Tag Archives: docking-station

The Playdate Handheld Gaming Console gets a Nintendo Switch-style dock… but better

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Remember the Playdate console from 2019? If you don’t, here’s a refresher – the Playdate made the rounds on the internet at a time when gaming was becoming quite the craze. Google had just announced Stadia, Apple had recently unveiled their subscription-based games service, and among all that news, the Playdate emerged as this bastion of retro handheld gaming. It came with a quirky, bold design courtesy of Teenage Engineering, and sported a unique hand-cranked control that promised to add a new dimension to your gaming experience. With a retro black and white screen and the promise of immersing you in nostalgia, the Playdate garnered quite a bit of a fan following, but that doesn’t seem to be all on the horizon. The console’s maker, Panic, has just announced a new docking station for the console. Quite similar to Nintendo’s dock, this one lets you attach the gaming device to the dock for charging… but that’s not all. The Stereo Dock, as it’s named, also serves as a Bluetooth speaker, as well as a stand for the Playdate’s stylus, a new input device for the gaming console!

Designer: Panic

With a design that mirrors the Playdate console’s aesthetic perfectly, the Stereo Dock is a quirky retro-punk box that sits on your desk with speaker grilles on either side, a stylus popping out the top, and a very old-school kickstand at the bottom that lets you prop the dock up at an angle. Along with the Playdate console, it almost looks like a tiny retro television with buttons on the bottom and an antenna on the top!

The Playdate console snaps right onto the front of the dock and begins charging wirelessly. The dock doesn’t just serve as a speaker for the console, but also as a general stereo speaker that you can connect to your phone or any other device for audio playback. The Playdate DOES have a touchscreen interface, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the stylus in the Stereo Dock would work along with the console. If it relies on regular capacitive touch input then the stylus would just as easily work with your smartphone or touchscreen tablet too, which would surely be interesting.

There’s no official launch date for the Stereo Dock, although Panic has had its share of minor delays. Project Lead Greg Maletic said “We apologize to everyone with a Playdate who has been waiting patiently for the Stereo Dock; it’s been a trickier project than we anticipated and we had a few false starts. We thought we’d save some time on that project by having our factory do the software for the Stereo Dock, but we’ve learned that you don’t always necessarily want that in some cases. The Stereo Dock is very much alive, we have the physical prototypes to prove it! We expect to have a formal update on when you can buy one later this year.”

It isn’t easy being a fledgling gaming company dealing with product success – folks who remember Cyberpunk 2077 know how small companies can sometimes get crushed by the burden of expectations, although Panic certainly delivered on its promise by launching the Playdate in 2022 after a few road bumps that also included needing to change battery suppliers due to a serious battery issue. Hopefully, the Stereo Dock will be out sometime later this year, although it’s currently missing an official price tag.

The post The Playdate Handheld Gaming Console gets a Nintendo Switch-style dock… but better first appeared on Yanko Design.

This adorable miniature Macintosh is actually an innovative multi-functional docking station

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Laptops have become so powerful that they’ve started to rival some desktops, except for the part that they’re forever limited in how many devices you can attach to them. At most, you’ll probably have five to seven, depending on how thin the laptop tries to be. It’s not really unusual for many owners to expand their portable computer’s capabilities using hubs and docks, especially now with the use of USB-C and the related Thunderbolt technologies almost everywhere. These accessories, small as they may be, still take up space on your desk and can be a source of distraction. So why not put an eye-catching and enviable design on that dock, turning it into a unique homage to the original Apple Macintosh, one of if not the first to blaze a trail for personal computing.

Designer: RayCue

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You’d be forgiven for mistaking this docking station as a fancy desktop toy, given how cute and attractive it is. The RayCue 128K is basically inspired by the design of the pioneering Macintosh from 1984, from its chunky and boxy design to its off-white paint job. There’s even a keyboard-like partner that uses the same motif to complete the faithful recreation. That design alone already makes it a worthy addition to your desk, bringing life and fun to your work, but it’s more than just a piece of eye candy. It is, after all, a docking station, but it goes above and beyond the call of duty compared to your standard docks.

The RayCue 128K Pro, for example, boasts 14 ports of different kinds, including three different types of USB ports, SD/TF card readers, an Ethernet port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and not one, not even two, but three 4K 60Hz HDMI ports. As if that number wasn’t already impressive, these video out ports support DisplayLink Apple MST (multi-stream transport), making it possible to connect that many extra monitors to your MacBook. With a powerful DC-in capable of accepting up to 130W of power, the RayCue 128K can charge not only your laptop but also other devices for a total of 100W of output.

But as they say on TV, “there’s more!” The screen on the RayCue 128K isn’t just for show and is, in fact, a 3.5-inch IPS color screen that can display the time, calendar, media information, and even photos, turning the dock into a true decorative accessory to enhance your working experience. It doesn’t end there either, since the box also hides a Bluetooth Speaker, making it a jukebox to help keep your focus. It’s going to keep you entertained and productive and might even turn you into the envy of your friends.

Given how it works, you can’t really take the RayCue 128K with you wherever you go. That’s where the RayCue 128K Pocket comes in, a portable 7-in-1 hub that comes in the form of a miniature Macintosh keyboard. It might not have all the bells and whistles of the Pro dock, but it still has plenty to offer, including a 4K 60Hz HDMI port and card readers. If you’re going to put a docking station on your desk, you might as well put something that offers the best impact and experience. With the RayCue 128K Pro and Pocket, not only are you getting a powerful dock and hub, you’re also getting an adorable yet functional decoration that gives a nod to the personal computer that started it all.

The post This adorable miniature Macintosh is actually an innovative multi-functional docking station first appeared on Yanko Design.

Anker made the ultimate monitor stand with its own built-in multiport hub and wireless charging pad

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Elevating your monitor to the appropriate eye level is the least of what the Anker 675 is capable of. The slick stand also houses multiple USB-C ports (going all the way up to 100W output) and USB-A ports, along with a 4K HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and an SD card slot. If that wasn’t enough, the 12-in-1 monitor stand also has its own 10W wireless charging pad that lets you juice your phone while you’re working on your desktop or laptop. The stand comes with a crawl-space underneath it too – perfect for stashing your keyboard, notebooks, or just hiding cable clutter.

Designer: Anker

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Designed to be a multiport on legs, the Anker 675 cleverly achieves a bunch of things to make your workplace much more comfortable. For starters, it elevates your work setup – quite literally, if I might add. The monitor stand lifts your monitor up by a cool 3.54 inches, preventing you from needing to hunch over as you work. The stand’s about 21.2 inches long and 8.6 inches wide, fitting most regular desks pretty comfortably. If you’ve got a laptop or a multi-display setup, the 675 may pose some space constraints for smaller tables, although it makes up for that with a whole bunch of features, starting with that 12-in-1 multiport built right into its slick design.

The multiport features practically every single connector you’d need in a modern work setup. You’ve got three USB-C ports, including one ‘Connect to Host’ port that outputs a staggering 100W to let you directly power your laptop right from the Anker 675. A DC power input provides juice to both the stand as well as your primary machine. There’s no way for the monitor to draw power from the stand, which seems like its one real drawback, although a 4K@60Hz HDMI port lets you directly hook your monitor to your laptop via the stand. The Anker 675 also has three USB-A ports that work for both power and data delivery (including one USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 port), slots for SD and MicroSD cards, an Ethernet port capable of 1 Gbps speeds, and lastly, a 3.5mm audio jack.

All ports are cleverly located in places that make them easy to access while allowing you to neatly route cables from under the stand. The stand’s multiport system also reduces the need to have a power strip cluttering your table, along with a host of wires and cables. You’d ideally need just two plug points – one for the monitor, and another for the Anker 675, which powers all your other devices, from your laptop to your phone. Speaking of which, the monitor stand also has a 10W wireless charging zone on its side that lets you juice your smartphone or TWS earbuds whenever you want.

The Anker 675 comes with a reliably built aluminum chassis that sits on metal-finished plastic legs. The legs come with silicone-strips on the base that prevent the stand from accidentally shifting around while you work (and scuffing the table surface in the process). The entire device is designed to be compatible with both Windows and Mac-based machines (it works with the iMac too), working right out of the box without any setup required. The only setting up you’ll really need to do is physically placing the Anker 675 on your table and neatly routing all your wires and cables through its built-in cable management system located on the underside of the stand.

The Anker 675 ships with the 180W DC adapter and the AC power cord that plugs into your power socket. There’s also a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 cable included along with the hardware, and the entire device is protected by an 18-month warranty and Anker’s promise for lifetime customer support.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Anker made the ultimate monitor stand with its own built-in multiport hub and wireless charging pad first appeared on Yanko Design.

Elago W3 Stand for Apple Watch Ultra will teleport user onto a nostalgic journey of time and functionality

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San Diago-based accessories maker, Elago, has made it a custom to recreate Apple’s loved Macintosh Computer into a charging dock for the Cupertino tech giant’s new watch editions. The W3 charging stands – for Apple Watch series – through the years have paid ode to the iconic iMac that put Apple at the pinnacle of personal computing.

Meant to wirelessly charge the Apple Watch under the disguise of a classic Macintosh, Elago has this time refreshed the design to accommodate Apple’s largest watch to date. The W3 Stand is designed to sit comfortably on the nightstand while charging the Apple Watch Ultra docked into it. With the Nightstand Mode kicked in, it can function as an alarm clock and display time and messages for you.

Designer: Elago

Click Here to Buy Now!

The new Elago W3 Stand is likely to impress Apple Watch patrons with its throwback design and ability to charge the Watch Ultra. Simply place the watch into the charging stand and the watch screen will instantly transform into a retro Macintosh computer.

The stand – which is compatible with Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and all previous models – is made of durable, non-recycled silicone. The construction material renders the accessory feels great to the touch and durable enough to last a lifetime. Use of silicone also ensures that the charging stand is safe to use in homes with children and pets.

If you’re not a big Apple fan, but know someone in your circle, the Elago W3 Stand for the Apple Watch Ultra can make and ideal gift for them. The dock will teleport the recipient onto a nostalgic journey of time and functionality. If you are considering it an option, you’ll be glad to learn that the W3 Stand comes in two color options: Black and White, and is now available online for $13.99.

The post Elago W3 Stand for Apple Watch Ultra will teleport user onto a nostalgic journey of time and functionality first appeared on Yanko Design.

Best Etsy Cyber Monday Deals 2019 for Men’s Gifts

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Sometimes to get the best deals you just need to know where to look. If you haven’t looked at the crazy Cyber Monday deals happening right now on Etsy, you are missing quite a bit of action. Take a moment to head towards Etsy and grab what you can quickly before everything is purchased by […]

The post Best Etsy Cyber Monday Deals 2019 for Men’s Gifts appeared first on Walyou.

Jigsaw CatchAll Docking Station is the Perfect Place to Keep All Your Bedside Stuff

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If you’re like me, you’ve got all kinds of crap sitting on your bedside table – a phone, watch, charging cables, and other miscellaneous stuff. I always find myself reaching over in the middle of the night to check the time on my phone or watch too, and there’s usually a bunch of fumbling around in the dark. What I need is a nice way to organize all of that stuff.

Look no further than Jigsaw Furnishing’s CatchAll bedside docks. Each of their docks is made from two pieces of custom cut, high quality plywood that interlock, and provides places to dock your phone, hang your watch, hold a wallet, keys, jewelry, spare change, and a pen. I’m sure you could figure out other uses for it as well.

If you’ve got an Apple Watch, they make a special version with a cutout for its magnetic charging cable too. I definitely need that one.

Best of all, Jigsaw’s docks are reasonably priced, going for just $29.99 each. You can find them for sale over on their Etsy shop now.

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Hear It, See It, Charge It

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Previously just an idea that was floating around, the i Speaker Light is now a reality! The multifunctional design acts as a iPhone/Android dock, tablet charger, light and Bluetooth speaker all wrapped into one sleek, modern unit. Perfect at your bedside, control it with just a touch a finger or use the dedicate app to stream your tunes or set mood lighting. Vid after the jump!

Designer: Sang-hoon Lee

i speaker light begins 2015 from sanghoon lee on Vimeo.

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(Hear It, See It, Charge It was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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New Patent Suggests that Microsoft Might Enter Smartwatch Market

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Microsoft Smartwatch Fitness Patent

It was about time the Redmond giant made its move in the wearable tech market. Google already proved that it’s aiming high with Android Wear, and an Apple smartwatch has been in talks for quite a while, so it would be great if Microsoft joined the party, as well.

Last week, Microsoft was awarded a patent that hints at the possibility of making a fitness tracking smartwatch. While it has become customary for companies to patent technologies so that others don’t get to use them without paying a hefty license fee, chances are the Redmond tech company might actually enter this market and launch a wearable before you know it.

Judging by this patent, Microsoft’s wearable will accomplish more functions than a simple smartwatch or a run-of-the-mill fitness tracker. In fact, the device would be able to handle text messaging, phone calls and music controls, which would make it anything but ordinary. The big question is whether it will run on its own these smartphone functions, or maybe it will act as a smartphone companion. I must admit, the latter option would be a bit disappointing, since most current smartwatches work like that.

The Microsoft wearable is supposed to come with a docking station that also acts as an alarm clock. Speak of covering multiple fields, eh? On top of that, the wristband’s displayed is designed to be detachable, so in theory it could be paired with other exercise equipment. I’m thinking exercise or regular bikes, treadmills and other such things.

Assuming that it will have a decent price, a device with so many functions should sell like hot cakes. The only drawback would be the operating system, since Microsoft would most probably opt for its own Windows Phone OS, which as you know, doesn’t benefit from the greatest app ecosystem in the world. A viable option would be to run some sort of an Android emulator on its WP devices. After all, that’s how a rumor sounded back in February, when some claimed that Microsoft might bring Android apps to Windows 8 and WP8. On another hand, Microsoft might take Samsung’s route and develop an entirely new OS for its wearables. Time will tell, as currently there’s no certainty that Microsoft will ever do anything with this patent.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories about Microsoft’s smartwatch and the smartwatch Google is reportedly working on.

Microsoft is Preparing a Docking Station for Surface Pro 2

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Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2 goes with the extendable life battery that is a built-in feature of the power cover that comes with it. As far as peripherals are concerned there are some glad tidings for...