I think it’s wonderful that we managed to create an entire art movement out of trauma and recovery. The Brutalist design period was mainly seen as a post-war period when buildings were being rebuilt to help cities restore themselves. With very little money to spend on opulence, architects often opted for more utilitarian styles, relying purely on concrete (sometimes without even so much as a coat of paint) to reconstruct societies and neighborhoods. This is a period that people associate with pure functionality to the point of emotional coldness, and somehow, it managed to turn into an architectural style even though the severe limitations on aesthetics. Today, brutalism is seen as a design style that reflects a clutter-free mind, or an almost industrial approach to life – brutalism is getting revived in homes, and even in home decor, with people making their own concrete side tables, using exposed concrete facades indoors, and opting for concrete stationery/decor too. To that end, the Monument brings a wonderful touch of brutalism to homes. Inspired by the cold architecture of brutalist Germany/UK and Soviet-era Russia (with a touch of Arrakis from Dune), the Monument is a monolithic stand that docks your iPhone’s MagSafe charger.
The stand comes cast in a single block, with no extra parts, glue, or fasteners. It’s as monolithic and brutalist as it gets. The relatively clean design emphasizes the brutalist approach further. Place the Monument anywhere on table and you can pass the Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger right through it, effectively concealing the wire within the Monument’s hollow body. A micro-suction pad holds the charger in place, and the MagSafe magnets allow your iPhone to securely attach to the Monument, allowing it to charge.
The Monument is position-agnostic. You can mount your iPhone either in portrait mode, allowing you to make video calls or watch TikTok videos. Flip it into horizontal mode and you can either watch YouTube/Netflix on it, or activate the iPhone’s Standby Mode which turns the screen into a functional display with clocks, calendars, widgets, and photos to choose from.
At a whopping 2lbs, the Monument is as stable as can be, so you can stop worrying about your phone ever getting knocked over. A felt base ensures that the stand doesn’t scratch your tables either. Each Monument is made in the USA, and comes in two colors – a lighter Natural color, and a darker Charcoal finish (shown here), and starts at $90.
The road to electrification strangely lacks enough two-wheelers. While the electric movement has seen a whole slew of automotive companies jump on board, the EV spectrum only covers cars and last-mile e-scooters and e-bikes. The motorcycle everyone is familiar with hasn’t seen an electrification… the reason? A combination of a lack of demand, and a lack of infrastructure. Even then, there are companies looking to bring an electric powertrain to the motorcycle category, while also redefining the aesthetic of these motorbikes in a way that allows people to differentiate between gas and electric two-wheelers.
Inspired by Tesla’s mission to bring eco-friendly cars to the mainstream, Brooklyn-based Tarform is setting its sights on sustainable motorcycles. The Vera is not only electric, but it’s also crafted with recyclable materials and natural fibers, minimizing its environmental impact.
The Vera’s design is a head-turner. It balances classic motorcycle aesthetics with a modern twist, echoing the design DNA of Tarform’s previous creation, the Luna. The clean lines and sculpted bodywork convey a sense of sophistication, while the lightweight build (around 360 lbs) promises agility and maneuverability in city traffic. Visually, it’s evident that the Vera sits well within cafe racer territory, but there’s a refined sense of design that makes it stand apart from gas-powered motorbikes. The surfaces, although curvy and aerodynamic, are exceptionally clean. Everything is designed with intent and with sleekness. The silhouette looks distinctly classical, but the form language and surfaces are exceptionally modern, from the slick tank-to-seat integration, the halo-shaped headlight, and a rather unusually pretty split mud-guard on the rear wheel.
The Vera’s stunning design is matched by its impressive performance capabilities. The electric motor propels the bike from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, delivering an exhilarating rush of acceleration. With a top speed exceeding 85 mph and a peak torque of 120 lb-ft, the Vera provides ample power for navigating cityscapes or conquering challenging terrain. An air-cooled system keeps the motor from overheating, ensuring reliable performance even in demanding conditions.
The fuel tank gets replaced by a battery that gives the Vera a surprisingly good range for e-bikes. The motorcycle boasts a 100-mile range on a single charge, making it ideal for everyday commutes and weekend getaways. The 8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in just 2 hours using a Level 2 charger, ensuring you’re never stranded for long.
A keyless ignition system adds convenience, while a 3.4-inch digital display dashboard provides essential information like speed, battery level, and navigation. 4G connectivity allows riders to connect their smartphones for navigation or entertainment.
The Tarform Vera addresses a key barrier to electric motorcycle adoption – affordability. With a starting price of $16,000, it positions itself as a more attainable option compared to some high-end electric motorcycles on the market. This strategic pricing makes electric motorcycle technology more accessible to a wider range of riders, potentially accelerating the shift toward sustainable urban transportation.
A lot of people think a smart home is all about being able to turn lights on with a voice command, or telling your smart speaker to let you know what the weather’s like – but the definition of a smart home has changed a lot since the earlier days. You can now have your home intuitively do things like maintain a consistent temperature/humidity in all rooms, unlock your door when you come home from work, lock all your doors before bedtime, alert you when intruders approach, or even do obscurely brilliant things like draw the curtains in the morning when you need to wake up, and draw them shut if the house gets too warm with all the sunlight. Your home has the ability to adjust itself in ways that benefit you and also help you be energy and money-efficient. That’s the kind of smart home that really makes life feel different, and we’re here for it. We’ve spoken at length about how SwitchBot’s IoT gadgets make your smart home more useful, with their curtain bot that can close-open curtains on command, WiFi door lock that can open/lock doors through your phone or Apple Watch, or even the all-famous Button Pusher, a bot that attaches to manual switches to turn them into smart ones – SwitchBot’s range of home gadgets really help upgrade your regular home into an internet-powered smart one. With Prime Day rolling up, SwitchBot’s products go on sale seeing discounts as high as 40%, so if you’re looking to automate your home in clever, meaningful ways, this might just be your day… Head down to SwitchBot’s Amazon store, or just scroll down to see our three favorite picks from their exhaustive IoT lineup.
SwitchBot S10 Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Matter Support
Launched in May 2024, the S10 has a few tricks up its sleeve like its ability to auto-drain and refill its water container for the mopping function. For starters, it looks and functions exactly like a top-notch robot vacuum. It uses LiDAR to scan your house, creating a map that allows it to navigate your space with ease and efficiency. It avoids obstacles, stays away from no-go zones, and can both suck and mop to keep your house clean. 6500Pa suction allows the S10 to effectively clean any dust and dirt lying around the house, while the self-cleaning RevoRoll Roller Mop head wet-wipes your floor while RinseSync tech automatically rinses the mop head with each spin. What’s more, the mop head actually retracts into the S10 when it climbs onto carpets, so that your rugs and floor linen don’t get wet – the S10 scrapes the water off the mop too, ensuring it’s dry at all times. Dust automatically gets dumped in a 4-liter dust tank which you can clean every week or so, and for the dirty water from the mop cleaning, the S10 comes with a water refill/drain station that attaches to your plumbing. Every time the S10 needs a water-change, it goes to the station, dumping the dirty water into the drainage and taking fresh water from your house’s water supply. Here’s the best part though – if you’ve got a SwitchBot Humidifier in your house, future updates will allow the S10 to travel to the humidifier, dock into it, and fill up its water supply so you don’t have to! It operates on voice commands, integrates into your smart home when paired with SwitchBot’s Matter-enabled Hub 2 or Mini Hub, and can even be controlled through the SwitchBot smartphone app. Now isn’t that a smart home worth living in?!
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SwitchBot Universal Remote
Not everyone enjoys voice-operated smart homes, and that’s absolutely understandable. It’s much easier to press a button rather than tell Alexa to switch on the AC in the living room… but what do you do when you’ve got multiple devices in your house and multiple remotes to work with? Yep, that’s right – remote fatigue can be a thing. A separate remote for your TV, your streaming box, your soundbar, AC, and maybe even the slew of apps on your smartphone to control smart devices like lights, fans, thermostats, etc. It can get much, and SwitchBot’s Universal Remote hopes to change that. A single gadget for all your infrared-controlled devices and SwitchBot devices too, the Universal Remote lets you directly control practically every device around you, from TVs and Air Conditioners to every single SwitchBot IoT appliance. With support for more than 80,000 IR codes, the Universal Remote works with a whole host of existing devices from TVs to projectors, fans, and even your Apple TV and Fire TV box/dongle. A control panel and a color display dominate the Universal Remote’s design, giving you an interface is both traditional and intuitive. The device replaces the need for multiple remotes, and for fishing out your phone every time you want to open the SwitchBot app to control your curtains, vacuum cleaner, thermostat, or smart bulb. Moreover, when paired with the Matter-enabled SwitchBot Hub 2 or Hub Mini, you can use the Universal Remote to control all the Matter-compatible smart devices in your home!
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SwitchBot WiFi Smart Lock Pro Bundle
When you think of a smart home, you rarely think of smart locks, and it’s time that changed. Locks and keys have existed for centuries, and in a time of biometrics, passcodes, and authenticated devices, it makes sense that our locks upgrade too. The Lock Pro does just that by attaching to your existing deadbolt-style door-lock in just a matter of minutes, and giving you a staggering 15 ways to unlock your door while still being absolutely secure. Sure, the Lock Pro supports keys… but in the event you end up forgetting them, you’ve got a biometric scanner and numeric keypad included in the bundle that lets you use your fingerprint or a passcode to enter your home. The fingerprint is ideal for residents, while the passcode can be set up for guests or house help (with notifications of entry going to your app in real time). The Lock Pro interfaces with your smartphone or Apple Watch via Bluetooth, so you can open your door through your phone or watch just by being near the lock and hitting a button on the app. Better still, the bundle also includes SwitchBot’s Matter-supported Hub that gives your Lock Pro WiFi connectivity, allowing you to remotely lock your door (just in case you’re outside the house and you’re paranoid about whether you locked up properly before you left)… or perhaps the most impressive feature – voice control, so you can give Siri/Alexa/Google a command (through a secure device) to unlock the door when guests or the DoorDash guy shows up. The Lock Pro runs on 4 AA batteries, lasting 270 days on a full charge, with the ability to hot-swap battery packs while the lock’s still running. Plus, AES 128-bit encryption brings server-grade security to your home so nobody ever breaks through – physically OR digitally.
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It seems like Android gaming hasn’t had a moment in a while. With Nintendo Switch 2 news circling around, and Sony’s PlayStation Portal, and also the news of Assassin’s Creed coming to iPhones, it truly does feel like Android gaming got left in the past for a hot minute. Thankfully that minute didn’t last too long, considering players like AYANEO are always cooking something new. It just seems like yesterday that the company dropped the Next Lite console, and now they’re gearing for their next move in handheld gaming.
The AYANEO Pocket EVO seamlessly integrates exceptional performance with a sleek, user-friendly design. The world’s first Android handheld with a 7″ 1080P OLED 120Hz high-refresh-rate display, it boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chipset that provides the muscle to effortlessly power through demanding high-resolution mobile games, streaming services, and cloud gaming. This combination makes the Pocket EVO a versatile and unmatched powerhouse in the large-screen Android handheld market.
The name “EVO” perfectly embodies the Pocket EVO’s philosophy – evolution. It represents a complete overhaul of the Android handheld experience, offering unparalleled advancements in performance, aesthetics, display technology, and control configurations. The design draws inspiration from AYANEO’s award-winning Windows handhelds, inheriting a touch of refined elegance often missing in the Android handheld space. The Pocket EVO boasts a meticulously crafted new mold, resulting in a remarkably slim and lightweight body. The contours are carefully considered to enhance both visual appeal and comfortable gripping. The streamlined screen design and use of OLED technology deliver breathtaking color reproduction and a slimmer overall profile, pushing the boundaries of handheld display technology.
Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Gaming Platform delivers 15W of esports-grade performance, making light work of even the most demanding retro games and graphically intensive Android titles on the highest settings. The larger form factor allows for a more comprehensive cooling system, incorporating a larger heatsink and fan comparable to those found in X86-based devices. This translates to significant improvements in active cooling efficiency, extending sustained performance output and keeping heat dissipation in check.
The control configuration breaks new ground for Android handhelds. The Pocket EVO is the first to feature hall-sensing joysticks, providing a wider range of motion and precise feedback, free from drift and dead zones. The meticulously designed button layout ensures that intense gameplay sequences won’t hinder your grip, striking a perfect balance between aesthetics and comfortable control.
The highly regarded ergonomic grip has been further refined with adjusted curves for a more natural and comfortable experience. The Pocket EVO also features the largest HD linear motor ever implemented in an Android handheld. This, coupled with the comprehensive vibration settings offered through AYASpace software, delivers nuanced, multi-dimensional vibration feedback that deepens immersion across various gaming scenarios.
Despite its slim profile, the AYANEO Pocket EVO manages to pack in a massive battery exceeding 8000mAh, making it the Android handheld with the largest battery capacity among 7-inch devices. Gamers who enjoy streaming and cloud gaming will appreciate the support for the latest high-speed WiFi protocol, offering theoretical speeds of up to 30Gbps for lower latency and more stable data transmission.
Continuing the tradition of AYANEO’s software innovation, the Pocket EVO comes pre-installed with the AYA Home desktop launcher and AYA Space management software. These user-friendly interfaces offer features like performance mode customization, device spoofing for compatibility, button mapping, and optimized game library management. Future software upgrades promise to introduce even more functionalities, further enhancing the user experience.
We’re in a unique period of innovation where we’ve discovered AI, but we’re seeing how good it is at some things, and how bad it is at others. For starters, AI is great at proofreading – it’s terrible at coming up with life advice. It’s great at understanding objects and subjects in a video – it’s terrible at making videos of its own. It makes sense to leverage the good parts of AI, rather than fumble with the bad ones – and that’s something the folks at OBSBOT have capitalized on. Their latest Tiny 2 4K webcam uses AI in all sorts of ways to enhance what a webcam does. It understands voice commands and will capture video accordingly. It can automatically follow a subject, zooming in on them when necessary, and zoom out when multiple subjects enter the frame. When you can’t give voice commands (maybe you’re in the middle of a presentation), hand gestures help the Tiny 2 understand how to compose a shot. You can use it to track subjects, or even focus on body parts like hands while writing or making art, or feet during dance practices. A dedicated whiteboard mode lets the Tiny 2 hone in on a board during presentations, and if you want to broadcast your workspace while on call, Desk Mode lets you get a perfect top view of your work. If all that wasn’t enough, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 also packs a massive 1/1.5″ CMOS sensor capable of delivering 4K, with ISO switching for day and night settings, HDR for great contrast, and all-pixel auto-focus for accurate focusing and blurring even in low light settings. It might look like a webcam, but it’s a 4K action camera mounted on a gimbal with AI chops.
Designer: OBSBOT
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The Tiny 2 builds on the success of the OBSBOT Tiny, which launched in 2019. Visually, it retains the same gimbal-mounted template that was such a smash hit 5 years ago… but on the hardware and software front, the Tiny 2 comes with some impressive upgrades, making it perfect for office presentations, streaming, podcasting, vlogging, gaming, basic content creation or just being able to livestream – something that’s been gaining popularity over the years. It becomes tricky (and sometimes expensive) to splurge on an entire professional recording setup, with multiple devices, wires, etc… but that’s where the Tiny 2 is such a powerhouse. Although it parades around as a webcam, the 1/1.5″ CMOS sensor inside the Tiny 2 measures roughly 5x larger than the sensors found on most webcams. A bigger sensor means more light, better clarity, clearer videos in low-light, and the ability to shoot higher definition. The Tiny 2 outputs 4K video, which on its own is impressive for a webcam, but also has a few extra tricks up its sleeve.
AI Tracking with Auto Zoom
Unparalleled 4K Video: Combining the 1/1.5’’ CMOS and OBSBOT camera calibration technology, OBSBOT Tiny 2 brings sharper detail, a higher dynamic range, and more natural color, as they are seen in the natural world.
The webcam comes with two native ISOs, allowing it to quickly switch between different lighting conditions. While almost every other webcam adjusts its image by manipulating exposure, the Tiny 2 relies on dual native ISOs to help it adjust in day and night settings. This effectively means much more accurate color capture without overexposed burn spots in bright scenarios and noisy images in low-light settings. The two ISO settings effectively mean the webcam can capture two photos together at the same time – a feature that allows the Tiny 2 to produce sharp HDR video that’s comparable to the kind seen on flagship smartphones… but in real-time, and without any motion blur. Speaking of blur, the Tiny 2 also gets OBSBOT’s All-Pixel Auto Focus feature, which works most faster than cameras that use phase detection to hone in on subjects. It relies on every single pixel on its 50MP sensor to focus on subjects, working 4x faster even in low-light settings.
Control the OBSBOT Tiny 2 with just your voice, even if your hand is full.
That, however, is just half of what the Tiny 2 can boast of. While the original OBSBOT Tiny did come with AI tracking and gesture control, the new webcam on the block adds voice commands to the mix too. All AI features get major enhancements thanks to OBSBOT’s proprietary deep neural learning network algorithm. This means better subject recognition (with the ability to track you as you move around and even zoom in on you to compose a better frame), and advanced gesture recognition. You can now zoom in 4X with a simple hand gesture, or move your hands closer or further to have the camera zoom in or out, sort of like a movie director. If your hands are occupied, voice commands let you tell the Tiny 2 to track or untrack you, zoom in or out, or go to predetermined positions. You can now even tell the Tiny 2 to go to sleep or wake up through a simple voice command. Dual omnidirectional microphones allow the Tiny 2 to capture clear audio from anywhere, whether you’re sitting in front of it while streaming, or presenting to it from a few feet away.
Desk Mode
The Tiny 2’s neural learning allows it to track hands too, or even track body parts for unique choreographic styles. A Desk Mode lets you point your camera down at your desk and automatically have it keystone the video for a top-view shot. A companion remote controller lets you micro-adjust the Tiny 2, and even has a Whiteboard Mode, allowing the webcam to focus on a whiteboard in the room, cropping everything out for perfect presentations. Without the remote control, the webcam does have the ability to move around on its own, thanks to a 2-axis gimbal system. You can even manually adjust the Tiny 2’s frame with your hands, or face it downwards when you want it to go to sleep for your own privacy.
A lot of other power features remain the same (because why fix something that isn’t broken), like the presence of various mounts that let you attach your webcam to a monitor, a tripod, or even a ceiling mount. The Tiny 2’s angle can easily be adjusted, and for social content creators, you can record in 4K in portrait mode too – something that other webcams could only dream of. A companion desktop application known as the OBSBOT Center lets you adjust a myriad of settings like focus and AFK or Away From Keyboard protocols. There’s a ‘Beauty Mode’ too, just in case you’re having a bad skin day, and virtual backgrounds you can choose from. The app even lets you set hot keys and shortcuts that you can either map onto your keyboard, or onto an Elgato Stream Deck for that professional-grade setup.
All this advancement puts the OBSBOT Tiny 2 in a category of its own. The $329 price tag may seem high for the webcam category, but then again, it’s vastly better than your average $50 webcam, and it’s also fairly cheaper than most 4K action cameras that professionals tend to use for recording/live-streaming… plus where else could you get advanced AI-powered tracking, gesture-recognition, and voice command control? Besides, grab the Tiny 2 on Prime Day and you’ll get yourself a 10% discount – $296. Deal activates on July 16th! No matter your requirements or your budget, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 ticks all the right boxes.
Limited Time Prime Day Offer: $296 (10% Off)! Regularly $329. Starts July 16th. Click Here to Buy Now.
People are much more productive on coffee, they say. A single cup can get you working with more energy and focus, but one company is making your cup of coffee a little more productive than you think. While the coffee you drink enriches your mind, the coffee grounds you throw away after the brewing process can apparently be bound into pencil leads, letting you literally write/sketch/doodle WITH coffee! Meet GRIND Z – a pencil lead that ditches graphite for coffee, giving you an all-natural zero-waste alternative to regular pencils. The 5.6mm lead fits into any clutch pencil that accepts leads that size, allowing you to scribble, write, take notes, doodle, and sketch with coffee. Each lead is made up of recycled coffee grounds along with a combination of binding agents – and the result is an earthy brown lead that writes on paper and actually has a coffee aroma too!
Coffee grounds are a major contributor to landfill waste, with millions of tons ending up in dumps each year. GRIND Z effectively diverts these grounds from an unwanted fate, giving them a new life as a creative tool. The company behind this project, Zirobio, is a biotechnology firm dedicated to developing sustainable solutions through bio-based materials. Initiated by Hailey and Miles, avid coffee drinkers, the GRIND Z was their way of seeing if this humble cup of coffee – a symbol of work, happiness, and hustle – could be channeled into something else. Something that transforms coffee waste into even more productivity.
This is a 5.6mm pencil lead containing 20% recycled coffee grounds and other components like wax and adhesives.
Coffee has been embraced by the art community already, with people using espresso and black coffee to make stained art. The liquid imparts a brown or ochre tint on paper, depending on how diluted it is – Zirobio’s idea builds on this already existing trend, transforming it from liquid to lead. One cup of coffee can generate enough grounds for up to 6 leads, Zirobio says. Each GRIND Z lead boasts a unique blend of 20% recycled coffee grounds and 80% essential binding agents like waxes and adhesives. This carefully formulated combination ensures a smooth writing experience you expect from high-quality pencil lead. But the real magic lies in the subtle, natural coffee aroma (with a hint of bitterness) that lingers with each stroke, adding a delightful sensory element to the drawing/writing process.
The lead comes in a standard 5.6mm size, ensuring compatibility with most clutch pencils – the refillable mechanical pencils commonly used by artists and designers. Zirobio even offers a sleek aluminum clutch pencil as part of their Kickstarter rewards, creating a perfect match for the eco-friendly lead. The natural brown hue of the coffee grounds eliminates the need for artificial coloring, resulting in a unique aesthetic that complements the sustainable philosophy behind the product.
Beyond its eco-friendly credentials, GRIND Z offers a captivating visual appeal. The subtle variations in the brown tones add a touch of organic charm to your artwork or sketches. This earthy aesthetic sets it apart from traditional graphite leads, allowing artists to explore a new visual language in their work. The lead can be used with a clutch pencil or even as a crayon. It supports being sharpened by a knife or a sharpener, with zero wastage (because there’s no wood being used), and if all that wasn’t impressive, the GRIND Z is naturally skin-friendly, allowing people with sensitive skin to handle it with ease.
You can grab yourself a 2-pack of GRIND Z leads (each pack contains 6 leads) for $26 and YD readers get a free custom-made coffee bean ring too. Alternatively, a $29 pledge gets you a GRIND Z 2-pack along with a compatible 5.6mm aluminum clutch pencil. If you own a coffee shop or a small studio, YD readers can also enjoy a 34% discount, getting a 10-pack of GRIND Z and 10 clutch pencils for $109, adding a sustainable highlight to your brand. Additionally, stretch goals have unlocked more free rewards with free shipping, such as art posters, coffee ground soap, and coffee ground mugs, included along with your order.
Anyone who’s visited Portugal has undoubtedly encountered the Ascendor da Bica… either in person or through a postcard, a fridge magnet, or perhaps a tourist recommendation. The Ascendor da Bica is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of Lisbon’s identity. Christened “The Bica Funicular,” it scales the steep hills of the Bica district with a unique charm. LEGO builder Peter_Designs’ creation reflects this spirit faithfully. The tram itself is a marvel of LEGO engineering, built at a 20.5-degree angle to mirror the real tram’s ingenious solution to conquer Lisbon’s challenging topography. This intricate build utilizes 2997 pieces (with 773 being dedicated to the cart alone), ensuring not only structural stability but also a remarkably accurate representation of the tram’s distinctive design.
The set extends beyond the meticulously crafted tram, offering a delightful recreation of the surrounding cityscape. With a staggering 2224 pieces dedicated just to the scenery, the build incorporates colorful buildings in a style reminiscent of Lisbon’s architecture. A detailed platform completes the scene, providing the perfect stage to display the tram in all its glory. The total piece count reaches a substantial 2997, promising a rewarding and immersive building experience for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
But the Ascensor da Bica’s appeal transcends its impressive brickwork. This set offers a unique opportunity to add a historical landmark with a touch of whimsy to your LEGO world. Imagine this iconic tram, painstakingly recreated in LEGO form, gracefully navigating the slopes of your existing LEGO City. The set even includes functional tracks, allowing you to integrate the tram seamlessly into your cityscape and transport minifigures (not included) on a scenic journey, just like their real-life counterparts.
Peter_Designs’ motivation behind this creation is evident – a love for Lisbon and a passion for LEGO. Their design choices reflect a deep appreciation for the city’s charm and the Ascensor da Bica’s undeniable appeal. Whether you’ve had the pleasure of wandering Lisbon’s cobbled streets and marveling at the Bica Funicular, or simply dream of visiting this vibrant city someday, this set offers a delightful way to celebrate Portugal’s rich heritage and experience the magic of Lisbon from the comfort of your home.
The Ascensor da Bica LEGO Ideas project is currently in the crucial stage of garnering support from the LEGO community. With enough votes from passionate LEGO enthusiasts like yourself, this little piece of Lisbon could become a reality for LEGO fans worldwide. Imagine gifting this set to a friend who has fond memories of Lisbon, or displaying it proudly in your home – a constant reminder of the beauty and ingenuity that LEGO bricks can bring to life! Head down to the LEGO Ideas website if you want to vote for the LEGO Ascensor da Bica.
I don’t know about you but I’ve never seen a water filtration system that looks elegant enough to integrate into your house or kitchen’s decor. They’re almost always made of plastic, with a design that can only be described as ‘worthy of being hidden’. That’s why most kitchens come with under-sink compartments for hiding these purification systems, so all you get is clean water through the tap without that hyper-industrial aesthetic of the purifier ruining your kitchen’s design. That’s something the folks at Waterdrop Filter wanted to change – among other things. The first time you lay your eyes on the Waterdrop Filter X series – X16, chances are you won’t even think it’s a purification system – with the sleek aesthetic of probably a high-end PC, the X16 is a state-of-the-art tankless RO water purifier that couples with a touch-sensitive faucet that truly uplifts your kitchen. Place the X16 in a hidden compartment or have it sitting on your countertop, it delivers RO-purified water at a speed of 1600 gallons per day. The water goes through a meticulous 11-stage filtration system, coming out as pristine and tasty as you’d expect from a device that looks this cutting-edge.
Designer: Waterdrop Filter
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Unlike conventional dispensers that rely on pre-filled tanks, the Waterdrop Filter X series – X16 operates on a tankless design. This means it generates purified water on demand, eliminating the need to wait for a bulky dispenser to slowly trickle out water. This helps give it that sleek design that sets it apart from other bulkier purifiers that store up to 10 or 20 liters of water at a time in advance. Water gets purified on demand, and the instant you touch the faucet, water flows at a maximum rate of 1600 gallons per day (that’s fast enough to fill a glass in a mere 2 seconds, or a kettle in 10 seconds). The flow speed can be adjusted too, but the idea of never having to wait with a carafe or jug while it slowly fills up is quite the boon.
Enjoy refreshing mineral water at home
However, water speed isn’t what defines the X16 – it’s the fact that the water goes through a meticulous 11-stage filtration process across 3 different filter modules. This multi-stage approach tackles a wide range of contaminants that may be lurking in your tap water. The heart of the system lies in the 18-layer RO membrane filter. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a technology that forces tap water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively filtering out a wide range of impurities, including Chlorine, Lead, Fluoride, Heavy Metals like arsenic, mercury, and chromium-6, and finally Microscopic Contaminants like bacteria, cysts, etc. RO filtration is considered to be arguably the highest standard in home-based water filtration – but it does have a caveat – for every liter of water filtered, the tankless RO system also ejects contaminated water out of its system, leading to wastage. The X16 tackles that with a 3:1 fresh-to-waste water ratio – which means for every 3 liters of fresh purified water, there’s just 1 liter of impure water that’s disposed at the end of the day – a metric much better than some purifiers that waste up to 50% of water in their purification process.
While the multi-stage filtration process removes a wide range of contaminants, the X16 takes an extra step to ensure water safety. The system also integrates a UV sterilizer that eliminates bacteria and viruses in the dispensed water, providing an extra layer of peace of mind. This is especially beneficial for those with compromised immune systems or concerns about microbial contamination in their water supply. While the filtration happens behind the scenes, what you really end up interfacing with is the X16’s tap – a smart, touch-sensitive faucet that comes with its own color-coded display to let you know that your water is pure and contaminant-free. An intuitive dial on the faucet lets you select the desired water volume, from 1 to 64 ounces, with automatic shutoff once the chosen amount is dispensed. Need to stop dispensing early? Pushing the dial again stops the water flow – it’s so easy even a kid could do it.
A simple glance at the faucet’s display also lets you know the status of each of the three filters – blue indicates a healthy filter life, yellow signifies a filter nearing replacement, and red signals an urgent need for a filter change. This intuitive system ensures optimal performance and prevents potential water quality issues by reminding you to replace filters before they become ineffective.
The result is a design and tech overhaul of how drinking water is filtered and dispensed in your kitchen. Instead of purifiers that you want to hide away, and faucets that can often look archaic, the X16 puts a minimal-futuristic spin on the category, with a sleek-looking purifier that’s worthy of being on your countertop, but if space is a constraint, fits perfectly well in your undersink, occupying a minimal footprint. The faucet echoes the same intuitive, sleek, cutting-edge approach that’s seen in the tankless purifier too. It’s simple and easy to use, giving you fresh water that’s enriched in minerals and has a pH level of 7.5± so you actually enjoy the taste of water too.
Bringing an Apple or Tesla-kind of innovation and disruption to the water dispensing space comes with a price, though. The Waterdrop Filter X series – X16 starts at $1999 for the entire kit (purifier + smart faucet), but you can grab a 35% discount on Prime Day and an additional 5% off using the code YDreader during checkout!
Click Here to Buy Now: $1199.40$1999 ($799.60 off, use coupon code “YDreader” to get an additional 5% discount). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!
I’ve said it for ages, but televisions are an intermediary product stage. Just the way smartphones are a passing phase for the next big thing, televisions are too – the only difference is that the next big thing after TVs exists… it’s just that not everyone owns one yet. I’m talking about projectors. They’re usually portable, can project screens as large as 120 inches, and in a matter of seconds, turn your home into a theater. Modern projectors come with smart OS features, image correction capabilities, and more importantly, they’re now just as affordable as TVs are. The Ultimea Nova C40, with its $299 price tag offers an incredibly compelling option for those looking to switch from a 40-something-inch TV to a viewing experience that’s larger than life. The Full HD projector comes with a unique gimbal design tat lets it face practically anywhere (you could watch a movie on your ceiling if you want), with automatic focus and keystone features so the projector can instantly align its image instead of having you do it. Sure – it’s no staggering 4K OLED TV, but as a proud owner of an HD projector myself, size matters to the experience much more than pixel density and resolution.
The Nova C40 packs a fair bit of punch for its price category, delivering a projection as large as 120 inches. 600 ANSI lumens is fairly bright for dark and dimly-lit rooms, and the presence of a built-in AndroidTV 11.0 OS means access to all your favorite apps on demand. Want to take things to another level, HDMI and USB ports let you hook your laptop or gaming console to the projector for immersive work and gaming. The large 120-inch display completely surrounds your periphery in gaming content… and for work, you can multitask with efficiency by turning the large display into multiple smaller windows.
The throw ratio of 1.25:1 translates to a projected image size between 80 and 120 inches diagonally when placed at a relatively short distance. This makes it ideal for smaller rooms or even outdoor movie nights, transforming your backyard into a cinematic haven under the stars. Setting up the projector is a breeze, thanks to automatic keystone correction and autofocus features. No more fiddling with dials – the C40 ensures a crisp and properly aligned image in seconds, with zero effort.
One of the C40’s standout features is its fully sealed optical unit. This innovative design choice aims to minimize dust infiltration, potentially enhancing image quality and extending the projector’s lifespan. With a brightness of 600 ANSI lumens, the C40 performs best in slightly subdued environments. While not ideal for projecting movies in brightly lit rooms, it delivers a watchable experience in dimmer settings. The projector boasts a native Full HD (1080p) resolution, but upscaling capabilities allow it to handle 4K content. It covers 95% of the NTSC color gamut, ensuring a decent range of colors for vibrant visuals.
The Nova C40’s design integrate a gimbal that lets you point your projector in practically any direction. Face it forwards, tilt it at an angle, or even directly upwards, the 90° freedom of the C40 is perfect for all kinds of adjustments. Moreover, the base also supports ceiling mounts, so you can attach your C40 to a beam or to the ceiling for a more traditional experience. Me personally, I love the fact that the projector is fairly mobile, which means you can travel from room to room with it.
The Nova C40 breaks free from the shackles of external media players by integrating Android TV 11 directly into the system. This built-in smart platform grants access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, eliminating the need for additional devices. Feeling the urge to explore a wider entertainment library? The C40 allows you to download additional apps, expanding your options and catering to diverse interests.
For seamless connectivity, the C40 offers an HDMI input, perfect for connecting laptops, gaming consoles, or other external devices. It also boasts Bluetooth 5.3, enabling you to connect external speakers for a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, Bluetooth allows for voice control through the remote, adding a layer of convenience. While the built-in 5-watt speakers might suffice for casual viewing, a soundbar connected via Bluetooth can significantly elevate the audio quality, transforming movie nights into truly cinematic experiences.
So, who exactly is the Ultimea Nova C40 designed for? Movie buffs seeking a cinematic experience at home will find the C40’s Full HD resolution with upscaling capabilities delivers crisp visuals for a captivating experience. While the brightness might not be ideal for brightly lit rooms, creating a movie night ambiance with dimmed lights unlocks the projector’s true potential. Casual gamers on a budget can also enjoy the thrill of big-screen gaming without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to note that the C40 might not be ideal for fast-paced, competitive games due to the potential of slight input lag. Presenters on the go will appreciate the portability and ease of use that the C40 offers, children will love the idea of having a cinema experience in their bedroom before going to bed, and friends will probably invite you to every single backyard party for movie or sports nights.
“Working lying down is seldom seen in office environments,” pointed out Timothy Widmer, a student at Lucerne School of Art and Design. Lying down is often associated with relaxing – the antithesis of productivity and professionalism – but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we don’t need an ‘office chair’ or a ‘cubicle’ to work. You could work from a high-chair, a beanbag, a recliner, a sofa… so why not use that as a starting point to revisit how furniture can look and behave?
Meet Gustav, a 4-piece modular furniture set that comes together in a variety of ways. Its odd shape strays away from any kind of traditional furniture – it looks nothing like a chair, a stool, a sofa, or a pouffe. Once put together, however, you get to understand the kind of freedom and flexibility it brings, and how it could possibly be used for a variety of activities.
The Gustav is position-agnostic. It allows you to use its shape in whatever way you choose. You can sit on it like a stool, recline backwards with your legs stretched out, or even folded in. The stool’s rear space (behind the recliner) lets you store books, EDC, chargers, cables… and the cuboid-shaped pouffe at the end doubles up as a side-table just in case you want one.
A cushion strapped to the recliner can be moved up or down, giving you the height-adjustment you need
“The multi-components allow different constellations to be created – from an individual workspace to a conversation pit,” says Widmer.
Ultimately, a lot of Gustav’s success depends on the upheaval of corporate work culture. Whether offices embrace relaxed working as a practice isn’t something the Gustav can control – but it does pose a very interesting schematic for coworking spaces, cafes, and even lounges at airports. And it asks a rather fundamental question too – if productivity is a state of mind, why does the way you’re seated matter SO much?
Roller Mop head wet-wipes your floor while RinseSync
