Author Archives: Sarang Sheth

Top 5 AI Innovations at IFA 2024 That Redefine User Experience

Posted on by

Are we in an AI bubble? Almost definitely – every next booth at IFA had AI written on its banner and in its pamphlets. Walking around IFA proved that innovation is still going strong, but AI has become more of a marketing term than an actual feature. Whether it’s AI-powered dishwashers, or AI in something as small as a GaN charger, it’s easy to drop marketing jargon to make your product look better than your competitor – but is it truly game-changing AI? Well, after 5 days at IFA, here are 5 products we saw that make proper use of Artificial Intelligence in ways that are meaningful to users, and authentic to the term “AI”.

1. Plaud AI NotePin

Showcased at IFA (although the product will begin shipping very soon), the PLAUD NotePin builds on the company’s successful Plaud NOTE device that first launched last year. Leveraging AI models like ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, the NOTE could record meetings as well as phone calls, and translate/transcribe them in mere seconds. With the NotePin, the company hopes to make this technology even more portable. Encased in a tiny metal pendant, the NotePin is like your own assistant you can wear around your neck or even on your wrist. It lets you record everything from personal notes to meetings, leveraging GPT 4o and Claude 3.5 to bring AI to your recordings. You can give your NotePin a grocery list and it’ll meaningfully link you to a place where you can buy it online, or give it a task list and it’ll add it to your calendar. The NotePin comes in two colors – silver and dark gray – and has the ability to be worn on your wrist, around your neck, or even attached to your lapel.

2. Timekettle W4 Pro AI Interpreter Buds

Built on the broader vision of the Babel Fish from Hitchhiker’s Guide, the W4 Pro interpreter buds allow you to speak and understand as many as 40 different languages and over 90 accents. Built by the folks at Timekettle (known for their incredible translators since 2016), the W4 Pro are AI-powered interpreter earbuds. Wear one and give one to another person and the two of you can seamlessly have a conversation in two separate languages. A 3-mic array ensures crystal clear audio capture, and Timekettle’s proprietary algorithm gives you 95% accurate results. Where the AI comes in is both at a processing and a post-processing level. When you speak, instead of translating entire sentences (which can take very long), the W4 Pro breaks sentences up into meaningful segments, translating them instead. This turns out to work much faster, with just a 0.2-second delay between speaking and translating. Once you’ve had a conversation, Timekettle also applies AI to the entire transcript, allowing you to extract meaningful information and insights from your conversation – super helpful in meetings with multi-lingual professionals.

3. Honor’s AI across Phone/Tablet/Laptop

I strongly believe that we’re at a time when AI vision can make or break a company. With ChatGPT and Google Gemini sucking so much air out of the room, it’s difficult for smartphone brands to implement AI on their own, but Honor seems to have found an incredible niche. Demonstrated during their keynote on both the 5th as well as 6th of September at IFA, Honor highlighted a few standout AI features on their devices. The phones, tablets, and laptops have AI-powered two-way noise canceling – this means the device not only cancels noise on audio going out, but also on audio coming in. So you could be talking to someone who’s in a noisy environment, and your AI noise canceling will process their noisy audio. Other AI features include their drag-to-search on the Magic V3 folding phone and the MagicPad 2 tablet… but by far the most impressive use of AI is in Honor’s deepfake detection technology that works for both audio as well as video deepfakes. Relying on an ability to catch scammers and phishers in the act, the Magic V3, MagicPad 2, and MagicBook Art 14 all have this new technology working seamlessly to prevent you from being scammed or frauded by deepfake calls.

4. Google Gemini in Pixel Devices

Talking about AI is incomplete without talking about its biggest players – Google. With a dedicated booth at IFA this year, Google invited people to play with their latest devices, the Pixel Buds, the new Pixel Watch, and the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Fold devices. It’s different hearing about AI features in a keynote versus actually seeing them in real life, which is why Google had a dedicated Gemini space at their booth, where consumers could go and get a first look at the new Gemini features coming on Pixel devices later this year. This included the new powerful voice assistant, along with Google’s upgraded AI image-editing tools, as well as the newly unveiled Pixel Studio feature.

5. Samsung SmartThings and AI-powered Bixby

Samsung unveiled several AI-powered features at IFA 2024, highlighting its commitment to “AI for All.” The SmartThings platform showcased AI capabilities for security, sustainability, and device control, including the Map View for home monitoring. The Bespoke AI appliances offered personalized solutions, like the Family Hub refrigerator with image recognition and recipe suggestions. Samsung also introduced a timely upgrade to its AI voice assistant, Bixby, at IFA 2024. The enhanced Bixby delivers more personalized services based on the user’s voice and location, allowing for greater interaction with home appliances and devices. It adapts to the user’s daily routines, offering tailored solutions, whether adjusting appliance settings or integrating with other SmartThings-enabled devices.

The post Top 5 AI Innovations at IFA 2024 That Redefine User Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

AEG’s Smart Kitchen Challenge at IFA 2024: CEO + Chef in a High-Tech Cook-off

Posted on by

With its kitchen-line products on display at IFA, AEG is putting its money where its mouth is – by having a CEO produce a top-tier dish with help from a chef while using the company’s induction hob, oven, and overhead chimney. The cook-off, hosted by Radhika Seth of Yanko Design, attempts to drive home a simple point – with the right tools, anyone can be a chef. To prove this, we got Anna Ohlsson-Leijon (CEO Business Area Europe APMEA & Group Executive Vice President, Electrolux Group) to collaborate with professional chef Paola Martinenghi. Martinenghi, a designer-turned-chef with a history of working for Michelin star restaurants is a designpreneur in her own right, with her own women-led lighting-design firm. With a passion for cooking, Martinenghi believes in preserving old-school recipes, even if it means updating them so that people can use cutting-edge kitchen appliances to make age-old traditional dishes.

Both CEO and Chef will be attempting a deceptively simple dish that’s known for requiring perfect technique – Risotto Tricolore with pomodoro, pesto, and burrata – a summer spin on the Risotto Milanese. Risotto is considered an incredibly technical dish given the precise control required over temperature, cook-time, and the gradual addition of broth to rice while you constantly stir the dish. Mess any step up and your risotto is less-than-ideal resulting in a dish that would make an Italian nonna fume. It’s a good thing, however, that AEG’s state-of-the-art kitchen collection makes certain steps foolproof, allowing you to easily attempt even the most technical recipes.

The process gets made simple by AEG’s CookSmart Touch Display, which guides you through step by step. The Sense Fry sensor on the hob helps you maintain a consistent temperature during your cook (sort of like cruise control for chefs) – for the risotto, it’s a steady 120°C. Meanwhile, AEG’s Xtractor Hob, which features an integrated extractor fan, kept the cooking area free of smoke and odors, making the experience even more pleasant. A clean, smoke-free kitchen means less hassle, and less cleanup—a win for anyone who’s familiar with the chaos of post-cooking messes.

Throughout the cook-off, the focus shifted frequently to AEG’s smart features, particularly how the appliances use AI to adapt and enhance cooking. The AI TasteAssist feature automatically adjusts cooking settings based on the dish being prepared. Anna explained that by simply inputting a recipe, the oven analyzes the details and determines the optimal temperature and time, which could revolutionize how people cook at home. The Assisted Dishes function also impressed Paola, as it provides guidance across a wide range of meals, making even the most complex dishes accessible to home cooks.

Energy efficiency was another cornerstone of the new AEG range. Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s built into the design. The appliances can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, with features like PreHeat and Residual Heat, which cleverly utilize retained heat to finish cooking. The SenseBoil & Fry function, for instance, promises to save up to 33% in energy usage. It’s clear that AEG has aligned its smart technology not just with convenience, but with the goal of making kitchens more eco-friendly.

The discussion also touched on design and aesthetics. AEG’s range isn’t just high-tech—it’s designed to be visually appealing. Paola praised the sleek, minimalist look of the appliances, which come in Matt Black and Glossy Black, noting that they not only enhance the cooking process but also complement modern kitchen interiors.

As the cook-off neared its conclusion, Paola and Anna finished the risotto with a flourish, adding burrata for a creamy, indulgent finish. The results were met with unanimous delight as the hosts tasted the dish and marveled at how easy the process had been, thanks to AEG’s smart kitchen tools.

The post AEG’s Smart Kitchen Challenge at IFA 2024: CEO + Chef in a High-Tech Cook-off first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple’s New ‘Visual Intelligence’ feature on the iPhone 16 basically makes Google Lens obsolete

Posted on by

Apple has a reputation for taking established ideas and refining them into seamless, intuitive features, and it looks like they’ve done it again with their new Visual Intelligence technology in the iPhone 16. In contrast to Google Lens, which primarily scans objects or texts in photos and returns basic web-based results, Apple’s Visual Intelligence integrates advanced generative models and contextual awareness, creating a more profound, interactive experience. This blend of on-device intelligence and private cloud computing not only delivers more relevant information but does so in a way that feels personal and purposeful.

Let’s dive into why Apple’s Visual Intelligence may have just overshadowed Google Lens, and how it’s bringing more powerful insights to users right through the iPhone 16’s camera. Before we do, it’s important to note that Google HAS, in fact, demonstrated Gemini’s ability to ‘see’ the world around you and provide context-based insights… however, it seems like a lot of those features are limited to just Pixel phones because of their AI-capable Tensor chips. While Google Lens (an older product) is available across the board to both iOS and Android devices, Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature gives iPhones a highly powerful multimodal AI feature that would otherwise require existing Apple users to switch over to the Google Pixel.

Going Beyond Surface-Level Search

Google Lens has been a reliable tool for identifying objects, landmarks, animals, and text. It essentially acts as a visual search engine, allowing users to point their camera at something and receive search results based on Google’s vast index of web pages. While this is undoubtedly useful, it stops at merely recognizing objects or extracting text to launch a related Google search.

Apple’s Visual Intelligence, on the other hand, merges object recognition with contextual data retrieval. This means it can offer richer, more integrated information. During the Apple keynote, Craig Federighi demonstrated how users could point their iPhone at a restaurant and instantly retrieve operating hours, reviews, and options to make reservations—all without needing to open Safari or another app​. Similarly, pointing the camera at a movie poster will not just yield a name or showtimes, but deeper context such as ratings, actor bios, and related media, providing a much more immersive and helpful experience.

The Power of Integration: Visual Intelligence and Third-Party Tools

One of the standout features of Apple’s Visual Intelligence is its seamless integration with third-party tools, offering expanded functionality. For instance, if you spot a bike you’re interested in, Visual Intelligence doesn’t just identify the brand and model; it can quickly connect you to third-party retailers via Google Search to check availability and pricing. This interplay between native intelligence and external databases exemplifies Apple’s mastery of pulling together useful, real-time data without breaking the user’s workflow.

But it doesn’t stop there. Apple has built-in support for querying complex topics with tools like ChatGPT. Imagine you’re reviewing lecture notes and stumble across a difficult concept. Simply hold your iPhone over the text and ask ChatGPT to explain it right on the spot. This deep contextual awareness and ability to provide real-time insights based on multiple external sources is something Google Lens simply cannot do at the same level.

Privacy at the Core

Another area where Apple shines is in its privacy-first approach to AI. All interactions through Visual Intelligence, such as identifying objects or pulling up information, are processed on-device or via Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, ensuring that no personal data is stored or shared unnecessarily. This is a stark contrast to Google’s cloud-based model, which has often raised concerns about the volume of user data being processed on external servers. By keeping the majority of computation on the device, Apple delivers peace of mind for privacy-conscious users—an area that Google has historically struggled with.

A Broader Reach: Enabling Personal Context

One of the most significant advantages of Apple’s approach is its deep integration into your phone’s personal data. Visual Intelligence doesn’t just analyze what’s in front of the camera; it connects the dots with your past interactions. For example, Siri, now supercharged with Visual Intelligence, can identify the contents of your messages or your calendar appointments and offer contextual suggestions based on what you’re viewing​. If you’re looking at a flyer for an event, Visual Intelligence will not only retrieve details about the event but also cross-reference it with your schedule to automatically add it to your calendar—again, without having to lift a finger.

Google Lens, by comparison, lacks this deep personal integration. It’s effective as a standalone visual search tool but hasn’t yet reached the level of intuitive, user-centered design that Apple has mastered.

A New Era for Intelligent Photography

Apple’s innovation also extends into how we interact with our cameras. The new camera control on the iPhone 16 doubles as a gateway to Visual Intelligence. This means users can quickly snap a photo and receive actionable insights immediately. With a simple press of the camera control, users can tap into features like instant translations, object recognition, or even educational tools like ChatGPT.

Google Lens, while impressive in its object recognition, doesn’t offer this seamless experience. It requires users to jump between apps or tabs to get additional information, while Apple’s integration means the iPhone is one fluid tool—camera, intelligence, and action all in one place.

Apple Executes Where Google Initiated

Google Lens may have launched first, but Apple has undeniably refined and expanded the concept. It’s a tendency that we’ve come to learn and love about Apple – they usually don’t believe in being first to the market, but rather believe in executing features so well, people tend to ignore the competition – they did so with the Vision Pro AND with Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence is a bold step forward, leveraging on-device power and privacy to deliver more meaningful, contextual insights. Where Google Lens excels at basic object recognition, Apple’s approach feels more like a true assistant, offering deeper information, smarter integrations, and a more secure experience.

The post Apple’s New ‘Visual Intelligence’ feature on the iPhone 16 basically makes Google Lens obsolete first appeared on Yanko Design.

Rumors we got right (and wrong) with the September 2024 Apple Keynote

Posted on by

Apple’s September event remains every tech nerd’s most awaited time of the year for two reasons. For starters, it’s the announcement of brand-new gear that we can get our hands on… but more importantly, it’s a validation of everything we’ve been hearing and assuming over the years. There’s never a single day when people aren’t actively trying to find out details on what Apple will do next. The company has a rock-solid reputation for keeping its products under wraps until they’re ready to launch… but sometimes things slip through the cracks. Us nerds love to speculate on these rumors, and come September, the keynote feels like judgment day – where some rumors get turned into reality, and others into rubble.

As Apple unveiled their latest slew of devices today, it’s interesting to see exactly where the rumors were right, and where we were absolutely off mark. For starters, we all expected next-gen AirPods Max headphones (given that it’s been 4 years since their first launch) as well as a Watch Ultra 3. Apple conveniently skipped those devices, only to announce minor upgrades to them (nice way of saying they’re already perfect the way they are). Meanwhile, rumors of a ‘capture’ button on the iPhone seemed as good as true with phone-makers actually displaying iPhone 16 cases at IFA 4 days before Apple’s formal launch. So without further ado, here’s a look at all the rumors over the past year, and whether they made it or not.

Rumors we got wrong:

1. Apple Watch X would see a radical redesign for the 10th anniversary

Honestly, it feels a little heartbreaking to see that Apple didn’t give the Watch a 10th-anniversary makeover the way they did with the iPhone X back in 2017. A lot of us were pinning our hopes on seeing a radical redesign (some speculated flat edges like on the iPhone), while others tried hinting at a new form factor. None of that turned out to be true, as Apple announced a nominally slimmer Watch Series 10 (measuring 9.7 mm thick) with a larger display. The design, for the most part, remains entirely the same, except that now the Watch has a re-engineered speaker system that can play audio from podcasts and music apps, allowing you to listen clearly through your watch instead of needing AirPods.

2. Apple would announce a Watch Ultra 3

It seemed natural that a Watch Ultra 3 would drop this year, considering Apple refreshed the Watch Ultra after a single year too. However, the Watch Ultra 2 only got a new color upgrade this year, with a gorgeous satin black finish. Everything about the Watch Ultra 2 remains the same on the design and hardware front, although Apple did announce a set of stunning Milanese metal straps for both the Natural as well as the Satin Black color finishes.

3. Launch of the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2

Apple launched the AirPods Pro 2 in September 2022, and the AirPods Max as early as September 2020. It felt all but natural to expect the company to give these devices their due upgrades, but it seemed like Apple had other plans. The company didn’t upgrade their highest-end earbuds and headphones but rather decided to give them a set of new protective features. The new AirPods (across the entire range) will have built-in hearing protection features that not only keep your ability to hear intact over time, but also provide tools to measure your hearing loss – something that’s usually a concern with prolonged earphone/headphone usage. Pending FDA approvals, the AirPods will have clinically validated hearing test features, as well as an over-the-counter hearing aid feature. Oh, and while the AirPods Max didn’t get an upgrade, they DID get 5 new color options, along with USB-C charging… finally.

4. Launch of an iPhone Slim

I had my doubts about this, but when Apple announced the world’s slimmest iPad clocking in at a mere 5.1 millimeters in thickness, it seemed like Apple had similar plans for the iPhone 16 series. However, none of that was true. Call it post-Bendgate-trauma or just something Apple isn’t planning on working on, but the iPhone Slim never really became a thing. I’ll be honest, if Apple DID want to make a slim iPhone, the best way to do it would be to turn it into a foldable… but it seems like we’re years away from that for now.

Rumors we got right:

1. The Apple Watch would get ZERO AI features

This felt surprisingly sad even for a rumor, but when WWDC rolled out, everyone was quick to notice that WatchOS didn’t get mentioned EVEN ONCE during the Apple Intelligence segment. I dismissed it as just a mere mistake, hoping that Apple would announce big AI features for the 10th anniversary Watch, but alas, the Watch Series 10 did NOT get any AI features. Sure, it has neural cores in its S10 SIP that uses machine learning to detect heart problems, falls, and now even sleep apnea… but ‘intelligent Siri’ won’t be coming to the Watch any time soon. Or any Apple Intelligence feature for that matter.

2. The AirPods Max would get upgraded to USB-C

It’s surprising that Apple’s ENTIRE consumer product line got upgraded to USB-C, but the AirPods Max got left behind. First announced in 2020 (when Lightning connectors were still a thing), Apple practically ignored their flagship headphones for the next 4 years (it still sold like hotcakes), and just as we were hoping for an AirPods Max 2, Apple just decided to give their existing headphone collection 5 new color variants. However, along with the new colors, the AirPods Max DID finally get upgraded to a USB-C charging protocol, which means practically every mobile device (AirPods, iPad, and iPhone) has officially ditched the Lightning connector. In fact, it’s just the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and the Magic Keyboard that still have a Lightning port on them… but I guess the EU isn’t complaining about those.

3. The iPhone 16 series would have a Camera Control button

Arguably the biggest change to Apple’s iPhone since the Action Button, the new Camera Control button is surprisingly great. We speculated that it would just be a simple shutter button, but news later highlighted that it would have haptic control, along with a touch-slide feature. Obviously, these rumors only highlight half the truth… because it’s easy to speculate on hardware, but not on software. The Camera Control button’s features were finally announced at the keynote, highlighting how capable this new button would be. Aside from opening the camera and clicking photos, the button can zoom in/out, adjust focus, switch through presets, and do a whole bunch of exciting new things.

4. A larger iPhone 16 Pro Max with a bigger battery, bigger 6.9″ display, and thinner bezels

Apple announcing their iPhone launch in the MIDDLE of IFA 2024 in Berlin felt like a strategic move… and turns out, it was one, because even though the iPhone 16 wasn’t announced, cases for the new iPhone 16 series were on display at IFA, causing everyone to get a fair idea of what the new phones would look and feel like. Once I saw these cases on display, I obviously had to take a closer look… and upon doing so, I couldn’t help but notice how the 16 Pro Max case was significantly larger than my 15 Pro Max smartphone. Turns out, Apple DID end up making their flagship phones bigger (with the iPhone 16 Pro Max having a whopping 6.9-inch display), while making displays thinner, and cramming an even larger battery into their phones. The largest on any iPhone, as Apple personnel tend to say.

5. The iPhone 16 would get a direct bump to the A18 chip

When Apple announced that their iPad Pros would skip the M3 and go directly to M4, my jaw dropped. It seemed inconceivable that Apple would leapfrog ITSELF, but once I saw the announcement, the rumor that the iPhone 16 would get an A18 chip seemed more believable. Traditionally, the base-model iPhones get the same chip as the previous year’s Pro models… but Apple decided to be kind this year. Given how so much of the new iPhone would be centered around Apple Intelligence, it made sense to build a NEW chipset just for handling these AI tasks. The iPhone 16 series is the first phone to get Apple’s latest A18 chipset, and as Tim Cook says, is truly the first iPhone built from the ground-up for Apple Intelligence.

The post Rumors we got right (and wrong) with the September 2024 Apple Keynote first appeared on Yanko Design.

UGREEN’s 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is an absolute productivity beast: Hands-On at IFA 2024

Posted on by

Standing amidst its new NAS system, and all its award-winning chargers and power-banks at the UGREEN Booth at IFA 2024 was this one monolithic device that UGREEN’s rep told me was their next piece of product innovation. The new Revodok Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is an ambitious piece of hardware boasting a staggering 120 Gbit/s bandwidth, as many as 13 ports, and the ability to support a single 8K display or dual 4K displays. If you’re tired of waiting for files to transfer or struggling with multi-display setups, this dock promises to take care of it all, especially with Thunderbolt 5’s massive 80Gbps speed boost—three times faster than Thunderbolt 4. Its Bandwidth Boost Mode dynamically adjusts the data flow, making sure nothing bottlenecks, even under heavy load. For power users handling 8K video editing or complex workflows, this feature offers serious appeal. The best part? It’s a compact, vertical number that seriously cuts clutter on your desk, giving you a minimal workplace that’s maximal on productivity and output.

Designer: UGREEN

The Revodok is loaded with as many as 13 ports, making it a versatile hub for just about any setup. Whether you need USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, or even an SD card reader, it’s all there. The dock supports 8K displays at 60Hz and dual 4K setups, catering perfectly to those who thrive on multi-screen environments. Add in 10 Gbps USB 4 support for newer laptops, and you’ve got a future-proof workstation companion. If reliable internet is a priority, the 2.5G Ethernet port ensures stable, high-speed connectivity. Plus, it offers 85W Power Delivery, which can charge demanding devices like laptops, so your desk stays tidy without extra charging bricks cluttering things up.

Despite all the power it packs, the Revodok’s compact design won’t dominate your workspace. Its clean, modern look fits in seamlessly, and it’s portable enough to take with you if your office setup tends to move. Besides, those visible heat-sink fins do tend to give the device a rather cool, almost amphibian aesthetic. Durability and build quality remain key, as UGREEN has a strong track record in this department.

While pricing and exact availability remain under wraps, you can expect the Revodok to hit the high-end market when it arrives later in 2024 or early 2025. It’s aimed at users who are ready for the next generation of connectivity, and it promises to deliver on all fronts. If you’re looking for speed, versatility, and reliability, this dock might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for—plus, it’s bound to make your desk look a bit more impressive.

The post UGREEN’s 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is an absolute productivity beast: Hands-On at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

We saw the Gravastar Assassin’s Creed Speaker at IFA 2024 and it’s Just Gorgeous

Posted on by

Modeled on the mythical Apple of Eden orb from the smash hit game series Assassin’s Creed, this limited-edition speaker from Gravastar comes with a gorgeously grungy design, and even sports the assassin hood on top to complete the visual metaphor. I was walking by at IFA 2024 when my eyes first saw the Gravastar booth – known for its beautiful steampunk tech designs, the company’s booth was sure to impress. I walked over, and the first thing my eyes saw was this almost sentient-looking orb facing my way, playing music. As a passionate gamer myself (I just finished replaying AC Odyssey a few months ago), the speaker instantly stood out. It had a piercing personality, with an oxidized metal finish well known in the game, given its ancient Greek origins.

The special-edition speaker is a variant of the company’s existing Mars Pro, but uplifted with a special colorway, an assassin hood, and a special Assassin’s Creed box. Announced just months ago, the speaker is limited to just 1000 units, of which the company says only 20 or so are left.

Inspired by the Apple of Eden, the speaker’s golden, orb-like shape features intricate patterns and glowing LEDs that could easily make you feel like you’ve uncovered a piece of ancient tech from the Assassin’s Creed world. Its sharp aesthetic isn’t an afterthought either—it’s a deliberate tribute to the game’s rich lore, which will resonate deeply with fans.

Built from a zinc alloy, the Mars Pro has a solid, hefty feel with a meticulously hand-painted exterior to give it that grunge appeal. This metal build not only makes it durable, but it also minimizes vibrations, ensuring the sound stays clear even at higher volumes. And, of course, there are GravaStar’s signature tripod legs that make the speaker look more like a futuristic drone than a traditional Bluetooth speaker. The legs provide excellent stability and elevate the design, making it more of a centerpiece than a background device.

Under the hood, the speaker packs a 20W system with a built-in subwoofer and two full-range drivers, providing rich, immersive sound. Whether you’re blasting out action-packed game soundtracks or mellow acoustic tracks, the Mars Pro handles a wide range of frequencies with precision.

Bass is strong but balanced, thanks to a dedicated passive bass radiator at the back (visible if you take off the hood). This makes it ideal for a variety of listening experiences—from gaming marathons where you need to hear every in-game detail to casual music sessions. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable connection with minimal lag. You’ll have no problem streaming high-quality audio from your phone, laptop, or other devices. Battery life is solid, too, with a 6,000mAh battery that provides up to 15 hours of playtime, perfect for long listening sessions without needing to recharge constantly.

What makes this edition truly special is its limited availability. GravaStar has a history of releasing attention-grabbing, limited-run designs, and this Assassin’s Creed collaboration fits right into that mold. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the design, while collectors will want to grab it for its exclusivity alone. With only a limited number of 1000 units being produced, this speaker feels more like a piece of memorabilia than just an everyday Bluetooth speaker.

Even the packaging has been designed with the collector in mind, featuring Assassin’s Creed-themed artwork and presentation that further highlights its appeal. From unboxing to placing it on your shelf, it feels like you’re handling a genuine artifact from the game.

All in all, the Mars Pro Assassin’s Creed edition serves as a fine example of how gaming culture and high-end audio can blend seamlessly. With a $329.95 price tag, it’s both a collector’s dream and a speaker that delivers on its promises. Sure, it might not unlock ancient secrets or manipulate time, but it will make your playlist sound legendary.

The post We saw the Gravastar Assassin’s Creed Speaker at IFA 2024 and it’s Just Gorgeous first appeared on Yanko Design.

Self-Sustainable Hydroponic Garden Autonomously Grows Microgreen Superfoods in 7 Days: Minigro at IFA 2024

Posted on by

IFA 2024, Berlin’s iconic tech showcase, has always been the stage for revolutionary gadgets that make daily life easier. And this year, one of the standout contenders in the Sustainability category is the Minigro, a fully automated microgreens growing system from the folks at Grovero. About the size of an aquarium, this device promises to take the hassle out of gardening entirely, offering you fresh microgreens in just seven days without lifting a finger—almost.

What makes the Minigro so impressive is its level of autonomy – perfect for people with a less-than-green thumb. This compact, sleek device handles every part of the growing process: from regulating water levels to adjusting nutrient supply, controlling light exposure, and even managing the microclimate. You could literally walk away after setup, and the Minigro would do all the heavy lifting—turning you into an urban farmer without the muddy boots.

Designer: Grovero

A Completely Automated Green Thumb

The Minigro’s all-in-one solution is driven by an array of advanced sensors and automation. These sensors monitor every detail of the plant’s growing environment, ensuring optimal conditions for your microgreens. Whether it’s temperature, humidity, or lighting, the device adjusts in real time to create the perfect microclimate, so your plants don’t just survive—they thrive.

One particularly clever feature is the sensor-driven LED lighting system. If your Minigro is positioned near a window with natural light, the LEDs dim or brighten accordingly. The system takes into account how much sunlight your greens are getting and adjusts the artificial light to make sure it’s always just right. Basically, your Minigro’s lighting system won’t waste energy if the sun is doing its job.

Foolproof Microclimate Control

Another neat trick? The Minigro knows when you’ve left a window open. Now, normally, an open window could throw off the delicate climate needed for growing microgreens. But Minigro’s sensors detect drafts or temperature shifts caused by open windows, sending you an alert through its accompanying app. This ensures that you’re not accidentally compromising your little green oasis while you air out the room.

The convenience extends beyond just growing. You’ll also get app notifications for any manual tasks—like replenishing nutrients or cleaning the tank. But don’t worry, it’s not like you’re going to have to tend to it daily. These tasks are infrequent and take minimal effort, especially when compared to traditional gardening methods that require constant attention, weeding, and watering.

Your Role: Pretty Minimal, Honestly

With the Minigro doing 99% of the work, your involvement is minimal. Through the app, you’ll receive reminders about the few maintenance tasks—adding nutrients or cleaning the water tank. And that’s pretty much it. As for the tank cleaning, it’s designed to be quick and easy, meaning you won’t be hunched over for hours scrubbing soil off your hands.

You can also monitor the growing process via the app, which shows real-time data on the health and progress of your microgreens. It feels almost like a virtual pet simulator—except you’re rewarded with actual food instead of digital coins. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about opening the app and seeing your greens flourishing, knowing that you did next to nothing to make it happen.

Fresh Greens, All Year Round

So why microgreens? They’re nutrient-packed, versatile, and ready to harvest in just seven days. Whether you’re topping off a salad or blending them into smoothies, fresh microgreens offer a punch of flavor and health benefits. The Minigro makes it possible to grow these tiny greens even in the dead of winter, when outdoor gardening isn’t an option.

The device’s compact size also makes it ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited kitchen counter space. In fact, it’s exactly the same size as your IKEA shelf, making it a perfect fit for most homes. You don’t need a sprawling backyard to enjoy homegrown food. The Minigro turns your countertop into a micro-farm, producing fresh, organic greens year-round, regardless of season or space.

The Minigro is the perfect blend of technology and nature, and it’s designed for those who want the benefits of home-grown food without any of the stress. By automating every aspect of the growing process, it lets you bypass the learning curve of traditional gardening and jump straight to the rewards.

The device is ideal for anyone who loves the idea of gardening but can’t be bothered to maintain it. In a world where everyone seems pressed for time, having fresh greens grown automatically is about as futuristic as it gets. Plus, with the Minigro managing light, climate, and nutrients, you might even feel a little smug every time you see your flourishing greens—especially knowing you barely lifted a finger.

The post Self-Sustainable Hydroponic Garden Autonomously Grows Microgreen Superfoods in 7 Days: Minigro at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

JMGO’s N1S Ultimate Could Make Your TV Obsolete: The Future of Home Projection at IFA 2024

Posted on by

At IFA 2024, it became clearer than ever: traditional TVs might be yesterday’s news. As home theaters evolve, the focus is shifting from bulky flat screens to sleek, powerful projectors that deliver a true cinematic experience right in your living room. The days of settling for a fixed screen size, limited by where you can hang a TV, are being replaced by projectors that offer flexibility, portability, and, thanks to innovations like 4K laser technology, image quality that rivals—and in some cases surpasses—what any high-end TV can deliver.

Projectors have come a long way from the dim, pixelated displays many still associate with them. Today’s models, especially those from companies like JMGO, are becoming the go-to choice for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment setups. Whether you’re a movie buff, gamer, or just someone who wants a more immersive experience, projectors have quickly gained ground. They offer more screen for your buck, and when it comes to high-definition, they’re not cutting any corners.

That was the vibe at IFA 2024 when JMGO introduced the N1S Ultimate 4K and N1S Pro 4K projectors—both packed with features designed to take advantage of this projector renaissance. Powered by their patented MALC™ 2.0 Triple Laser Optics technology, these devices prove that projectors aren’t just an alternative to TVs anymore—they might just be the future of home entertainment.

Designer: JMGO

A Deep Dive into MALC™ 2.0 Technology

One of the key highlights of the N1S Ultimate is JMGO’s proprietary MALC™ (Multi-Layer Adaptive Laser Control) 2.0 Triple Laser Optics. According to JMGO, the typical trade-off in laser projection—where increasing brightness tends to compromise color accuracy and contrast—has been successfully tackled through MALC 2.0. This system delivers exceptional brightness without sacrificing visual quality, offering users a seamless experience.

The N1S Ultimate 4K projector is capable of producing a whopping 3500 ANSI lumens, which ensures vivid picture quality even in environments with high ambient light. Coupled with a 1600:1 contrast ratio and 110% BT.2020 color coverage, the N1S Ultimate is designed to deliver stunning visuals that don’t lose their luster in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. With an ∆E (Delta E) of less than 1, the color accuracy is spot-on, ensuring faithful reproduction of even the most subtle shades. This combination of brightness, contrast, and color precision makes the N1S Ultimate ideal for both daytime viewing and cinematic experiences.

The JMGO N1S Pro (left) versus JMGO N1S Ultimate (right)

N1S Ultimate vs. N1S Pro: What Sets Them Apart?

While both the N1S Ultimate and N1S Pro share JMGO’s MALC™ 2.0 technology, there are notable differences between the two models that will help users decide which one fits their needs better. The N1S Pro, positioned as a more budget-friendly option, offers 2400 ANSI lumens, compared to the 3500 lumens of the Ultimate. This difference in brightness may be a key factor for users who need a projector for bright rooms or daytime use.

However, both projectors maintain the same level of contrast (1600:1) and color performance, which speaks volumes about JMGO’s commitment to delivering a high-quality experience across their product range. Whether you choose the Pro or the Ultimate, you’ll get stunning visuals with a ∆E of less than 1 and 110% BT.2020 color accuracy, which ensures rich, lifelike images.

Versatility in Every Direction: The Iconic Gimbal

One feature that sets the JMGO N1S series apart is its integrated gimbal design, first introduced in 2022. This allows the projectors to pan 360 degrees and tilt 135 degrees, making it incredibly easy to adjust the projection angle. Whether you want to project on the ceiling for a laid-back movie night or angle it toward a wall to create an impromptu gaming setup, the gimbal provides exceptional flexibility.

This design also adds a futuristic touch to the device, setting it apart from conventional projectors that require cumbersome setups or fixed installations. JMGO’s emphasis on creating a portable and versatile entertainment device shines through in the N1S Ultimate, positioning it as an ideal choice for users who value both style and functionality.

A New Kind of Home Entertainment Ecosystem

Beyond the hardware, JMGO has integrated Google TV into both models, providing access to a wide range of streaming services, including certified options like Netflix. This makes the N1S projectors a true all-in-one entertainment solution—no external streaming devices are needed. Whether you’re watching a movie, streaming a TV series, or projecting a home video, everything is seamlessly managed from the projector itself.

Pricing and Availability

Both the N1S Ultimate and N1S Pro are now available on Amazon in the U.S. and across Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The N1S Ultimate 4K is priced at $2,799 in the U.S. and €2,999 in Europe, while the N1S Pro 4K comes in at $1,999 or €2,299, offering a more affordable option for those who don’t require the full brightness of the Ultimate.

The post JMGO’s N1S Ultimate Could Make Your TV Obsolete: The Future of Home Projection at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

TCL’s latest phone has a 1-Week Battery Life, and a VERY interesting new Display: Hands-On at IFA 2024

Posted on by

Nobody ever bought a smartphone because of its screen. I’m not talking about foldables, but rather about the regular ‘candybar’ smartphone. The reason you choose a smartphone is for its camera system, its battery life, its processor, its charging speed, its AI features, or its OS. The screen is just one of those aspects that you take for granted… but what if I told you I saw a phone at TCL with a screen so good it’s the highlight of the entire phone? The phone in question is the TCL 50 Nxtpaper 5G phone, and what really sets this phone apart from others is how spectacular its screen is. At first glance, the screen looks like a rather simple matte display, but flip a button on the side, and it magically goes from color to monochrome, transforming into a bonafide electronic ink display that is highly responsive, but has immaculate contrast, and a battery life nearly 7x more than your regular phone. The display is really this phone’s highlight, and shows how TCL’s figured out a compromise between phones and e-ink tablets. The TCL 50 Nxtpaper is a phone when you need it, but hit that switch and you go into easy-reading tablet mode, with a nearly 7-day battery life thanks to the monochrome nature of the display.

The Nxtpaper Display: A Phone Screen That Feels Like Paper

For anyone tired of glossy screens, blinding brightness, and eye strain, TCL’s Nxtpaper technology is a welcome change. The 6.8-inch screen has a matte, anti-glare surface designed to reduce blue light and deliver a paper-like experience, ideal for reading and prolonged use without causing eye strain. Whether you’re reading e-books, scanning through long documents, or even just scrolling social media, the Nxtpaper display reduces the strain that typical LCD and OLED screens can cause.

Unlike traditional smartphone displays, Nxtpaper uses a layered design that reduces blue light by up to 61%, helping prevent eye fatigue. This isn’t just a standard “night mode” either — the display is engineered from the ground up to deliver a paper-like viewing experience that’s easy on the eyes at any time of day. The anti-glare surface also means no more squinting at your phone on a sunny day or awkwardly tilting it to avoid reflections. Text and icons are visible with immense clarity, echoing the feeling of an e-ink screen like the one you’d see on a Kindle.

Despite its paper-like qualities, the Nxtpaper display doesn’t sacrifice color or usability. It’s still a full-color display, and it handles everything from photos to videos smoothly. TCL seems to have struck a balance here, making it a perfect option for people who need their phone for more than just reading but still want that e-paper feel.

Max Paper Mode: Battery Life Like You’ve Never Seen

The Max Paper mode is where the TCL Nxtpaper 50 Pro is an energy-savings-beast. When you first hit the switch on the side, you’re offered an option between color mode, ink-paper mode (which offers a responsive e-paper experience), and Max Paper mode. In the latter mode, the phone dials back performance, display refresh rates, and power-hungry features to turn it into a near e-reader. TCL promises up to one week of battery life when this mode is activated — a remarkable feat for any smartphone.

Max Paper mode works by toning down the display and restricting background processes, essentially transforming the phone into a low-power reader. It’s the perfect solution for those times when you just want to get through a book, read articles, or browse documents without worrying about battery drain. Imagine going on a week-long trip without needing to pack your charger — Max Paper mode could make that a reality. In Ink Paper and Max Paper mode, the phone’s home screen even tells you exactly how many hours worth of battery you’ve got, and it’s honestly stunning to see a day-long smartphone suddenly transition into a device that can last over a hundred hours.

Of course, when you want to switch back to full power for gaming, videos, or multitasking, the phone is more than capable. But for users who want to extend their battery life and spend time in a more relaxed reading environment, this feature is a game-changer.

A Practical Smartphone for Everyday Use

The 50 Nxtpaper phone isn’t just about battery life and an eye-friendly screen. It’s a full-featured Android phone that covers all the basics. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, it comes with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. It runs Android 14 and is promised to get at least two major OS updates, so it’s future-proof for the next few years.

On the camera front, the 108MP main sensor is versatile, delivering high-quality shots with ease. It’s backed by an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens, which offer flexibility for various shooting scenarios, whether you’re capturing landscapes or detailed close-ups. On the front, a 32MP selfie camera ensures crisp photos and video calls.

Other features round out this package nicely, including dual stereo speakers with DTS 3D Boom Sound for immersive audio, 33W fast charging to get you back up and running quickly, and NFC support for contactless payments. Security-wise, the phone includes both a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock for fast, secure access.

Final Thoughts: A Niche, But Useful Phone

The TCL Nxtpaper 50 Pro might not be the device that makes waves for its performance or gaming chops, but it’s not trying to be. Instead, it’s aiming at a niche audience: people who care about eye health and battery life more than shiny OLED displays and top-tier processors. The Max Paper mode could be a revelation for those who find themselves drained — both figuratively and literally — by their current smartphones. Having received a bunch of awards for just how spectacular the screen is, I sincerely hope TCL manages to make this click. I honestly would love to see smartphones trying new innovations like this rather than bending and folding thrice over like that tri-fold phone that TCL’s rumored to also be working on.

The post TCL’s latest phone has a 1-Week Battery Life, and a VERY interesting new Display: Hands-On at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Honor’s MagicPad 2 has an AI-Powered Display that can ‘Reverse Myopia’: Understanding ‘Defocus Displays’

Posted on by

If you’re a millennial, you probably, at one point in time, had a parent who said staring at a screen for too long would ruin your eyesight. I dismissed this as an urban myth, but let’s just look at the facts – more than 75% of the world’s adults wear glasses (either for near or far-sightedness). Call it a coincidence or not, our eyesight is getting worse as a species, and it turns out screens do play a role. Myopia, or nearsightedness, has skyrocketed, with experts predicting that half of the world’s population could be affected by 2050. Staring at screens for prolonged periods forces our eyes to focus at a fixed distance, leading to eye strain, discomfort, and the gradual deterioration of vision. With more time spent on screens during work, study, or entertainment, the strain on our eyes is becoming a major health issue.

Honor’s solution comes at an ideal time. The company claims its AI-powered Defocus Display in the MagicPad 2 (and other devices like the Magic V3) is designed to reduce eye strain and potentially even reverse the effects of myopia.

What Is A ‘Defocus Display’?

The Defocus Display is Honor’s secret sauce to eye care, driven by AI algorithms and vision science. The idea is simple but sophisticated: mimic the natural defocusing process that happens when our eyes look at objects at varying distances in the real world. In traditional screens, pixels stay static and crisp regardless of how close or far the viewer’s eyes are from the display, causing the eye’s ciliary muscles to strain from constant focus at one distance.

Honor’s Defocus Display, however, dynamically adjusts the sharpness of certain parts of the screen, similar to how a camera lens focuses on objects at different distances. This creates a more natural viewing experience that forces the eyes to subtly change focus as they would in real-world environments, reducing eye strain and helping the eyes relax.

The company suggests that this natural fluctuation can even slow the progression of myopia, though this part is still being explored by medical professionals. The technology, combined with Honor’s software smarts, adjusts the visual experience based on the user’s needs and viewing patterns, aiming to keep prolonged screen use from becoming a burden on your eyes.

AI at the Helm: How It All Works

At the core of the Defocus Display technology is AI, a buzzword that’s practically mandatory in modern tech. But here, it’s not just hype. Honor’s display system uses real-time data from your viewing habits, ambient light, and the angle at which you hold the tablet to fine-tune its visual output.

If you’re using the MagicPad 2 to read an article or watch a movie, the AI analyzes how you’re interacting with the screen. It automatically adjusts the level of defocus so your eyes aren’t locked into a single focal plane for hours. In essence, it’s taking the concept of “digital wellness” and giving it a mechanical solution, directly at the hardware level.

This feature also integrates with the device’s overall eye-care modes, like automatic blue light reduction and brightness adaptation, to further safeguard your peepers from screen-induced fatigue, as well as ensure your Circadian rhythm doesn’t go haywire.

Does It Really Reverse Myopia?

The claim that the Defocus Display can “reverse” myopia is where things get both exciting and a bit murky. Honor’s technology seems to be based on the idea that by reducing eye strain and encouraging natural focal adjustments, the onset of myopia might slow down. It’s worth noting that while there is research supporting the concept of using visual defocus for myopia management, it’s still early days in terms of solid, widespread proof.

What’s clear is that Defocus Display aims to help maintain long-term eye health. While it may not be a magic cure for everyone, its potential benefits for reducing eye strain could be a game-changer for those glued to screens for hours on end.

Is This the Future of Screens?

Honor’s foray into AI-powered display tech is undeniably innovative, and the Defocus Display might be the first of many steps toward making our screen time healthier. Beyond just Honor, other manufacturers are likely to explore similar technology in the near future, especially as consumers become more health-conscious about their digital habits.

For now, the Honor MagicPad 2 and Magic V3 are leading the charge, offering a glimpse of what’s possible when AI and vision science meet. It’s not often that a tablet or phone tries to actively reduce the harm it could do, and in a market crowded with tech specs like battery life, screen resolution, and processing power, it’s refreshing to see a feature that focuses on something so vital yet so often overlooked: our eyes.

The post Honor’s MagicPad 2 has an AI-Powered Display that can ‘Reverse Myopia’: Understanding ‘Defocus Displays’ first appeared on Yanko Design.