprees? Definitely not, as it will only brush up your skills and make it easy for you to impart backhands and forehands with maximum power and spin.

One thing is for sure, though, once you get this racquet in your hand, the game will be more enjoyable and comfort is also guaranteed even after long stints of rallies. Since we are talking of Babolat here, the thing is completely handcrafted and rigorously tested by the in-house experts. Even if you don’t fair well with this baby in your hand, the onlookers will be mesmerized by the Lamborghini colors – Giallo Auge, Verde Viper, Arancio Livrea, Viola Pasifae, and Verde Gea. Boy they look so cool!

We should soon have a word about the pricing and availability of the Babolat BL001 racquet.

The post Lamborghini and Babolat design limited edition racquet for unmatchable on court experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Genimax HR off-road trailer is versatile enough to wear skis and tow behind a snowmobile

Posted on by

Tiny off-road trailers have their own charm. They provide a quaint way to live a weekend amid the trees out in the wilderness, where your ATV or an off-roading vehicle can go. This adventurous freedom is cut short for some months of the year when the snow blankets the earth. But with the Genimax HR, the fun is never going to be limited, thanks to its ability to wear skis and ride on snow behind your snowmobile.

Given the core functionality, the Genimax HR – an affordable pop-up roof camper – is developed for around-the-year camping. The lightweight body, made from aluminum and rust-resistant, durable composite materials, renders this 375 lbs (170 kg) trailer camper to go places without a fuss. Measuring some 60 inches in width (48 inches on snow), the camper rides on a high-performance independent suspension, which provides handsome ground clearance to enhance its off-road ability and be the skill to ride smoothly on snow.

Designer: Genimax Trailers

Designed specifically as a “ready-to-camp solution to go on an adventure with his little family,” the HR is the brainchild of Genimax Trailers, which has been in business (developing trailer solutions) since 2017. Besides its lightweight construction, the HR is readied for all seasons of the year with high-resistance polyurethane adhesive sealing up the spaces in the roof and walls.

The versatility of this easy-to-configure wilderness camper becomes manifold when riding behind an ATV on the unbeaten paths and/or behind a snowmobile when the adventure takes you on snow. And when you halt, just 2 sliding, lockable drawers, with a capacity of 200 lbs each, make for your facility. For instance, one of the side drawers of the trailer functions as a kitchen. It features a removable stainless-steel countertop alongside a folding built-in sink provided with a 10L water tank and faucet.

To elevate a family’s stay out in the wild, the Genimax HR can comfortably sleep 2 adults, and a child in the option roof tent. The camper becomes even more versatile with optional accessories and features that allow the residents to make the most of their ride. For instance, you can opt for an 80W rooftop solar panel with adjustable tilt or a retractable awning for the side of the trailer. Without the optional accessories, the base model of the Genimax HR starts at CAD 8,495 (approximately $6,200).

The post Genimax HR off-road trailer is versatile enough to wear skis and tow behind a snowmobile first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Eclipse-themed Outdoor Trailer is perfect for the Wanderlust who wants to live on the road

Posted on by

The most recent celestial phenomenon – the solar eclipse – has inspired a lot of things including individuals who traveled hundreds of miles to be left spellbound by the sight of a total solar eclipse on April 8. If you missed it for some reason, you won’t get another chance any time before the next predicted total eclipse to happen in August of 2026.

So, before that happens, Taxa Outdoors, the name behind the Mantis travel trailer, has unveiled a solar eclipse-inspired rendition of the Mantis. The upgraded Mantis travel trailer – Dark Sky Mantis – is sleek in design, and follows a dark color scheme to substantiate its name.

Designer: Taxa Outdoors

Taxa Outdoors has been designing travel trailers for outdoor adventures for years, and their expertise and knowledge are squeezed fully into the Mantis. This is why there is no surprise that the company chose this model to pay ode to the once-in-a-lifetime celestial magic. The resulting Dark Sky Mantis is going to be just like the eclipse itself; it is strictly limited promotional built and will be available only between April 8 and 15, 2024.

The limited-edition Dark Sky Mantis, except for the matte black color and certain exterior graphics, is almost the same as the Mantis travel trailer. To that accord, the trailer is designed for the adventures of off-grid living. It is ready to go wherever you want, following the astronomical phenomenon or just for a drive to a location in the wilderness.

The off-road capable Dark Sky Mantis – in addition to the matte back finish and special graphics on the exterior – has off-roading tires to match the dark color theme of the trailer. On the other hand, the eclipse-inspired trailer has increased ground clearance, axle-less suspension and articulating Lock ‘N’ Roll hitch. Like the OG Mantis, this new model also measures 19 feet long, enough to accommodate four adults in a bed that converts to a dining or lounging space, and an additional convertible bunk bed.

The interior space is enhanced by a pop-up roof, while the people opting for the strictly limited trailer will get a well-laid-out kitchen, equipped with a two-burner stove, cooler, and sink, and a functional bathroom. Taxa Outdoors has not named the price of the Dark Sky Mantis, but we can expect it to cost over $45,750, that Mantis fetches.

The post This Eclipse-themed Outdoor Trailer is perfect for the Wanderlust who wants to live on the road first appeared on Yanko Design.

These chunky earbuds with built-in cooling fan are made for people with hot ears

Posted on by

On the streets all around, one can see people hooked onto their audio-listening gadgets. Some sport headphones while others dissolve the ambient world around them with the noise isolating earbuds. While the former are a bit light on the ears, the latter can damage the ears if not used in moderation. Being a fan of earbuds, I’m always wary of not using them too long, at high volume levels.

Even though I listen to my favorite pair of Elite 10 earbuds for a prolonged duration of time (yes, they are that comfortable) at volumes that are well below the recommended 80-decibel mark, the only problem is the build-up of dust and air blockage. Wear them on hot days and you have a build-up of sweat which is not good in the long run as it can cause problematic ear infections.

Designer: BEBOP Design

This concept pair of earbuds eliminates any moisture build-up or uneasiness due to trapped heat since it comes with an in-built electric fan. Yes, you read that right, the DearBuds SE earbuds do look bulky but they are the optimal choice for people who sweat a lot and can’t live with the irritating feeling of hot ears. The design of these earbuds resembles a fused set of pebbles with a vent in between to facilitate smooth airflow. The built-in sensors detect the temperature inside the ear canal and set the fan into action as soon as the temperature rises.

You can safely call these chunky earbuds the “wearable ear dehumidifier” suited for really hot climate zones. The size can be the only deal breaker as current-gen earbuds like the Jabra Elite 10, Apple AirPods, Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are considerably smaller in size compared to this one. The size of the earbuds doesn’t leave much room for space in the charging case, hence, to keep the overall size of the case down, the closing lid is eliminated. Each of the buds stack on each other and the top one doubles as the charging port.

Definitely, these are not the ones to choose if you are a sleeptime music listener or even for active individuals who like to hit the gym. The only advantage here is the inclusion of a cooling solution that will come in handy for hot ears.

The post These chunky earbuds with built-in cooling fan are made for people with hot ears first appeared on Yanko Design.

Playtron SuiPlay 0x1 gaming handheld unifies multiple game stores into an open platform

Posted on by

The handheld gaming market is currently dominated by the likes of Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. Playtron wants to shake up this marketplace with its unique take on a gaming handheld device that unifies different game studios under one umbrella. Developed in collaboration with Mytsen Labs (one of Playtron’s seed investors), the Web3 capable gaming handheld dubbed SuiPlay 0x1 will be available in 2025 for a rumored $500.

The gaming titles compatible with the handheld will be available for purchase via the blockchain and tie some titles to Mysten’s Sui cryptocurrency. Mysten is also promising crypto-incentives and rewards as long as you keep playing and buying more games.

Designer: Playtron and Mysten

For now, the handheld renders look too sleek to be true. The D-pad is even flatter than the one on the Game Boy Advance SP, which was super-flat by necessity due to the console’s clamshell design. The startup is aspiring to create an Android of PC gaming, something that Steam Deck did. If the Web3 games on the PlaytronOS won’t do well, then the Steam and Epic Games Store availability on the platform will come to the rescue.

All said and done, the company is still to reveal any specs details. All they leaked was the promise of the handheld to be based on Advanced Micro Devices technology and currently, there are system-on-chip vendors interested in this unique offering. According to Playtrom CEO, Kirt McMaster, they are looking for manufacturing partners and a follow-up announcement will come in three months. You can look forward to the pre-order window once the specs are cleared up.

The open gaming handheld will offer multiple game stores, right from Sui Web3 games to the popular Epic Games Store. Every single game available will appear in a single launcher and work with a single operating system. The good news for developers is that the Playtron software will integrate stores with a program called Playtrom Select, so that small publishers can also launch their games directly on the launcher.

 

The post Playtron SuiPlay 0x1 gaming handheld unifies multiple game stores into an open platform first appeared on Yanko Design.

Literacy Pen is first education tool that can let the illiterate read and write in an instant

Posted on by

It can’t be stressed enough that literacy is the best tool for empowerment and social change. Literacy is everyone’s prerogative but it is not available for everyone in reality. For some their economic status is a hindrance, while for some the social stigmas and lack of opportunity become an impediment. Whatever the circumstance may be, the inability to read and write can lead to issues in everyday life, with the littlest of things such as signing a document or reading the medical prescription/medication.

Literacy drives have been a common endeavor in most developing countries in the last few decades, yet the UNESC report has alarming numbers. Reportedly, some “773 million” people globally “struggle with literacy.” The World Literacy Foundation, which has been at the forefront of providing literacy to the maximum individuals possible, has collaborated with Media.Monks to create the Literacy Pen: a speech-to-text assistance device.

Designer: The World Literacy Foundation and Media Monks

Literacy Pen is the first, portable education tool that can let the illiterate read and write instantly. It is a small device – compatible with any standard pen or pencil – with an onboard screen to display visual input that can be directly copied onto paper.

Designed with key literacy development aspects like visual repetition in hindsight, this user-friendly, lightweight tool comes with a microphone. The user can effortlessly slide a pen into the compactly designed Literacy Pen, and speak desired words into the microphone, which transcribes them word by word automatically onto the digital screen. From here the individual can see and directly copy it onto paper using the attached pen.

How much of that is possible in the real-world environment where individuals we are talking about would have never held a pen in their hand before? Considering this tool is inexpensive that the lowest in the economic hierarchy can own, with due practice, at least some people should be able to sign their financial documents or even land a job.

The post Literacy Pen is first education tool that can let the illiterate read and write in an instant first appeared on Yanko Design.