Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

BYD Seal 08 is a $29K flagship EV with 905 km range that already secured 65,000 orders

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Six days after its official debut in China, the BYD Seal 08 is already making headlines for reasons beyond its specifications. The flagship sedan entered one of the industry’s most competitive segments with a starting price of 196,900 yuan (around $29,000). Interestingly, it offers the kind of technology typically associated with luxury electric sedans costing significantly more.

Available in three battery-electric (BEV) variants and three plug-in hybrid (DM-i) models, Seal 08 EV also recorded around 65,000 locked orders within its first 30 hours. A very strong signal that BYD’s strategy of combining premium engineering with mass-market pricing is resonating with buyers. The automaker is headstrong with its strategy for the future, aiming to dominate the commercial market segment and also having ambitions to be the first Chinese automaker to occupy the Formula-1 paddock spot by 2027. Of course, how can one forget their ambition to surprise the hypercar dreams with the marque offshoot Fang Cheng Bao.

Designer: BYD

Flagship Sedan With Mass-Market Pricing

At 5,150 mm long with a 3,030 mm wheelbase, the Seal 08 is flush in the large sedan category, placing it alongside executive cars rather than mainstream family sedans. It adopts BYD’s latest Ocean Aesthetics 2.0 design language, characterized by clean surfaces, flowing proportions, flush door handles, and slim lighting elements that give the four-wheeler an understated yet premium appearance.

The interior follows the same philosophy. A floating central infotainment display anchors a clean dashboard layout, while the spacious cabin emphasizes comfort without overwhelming occupants with an excess of controls. The long wheelbase translates into generous rear-seat room, reinforcing the Seal 08’s positioning as a flagship designed for both daily commuting and long-distance travel.

Pricing of the EV is perhaps the biggest surprise. Starting below $30,000, the sedan undercuts many rivals while delivering dimensions, technology, and equipment usually reserved for vehicles in a much higher price bracket, like the Hyundai IONIQ 5. That value proposition helps explain why dealerships reported tens of thousands of orders shortly after sales opened.

Premium Hardware Usually Reserved for Luxury Cars

Beyond its size and styling, the Seal 08 showcases BYD’s latest engineering advancements. The battery-electric models are built on an 800V high-voltage architecture, enabling ultra-fast flash charging that significantly reduces charging times compared to conventional EV platforms. The sedan also debuts BYD’s Blade 2.0 battery, an evolution of the company’s well-known Blade battery technology. The new pack is designed to improve charging efficiency, energy density, and safety while supporting the vehicle’s long-range capabilities.

Higher trims introduce features that remain uncommon at this price point. DiSus-A intelligent air suspension continuously adjusts ride height and damping to improve comfort and stability, while rear-wheel steering enhances maneuverability in tight spaces and increases stability at highway speeds. Together, these systems give the Seal 08 a technology package more commonly associated with premium European luxury sedans. BYD also offers impressive driving range figures. The top BEV variant claims up to 905 km on the Chinese CLTC testing cycle, while the plug-in hybrid version combines electric power with a fuel engine for a claimed total range of 1,660 km. Although real-world driving distances are typically lower than CLTC ratings, both figures position the Seal 08 among the longest-range vehicles in its segment.

Why Seal 08 Matters Beyond China

The much hyped EV arrives at a pivotal moment for BYD. During the same week as the launch, reports indicated that the company had reclaimed the global battery-electric vehicle sales crown from Tesla after delivering roughly 557,000 BEVs in the second quarter of 2026. That context makes the Seal 08 more than just another product launch. It shows how BYD’s vertically integrated business model of designing its own batteries, electric drivetrains, semiconductors, and vehicle platforms allows it to deliver flagship-level technology at prices competitors struggle to match.

Rather than treating the battery as just another component sourced from a supplier, BYD has built an entire vehicle ecosystem around its battery expertise. The result is a sedan that combines advanced charging technology, sophisticated chassis systems, generous range, and premium comfort without carrying the premium price tag traditionally attached to such features. For global automakers, the electric vehicle raises an important question: if a flagship electric sedan with air suspension, rear-wheel steering, an 800V architecture, and a next-generation battery can start at around $29,000, how long can premium pricing remain the industry’s default? Judging by the first 65,000 orders, consumers may have already begun answering that question.

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Nothing Ear (3a) boasts built-in audio recording, smarter ANC, and 42-hour battery life for just $99

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Most wireless earbuds are designed to disappear into your daily routine. The Nothing Ear (3a) does the opposite. While the pair of buds brings the expected upgrades in sound quality, active noise cancellation, and battery life, the most compelling feature isn’t about listening at all. Instead, it’s about capturing the moments you want to remember. Whether that’s a brilliant idea during a meeting, an important takeaway from a lecture, or a favorite quote from a podcast.

Priced at $99, the Ear (3a) is sandwiched right between the budget-focused Ear (a) and the flagship Ear (3), bringing several premium features to the affordable segment without losing the transparent design language that has become Nothing’s signature. From improved ANC and Hi-Res audio support to thoughtful software additions, the Ear (3a) feels less like an incremental refresh and more like a pair of earbuds designed to be genuinely useful throughout the day.

Designer: Nothing

The biggest addition is Audio Snapshot, a feature powered by 32MB of onboard flash storage built into the earbuds. By pinching both earbuds simultaneously, users can instantly save short audio clips. These recordings automatically sync with the Nothing X app, where they can be edited, shared, and transcribed. The earbuds also support up to two hours of native phone calls and meeting recording, complete with audible notifications that let everyone know when recording begins. This is an uncommon capability in this price range and one that extends the earbuds’ usefulness well beyond music playback.

Nothing has also refined the listening experience with new 12mm dynamic drivers that deliver deeper bass while maintaining clarity across the frequency range. Support for Hi-Res Audio Wireless and LDAC allows compatible Android devices to stream higher-quality audio, while an expanded eight-band equalizer offers greater control for users who prefer to fine-tune their sound profile. Whether the preference is bass-heavy tracks or a more balanced signature, the earbuds provide enough flexibility to suit different listening styles.

Active noise cancellation has also received a noticeable boost. The Ear (3a) delivers up to 45dB of ANC across a wider frequency range, with Nothing claiming roughly 17 percent better performance than its predecessor. Clear Voice technology improves call quality by making speech easier to understand in noisy surroundings, while the inclusion of an extra-small ear tip size helps accommodate a wider range of users and enhances passive noise isolation. The IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance also makes the earbuds suitable for commuting and workouts.

Battery life remains one of the Ear (3a)’s strongest selling points. The earbuds offer up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC turned off, while the charging case extends total listening time to as much as 42 hours. Even with noise cancellation enabled, users can expect up to 25 hours of combined playback. A quick five-minute charge delivers approximately an hour of listening time, and Bluetooth 6.0 with dual-device connectivity makes switching between a phone, tablet, and laptop effortless.

The earbuds arrive in attractive pink and yellow, along with the standard black or white colorway. In the package there’s a new XS ear tip size for users with very small ears. Rather than relying solely on incremental hardware improvements, Nothing Ear (3a) introduces features that make wireless earbuds more practical throughout the day. That’s an undeniable USP at a price tag under $100. Nothing has also released the highly anticipated Phone (4b), which we’ll cover shortly, so stay tuned!

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adidas BB.01 is first 3D-printed basketball shoe built to improve stability and flexibility on court

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While the world is fixated on who’s making it to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup. adidas thinks it’s done enough for the love of the game with the Trionda, and now it’s time to shift focus to basketball. To do that, the sportswear giant is bringing 3D-printed footwear innovation to the hardwood with the launch of adidas BB.01. It is the first 3D-printed basketball shoe to hit the market, in an eye-catching combination of Solar Red and Orbit Grey.

The 3D printed basketball shoe from adidas is a definite head-turner. It’s called the adidas BB.01 “Solar Red/Orbit Grey,” and it’s nothing like the traditional canvas, textile, and foam silhouettes. While most shoe midsoles are molded in factories, the BB.01 is printed entirely from resin in layers instead.

Designer: adidas

The basketball shoe is part of adidas’ Project R.A.P (Radical Athlete Perception). The program ensures that adaptive manufacturing is not just an experimental category but an actual way to create functional, court-worthy footwear. Based on this ideology, adidas BB.01 has been a long time coming.

The much-anticipated footwear finally has a release date and a price. Fans should be able to get their feet into the 3D-printed marvel starting July 14, when it will be available through the adidas Confirmed app for $250. Meticulously combining “cutting-edge digital manufacturing with elite on-court performance,” the shoe features Orbit Grey in the base, which, in contrast, is highlighted by the Solar Red upper cage. The Three Stripes logo is present on the heel, from where it extends upward toward the collar.

Since the footwear is designed to complement the wearer’s performance on the court, its 3D printed midsole is designed to handle the impact and keep the player “stable through cuts and landings.” The footwear weighs only 15.13 oz (428 g) and comes with its most striking resin outer shell on top of the engineered midsole, which utilizes a lattice design across the sidewalls. This form factor allows the shoe to flex with the twisting nature of the foot. Higher-density printing is also carried out around the toes and heels for stability.

adidas BB.01 is not an attractive shoe on the outside alone. On the inside, it also features a soft textile bootie that locks the foot in place, ensuring support and comfort. A flagbearer of the future of 3D printing in the footwear industry, adidas BB.01 will release on July 14, but you can start registering for it as early as July 9 through the company website.

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Godox C100 camera lets you frame shots naturally without filters or preview screen

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With a smartphone in their pocket, everyone is a photographer. But clicking a good picture is still a creativity reserved for the trained. Unless you are from the Instagram generation and you know how to use filters. Clicking and then post-editing with filters and everything is so time-consuming. To give your Instagram frenzy an instant photography impetus, Godox in China has created the C100 camera with a unique transparent viewfinder screen that lets you capture the real thing by looking at it in the real-life environment, no filters required.

Godox is globally recognized for its lighting products for photography; therefore, a distinctive camera from the company can be considered more than a gimmick. The camera tabs on the interesting resurgence of point and shoot-style cameras, whether in the form of this action camera that pops-off to become a wearable or a Polaroid camera with a burst mode, we have seen in the recent past. The C100, however, makes a special case. The camera eliminates the color preview screen and replaces it with a transparent LCD that functions as an optical viewfinder.

Designer: Godox

Designed to be your simplistic filming companion on the go, the device is created to be lightweight. Weighing only 65g, the camera lets you “look directly at the real scene when composing your shot, press the shutter, and capture the beautiful moment,” Godox explains. Unlike a digital camera, you don’t see the view through a display. There is no display, so you create the composition through its transparent screen. “No complicated operations are required. Take photos or record videos anytime, anywhere,” the company claims.

The device is basically a two-part unit, akin to handheld games we had growing up in the nineties. The top half features a transparent screen inside a thickish bezel comprising a camera in the center (like the selfie camera on a smartphone). Below it, in the other half, are the battery, SD card, and charging slot, toggle buttons for left and right adjustment, and the click-to-capture shutter. The lower half is also where you grip the camera to take pictures.

Godox points out on its product page that the C100 camera features metering capabilities. It can read the brightness of the central area (you’re trying to capture) and can automatically calculate the optimal exposure settings. This information can also be used to click with a separate camera, if you may. According to the company, the transparent screen on the C100 has about 50% light transmittance. The display shows information like active exposure, current frame, and battery life while clicking.

For stress-free shooting in all types of environments, the C100 camera is said to feature four creative aspect ratios. You can shoot in either 6:9, 4:3, 3:2, or 1:1. The camera doesn’t have built-in storage but is compatible with up to a 128GB microSD card. You can transfer your media from the C100 to your phone or laptop via USB-C, which can also be used to recharge its built-in battery that lasts 1.5 hours.

Godox hasn’t shared information regarding the camera sensor used or the image formats and video quality it supports, but has specified the retail price of the C100 at $44.90 in the official release video of the camera.

 

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8849’s Tank 5 phone built for the harshest of conditions has a 2K DLP projector

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Smartphones have brought the smarts of the tech world to our pockets, but there’s still scope for more. Rugged phones like Blackview XPLORE 2 and the 8849 Tank Pad Ultra have already demonstrated what smart devices built like a tank are capable of beyond their stellar protective shell. It serves as the perfect housing for securing a small projector inside.

Rugged smartphones are typically known for their larger batteries, night-vision cameras, and even thermal cameras, targeted at users who spend a considerable amount of time in the great outdoors. 8849 wants to have more than a slice of that niche market with the new Tank 5 phone, which comes with a DLP projector so you never get bored on those lonely nights camping out in the wild.

Designer: 8849

Although the mobile device is also targeted towards users who work in industrial sectors where other phones won’t survive the hardcore conditions, this phone is the ideal companion for someone who’s downright clumsy. Sure, the device is quite thick at 33.8mm and heavy at 715 grams, for being a daily driver, but the utility it packs should appeal to hardcore users who want a bit extra from their smartphone. For that reason, Tank 5 comes with an IP68 and IP69K water and dust resistance rating, making it better than most mainstream flagship devices.

Take it into the wild, and you’re most certainly guaranteed weeks of battery backup courtesy of its 17,600mAh battery. With the accompanying 120W charging setup, this tank-like device juices up in 90 minutes. It also doubles as a reverse charging unit for your other gadgets. The battery cell is rated to survive ambient extremes from -28 °C to 56 °C. On the back, the phone gets a 1200-lumen camping light with an RGB function to send SOS signals, look deep into the woods, or light up the camping ground. The highlight of this rugged phone is the built-in 2K DLP projector (resolution of 2048 x 1080 pixels) that comes with laser-based auto-focus and automatic keystone correction for enjoyable late-night entertainment. The small yet power-packed projector delivers 220 lumens of brightness, which is respectable enough for a quick session of binge-watching on any flat projection surface.

Still, at the end of the day, it is a 6.73-inch AMOLED display phone boasting a 3200×1400 pixel resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The 3,000 nits of peak brightness ensure the content being displayed is clearly visible in direct sunlight outdoors. Under the hood, the phone packs a lot of power thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e processor mated to 18GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512 GB internal storage (UFS 4.0), which can be extended to 2GB via the microSD card slot. You can click good photos with the phone thanks to the 50 MP primary shooter, 50 MP night vision camera, and a 50MP telephoto lens on the rear. For selfies and video calls, Tank 5 gets an impressive 32MP shooter. Of course, there’s a 3.5 mm jack, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and two programmable keys to assign your favorite functions.

8849 takes device connectivity and security seriously; that’s why this phone gets WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and eSIM support. Tank 5 carries a price tag of $900 during the initial pre-order phase, which will later rise to the regular $999 price.

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LIV’s new E-Leaf Offroad thermoplastic travel trailer is woodless and all-electric

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Interestingly, every other manufacturer in the industry is changing the way trailers used to be. Not just the wooden construction, even woodwork indoors is being replaced with composite fiberglass construction for weight management and longevity. LIV Trailers, based in the US is trying a different approach altogether.

Famous for its no-wood, no-fiberglass rigs made of welded thermoplastic bodies, the relatively young company is changing the RV landscape one release at a time. Latest to make its presence felt is the new E-Leaf Offroad trailer, which thrives on its image of being the first all-electric thermoplastic travel trailer. We cannot verify it on a global scale, but it definitely is the first such RV from the company itself.

Designer: LIV Trailers

E-Leaf Offroad trailer has officially been announced, though information regarding most of its specs and features remains undisclosed at the time of writing. However, the all-electric nuance of the travel trailer is brilliantly highlighted along with the inherent construction that it borrows from its predecessors. All LIV trailers feature a single-piece plastic shell. The company says it is formed by welding the roof, walls, and wheel wells into one continuous structure, leaving no seams for water to seep in and eliminating the risk of corrosion altogether.

The E-Leaf Offroad also shares a similar thermoplastic unibody. As the name suggests, it is made for off-roading and to run off-the-grid. LIV has announced that the E-Leaf Offroad will start under $25,000 and feature a 300Ah lithium battery drawing power from a 400-W rooftop solar system (comprising a pair of 200W panels). The trailer features a 3,000-W inverter onboard to keep the electric appliances and lighting running and also comes with a 20-A DC-to-DC charger to power the towing EV.

There is no official word on the size of the trailer, but going by the previous models from LIV and the supposed design at hand, it could reportedly measure slightly above 17 foot overall. Despite the trailer’s compact size, its unibody construction in addition to rendering it rugged, would also make the rig lightweight yet spacious to accommodate up to four people.

The E-Leaf Offroad, for such a sleeping arrangement, features a foldaway bed on one side of the side entry and a convertible gaucho sofa elsewhere. Most interesting here is the L-shaped corner kitchen comprising electric appliances, including a single-burner cooktop, a door fridge/freezer, and a microwave. It’s worth noting that while the sofa extends to become a bed, the Murphy bed folds up to reveal a bar-style dining table underneath, which can be used with a set of folding stools for dining. Much to my bewilderment, E-Leaf Offroad is also reported to house a full bathroom with a toilet and shower. The shower is fed with warm water by a 30-L electric water heater. The trailer is also likely to get a 32-in TV and an air conditioner with a heat pump when it’s launched.

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This 60Hz E Ink Game Boy emulator refreshes retro gaming with an ESP32-powered handheld

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Retro gaming has inspired countless handheld recreations over the years, but most focus on replicating the original hardware with faster processors or modern conveniences. Wenting Zhang’s latest experiment takes a completely different route by pairing a classic Game Boy emulator with an E Ink display, an unlikely combination that overcomes one of the technology’s biggest limitations. Instead of accepting the sluggish refresh rates typically associated with E Ink, Zhang engineered a solution capable of delivering gameplay at a remarkably smooth 60Hz, creating a handheld that feels far more responsive than its paper-like screen would suggest.

The DIY project dubbed PaperBoy S3 is built around the discontinued M5Stack PaperS3 development kit. The compact board combines an ESP32-S3 dual-core microcontroller with a 4.7-inch 960 x 540 E Ink touchscreen, hardware originally intended for smart home controls, electronic labels, and educational projects rather than gaming. By transforming this inexpensive development platform into a functional Game Boy emulator, Zhang demonstrates just how much untapped potential still exists in low-power embedded hardware.

Designer: Wenting Zhang

Achieving playable performance required much more than simply running emulator software. Traditional E Ink displays rely on slow waveform updates that prioritize image quality over speed, making them unsuitable for fast-moving graphics. Zhang bypassed this limitation by taking advantage of PaperS3’s raw row-and-column display interface, allowing him to implement a custom driver that performs rapid partial screen refreshes. Instead of refreshing the entire display every frame, only the active gameplay area is updated, dramatically reducing latency while maintaining recognizable grayscale visuals.

The original Game Boy’s modest 160 x 144-pixel resolution also works in the project’s favor. Rather than driving the display at its full native resolution, the emulator scales the Game Boy image while processing only a small portion of the screen. Multiple frame buffers fit directly into the ESP32-S3’s SRAM, enabling much faster rendering than would otherwise be possible. Zhang also applies intelligent dithering techniques to recreate the Game Boy’s four shades of gray, preserving the familiar look of Nintendo’s iconic handheld on an E Ink panel.

The ESP32-S3’s dual-core architecture plays an important role in maintaining performance. One processor core is dedicated to Game Boy emulation while the other handles video rendering and audio tasks, pushing the inexpensive microcontroller close to its limits. Despite the constrained hardware, classic titles such as Pokémon Blue, Super Mario Land, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remain highly playable, proving that smooth retro gaming does not necessarily require powerful silicon.

PaperBoy S3 also includes several thoughtful quality-of-life features. Bluetooth controller support offers an alternative to touchscreen controls, while quick-save and quick-load functions make it easier to jump in and out of games. Audio remains the biggest compromise because the development board lacks dedicated sound hardware, forcing Zhang to rely on the built-in piezo buzzer to approximate the Game Boy’s music and sound effects. The results are far from perfect, but they remain recognizable enough to complement the nostalgic experience.

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Fiat Multiplina concept rincarnates Classic Multipla as a clever four-seat electric urban vehicle

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Urban mobility is evolving rapidly as cities become more congested and the demand for compact, efficient electric vehicles continues to grow. Building on the success of the Topolino and its expanding micromobility lineup, Fiat has now revealed the Multiplina Concept, a compact four-seat electric vehicle that previews the brand’s vision for practical city transportation. Rather than replacing a conventional car, the concept is designed to be a lightweight quadricycle and a full-fledged automobile, offering greater versatility while maintaining a small footprint.

Multiplina draws inspiration from the original 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla, one of the earliest examples of a space-efficient people mover. While the new concept embraces a thoroughly modern electric platform, it preserves the classic model’s philosophy of maximizing interior space within minimal exterior dimensions. The upright stance, rounded bodywork, expansive glasshouse, and cab-forward proportions create a distinctive retro-modern appearance that prioritizes visibility and cabin room over aggressive styling.

Designer: Fiat

Unlike the two-seat Topolino, the Multiplina features seating for four occupants in a two-door configuration, making it more suitable for families, shared mobility services, or urban commuters who occasionally need extra passenger capacity. Fiat describes it as the “missing link” between the Topolino and a conventional passenger car, projecting it as a practical solution for people who find existing microcars too limiting but do not require the size or complexity of a standard hatchback.

The concept was unveiled as part of Fiat’s broader micromobility strategy during a dedicated event in Rome, where the company showcased an expanding ecosystem of electric transportation solutions. Alongside the Multiplina, Fiat introduced new Topolino variants and highlighted the Tris electric three-wheeler for commercial use, illustrating how the brand intends to serve personal transportation, urban logistics, and shared mobility through a unified lineup. According to Fiat CEO Olivier François, the company aims to make mobility simpler, smarter, and more accessible while reinforcing its long-standing focus on compact vehicles designed specifically for urban environments.

Although Fiat has yet to disclose technical specifications, battery details, or performance figures, the Multiplina is expected to remain compact enough for crowded city streets while offering improved everyday usability over existing quadricycles. Reports indicate that the production model is targeted for a 2028 launch, with expectations that it will fit within Europe’s heavy quadricycle category, enabling lower operating costs and greater accessibility in markets where these vehicles benefit from simplified licensing requirements.

The timing of the concept is significant as Fiat continues to strengthen its position in Europe’s growing micromobility sector. The company reports that the Topolino became Europe’s best-selling electric quadricycle in 2025, with demand continuing to rise in 2026. As more cities introduce low-emission zones and prioritize compact transportation, vehicles like the Multiplina could offer an appealing alternative for short-distance urban travel without the size and expense of traditional passenger cars.

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New Balance’s 3-in-1 modular shoe transforms from waterproof boot to camp slipper, so you pack less

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Many of us would remember the New Balance Niobium Concept 1. Launched back in 2020, the modular silhouette really reformed outdoor footwear with its multi-functional design, which allowed it to be used in more than one way. Of course, many brands have been approaching modular footwear design with the idea of a circular economy in mind, where the shoe can be taken apart for recycling convenience. However, New Balance’s approach is different.

It is working on a pair of shoes that can actually pull off not two but at least three different purposes. This was substantiated by the Niobium Concept 1, which is now flowing as inspiration into the newly launched New Balance TDS MSNB1, which offers similar capabilities but in a new form and colors.

Designer: New Balance

A bold intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and functionality, the TDS MSNB1 is a revival of the Niobium Concept 1, pulled off in partnership by New Balance and Tokyo Design Studio Revive. The remarkable New Balance adaptability of the silhouette is retained with the addition of Tokyo Design Studio’s signature lifestyle aesthetics to form this shoe that changes shape in “three distinct stages of wear.” It can be worn as a rugged waterproof boot and become a functional outdoor mule when required. When you finally retire to the cozy comforts of the camp, it can also be used as a comfortable indoor slipper.

The modular nature of the TDS MSNB1 is ensured by the use of a specialized system of zippers that run down the tongue and around the heel. These zippers allow the wearer to easily assemble or disassemble the shoe’s components according to the activity or the time of day.

New Balance TDS MSNB1 modular silhouette is available in two colorways. While the TDS MSNB1 Zinc Blue is somewhere close to the tested territories, the Pistachio Butter colorway – in a muted yellow-green – is more enticing and distinct. Both the versatile shoes share the same design language. They comprise a stretch rip-stop upper, a neoprene collar, and welded PU overlays. The tongue is devoid of usual laces and features bungee elastic laces inside, while a zipper runs down the side of the tongue and around the heel.

For its durability as a camping boot, it features an eVent waterproof membrane and a rubber outsole for comfort. Since the design and functionality remain the same, your choice of color is what can make the difference between the two new offerings. You can make up your mind now. The New Balance TDS MSNB1 in both colorways is available starting today, July 2, with each costing $300.

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Bugatti’s one-off W16 Mistral Blanc Éternel is a 1,578-HP hypercar wrapped in royal porcelain

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For Bugatti, one-off commissions have long been an opportunity to blur the line between automotive engineering and collectible art. From the porcelain-adorned Veyron L’Or Blanc to today’s bespoke Sur Mesure creations, the French marque has repeatedly demonstrated that its hypercars can be canvases for extraordinary craftsmanship. The new W16 Mistral Blanc Éternel continues that legacy while serving as one of the most distinctive tributes yet to Bugatti’s legendary W16 engine.

Created as a one-of-one commission through Bugatti’s Sur Mesure personalization program, the Blanc Éternel reunites the automaker with Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM), the historic porcelain manufacturer it first partnered with in 2011 for the Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc. Rather than revisiting the flowing cobalt-blue artwork that defined the earlier car, Bugatti has embraced a contemporary interpretation inspired by the digital modeling process behind its latest hypercars.

Designer: Bugatti

Finished in Brilliant White, the W16 Mistral performance roadster is wrapped in intricate hand-painted black graphics that resemble the digital wireframe of a 3D CAD model brought to life. Instead of functioning as decorative stripes, the intersecting lines reveal the invisible geometry that shapes the roadster’s sculpted bodywork, creating a visual effect that shifts depending on the viewing angle. Every line was individually masked and painted by hand, underscoring the painstaking craftsmanship required to transform a digital design language into a physical work of art.

Bugatti Design Director Frank Heyl said the objective was never to recreate the celebrated Veyron L’Or Blanc. Instead, the team wanted to “move the idea forward,” reflecting how Bugatti’s creative process has evolved while preserving the spirit of its earlier collaboration with KPM. As he explains, Blanc Éternel represents “the beginning and culmination” of the W16 era, connecting Bugatti’s past and present through a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design.

Porcelain remains at the heart of the project, but its application extends far beyond decorative accents. Handcrafted by KPM artisans, the material appears on the iconic EB emblem, the fuel and oil filler caps, the gear selector, window controls, speaker grilles, center console, and engine cover inserts. The cabin also features a delicate porcelain sculpture of Rembrandt Bugatti’s famous Dancing Elephant, reinforcing the artistic heritage shared between the two historic brands. Because porcelain shrinks considerably during firing, every component required meticulous engineering to ensure a flawless fit once completed.

The interior continues the exterior’s graphic theme with white leather upholstery overlaid by the same hand-painted black pattern. To achieve this, Bugatti developed an entirely new process that allows paint to bond with leather while maintaining the durability expected from a road-going hypercar, ensuring the intricate artwork withstands years of use without compromising quality.

Beneath the artistic exterior lies the engineering masterpiece that defines every W16 Mistral. The open-top hypercar is powered by Bugatti’s quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 producing 1,600 PS (1,578 horsepower), making it the final roadster to showcase the brand’s iconic 16-cylinder engine before Bugatti transitions to its new hybrid V16 era with the Tourbillon. Limited to just 99 examples, the Mistral was already destined to become one of Bugatti’s rarest models, but the one-off Blanc Éternel occupies an even more exclusive space.

Subtle finishing touches, including Blanc Éternel lettering beneath the active rear wing, complete a commission that feels as much like a gallery piece as a hypercar. More than simply celebrating exclusivity, the W16 Mistral Blanc Éternel demonstrates how centuries-old porcelain craftsmanship, modern digital design, and one of the greatest automotive engines ever built can come together in a farewell worthy of Bugatti’s W16 legacy.

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