Author Archives: Sarang Sheth

This Steampunk Perpetual Marble Machine feels like the Ultimate Desk Accessory for LEGO Enthusiasts

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Building it is just half the experience… Once it’s assembled, JMBricklayer’s Steampunk Marble Run works as a perpetual machine of sorts, creating a dynamic mechanical toy that’s always running on your desk. A rollercoaster for marbles, this over-5300-piece marvel offers a closed-loop design featuring interweaving paths, flamethrowers, dinosaurs, and nuclear reactors… all made from bricks of course. The entire structure measures a whopping 24.8 inches tall, and runs on two motors powered by a battery module. A perfect desktop toy for LEGO and other brick enthusiasts, puzzle geeks, pinball nerds, gamers, steampunk-lovers, and just fun YouTubers who like to have an interesting toy in the background of their vlogs, the Steampunk Marble Run’s $158 price tag makes it a no-brainer for people looking for a challenge.

Designer: JMBricklayer

Click Here to Buy Now: $158 $189.99 (18% off) Hurry! Only 26 hours left! Raised over $116,000.

This isn’t your dad’s LEGO set. It’s rated extremely difficult, with over 5,391 pieces that come together over days of painstaking work. The result, however, is beyond glorious. The entire set looks like something out of a mad scientist’s playroom. The GBC(Great Ball Contraption) features multiple paths and a randomizer that sends marbles on unique journeys. The balls roll down these dizzying routes, overshadowing any Hot Wheels track you could have ever built in your life, and make their way to the bottom of the contraption. A lift then carries them back up to the top, where the entire process repeats itself… with different results every time.

The entire Steampunk Marble Run set is the visual representation of a sensory overload. It’s so incredibly detailed you end up discovering new things every time you observe it from a different angle. The 2-foot-tall structure has industrial equipment, prehistoric monsters, chemical tanks and nuclear reactors, flamethrowers, two different kinds of lifts, and just random rails/paths connecting them all together into a symphony of sheer chaos.

The way the Great Ball Contraption is visually complicated, but theoretically simple. A battery module powers the entire set, delivering juice to the two lifts that carry the marbles up, and the stairways that also help move the marbles around. However, once the marbles hit the tracks, gravity and randomness kick in. Multiple tracks allow your marble to take a unique path of its own, and objects and obstacles on the journey help the marbles change their paths midway. For example, the T-Rex model at the center plays a role in moving marbles around. Its spine has a two-way switch that allows marbles to go either left or right, and the flamethrower emerging from its mouth also nudges balls into different routes, pushing them down a funnel that diverts them thanks to the same two-way switch.

Although JMBricklayer’s set doesn’t use official bricks from ‘that one famous plastic brick company’, it’s designed to be compatible with them… so if the 5,391-brick megastructure doesn’t feel detailed enough, you can actually add more to it and customize it in different ways. With that many pieces and an ‘extreme’ difficulty rating, the entire set should take days or weeks to put together depending on how proficient you are. There’s a detailed guide that comes with your kit, which should definitely make things easier… but don’t expect it to be as simple as putting together an IKEA sofa set.

Other details add to the Steampunk Marble Run’s gloriously otherworldly design. The color palette is overwhelmingly grunge-inspired, evoking an almost Mad Max style. Meanwhile, you’ve got a combination of industrial machinery, pipes, girders, chains, flamethrowers, Gatling guns, chemical tanks, nuclear reactors, and two dinosaurs dominating the design. The kit comes with a battery pack that lets you input 6 AA batteries to run the entire experience. The battery pack powers two motors that control various aspects of the marble run, and the entire set includes 10 marbles as a part of the experience… although you can absolutely add a few more of your own.

One of the Motors

The Battery Module

The entire kit is an experience to be had. It measures 22×21 inches in length and width, with a 24.8-inch vertical that has allows the kit to look positively monstrous. The complete gizmo also weighs a staggering 15.4 lbs (or a whopping 7 kilos), so it’s best if you placed it away from overtly curious/enthusiastic pets and children. The set starts at $189.99, although JMBricklayer is offering early backers an 18% discount, bringing the full kit to $158 excluding shipping. Grab yours now and the Steampunk Marble Run ships starting August 2024.

Grab yours now $189.99 (18% off) Hurry! Only 26 hours left! Raised over $116,000.

The post This Steampunk Perpetual Marble Machine feels like the Ultimate Desk Accessory for LEGO Enthusiasts first appeared on Yanko Design.

Extreme EDC: This rugged Titanium Hatchet is your Best Friend for Outdoor and Tactical Scenarios

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Sure, it’s no Thor’s Stormbreaker, but the HYZER’s handy size and reliable design make it a perfect part of your outdoor or camping EDC. With a highly customizable design that lets you choose the axe head thickness, handle length, and even the color of the grip, the HYZER can be personalized to your liking, whether you need something hefty for felling short trees, or just a light, sharp, maneuverable axe to skin hunted animals and defend yourself in a skirmish.

Designer: Exceed Designs

It isn’t often you see hatchets made from titanium. The material, known for its enduring nature, is often seen in smaller EDCs that need strength in a compact form factor. Hatchets, by definition, are large instruments, and can rely on brute force to make their impact. However, the HYZER’s choice of being machined from solid 6AL-4V GR5 titanium sets it apart in a bunch of ways. For starters, the material allows the axe to be a lot lighter and thinner than its steel counterparts. The HYZER features a skeletonized handle that shifts all the weight to the blade on top, allowing you to swing with force. The head, however, comes fashioned from D2 steel, known for its reliability and edge-retention. Heavier than titanium, it shifts the weight to the top which makes the hatchet more efficient.

The HYZER comes with a few potential modifications that allow you to personalize your EDC. You’ve got a choice between short and long handle lengths, with the option of either going with the skeletonized handle, or opting for a woven handle that offers a significantly better grip. Similarly, the axe head comes in three weight classes too – a lightweight variant that weighs 6.77 ounces, a medium variant that weighs 7.44 ounces, and the heaviest variant that weighs 8.88 ounces. The heads attach to the handle using four countersunk screws to maintain the HYZER’s flush, sleek design, and can easily be replaced or customized depending on your need.

So what would you really need a titanium hatchet for? Well, the HYZER is best suited for adventure and tactical situations. Whether it’s braving the elements in the outdoors, or just old-fashioned survival, the HYZER is quite the sidekick for the job. Depending on your handle, the HYZER Measures either 8.15″ or 9.75″ long, weighing 12.3 or 13.8 ounces. Storing the HYZER is easy thanks to the option of an add-on sheath. Maker ‘Exceed Designs’ offers a classic sheath made from genuine Horween leather, or a molded sheath made from Kydex with an included adjustable belt clip (shown above).

Aside from the various spec customizations, the HYZER also has a few color variants to choose from. The handle comes with a choice between stonewashed, grey, or black PVD finish, while the axe head has four colors to choose from, ranging from stonewashed to two shades of grey, and finally the PVD black variant. If you choose to have your handle wrapped in paracord, there are 8 color options you can choose from, ranging from vibrant to covert.

The HYZER Ti Hatchet starts at $170, with different attachments/modifications being available for an add-on cost. Each hatchet is assembled in USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. The HYZER is limited to just a 500-unit run, so if you’re interested in grabbing one for yourself, head to the Exceed Designs website and snag yourself a hatchet before it’s all gone!

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Design Meets Manufacturing: The 19th International Industrial Design Competition for Hardware Products

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Calling all design visionaries and hardware enthusiasts! The “World Capital of Hardware,” Yongkang, China, is hosting the 19th International Industrial Design Competition for Hardware Products. This prestigious event, now in its 19th year, throws open its doors to a global audience, offering a unique platform to showcase your design talent and potentially revolutionize the hardware industry.

With a rich heritage in metalware and a thriving modern hardware sector, the city fosters a collaborative environment where design and industry converge. The competition itself boasts a remarkable history. Since its inception in 2006, it has served as a bridge between international design talent and China’s hardware powerhouse. Past editions have seen entries from close to 30 countries, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and propelling design-driven advancements in the hardware landscape.

This year’s competition is all about hardware that makes a difference. Organizers are looking beyond aesthetics, seeking entries that demonstrate not just cutting-edge design, but also significant commercial and social value. The ultimate goal? Products that can seamlessly integrate into Yongkang’s robust manufacturing infrastructure. These innovative designs have the potential to propel not just the city’s hardware industry, but the global market as well.

Click Here to Register Now.

Here’s a Deeper Dive into What Awaits You

Open to All: The competition welcomes submissions from a wide range of participants. Whether you’re a budding design student, a seasoned design professor, a well-established design agency, a leading company, or a freelance designer with a groundbreaking idea – the 19th International Industrial Design Competition for Hardware Products wants to hear from you.

Dual Award Tracks: The competition features two main tracks, each catering to specific design goals:

The Golden Star Product Award: This prestigious award recognizes designs with exceptional commercial and social potential. Ideally, these entries should be well-suited for rapid and efficient manufacturing within Yongkang’s established ecosystem. The jury will be looking for designs that are not just innovative but also commercially viable, with the potential to disrupt the market and make a positive social impact.

The Creative Sub-Category Competitions: These delve deeper into specific hardware product areas, offering a more focused platform for designers. This year’s sub-categories include:

  • Outdoor Leisure Goods: Think innovative camping gear, portable cooking solutions, or next-generation sporting equipment.
  • Quickly-Assembled Houses: Designs that prioritize functionality, sustainability, and ease of construction in prefabricated housing solutions.
  • Sports Leisure Vehicles: The future of bicycles, e-scooters, or other recreational vehicles could be in your hands.
  • Health Cups and Pots: Designs that promote healthy living through innovative features in drinkware and cookware.
  • Rehabilitation Care Products: This sub-category seeks designs that improve accessibility and functionality for assistive devices.
  • Fitness Equipment: Push the boundaries of exercise routines with creative and effective fitness equipment designs.

The Creative Sub-Category Competitions are co-organized with prominent local manufacturers in Yongkang. This unique collaboration ensures a direct line from design concept to real-world application. Your design, if chosen, could be fast-tracked for production and potentially reach a global audience.

Lucrative Prize Pool: Showcasing your talent and design vision at this global competition can be incredibly rewarding. The 19th International Industrial Design Competition for Hardware Products boasts a staggering total prize pool exceeding $498,900 USD. This makes it a significant opportunity to not only gain recognition for your work but also potentially launch a successful design career.

The deadline for submissions is October 10th, 2024. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a global design movement! Head over to the competition website to register and unleash your design vision on the world stage. Here’s also a look at the Gold and Silver winners from last year’s International Industrial Design Competition for Hardware Products.

Gold Prize – Caregiver

About the size of a travel case, the Caregiver is a foldable chair and inflatable bathtub combo that can be wheeled around. Designed for caregivers (hence the name), the chair folds open to allow senior citizens to sit comfortably in the seat, while a lower flat-pack container houses an inflatable bathtub. When the senior needs bathing, they just sit in the chair, while the bathtub inflates around them. The chair then lowers into the tub, allowing caretakers to bathe their elderly patients. When everything’s done, the chair lifts up, the patient gets out and gets dressed, and the caretaker can drain the water before folding everything back to its compact, portable size.

Silver Prize – Orthopedic Robot Surgery System

Using a combination of precision robotics, minimal incisions, and radiation, this orthopedic robot helps bring quality surgery experiences and healthcare to millions of patients. A dynamic duo of a vision robot and an execution robot, these two machines work in tandem, with the kind of accuracy and pin-point precision that even human hands can’t achieve. This enables seamless surgeries, allowing doctors to monitor the process throughout while the machine executes things perfectly.

Silver Prize – Pocket Stove

It just feels wonderful seeing some good old-fashioned clever design thinking! Meet the Pocket Stove, a foldable little number that opens out into a portable stove for camping. The entire device comes with a two-part design that splits along the middle, with one part becoming the stove itself, and the other plugging onto a gas tank. When you’re done, the stove element plugs into the bottom of the gas connector, and the three fins of the stove fold upwards, turning into a capsule that can be carried around anywhere you go.

Visit the International Industrial Design Competition for Hardware Products website to Register.

The post Design Meets Manufacturing: The 19th International Industrial Design Competition for Hardware Products first appeared on Yanko Design.

Here’s Every iPhone 16 Pro Leak And Rumor We Know So Far…

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Is it safe to say that Apple’s won the long-term smartphone war? Samsung had a decent Unpacked event last week, and so did Nothing, but none of them have even managed to match the cultural impact of Apple’s iPhone keynote that happens every September. In fact, even though the event happens on one single day, the news coverage before and after the event revolves around the iPhone too. After the phone’s announced, you’ve got first-impressions, reviews, and comparisons… but before the phone is announced, the rumor mill works hard to try and decipher what the upcoming phone will look like. We’re in July right now (two months before Apple announces its latest phone) and at this point, it does seem like we have a fair idea of what the new iPhone 16 Pro will look like. From hardware details to even internal components, the interwebz has worked tirelessly to deliver on leaks and credible speculations – so we decided to collect everything we know about the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max in one single place. Here’s everything we’ve heard so far…

Rendered by: AppleTrack

A18 Pro Bionic Chipset

After last month’s WWDC event, it’s pretty much taken for granted that Apple Intelligence will be at the forefront of the new iPhone lineup… and to make that happen, the new iPhones will need beefed up chipsets. A new report from Jeff Pu, an analyst at Haitong International Tech Research renowned for his reliable insights into Apple’s chip development, reveals that Apple is accelerating the production of the A18 Pro chip earlier than usual. This chip is being specifically tailored for advanced AI functionalities. These upgrades indicate that the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feature a custom-designed A18 Pro chip, emphasizing on-device handling of intensive artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Rumors are indicating that even the regular iPhone 16 phones may get the A18 Bionic chipset to handle these AI features.

Smaller Bezels = Bigger Screens

It’s 2014 again and bezels are public enemy number 1. Apple’s new phones will reportedly have marginally larger screens thanks to an impressive 30% reduction in bezels. This new display template, dubbed BRS or Border Reduction Structure, is thanks to Apple pushing Samsung to provide tighter circuit placement that can help shave off almost half a millimeter of bezel thickness. These reports seem fairly credible, coming from THE ELEC, a Korean industry media outlet. This effectively means the new 16 Pro and Pro Max will have screens measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches diagonally, respectively.

The iPhone 15 Pro on the left and the 16 Pro on the right demonstrate the reduced bezel sizes

A New Capture Button For Enhanced Photography

Although rumors of a Capture Button have circulated for quite a while, actual details on its capabilities have only NOW become more evident. At first, this button was touted as simply a shutter button that could click photos without you needing to touch your screen, but indications show that this button will have a touch-sensitive surface and a two-stage press. The touch-sensitive surface will allow you to slide your finger from side to side to zoom in or out, while the two-stage press lets you press lightly for focusing, and then further for clicking the picture, sort of like most DSLR cameras. The capture button sits where the millimeter-wave antenna once featured on the iPhone’s body, but it seems like the antenna will just move over to the left side instead, making way for the new hardware feature on the iPhone 16 Pro.

Same Old Sensors, New Capabilities

Since cameras are a pretty massive part of the iPhone (some might say its highlight), talking about camera capabilities is also pretty crucial. Rumor has it that the new iPhone 16 Pro will still feature the 48MP main camera sensor from its predecessor with no change. However, the tetraprism telephoto lens from last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max that could output 5x zoom will see even more zoom capabilities. Last year’s flagship iPhone had the zoom equivalent of a 120mm telephoto lens, but rumors indicate the new iPhone will push this to a 300mm lens equivalent. Now obviously, that seems absolutely bonkers, but it also makes sense to take such a rumor with a little pinch of salt. After all, stabilization while zooming in that far would probably be near impossible.

Thinner MagSafe Array

Yet another tweak, noticed by case-makers, is a refinement of the MagSafe array. Now the new MagSafe ring on the iPhone will feature thinner magnets all around, freeing up more space inside the phone without compromising on the magnet’s strength.

(Probably) A New Rose Gold Color Variant

The final rumor is that the iPhone 16 Pro series could see another color variant added to it. Apparently the famed Rose Gold colorway (made popular with earlier iPhone models and even the MacBook Air) could make a comeback – but this time in titanium. Yes, the new Pro-series iPhones will still have a titanium frame, but Apple will probably issue new color variants to set the different iPhone Pro models apart. Last year, the 15 Pro series saw natural, blue, white, and black finishes. It’s fairly conceivable that Rose Gold sees a resurgence this year.

Image Credits: FrontPageTech

The post Here’s Every iPhone 16 Pro Leak And Rumor We Know So Far… first appeared on Yanko Design.

Could A.I. Make the Modular Phone A Reality? This Concept Revives the ‘PhoneBloks’ Dream with a Twist

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Rather than attaching components to your phone, the PAIR Node allows you to attach sensor modules that help your phone capture different data points around you and your life. Called ‘Nodes’, these modules assist users in forming a lifestyle and AI-driven experience that suits their needs. Rather than buying a phone for its capabilities, you build your phone around the capabilities you need, from having a great camera to being a great health-tracking gadget. As you grow older, the phone grows with you, changing with time and your needs but never being replaced. It’s a clever way to help solve the planned obsolescence problem with tech, by bringing AI-based assistance into the mix.

Designer: LFD Official

Phones are nothing but vessels for the apps they carry – but AI is a little different. Everyone uses AI differently based on exactly what the needs of their life are. That prompted PAIR Node’s creators to revisit phone modularity in the AI age. The PAIR Node is a phone you build based on your requirements, but also on the ability to build an AI-powered device that grows with you and trains as you go. The framework of how this works remains extremely similar to the PhoneBloks concept from years back (which was acquired by Google and Motorola and turned into the now-shelved Project Ara), albeit with a few different modules based on how tech has advanced in the past few years.

The logic behind the phone fundamentally remains the same too – but it’s executed differently. You start by choosing the nodes you need to make ‘your’ smartphone. You pick how advanced you need your camera to be, you choose your battery size, SSD size, speakers, a mini-display, and a few other sensors. Similarly, there’s a separate node called the ‘Remember’ node that captures personal information so that it learns your needs, preferences, and details. Another node is dedicated to just AI, determining how powerful and capable your phone’s assistant is. Together, the Remember and AI nodes work to turn your phone into an extension of yourself in a uniquely meaningful way. The Remember node is the database, and the AI node is the bot that trains on this database.

The AI node trains on other stuff too, like how you use your phone, what you enjoy about your phone (whether you prefer music or photography), etc. It locally fine-tunes its abilities based on your behaviors and patterns – something the PhoneBloks concept didn’t even factor in.

The different nodes come in a variety of configurations. Nodes follow a grid-based design, expanding or contracting in size based on capability. A smaller SSD provides less storage, a larger SSD gives you more storage. Similarly, camera modules increase in size based on capability. Battery, Speaker, Remember, and AI nodes behave the same way. At the end, you pick and choose what you need and reject what you don’t. There’s ultimately a bit of compromise because the phone only has a limited amount of real estate for modules. If music matters more than storage, you’d be better off choosing a larger speaker than a larger SSD. If battery life is a higher priority than camera, then that’s a choice you have to make. Similarly with the AI node, which one can only assume offers newer, faster, powerful hardware for on-device computation.

In the end, the PAIR Node does something rather brilliant – it revives something dead in a way that feels meaningful, very similar to how Apple revived the metaverse last year and how it revived the conversation around AI this year. The modular phone was completely dead as a tech concept (with every smartphone company pivoting rapidly to foldables), but the PAIR Node shows that the phone isn’t dead, it just needs to be made more future-proof. The way you do that isn’t by launching new, better phones every year… it’s by giving your phone a chance to grow with you, understand you, and be a better aide to your daily needs.

The post Could A.I. Make the Modular Phone A Reality? This Concept Revives the ‘PhoneBloks’ Dream with a Twist first appeared on Yanko Design.

RIP Ergonomic Keyboards, the Tetra boasts a Split Wireless Design, with an Elgato-style Display in the center

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Remember the watershed moment when Steve Jobs unveiled the MacBook Air for the first time? He walked up on stage with a manila envelope, and opened it to reveal the thinnest laptop ever made. It changed how laptops looked from then on, and when people first saw the stunningly thin MacBook Air, everyone had the same question on their minds – why doesn’t my laptop look like this? The Tetra keyboard does the same thing for other keyboards. When you look at the Tetra for the first time, chances are you’ll have never seen anything quite like it before. It challenges the notion of keyboard design… and for the better. It’s more compact, easier to use, ruthlessly ergonomic, and comes with a world-first touchscreen display built right in. The keyboard splits in half, allowing you to place the parts wherever you want for a more comfortable typing experience… and the display tilts upwards or sits flat, transforming into a dock for widgets, shortcuts, playback controls, or a media center of sorts. Think Keyboard-Meets-Elgato-Stream-Deck.

Designers: Zikang Feng, Jarvie Liu, and Stephen Ng

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $399 ($150 off). Hurry, only 5/405 left! Raised over $140,000.

Trust the folks at Mobile Pixels to come up with such a unique idea. The company first jumped to prominence with its plug-and-play laptop extending displays (lauded for their compact designs). These displays were targeted at one thing – boosting productivity through multi-display setups. The Tetra keyboard does the same too, in a matter of speaking. The split keyboard comes with its own dedicated screen that can be used as a secondary display or as a control center for apps and shortcuts. While keyboards are a first for Mobile Pixels, the Tetra highlights their bigger goal of enhanced productivity, thanks to a split wireless keyboard design that can be used in a variety of ways for a more comfortable and efficient typing experience.

SPLIT MODE

SPLICE MODE

Split keyboards aren’t new, conceptually. Most researchers noticed that a cramped keyboard, although compact in size, wasn’t great for your wrists and fingers. Over prolonged periods of time, people developed carpal tunnel and ulnar deviation (where your fingers end up deviating sideways) because of the way these keyboards were designed. The split keyboard was created as an ergonomic alternative, increasing the space between your left and right hands while typing, so that they’re in a much more relaxed position. The Tetra takes that concept and builds further on it, turning it wireless, while also introducing a display into the mix.

Use Bluetooth to Connect to Your Device (up to 3 devices with 3 channels).

Position keyboards at shoulder width for ergonomic comfort.

Customize Your Experience

Type Away!

Broadly, the Tetra exists in three pieces – a central display unit, and the two keyboard halves that attach onto either side. Snap them together or use them independently, the Tetra gives you freedom to set your workspace up exactly the way you want. When attached together in a linear format, you’ve got a comfortable split keyboard with a screen in the middle. The screen functions as an extra display, a shortcut center, or perhaps even a trackpad if you want. The keyboards get spaced out on the left and right, allowing you to type comfortably without having your fingers and wrists bend awkwardly. Alternatively, you can snap the keyboard’s halves away from the display, accessing what Mobile Pixels calls the ‘Split Mode’. The keyboards then can sit anywhere on your desk, as can the screen, giving you full ergonomic freedom. If you want a more traditional keyboard experience, just the two keyboard halves can be attached to each other, creating a compact typing device, while the screen exists independently. Dubbed the ‘Stacked Mode’, this lets you opt for something that feels familiar, with the added benefit of a dock-style screen on the side.

Secondary Display

The keyboard comes with a 65% layout, split across its two halves. Scissor switches enable a fair amount of key travel, up to 1.3mm, and a backlight lets you type with ease. The keyboard halves and screen also have an underglow that feels reminiscent of gaming gear. 1200mAh batteries in each half of the keyboard allow it to operate wirelessly for hours if not days, and the central screen remains connected to your machine via a USB-C cable at all times. To charge your keyboard, simply snap them to the screen and pogo pins allow the Tetra to charge all the way through.

The screen is truly where Mobile Pixels’ innovation shines. It’s a little smaller than the ones that Mobile Pixels offers, measuring just 8 inches diagonally – but it’s an IPS LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 300 nits of brightness. The screen stays connected to your machine at all times via cable, and sits on a unique tilting mechanism that lets you either lay it flat or tilt it upwards to face you. Touch sensitivity means you can control the display the way you would a tablet PC of sorts… and the Tetra offers a fair amount of flexibility in terms of how you use said display. You can use it as an extension of your PC or Mac’s shortcut bar, adding your favorite apps to it. Conversely, it also doubles as a media control center for playback, and even transforms into a tiny secondary display for extending or mirroring your screen. Use it to store notes while presenting on a video call. Turn it into a calculator. Allow it to be your dedicated Spotify device. Mobile Pixels created a special interface known as the Tetra Board App that you can use to customize your display. Yes, you can even load functions, tools, macros, and shortcuts, unlocking power-user potential while running apps like Photoshop, Premier, Final Cut, Logic Pro, After Effects, etc.

All this functionality and the Tetra still remains ruthlessly portable. The three components come apart and stack together, allowing them to be carried around with ease. There’s even a soft-fabric case to store your Tetra during travel, allowing you to slide it right into your laptop bag along with your charger and other accessories. I bet your existing ergonomic or split keyboard can’t boast this level of portability. The Tetra starts at $249 and ships globally starting September 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $399 ($150 off). Hurry, only 5/405 left! Raised over $140,000.

The post RIP Ergonomic Keyboards, the Tetra boasts a Split Wireless Design, with an Elgato-style Display in the center first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Wireless Gaming Mouse’s Charging Display Dock will put Apple’s Magic Mouse to shame

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It’s been nearly 10 years since Apple launched the infamous Magic Mouse 2 and its absurd charging port placement. While the 2-trillion-dollar company hasn’t done much to improve its flagship mouse’s design, AJAZZ launched a clever little gaming mouse with a much better charging solution. The AJAZZ AJ159 Apex mouse comes with a wireless design that’s both ergonomic and functional, but its most impressive feature is its charging dock/cradle. Designed to hold your mouse when not in use, this cradle keeps your gizmo rested at an accessible angle while it charges, but more importantly, it comes with a screen on the front that works as a tiny widget for displaying the time, date, battery level, or mouse connection status. It’s a clever solution that works elegantly and impresses too, with just a $79.99 price tag… I guess Apple could use some design inspiration.

Designer: AJAZZ

One of the highlights of the AJ159 Apex is its PixArt PAW3950 optical sensor. This sensor is known for its incredible tracking accuracy, with a maximum DPI (dots per inch) of 30,000 and a blazing-fast IPS (inches per second) tracking speed of 750. This translates to ultra-smooth cursor movements, no matter how quickly you flick your wrist across the mousepad. Additionally, the 8,000Hz polling rate ensures minimal latency between your actions and what appears on the screen. In layman’s terms, your clicks and movements will be registered almost instantaneously, giving you a crucial edge over your opponents.

Beyond raw performance, the AJ159 Apex is lightweight and durable, making it a perfect candidate for a gaming mouse. The mouse itself is incredibly lightweight, clocking in at just 56 grams. This featherweight design minimizes fatigue during extended gaming sessions and allows for effortless movements. Durability is also a focus, with Huanuo switches rated for a lifespan of 100 million clicks. These switches provide a satisfying and crisp click feel, ensuring your commands are registered accurately.

For added customization, the AJ159 Apex is QMK programmable. This open-source software allows you to tailor the mouse buttons’ functions to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prefer complex macros or simple remappings, the AJ159 Apex can adapt to your playstyle. The AJ159 Apex offers three modes: wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. This versatility allows you to choose the connection method that best suits your setup, whether you prioritize low latency or a clutter-free desk.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the AJ159 Apex is its magnetic charging dock. This innovative design not only keeps your mouse juiced up but also doubles as a storage solution. The dock even features a small display that can show relevant information or even custom GIFs. It’s a small touch, but it adds a bit of flair and functionality to the overall package.

The AJAZZ AJ159 Apex is available in four colors (black, blue, orange, and white) to suit your aesthetic preferences. With its impressive specs, user-friendly features, and innovative design, the AJ159 Apex is a strong contender for gamers seeking a high-performance and feature-rich mouse.

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Revolutionary Prosthetic Foot achieves human-level flexibility and grip without motors or electronics

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Imagine the constant challenge of navigating everyday life without the natural flexibility of your feet. This is the reality for many amputees who rely on prosthetic feet that can feel clunky and restrictive. These prosthetics often lack the ability to adapt to uneven terrain or provide the natural push-off needed for a smooth gait. However, a groundbreaking design from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) is poised to change the game for amputees everywhere. The SoftFoot Pro is a prototype prosthetic foot that is a literal and metaphorical leap forward in prosthetic design, mimicking the structure and movement of the human foot. Unlike conventional prosthetics that prioritize sturdiness or offer minimal flexibility, the SoftFoot Pro boasts an ingenious design that offers human-like foot flexibility and dexterity… without a single motor, servo, circuit board, or battery.

Designer: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Shedding the weight and complexity of motors and electronics, the SoftFoot Pro achieves impressive functionality through a clever combination of mechanics and materials. At its core is a mobile arch mechanism, crafted from lightweight yet robust titanium or aluminum alloy. This arch connects to five parallel chains, made from high-strength plastic segments that replicate the metatarsal and phalange bones of the human foot. Elastic connectors, acting like tendons, link the segments within each chain.

The brilliance of the SoftFoot Pro lies in the details. Running through each chain is an internal steel cable that anchors to the prosthetic’s heel. This cable, along with the elastic connectors, mimics the plantar fascia – the band of tissue in the human foot that stores and releases energy with each step. This ingenious design allows the SoftFoot Pro to absorb impact, propel the user forward with a natural push-off, and even conform to uneven surfaces. This enhanced flexibility translates to greater stability and a more natural gait for users.

Weighing in at a mere 450 grams (1 pound), the SoftFoot Pro is incredibly lightweight despite its ability to support users weighing up to 100 kg (220 lbs). Initial trials conducted at Hannover Medical School and the Medical University of Vienna have yielded promising results. Amputees who participated in the trials experienced a significant improvement in their gait, with increased balance and a more natural walking experience on various terrains.

The applications of the SoftFoot Pro extend beyond human users. Researchers have also successfully tested the design on robots, including the Anymal quadruped robot and the HRP-4 humanoid robot. This versatility highlights the potential of this design to revolutionize not just prosthetics but also the field of robotics.

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The Ultimate DIYer Powerhouse: Unveiling the xTool M1 Ultra and Heat Press

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The realm of design, creativity, and DIY culture thrives on innovation – on being able to physically keep up with our ideas. Crafters and aspiring entrepreneurs constantly seek tools that empower them to translate their visions into reality. xTool, a company championing this movement, consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Their latest offerings, the M1 Ultra and the Heat Press, promise to revolutionize the way we approach creative projects, offering a powerful one-two punch for any crafting enthusiast. xTool has established itself as a leader in the laser engraving space. Machines like the S1, and F1 Ultra have garnered a loyal following for their precision and ability to handle diverse materials. However, given the rise of modular multipurpose 3D printers that can also CNC machine and laser cut, xTool decided that it was time to bring modularity to their flagship laser cutter – the M1 Ultra.

Enter the M1 Ultra – a 4-in-1 machine that boasts an impressive array of functionalities. With laser engraving, blade cutting, pen drawing, and inkjet printing at its disposal, the M1 Ultra unlocks immense creative freedom. Imagine meticulously etching intricate patterns onto wood, then adding vibrant pops of color with inkjet printing. To finish it off, personalize your creation with a touch of calligraphy using the pen drawing function. All within the same machine, all within a single workflow.

Designer: xTool

Click Here to Buy: M1 Ultra $1299.99 $1699.99 ($400 off) and xTool Heat Press $299.99 $439.99 ($140 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Beyond its impressive 4-in-1 functionality, the M1 Ultra boasts impressive technical specifications. The 10W or 20W laser diode allows for clean and precise cutting and engraving, while the working area of 11.8 x 11.8 inches (300 x 300 millimeters) accommodates a variety of project sizes. It boasts a revolutionary inkjet printing function too, opening doors to a world of colorful creation. Unlike traditional laser cutters limited to engraving, the M1 Ultra can print vibrant color designs directly onto various materials thanks to an inkjet module that swaps right into the M1 Ultra, replacing the laser diode module. This opens doors for personalizing phone cases, mugs, keychains, and a whole host of other items with custom artwork, logos, or photographs. The ability to print directly onto unconventional materials like wood, clay, and even stone further expands the creative potential of the M1 Ultra.

xTool M1 Ultra The World’s First 4-in-1 Craft Machine

xTool Heat Press Versatile 3-in-1 Heat Press Machine Kit

Laser and Inkjet modes aside, the M1 Ultra also has a Blade mode that lets you swap out the laser diode and CMY head for a blade that can deep-cut into thick materials, rotary cut in any shape or profile, and even help with foiling and debossing. Finally, a pen head lets you mount a pencil or pen into the M1 Ultra, turning it into a sketch-machine that can make ‘hand-drawn’ and ‘hand-written’ graphics with precision and at scale. The modules take under 3 seconds to switch out, letting you essentially go from laser to printing to inking to cutting in one device and in minutes.

The M1 Ultra isn’t just about power; it’s designed for ease of use. The intuitive software ensures a smooth learning curve, and the machine itself is compatible with over 1,000 materials, from wood and fabric to leather and even stone. This broad material compatibility empowers crafters to think beyond single materials and break from the limitations of having machines that only work within constraints. You can now design objects, customize them, and even create the packaging for them within one device.

While the M1 Ultra empowers creators with unparalleled versatility, xTool’s Heat Press acts as the perfect complement. This versatile tool offers multiple configurations, transforming from a handheld unit to a mini press or even a platform press, depending on the project at hand. With a precise temperature control range of 100°C-205°C (212°F-400°F) and rapid heating, the Smart Heat Press is ideal for heat transfer projects like creating custom t-shirts, tote bags, phone cases, and a multitude of other personalized items, all with professional-looking results.

The M1 Ultra starts at $1299.99, while the Heat Press comes in at $299.99. This range caters to a broad spectrum of budgets, making these tools accessible to seasoned crafters and aspiring creators alike. With the M1 Ultra handling the intricate details and the Smart Heat Press adding a professional touch to heat transfer projects, xTool’s offerings streamline the workflow and unlock a world of creative possibilities. The future of crafting is not just versatile, it’s efficient and empowers crafters to bring their visions to life with greater ease than ever before.

Click Here to Buy: M1 Ultra $1299.99 $1699.99 ($400 off) and xTool Heat Press $299.99 $439.99 ($140 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post The Ultimate DIYer Powerhouse: Unveiling the xTool M1 Ultra and Heat Press first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Patio Umbrella has Built-in Fans to help you Cruise through the Summer Heat

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Summer warmth can be a blessing and a curse. As the days lengthen, inviting us to parks, beaches, and outdoor gatherings, the sun’s relentless heat can quickly turn a leisurely afternoon into a struggle against sweat and discomfort. That’s when you crave the indoors, with its shade and its fans and modern cooling – but what if you could get shade and fans while outdoors? Say hello to Alizé, a foldable patio umbrella that comes with a set of 4 built-in fans. Designed not just to shelter you but to actively keep you breezy and sweat-free, Alizé is a patio umbrella with a weatherproof design, built-in fans, and even USB ports that let you charge your gadgets. ‘Sunbrella’ fabric keeps the harsh sun out, and a robust aluminum frame and wide span lets Alizé host up to 4 people at a time, bringing the comfort of the indoors to the fresh vibrancy of the outdoors.

Designers: Tony Lee and Ryan Dickerson

Click Here to Buy Now: $309 $702 (56% off). Hurry, only 32/50 left!

What really stands out with Alizé is that it’s a clever idea executed in a totally new way. At first glance, it looks like a high-end patio umbrella with a slick, foldable, weatherproof design. Open it using the pulley system and you’re greeted with a control panel on the main stem that connects to a set of fans integrated into the umbrella’s structural frame. Press a button on the control panel and the fans begin to spin, generating a steady breeze directed at the perfect downward angle keeping everyone cool throughout the hot summer days, windless mornings, or humid evenings. The fans move a lot of air thanks to powerful brushless DC motors, – quite similar to the ones found in drones. When deployed, the system transforms the Alizé into a personal air conditioner, generating a breeze from fan blades that can turn at speeds up to 2200 RPM. The blades have been custom-designed to limit turbulence for quiet operation and each is individually controlled by the person sitting directly under it for a truly personalized experience that no outdoor fan has been able to achieve before. At the heart of the design is an ingenious electro-mechanical locking system that ensures the fan’s blades line up perfectly with the frame so you can shut the umbrella without manually making sure everything is aligned. Advanced safety features prevent the fans from operating when the umbrella is closed as well as automatically turn off and lock the blades if the umbrella is accidentally closed with the fans still spinning.

The umbrella offers a choice between 2 or 4 fans, depending on how many people will sit under it. The smaller parasol comfortably seats two people, while the larger, with 4 fans, lets up to four people lounge in the shade. Three speed settings on the control panel let you easily adjust the fans’ intensity, and if that wasn’t impressive enough, multiple USB-A ports let you plug your gadgets into the Alizé too, so you can charge your phones, earbuds, or Bluetooth speakers. Suffice it to say that the umbrella directly connects to a power source given its fixed design, eliminating the need for batteries.

Moving onto the umbrella itself, the Alizé comes with a robust marine-grade construction that can take on any weather – be it harsh sun or strong winds. The canopy is constructed from Sunbrella fabric, a premium material renowned for its durability, UV protection, and resistance to fading. This ensures the umbrella provides ample shade while withstanding the harsh summer sun. The frame is crafted from rust-resistant aluminum, offering a lightweight yet sturdy structure that can handle unexpected gusts or sudden downpours.

Beyond its innovative cooling technology, the Alizé Umbrella prioritizes user convenience. The setup process is designed to be quick and effortless, with an external pulley that allows you to bask in a cool shade under its canopy within minutes. User-friendly controls with adjustable fan settings empower you to personalize the airflow for optimal comfort. No more struggling with clunky buttons or confusing dials – the Alizé is designed for intuitive operation. Each Alizé comes in a choice between 3 models, with an ability to further customize the fabric color, or the finish on the fan’s frame, choosing between polished metal or a faux wood finish for that rustic cabana aesthetic.

Click Here to Buy Now: $309 $702 (56% off). Hurry, only 32/50 left!

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