Author Archives: Sarang Sheth

DJI Neo Rumored to be a Tinier Version of the Avata 2 FPV Drone with Voice Control Features

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It’s been a hot minute since DJI’s dropped a new drone. Sure, there’s rumblings of the US Govt. cracking down on the China-based drone company for allegedly being a puppet of the CCP, but that hasn’t stopped DJI from absolutely dominating the drone market with its crowd-favorite flying machines (I literally can’t think of any other drone company that’s even a close second). After entering the FPV space just two years ago with the Avata, DJI’s rumored to be dropping a smaller version of the drone, designed for novice indoor use. Slated for release on August 20th, 2024, the DJI Neo is designed with a focus on combining ease of use with advanced safety and performance features, making it an attractive option for both novice pilots and seasoned enthusiasts. Along with being a smaller, pocket-sized device, the Neo is also rumored to debut a new feature in DJI’s entire drone lineup – voice control.

Designer: DJI

With its pocket-sized design, the Neo’s probably going to be pitched as an indoor-capable drone. It comes with precision-crafted cinewhoop-style propeller guards, utilizing a lattice structure that balances weight and durability. Such a design is particularly beneficial for indoor flights, where the chances of accidental collisions are higher given just how many obstacles can be found in an indoor setting. The propeller guards encase each propeller within a sturdy yet lightweight barrier, minimizing the risk of damage during flight. For beginners, this feature offers peace of mind, allowing them to hone their piloting skills without the constant worry of damaging their drone or surroundings.

Even for its tiny size, the drone is equipped with a camera mounted on a gimbal, ensuring stable and high-quality video capture. Although specifics about the camera’s resolution remain under wraps, industry expectations point towards 4K video capabilities, aligning with DJI’s reputation for delivering top-notch imaging technology. This makes the Neo not just a learning tool for beginners but also a practical choice for content creators who require reliable, high-resolution footage, even in constrained indoor environments.

A glance at the DJI Neo reveals a design that’s pretty reminiscent of the Avata 2 FPV drone. The drone’s shell, likely made from high-quality plastic or composite materials, comes in a clean, light-colored finish, reinforcing its modern aesthetic. This minimalist approach balances a sleek overall aesthetic along with aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to a smoother flight experience.

Reports indicate that it will feature a flight time of 16 minutes, which is impressive given its compact size. For those looking to extend their flight sessions, the Fly More Combo package will include three batteries, ensuring that the fun doesn’t have to stop after just one flight. Additionally, the Neo is likely to support DJI’s Motion Controller, allowing for an immersive FPV (First-Person View) experience when paired with the DJI Goggles 3. This feature suggests that while the Neo is beginner-friendly, it also caters to those looking to explore more advanced flight modes and experiences.

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Ultra-short Throw or Regular Projectors? Which One Should You Buy in 2024

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I bought a projector around the time the pandemic began. My rented apartment was small, I didn’t want to mount a TV on the wall, and moreover, I liked the idea of being able to watch movies either in the living room or the bedroom. Besides, it’s also when streaming at home absolutely exploded because nobody was going to the theaters anymore. Projectors have existed for over a century at this point, but for a major part of the modern tech discourse, TVs have dominated the conversation when it came to consumers. Every home HAD to have a couch facing a TV… but not anymore. Projectors are finally becoming smarter, higher in quality, more compact/sleek, and more affordable. However, choosing the right projector is a tricky affair. Sure, you could go with your budget and compare ratings on Amazon, but before you do, it helps to understand what TYPE of projector you want to buy. Broadly, there are two kinds of projectors worth looking into – you’ve got your standard projectors that need to be kept a few tens of feet away from a wall or screen… but you’ve also got ultra-short throw projectors, that need to just sit a couple inches away from their projection surface.

Choosing the right projector for your needs in 2024 can feel like navigating a maze of technical jargon and endless options. With advancements in both ultra-short throw and regular projectors, making an informed decision requires understanding the strengths and limitations of each. Whether you’re setting up a home theater, outfitting a classroom, or enhancing your office conference room, knowing which type of projector suits your space and needs is crucial.

What are Ultra-short Throw Projectors?

Ultra-short throw (UST) projectors are designed to project large images from a very short distance, as their name suggests. Typically placed just inches away from the screen or wall, these projectors are perfect for small spaces where traditional projectors would be impractical. The key feature of UST projectors is their ability to produce a big, bright image without requiring a significant throw distance.

UST projectors have several advantages:

  • Space-saving: They can sit directly below or above the projection surface, making them ideal for small rooms or areas with limited space.
  • Installation flexibility: These projectors can be placed on a console, mounted on the ceiling, or even integrated into furniture, offering various setup options.
  • Reduced shadows and glare: Since the projector is close to the screen, shadows from people moving around are minimized, and direct glare from the light source is less likely to affect viewers.

What are Regular (Long-throw) Projectors?

Regular or long-throw projectors are the traditional choice for home theaters, classrooms, and large venues. These projectors need a considerable distance from the screen to project a clear, large image. The longer throw distance allows them to achieve higher brightness and resolution, making them suitable for various environments.

Advantages of regular projectors include:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Long-throw projectors often offer more bang for your buck, with a range of options at various price points.
  • Higher brightness: These projectors are typically brighter, making them suitable for larger spaces or environments with ambient light.
  • Variety: There’s a broader selection of long-throw projectors, providing more options in terms of features and specifications.

Performance Comparison

Picture Quality: Both UST and regular projectors can deliver excellent picture quality, but there are nuances to consider. UST projectors often use laser technology, providing bright and vibrant images with good contrast. However, the proximity to the screen can sometimes result in a slight drop in edge clarity. Regular projectors, on the other hand, benefit from longer throw distances that enhance image sharpness and uniformity.

Installation: UST projectors shine in ease of installation. Place it close to the wall, connect your sources, and you’re ready to go. This simplicity is a stark contrast to regular projectors, which require careful placement, mounting, and alignment to ensure a proper image. Adjusting keystone and focus can be a time-consuming process, especially in rooms where the projector must be mounted at a significant distance from the screen.

Sound: While most projectors come with built-in speakers, the quality varies significantly too. With UST projectors, you have the benefit of the sound emanating from as near the screen as possible. With regular projectors, if you’re relying on the projector’s built-in speaker, the sound will usually emerge from behind you, with the visuals in front of you, creating a mild dissonance of sorts. However, both speakers can be hooked to a home theater setup, allowing you to effectively outsource sound to a more expertly tuned device fit for the job.

Use Cases and Suitability

Choosing between a UST and a regular projector largely depends on your specific use case:

Ultra-short Throw Projectors are best suited for:

  • Small spaces: Apartments, small meeting rooms, and classrooms where space is at a premium.
  • Minimalist setups: If you prefer a clean, uncluttered look, UST projectors can blend seamlessly into the room’s design.
  • Interactive whiteboards: Ideal for educational environments where students and teachers frequently interact with the projection surface.

Regular Projectors excel in:

  • Home theaters: Offering a cinema-like experience with a larger, brighter image, regular projectors are perfect for dedicated home theater rooms.
  • Large venues: Conference halls, auditoriums, and outdoor events benefit from the higher brightness and larger image sizes that long-throw projectors can provide.
  • Budget-conscious setups: If you’re looking to get the most value, regular projectors offer a wider range of affordable options.

Cost and Value

When it comes to cost, UST projectors tend to be more expensive upfront. Their advanced optics and compact designs come at a premium, with prices starting around $1,500 and going up to several thousand dollars for high-end models. However, the long-term value includes easier setup and less need for additional mounting hardware or cabling, potentially offsetting the initial investment.

Regular projectors, on the other hand, offer a broader price range. Entry-level models can be found for as low as $300, while high-end models still cost several thousand dollars. Despite potentially higher installation costs due to mounts and longer cables, the ongoing costs can be lower. Replacement lamps for regular projectors are generally cheaper and more widely available than those for UST projectors.

Technological Advancements

Ultra-short Throw Projectors have seen significant advancements:

  • Laser Technology: Many UST projectors now use laser light sources, offering longer life spans, brighter images, and better color accuracy.
  • Smart Features: Integration with smart home systems, built-in streaming apps, and voice control are becoming common, making them more versatile and user-friendly.

Regular Projectors continue to evolve with:

  • 4K and HDR: High-resolution and high-dynamic-range imaging are now standard in many models, providing stunning visual quality.
  • LED Advancements: Improved LED technology offers better brightness, longevity, and color reproduction, reducing the need for frequent bulb replacements.

These advancements have significantly enhanced the performance and user experience of both types, making them viable options for different needs.

User Experience and Reviews

Feedback from users highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each type:

Ultra-short Throw Projectors:

  • Pros: Users appreciate the ease of setup, modern design, and the ability to place the projector close to the screen. The integrated smart features and quality speakers are also frequently praised.
  • Cons: Some users report issues with image uniformity and edge clarity. The higher cost can be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers.

Regular Projectors:

  • Pros: Users enjoy the high brightness and sharp image quality, especially in darkened rooms. The variety of options and price points is another strong selling point.
  • Cons: The setup can be complex and time-consuming. External speakers are often necessary for good sound quality. The projection can sometimes get obscured by people moving around in the room.

Future Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape the projector market in 2024 and beyond:

  • AI Integration: Expect projectors to become smarter, with AI helping to optimize image settings, adjust focus automatically, and even provide content recommendations.
  • Enhanced Connectivity: Improvements in wireless technology and seamless integration with other smart devices will make projectors even more versatile.
  • Enhanced Quality: Television displays have made leaps and bounds in the past 20 years that projectors haven’t. Projectors today have great contrast and can go up to 4K in quality if you spend a good buck, but they always need to be used in a low-light setting to be visible. Future projectors could have great quality with higher brightness levels, allowing them to be used even in moderately lit rooms.

It’s worth knowing what you’re getting into when you buy a projector. Just like a TV, a projector is something you’ll probably expect at least a decade’s worth of use out of (nobody changes TVs as rapidly as they change their phones) so make sure you weigh all the pros and cons of each kind of projector type before springing to buy one. If it’s great quality in a compact setup, UST projectors have you covered. If budget and portability are your biggest concerns, there are a whole slew of portable projectors you can buy that are about as cheap as a mid-range smartphone.

 

Choosing between an ultra-short throw and a regular projector depends on your specific needs, space, and budget. UST projectors offer convenience, modern aesthetics, and smart features, making them ideal for small spaces and minimalist setups. Regular projectors, with their high brightness and a broad range of options, are perfect for home theaters and large venues.

Ultimately, both types of projectors have their unique advantages and are continually improving with technological advancements. Whether you prioritize ease of installation or superior image quality, there’s a projector out there that will meet your needs. So, whether you’re planning to host epic movie nights or deliver stunning presentations, 2024 has the perfect projector for you. And remember, choosing the right projector isn’t just about the specs—it’s about finding the one that makes you the star of the show.

The post Ultra-short Throw or Regular Projectors? Which One Should You Buy in 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bob Ross gets his own LEGO Ideas Kit with a foldable Miniature Art Gallery

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Designed by LEGO-builder Bricknificent, the “Bob Ross: Studio & Paintings” kit perfectly immortalizes painter and art-instructor Bob Ross, known for his calming, almost meditative painting videos. The fan-made LEGO set contains Ross himself as a minifigure, within his own recording studio attached to an art gallery. The gallery, which folds open or shut, contains 6 of Bob Ross’ most prolific artworks, all made from a total of 1,234 LEGO bricks.

Designer: Bricknificent

“As a nature lover who likes to draw and paint, Bob Ross is truly an inspiration. I admire his passion, reassuring voice, and limited selection of tools and colors. With this in mind, I created the ultimate Bob Ross experience in LEGO,” says Bricknificent, the creator behind the LEGO Ideas Bob Ross kit. The kit is more than merely Ross’ studio, or his paintings. Instead, it’s practically a diorama of sorts, capturing the television setup that Ross used to film his painting sequences for his show, The Joy of Painting, along with his great works.

The studio set comes with a foldable design that can either be fanned out to display the entire collection in one go, or folded together to make a closed-loop gallery that forms a shape of the heart. The top of the heart, where the upper curves intersect, is where Bob’s studio is located, complete with studio lights, a camera, and a director filming Bob painting away. You’ve got a black curtain backdrop, and art supplies in the corner, capturing the entire recording setup’s nitty-gritty details… including even Peapod, a pet squirrel that featured in his episodes.

Move away from the setup and you’re greeted with 6 of Bob’s most prolific works – Mountain Retreat, Misty Waterfall, Winter Night, Campfire, Sunset, and Winter Solitude. Known for his unconventional approach to painting that broke down the process into simple, easy-to-follow lifehacks, Ross helped millions of people pick up a paintbrush and make actual, close-to-realistic landscape art. The LEGO Ideas set captures six such landscapes across various terrains.

6 of Ross’ most famous paintings use unconventional bricks from existing LEGO sets, like ice-cream scoops for waterfalls, and baby bottles as paint-tubes.

The entire set comes made from 1,234 bricks, ranking fairly on the easier end of the LEGO difficulty spectrum. Sadly, the set is just a fan-made creation for now… however, with nearly 2,500 votes as of writing this article, it’s racking up immense support on the LEGO Ideas website, where enthusiasts go to vote for their favorite fan creations or MOCs (My Own Creation). If Bricknificent’s MOC reaches the 10,000 mark, there’s a chance LEGO may turn it into a retail box set, so go ahead and cast your vote for this gorgeous kit on the LEGO Ideas website!

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Dragon-inspired Titanium Pocket Knife has the most breathtaking skeletal handle design

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There are two broad schools of design with pocket knives – either make them look so outrageously rugged that they instill fear in their enemies, or design them to be so slick and minimal that their owners treasure them for their collectible-worthy beauty. It’s rare to come across a knife that somehow manages both those things, but the Dragon Ridge holds that unique distinction. Being equally formidable-looking and minimalistic, the Dragon Ridge folding knife sports a skeletal handle modeled on the ribcage of a dragon (a hypothetical one of course). The Dragon Ridge’s handle comes machined from grade 5 titanium, with an M390 martensitic chromium steel blade that has the menacing sharpness of a dragon’s fangs. The knife balances its bare-bone skeletal design with an intimidating aesthetic rather beautifully, giving you essentially a modern EDC icon that’s visually stunning, ergonomically sound, and tactically capable of being your favorite pocket knife.

Designer: TIGO

Click Here to Buy Now: $205 $279  (27% off) Hurry! Only 14 of 50 units left.

The Dragon Ridge has an almost relic-like quality to it thanks to its rather unique design. The handle, which takes all credit for being the knife’s most visually exciting element, sports a skeletal design that resembles a spine and ribcage. This effectively gives the handle a unique ergonomic form that naturally allows the fingers to find their grip, while cutouts in the knife’s design help reduce material and therefore overall weight. This is only possible thanks to the knife’s titanium alloy body, which gives the EDC its durability and strength – something you wouldn’t be able to achieve if the exact same design was machined out of aluminum, carbon fiber, or G10.

The Dragon Ridge measures 4.84 inches when closed (123mm), opening up to a whopper of an 8.2-inch knife when the blade’s out (210mm for the metric folk). This puts the Dragon Ridge well within the size category of a medium-to-large knife, which means it’s a lot bigger and badder than most compact micro-knives out there. That large size makes the knife more grippy, more maneuverable, and perfect for all sorts of activities, whether domestic or outdoor.

Flip open the knife and you’re greeted with a gorgeous 3.4-inch drop-point blade. Made from M390 steel (harder and much more durable than D2 steel seen in most high-end knives), the Dragon Ridge outdoes other knives in its price category handily. The drop-point style blade is a crowd favorite, and is perfect for all sorts of tasks, from cutting vegetables to whittling branches, piercing bark or leather, and even defending yourself in a tactical situation. When time’s of the essence, the knife opens in under a second, thanks to the flipper on the blade that lets you quick-deploy your EDC. Jimping on top of the blade gives you good thumb-grip too, as you apply pressure while cutting.

The knife boasts multiple opening styles, making it fun to operate and just overall hand-candy. A button-lock lets you deploy the blade with a flick of the wrist, while also allowing you to quickly close your blade once you’re done using it. Alternatively, the flipper lets you use your index finger to flip open the blade, and if you have nails, the thumb-hole offers a more traditional opening method.

The martensitic chromium steel blade works exceptionally well in emergencies too, letting you whittle wood, scrape flint, and even cut paracord or seatbelts. When you’re not using the knife, however, it rests comfortably in your pocket, thanks to a deep pocket clip, or even around your wrist or neck, thanks to a lanyard hole on the rear end of the handle.

At 143 grams or just above 5 ounces, the Dragon Ridge is fairly light for an all-metal knife. It’s still in the ballpark of ‘average knife weight’, but your fingers will definitely be pleased once you pick this bad-boy up, realizing it’s not as heavy as you think it is. It’s still well-weighted enough to maneuver deftly, allowing you to go through all sorts of use cases without the feeling of the knife being fragile or not up for the task. Although the maker TIGO doesn’t specifically detail out any warranty information, the Dragon Ridge is built reliably enough to last multiple lifetimes. The ball-bearing hinge and button lock should work very smoothly even with regular use, the blade should hold its edge fairly well (and will respond well to sharpening every few months), and that gorgeous bony titanium handle will promise to look exactly the same after decades, almost echoing the everlasting nature of a dragon fossil!

Click Here to Buy Now: $205 $279  (27% off) Hurry! Only 14 of 50 units left.

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Trek’s $99 Electronic Bicycle Bell is essentially a Bluetooth Speaker you attach to your handlebars

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It works as a bicycle bell, allows you to customize your bell sound/volume based on location or urgency, helps narrate GPS directions, and even doubles as a wireless speaker for music and podcasts when you’re not pedaling around.

Our cars and motorbikes have had electronic horns for decades at this point, so the fact that bicycles still resort to a metal ringer feels a little archaic, doesn’t it? That’s precisely the point folks at Trek Bikes are making – that bicycle bells haven’t adapted to modern times and scenarios. Sure, sometimes a melodious metal ‘trrring’ works well, but it may get drowned out in the bustling traffic of a city. Go on a mountain trail and that same metal ‘tring’ may sound too harsh and jarring. The solution, an electronic bicycle bell that lets you choose your sound based on your surroundings and situations… and when you’re not riding around, the bell doubles as an everyday Bluetooth speaker, for listening to tunes or episodes of your favorite podcast.

Designer: Trek Bikes

The $99 BellBeats isn’t just a Bluetooth speaker attached to your handlebars. It has audio drivers optimized by Harman and comes with an audio bank of bell/alert noises professionally sound-designed to encompass a wider frequency range so they’re much more audible, even in noisy environments. The tiny device is exactly the size and shape of a bicycle bell, and attaches to your handlebars exactly where a bell would sit. A thumb button lets you trigger the bell sounds, and depending on where you’re driving or how urgent the need is, you can choose between the quintessential trill of a metal bell or even a train horn. The BellBeats comes with a set of 8 bell sounds ranging from ambient to blaring, and you can set two sounds as your default, triggered either by short or long-pressing the thumb button.

Aside from the obvious bell function, the BellBeats has a few other tricks up its sleeve. For trail bikers, the BellBeats can be programmed to play ambient audio loops that alert hikers and pedestrians (or even animals) of your presence without being too jarring. The bell can also be synced with your phone to narrate directions while navigating using a map app on your phone. Although I don’t endorse it, you can even listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks while riding. Easy-access buttons on the speaker (not the thumb-button) let you play/pause tracks or increase/decrease the volume of your device.

When you’re off your bicycle, the speaker unit of the BellBeats can detach off its handlebar mount, turning into a puck-shaped Bluetooth speaker. Its punchy audio drivers deliver loud, crisp sound… although don’t expect it to have a good bass response. It’s loud for its size, but the low-end may disappoint when compared to larger wireless speakers with their own dedicated sub-woofers.

With all those upgrades, however, comes a caveat. Traditional metal bells don’t need to have their batteries recharged periodically… the BellBeats, however, does. It has a 6-hour battery life, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Essentially, that means it won’t last you more than a day if you’re an avid cyclist, and you’ll need to keep a power bank handy to juice your bicycle bell. The prospect of a bike bell dying on you mid-ride is even more worrying, as it can clearly lead to accidents. To remedy that, an LED battery bar above the volume controls keeps you updated on the BellBeats’ battery life, so you’re always aware of exactly how much juice you’ve got on hand. Still, it’s a trade-off worth considering if you’re ready to spring $99 for the device. Being able to customize your bike bell to sound like an old-timey honker or a train horn does have its own appeal!

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Fan-made LEGO Technics Turntable features rotating disc, movable tonearm, and sliding faders

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Short of actually playing music, this Technics SL-1200 MK2 turntable made from LEGO bricks is as near the real deal as it could possibly get.

With a build of over 2,000 pieces, the LEGO build pays tribute to the SL-1200 MK2, an iconic turntable from 1979 that became the club standard for all disc jockeys in the day, helping pioneer the scratching trend and even allegedly being the technical epicenter of movements like disco and house music genres. The submission comes from the mind of LEGO builder Tamás Borján, aka Tomasso Builds, who created the design from scratch, building it smaller than scale but exactly the perfect size to fit a 7-inch vinyl disc.

Designer: Tamás Borján (Tomasso Builds)

Tomasso’s SL-1200 MK2 may look undoubtedly brickish, but it’s as detailed as they come, with buttons, faders, settings, a weighted tonearm, rotating discs, and even a motor on the inside to power the entire experience. The built-in motor drives the turntable, which you can also spin manually to ‘scratch’ the disc, and Start and Stop buttons toggle the motor. The tonearm has adjustable weights and an anti-skating knob, and right under it is a pitch slider that deejays famously use to mix songs with different pitches or scales. Right beside the Start/Stop buttons is also a toggle switch to let you alternate between 33RPM and 45RPM speeds.

The movable parts and rotating turntable really make this build more than a sum of its bricks. The entire piece contains 2,215 LEGO bricks, which may sound like much, but a lot of the bricks go into building the turntable’s flat surfaces like the outer housing and the upper disc. A motor on the inside controls the disc’s rotation, and runs on a battery that also sits under the hood, giving you an overall LEGO kit that’s wireless and can be placed as a collectible anywhere around the house. We recommend keeping a few 7-inch vinyls nearby too to complete the look!

This isn’t the first LEGO turntable we’ve seen, though. Back in 2023, someone built a highly detailed version of the Pioneer CDJ 2000 that featured actual controls, a rotating disc, a dynamic display, and even a USB stick. Spiritually, however, the SL-1200 MK2 has a good 2 decades on the CDJ, given the fact that it absolutely dominated the 70s and 80s.

Tomasso’s build is currently a submission on the LEGO Ideas website – an online forum where LEGO builders and enthusiasts share their own creations and accept votes from the larger LEGO community. Entries that cross the 10,000 vote mark eventually get reviewed by LEGO’s own internal team and turned into box kits that us commonfolk can then buy. Tomasso’s submission is picking up votes at a surprising speed, having just crossed the 800-vote mark as of writing this piece. If you want to see an SL-1200 MK2 LEGO kit in the future, head down to the LEGO Ideas website and cast a vote for this fan-made build!

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TCL’s Ultra-Slim 1.1 Inch NXTFRAME Smart TVs with AI Art Generation and Built-in Art Gallery

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If you still happen to have an NFT collection, TCL’s TV might just be the new way to display it.

It was probably Samsung that came up with the idea of transforming your TV into an ambient art frame when not in use, and I have to admit, it’s quite a stellar idea. The television is great when you’re watching something on it, but the minute you switch it off, it becomes an ugly black rectangle on your wall. Frame-inspired TVs are a great alternative, allowing you to turn your wall into home decor, and TCL’s jumped onto that trend with its NXTFRAME range of smart TVs. Measuring a mere 1.1 inches thick, the NXTFRAME televisions sit virtually flush against your wall, pretty much like a piece of framed art.

Designer: TCL

Ranging between 55 and 85 inches in size, the smart TVs blend right into your home seamlessly, with the QLED Pro screen mimicking the feeling of printed art really well thanks to its high contrast and clarity even in brightly lit rooms. The 4K TVs come with Google TV for watching all your streaming services, but the display’s beauty lies in TCL’s built-in curated art library as well as the ability to make and display AI-generated art. A gorgeous matte screen helps the art stand out well without any added glare from lights or nearby windows, and the TV even comes with wood-like veneers that attach onto the bezel, giving the NXTFRAME a bonafide outer frame.

As gorgeously slick as the NXTFRAME looks, its performance specs are equally impressive. With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, it promises smooth and fluid visuals, whether you’re watching a high-action movie or playing the latest video games. The inclusion of Dolby Vision IQ ensures that the picture quality adapts to the lighting conditions in your room, offering the best possible image at all times. Additionally, the support for AMD FreeSync Premium makes it an excellent choice for gamers, reducing screen tearing and providing a more responsive gaming experience. Motion Rate 480 and MEMC motion smoothing technology further enhance the viewing experience by reducing motion blur and judder, making fast-moving scenes clear and crisp.

Under the hood, the NXTFRAME runs on Google TV, offering seamless integration with various streaming services and smart home devices. It supports Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream content from your devices. Voice control is also well catered for, with compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home. For gamers, the TV comes equipped with Game Accelerator 240, Auto Game Mode, and AMD FreeSync Premium, ensuring an optimized gaming experience with minimal input lag and maximum visual clarity. The sound system is robust, featuring two built-in 20W speakers and support for advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS.

The Pro version of the NXTFRAME takes the audio experience a notch higher by including a wireless 3.1.2 soundbar and subwoofer, developed in partnership with the renowned audio company Bang & Olufsen. This combination promises an immersive audio experience, enhancing everything from dialogue clarity to the rumble of on-screen explosions. The TV also boasts four HDMI ports, including one with eARC support, allowing for easy connection of multiple devices and ensuring that audio signals remain high quality.

Pricing for the NXTFRAME series starts at $1,499.99 for the 55-inch model and goes up to $3,999.99 for the 85-inch version. The Pro versions, which include the enhanced audio system, start at $1,999.99 for the 55-inch model and reach $4,999.99 for the 85-inch model. These models are expected to be available in September 2024, along with accessories like the movable floor stand priced at $699.99 and matching table feet at $149.99. It’s unclear if the art library and GenAI art features are available along with the TV or incur an added subscription.

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Celebrate International Cat Day with this Adorable Sleeping Cat-shaped TWS Earbuds Case!

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The TWS Earbuds case is perhaps the most fertile ground for design exploration. Companies have put screens on them, buttons on them, even shaped them like Deadpool or a Pokeball, and now Japan-based Radius Co., Ltd. is turning the humble earbuds case into a symbol of feline love. Dubbed the Neko Earbuds, these wearables come in a case that looks like a little cat snoozing in a cat basket. The case sports a variety of cat-themed colors, from white to beige and black, and flip the cat open and you see it casually warming your earbuds the way sometimes pets snooze on your slippers to keep them toasty!

Designer: Radius Co., Ltd.

TWS earbuds are literally a dime a dozen, and I’ll be honest, most of them have absolutely uninspiring designs. That’s where something like the Neko really catches the eye. The outer appearance is really a perfect playground for design intervention, and the folks at Ritual did an absolutely stand-up job. The Neko instantly catches the eye and melts the heart. The cat resting adorably in its cat-bed is a universal symbol of eternal cuteness. The cats come in 3 colors, the bed features fish-shaped LED battery indicators, and the inside of the case houses earbuds with a marbled plastic design, ensuring that no two earbuds look the same – sort of like how no two cats have the same personality.

Designed less to be carried in your pocket and more for WFH or tabletop audio requirements, the Neko TWS Earbuds feel almost like a desktop collectible than like tech. Sure, you can slip them right into your pocket or backpack if you want to travel, but given how adorable they look, they’re best suited kept on your table along with other toys and trinkets, etc.

As far as hardware goes, the Neko boasts pretty solid mid-level specs. You’ve got 6.1 mm dynamic drivers, a 20 Hz-20,000 Hz frequency response, Bluetooth 5.3 for up to 10 meters (33 feet) of wireless audio transmission, and IPX4 water resistance (just like cats, keep these earphones away from water). However, the product’s UX boasts a neat twist. Any announcements for calls are made in a feline voice, and tapping your earbuds 5 times activates the Neko’s ‘Purr Mode’, which gives you 3 glorious minutes of purring sounds playing directly in your ear.

The fish-shaped battery indicator is a beautiful touch, adding an easter-egg of sorts to the already adorable design. Speaking of battery, the earphones deliver a solid 3.5 hours of use, extendable to 17.5 hours when used with the charging case. Flip it over and a USB-C port on the back lets you nourish your cat-themed earphones.

The Neko TWS Earbuds were announced as a precursor to International Cat Day (on the 8th of August), for people who love to wear their feline love on their sleeve or in their ears. Priced at 8,822 Yen (around $60 USD), the earbuds garnered more than 10,000 pre-orders on the website following virality on social media (I totally understand the hype).  The earbuds are due to ship starting 8th August, and a portion of the sales are also going to be donated to a rescue organization for street cats in Japan.

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CNC-Machined Curved Design allows these Wood Boxes to stack perfectly without Joinery or Magnets

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Think of a box and every single one your mind imagines will probably be made of 6 flat surfaces, forming either a cube or cuboid. Studio Entrandan wanted to reimagine this box, this pixel of our everyday life, as something with a little more dynamism and visual vitality… not just for the sake of making a curved box, but for the sake of making a box that’s MORE useful.

To do so, the London-based product design studio looked to the golden rectangle, expanding the box, creating a proportionate ellipse, and carrying the curve to the top and the bottom of the box. The result is a box that still has flat walls, but boasts a curved base and top. Why, you ask? So that the boxes can naturally stack one on another without requiring lips and grooves or any extra details. Boxes dominate our lives because of their natural ability to stack without any dead space – with this set, Studio Entrandan celebrates that stackable property through a clean design, with a gorgeous visual twist. These boxes are a gorgeous combination of minimal design with clever detailing. Perfect for people who just want to have a wooden set of containers on their work desk or their dining table (or anywhere, really), the Box Set comes with 3 boxes of varying heights, and a lid that also serves as a nifty tray to store items like rings, other jewelry, or even stationery.

Designer: Studio Entrandan

Click Here to Buy Now: $151 $188.75 (20% off). Hurry, only a few left!

The idea of redesigning something as fundamental as your everyday box came from playing around with ellipses and having them overlap one another. As soon as the idea began taking shape, the folks at Studio Entrandan immediately mocked up a 3D model and printed it out to test its feasibility. However, their intention was never to make the final product out of plastic. Choosing wood instead, the boxes were given a distinct EDC appeal. Borrowing from Scandinavian design influences (and even from their timber), the boxes look gorgeous when kept on any tabletop surface. Their curved base is cleverly designed to still sit flat on flat surfaces… but the minute you stack them one above the other, they tuck into each other (think of how dinner plates stack on top of another).

The boxes measure 200mm x 80mm (7.8in x 3.1in) and have varying heights for storing different items. They’re perfect for stationery, cutlery, EDC, your bedside belongings, or even tech like cables, AirPods, etc. The set includes 3 boxes and a lid, all of which can either orient one on top of another, or be used independently. Their shape makes them uniquely eye-catching to anyone who has an appreciation of craftsmanship and good design… but ultimately, they’re minimalist pieces that blend into your decor.

Each of the boxes are CNC machined out of a single block of wood, giving them the accuracy you’d probably expect from metal or plastic containers. Curves on the bottom and the top of the boxes are precision-machined to match into each other, allowing the boxes to stack naturally one on another the way plates do. The curves nest into each other in a way that’s appealing to the eye, allowing you to organize your boxes without joineries, magnets, or anything else. “Before production, we usually let our timber rest and acclimate for two weeks,” Huang mentions. “However, because timber is an organic material, it is constantly changing. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and sunlight can alter its shape.” This adds a unique natural touch to your boxes (think of it as a patina), although the makers recommend that if your boxes wobble a little too much because their tolerances no longer match, a little sandpaper does the trick. Followed by a coating of wood oil to restore their waterproofing.

The set of 3 boxes and a lid start at $151 and ship globally. Each box is CNC-machined out of a single block of wood, and Studio Entrandan offers a choice between Black Walnut, Cherry, and White Oak. You can buy multiple sets, or even individual containers to add to your collection.

Click Here to Buy Now: $151 $188.75 (20% off). Hurry, only a few left!

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Teenage Engineering debuts new $300 Sampler… but it’s only Medieval Sounds and Gregorian Chants

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Medieval-themed Teenage Engineering Audio Gear was definitely not on my Bingo card this year.

Building on the success of its EP-133 K.O.II sampler from not too long ago, the quirky audio-tech company just debuted the EP-1230, a variant of the K.O.II with a medieval twist. Featuring old-timey instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and the bowed harp, sound effects like swords clashing or even a dragon roar, along with 9 original songs, and a bunch of effects (there’s even a Torture Chamber Reverb setting), this biblically accurate sampler is perfect for people looking to experiment with their sonic portfolio, making audio for medieval-themed games like your Dungeons & Dragons sessions, or perhaps trying to emulate the musical genres of a certain Woodkid.

Designer: Teenage Engineering

The EP-1230 is almost exactly like its predecessor in format, except for the ye-olde overhaul. It sports a rather beige color scheme, with medieval fonts on the keys as well as a medieval typeface on the seven-segment screen. Switch it on and you’ve got hundreds of sounds to choose from, featuring everything from old instruments to audio loops, original songs, and even SFX or foley sounds. You may find navigating the settings a bit of a learning curve because even the language on the keys is in Latin, but that’s all a part of the charm I guess.

Beyond its extensive sound library, the EP-1320 is a fully functional instrument. Its intuitive interface features pressure-sensitive pads for triggering samples, a built-in sequencer for arranging musical ideas, and a suite of effects processors to add depth and character to sounds. The device also invites you to build on its capabilities by recording your own sounds through its built-in microphone and line input. Whether it’s capturing the rhythmic hammering of a blacksmith’s forge or the haunting melody of a traditional instrument, the EP-1320 empowers musicians to infuse their creations with a personal touch. The sampler’s compact size and battery-powered operation make it a versatile tool for both studio and on-the-go music making.

The overall design of the EP-1230 is interesting, as it literally applies a medieval skin onto what’s ostensibly a very quirky contemporary-looking sampler. That fusion isn’t something most companies can pull off (it’s giving Medieval Winamp skin), but I guess if I had to trust a company with doing a good job, it would probably be Teenage Engineering. That being said, the market for a medieval-themed sampler could possibly be a lot slimmer than one for the company’s other products. The EP-1230 is up on Teenage Engineering’s website for $300 (the same as the EP-133 K.O.II), and enthusiasts can even grab themselves a medieval quilt bag, leather keychain, or tee shirt to complete the ‘look’.

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