Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Terracamper turns Mercedes G Wagon into an equipped off-grid camper van with Tecrawl conversion kit

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We have seen some interesting and capable camper vans through 2023. A successful year for the industry is about to wrap up but Terracamper – based out of Germany – wants it should do so on a high. It is therefore giving Mercedes enthusiasts, others of course included, the opportunity  to enhance their outdoor activities this winter, and going forward into the summer, with the new Tecrawl G-Camper kit.

Yeah, it’s the G Wagon and not the ideal and beloved Sprinter van that forms the basis for this conversion. The 4×4 G Class Mercedes has been outfitted with a basic layout and modular accessories to make a camper van worthy of being taken out for a longer spin than a weekend.

Designer: Terracamper

Taking of which, the German camping marque has just about done justice to incorporate the luxury a Merc may demand. The idea of the conversion kit is to keep things simple yet focus largely on utility. The Tecrawl, therefore, comes with a full thermal insulation pack for the colder months and a 31-L compressor cool box for the summery days. The power requirement is taken care of by the optional solar energy system and the integrated 150Ah lithium battery.

The renewable energy system renders the Tecrawl capable of camping off the grid. For comfort inside, the Tecrawl provides the G Wagon with a comfortable sleeping unit for three people. The main sleeping section is crafted in the provided rooftop tent – accessible via a ladder – while the convertible dining table morphs into a sleeper for the third person. This table also fulfills the third function: It flips into a work desk beside a side sofa ideal for the needs of a mobile workaholic.

Terracamper furnishes the Tecrawl G-Camper with decent interior storage and provides a retractable awning to extend the living space when you’re camped. Here you can also pull out the kitchenette from within the camper van for the culinary requirements. The pull-out kitchen offers a two-burner gas stove, fold-out counters, a prep area, and a utility fridge. The water requirement is catered to by a removable 20-L fresh water canister and a portable dry toilet space you trip outdoors. Given its merits, the Tecrawl G Wagon camper van conversion kit starts at €11,000 (roughly $11,900).

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Master & Dynamic MW75 Neuro headphones analyze brainwaves to optimize your work-life balance

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Master & Dynamic can satisfy the most finicky audiophiles with the highest-quality audio solutions. Already on the high spectrum of the headphones industry, the NY-based company now wants to break the shackles and venture into the new age of music listening experience.

They’ve collaborated with Neurable, a tech company focused on bringing neuroscience to everyday gadgets for user’s well-being. The result is a pair of cans that are smart enough to know when you are stressed or need to focus on the task at hand. In a way these headphones are not just about listening to music, rather they are about optimizing your mental state for peak focus or stress relief to get you through the day.

Designer: Master & Dynamic and Neurable

Dubbed the MW75 Neuro, these high-tech wireless headphones provide precise statistics and graphs for analysis, so that you can plan your day to maximize productivity. This is of course done via the accompanying app that highlights the most productive times to the moments of stress. On their own, the MW75 Neuro can mute notifications, enable Do Not Disturb mode and activate the Active Noise Canceling mode if it determines your brain has too much fluff to filter out in a period of focus tasks. All the fancy tech will be housed in the padded earcups of the headies and they look and feel almost like any other luxury headphones.

As clear from the name, these advanced headphones are based on the brand’s acclaimed MW75 headphones that have class-leading audio performance courtesy of the 40mm Beryllium drivers, ANC capabilities thanks to the 4 microphones that toggle the ANC levels based on the environmental sounds and stellar 28 hours battery life with ANC turned on. The MW75’s Master & Dynamic wants to usher into a new era of BCI-enabled wearable technology with these cans, and this is a clear sign of where the industry is heading toward, taking the next big leap in audio.

As Jonathan Levine, Master & Dynamic founder & CEO put it, “The greatest advancement of audio technology over the last decade has been the migration from analog to Bluetooth wireless devices. Moving now into brain sensing thrusts the industry into a new wave of innovation. We’re proud to lead the charge with Neurable.”

The Neuro variant will be available in four colors (Onyx, Argent, Olive, and Navy) for early adopters in the first quarter of 2024 for a price tag of $649. That’s only $50 more than the standard MW75 version which increases its likelihood of being picked up by geeks who want to experience more than just sublime audio. The M&D headphones will be a game changer for professionals who strive for a balanced work-life regime and audiophiles who are too obsessed with the technical and specifications!

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BeTriton unveils first affordable solution of a boat, camper, and trailer in one to tow behind your e-bike

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There are some who conceive an idea, build on it, and sit back and relax on the royalty. Then, there are others who gather feedback and set out to recreate what the people really want. Aigars Lauzis of BeTriton – formally Z-Triton – is from the league of recreators. Thriving on the success of the sustainable adventure partner, BeTriton 2.0 released in Spring 2023, designed for uninterrupted journey on land and water; the adventuring builder is back with a new camper/trailer for your electric bike. This would let you camp on land and water again with equal convenience.

An exciting and practical combination of a boat + camper + trailer, the BeTriton e-bike trailer is not starkly different from what we got with the full-fledged BeTriton 2.0. In fact, it strips down some unnecessary elements – identified on consumer feedback – and retains the cabin to still accommodate two people and a dog. The significant change here is an option for e-bike owners to use their standard bike, instead of an integrated variant, to tow the trailer on land.

Designer: BeTriton

The more affordable and flexible BeTriton trailer also carries on with the most beloved, core functionality: boating, users wanted the company to carry forward with, when the BeTriton 2.0 was rented out during the summer for trails. The flexible towing design allows various e-bike variants to be used as hauling ride for the trailer that was unveiled at the Nexpo Exhibition in Tallinn.

According to the information shared in a YouTube video, the BeTriton Trailer is an affordable and convenient adventure camper and boat. Unbolting four bolts, the users can remove the wheels and get into the super fun electric boating mode. Rear wheels can even fold up on the buoyant floats if you don’t want to make the extra effort. 24-inch wheels are used in the trike contraption of the trailer, which can connect through a simple mechanism to the bike seat post when you are up for the road journey.

The cabin maintains the structural integrity and interiors of the predecessor yet it is highly customizable to give users the tailored convenience for the journey. There is an electronic Lift System for the motor, on the front, and the cabin can be used in open configuration with just the windscreen or covered up with PVC cover to weatherproof the cabin. And when you are riding on an unbeaten path, you can also have an aluminum frame installed for a full cabin look.

There is no information, at the time of writing, about the battery power or range of the BeTriton trailer. What we readily know is the trailer camper can make space to store your foldable electric bike, but if you don’t have a foldable one, the company may soon have a mount so you can carry the bike onboard when you go floating on the water. The initial variant of the e-bike trailer is ready for production with worldwide limited edition delivery expected in the summer of 2024.

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Philippe Starck designs futureproof Hydrogen refueling station disguised in an invisible cloak

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Philippe Starck is renowned for his ingenuity when it comes to enriching lives with unique creations. The acclaimed French designer and architect has proved time and again what comes to the fore when unwavering focus and brilliance are fused. In the latest venture with HRS (leading European manufacturer of hydrogen stations), Starck has created one of the most striking hydrogen refueling stations you would come across.

Dubbed HRS by Starck, the prototype of the refueling station is currently on show at the COP28 climate summit at Expo City Dubai. Being a part of the Green Zone hub (dedicated to decarbonization and energy transition) the creation leverages HRS’s high-capacity refueling prowess and Philippe’s innovation to make possible such a resourceful collaboration.

Designer: Philippe Starck

Amplifying the core idea of clean fuel transition, the fuelling station takes an almost invisible form, just like Hydrogen which is inherently a colorless, clean gas. The fuelling station is made out of polished reflective steel material, as Philippe envisioned it in his mind to have the essence of disappearance. From the very beginning, Starck was crystal clear about the form of the HRS by Starck hydrogen refueling station. This smart-looking device mimics the character of disappearance, dissolving from the viewers’ eyesight, only to reflect the surroundings.

From a distance, the onlookers can only make the distinction when viewing the sunset orange hue from inside the dispenser column on one side. Interestingly, as the viewer has a closer look and peeks inside the rig, it’s almost empty. Obviously, Starck wasn’t going to stop at this, so he added optical effects known as dichroism. For this, the dispenser is fitted with a dichroic-treated glass panel. That is, the refueling rig changes color even though is completely colorless.

The designer wants to dematerialize the design of the refueling rig, thereby making it unobstructed and shifting attention toward the transparent nature of the clean gas. Coming on to the practical aspect of HRS by Starck, the design is modular and scalable. It can dispense hydrogen for vehicles including cars, HGVs, buses, trains, construction machinery and even boats. The dispenser comes with two pressure settings – 350 bar and 700 bar for multi-vehicle compatibility.

The refueling dispenser is all set to be operational by 2024 if the project doesn’t hit any speedbumps. Truly, this design revolving around “elegant and intelligent energy” is all set to serve the future.

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BMW x TYDE reveals world’s largest foiling yacht to efficiently motorize the days above the waves

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Foiling technology in yachts is not new, but it has really taken off above the waves in recent times, for its ability to add substantial efficiency and noise-free rides for the demanding, affluent patrons. Case in point, the first collaborative, “The ICON” by BMW and TYDE. Opening new frontiers, the carmaker and marine expert are back with “The OPEN,” the world’s largest foiling motor yacht with luxury unparalleled.

Some collaborations are meant to be, and that’s exactly where it is going with the two abovementioned industry leaders. It is their second partnership for The OPEN, which is meant to be a larger and refiner electric foiling yacht designed for enjoyment above the waves.

Designers: BMW and TYDE

The OPEN is, as the design team puts it, a new “perspective on electrification, sustainability, and innovation.” The inventive electric vessel is designed to measure 49 feet long and about 15 feet in width. It will be powered by a zero-emissions drivetrain, borrowing the efficacy from The ICON. The battery onboard is a BMW i3 with 400kWh capacity and twin 100kW electric motors that provide The OPEN maximum speed of 30 knots.

An interesting aspect is the integrated hydrofoils that will allow the yacht to begin gliding above the water at around 18 knots with minimum drag and utmost silence. The propulsion system further helps reduce OPEN’s energy consumption by up to 80 percent, the designers note.

Capable of cruising over the waves at 25 knots on 50 nautical miles of range, the luxury yacht also adds to the green performance with solar panels embedded in the vessel’s hardtop. The yacht has a windshield wrapped around the seating area which offers a clear yet safe vantage point to check out the surrounding panorama. The life on the deck doubles up from being a solitary sun-basking regime to a dining area, and bathing platform, if you may.

For when the day is over and you need to hit the sack, onboard you have an accommodation for two. The cabin is luxury-packed with all the amenities including a bed, workstation, TV, and ensuite bathroom.  The OPEN electric foiling yacht is likely to begin shipping toward the end of 2024 with TYDE managing the production and marketing.

 

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Galaxy Flip case with a built-in foldable tripod can transform your phone into the perfect camcorder

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I had literally forgotten about camcorders; I don’t even rightly remember the last time I used one. Since cameras on the smartphones have outdone handycams and reached near DSLR efficacy – at least with high-end models – there’s been a drastic slump in everyday usage of camcorders. Whether you want to capture family moments at home, record landscapes, or timelapse a sunset, mobile cameras are friendlier and convenient for doing it all. Chiefly because we have a smartphone on us 24/7 and an additional device is not necessary for taking pictures or recording videos.

This is why 90 Degree Instinct was an instant reminder for the moments of truth I have had with a Sony camcorder I now have lying dead in the vault. This guy is not another camcorder or a stark reminder for anyone like me that they existed. This is perhaps a utility accessory for anyone who loves capturing moments with their smartphone – especially the Samsung Galaxy Flip.

Designer: Ugly Duckling

Essentially a case for the Galaxy Flip foldable smartphone; the idea is to help home chefs, influencers, and everyday social media buffs to shoot more professional videos by transforming the smartphone into a capable camcorder. The designer has particularly chosen the foldable Samsung phone for his experimental case concept because when the Flip is placed at a “90 degrees” angle, “it resembles the shape of a… small camcorder.”

By transforming the ordinary Flip into a camcorder, user can maximize its usability for capturing videos. The case offers the phone a camcorder-esque grip for better handling, and integrates a tripod inside, to present exceptional stability without additional accessories.

The added weight of the case may be a point of contention for those who prefer a sleek device, but if you can bear the bulk – which of course is way lesser than towing a portable tripod along – you can be rest assured that the 90 Degre Instinct will not compromise portability of the phone despite the additional functions.

Designed in a range of colors, the solid case comes with point-and-shoot buttons and a tripod mount on one side, and a foldable tripod embedded on the top. The foldable tripod hinge is robust and stands out with its metallic look against the granite appearance otherwise. With the given features and their functionality, I’m impressed! Perhaps I don’t have a Flip, but if you do, you should expect the case to see the light of day.

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LEGO Polaroid OneStep SX-70 camera revives 70s photography nostalgia

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LEGO Ideas is the best thing that happened for the community of enthusiastic LEGO builders who can’t curtail their imagination when it comes to creating jaw-dropping builds. Now, yet another LEGO set brings back the nostalgia of photography just in time for the holiday season. Thanks to YouTuber Marc (Minibrick Productions YouTube channel) who shares his interesting ideas on Google’s invincible video-sharing platform.

Remember the Polaroid SX-70 fold-flat instant camera that rocked the early 1970s? Now this iconic shooter has got the LEGO treatment in the form of a 516-brick set. The creation is a result of Minibrick Productions’ submission of the idea that earlier debuted as a concept. It’s partially functional, so you can’t click real-time photographs with this camera. The LEGO Polaroid OneStep SX-70 is for yours to grab as it can be pre-ordered right away at a price tag of $80 with release slated for January 1, 2024. Certainly, that’s way cheaper than getting the original one that’s a prized collector’s item now.

Designer: LEGO Ideas

It’s a disappointment that this piece of retro-futurism cannot click actual photographs, still to keep the enthusiasts in the feels, there’s a Polaroid Time-Zero Land Film pack with three storable slides. Just slide one of these slides into the camera’s body and press the shutter button to eject the illustrated photograph. One of these photographic slides is that of Edwin H. Land, who invented the Polaroid camera.

To keep things authentic, the LEGO camera has the signature Color Spectrum of the Polaroid and the exposure compensation dial to a new 8×10 tile. As I said, it’s partially functional, so there working viewfinder and shutter button. To induce a bit of quirkiness, there’s the “photography-led” marketing that comes with the “NOT SHOT ON LEGO Polaroid Camera” sticker on the photos.

Piecing together this LEGO Polaroid camera is going to be a fun activity over the weekend and it’s going to induce the interest of onlookers who might mistake it for the real thing at first glance.

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IKEA DAJLIEN exercise and fitness gear will fill your home gym with pastel hues in 2024

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Arguably, the COVID-19 pandemic has made some dramatic changes to our lifestyle. A prominent one, personally experienced, is the curtailed visits to the gym. In the post-pandemic era, therefore, there has been a tremendous rise in home gyms and the probable equipment to fill them up. To that accord, IKEA wants to pitch in. But the Swedish furniture giant has its own way of doing it. It doesn’t want you to have a separate room for your gym, in fact, every bit of the furniture and equipment humbly adjusts wherever you keep it.

Enter the pastel-colored DAJLIEN collection: A consortium of 19 compact and versatile gear you can use as part of your living and exercising routine. The equipment here is not extraordinary; each one of them is easily identifiable and usable, like the options we have had over the years. The only difference is, that the fantabulous collection includes stress relief and recovery gear.

Designer: IKEA

Made with the idea to help people live a more active lifestyle without the use of metal bars or drives to the gyms. The collection is making heads turn at the Art Basel Miami, where it is on showcase, before being available for purchase in January 2024. Before you head that way, be familiar with the expansive assortment of products on the list.

IKEA is offering equipment in a colorful blend of subtle green, yellow, and white, which allows it to gel naturally with the home and everyday environment. These include ring-shaped dumbbells, exercise mats, and step-up boards, which can all be stacked away when not in use. Interestingly, the collection has an air purifier, slippers, two distinct ponchos, a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker for post-workout sessions, and kneepads, yoga straps, and more for recovery.

The highlight of the DAJLIEN is a wooden bench that doubles as storage. Designed to help with a range of bench exercises, it can allow the user to store the gear in the bench by lifting the lid. Beneath, the bench has a non-slip mat and it comes with a clean top so it can be used as a coffee table at home. All-in-all the collection, with all the gear, included, helps bridge the gap between home and active life and gives users another reason to invite IKEA into their homes.

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This autonomous robot scouts unfriendly terrain for dangerous land mines in warzone and post-conflict regions

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Wars bring with them massive destruction on the battlefield but the implications beyond wartime can be equally devastating in terms of mental, psychological and physical damage. The ongoing strangling in two of the most important regions in the world is a clear example of how conflicts can have devastating aftermaths. Land mines have long been one of the worst nemesis of post-war calamities, rendering fertile lands too risky to be cultivated.

Searching for these fatal buried hazards can be an arduous task even for the most potent military units and that’s where robotic land mine detectors make the task easier. This takes all the risk of human life away and also ensures the particular area of land is safely ridden of destructive land mines laid down by battling units in the past.

Designer: Subin Kim and JiHoon Park

Meet the Warden mine detector proposed as a concept design that safely takes care of identifying potential land mines and marks the area with red paint to keep everyone safe. This creates a quarantined zone for residents and outsiders about the potential threats. Working autonomously to scout any kind of terrain, the smart robotic minesweeper is connected to the cloud at all times to send the real-time data of identified mines, so that they can be updated in relevant online maps and public resources.

Looking like a rover moving forward on unknown lands, this robot has a high ride height to move swiftly on rocky terrain. The machine is loaded with advanced sensors and a surprising mowing attachment to remove any standing grass or weed. This makes the marked area visible even in the dark hours of the day. When not autonomous, the minesweeper robot can also be controlled by a soldier during wartime scouting.

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Range slide-in truck campers for all year round off-grid camping are built spaciously with every amenity onboard

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I don’t really have a thing for hard-top campers, they look overly bulky and have a more rigid approach to the idea of accessible camping. Wilderness Vans Range slide-in campers (R1 and R2) have a little bias going their way, chiefly because these are designed for all-year-round off-grid camping, and are built spaciously with all the amenities onboard. In fact, windows and skylights allow a constant flow of natural light and fresh air, preventing the occupants inside the Spacekap Diablo from feeling stuffy but have a pleasant interior to themselves.

Diablo only forms the foundation of the slide-in camper designed to snugly fit the bed of any heavy-duty truck. Given its unibody design, the camper can be removed easily when not required or you want to install it on a new ride. The excitement about the Range R1 (three-person model) starts at the exterior which has a UV-resistant SK gelcoat you can have painted in a choice of color you want. The 6-foot camper has a well-thought-out floor plan accommodating a sliding bed, dinette, galley and storage.

Designer: Wilderness Vans

The Range campers are fully insulated for all weather usage. It comes with natural fiber and wool installation in the walls and ceilings and the cushioned wood flooring is layered with cell foam for thermal performance in winter and to keep the interior cool during the summer months. A diesel air heater is also included as an option. Since ventilation is essential in truck campers for an enjoyable camping experience; the Range campers make provision for it with curved windows, matching the contour of your pick-up body, and skylights adding to light and ventilation.

The pull-out bed at one end of the camper turns the small space into a nice living quarter without hampering the living space. The headroom is limited on the bed because there is no pop-up option (I told you hard shells are not my thing), but the ventilation makes up so you don’t at any time feel cramped in there. Access into the Range campers is through the 40/60 back doors that lead you first up into the galley spruced with storage options everywhere.

In the cooking space itself is a gas stove and sink, a fridge/freezer, and pull-out countertop surfaces. Just across is the dinette for two that converts into a bed for one additional person in the R1. In the 8-foot Range R2, this dinette is bellowing the extending bed and is slightly bigger to transform into a double bed when required. The bench here can accommodate a portable toilet underneath it to make the camping experience less stressful. For its outdoor ability, the Range Campers come with a 200-watt solar charging station to take care of the power needs in off-grid locations. According to the information on Wilderness Vans website, the Range R1 with its gorgeous yellow interior is priced at CA$56,200 (approx. $42,000).

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