Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Polestar HAMMER x Hot Wheels is a sharp muscle car that deserves a real life rendition

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This year’s Polestar Design Contest 2024 is themed on unconstrained dreams inspired by nostalgic aspirations. Out of the numerous entries, the winner will have the opportunity to get their design recreated as a 1:64 Hot Wheels version. Yes, a purchasable Hot Wheels Polestar that’ll adorn the living room shelves and desk space of many enthusiasts.

Out of the finalized designs, the ones that impressed me the most are the Polestar Legacy by Robinson Mancaux, Polestar RoboToyRace by Anton Kulakov, Polestar Barchetta by Travis Yang, Polestar Crocus by Trystan Malbranque and Polestar LNR Space Runner Anand Namboodiri. That said we’ll not talk about any one of them here, because there’s one Polestar Hot Wheels design that didn’t make it to the final cut but gets my vote for the winner’s podium.

Designer: Siddhartha Dutt

This is the HAMMER Hot Wheels x Polestar that stays within the imaginative realm while still being futuristic looking. Imagining this as a Hot Wheels version is even more erotic. Inspired by Thor’s mighty weapon Mjölnir, this electric muscle car envisioned for Polestar comes with a booming performance platform that’s good enough for a real-life muscle car. Even though it’s a scaled-down version of a concept electric muscle fusion vehicle, the temptation to ride someday is undulating.

The typical Hot Wheels design on the front sets the tone for the sharp design aesthetics that follow aerodynamically to the rear. No curves here, indicating a futuristic DNA meant for the pure fun of driving on freeways. The designer keeps things toned down as far as stuffing muscle on the sides and the rear section goes. Still, he has managed to extract a very intimidating character out of this Hot Wheels. The wheels and the rims radiate a matching theme that’s highlighted by the silver and matte black inserts.

Just have a look at these renders that have a semblance of the Night Rider vehicle (a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am) but with a modern sharp appeal. Should this be just another concept that fades away or do you vouch for it to come to life one day?

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Fractal Design unveils maiden gaming chair and over-ear headphones

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At Computex 2024 Fractal Design has unveiled its first-ever gaming chair and pair of headphones that should have you interested. There’s a belief around the tech community that the best gaming chair isn’t a pure gaming chair – thus, your quest for the endgame chair for playing games should end at the Refine.

Keeping things to the basics with ergonomic comfort and intuitive controls at the helm, the Refine gaming chair brings the assuring comfort of high-end office chairs to the fore. According to Fractal Design, the gaming chair has mesh fabric and Alcantara finishes to get you through long gaming sessions without any discomfort. Refine is going to be available this summer in five different variants – ranging from $550 up to $890.

Designer: Fractal Design

Secretlab fans will write off this one just at first glance since the chair seems to be from the Herman Miller clan. But there are subtle design distinctions that will entice gamers into buying this one. The tall mesh seatback (Fractal is also offering a variant with solid padded fabric) and the ergonomic freedom of an office chair (something I love) are a good fusion of both worlds.

There is adjustable lower back support, supportive head cushion, impressive lumbar support and 4D armrests with a four-point adjustment system. This gives the user freedom to adjust the forward/back position and height rotation too. For maximum body comfort, Refine can be tilted and locked in 13 different positions. The mesh version will cost $550 and the most premium Alcantra variant will set you back $890.

Talking of the Scape headphones, the USP is the included wireless charging stand. Quality of life features such as flip-to-mute microphone that’s detachable should tilt the buying decision in the brand’s favor that’s if they manage to provide quality audio drivers and decent battery life of around 30 hours. Although the details of the drivers is not known, Fractal confirms the over-ear headset supports Bluetooth 5.3 and connectivity via a low-latency dongle. The headphones will come with ambient lighting and audio presets that can be tweaked. The audio accessory will be available later this year in two color options for $200.

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Custom-built inside out, ModRetro Chromatic is the ultimate tribute to the Gameboy

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Gameboy was a cultural icon in the 1990s when I was growing up. Almost every video game enthusiast in my close circle had his handheld from Nintendo, which meant that before being discontinued from production in 2003, it was arguably the best-selling console ever made. Since, then there have been many iterations of the popular handheld console trying to revive the lost era of portable gaming, but none has been as identical as what Palmer Luckey’s ModRetro may have achieved with the Chromatic.

Combining nostalgic charm with modern tech, the ModRetro Chromatic inherits the Gameboy DNA to give enthusiasts the most realistic experience of the classic handheld console in the blood and body of the new-age device. It’s a result of seventeen years of endeavor to make the ultimate device to play Gameboy games as they were played on the original console.

Designer: ModRetro

According to Luckey, the Chromatic is his best tribute to the Gameboy. Designed and constructed to be the most “authentic, highest quality” device to mimic Gameboy, Chromatic is an heirloom quality piece of retro-futuristic art “that would last for generations.” To that accord, this cartridge-playing Nintendo Gameboy will retail for $199 and can be pre-ordered now at ModRetro.

Compatible with Gameboy and Gameboy library, the Chromatic is 100 percent custom-made. It has a one-to-one LCD with an identical pixel structure to the original Gameboy. To maintain authenticity and closeness to the real, the device alongside its Gameboy-like 160×144 pixel backlit display features a similar layout, resolution, and size. Its sapphire screen is scratch-resistant and it is housed within a magnesium-aluminum alloy molded shell topped with durable PBT buttons and D-pad.

ModRetro Chromatic measures 5.2x3x1.2 inches, and weighs feather light at 6.2 oz. For connectivity, the device has been provided with a USB port and 3.5mm headphone output, and to celebrate its launch, it will come preinstalled with good old Tetris, free of charge. The custom-designed lithium-ion battery, rechargeable through console, provides the Chromatic 24-hour battery life, which can be enhanced on the move with 3x AA batteries.

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This lightweight camper for mid-sized trucks has auto expanding pop-top mechanism to maximize headroom

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Adventure Manufacturing has been delighting adventurous souls with their truck campers ever since the 2020 pandemic under the brand Scout Campers. With the success of the hardtop shell Tuktut camper for 4×4 trucks, the new addition to the lineup focuses on all-weather and lightweight design, making even more sense.

Designed for mid-sized MUVs like Toyota Tacoma, Ford Raptor and Jeep Gladiator, the pop-top camper dubbed Yoho Pop Up is ultra-lightweight at just 976 lbs, and is super easy to set up. Thus, making it ideal for vehicles that can be prepped for an adventure trip by the morning time, and then, trimmed down back to their native utility by the night. This all-weather camper doesn’t eat up much of your range which makes it an even better choice for electric MUVs and electric off-road trucks.

Designer: Scout Campers

The brand is targeting midsized truck users who don’t want to compromise on fuel economy and crave a solution that hits the right balance of protection and practicality of use. Yoho Pop Up is made out of composite panels with an aluminum exoskeleton and a single-piece monocoque composite roof. The cabinets are made out of recycled paper and feature bamboo countertops. Scout Campers is confident that the pop-up camper sleeps three people and a dog or a small kid, but to be safe we’ll say, two adults and a dog or small kid is what the pop-top will be comfy enough on extended trips.

It has a total height of 69.75 inches which can be expanded to 79 inches for more headroom even for the tallest of people. The expanding function can be initiated with the built-in pop-top mechanism (called Early Rise) that allows you to leave your bedding in place even when the top is down. The automated feature comes in handy when traveling solo, or weather conditions are not in your favor. Designed to mimic the look of a hardtop shell camper, the Yoho Pop Up has larger doors for easy access.

The maker has fitted the Pop Up version with an 18.5-liter Lifesaver Jerrycan Filtration-ready water canister with a 3,000-W Goal Zero power station. A stainless steel sink, dual 100W solar panels, a 5-lb propane tank, and exterior lighting also come standard with the model. If you want to go for more, there is the optional 45-L Dometic CFX3 fridge, Kammok Crosswing awning, portable indoor/outdoor gas cooktop, portable toilet, and 7.5-L RotoPax canister to increase the freshwater capacity.

The pricing of Yoho Pop Up is more than the hardtop version at $27,000 which is surprising. Also, we have to keep in mind the fully proof weather-resistant design of the hardtop model. While most of the hardcore adventurers will lean towards the Tuktut, this pop-top version is made for people looking to have the option of a low drive profile while traveling. Those interested can make a $500 deposit to book their unit with availability promised in a few months.

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This handsome three-wheeled EV boasts advanced tilting tech to keep it from toppling over

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Three-wheeled electric vehicles mostly targeted for city driving are a practical option instead of four-wheelers and a safer bet than exposed two-wheelers. There’s a downside when compared to cars though, they are not as safe as you would expect them to be, since they can topple over if driven rashly.

This was the main focus for the French nonprofit electric mobility group, SIREMS Association, who’s developed one of the safest three-wheeled electric vehicles with advanced safety features to prevent accidents. The placement of the two wheels on the rear delivers more traction and the shift of center of gravity with the semi-reclined feet forward positioning helps produce more torque.

Designer: SIREMS Association

So that the rider is confident of cornering at high speeds, the rear wheels tilt depending on the tilt of the body. The maker has developed Mobile Lateral Elements (MLEs) which are a pair of advanced doo-hickeys on each side of the front wheel to eliminate any chance of toppling over. They act like a counterbalance to prevent the inside from hitting the road and outside MLEs to keep the EV from going off balance. Just in case the speed is too high and the toppling over action cannot be prevented (laws of physics remember), these MLEs force the vehicle to prop up.

Collisions are also a probability, so these MLEs help absorb a frontal impact. There’s a triangle-shaped structure called Programmed Restraint Device (PRD) just behind the cockpit that dissipates the energy of the collision and also keeps the rider from going over the handlebar. The crumble zones of the vehicle act as a cargo storage space which is as added benefit. In case of a rear impact, the wheels detach and the frame disintegrates to prevent the driver from being crushed if the vehicle flips over.

For now, founder Philippe Girardi plans to have the finished prototype ready for testing by the end of 2024. The vehicle will hit the roads in 2028 at a speculated price of $32,500.

 

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This functional tiny camping trailer from the ’80s can be hauled by cars as small as the Mini

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Once upon a time, there was a company called Island Plastics, not many of us have heard of and chances are not many would hear about it after this either. But one person/family can take home an available footprint of this company, its standard trailer camper available for grabs in the US. Reportedly, only 200 of these campers called Romini were ever built between 1985 and 1990 and are unfortunately out of production now.

The little camper, made from fiberglass panels sandwiching foam in between for insulation, is laid out with a bed and features requisite gear inside for a good time on the road. Owing to its petit size, 9.8-foot long and gross weight of 750kgs, the little camper is designed to be hauled by cars as small as the original Mini, making it the ultimate companion for tiny camping.

Designer: The Autopian

Through the years, the American trailer market has flourished with hefty options, then the tide shifted toward teardrops and those willing to trail these little ones for a short trip on the road would love to check out the Romini. The interior of the camper is pretty similar to the Romahome C15 micro motorhome but the layout is different.

Romini has a sleeping arrangement that’s across the interior instead of in length, which is the norm. The seating arrangement by the day here can transform into a double bed for the residents. The bed is only 6 feet across, so if you’re taller, you may have to pass this trailer. Otherwise, look on for the other features and you will be awestruck how all that is really stuffed in this small form factor.

A Romini back in the day came fully equipped with a kitchenette featuring sink, stove, fridge, and storage. The dinette cum bedroom had a skylight above, while a chemical toilet stowed away from sight. The camper was even provided with an awning for sitting outside in the shade. The one for sale is a standard model from ’85, so the features are limited to seating, bed, and kitchen essentials including a grill and a porta potti under the seating.

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This pedal-powered exerciser is your portable power bank for blackouts

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We are living in a vulnerable world where a disaster can strike at any time, without the slightest warning. While power outages as a result of damage to equipment, failure at the end of the provider, or some fault at home are common; outages because of disasters are still rare. In spite of this, governments globally are advising citizens to take simple steps to prepare for power emergencies. To help you through different types of blackouts, the HR Bank is made to provide power independence at any given time and space.

This portable power bank ensures continuous energy at home with comfort and security that you can trust with your family. The versatile power storage device is imagined to store power from almost every possible – renewal or non-renewal – source. The device stores excess energy in its internal 2kWh battery from solar panels and wind turbines and then helps power your home, appliance, and more during blackouts.

Designer: Lukas Avenas

The most interesting part about thee HR Bank is its human-powered ability. When the external energy source is unavailable, the user can pedal this power bank like an exercise bike to generate clean power. With its ability to double up as an exerciser, the HR Bank promotes fitness and can also become a dynamic workstation in minutes using an optional table contraption.

The HR Bank thus functions as a large power bank that can store energy from external power sources or generate its own electricity through pedaling. Through workout, while working on your system, you can generate 50-500 Wh of energy to power your smartphones, laptops or other devices. This robust and customizable power bank cum exerciser can keep you fit and power a smartphone to full charge on 15 minutes of pedaling, while pedaling it for one hour straight can generate enough power to juice up a laptop.

The body of the HR Bank is made of aluminum (for its durability, versatility, and infinite recyclability properties) and it features an electric motor by Tukas EV. Other materials comprising the pedals, saddle, and handlebar are made from birch plywood, vegan leather, and natural leather. The entire HR Bank is highly adjustable so people of all heights can use it by adjusting the saddle, handlebar, or pedal position to their liking. With the handlebars and saddle removed, this power bank cum exerciser can pack up into a size of regular luggage for easy storage or transportation.

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A bicycle with three embedded chairs to ferry around town … wait , what!

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I’ve always been intrigued and amazed by the idea of Mamachari bicycles from Japan that can be used as grocery carriers, kid transporters, or riding to work with all your gadgets. Virtually every family in the land of the rising sun owns or has owned a Mama’s Chariot.

The unisex bicycle has proven itself as a age-old solution to city commuting and the Mama bike is not going to dwindle in popularity any time soon. Not when you see outlandish inspirations like the Homo Mobilitas pictured here. The reimagined bicycle has a chair as the saddle. Yes, a chair to either go riding on the streets or relax being parked by the side of a breezy pavement to catch some air.

Designer: Takuto Ohta

The body of this unique bicycle is the Furakazu Shushu model from Maruishi Cycle which is popular in Japan as the first kids-carrying solution in the country. While the famous ride is not safe by any stretch of the imagination, it still solves the purpose if you keep all your senses in overdrive. The axis of the front handle takes all the weight and the clever mechanism links the stand to the front fork to lower the center of gravity to stabilize the bicycle. Takuto’s idea is to debunk the safety norms and address gender biases by transforming how we look and interact with bicycles.

By fusing a chair design with a bicycle, the designer wants to reinterpret how we see our relationship with everyday objects. The motivation to create this design is to see bicycles not just as a mode of transportation but also as an important part of our living environment. Thus, a bicycle with not two chairs, but three. How practical would it be to drive a bicycle with three chairs holding the weight of adults, I’m not too sure. One thing is clear though, this creation will have eyeballs turning in Japan.

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Want to read in the dark? This ‘Illuminating Bookmark’ makes your pages light up at the right brightness

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There are two types of book readers – ones who read during the day and those who snuggle up in bed at night with a book. While the day readers get plenty of natural light, night readers sometimes struggle to find the right lumens that won’t strain their eyes and disturb the light sleeper sharing the bed while they lose themselves in the power of the written words. Numerous companies have come up with creative solutions to both these problems with night lights.

A good reading light defines your reading time; either you can enjoy a physical book or have to open up a Kindle, which will strain the eyes. There are plenty of night lights such as the Glocusent LED neck reading light or Vekkia Dual Heads Rechargeable book light that come with high recommendations, but they fall short when compared to the AwesomePre book light, which has an innovative design allowing a window into your book after dark.

Designer: BEBOP Design

Created for the LED technology development startup MemsLux, the AwesomePre is made to create an emotional connection between the reader and the story after the sun goes down. Shaped as a large window that can be placed on the page you are reading, the device uses MemsLux’s LED technology to emit comfortable light wavelength to give a private reading experience. It would be like gazing into your favorite escape world through a portal. Alas! You cannot magically cross it.

The main body has a ‘magic lighting plate’ made with a semiconductor process and contains barely visible micro-sized light emission patterns. The sophisticated design of the night light eliminates unnecessary clutter such as cords which works best for people who often toss and turn while reading. It also helps minimize clutter and distractions while you are immersed in a book. The slender frame of the device allows easy portability so you can stash the light in your bag and take it on your sleepovers or vacations.

It features control panels on the main body attached to the frame where the reader can adjust the light to their liking. The chargeable device can be used as a handheld light or placed atop the book. It can serve as a mood light when connected to the charging dock.

This reading light is particularly beneficial for people who like to read late into the night and do not want to disturb anyone in the room. Unlike its counterparts on the market, the accessory allows uniform light distribution on the page being read, so you don’t have to adjust it as you near the bottom or squint. The only downside we can think of is the lack of ergonomic comfort for readers who fancy reading in a laid-back position. Other than this, the accessory is a must-have for bookworms.

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Endgame Invisible PC desk is the ultimate gaming machine hiding in a secret hatch under the tabletop

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Having powerful desk setups can be exciting but all the wire clutter and visual chaos can overshadow the buzz. Matthew Perks is one DIYer who is keen enough to design unique rigs that are highly functional and instantly pique the interest of a geek like me. The respected YouTuber has created some impressive projects in the past including his first attempt at an invisible desk PC.

Now, he’s more mature and experienced to create an endgame PC desk that will blow you away, just as it did to me. The final result is a functional and visually calming setup that goes perfectly with any home décor or geeky theme. This project makes technology disappear in your living space and only shows up when it’s time to get productive or go a gaming marathon.

Designer: Matthew Perks

The invisible PC setup looks minimalistic, as Matthew tactfully integrates high-end PC hardware into the frame of a desk. Barely noticeable to the unassuming eye, the OLED display, water-cooled PC and peripherals hide inside a secret hatch in the tabletop when not in use. Call it the ingenuity of the man, or level of creative patience – everything about this PC desk is done so immaculately that you’ll barely realize how difficult it actually is to make one. This is a true example of what future home computing applications could be like while harmoniously integrating with the existing interior setup.

The most difficult part of the whole DIY is to mount a 45-inch Corsair Xeneon Flex ultrawide bendable OLED display on the custom-built aluminum frame that opens and closes as smooth as butter, courtesy of the hinge mechanism pneumatic struts and tension springs. The high-performance Intel Core i9-13900K processor and Zotac GeForce RTX 4090 GPU of the PC require optimum cooling, therefore, Matthew went ahead with installing custom water blocks, but to make it even better, he then upgraded the rig with bigger heatsinks and 140mm Corsair fans.

Once everything technical got sorted, the final phase of the DIY involved aesthetics and function. For this, he added wood panels to the motorized standing desk to go with the home décor. The last little detail includes adding magnetic assists for lifting the monitor with the least effort while maintaining the sleek look of the tabletop that can take a total weight of 440 lbs without breaking a sweat.

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