Forget transparent gadgets with their exposed circuitry, forget gamer gear with their flashy LEDs, this right here takes the prize for being the most gorgeous tech-aesthetic ever. Meet the Ornamental MSI Mouse, a wireless mouse concept from the mind of Eslam Mohammed. Crafted out of pure metal, the mouse eschews sleek surfaces for something a little out of the ordinary. Instead of a basic outer shell, the mouse sports an eye-catchingly intricate baroque-inspired metal outer casing. With ample cutouts that let you see through the details right into the mouse’s inner body, the shell is a combination of detail-heavy yet visually light. To balance the use of Baroque, the left and right buttons are left sleek and plain, creating a fusion that looks so good you’ll never want to lay your hands on another mouse in your life.
The Ornamental MSI Mouse blends two genres of classic aesthetics together into one gorgeous form. A very fresh reinterpretation of steampunk, this mouse is simultaneously old-school and new-age, with that ornamental chassis that encases wireless tracking tech that you’d expect from the computer peripherals of today.
The baroque shell itself looks to be either cast or machined out of metal (3D printing would be a little too expensive), and then capped with the other parts that fix right together. If the shell were to be made of aluminum, the mouse would still be incredibly light considering its all-metal construction. The hollow shell design promotes air-flow, which means you’ll never find yourself with sweaty palms… just be a little careful of resting your hand on the mouse too long or you’ll have the baroque imprints on your hand! This mouse clearly isn’t for intensive workplace usage.
Capping off the mouse’s design are all-metal left and right-click buttons, along with two shortcut buttons underneath the thumb on the side. The buttons are also accompanied by a gorgeous knurled scroll wheel that combines luxury with tactile. There’s nothing ‘cheap’ or plastic about the mouse’s design. The only real drawback is that Eslam’s concept is just that… a concept. Hopefully he’ll build a prototype soon. When he does, I’ll have my credit card ready!
You’ve probably seen sci-fi flicks that show how convenient it would be to just approach a house and have the door automatically open for you. While that might sound like the ultimate convenience, our current reality is far from reaching that idyllic future scenario. Never mind security concerns against hackers or, worse, software bugs, the requirements for installing smart door locks alone are enough to frighten off all but the most tech-savvy and capable of homeowners. Having to replace existing knobs and locks is a daunting and expensive task, which is why this “retrofit” smart door lock is so noteworthy as it allows almost anyone, especially those without much DIY experience, to install the lock in just minutes and still keep the same deadbolt they’ve been using for years.
On the one hand, it’s understandable why installing a smart door lock would require removing the old, not-so-smart one. Not only does it require electronic parts, it would also be advisable that all the parts actually work well together. On the other hand, it might not always be economical or practical to replace existing deadbolts, especially if you have quite an expensive design or are renting out rooms or houses. Retrofit locks try to bridge these two extremes and Yale just launched its first attempt at making life easier and less stressful for such people.
The new Yale Approach with Wi-Fi is a deceptively simple kit that promises you’ll only need around 10 minutes and a single screwdriver to install it over your existing deadbolt, depending on how familiar you are with some handiwork. It’s an indoor-only design so you only need to change that part of the lock and that’s all there is to it. Of course, you still need to plug in the wireless Yale Wi-Fi bridge somewhere near the Yale Approach and connect it to your network, but that’s pretty much on par with any other smart lock.
Once that straightforward installation is done, you can enjoy the key-free and sometimes hands-free experience of having a futuristic lock for your home. You can have it lock the door automatically once you’re out or even unlock it when you’re near, all without having to even pull out your phone. You can also give other people access, permanently or temporarily, to the lock, which is important for renters. Best of all, you can still use your old keys as a backup in case things go awry.
The Yale Approach with Wi-Fi arrives along with a new Yale Keypad that adds an extra layer of security to your new smart home system. This wireless backlit keypad can simply be stuck to a wall near the lock, allowing authorized users to simply enter a code to unlock the door. A future model will even come with a fingerprint sensor so you can stop worrying about memorizing all those numbers (or using an insecure sequence like “1234”). Depending on the situation, this new Yale combo might still be inadequate as far as smart security systems are concerned, but it’s still better than the alternative of going through all the work and costs of installing a new lock that you might end up not liking anyway.
If you’re anywhere near a laptop, spend a second looking at the keyboard it contains. Chances are, the keyboard you’re looking at has a 65% layout, featuring the QWERTY keys, the number row above it, and function keys. Not all laptops have num-pads on the side (unless they’re 15-inch laptops or more), so what you’re left with is perhaps the most condensed keyboard layout ever. However, you CAN go smaller. Remove the function row from the top, and you’re now left with a bare-basics 60% keyboard layout. It gets the job done, it’s compact, and is ideal for portability – all of which are the Pro X 60’s most prized features. Debuted as Logitech’s first 60% wireless keyboard, the Pro X 60 Lightspeed is deviously tiny, but doesn’t trade size for functionality. It’s still got great mechanical travel at its heart, making the keyboard perfect for pretty much everyone, but ideal for gamers, who revere that mechanical feel.
At a glance, the $179 Pro X 60 Lightspeed is a study in meticulous design and technological advancement. Offering a choice between tactile or linear GX optical switches, and available in three colors—black, white, or pink, the keyboard seeks to envelop gamers in a bespoke gaming experience. The keyboard’s compact size is a deliberate choice, offering ease of transportation without compromising on the essential features that gamers have come to expect from Logitech’s G Pro X series.
Unlike its predecessor, the G Pro X TKL Lightspeed, the Pro X 60 Lightspeed opts for optical switches over mechanical ones, offering a distinct feel with a 1.8mm actuation point and a travel distance of 4mm. This choice underscores Logitech’s pursuit of providing gamers with precision and responsiveness in a form factor that defies convention. The keyboard’s versatility extends to its connectivity options—wired via a USB-C cable, or wireless through Bluetooth or Logitech’s proprietary Lightspeed dongle, ensuring a seamless gaming experience with a 1000Hz polling rate.
Gamers can customize the keyboard and assign macro shortcuts, adjust lighting, and tweak audio effects to their liking, with each key capable of performing up to 15 different functions through Logitech’s G Hub software and the new Keycontrol tool. The inclusion of Lightsync RGB lighting, pre-set to a static blue to minimize distractions, further enhances the gaming atmosphere, allowing for a personalized color palette and lighting sequences to radiate through the keyboard’s dual-shot PBT keycaps.
Beyond its technical prowess, the Logitech G Pro X 60 Lightspeed is designed with quality-of-life improvements that cater to the gaming lifestyle. A strategically placed volume roller, a Game Mode switch that disables potentially distracting keys, and a carry case for easy transport all contribute to a gaming keyboard that understands the rhythm of competitive play and travel. For gamers for whom every second and every key press can make the difference between victory and defeat, the Pro X 60 Lightspeed is a mobile command center that bridges the gap between performance and portability. The Pro X 60 Lightspeed is available for preorder, with deliveries starting April 17th.
Although Bluetooth item trackers existed long before, Apple really took things up a notch with the AirTags. Of course, what made these small discs really valuable wasn’t just their minimalist design but their use of Apple’s crowd-sourced Find My network. This system basically utilized the large number of iOS devices spread throughout the world to pinpoint the tracker’s location accurately and quickly. It was a long time coming, but Google finally launched its own version of that network, unsurprisingly dubbed “Find My Device,” and soon Android phone owners will also be able to locate lost wallets, misplaced remote controls, stolen bags, or any other items with these upcoming “item finders” designed for every need and purpose.
It’s almost a meme about how remote controls tend to get sucked into the black hole that is the living room couch, but having no way to control a TV or entertainment system is no laughing matter. The new Pebblebee Tag for Android makes that problem a thing of the past by letting you stick a thin 40mm x 26mm (1.57in x 1.02in) black rectangle on the remote so that you can easily locate it later, even if it’s buried under cushions and pillows. Given its small size, it’s also trivial to slip this tracker in pockets, bags, and suitcases so that you’ll never accidentally forget them in the coffee shop ever again.
That Tag might be a tad too thick for your wallet, but the Pebblebee Card has you covered on that front. No larger than a credit card, this 2.8mm (0.11in) super-thin tracker promises to save you from the stress and fear of losing one of the most important objects in your life. And just like the Tag, it can be easily used for bags, laptop sleeves, and other slim spaces to give you that same peace of mind.
Keys are also often misplaced even at home, turning late mornings into frantic searchers for the small objects that give access to the car or, worse, the door. With a whole that’s perfect for a keyring or carabiner, the Pebblebee Clip makes sure that no item will ever be permanently lost. That includes anything with a hook, a zipper, or a hole that this small circle can attach to without getting in your way, like suitcase zippers or handles, bag straps, and bicycle handlebars.
All three Pebblebee trackers can be charged wirelessly and their batteries can last from 8 to 18 months before you actually need to put it down on the magnetic wireless charger again. With a bright LED and a loud melody, you can easily pinpoint the tracker’s location if it’s nearby, while Google’s new Find My Device network gives you global coverage if it is out of the 300ft Bluetooth range. All trackers are IPX6 water resistant, so you don’t have worry to too much about exposing them to the weather, and their minimalist design makes them fit with almost any object. The trackers also work with Pebblebee’s own mobile app, though they aren’t compatible with Apple’s Find My system.
More people are discovering the joys of the great outdoors, but they are also learning some of the challenges that come with living off the grid, especially when it comes to the unpredictability of weather. And then there are some outdoor adventures that really expose you to the elements, whether it be on land or especially at sea. During these moments, you need more than just a portable power source that can deliver the necessities and conveniences of modern life. You also need a reliable power source that can weather any storm, almost literally. That’s the kind of power that the new Bluetti AC240 Weatherproof Portable Power Station delivers, keeping up with life’s adventures even when Mother Nature has other ideas.
Designer: Bluetti
Click Here to Buy Now: $1299$1899 (31% off, use coupon code”yanko240″ to get an additional $100 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!
Even with all the science and technology at our disposal, changes in weather can throw a wrench in anyone’s plans, especially when those plans happen to involve staying outdoors. Traditional power stations, while extremely useful, might not be a good fit for this situation considering the safety risks involved. That’s where the Bluetti AC240 and its IP65 dust and waterproof rating come in, offering a clean, quiet, safe, versatile, and rugged power source that can withstand the harsh conditions you might find yourself in.
With the AC240’s modular design, it practically is! Stack up B210 expansion batteries and watch your power options multiply.
The Bluetti AC240 is rated IP65, which means it’s certified to withstand the intrusion of dust as well as low-pressure water jets from any angle, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. The weather-hardened solar generator boasts a variety of patented technologies and safeguards that protect it from the elements, including independent air ducts, sealed electronic compartments, a special drainage system, vacuum-coated fans, and, since they’re always exposed to the outside world, double-layer protected ports. In the event that water does manage to get in, built-in exhaust fans and the heat dissipation system will make sure the water gets out or evaporates quickly before it does any damage.
Whether you’re basking in the sun’s energy with solar panels, plugging into a wall outlet, staying juiced on the move with a car charger, or even tapping into a lead-acid battery or shore power, the AC240 ensures you’re always powered up and good to go.
Of course, the Bluetti AC240 is more than just a large weatherproof box. It’s a portable power station first and foremost, and it does an incredible job at that as well. With an output of 2,400W and a 1,536Wh LiFePO battery, the AC240 can easily power anything from a phone charger to a 20 cubic feet fridge for at least one day. A 3,600W powerlifting mode can even power that hot plat to make sure you get warm meals even when it’s pouring outside your RV. The plethora of charging ports, which include 2 standard AC outlets, 1 NEMA TT-30 port, a car outlet, 2 USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 12V/30A RV port, make sure every electronic machine is supported, even an RV or a boat.
Whether you’re navigating the high seas or driving into the unknown wilderness, the AC240 reliable enough to keep your adventures smooth from start to finish.
If that’s already impressive, then you’ll probably be blown away by what the Bluetti AC240 can do when paired with the B210 expansion battery, which itself is also IP65 weatherproof. Each B210 adds 2,150Wh of power and you can have as many as four packs connected to the AC240 for a whopping 10,135Wh total capacity. And if that weren’t enough, you can link two AC240 using Bluetti’s unique parallel technology with the Parallel Box P480, delivering 4,800W output (without expansion batteries) without doubling the voltage. With this much power and flexibility, including simultaneous connection to the power grid while powering your devices and a responsive 15ms UPS function, the Bluetti AC240 can even provide enough power to your house to weather out a storm.
When it comes to charging the power station itself, the AC240 offers a variety of options, from super-fast 1.1-hour AC charging at 2400W max input (when paired with a B210 expansion battery) to completely green solar charging at 1200W intake in just two hours. Weighing only 72 lbs (33 kg) and almost as big as a microwave, the Bluetti AC240 offers portable, reliable, and durable power that you can take with you anywhere you go, confident that it can handle anything thrown its way, whether by you or by Mother Nature herself.
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There’s something magical about audio accessories that grabs my attention without bounds. This concept floor-standing speaker conceptualized for LG piqued my interest for more reasons than one. The primary one is the versatility of use and the multifunctional properties that in no way overpower the minimal aesthetics.
Picturing the LG PICK speaker in a living room or a geeky WFH setup won’t be hard, and I already wish this was a real product coming out of the South Korean electronics giant’s production lines. The movable speaker rightly called the Sound Tree Audio System brings with it maximum freedom to set up your audio listening space without too many frills.
The standing base of the speaker has one resounding advantage of fitting in one more useful gadget and functionality that any user will love. Case in point a beam projector and a clamp to hook on your smartphone for watching content. That’s not it, the rear side of the speaker is a display that shows vital information like current weather, music playing interface, clock, or anything a widget is good for. The speaker module can be oriented in any direction or simply taken out to function as a portable speaker.
The beam projector can be used in conjunction with the speaker to enjoy multimedia content like movies or videos. You can project the image on any plain surface such as a wall or ceiling. On the lower end of the floor stand is the mount compatible with most devices like a smartphone or tablet. On the base lies the charging port to keep the whole thing juiced up and act as a charging pod for the detachable speaker and the projector.
Overall, the concept envisioned for LG seems like a practical product for modern lifestyle needs. The aesthetics are also on point to please any enthusiast no matter the age or gender. For me, the PICK Sound Tree System scores very high in terms of a winning design.
Having a baby can be a very magical moment, but even the best, most patient, and kindest parents will struggle with some of the aspects of raising an infant. They need constant monitoring, even late at night when even adults should be resting. One of the most problematic things to watch out for is when the baby wets the bed, because it can happen any time, day or night, and even when parents are not paying attention. It might already be too late when the infant cries after having spent long minutes wearing or lying on something wet, which then could bring skin complications and other problems. It’s for that reason that this crib concept was designed, offering a more efficient way to monitor the baby by employing the very same technologies used to monitor plants and their soil’s wetness.
Soil moisture, or the volume of water content in the soil, isn’t exactly the same as determining when a baby wet the bed, but the technology works the same for both cases. The sensor is only able to measure water content indirectly by taking into account other factors like electrical resistance, dielectric constant, and the like. Fortunately, this is enough to also detect if the mattress of a crib is now wet, which is the critical component of the Wee Watch Crib Concept.
In a nutshell, the crib uses copper coils attached to the mattress to implement the moisture detection hardware, since copper is considered to be harmless for the baby in this context. The sensors can sense the wetness of the bed and immediately fire off a notification to parents or caretakers, either audibly or through a phone app. It’s a much more efficient way compared to constantly watching the baby, which is tiring, or waiting for the baby to cry, which could be too late for the infant’s comfort and health.
Of course, the baby crib also has to be comfortable, not just functional, and the Wee Watch design opts to use natural cotton fibers for the mattress as it is gentler on the baby’s skin. The frame is made from laminated timber that’s put together using a moisture-resistant adhesive, and there are tall vents at the bottom to facilitate airflow and regulate temperature. More importantly, the crib is also made to still be useful as the baby grows, about up to two years as long as they still comfortably fit in that space.
As a design website, we’ve had the distinction of covering practically every computer mouse there is. Regular mice, ergonomic mice, vertical mice, gaming mice, inflatable mice, even origami mice… so the BM1 doesn’t come as any massive surprise in terms of the visual design department. Modeled on the Lambda-class T-4A Shuttle from Star Wars, the mouse balances ergonomics with a rather inventive design that pays tribute to one of the greatest cinematic universes of all time.
Crafted by a visionary designer with a profound love for the Star Wars universe, the BM1 Mouse pays homage to one of the saga’s most iconic vessels – the Lambda-class T-4a shuttle. With its sleek contours and unmistakable resemblance to the Imperial Shuttle, this mouse beckons adventurers to embark on a journey through the stars, where every click and scroll resonates with the pulse of interstellar warfare.
For the legions of Star Wars aficionados and gamers alike, the BM1 Mouse offers an unparalleled experience, seamlessly blending the allure of the Galactic Empire with the thrill of virtual conquests. At first glance, the echoes of the Lambda-class shuttle resonate through the sleek contours of the mouse, with its central body mirroring the iconic vessel’s silhouette (if you exclude the wings).
The fusion of form and function reaches its peak with the mouse’s primary features – the left and right clicks, reminiscent of the cannons adorning the front of the Imperial Lambda. Each click resonates with the exhilaration of battle, offering gamers an immersive experience akin to piloting a starfighter through the vast expanse of space.
Beyond its striking resemblance to the Imperial Shuttle, the BM1 Mouse boasts a visual identity that exudes sophistication and ergonomic brilliance. Chamfered edges provide not only aesthetic appeal but also enhance grip and comfort during prolonged gaming sessions. The streamlined shape evokes a sense of speed and agility, reminiscent of the starships that dominate the Star Wars universe.
Not to be overlooked is the mouse’s scroller – a distinctive feature that commands attention with its futuristic design. Easy to spot and effortless to use, the scroller serves as a tool for navigation in the digital realm, guiding users through galaxies far and wide with precision and ease.
Moreover, the visual cues and font selection evoke a sense of futurism, drawing parallels to the technological marvels of the Star Wars universe. The color palette, a delicate fusion of greys, whites, and vibrant primary hues, further accentuates the mouse’s futuristic appeal, transporting users to a realm where technology and imagination converge.
A closer look at the mouse’s underside reveals a flat base adorned with sleek depressions, reminiscent of the underbelly of a spaceship preparing for flight. This attention to detail not only enhances the mouse’s aesthetic appeal but also reinforces its identity as a vessel for digital exploration and conquest.
As much as I love my music streaming services, I’m also a fan of playing analog music. Well, at least in theory. I have several CDs at home already but I don’t have a CD player (still researching about what’s the best one that my wallet can afford). I also want to have a vinyl player soon although that will take more of an investment both for the player itself and the vinyls I’ll buy afterwards. So I am always interested when I see concepts or designs for turntables as it can be references for what I’ll buy in the (hopefully) near future.
Designer: Antoine Brieux / NAK Studio
This concept for a high end industrial design linear vinyl turntable will probably not fit into my budget if it ever gets made but it’s still pretty interesting to look at. It will be made up of full machined aluminum and magnesium parts but also uses glass and recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) so you get an industrial but minimalist look. The platter assembly has conical bearings shaft and actually looks like those old 35mm film projectors but placed horizontally.
In keeping with its industrial theme, you get an industrial drive belt driving system but with an air cushion linear arm to make it more interesting. The tonearm is Bluetooth embedded so you can connect it to Bluetooth speakers directly but you can also use the regular plug system if you prefer that. It also has a brushless motor and constant drive controller while it uses capacitive sensors to manage the start and end position of the arms which can use either an automatic or manual lift system.
The product render, including a video sample of what it might look like, makes it really look like a high end kind of vinyl player. But it also looks a bit heavy based on the materials that will be used so if you’re looking for something that can be portable or at least easy to move within your space, this might not be it. As for the quality when you actually play your vinyls on it, that remains to be seen.
It gives Tiny Desk Concerts a run for their money!
They say that your creativity is probably the highest as a child, and the world introduces you to logic, practicality, and adulting through the years, diminishing that creative spirit. You spend years honing your skills, learning how to paint properly with the right technique, color theory, etc. and by the time you’re a master of your craft, you’re an adult who wasn’t as creative as your younger self. With music too, you spend years learning instruments instead of just expressing yourself, which is why the myTRACKS is such a remarkable little device. Designed to be a highly capable synth that’s good enough for even seasoned musicians, this tiny MIDI device introduces you to all the aspects of music-making, including melodies, filters, audio processing, sampling, looping, etc. It isn’t that tiny toy xylophone that we played with as kids – it’s the world’s first child-friendly music production studio that allows kids to intuitively express themselves musically.
Designer: Playtime Engineering
The myTRACKS isn’t your average kids’ toy. It’s a genuine groovebox – a miniature music production studio packed with features that would impress even seasoned musicians – but intuitively packaged in a design that’s kid-friendly and encourages curiosity. It boasts a built-in microphone for sampling sounds, just like the SK-1, but with a significant upgrade: 50 high-quality instrument sounds at their disposal. These sounds can be triggered by hitting any of the 25 pads, allowing kids to create rhythmic sequences and melodies with ease.
myTRACKS boasts an impressive collection of 48 instruments, from classic acoustic sounds like pianos and guitars to cutting-edge synthesizers perfect for crafting electronic music. But it doesn’t stop there. Built-in effects levers allow users to experiment with filters, delay, and pitch bend, adding texture and personality to their creations. This level of control goes beyond simply playing pre-programmed melodies – it opens the door to crafting unique sonic landscapes. You can make a simple piano melody sound ethereal with a touch of delay, or transform a basic synth line into a pulsating lead with a filter sweep.
The real magic lies in myTRACKS’ ability to record and arrange complete songs. Aspiring musicians can layer instruments and samples on the five-track studio, creating a dynamic composition. A dedicated drum track helps lay down a rhythmic foundation, perfect for creating anything from a driving beat to a laid-back groove. The colorfully lit play pads allow for recording custom melodies or rhythmic loops. This intuitive interface makes it easy to translate musical ideas into reality, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging further exploration. Don’t have a piano in hand? No problem! myTRACKS allows you to sample any sound with the built-in microphone, turning a beatboxed rhythm or a household object into a unique musical element. Modify your samples with cool effects to create otherworldly sounds or recreate the ambiance of your favorite video game soundtrack. The bright purple levers on the side function as mod wheels, just like those found on professional synthesizers. These allow budding musicians to control and manipulate sounds in real-time – a feature any electronic music producer would appreciate.
myTRACKS isn’t afraid to break free from the stereotype of being a “kid’s toy.” The 5-pin MIDI Out port allows for seamless connection to external synthesizers, like the Blipblox, for even more creative possibilities. Imagine layering the warm sounds of a Blipblox analog synth over your myTRACKS composition, or using an external MIDI keyboard for more precise control over your melodies. Battery-powered portability with a built-in speaker means you can create music anywhere, whether it’s jamming with friends in the park or capturing inspiration on a camping trip. The universal USB-C port allows for power and sound pack upgrades, ensuring myTRACKS can grow alongside your musical ambitions. As you develop your skills and explore different genres, you can expand your sound library with additional instrument and effect packs, keeping your musical creations fresh and exciting.
