Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Volocopter makes comeback with VoloXPro that combines proven design with New eVTOL tech

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Volocopter has launched a new eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) multicopter called VoloXPro that has some new impetus but rides on tested configurations from the company’s previous design. The German aerospace firm envisions the VoloXPro to be used in a range of applications, with the air taxi sector being one of the primary job roles at launch.

Volocopter, launched in 2019, had a glorious initial run. It was one of the most celebrated flying taxi startups in Europe after the launch of VoloCity eVTOL aircraft. One of the pioneers of air mobility using eVTOL aircraft, Volocopter, however, had a rough phase and struggled with aerospace certification and revenue generation. It was, in fact, on the verge of insolvency before its buyout by China’s Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, the owners of Diamond Aircraft in March 2025. VoloXPro now marks the return from the ashes for the German eVTOL company.

Designer: Volocopter

VoloXPro is Volocopter’s first announcement after the €10 million takeover. This emission-neutral eVTOL, the company says is a low-noise platform, capable of being used in a range of applications and different use cases. Volocopter was reportedly working on this new aircraft, which has the potential to alter personal transportation, tourism and medical emergencies, throughout 2025.

Lunched now at the ongoing AERO Friedrichshafen show, in Germany, the new VoloXPro is an all-electric two-seat VTOL aircraft. It can cruise at a top speed of 70mph, drawing power from 18 rotor sets in a circular pylon over the cabin. The aircraft shares a few components with VoloCity air taxi introduced sometime in 2022. For instance, the two share the modular cabin design and the multirotor configuration.

With the common components, the company is trying to play it safe. It hopes that this approach will allow it to keep the price of the VoloXPro affordable, and that, it shall help fast track the multicopter’s path to aerospace certification, since the safety of the shared configurations is already proven in the earlier VoloCity design. Volocopter is hopeful of attaining the required certifications for VoloXPro by the end of 2026.

In addition to the shared approach, Volocopter is packing the new eVTOL aircraft with new technological additions and a range of cockpit layout options. The idea of the latter is to make the aircraft ready for a host of applications for both private individuals and group operators. As noted above, the VoloXPro is now a two-person craft, which the maker is targeting at flying clubs, schools, and aviation enthusiasts. We do not have the exact details about battery capacity, but we learned that the aircraft will have a 40 km range and the ability to carry up to 154 kg of payload. Its maximum take-off weight is 600 kg.

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Mohab Altus quick-deploy hardshell rooftop tent turns any rugged truck into comfy, all-season camping rig

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Clumsy extensions, flimsy fabrics, and cumbersome installation of rooftop tents have often marred the camping experience for many, including the creators of the Altus – a mobile habitat. This was essentially before the hardshell tents made it to the scene. These tents are growing in number, and their differences in functionality are just making the space more clustered with undeniable options.

The Altus – Hardwall Rooftop Cabin – lands in an undeniable category, considering the well-rounded approach it brings to the rooftop tents. Created in Standard and XL models (difference based on size rather than functionality), the Altus by Denver-based Mohab is positioned as a hard-sided rooftop cabin that automatically goes from 8.7-inch drive height to 45-inch, livable quarter, in under 60 seconds.

Designer: Mohab

The claim is unsubstantiated at the time of writing, but if it’s anywhere around the quick timeframe, the setup definitely gets a five-star from me. That said, the way this electric-lift system of the cube really deploys is what makes the setup even more intriguing. As the videos on the product listing page on Mohab’s website show, on the click of the deploy button, the sidewalls of the cabin flex up to form a living space. The walls on the front and back flip down independently later, once the walls on the side have been erected. The Altus series comes with a manual deploy system as well. It allows users to set up the cabin without power.

Sitting atop the cuboid – they call the Altus – is its pop-up roof. This roof hinged at the rear, rises up on the front, creating standing headroom and a significant perch for your panoramic sighting of the surrounding vista on a clear day. You’ll want the all-weather housing (provided with heating and air conditioning) of the Altus to remain completely shut and airtight amid a downpour.

Coming to the construction, the Altus series hardwall rooftop cabins feature aluminum alloy frames and PET panels. The material used in construction allows the cabin a lightweight form factor: Altus weighs 120 kg, and the Altus XL is just 5 kg heavier at 125 kg. The former measures 93 x 54 inches, which is enough space for a double mattress. The XL model, on the other hand, measures 101 x 54 inches, which should provide space for an extra person to fit in. Both models have a similar design with slider windows on either side and a hinged pop-up roof.

The boxy, hard-walled Altus can conveniently mount on a range of rugged trucks and 4x4s with Mohab’s Fortis rack systems (sold separately). Of course, that’s a bump in the overall cost of the rooftop tent, but with the convenience and efficiency offered, the Altus definitely makes up for the extra cost. Price for the Altus rooftop cabin starts at $5,139 with a pickup bed rack. The Altus XL with a pickup mount starts at $5,449.

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Gunther Werks Project Endgame is a bespoke 911 Speedster infused with Iron Man DNA

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There’s always been a theatrical edge to Gunther Werks’ reinterpretations of the Porsche 911 (993), but Project Endgame pushes that idea into full cinematic territory. Conceived as a one-off Speedster commission and effectively the closing statement for the California-based restomod specialist’s open-top series, it fuses extreme performance engineering with a design language. Something that openly channels Iron Man’s energy in both form and function.

Built on the bones of a 993-generation 911, Project Endgame undergoes a complete transformation. Its most radical element is the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter air-cooled flat-six, developed in collaboration with Rothsport Racing. Producing an immense 840 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque, the engine delivers its output through a six-speed manual transmission. This preserves the tactile, mechanical connection that defines analog driving, which purists absolutely value.

Designer: Gunther Werks

This combination of old-school air cooling paired with modern forced induction in more ways than not mirrors Iron Man’s own blend of legacy ingenuity and futuristic power. A classic example of how engineering evolves into something far more advanced. Weight reduction is equally obsessive with the experienced tuner. Extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the body keeps the car at roughly 2,600 pounds, creating a power-to-weight ratio that borders on hypercar territory. The aggressive stance, widened bodywork, and sculpted aerodynamics echo the armored silhouette of Iron Man’s suit.

The mirrored ethos of a machine that’s muscular, purposeful, and unmistakably engineered for speed and impact. The Speedster configuration, with its low windscreen and open cockpit, adds a sense of exposure that parallels the vulnerability beneath the armor, reinforcing the duality between raw human control and overwhelming machine capability. The Iron Man influence becomes even more explicit in the detailing. The exterior’s red-and-gold finish directly mirrors the superhero’s iconic suit, but it’s not just cosmetic.

Functional components such as intercoolers receive gold plating, a detail that reflects both performance optimization and visual storytelling—much like Tony Stark’s tendency to fuse engineering necessity with stylistic flair. The interplay of metallic tones across the bodywork gives the car a glowing, almost reactor-like presence, as if energy is constantly pulsing beneath its surface.

Inside, the cabin is a symphony of narrative space. A central design element between the seats evokes the arc reactor, the fictional energy source that powers Iron Man’s suit. This sculptural feature isn’t merely decorative; it anchors the interior’s identity, turning the cockpit into a symbolic command center. The gear shifter, embedded with gemstone accents, subtly references the precision and complexity of Stark’s technology, while bespoke materials and finishes throughout the cabin create an environment that feels engineered rather than assembled. Every surface, control, and accent appears intentional, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship associated with Stark Industries.

Despite its dramatic theme, Project Endgame remains grounded in performance authenticity. The chassis, suspension, and braking systems are all engineered to handle the immense power output, ensuring that the car’s capabilities extend far beyond its visual impact. It’s not a static showpiece; it’s a fully realized driver’s machine that demands engagement and rewards skill.

As the final evolution of Gunther Werks’ Speedster program, Project Endgame serves as both a technical milestone and a creative culmination. It demonstrates how far the restomod concept can be pushed when engineering excellence meets narrative ambition.

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Edifier Melo Bar desk speaker turns any setup into a living canvas of sound and light

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Edifier has spent years refining compact audio gear that quietly slips into everyday setups, but the Huazai Melo Bar takes a more expressive turn. The desktop speaker is not just a multimedia utility, but a visual extension of the workspace itself.

The Melo Bar keeps things minimal and compact, yet underneath that restrained form is a fairly considered acoustic setup. It features dual 52mm drivers paired with a symmetrical bass reflex structure, tuned to deliver a balanced spread across frequencies.

Designer: Edifier

Backed by a Class D amplifier pushing 5W continuous output and peaking at 10W, the speaker is designed for near-field listening, where clarity matters more than sheer loudness. DSP tuning helps maintain that balance, ensuring vocals stay crisp while lows don’t overwhelm the mix. What makes this audio accessory feel more dynamic is its ability to adapt to different listening scenarios. Edifier builds in three distinct sound modes: Music, Game, and Movie. Each one is about subtly adjusting the output profile. Music mode leans toward detail and clarity, Game mode emphasizes spatial cues for directional awareness, and Movie mode pushes for a more immersive, room-filling feel.

The speaker also doubles as a communication tool, thanks to a built-in microphone with AEC echo cancellation. It’s a practical touch that turns the Melo Bar into a quick solution for calls and meetings, especially in hybrid work environments where switching devices can feel unnecessary. Where the Melo Bar really breaks away from convention is in its visual customization. The front panel isn’t fixed—instead, it uses a modular design with 10 themed panels and an additional blank option for DIY expression. It’s a small but meaningful shift, allowing the speaker to evolve with the user’s setup rather than remain a static object on the desk.

Paired with this is a full RGB lighting system capable of displaying 16.8 million colors and 15 preset lighting effects. The lighting can be adjusted directly on the unit or through Edifier’s Connect mobile app and TempoHub PC software, giving users flexibility in how much control they want. Connectivity remains straightforward but modern with Bluetooth 6.0 for stable wireless performance with support for A2DP, AVRCP, and HFP profiles, while a USB wired mode handles both power and audio through a single cable. With a wireless range of up to 10 meters, it comfortably covers typical desk-to-room distances without dropouts.

Physical controls are integrated into the design, allowing users to tweak volume, switch modes, and cycle through lighting effects without relying entirely on software. Additional touches like input indicators and a dedicated do-not-disturb mode add to the everyday usability, keeping distractions in check when needed.

The Huazai Melo Bar doesn’t compete on raw power or audiophile credentials, as it leans into something more relevant for today’s desks. A speaker that sounds good, adapts to different tasks, and visually integrates into the space it occupies. Available in Mist White and Night Black, the Melo Bar is priced at 329 Yuan (around $48), making it an accessible entry into a category that’s increasingly blending performance with personality.

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BRABUS Urban E First Edition bring cyberpunk flair to premium electric motorcycles

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German tuning specialist, BRABUS, has shown to what extremes four-wheeler modding can go when you’ve already got a powerful machine at hand. They’ve now partnered with DAB Motors to bring those surreal tuning exploits to the two-wheeler world with electric bikes revealed at Milan Design Week 2026. Built on the trusted DAB 1α electric platform, the trio of bikes is designed for urban riders, combining minimalist design with performance-driven engineering.

The standard DAB 1α BRABUS sets the tone with its stripped-back aesthetic, lightweight construction, and premium finishes that elevate it beyond a conventional electric motorcycle. Crafted with high-end materials like CNC-machined aluminum and carbon fiber, the bike reflects BRABUS’ signature approach, which prides itself on precision, exclusivity, and bold styling.

Designer: BRABUS x DAB Motors

The electric powertrain 1α BRABUS is tuned for city agility, offering brisk acceleration and a smooth, near-silent ride. This makes it ideal for navigating dense urban environments. The collaboration emphasizes craftsmanship as much as performance, with each component carefully designed to deliver both visual impact and functional efficiency. The bike has a starting price tag of €16,590 (approximately $19,500) and is currently up for pre-order with deliveries slated for the end of Q3 2026.

BRABUS Urban E

The BRABUS Urban E builds upon this foundation with a sharper focus on accessibility and everyday usability without compromising on the brand’s premium DNA. Designed as a more approachable model in the lineup, it retains the core elements of the DAB platform while introducing a refined aesthetic tailored for modern city commuters. The Urban E features a clean, understated design with subtle BRABUS detailing, blending seamlessly into urban landscapes while still standing out through its craftsmanship.

Its lightweight frame and compact proportions make it highly maneuverable, while the electric drivetrain ensures responsive performance suited for short-distance commuting. With an output of around 27 kW and torque figures pushing into high-performance territory for its size, the bike delivers quick acceleration and a lively riding character tailored for city use.

Positioned as a premium urban machine, the Urban E is priced at around €22,900 (approximately $27,000), reinforcing its place as a design-forward electric motorcycle rather than a mass-market commuter. Orders are open, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2026 across Europe and select global markets.

BRABUS Urban E First Edition

At the top of the range, the BRABUS Urban E First Edition takes exclusivity and design expression to another level. Limited to just 40 units globally and offered in distinct colorways, it is conceived as a collector’s piece rather than a conventional production bike. Each version carries a fully coordinated finish across body panels and structural elements, elevating it into a cohesive design object.

Visually, the bike carries a strong futuristic presence, with its sharp lines, minimal bodywork, and sculpted stance drawing comparisons to the iconic red motorcycle ridden by Shotaro Kaneda in Akira. While not a direct homage, the resemblance lies in its bold proportions and cyberpunk-inspired silhouette, giving the First Edition a cinematic quality that sets it apart in the electric mobility space.

This exclusivity is reflected in its pricing. The Urban E First Edition starts at around €32,500 (approximately $38,000) and can climb beyond €38,000 (approximately $44,000) depending on market and taxes, placing it firmly in the realm of collectible design rather than everyday transport. Availability is limited to select regions, including Europe and the UK, with deliveries also scheduled for late 2026.

With this surprise collaboration, BRABUS and DAB Motors are translating high-performance tuning philosophy into a new category, one where electric mobility meets bespoke craftsmanship, shaped for a future where even the daily ride carries a sense of occasion.

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Framework Laptop 13 Pro arrives with major redesign, longer battery life, and touch display

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Framework is known for a league of laptops that other manufacturers dare not. Six years in, and the company is pushing its boundaries, building laptops that are robust, high on performance, yet respect the consumers’ right, allowing them the option to repair, upgrade, and run the software of their choice.

For 2026, the modular computing company returns with Framework Laptop 13 Pro, a new and upgraded version of its current favorite repairable laptop – Laptop 13. “Framework Laptop 13 Pro is a complete ground-up redesign,” the company informs. Before we get into the details, this new laptop and wireless touchpad keyboard coming our way via the Framework [Next Gen] Event 2026 are, according to the company, built based on the direct feedback received from its fans.

Designer: Framework

Laptop 13 Pro comes pre-loaded with Ubuntu. Its major highlight is the massive leap in battery life and the new full CNC aluminum chassis, which is first for any Framework laptop. Like the Laptop 13, however, the new model is repairable, upgradable, and fully customizable. It comes with an Intel Core Ultra series processor paired with LPCAMM2 memory, a haptic touchpad, and a purpose-built power-optimized touchscreen display.

Framework says that the Laptop 13 Pro is its first system featuring a chassis machined from a single block of 6063 aluminum. The construction makes it robust yet ensures its lightweight. The 15.85 mm thick laptop only weighs 1.4 kg. It is currently available for preorder starting at $1,199 for the DIY edition. The pre-built device with complete configuration will set you back $1,499. The shipping is expected to start in June 2026.

Framework has really worked on the battery life of Laptop 13 Pro, particularly because battery life was the primary concern that came up in the feedback received from fans. The system has an enhanced battery to 74Wh (rated for up to 1000 cycles), which is 22% better than that of the predecessor. Powered by a 100W GaN Power Adapter, the fast-charging battery can last for up to 20 hours while streaming Netflix in 4K, Framework’s test reveals.

A major update here is the inclusion of Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series processors. Laptop 13 Pro is available in Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra X7, and Core Ultra X9 variants, which makes the device “insanely efficient,” with up to 16 cores of processing prowess. This processing power is paired with equally capable LPCAMM2 memory, which is a modular LPDDR5x RAM format that runs at speeds up to 7467 MT/s. Available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities, it is replaceable and upgradable. For storage, the laptop features a PCIe Gen5 M.2 2280 slot. It supports up to 2TB Gen5 SSDs or larger Gen4 drives.

A great leap from the predecessor, the 13.5-inch touchscreen 2880×1920 resolution display of Laptop 13 Pro is also particularly interesting. It now packs within a redesigned bezel, which arrives sans the rounded corners. Provided with a 30-120Hz variable refresh rate, up to 700 nits brightness, and an anti-glare matte polarizer for better visibility in bright light, the display is paired– for the first time in a Framework laptop – with a Dolby Atmos-enabled audio system.

Framework Laptop 13 Pro with a haptic touchpad that uses piezo electric feedback, is backward compatible. Laptop 13 users can replace the innards (or even the chassis) without having to replace the system entirely. For connectivity, the new laptop features Wi-Fi 7 and the BE211 radio. It also has four Thunderbolt 4 ports.

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Chopard’s Beehive Table Clock is a masterpiece of horological art with L’Épée 1839

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Brilliance usually comes in limited quantities. In fact, it is embodied by the new limited edition Chopard Table Clock, which stands apart from anything the horologist has created in the past three decades. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, the company has teamed up with L’Épée 1839 – the masters of complex watches – to create the Beehive Table Clock.

After reimaging a legendary car and a colorful hand grenade as clocks, L’Épée 1839 is now giving a new horological dimension to the desk clock. Easily, one of the most complex and finely decorated Objet d’Art – spare a thought for the MB&F – the clock revives Chopard’s own iconic beehive motive originally used by the founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard in the 19th century. The bee was later adopted as the emblem of the Manufacture in Fleurier by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele back in 1996 to represent “labor, precision, and collective skill.”

Designer: Chopard

Chopard timepieces are generally an embodiment of precision and strength highlighted by timeless style. Each of its creations reflects Swiss mastery with the use of dancing gems, fine artworks, and sustainable innovation. All of this is presented well in the Beehive Table Clock, which is made of steel and brass in 18K ethical yellow gold to mimic the color of an original beehive.

The clock, measuring 25.8 cm high and with a diameter of 16.5 cm, features three jeweled bees made in Chopard’s jewelry atelier in Geneva. The bees feature a body made using 18-carat ethical yellow gold, which is studded with gemstones, yellow sapphires, and black diamonds, and have rock crystal for wings. While the bees may feel like the most distinctive part of the clock, which comprises seven rounded tiers of borosilicate glass, two of which have the hour and minute numerals. It’s the chime mechanism of the Chopard Beehive Table Clock that’s, in fact, its best highlight.

The clock’s movement plate is brass, and the base is steel, but both are finished in gold to match the beehive theme. Its chime mechanism is located at the top, where the glass dome is used as the bell struck by a small gold hammer to announce the time. There are three – Active, Silent, and On-Demand – chime modes to choose from, which can be changed by rotating the top part. In the active mode, the clock sounds the time automatically, in Silent mode, it doesn’t chime at all, and in On-Demand mode, you can manually set the clock to sound the current time.

The Beehive Clock is powered by a twin-barreled, hand-wound movement, which can be conveniently wound with a crown located at the bottom. When full-wound, the clock has a power reserve of up to 8 days. With its impressive shape, sophisticated chiming mechanism, and a legacy to live up to, the Chopard Beehive Table Clock is limited to just 10 pieces worldwide. The elusive timepiece will be sold exclusively at Chopard boutiques for an estimated $330,000.

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Edge clamp-on power strip brings desk-level charging exactly where you need it

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We’ve spent years upgrading our desks with sleeker materials, smarter layouts, and better ergonomics. But somehow, the humble power strip has remained stuck in the past design ethos. It still lives on the floor, tangled in cables, collecting dust, and forcing you to awkwardly reach under the desk every time your laptop needs juice. Edge: A Clamp-On Modular Power Solution, feels like one of those ideas that makes you wonder why it didn’t exist sooner.

Instead of treating power as something hidden away, Edge brings it right to the desk’s edge, exactly where your hands already are. The shift sounds simple, but it completely changes the interaction. No more bending down, no more blindly searching for an empty socket, and no more dealing with cables stretching across the floor. It turns power into something immediate and accessible, almost like an extension of the workspace itself.

Designer: ChangZhou University

A worthy winner at the New York Product Design Awards, the product leans heavily into flexibility. Rather than locking you into a fixed setup, Edge follows an “add power anywhere” philosophy. You can clamp it wherever it feels right, move it when your setup changes, and adapt it to different desks without any tools. Whether it’s a home office, a shared workspace, or even a temporary setup, the system adjusts without friction. What makes the clamp particularly clever is its over-center, self-locking mechanism. As it closes, it passes a neutral point and locks into place, making it resistant to loosening over time. That matters more than it sounds, especially when you consider the constant push and pull of plugging in devices, cables tugging from different angles, or the occasional bump. The extended contact surfaces further stabilize the grip, reducing wobble and keeping everything firmly in place.

Functionally, Edge splits its eight outlets across two sides. Four sit on top for quick, everyday access, perfect for devices you’re constantly plugging in and out. The other four are tucked underneath, designed for chargers and connections that stay put. It’s a small but thoughtful detail that keeps the surface cleaner and prevents cables from turning into a visual mess. Lifting the power strip off the floor also solves a range of problems you might not immediately think of. It reduces exposure to spills, keeps it away from cleaning water, and eliminates the risk of stepping on it or snagging cables with your chair. The modular segmented body adds another layer of refinement, helping distribute stress while allowing the form to adapt across different desk setups.

I love the idea of Edge, as it simply repositions itself in a way that makes sense for how we work today. And in doing so, it transforms a neglected accessory into something that feels intentional and surprisingly satisfying to use.

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This Nothing-Inspired XR Headset Displays Your Status So People Know When Not to Interrupt

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Fundamentally, spatial computing has evolved at a considerable pace: both in terms of tech and (some would argue) in design as well. However, in both cases, the basic focus has been on creating the most immersive experience for the user, thinking little about the environment around. There is little focus on considering how the user interacts with the world outside of the VR/AR headset.

That stands to change with the idea of the Nothing XR(01), a spatial computing headset that puts a dot matrix glyph system over one eye to display users’ states like available, engaged, DND, or idle, while it’s worn. The concept is simple: to let people nearby understand your status at a glance. When you’re wearing the headset, others in the real world can quickly tell whether you’re available for discussion or too engaged to be interrupted.

Designers: Rishajit Prakash and Shashwat Pandey

The young designer duo has based the concept on Nothing’s signature design language. It may have its roots in the headsets that’ve been released and not released in the past years, but the idea of the nifty Nothing XR(01), which shifts the discussion toward often ignored real world situation, cannot be overlooked. Its design allows people around to understand the wearer’s intent instantly, without interrupting their experience.

Creatives working in shared environments are often interrupted accidentally by their peers, just because they have no evident clues of when the wearer is available for conversation. By creating a concept for social transparency in an immersive environment, XR(01) has the potential of being the next big idea in extended reality. It is a simple way that allows people around to interact with those engrossed in the digital world.

Designed as a headset concept that communicates without words, the Nothing XR(01) allows the wearer to communicate their social boundary (to the people present outside the immersive space) through four different states DND – do not disturb; Engaged: fully immersed in the task; Available: open to interactions; and Idle: passively present. So instead of isolating you from the world, this concept allows you to be unavailable, while being available; by expressing your state on the front-facing glyph interface.

Now, in shared creative spaces and offices, you can be more engrossed in your immersive world, while those outside read your state from the headset itself. The headset, which has a very Nothing-inspired sensor and camera array over one eye and the glyph matrix on the other. For now, Nothing XR(01) is just a fan-made concept. Whether it will find its way onto the Nothing assembly lines is anybody’s guess. But we think the idea deserves consideration, and presumably Nothing should fast-track it before Meta, Apple, or someone else takes the leap of faith.

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TechDAS Air Force IV turntable floats vinyl playback on a cushion of precision

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In modern times, where digital convenience dominates listening habits, the persistence of ultra-high-end analog engineering feels almost rebellious. The TechDAS Air Force IV turntable leans fully into that defiance, emerging not merely as a playback device but as a precision instrument designed to push vinyl reproduction beyond its traditional limits.

At the core of the future-forward vinyl player’s signature pneumatic architecture is a system that fundamentally rethinks how a turntable handles vibration and resonance. Instead of relying on conventional mechanical isolation, the design uses an air-bearing mechanism that effectively floats the platter, eliminating friction and drastically reducing unwanted noise.

Designer: TechDAS

Complementing this is a vacuum LP hold-down system that secures the record firmly against the platter surface, ensuring stable playback and minimizing distortions caused by warping or micro-vibrations. Together, these “air” technologies aim to deliver a sound profile that is both exceptionally clean and dynamically expressive, setting a new benchmark for analog playback. The engineering emphasis continues with a precision-machined one-piece platter carved from solid A5056 aluminum alloy. Weighing close to 9kg, this heavy platter plays a crucial role in enhancing rotational stability while extending frequency response and improving overall dynamics.

The addition of a specialized damping and anti-static surface further protects records while contributing to a quieter sonic background. The result is an audio presentation marked by a notably low noise floor and refined detail retrieval. Unlike many turntables that integrate all components into a single structure, the Air Force IV separates its motor unit from the main chassis. This external 2-phase, 4-pole AC synchronous motor reduces vibration transfer, allowing the belt-driven system to maintain highly stable rotation. A polished polyester flat belt (borrowed from higher-end models) ensures consistent speed performance, reaching standard playback speeds of 33.3 and 45 RPM with minimal wow and flutter.

Despite its compact footprint compared to other models in the Air Force lineup, the IV incorporates technologies derived from its more expensive siblings, positioning it between the Air Force III and V in the range. The chassis itself is precision-machined from solid aluminum, supported by four specialized suspension feet designed to block external vibrations. Impressively, the design also allows for up to three tonearms, offering flexibility for audiophiles who demand multiple cartridge setups.

The Air Force IV reflects TechDAS’ broader philosophy that analog sound still has room to evolve even after decades of digital dominance. That level of tonal precision by the high-end Japanese audio manufacturer comes at a steep price of £19,998 (approximately $27,140). Obviously, it is only targeted towards audiophiles with fat pockets!

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