Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Addax Basecamp V3 features pull-out kitchen and rooftop tent, turns Jeep into off-grid adventure rig

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I am a fan of off-grid trailers that move light and open up in all directions when camped. The new overland micro trailer from Addax is one such camping solution that thrives on the build quality and the success of the original Addax overland trailer designed for Jeep in 2022. The new guy is called the 2026 Basecamp V3 and is, as you’d expect from Addax, a robust and dependable trailer that rolls out with the option to install camping hardware when and where you need it.

Designed for adaptability in adventures with your Jeep, this co-branded trailer, by virtue of its construction, boasts military-grade toughness and typical off-roading ability. Jeep is synonymous with adventure. The owners of a Wrangler are those who live to push boundaries, and the Basecamp is one of the toughest, purpose-built outdoor trailers – designed to complement that lifestyle.

Designer: Addax

If you have been religiously following the coverage here on Yanko Design, you would have, from the frequency of our related coverage, figured out that heavy-duty expedition trailers are creating a market buzz. But the Addax Basecamp begs to differ from the crowd. Weighing 1800 pounds, the trailer features specialized suspension, tires, and chassis, specifically tailored for off-road travel and gear-hauling capacity. Thanks to its payload capacity of 1,450 lbs.

Jeep and Addax struck a partnership to share branding in the latter’s Gladiator trailer series. This collaboration also included Mopar for service and customer support. There’s still uncertainty if Basecamp is licensed under the partnership, but the branding definitely screams the obvious. Alongside the banding, 2026 Basecamp V3 features rugged construction, the company is famous for, including the steel-on-steel body, 3/16-inch steel chassis, and deep-lugged 29-inch tires.

The trailer with a 6 x 6-foot form factor has a 26-inch x 40-inch front removable deck for additional space. Talking of space, when docked, the camp with its pre-installed OVS 270-degree batwing awning and pull-outs can instantly create a livable basecamp at grounds beyond the campsites as well. The 22L water tank, a functional 7-foot pull-out kitchen with a sink and 53-liter sliding fridge, and four power outlets add to convenience.

The power support is managed by an onboard 100 amp-hour slimline battery. It can draw renewable power from an optional 220W solar panel and also comes with a 1500W inverter for backup. Addax, does not offer a sleeping area inside of the trailer, so an additional Centori Outdoors aluminum hard-shell rooftop tent comes preinstalled for sleeping arrangements. The incredibly feature-packed Basecamp is an embodiment of its name, which is further supported by both internal and external MOLLE panel shelves. The attachment points here also allow you to carry a range of accessories/gear you would want on the Jeep trip into the wilderness. Basecamp V3 in its barebones starts at $19,000.

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Overland Expo’s Ultimate 2026 Nissan Frontier Build is self-sufficient off-grid camper you’ll want to steal

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Overland Expo West may have culminated on a high, but amid the incredible off-road campers we have detailed previously, it’s befitting to discuss the highlight of the event, the “Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build.” Every interesting overlanding build starts with a robust platform. No wonder the off-road adventure experts at the Overland Expo Foundation picked the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X as the base for their ritual build.

After giving the platforms like Lexus and GMC a spin in the previous iterations, for this year’s Ultimate Build, the team selected the Nissan crew cab as the perfect choice. It has been modified by the team at Alldogs OffRoad Coop (ADO) for the Expo, with aftermarket accessories and components from 28 different brands, transforming the otherwise capable vehicle into a self-sufficient, off-road camping rig you’d want to own. You wish!

Designer: Overland Expo x Nissan

Undoubtedly, 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X makes a strong contender for a robust camper you can trust on long and unexplored roads. Its foundation is ready from the factory for off-roading. It has a 310-hp V6 engine to complement its 7,150 lbs towing capacity. Of course, this is the potential that put the vehicle on the pinnacle of the Overland Expo’s list of vehicles to create the Ultimate Build for 2026.

Five annual Ultimate Overland Vehicle Builds have already been readied in the past years; the Frontier Pro-4X is now the sixth iteration but only the first Nissan to make the cut. Overland Expo’s idea is to take a stock vehicle and then have it decked out with all the necessary gear to make it ready to go where your adventures need it to. So, the stock off-roading elements like the Bilstein shocks, all-terrain tires the rig has been provided with suspension upgrade for even better off-road capabilities.

Mounted on the truck bed is a Tune Outdoor M1L camper, that instantly prepares the Nissan for overlanding. It is hard-sided pop-up camping solution with a durable aluminum frame and composite material construction, adding only 332 lbs to the base vehicle. The adventure-ready interior is provided with a custom AirBed from Pittman Outdoors, functional galley has a fridge, the bathroom a Rixen shower, and living area features a Breeo Y Series firepit.

For obvious reasons, the Ultimate Build is powered by rooftop solar panels connected to REDARC power management system. 2026 Overland Expo Ultimate Build made its debut at the Overland Expo West from May 15-17, in Flagstaff, Arizona. The RV will make few more appearances at forthcoming Overland events before going on auction through Bring a Trailer later in the year.

 

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Ducati Barista M3 1926 gives new meaning to caffeinated motorhead passion

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What’s common between thunderous sports bikes and espresso machines? Both deliver a high-adrenaline rush, right? Yes, but there’s more to it: both are precision-engineered, and both rely on immense (bar) pressure and thermal control for peak performance. This shared DNA traces back to the 1960s when British riders modified their stripped-down motorcycles to race from one roadside café to another, giving birth to the term “Café Racer.”

This historical buildup is important for the latest creation by Ducati, which stamps its track image, craftsmanship, and aesthetics onto a flagship espresso machine, which will be released in 1,926 units only. It is touted as the world’s first and only carbon fiber capsule machine with a composite carbon fiber build, and is called the Ducati Barista M3 1926 Limited Edition Carbon Fiber.

Designer: Ducati and Cuisine Barista

The motorbike-inspired coffee machine hits different in its aesthetic appeal and hopefully the espresso it brews. Even if it doesn’t, it is a collector’s item – ground up – for everyone with a passion for superbikes and love for coffee brewing.

The front and rear panels of the Ducati Barista are crafted from twill-weave carbon fiber material, the same as that seen on the performance track bikes from the brand. The rest of the body is made from stainless steel, overlayed with a PVC coating to bring forth the perfect chrome look that would entice anyone who appreciates craftsmanship at the highest level, irrespective of their allegiance to Ducati.

Barista M3 1926 by Ducati is “only capsule machine in the world” to feature three precision-laid layers of carbon fiber, just 1.5 mm thick, on its front and back. Advanced brewing technology is, of course, a given but for me, having such a beautiful machine take pods, is such a waste of time and effort. The fans wouldn’t align with my thoughts, so here is some information you’d like anyway.

The machine employs a proprietary heating element to deliver an adjustable temperature that’s ready for a good brew in seven seconds flat. If this achieved temperature is not to your preference, you can use onboard controls to set it to your brewing temperature between 70°C to 99°C. Besides the temperature, you can toggle between light, standard, and strong extraction modes, so that what you get from the capsule is brewed perfectly as you prefer.

The Barista M3 1926 machine can pump high-pressure up to 19 bar. It comes with the world’s first in-cup frother to elevate your in-home lattes and cappuccinos in café-esque perfection. It’s possible with frothed milk right in the cup provided with your Barista M3 1926. The machine can deliver up to 12 preset drinks at the touch of its integrated control panel.

Maintaining this sculptural coffee machine on your countertop is simplified by an accompanying mobile app. The app receives various stats and alerts for descaling and your caffeine consumption, so that you know when to slow down because you’ve already had a few espresso shots in the build-up to the MotoGP!

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Hiroshi Fujiwara reinterprets Bang & Olufsen’s iconic designs to redefine living room luxury in liquid black

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Hiroshi Fujiwara has had his influence stamped in multifaceted spheres – Carrera Chronograph x Fragment Limited Edition and the MC20 Cielo Fuoriserie are some impressive examples we came across. The streetwear legend has now teamed up with audio pioneers Bang and Olufsen for a collection that is destined for a minimalist yet classy living room setup.

The designer has long been fascinated by B&O and has desired to collaborate with the high-end Danish audio brand someday. While Hiroshi had installed their Beocenter 2300 integrated sound system at home in 1991, it actually took 35 long years to work on a project with them. That moment is right now, as Hiroshi (under his design studio Fragment Design) has worked on four B&O masterpieces to give them the black finish only achievable by hand.

Designer: Hiroshi Fujiwara x Bang & Olufsen

The famed collection is slated for debut today, with it being shown off until next week inside the Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Thereafter, it’ll be rolled out across Japan from 27 May for display, before eventually being released on 3 June globally and in stores for eager buyers.

Instead of working on a completely new model for the collaborative, the consensus was settled on reworking the Beoplay H100 headphones, Beosound A1 portable speaker, Beosound Shape speaker, and Beosystem 9000c triple pillar CD system. These signature B&O products are slapped with the designer’s signature monochrome aesthetic. Of course, B&O’s artisanal skills come into play as the team of designers lends these brand’s classics anodized, hand-polished finish for that perfect liquid-like high gloss finish.

Beoplay H100 and Beosound A1 3rd Gen Fragment Edition

It doesn’t get any darker than the Beoplay H100 Fragment Edition headphones, as they exude pure class in gloss black anodized skin. This finish is complemented by the black leather headband and cushions for all-day wear comfort. Contrasting the dark is the white Fragment Studio and B&O logos on the outside of each of the earcups. The over-the-ear headphones are priced at a steep $2,400, but that is expected when two big names collaborate.

Then there is the more sober Beosound A1 3rd gen portable Bluetooth speaker priced at $475. Predictably, this one too has the high-gloss finish and the brand’s double lightning logo etched under the grille. According to Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre, Bang & Olufsen’s Senior Director of Design, the “artisanal anodization and polishing process” has been implemented for the first time on their portable collection.

Beosound Shape and Beosystem 9000c Fragment Edition

With these two creations, you begin to fathom the gravity of this collaboration. The Beosound Shape is a wall-mounted speaker system that combines flower-shaped driving units to bring sublime sound to the living room. The modular audio system gets the monochrome fabric treatment for the six surrounding petals, and the inner gray unit completes the aesthetic look. Priced at $7,100, this beautiful audio system is one for a minimalist living room setting. Apparently, Fujiwara headed straight to his hotel room after seeing the original Shape speakers and sketched the seven-title flower configuration for his version.

The collector’s piece of the line-up is the Beosystem 9000c Fragment Edition, which defines the amount of skill and expertise put into making it. This is a made-to-order setup that costs a mind-numbing $69,650 and is Japan-exclusive only. It’s in itself a collection as it has the dedicated CD system, Beolab 28 loudspeakers, and the Beoremote One two-way remote. The six-disc 90s CD player is famed for its automatic CD swapping mechanism once the playback is finished on one disc.

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Hiroshi Fujiwara reinterprets Bang & Olufsen’s iconic designs to redefine living room luxury in liquid black

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Hiroshi Fujiwara has had his influence stamped in multifaceted spheres – Carrera Chronograph x Fragment Limited Edition and the MC20 Cielo Fuoriserie are some impressive examples we came across. The streetwear legend has now teamed up with audio pioneers Bang and Olufsen for a collection that is destined for a minimalist yet classy living room setup.

The designer has long been fascinated by B&O and has desired to collaborate with the high-end Danish audio brand someday. While Hiroshi had installed their Beocenter 2300 integrated sound system at home in 1991, it actually took 35 long years to work on a project with them. That moment is right now, as Hiroshi (under his design studio Fragment Design) has worked on four B&O masterpieces to give them the black finish only achievable by hand.

Designer: Hiroshi Fujiwara x Bang & Olufsen

The famed collection is slated for debut today, with it being shown off until next week inside the Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Thereafter, it’ll be rolled out across Japan from 27 May for display, before eventually being released on 3 June globally and in stores for eager buyers.

Instead of working on a completely new model for the collaborative, the consensus was settled on reworking the Beoplay H100 headphones, Beosound A1 portable speaker, Beosound Shape speaker, and Beosystem 9000c triple pillar CD system. These signature B&O products are slapped with the designer’s signature monochrome aesthetic. Of course, B&O’s artisanal skills come into play as the team of designers lends these brand’s classics anodized, hand-polished finish for that perfect liquid-like high gloss finish.

Beoplay H100 and Beosound A1 3rd Gen Fragment Edition

It doesn’t get any darker than the Beoplay H100 Fragment Edition headphones, as they exude pure class in gloss black anodized skin. This finish is complemented by the black leather headband and cushions for all-day wear comfort. Contrasting the dark is the white Fragment Studio and B&O logos on the outside of each of the earcups. The over-the-ear headphones are priced at a steep $2,400, but that is expected when two big names collaborate.

Then there is the more sober Beosound A1 3rd gen portable Bluetooth speaker priced at $475. Predictably, this one too has the high-gloss finish and the brand’s double lightning logo etched under the grille. According to Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre, Bang & Olufsen’s Senior Director of Design, the “artisanal anodization and polishing process” has been implemented for the first time on their portable collection.

Beosound Shape and Beosystem 9000c Fragment Edition

With these two creations, you begin to fathom the gravity of this collaboration. The Beosound Shape is a wall-mounted speaker system that combines flower-shaped driving units to bring sublime sound to the living room. The modular audio system gets the monochrome fabric treatment for the six surrounding petals, and the inner gray unit completes the aesthetic look. Priced at $7,100, this beautiful audio system is one for a minimalist living room setting. Apparently, Fujiwara headed straight to his hotel room after seeing the original Shape speakers and sketched the seven-title flower configuration for his version.

The collector’s piece of the line-up is the Beosystem 9000c Fragment Edition, which defines the amount of skill and expertise put into making it. This is a made-to-order setup that costs a mind-numbing $69,650 and is Japan-exclusive only. It’s in itself a collection as it has the dedicated CD system, Beolab 28 loudspeakers, and the Beoremote One two-way remote. The six-disc 90s CD player is famed for its automatic CD swapping mechanism once the playback is finished on one disc.

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BMW’s Vision K18 Concept Turns Long-Distance Touring Into a Jet-Inspired Luxury Experience on Two Wheels

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BMW Motorrad has built some wildly expressive motorcycles over the years, but the new Vision K18 concept feels like the brand finally gave its designers permission to stop thinking like engineers for a moment and dream like sculptors. Unveiled at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the concept motorcycle takes BMW’s familiar six-cylinder touring DNA and stretches it into something that looks part luxury cruiser, part jet aircraft, and part rolling design experiment.

The Vision K18 is built around a newly developed 1,800cc inline-six engine, a layout that has long been associated with BMW’s flagship touring motorcycles. Instead of hiding the powertrain beneath layers of bodywork, BMW turned the engine into the centerpiece of the design. The entire motorcycle visually revolves around the six-cylinder architecture, with six air intakes, six exhaust outlets, and even six LED headlight elements reinforcing the theme throughout the machine.

Designer: BMW Motorrad

Despite its futuristic appearance, the Vision K18 still carries cues from classic bagger and grand touring motorcycles. The low-slung body, stretched proportions, and wide seating area suggest long-distance comfort, although BMW intentionally stripped away conventional touring elements such as large panniers or windshields. Some publications have even described it as a “bagger without bags,” emphasizing how the concept focuses more on visual drama and emotional appeal than practicality.

BMW says the motorcycle was designed to embody “full force forward,” a philosophy visible in nearly every detail. The exhaust outlets angle sharply rearward, the nose tapers like a jet fuselage, and the entire machine appears to lean into motion even while standing still. According to BMW Motorrad, the goal was to create a bike that communicates speed and power before the engine is even started. Forged carbon fiber components help offset some visual bulk while introducing texture and contrast against the polished metallic surfaces.

Even though the Vision K18 leans heavily into futuristic styling, it still borrows proportions from classic American-style baggers and luxury touring bikes. The low seat, stretched profile, and relaxed ergonomics hint at long-distance comfort, although BMW intentionally stripped away practical touring elements like saddlebags and oversized windscreens. What remains is essentially the emotional core of a grand tourer distilled into a more dramatic, design-first machine.

BMW describes the concept with the phrase “full force forward,” and it honestly fits. Every detail pushes the eye toward the horizon. The exhaust outlets angle sharply rearward like afterburners, the nose slices through the air like an aircraft fuselage, and the entire motorcycle feels tense even while standing still. It’s the kind of concept that communicates speed without relying on wings, spoilers, or exaggerated race-bike aggression.

The inline-six engine itself promises a completely different experience from BMW’s boxer-powered cruisers. According to the company, the setup delivers smooth, turbine-like acceleration paired with a deeply layered exhaust note flowing through all six tailpipes. That combination of refinement and mechanical drama seems to be exactly what BMW wanted the Vision K18 to embody.

Although the Vision K18 is currently a one-off concept with no confirmed production plans, BMW executives have hinted that some of its ideas could influence future motorcycles. The company appears especially committed to evolving the six-cylinder platform further, potentially using it as the foundation for a new generation of high-end luxury touring machines.

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This 26-Foot Winnebago Adventure Truck Packs King Bed and 14-Day Off-Grid Power

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It’s not usual for brands to branch out of their niche and still rock the universe with the same effectiveness. Generally, there are incongruities here and there, but it’s not the case with Winnebago. The campervan genius that adventurers swear by, is this time around, venturing out of its comfort zone with a fully equipped overlanding adventure truck it calls the ARKA 20Z.

ARKA is definitely not the first time Winnebago has experimented with adventure rigs designed for extended stays away from the paved roads. However, how it’s been built ground up and from what’s packed into it, ARKA is the first proper overland adventure truck from Winnebago that serious overlanders wouldn’t want to ignore.

Designer: Winnebago

To start with Winnebago has based the ARKA 20Z on the heavy-duty Ram 5500 4×4 crew cab. It features a Cummins 6.7L Turbo diesel engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is complemented by a set of 41-inch tires to go anywhere your adventure takes you. Robust in appearance, the adventure truck is 26 feet 7 inches long and features fiberglass construction right from the hatch to the over-cab space.

It’s not meant to be lightweight; it’s designed for the ruggedness necessary for the overlanding expeditions. Understandably then, the ARKA has a 19,500-pound GVWR. It has a 15,000-pound hitch capacity and is packed with 48V energy architecture and serious off-grid spec to justify its readiness for the expedition territory it envisions to ride into.

The interior of Winnebago’s new RV is outfitted in a choice of two decor options: dark gray and the company’s preferred river stone color. Its single molded fiberglass shell allows all-season exploration. According to the company, the roof and floor feature R-15 insulation, while its walls have a thermal resistance rating of 12. When you are on that off-grid, off-road setting, you need your RV to deliver. Winnebago has considered this strictly in the construction of the ARKA. “It doesn’t come with things that you don’t need in your everyday adventures,” the company explains.

Therefore, the interior is furnished for usability alone. The cab-over space features a surprisingly spacious bedroom. You get a king-sized bed here that, depending on choice and requirement, can convert into queen-size or twin-size beds. Hydronic heating runs along the floor of the motorhome and its rear U-shaped dinette converts into an additional, spacious sleeping area. The ARKA is therefore marketed to sleep up to four people conveniently.

The adventure rig is powered by up to 16.8kWh of lithium battery. A rooftop 800W solar panel (expandable up to 1,200W) feeding a 3,600W inverter runs the backup. Winnebago says ARKA can stay convenient off-grid for 14 days without the AC, with the power options and the 60-gallon heated freshwater tank. The truck galley is equipped with a portable induction cooktop and a refrigerator. And the dry bath with 76-inch shower height and insulated gray water tank completes the fully-equipped Winnebago adventure truck that will set you back $332,000.

 

 

 

 

 

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Jae Tips x Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones relieve classic gel and acrylic Nintendo aesthetics

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Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones are the brand’s flagship pair of cans that have good sound quality and some scope for improvement in the ANC. So what could get overhauled in the headphones market to make them stand out in a highly competitive, punishing space that rewards great design?

For that reason, Bronx-based designer Jae Tips has collaborated with the American audio equipment giant to create a stunning pair of headphones that go well with your 90s-inspired gadgets. Jae is no stranger to the unhinged use of colorful design elements, and this exploration is a bliss for audio fans. For this collab, the theme is highly translucent tech in nostalgic colors for a retro-modern touch and feel.

Designer: Skullcandy and Jae Tips

In the past, the award-winning footwear designer has demonstrated what’s possible if you let your creativity loose. This time around, he brings the signature influence of his customary style to the audio gear industry, and I seriously love the look of it. Given that music lovers hold their audio gear very dear, this pair brings their second love into the mix. Yes, I’m talking about gaming, as this limited edition Crusher ANC 2 headphones adapts the color scheme of the classic Nintendo 64 controllers, and the Super Mario Bros packaging, and fuses it with Jae’s floral motif design style to render a pair of cans.

It’s one thing to go translucent and completely another to fuse it into a form that evokes good old memories. That’s what is special about the see-through emerald shell of the headphones. The ethos bleeds into the custom packaging as well, as the box is heavily inspired by the classic Super Mario Bros title. On the inside, the cans retain their technical superiority with adaptable ANC and Skullcandy’s signature rumbling bass. According to Jae, for this collaboration, he was “inspired by gel and acrylic Nintendo’s and the early Mac computers. My goal was to create something that I wasn’t seeing anywhere else in the marketplace.”

For starters, the Jae Tips x Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones will be available for $260, starting tomorrow in the designer’s hometown. They will eventually float out to other markets in the coming weeks. As we speak, the limited-edition headphones are launching at the exclusive pop-up event at the Chelsea Best Buy in Manhattan. While they don’t come in a sturdy carrying case, the designer floral bag in a matching theme is the perfect way to show off your headphones.

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$95 Lambertus strap will turn the Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal POP pocket watch into a wristwatch

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High-end collaborations, at times, give us meaningful outcomes that no matter how hard you try, you cannot sidestep. In my recent memory, Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop – a mindboggling amalgamation of the Royal Oak and the Swatch Pop – is definitely one such example. While everything is a Pop of color and high-end horology, what remains missing is the fact that this collaborative model is not meant to be worn on the wrist; it’s designed as a pocket watch, but one you’d definitely fall for even in 2026.

However, there is a school of thought comprising watch enthusiasts that believes the Royal Pop deserves to rest on the wrist. While the creators themselves don’t believe it, Lambertus, an independent maison, is a firm advocate that it should, and is therefore creating case-straps for the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop, now going on pre-order, in whole, for $95 through the Royal Pop Wrist Bands website.

Designer: Lambertus

That amount will reserve a case-strap for you, but there’s a caveat. The creation of these straps has not kicked off the blocks at the time of writing. For the reservation price of $95, therefore, you are banking on Lambertus to carry out all the phases of development i.e., the roadmap from R&D, prototyping, final design, to manufacturing, with no clear deadline for assurance.

The Lambertus creation is called Chapter I. It’s now in the R&D, and should present, on development, as an excellent accessory to the AP × Swatch Royal Pop. The cult timepiece comes in eight different colorways and two design iterations: the Lépine and the Savonnette. The Lépine pocket watch is designed with hour and minute hands and a crown at 12 o’clock. It comes in six color options. Available in two colorways, the Savonnette Royal Pop, features a crown at 3 o’clock and along with the hour and minutes, also has a small second hand at 6 o’clock.

Since Lambertus has a vision to match everything in the Royal Pop portfolio to the T. It will also tailor the straps to match the eight colors of your pocket watch. Even commendable – or you may say requisite – is that the case-straps will be split in two models, like the AP x Swatch collaborative pocket watch itself. The Strap I of the Chapter I will come in six Lépine-style models and the Strap II in two options for the Savonnette-style watches.

Of course, from how it appears as of now, the machined, octagonal watch holder straps from Lambertus will let you snap in the AP x Swatch Royal Pop and flaunt it with passion. But how well the strap material (which remains unclear as I write), of the eight luxury designs in two crown orientations, complements the Bioceramic case of the actual watch is anybody’s guess. And if that’s not as premium as you would like to trust with your AP, we know where the $95 you put in is headed. To ensure the backers have little legal ground to confront, the Royal Pop Wrist Bands website puts out “Our Royal POP compatible straps and wristbands are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Audemars Piguet or Swatch Group,” in fine print.

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ASUS’ $849 XREAL R1 glasses deliver console-sized 3D gaming anywhere without bulky gear

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The race to create the most practical AR glasses is still on, and Asus already showed its development curve with the collaborative Xreal One Pro. Now, the VR gaming glasses get an exciting newer version, the Xreal R1. They are lighter than other options and less punishing on the eyes, offering a comforting viewing experience. First shown off at CES 2026, the glasses are finally up for preorder at a steep $849. Will they live up to the claims and compete with the much cheaper Meta Quest 3 VR glasses? Only time will tell.

The upgrade from the previous model is incremental, as the display now boasts a smoother 240Hz refresh rate and an ultra-fast 0.01 ms response time, and it comes with a dock to connect to gaming consoles or PCs for streaming content via DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, or USB-C. While the control dock is a bit on the heavier side, weighing at 230 grams and measuring 215 x 100 x 25mm, the option of connecting compatible hardware is a big plus. Other things that stay the same include the 57-degree FOV that renders a 171-inch virtual screen from a perceived distance of four meters, and the 1080-pixel resolution Sony 0.55-inch micro-OLED display, which should have been preferably bumped up beyond HD at that price range.

Designer: Asus

According to Asus, the R1 smart glasses, weighing just  91 grams, are the logical extension of the ROG Ally gaming handheld as a result of the unified hardware and software integration, along with the XR technology. To make the users feel as if they’re using a handheld gaming console on their face, the highly responsive display has reduced motion blur and smoother visuals. The finer adjustments, like pumping up the display brightness to 300 nits, adjusting the aspect ratio based on the content, and other visual effects, can be toggled in real time, which is a great feature.

The glasses are equipped with “Electrochromic Lens” technology that automatically makes the screen transparent as soon as the vision focus shifts away. As soon as the wearer’s focus returns, the screen turns tint to black, which can be adjusted to three different dimming levels in settings. For a heightened level of spatial awareness, these AR glasses come with built-in Bose-tuned speakers. This comes in very handy in FPS games where identifying the source of enemy steps is vital to in-game survival. If you are willing to shell out another $100 on the XREAL EYE add-on, the glasses unlock 6DoF tracking capability, which deepens the level of realism in a virtual 3D world.

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