Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Literacy Pen is first education tool that can let the illiterate read and write in an instant

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It can’t be stressed enough that literacy is the best tool for empowerment and social change. Literacy is everyone’s prerogative but it is not available for everyone in reality. For some their economic status is a hindrance, while for some the social stigmas and lack of opportunity become an impediment. Whatever the circumstance may be, the inability to read and write can lead to issues in everyday life, with the littlest of things such as signing a document or reading the medical prescription/medication.

Literacy drives have been a common endeavor in most developing countries in the last few decades, yet the UNESC report has alarming numbers. Reportedly, some “773 million” people globally “struggle with literacy.” The World Literacy Foundation, which has been at the forefront of providing literacy to the maximum individuals possible, has collaborated with Media.Monks to create the Literacy Pen: a speech-to-text assistance device.

Designer: The World Literacy Foundation and Media Monks

Literacy Pen is the first, portable education tool that can let the illiterate read and write instantly. It is a small device – compatible with any standard pen or pencil – with an onboard screen to display visual input that can be directly copied onto paper.

Designed with key literacy development aspects like visual repetition in hindsight, this user-friendly, lightweight tool comes with a microphone. The user can effortlessly slide a pen into the compactly designed Literacy Pen, and speak desired words into the microphone, which transcribes them word by word automatically onto the digital screen. From here the individual can see and directly copy it onto paper using the attached pen.

How much of that is possible in the real-world environment where individuals we are talking about would have never held a pen in their hand before? Considering this tool is inexpensive that the lowest in the economic hierarchy can own, with due practice, at least some people should be able to sign their financial documents or even land a job.

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LG Flow TV concept with detachable speakers for modern dwellers who love the freedom of movable platforms

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The trend for single-person households is catching up in the urban landscape, and so is the need for modern electronics that come with the freedom of a movable platform. The reason is, that Gen-Z and single-person households don’t want the hassle of wall-mounted TVs when frequently changing bases. Solution, the LG Flow concept that comes with detachable speakers.

The proposed concept by GDM+ designers allows the user to enjoy 360-degree spatial audio anywhere. The whole TV frame can be rotated in any direction and the detachable wireless speaker module at the bottom of the display gives modern users more freedom when shifting bases or even rearranging their apartment. Big displays with permanent brackets on the wall or even in the stand format isn’t appealing enough for such users.

Designer: KDM+

This frame-like display is designed keeping in mind the harmony of the interior space like your living room or bedroom. The outer frame houses the display that can be rotated in a horizontal or vertical orientation with the push of the button on the provided remote control. In the vertical mode, the back legs are lean against the wall while in the horizontal mode, the long legs are tilted back to adjust to adjust the user’s eye level. The detachable speakers automatically adjust to the placement position to beam 360 degrees of omnidirectional sound for multimedia viewing. When you detach them, the position of the individual speakers is automatically gauged and ambient sound is adjusted according to the sitting position of listeners.

When you’re not watching any content on the TV, it doubles as a beautiful artwork piece to enhance the interior space. You can set it to display famous paintings, your memorable pictures, or anything random that makes you feel good.

 

 

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Bulgari leads the battle for the thinnest mechanical watch with Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC

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With the release of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, the battle for the thinnest watch has reached the slimmest size. Taking on watchmakers like Richard Mille and Piaget in the run for the crown, the new Bulgari is a more capable and slimmer rendition of the Octo Finissimo Ultra, the company’s previous slender watch which once held the coveted title of being the skinniest wristwatch.

Watch enthusiasts, especially Bulgari lovers, would remember the Octo Finissimo Ultra from 2022, which then was the thinnest mechanical watch on the planet measuring only 1.8mm at the thickest point. The watch was finished in a 40mm sandblasted titanium case with an integrated bracelet customized to complement the record-breaking watch’s form factor.

Designer: Bulgari

Despite the slimness to offer, the record-setting Octo Finissimo Ultra had that glory shortened by Richard Millie’s Ferrari collaboration timepiece that took watchmaking to a new slimmer form factor. The RM UP-01 Ferrari manual winding ultra flat – as the collab was named – became the new record-setter with slimness measuring .05mm thinner than the Bulgari’s watch.

Richard Millie’s offering lived on as the world’s thinnest watch since. It’s finally overthrown by the new Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, which puts Bulgari back on the top of the record list. The new Bulgari, to that accord, is the world’s slimmest mechanical watch with only 1.70mm thickness. The new milestone in watchmaking comes along with independent Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) certification assuring precision and accuracy in time telling. Thanks to the certification, Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC also becomes the thinnest COSC-certified watch, adding another feature to its cap of utmost sleekness.

In addition to the minimum slimness, Bulgari’s new watch has notable features which start with its sandblasted titanium case and tungsten carbide caseback. Paired with a matching strap, the world’s thinnest watch will be strictly limited to just 20 examples with each priced at $529,000. Given the 1.70mm thickness we’re taking about, it’s a given that winding the watch wouldn’t be easy. Understandably then, Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC be provided with a case for its automatic setting and winding.

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Fairphone Fairbuds TWS earbuds tout replaceable batteries, titanium drivers and microphones

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Fairphone has strongly proposed the idea of a repairable and modular smartphone, and they ventured into a new product category last year with the release of Fairphone headphones dubbed Fairbuds XL. The pair of cans offered a more flexible ecosystem of individual components that give audio lovers the option to swap an outdated or broken piece of hardware. That’s in the landscape of big names like Sony, Sennheiser and Bose who don’t give this liberty.

Now the Dutch electronics manufacturer has revealed a similar option for listeners like me who prefer the compactness of a pair of true wireless earbuds. While the audio accessories come with a host of advantages few disadvantages could cost you money. Prime on being, losing one of them down the street potholes, or battery going rouge after frequent cycles of use. With the Fairphone Fairbuds you don’t have to worry about either of them!

Designer: Fairphone

The pair looks a lot like the Samsung Galaxy Buds with the usual features like ANC, multipoint connectivity and IP54 rating for water and sweat resistance. What makes them different is the flexibility to replace seven parts without any hassle. These replaceable components include the battery on the buds, the charging case battery, microphones, silicone ring and earbud ear tips. That means you are no longer forced to throw the buds in the trash can once the battery goes dead. Fairphone will also replace one of the earbuds if you are the more carefree audio listener who’s always searching for them after a couple of hours of non-listening time. The red cherry on top is the three-year warranty for complete peace of mind.

For listeners who value sound quality more than anything else, you’ll not be disappointed either. The Fairbuds come loaded with 11mm titanium-coated drivers and three microphones on each bud for superior ANC and call quality. These can seamlessly switch between two devices courtesy of Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The earbuds will last around five hours with ANC turned on, and the charging case extends that number to 26 hours in total. The intuitive app (Android and iOS) offers an 8-band equalizer.

The best thing is the offer price of €149 (~$162) in Europe and £140 in the UK which makes Fairphone Fairbuds so lucrative. Considering some premium earbuds cost $300 or more for the same set of features, the Fairbuds stand out with their value-for-money proposition.

 

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Roxon Flex multitool is customizable EDC that can be user-defined with needed attachments

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We’ve seen modular furniture, tiny homes and even phones but the idea of a modular multitool is something new. This is the Roxon Flex multitool that overshadows every other EDC out there with its unique feature of being completely customizable.

Yes, you can add 10 tools of your own choice to the base EDC unit and make the swap again whenever required. This utilitarian feature gives you the freedom to carry only the required tools without any extra weight or occupying unnecessary space since you don’t have to keep multiple EDCs.

Designer: Roxon

Flex made out of stainless steel has a body frame divided into two sections, connected by a fold-out set of steel pliers. Each of the arm sections can house five compatible individual tools. If you are sure what tools you’ll need on a short adventure or camping trip, you can also choose less than 10 tools to keep the slots empty. These slots can be filled with plastic spacers for aesthetics and support for other tools. It is worth mentioning that some advanced tools do take up more than one slot, so you can mix and match depending on the needs. Even better, the makers provide the open-source STEP files so that nerdy users can 3D print their custom tools and add them to the Flex.

The multitool is designed in a way to lock in place when not used and the independent tools can also be locked in place when being used for better precision. Roxon is currently offering more than 30 tools including various blades, screwdrivers, wrenches and files. There are useful tools like a bottle opener, scissors, ruler, awl, fish scaler, magnetic bit driver and a wire stripper too. The EDC body is priced at $40 and each of the tools can cost anywhere between $3 to $8 each. So, the Flex will cost any normal user around $100 and advanced users around $150 depending on the chosen set of tools.

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This modular LP player with detachable controller is modernized digital player for your vinyl collection

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Consuming music in digital format is as easy as compressing thousands of MP3 files into your phone storage and playing it with just a few taps on the screen. This is not the case with long play discs that ensure the unmatched sensory experience of sliding a record from the sleeve – featuring an artful cover design, – placing it on the turntable, adjusting the needle on the groove, and then enjoying the clean, clear music watching the disc rotate in visual ecstasy.

With vinyl disc players, you are treated to analog music where sound revibrates unlike any other medium. This fascination in the otherwise digitalized world has triggered a resurgence of record players in the last decades. Now, with the booming sales of vinyl, designers are willing to take the dive, presenting digital ways to playback LP’s and make them time-relevant without compromising the rich sound quality.

Designer: found/Founded

Case in point the Vibrary Digital LP Player that is more than its vibrant orange color and pleasant design. It is a modernized high-quality player for your vinyl collection that features a modular design you can customize with colors and materials of choice to match the artist’s official color and more. Of course, it’s not the most fascinating collector’s item still, but if you’re someone who is generally on the move and wants to carry their love for LPs along, the Vibrary Digital is a remarkable option.

While turntables offer a warm vinyl sound; this new design offers a tangible click-through operation for ease of use, and promises to match the sound experience through its long speaker body that houses the record.  The new Vibrary Digital concept digital album player, as it is referred to, is designed to enjoy your favorite records whenever and wherever you want.

It is envisioned with a detachable – cylindrical – wireless controller stationed next to the speaker (also with onboard controls), which would allow you to play music from the slotted record from a distance. Digitalizing the idea of a record player is not limited to size and altered vertical design, it is presented with state-of-the-art listening modes including spatial sound mode and a voice-specific mode that would allow you to customize sound according to the artist’s content.

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Koenigsegg Envera portable EV charger sets new precedence for convenience, versatility and luxury

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The number of electric cars on the roads is increasing exponentially, and so is the need for charging stations required for them. Options for personal charging stations that can be installed in your garage are also rising. Not only the conventional manufacturers, but the supercar makers also have the transition to electric vehicles as their long-term agenda. Mercedes Vision EQXX Concept, Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, Ariel Hipercar, and of course the Tesla Roadster are some good examples.

Along the same lines, a pair of designers have proposed a portable battery charging station for the Koenigsegg brand known for its high-performance vehicles. The reason is, to enhance the whole experience of buying an electric supercar and the premium experience of plugging it into a portable charger.

Designer: Aditi Aagrwal and Harsh Ambarkar

Just like the Koenigsegg brand known for its groundbreaking engineering innovations like the Direct Drive transmission and Freevalve engine technology, this concept charger also boasts innovative features including dihedral synchro-helix doors. The use of advanced materials like aerospace-grade alloys and carbon fiber further adds to the exclusivity. The form is important to make it distinct from other similar products, hence the aggressive design honed by the sleek and aerodynamic lines.

Dubbed the Envera, this portable EV charger is tailor-made for on-the-go charging of your power-hungry hypercar or supercar. Capable of supplying 7.2 kW of power it supports Level 2 charging with voltage compatibility from 100 – 400 volts AC. It has Type 1 and Type 2 AC charging ports too and an optional DC rapid charging adaptor. The designer is also mindful of safety, hence the inclusion of overcurrent, over-voltage, short circuit and ground fault protection. In case the charger overheats, there is an automated shutdown in place.

The sleek body of the charger is inspired by the Koenigsegg Agera, and is not limited to just charging this speed beast. It can charge any other Koenigsegg supercar, or any other electric car from other brands. It is built from an IP65-rated shell for premium protection against wear and tear with the ability to operate in temperatures from -20 Degrees Celsius to 50 Degrees Celsius. To make charging the least of the hassles, it comes with a 20-foot flexible charging cable. Just like other portable chargers, this one gets an LCD to show the real-time charging status and diagnostics.

Truly, the Koenigsegg Envera sets new standards for portable EV chargers, giving us a glimpse of how cool the future is going to be. Of course, the unparalleled convenience, versatility of use, and luxury quotient of using a premium brand’s product will always be there.

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Bovet Récital 28 Prowess 1 world-timer stays accurate even when countries move to Daylight Saving Time

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Bovet fan or not, you cannot help but be awe-struck by the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s complications, craftsmanship, and artistry in collector-worthy timepieces that are over the top for consumers like you and me. That means, even if it is beyond the depth of our pockets, the exceptional work ranging from the ridiculously priced Récital 22 Grand Récital to the new Bovet watch dubbed Récital 28 Prowess 1 is worth appreciating.

The latest addition to the company portfolio, Récital 28 Prowess 1 is the first universal time watch that can adjust to the changes in Daylight Saving Time (DST). While presenting itself as a timepiece that should never let you lose time no matter where you are in the world, it is a significant leap from traditional world timers and features an inventive perpetual calendar, flying tourbillon, and an in-house movement with up to 10 days of power reserve.

Designer: Bovet

Before delving into the details about the abovementioned features, let’s go through how the watch is constructed and what you get. The Récital 28 Prowess 1 comes in a new 46.3 mm Writing Desk case created by Bovet itself in choice of 18K Red Gold, 950 Platinum, and Grade 5 Titanium. Irrespective of the material, the intricately detailed watch features hand-finished and hand-engraved bridges.

The sizeable case allows the dial to make room for a lot of complications starting with the patented double-sided flying tourbillon on the top at 12 o’clock. The highlight is in the center where the 24 cities are displayed on rollers that are controlled through the crown. Each of these cylinders have four positions for UTC, AST (American Summer Time), EAS (Europe and America Summer Time), and EWT (European Winter Time). With the push of the crown, the four different time zones can be adjusted independently.

Given the intricate complication, the Récital 28 Prowess 1 worn on a black alligator leather strap, is extremely exclusive with production limited to only eight pieces a year (in each case material). Of course, owning the watch starting at CHF 650,000 (titanium edition) is a rarity, but if you have one, you can in addition to the flying tourbillon and the DST world-timer, also flaunt the built-in perpetual calendar. With the date and leap year indicator, the perpetual calendar – inner workings visible through the exhibition caseback – is mounted on rollers that roll back automatically like a slot machine at midnight, at the end of the month and at the culmination of the year.

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These pair of sneakers can be fully customized to the needs of growing kids

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For growing kids having a brand new pair of shoes can be a nightmare in just a year as their feet grow. Sure, they can get a new pair even though the last one is fairly good to use, but there are environmental impacts to this if that concerns you. A pair can generate up to 30 pounds of CO2 emissions which is something you’d want to avoid at all cost.

The 4Steps 3D-Printed sneakers concept by Michele Di Carlo wants to get over the issue of growing kids and piles of shoes that end up in landfills every year. In works ever since 2017, the project wants to help address the problem of eco-sustainability in the footwear industry. The use of a 3D printer to make a pair further lessens the environmental impact.

Designer: Michele Di Carlo

The target audience for this resizable pair of sneakers weighing 123 grams is kids aged between 6 and 14 who can use the same shoe for almost five years (that’s if they use them with care) before needing a new one. Each separate part of the shoe can be replaced for easy recycling and repair if needed. The use of molded parts having a honeycomb structure adds to the lightweight aesthetics of the pair. Michele has created a prototype of the sneakers using Filafex filament, a type of thermoplastic polyurethane known for its softness and durability.

The level of customization is not just restricted to size, the kids can choose to replace the style of uppers and sides, and also change the color or personalize them with logos or characters. Changing the size or replacing new customizable sections is as easy as taking them apart and assembling the pair again. The adjustable sneakers come with retractable heels to fit the new shoe size and all the pieces can be stringed back easily under the supervision of an adult.

4Steps sneakers are held together with the elastic strings and the adjustments can be made by unclipping and then clipping these strings back. For the summertime, the shoes have a breathable mesh while for the winter season, a layer of insulation can be put. For now, the cool sneakers are in the concept and prototyping phase, and we hope to see them as a real product soon.

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Dog Hut Desk puts a dog bed within the ‘d’ of your work desk

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Modern homes are fancy and well-decorated! We take all the care to ensure our homes are furnished to the T, and this involves furniture we choose for our pets. However, not all apartments have space to accommodate additional furniture for our pooches, or for that matter, some parents – me included – want their pal to be just by their side at all times.

This demand owing to space constraints and over affection has given birth to pet furniture that is usable by both people and their pets simultaneously. It makes living with pets enjoyable and engaging and sparks an emotional connection between the two. A case in point is the Dog Hut Desk, which puts a dog bed within the ‘d’ of your work desk.

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere

Designed as a new nap spot for a dog, the wooden desk has a metal U leg on one side and the small letter D-style bed for the dog as the support leg on the opposite side. With the dog by your side – napping in comfort – as you work, you can give yourself the peace of mind and the furry friend the ultimate comfort of a cozy space tailored for their slumber.

The interesting design allows provision for a cushiony mattress to fit within that the dog will love and would create a comfy space for it to sleep and relax. Presented as a desk that is perfect for you and your dog companion, it is the designer’s second iteration of the pet and human-friendly furniture after the cat-compatible desk.

The Dog Hut Desk with space for man’s best friend when working from home is a good idea if you have an obedient pet, but if your little pal is rowdy or a distraction from your focus, having it right under your eye may not be the best for your work routine. So, choosing this desk will come with its own user pros and cons. Think hard!

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