Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Xbox Half handheld gaming console has retractable side panels to hide away buttons and joystick

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If recent leaks by trusted tipsters like Jez Corden (Windows Central Managing Editor) are to be believed, then we should see an Xbox handheld gaming console launch in 2026. Insiders have already hinted that the handheld prototype is already in the development stage and Microsoft plans to reveal some details next year or even earlier.

Interestingly, Microsoft recently sent out a survey about the current usage of handheld gaming devices and whether interested candidates are willing to buy one in the next five years. Also, the survey was keen on knowing whether candidates would prefer the ability to stream games via Xbox Game Pass. So, are we finally looking at a Microsoft handheld gaming device that could dethrone Nintendo Switch, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go and Steam Deck from the top spots in market share?

Designer: Banseok Seo

Investing years of R&D in developing gaming consoles is a winning formula for Xbox, Sony and even Nintendo. This applies to handhelds too as manufacturers release gaming devices only after a gap of a couple of years or even more. This concept for an Xbox handheld has a great form factor that Microsoft would be keenly observing for its form factor and functionality. Called the Xbox Half, this portable gaming device stands out from the rest when it comes to ergonomics and function. Just like the PSP, this one is good for gaming, consuming multimedia content, and listening to music.

With a retracting beacon of joystick and buttons on both sides, in full-width configuration, the gadget measures 11.30 inches for gaming and a compact mode that conceals them for an 8-inch form factor. This makes the Xbox handheld comfortable and convenient to use. The back panel keeps the brand identity alive as you pull the beacons out the X logo appears. Pretty cool isn’t it? To give distinction to the handheld from the Xbox game console, the buttons and joystick have a muted color hue in black.

Other input buttons including the power button, brightness controller, volume buttons, and the USB Type-C connector and the game slot card lie on the front and rear sides. A lot of thought has been put into conceptualizing the Xbox Half and we are looking forward to seeing what the real thing will look like when finally revealed.

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Polestar Fenrir is a sophisticated electric hot rod straight from the Hot Wheels universe

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Polestar as an electric car manufacturer has taken the heat to Tesla in the last few years. The Swedish brand has proved its metal with the Polestar 2 EV, even when stacked against the Tesla Model 3. There’s a whole lot to like and the brand is evolving in the right direction.

The Polestar 6 slated for production in 2026 as an open-top grand tourer has got the challenge very well accepted for future dominance, at least in the electric roadster domain. We though, are always on the hunt for something larger than life in the concept world. Just like this Hot Wheels-inspired Polestar hot rod that would be perfect for the Japanese street racing scene.

Designer: Henrique Alves

This electric concept named Polestar Fenrir imagined for the 2024 Polestar design contest hits the nail right on its head with the Hot Wheels theme. That’s because the contest is done in collaboration with Hot Wheels. The only doubt in Henrique’s mind was if the vehicle should be a Monster Truck, Surf Van or Dune Buggy. Ultimately he went for the obvious choice of a hot rod, since Hot Wheels is all about cool street racers. The idea was to fuse the Hot Rod DNA to a modern electric car aesthetic that the designer creatively achieved with the form.

The contours are maintained at the right places while the heavy influence of an EV is not ignored at all. Muscular element also follows in with a forward-leaning stance that’s exemplified by the fat rear, both in the body and the size of the wheels. This broadening stance from the front to the back makes space for a unique two-seater configuration. The low ride height barely enough to slip through a sheet of paper means the hot rod will have to avoid any bumps or speed breakers.

The designer expresses the creation as a 2-seater hot rod with some goofiness and playful feelings. He adds that the Polestar Fenrir is a well-proportionated EV racer with minimal lines and shapes that complement the Polestar’s visual identity. Surely we second that thought and a Polestar concept of the future could draw inspiration from this model.

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7-Eleven and Tetris collab results in this super cool Slurpee handheld gaming device

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Alex T has lately broken every record possible for the Tetris game and the cult classic is again in the trends. Perhaps the perfect time for the Slurpee Handheld Gaming Device to make an appearance. This limited-edition merchandise from convenience store 7-Eleven is designed in collaboration with Tetris. Along with this, the duo has created other products too for gamers who love retro stuff.

Limited to just 20,000 units, the unique handheld device has the shape of a Slurpee that’ll always entice you to game more and drink even more. Released almost four decades from now, the iconic arcade game has seen generations of fun and bonding that makes it a common name among gamers. There have been thousands of knockoff versions and variants, but still the original Tetris has stood the test of time.

Designer: 7-Eleven and Tetris

According to CEO of Tetris, Maya Rogers, “As we mark the milestone 40th anniversary of Tetris, we are excited to announce our partnership with 7-Eleven, another iconic brand beloved across generations,” she added, “this collaboration celebrates our spirit of innovation and delivers fans with a new, fun way to experience Tetris.”

The game is played on the front of the Slurpee cup-shaped handheld that looks like 7-Eleven’s iconic cup. There’s a small full-color display (smaller than the original Game Boy) measuring 1.8 inches on which you can play the nostalgic game. The device draws power from the three AAA batteries and if you want, you can also plug it into a laptop or power outlet with a USB-C cable connection. To elevate the gameplay immersion, it also has built-in speakers.

There is no release date for the Slurpee Handheld Gaming Device yet, but we should expect the announcement soon. As we said, the collection comes with other goodies as well including shirts, tote bags, two cap designs, stickers and more. What we are interested in is this cool gadget that you can carry around on the beach and then settle down to play a stint of your favorite classic game.

 

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CubeSeries pop-up trailer with aluminum body is strong, lightweight, and all-weather camping solution

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Pop-up roof campers have their own advantages of space and towing convenience. Add to that the cost effectiveness of this camping solution and you arguably have the most perfect option for a small group of friends or a family on a budget. On that course is the Cube Series pop-up roof trailer; a home-away-from-home for the campers desirous of experiencing the enhanced version of all-season camping with the security and reliability of the best.

‘Strong, lightweight, and waterproof,’ the Cube Series pop-camper is a new kid on the market that presents a worthwhile solution to the tent-like canvas-lined pop-up roof campers that are susceptible to elements and make the unit slightly weighty. The new CubeSeries trailer is hard-sided, canvas-free pop-camper which is made from industry grade aluminum, resilient composites, and numerous alloys to ensure robustness and durability.

Designer: Cube Series

Courtesy of the aluminum construction overlaid with a fiberglass roof, the 17.6-foot CubeSeries trailer is lightweight at 2730 lbs, yet it features sturdiness (both in flat and camp mode) seldom seen in campers of this kind. The standout feature of this foldable camper still is the multipurpose roof system that allows the rig to grow from a towable low-rider during the day to a full backcountry home by opening up without much human intervention. The system thrives on a set of 12V electric actuators lifting the roof up while you fold out the side walls together in support.

The folding system is patent-pending, but according to Cube Series, it makes sure the camper can haul behind your truck without creating much drag, yet reaching where you like it, and then effortlessly gives you (in minutes) a space you can call home in the middle of nowhere, no matter the weather outside. The tough structure walls are provided with windows for ventilation and light, while the structure is approved waterproof and secure to withstand the elements and harsh weather conditions.

When open, the hard roof of the camper pops up to increase the height to an interesting 9.8 feet, leaving a clear 7.5-foot headroom. This makes ample space inside the trailer for a family of four or a small group of friends to live together. For this to be an inhabitable area for so many people, Cube Series has actually made some interesting interior tweaks.

The fully equipped space is furnished with a double bed on one side, and a wraparound sofa on the other. In the middle is the full-functional kitchen and a collapsible wet bathroom with a standing-height shower cordoned off with curtains. The dining lounge – comprising a sofa and a folding table – allows the table to drop down by evening creating an additional bed for two people. Handy for all-season camping, the four-person trailer also receives some off-grid capabilities to help increase the days in the outdoors from a weekend to a few weeks.

To that accord, the CubeSeries trailer comes with 94.5 liters of fresh and gray water storage, 53 liters of LPG to run the cooking business, and a 12V water heater with a 19,000-BTU air furnace to keep you rolling in the colder months. An electrical system comprising a DC truck-to-battery charger, AGM battery, and 30-A shore power out, accompanied by a 2,000-W inverter hooked to 1,140-W solar panels keeps the trailer powered at all times. The entire package starts at $55,730, though there is the option to include AC, more solar charging options, and, of course, more off-roading capacities as add-ons.  

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Hi-fi Audio Player inspired by Teenage Engineering and Sony refreshes an age-old design

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Purist audiophiles always come back to the DAPs and high-resolution audio players to enjoy their favorite music collection in high definition. Sony has a foothold in the hi-res audio game for as long as memory goes back, and they continue to offer some of the best players for music listening. Walkman MW-A306 released last year is a favorite one for music lovers.

Teenage Engineering resonates the same value for its consumers with a broader portfolio of innovative and unconventional audio gadgets. Both Sony and TE have things like modern design, Gen-Z targeting and sublime quality at their helm to attract a niche set of audio lovers. We certainly love TE and so does the community of designers who have been mustering up cool concepts inspired by the Stockholm-based electronics company.

Designer: Evgeniy Vakulich

This cool concept of collaborating together the two loved brands is surely going to bring the heat to the likes of Astell&Kern, Fiio, iBasso and Shanling. Interestingly called the Pony Project, the DAP has the design DNA and color theme of Teenage Engineering. It gets a digital display to show the currently playing music and library elements to search for tracks. All the other buttons for toggling the elements like the tempo, loop, mode or FX. The tactile input for the L-Shift, R-Shift, Mic, Select and Start is heavily inspired by the Teenage Engineering aesthetics.

The top of the gadget has the volume rockers, bass and treble, power and stop buttons. A lot of mind has been put into the design and conceptualization of the music player by Evgeniy. The popular color theme of the TE products is so good to see in a DAP which usually comes in contemporary dark hues. If you’ve already not noticed, the audio player comes with the Pony branding which dupes the Sony brand name.

 

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iPhone 16S concept mimics the Rabbit R1 format to reinstate that a phone is the best pocket AI device

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We are still living with the iPhone 15 and its variants; the era of the iPhone 16 is further away from now. As known, it’s customary of Apple to drop its new seedlings (iPhone variants, if you like) in September every year and it looks like there is nothing unusual this year as well. Like every other year in the past, since Steve Jobs revealed the first iPhone – feels like it was a century ago – iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro variants will arrive with new features.

A lot of them are leaking in bits and will continue to do so until the launch date. Irrespective of that, we will continue to have our own wishlists: long battery performance… please, elaborate AI integration into the iOS, and perhaps smaller screen real estate…hmm! When everyone else is putting their money on predicting the possible large display sizes of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Phone Industry is taking an ‘S’ route: A concept of an iPhone 16S that looks to take design cues from the Rabbit R1.

Designer: Phone Industry

For reference, the Rabbit R1 isn’t a typical gadget, and so is not its design. The boxy little AI device is designed to learn from your commands and do more than what the average smartphone can do. That is until the recent debacle of reviews that are showing that the real-world evolution of the Rabbit is far from its advocated details. Anyhow, this is not about what the Rabbit R1 does, it’s about the identical-looking (minus the hold bars on the top and bottom) iPhone 16S concept because the best AI device you can have in your pocket – in the foreseeable future is a phone!

Perhaps then the form factor of the concept phone in question may be stolen from the Rabbit R1, it does have some interesting ideas reliving its iPhone 16 identity (as the rumors hold it for now). The iPhone 16S is taking the expected Capture Button idea from the forthcoming iPhone deals, to give us a pocket camera-like physical clicking button from the yesteryears.

So, the hypothetical capture button on the opposite side of the iPhone 15 Pro like the Action Button, gives this iPhone a more camera-like feel. While Apple is considering on reworking the camera array in the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, this concept sticks to the S series iPhone basics and uses just one – obviously multi-capability – camera in the rear. The highlight for me – besides the square form factor – of the iPhone 16S concept is its all-metal body and an interesting pattern around the Apple logo on the back. What do you think?

 

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Camper’s bliss: Nike’s convertible ISPA Metamorph Poncho will let you leave your tent at home

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If you don’t mind the inconvenience of hiking to a dramatic campsite in a waterproof robe hanging all the way down to your ankles, you could leave your tent home and just head out on your adventure wearing the Nike ISPA Metamorph Poncho. Watch closely! The reversible and convertible poncho, created by Nike’s innovative division, is completely unique in style and function. Made from multiple layers of weather-resistant materials, the wearable converts into a functional tent to ensure you’re covered from the elements whenever the need arises.

ISPA (Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, Adapt) is a Nike sub-label that has been pushing the bounds of design across all categories, especially footwear, for years now, always innovating to the discrete demands of the city dwellers. This time around, the target is the fashion-conscious adventurers who may prefer this – inconvenience for me – convenience on their camping adventures.

Designer: Nike ISPA

The stylish ISPA Metamorph Poncho, whether you agree or not, is definitely the ultimate piece of all-season gear that stands out for its convertible design. Provided in a grayish colorway, this reversible wearable is made from – ISPA special–layered lightweight nylon. This option along with a two-way zip closure makes the poncho water-resistant and capable of handling the elements both as apparel and as a sunshade or tent.

Speaking of which, the Metamorph Poncho has a detachable hood and comes complete with collapsable tent poles, so you can just take it off your body, pitch it, and forget about the world outside. All this convenience with Nike ISPA branding throughout the poncho (visible on the outside of the tent when pitched) scales the price way past $600 ($620 to be precise), but that seems somehow acceptable for the fact that this poncho can fully transform into a one-man tent.

The Metamorph’s versatility is not limited to its transformation into a tent. When you’re not hiking to a remote campsite, but only loitering in the market, the Nike poncho can swiftly transition into an easy-to-carry bag to haul your groceries. ISPA has made the poncho tent available, but stock’s running out fast.

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iKamper Skycamp DLX four-person rooftop tent arrives with LED lighting, inflatable mattress, and cork flooring

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Rooftop tents have their market. Most developers understand the demand and are leaving no stone unturned. To that accord, we already have double-story pick-up rooftop tents ruling the roost. But what if you don’t have a pickup? iKamper has been in constant hustle to give us (those without pickups) reasons to explore, not only as a couple but even stretch the exploration experience to a group of friends or a family.

After the success of the Skycamp 3.0, iKamper is now including some customer-preferred aftermarket accessories into their new fold-out rooftop tent that should elevate the camping experience for many in more ways than one. Dubbed the Skycamp DLX (deluxe, if you may) follows the similar design language of its predecessor with a black finish and hardshell body and then adds to its some features like LED mood lighting, inflatable comfortable mattress, and cork flooring to give us the ultimate, four-person rooftop tent.

Designer: iKamper

The deluxe rooftop tent is basically a hardshell rooftop tent during the day and when popped up open, it reveals a whole lot of living space for an entire family. It comes with a Rocky Black textured matte black fiber-reinforced shell and features a strong aluminum honeycomb base, on which iKamper has installed cork flooring for better insulation and noise-proofing. The pop-up contraption is defined by heavy-duty fabric that complements the durability and style of the hardshell.

Interestingly, the Skycamp DLX is a four-season rooftop tent that unfolds to double the living/sleeping area while remaining compact in the drive mode. Its versatility is enhanced by its compatibility: the roof tent is compatible with most vehicle types with a mounting system that allows it to mount onto most cross bars and roof racks. Adding to the durable form factor is the full black-out privacy to keep your space sleep-worthy, unless you want the light to penetrate in, and has ample interior storage to store the bedding and other essentials.

For the natural light to fill the space well and ensure ventilation, the rooftop tent has multiple windows and a skylight. The best however is reserved for the evening when the integrated, colored lights can light up the tent interior as soon as it is connected to the USB port. LED light strips are also installed on the outside, to light up the ladder and entry. These lights have different color and illumination variations, controllable from the remote control onboard.

Once the evening has set, the lights are ready and glowing to your mood, and it’s time to hit the bed; you can inflate the mattress within (using the provided pump) and comfortably doze off to get up fresh for a new day of exploration. For those interested, iKamper is offering the Skycamp DLX in two configurations. The starting price for the four-man Skycamp DLX starts at $5,150. The Skycamp DLX Mini, a two-man rooftop tent option will set you back by $4,450.

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YouTuber custom builds coffee machine into a PC for freshly brewed cup of Joe at work

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If you’re someone like Martina of YouTube channel Nerdforge, who craves a cup of coffee after lunch, or maybe during work, you don’t have to get up and hit the kitchen anymore. Martina has built herself a PC case mod that brews a perfect cup of coffee with the touch of a button. And if you’re an ardent coffee buff, she has a detailed video on how you can try and build a PC that also makes coffee in a quick and efficient manner.

This PC with a built in coffee maker brews and dispense a hot cup of coffee whenever you want, but the process of building it from scratch hasn’t been easy. The idea started with, what if there was a coffee maker installed right into the PC, you wouldn’t have to get up and fetch a cup when you wanted it after lunch. And so, the modification started with the empty Corsair Obsidian 1000D tower case, which was considered big enough to fit the coffee machine.

Designer: Nerdforge

The humungous PC case was needed because Martina did not want to install a pod coffee maker. She wanted the entire machine: from bean grinder to brewer and dispenser, all-in-one, functioning glitch-free on a press of a button. The PC case was first cleared of the side panels and obstruction on the right where the coffee mug would need space to move in and out. Then the bean grinder was first trimmed to fit into the case with 3D printed pipes, funnels and attachments connecting it to the brewing machine.

Martina removed the coffee container from the dispenser to replace it with a mug that could be easily accessed by the user. Once the hardware was ready, the recreated coffee machine was connected to an Arduino (by Martina’s partner Hansi) to be able to control it using just one button. The machine grinds, brews, and dispense a savory cup of coffee in one breath, with all the precision. The duo has added a visual progress bar to see where the coffee making process has reached. Also, provided is a sensor that ensure the coffee never begins brewing until there is a cup in the holder.

Although everything in the video is all about the installation of the coffee machine in the PC case, it has been fitted with capable innards to deliver computing needs. It comes installed with Intel Core i7-14700K processor and an Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti graphics. Other details are scanty, but the PC is air-cooled to ensure it can keep the temperature on both – coffee machine and PC – sides effectively cooled. Finally, for an impressive and aesthetically pleasing look, Martina decorated the case mod with stained wood on both the inside and the outside, and finished the look with LED lights.

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This playable Tetris LEGO set will have you brain exercising for hours on end

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The nostalgic play of the Tetris game has got generations of love and for good reason. 15-year-old Willis Gibson finally managed to beat Tetris by reaching level 157 of the classic video game and setting the internet on fire. Now that Willis has got this challenge under his belt, a LEGO enthusiast has got a real-world Tetris set game to engage in.

This is a LEGO Ideas submission by designer victorvey300 that’s insanely clever and seems like total fun to kill some free time. The real-life Tetris game incorporates the gameplay and elements of the video game ingeniously and challenges even the most seasoned Tetris fans to get a high score.

Designer: victorvey300

Called the Tetris Solid, this LEGO set has got my solid vote for being the next big LEGO Ideas project that should hit the shelves ASAP. The small case with the LEGO bricks opens up to reveal the vertical lanes where you slide the tetrominoes in the desired orientation. A rollable treadmill on the right shows the next brick to slide, and you have to think fast on your heels where the brick should go. You can even keep a score of how well you are playing which is ingenious.

Pretty obviously, you cannot make the lines disappear when a horizontal gap is filled (it’s real life not a video game graphic, remember). That’s why the maker took the liberty to tweak the rules a bit, wherein you have to fill the board complexly with all the pieces, just like a puzzle game. A Tetris spin-off for sure but still has the classic influence for the most part which is impressive.

You win if you manage to add all the pieces to the board without any gaps being left. Of course, it’ll take a lot of tries before you get the hang of it but if you do fail, there is a reset button in the form of a lever that lets all the pieces drop back into the box to start fresh. To commemorate Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris, the box has a hidden compartment that reveals the geniuses’ diorama complete with a PC depicting the time when he created the game.

That said, the current 4,000-odd supporters for the Tetris Solid is quite low considering how cool this idea actually is. Let’s hope this LEGO idea reaches more enthusiasts who’ll eventually push it into becoming an official LEGO set someday.

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