Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

EEG sensor-enabled MW75 Neuro headphones track focus level for peak productivity all day long

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During CES 2023, Neurable AI demoed a pair of smart headphones developed in collaboration with premium audio brand Master & Dynamics. The cans are an extension of the MW75 headphones, as they come with the unique ability to monitor brain activity for variety of applications. The AI company employs advanced electrocephalography (EEG) technology using embedded sensors to detect focus levels or mental fatigue.

In conjunction with the accompanying app, the BCI-enabled headphones designed by M&D have EEG sensors capable of interpreting brain signals with lab-level accuracy. To make things interesting, the app gamifies the goal of achieving peak focus levels during the day. The user can get an in-depth analysis of high-focus periods and schedule the most important creative tasks at that time. The smart app learns user patterns over time to suggest needed actions and gives timely prompts.

Designer: Neurable AI and Master & Dynamic

According to neuroscientist and founder of Neurable, Dr Ramses Alcaide, “Your brain has no pain receptors, so these headphones can help with that. By the time your eyes are hurting from looking at the screen, your brain may have been needing a break for hours.” The ultimate goal is to get a deeper insight into cognitive health and attend to any red flags well beforehand to manage burnout and elevate daily performance and productivity.

Primarily the MW75 Neuro headphones are targeted towards people who use headphones while working. Neurable employs the AI features to expand the functionality when gaming, meditating, or during workouts to gaze the level of concertation. They can be used as normal ANC cans which perform just like the flagship MW75s and have similar transparency modes and customizable EQ settings.

The battery life with the ANC mode on is an impressive 28 hours, while in the focus tracking mode employing the EEG sensors, it drops to 8 hours which is understandable. Those who have been eyeing these advanced headphones since CES can now pre-order them for $699 which is $100 more than the usual MW75 wireless headphones. If you can spend that kind of money on your music accessories going for the MW75 Neuro makes more sense. Book them now in any one of the cool color options – silver, onyx, navy, and olive – and you’ll get them with a pair of lambskin leather earpads.

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NEO S Mobile Kit gets you ready for ergonomic smartphone gaming with CRKD’s controller

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Mobile gaming is here to stay and numerous brands are trying to cash in to this buzz with mobile gaming controllers that turn your powerful smartphone into a handheld gaming machine. Now premium gaming brand CRKD, known for Nitro Deck+ handheld and NEO S controller, wants to try its prowess as a mobile gaming controller.

They’ve released two innovative accessories dubbed NEO S Mobile Kit and Wall Display Kit for mobile gamers. Both these gaming accessories are developed in collaboration with Accessories maker Mechanism. As the name suggests, these are compatible with CRKD’s existing line-up of gaming controllers – most notably the NEO S.

Designer: CRKD

The NEO S Mobile Kit gives you the freedom to mount your iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, or other gaming-capable devices to the NEO S controller. That’s perfect for playing AAA titles like Resident Evil, Fortnite, CODM, PUBG, Asphalt Legends or Real Racing. One thing that you need to consider though is the weight of the premium smartphones which can sometimes weigh down the whole setup. So, I presume CRKD has sorted that out to some extent. Hooking on the kit’s elements to the controller and your smartphone is pretty simple, all you have to do is attach the magnetic grip to the smartphone and mount the extension arm on the controller. The gaming accessory makes more sense for Apple users since it is MagSafe compatible.

Coming on to the Wall Display Kit, the idea is straight-forward, you can add a permanent mounting position on your wall to display your CRKD hardware when not gaming. The kit comes with Adhesive Wall Mount, NEO S Grip, universal grip (for other devices) and adhesive mounts. The NEO S Mobile Kit comes for $30, and the Wall Display Kit retails for $35 which I think is a little overpriced. That said, if the NEO S Mobile Kit aligns with your mobile gaming needs, only then it should be considered for buying. As for the Wall Display Kit, the buying decision completely depends on your budget.

According to Jack Guinchard, Global Brand Manager for CRKD, “would broaden the scope of use for CRKD products and bring new ways to use and display our range of gaming collectibles.” He further claimed that “Mechanism is a perfect fit for the CRKD community.”

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Herman Miller Gaming x FAILE artistic gaming chairs and character joysticks are impressive

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Herman Miller is known better for its consortium of office chairs than for gaming chairs. But its gaming division: Herman Miller Gaming, has a new, artistic vision to turn some eyes its way. The furniture giant has partnered with FAILE, a brainchild of Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller, to revive the nostalgia of the Arcades, Ataris, and Nintendos of the ‘80s through painting and printmaking approach on chairs, wooden Joysticks, and printed posters.

The initial idea for Herman Miller and FAILE collaboration was to work with the prints collection of the former. McNeil and Miller, however, saw varying opportunities in the furniture maker’s gaming repertoire and besides gaming-inspired printed posters and tangible painted joysticks with whimsical game-like characters, they have gone ahead to give colorful art love to Herman Miller’s ergonomic gaming seat.

Designer: Herman Miller Gaming x FAILE

Brooklyn-based collaboration between artists Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller, FAILE, has been blurring the lines between fine art and popular culture through painting and printmaking. The choice of material is little of significance, since their collaboration since 1999, the two artists have worked with a range of materials ranging from traditional canvas to sculptures, from window pellets to wooden boxes and their idea of transforming the Embody Gaming Chair into a piece of exceptional art is therefore no surprise.

McNeil and Miller have characterized 12 variants of the Embody, using its seat and back as the canvas of distinction similar to skateboard decks. According to the duo, through the artwork, they intend to bring to ‘Herman Miller Gaming that which was not in the digital realm but captured some of the character making of gaming.’ This also extends into the creation of joysticks, which have a tactile wood feel and personality of their own that uniquely comes to life depending on the setting they’re used in.

FAILE and Herman Miller have created 100 unique characters, based on drawings and doodles. Each of these is handcrafted and painted with hand for uniqueness. While the chairs are designed exclusively for the Herman Miller Gaming archives, and are not available to purchase. Joysticks and prints are available for preorder and will go on retail starting October 1 for $995 and $250 respectively. If you want an experience of the artistic collection before committing to it, you can check them out in an installation in New York from September 27 through September 29.

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Maxvan Access camper van is designed to maximize floor space for style, comfort, and function

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Maxvan has become a name synonymous with recreational vehicles, whether it is designing the Pathway, a Class B wheelchair-accessible RV, or now the Access, which is more than a traditional leisure vehicle with the space it has on the inside. This spacious floor plan is made possible by pushing the rear of the van back by a few inches, the liveable space thus created accommodates a queen Murphy bed, a hidden toilet, shower, and free-standing headroom.

Maxvan says, ‘Access can go where other Class B RVs cannot with its low-profile clearance and thoughtful exterior design,’ which is pretty boxy on the driver’s side, but has a slightly rounded appearance on the passenger side. On the inside is where the magic begins. The driver seat is fixed for obvious safety though the passenger seat can swivel around to face the living area.

Designer: Maxvan

The obvious space inside a van home is pretty compact, but this one has an excitingly open floor plan to make up fo the tiny room, especially through its interesting rear bed composition. This is a combination of the Murphy bed at the extreme end on the driver side, and the sofa placed on the passenger side. The two combine to form a queen bed that’s laden with a cushiony mattress.

When not being used as a bed, the sofa can be used usually or for dining with a stowable swivel table aligning well. The sofa has a direct viewing angle at the wall-mounted 24-inch TV with HDMI port and DVD player. A walk toward the cabin will take you into the kitchen with a stainless steel countertop, a portable single burner stove, a sink, a microwave in the overhead storage, and a 76L fridge. The counter space folds out ahead of the sink, which hides below a cassette toilet seat covered using a shower curtain when occupied.

The kitchen faucet is attached to a showerhead, which you can use in the recessed floor area ahead of the kitchen, which works as a shower pan with integrated drainage and also lowers the kitchen floor slightly, increasing the headspace for someone cooking in the kitchen. The Access can be prepared for off-grid living with optional solar panels and awning, but for its asking price of $99,800, it comes packed with an air conditioner, heater, 100Ah battery, and 1,000W inverter.

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YouTuber builds mind-blowing UFO jet boat you’d want to ride right away

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If you have ever wanted a jet ski, I wouldn’t think you have imagined it in the shape of a UFO. Now, here’s a Vietnamese YouTuber who made a jet ski UFO and I am like, why not? Creator Tran Long Ho of Mr. Ho Thanh Che YouTube channel has spent much time sculpting and building this unidentified jet boat, before taking it to the water for a crazy ride.

The video – released on YouTube – which showcases the process of building the UFO boat in detail, starts with the simple tracing of a flying saucer base on the floor and the construction of a to-design arm from scrap material, which would later help Mr Tran Long Ho and his team to craft the basic structure out of what appears as usual sand.

Designer: Mr Ho Thanh Che

Built upon a sculpture of sand and later cement (to harden it), the UFO jet boat is a look-alike of a mysterious flying object. Even though it is not one! The creator used this sand and cement sculpture to mold a fiberglass shell for the saucer’s body.

The body is then coated with purple paint followed by steel frames that are used to hold this jet skis body secure. Next up, hexagonal cutouts are made from wood, which are then plastered onto the cabin frame for insulation. There are numerous windows cut out in the entire structure which bear acrylic panes and are also installed with solar panels.

The motorized door is a sassy way into the cabin of this mysterious boat. The cabin is pretty cramped for space but is neatly done – revealing no wires, pipes or the scrap it is made from. The inside is lit with LED lights, the cockpit has buttons for various onboard controls, while the interesting steering wheel bearing the words YouTube is pretty fancy.

Since the cabin is fairly low, the rider has to recline back in the seat and reach out for the speed padel when steering it over the waters. The engine – which is the same as one you’d find in a jet ski – rests under the rider’s seat and it powers the UFO jet boat for an impressive ride. There is no word on its top speed, but we can see it glide really fast (check out the video above to believe).

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Intricately detailed LEGO Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber ready to adorn your desk

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Remember the deleted scene from the Return of Jedi where Luke constructed the hilt at the beginning? The very first Lightsaber seen then has now taken LEGO form as an official set named LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber (40730) that cannot be bought standalone but comes as a complementary gift with the UCS Jabba’s Sail Barge (75397) LEGO set.

This Lightsaber is an intricately detailed recreation of the very first fighting weapon seen in the Star Wars saga used by Jedi. Sci-fi fans will want to sport this one on their work desk or living room shelf since it comes with a nameplate and sturdy stand.

Designer: LEGO Group

The realistic build model comes with instantly recognizable details of the revered weapon destined for intergalactic supremacy. This LEGO set is a part of the official LEGO Star Wars building kit for people who love to indulge themselves in immersive DIY projects for weekend relaxation. It is the third one in the series of buildable hilts of which the first one came in 2020. Comprising 145-LEGO pieces, the lightsaber in signature colors measures over 10 inches and 3 inches in diameter. The saber is built around the central core which is made up of 4×4 bricks, just like the 6346097 Yoda’s Lightsaber and 40483 Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber.

Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber is going to be up for grabs for Insiders starting October 3-5. The general public can get their hands on this compact LEGO set from October 6-10 until the units last. This brings us to the 3,942-piece Jabba’s Sail Barge set that comes with details including the folding down vessel, lifting sails and top deck. It has a very authentic interior adorned with a cockpit, prison cell, armory, kitchen and entertainment room equipped with Jabba’s bed. The LEGO set is priced at $500, so you’ll have to get this one if you desperately want to add Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber to your collection.

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Renault revives the Estafette as electric cargo van tailored for urban scenarios

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Renault introduced the Estafette commercial drive van in 1959, and after two decades of success finally replaced it with the Trafic in 1980. The front-wheel drive van with the engine at the front was very practical and economical for its time. The interior was ultra spacious for all the cargo hauling needs.

Now the French automotive manufacturer has introduced an all-electric concept to cater to the needs of modern urban commuters. Dubbed the Estafette Concept, the last-mile vehicle sees a revival after almost 65 years from its initial launch. According to Renault, the concept is destined for the production lines in two years which makes it an even more compelling announcement.

Designer: Renault

Presuming the final production version will be mostly similar to this one, the improvements seem interesting. The roof height has been increased from 1.85m to 2.59m and the length from 4.6m to 4.87m to make even more space for hauling cargo. The width however remains more or less the same at 1.92m. Another major change is the transition from the sliding doors on the side to a roller shutter that opens to the full height and comes with a foldout step.

The cockpit has a zesty yellow theme which is contrasted with the backs of the floor and other side panels. A single swivel seat gives the driver complete freedom to glance over at the seven-inch telemetry display, 12-inch infotainment system and the 10-inch digitalized wing mirrors. A series of small screens display the customizable widgets to stay connected. As Philippe Divry, the CEO of Flexis said, “Estafette Concept is the first example of what electric utility vehicles will look like tomorrow: purpose-engineered to drive in cities, compact, connected and built for fully sustainable delivery services.”

There’s a lot of headroom for even the tallest of loaders and the bright cockpit interiors will expose any cleaning lapses. The Estafette EV is created under the brand name Flexis Group – a joint venture between Renault, Volvo and CMA CGM Group. Hence, the vehicle will ride on the new FlexEVan platform when it ultimately meets fruition. The platform is future-proof since it comes with Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture for real-time updates and predictive maintenance. This according to the automaker reduces the operating costs by 30 percent.

Visual DNA of its ancestral predecessor is present in the form of circular headlamps, the descending bonnet line and the large grille sandwiched between the retrofuturistic fog lamps. As a modern improvement, the taillights have arrow-like indicators and the contoured windscreen has wafer-thin pillars for improved visibility. The cargo area has foldaway shelves to arrange the goods for sorted loading and unloading. Also, there’s an automatic sliding door to separate the cargo area from the cockpit.

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Life360 launches the smallest Tile Bluetooth Tracker and its longest-range option

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Bluetooth trackers save us the drama of lost and stolen stuff. This notion is the mainstay of Life360 – which after its acquisition by AirTag competitor Tile – has for the first time announced a consortium of Tile Bluetooth trackers. These come with a range of new features including longer track range, SOS button, and a louder alert sound.

Life360 has designed the Tile Bluetooth trackers to help families keep track of their everyday items and valuable belongings using its dedicated app, comprehensive ecosystem, and enhanced location sharing capabilities. Put the ring on your things, pets, or even people (who may need it) and sheet them in an extra layer of security that the entire family unit can have access to right on their smartphone.

Designer: Life360

The main highlight of the Life360 Tile Bluetooth trackers is a multifunction button on them that on the push sends an SOS alert in emergency situations. In addition to this, the new Tile Bluetooth trackers offer enhanced integration with the Life360 app, which allows the users to bring everything and everyone in their family circle in one place, the Life360 Map. This is possible by linking the Tile account and Life360 and the entire circle sees your Tiles and finds lost, misplaced items quickly and effortlessly. The dedicated app is compatible with both Android and Apple ecosystems.

The SOS button on the Tile tracker, when pressed three times, triggers a Life360 SOS alert. When this happens, a notification is sent out with the user’s location to the designated emergency contacts. Even though many add-on features are subscription only, ‘SOS alerts are free for all Life360 users.’ The new Tile lineup features four new models that are sleeker in design, and arrive in as many new colors: green, pink, aqua blue, and navy blue.

The four models comprise Tile Mate, Tile Pro, Tile Slim and Tile Stricker. With a built-in keyring, the Tile Mate comes for $24.99 and is ideal for keeping track of keys, backpacks, lunchboxes and purses. The Tile Slim, as the name implies is the slimmest of the four trackers. At $29.99 it is apt for slipping into wallets, passport holders, and luggage. $24.99 Tile Sticker is the smallest Bluetooth tracker on the market and the Title Pro with its sticker price of $34.99 is the most powerful. It has the loudest ring and longest range in the Tile trackers, and can keep track of all kinds of items you may choose. Tile Mate, Slim, and Sticker trackers are now available, while the Tile Pro will be available starting in October.

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CASETiFY Ultra Bounce iPhone 16 series cases are fashioned with up to 32.8 ft drop protection

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I’m not a big fan of fancy smartphone cases. A simple protective silicone cover does the job for me. But when it comes to a device from the iPhone 16 series per se, you want a cover that protects the guts of your prized possession with military grade standard. Who would know this better than the nerds at CASETiFY, who design iPhone cases with style, functionality, durability, and sustainability in mind?

CASETiFY Ultra Bounce for the iPhone 16 is the extension of the Bounce series cases from the outfit. These cases, as the name would suggest, do not bounce around in ecstasy of hugging the iPhone, but share their moniker with the idea of shock-absorbing properties of the material they are made from. For instance, the MagSafe-compatible Ultra Bounce is made from a mix of recycled phone cases and plant-based materials.

Designer: CASETiFY

The efficiency of durable construction and premium finish of the Ultra Bounce is a given considering the company’s excessive focus on it over the years. But to display that in a new light, using different camera angles and soft backgrounds, designer Zelig Sound and Tektura Studio showcase how the case design merges style and protection along with engrossing elements that reinforce the case’s durability features.

The goal well achieved puts the case through everyday adventures and depicts what the record-breaking 10x military-grade standard and up to 32.8 ft drop protection, that Ultra Bounce cases are certified with, would mean when confronted with difficult scenarios. The phone – at all times – remains cushioned from all sides and angles and ensure it remins protected from shock and scratch at all times.

The Ultra Bounce has a raised camera lens protection to ensure scraping the camera lens on day-to-day usage and rendering maximum shock absorption when the phone is to land camera first on the ground. Adding to the unconditional safety and protection of the iPhone 16 series is the range of hands-free functionalities the $100 Ultra Bounce design brings to the table. You can clip the case anywhere using a carabiner or carry it around in a lanyard.

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Lotus Theory 1 EV sports car has centred driving position and disappearing haptic buttons

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Lotus is making a smooth transition towards the electric vehicle era with the Eletre Hyper SUV, and has not made much fuzz about EV concepts, that is until now. This is the Theory 1 EV concept by the UK-based automotive manufacturer that highlights the three core principles of the brand going into the future – Digital, Natural and Analouge.

The “Theory” manifesto entails the exciting future of limitless possibilities coming from the house of Lotus. To start with, Theory 1 underpins the choice of a compact EV sports car having a three-seater layout. Something right out of the McLaren F1 handbook, the concept car focuses on lightweight construction and innovative technology that puts sustainability at the fore.

Designer: Lotus

The main challenge for the design team was to adapt the Challenge of 10, wherein just 10 main A-frame elements were used. Compare that to a typical car frame construction that uses a hundred elements at best. Recycled material like aluminum is used to keep the overall weight down since battery power is at a premium when hauling long distances is concerned. The result is an all-wheel drive vehicle powered by a 987 hp electric drivetrain capable of hurling it from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds and having a top speed of 200 mph. The EV weighs less than 1,600kg, and features a 70kWh battery pack. Range on the Theory 1 is touted to be 250 miles which is impressive for a performance EV.

The Performance of the sports car is enhanced by the active aero features like the rounded underfloor (That’s so Lotus) to feed the cooling system, side-pods to direct air into the rear diffuser and a cone-inspired front nose to reinstate the brand’s racing heritage. Doors in Theory 1 have the wrap, reverse-opening mechanism which demonstrates that Lotus is not holding back on its future design language.

The three-seater EV with the central driving position focuses on minimalism with its material choice and interface. The 3D printed headrests come with a KEF binaural sound system and active noise canceling tech for each of the occupants to have their private soundscape. One of the most interesting techs seated inside Theory 1 is the LOTUSWEAR developed in collaboration with wearable robotics company MotorSkins. The fluidic feedback of the system includes inflatable controls on the yoke-steering wheel that appear on demand for a tactile driving experience.

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