Swatch x Omega’s Moonphase Watch features a Bioceramic Case and a Familiar NASA Mascot

Space exploration continues to capture our imagination, and the world of watches is no exception. Swatch’s latest collaboration with Omega, the Bioceramic MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase, takes inspiration from the cosmos, offering a unique and playful twist on a classic timepiece.

Designers: Swatch & Omega

The all-white aesthetic evokes the brilliance of a full moon. But the real innovation lies in the combination of a chronograph function, a first for the MoonSwatch line, and a moon phase display. This ingenious pairing allows you to track both earthly time and the lunar cycle on your wrist.

Adding a touch of whimsy to this sophisticated timepiece is none other than Snoopy, NASA’s beloved mascot. Snoopy makes his appearance nestled on the moon phase disc, a subtle tribute to the “Snoopy” Apollo 10 lunar module. For true fans, a hidden quote from the Snoopy comics is revealed under UV light, adding a delightful layer of discovery.

The Bioceramic MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crafted with sustainability in mind. Swatch’s Bioceramic material, a blend of ceramic and castor oil-based bioplastic, offers a durable and lightweight option for environmentally conscious watch enthusiasts.

Beyond the innovative materials, the watch boasts several features that echo the original Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. The asymmetrical case, the iconic tachymeter bezel, and the chronograph subdials all pay homage to this legendary timepiece. Completing the space-ready look is a Velcro strap, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for any adventure.

With a water resistance of 3 bar and a playful case back featuring Snoopy’s paw print, the Bioceramic MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase is a watch that’s both functional and fun. Available from March 26th in select Swatch stores for a price of around US$310, this non-limited edition watch makes the coveted Moonwatch experience accessible to a wider audience. It’s a stellar collaboration that proves that innovative design and playful touches can coexist in a timepiece that’s both stylish and sophisticated.

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Husqvarna launches new Autonomous Lawnmower With Built-in GPS

For professional landscapers and property managers of sprawling green spaces, achieving that perfectly manicured lawn can be a constant battle. Traditionally, robotic mowers have relied on boundary wires to define their work area. This not only requires time-consuming installation but also presents a challenge during maintenance or landscaping projects. Husqvarna, a name synonymous with outdoor power equipment (and also motorcycles), is shaking things up with the Automower 520 EPOS, a revolutionary robot mower that ditches the wires in favor of a sophisticated GPS navigation system.

Designer: Husqvarna

Designed for tackling large areas of up to 5,000 square meters (roughly 1.2 acres), the Automower 520 EPOS boasts an impressive ability to handle slopes as steep as 45 degrees. This makes it ideal for managing expansive properties like parks, sports complexes, or corporate campuses. The key innovation lies in the EPOS system, which does away with the need for physical boundary wires. Instead, it utilizes a network of satellites and a reference station to create a virtual work zone. This not only saves time on installation but also eliminates the risk of accidentally damaging wires during other lawn maintenance tasks.

The mower seamlessly integrates with Husqvarna Fleet Services, a comprehensive app-based management system. Imagine the convenience of remotely controlling and monitoring your entire fleet of mowers from your smartphone or computer. The app allows for functionalities like simultaneous operation of multiple mowers, real-time location tracking, and even adjusting mowing schedules based on weather conditions. An alarm system deters potential theft, while automatic weather timers ensure the mower adapts its schedule to avoid rain or excessive heat, maximizing its efficiency and protecting the health of the lawn.

The mower employs a systematic mowing pattern, ensuring a consistently well-maintained lawn. The tiny grass clippings it leaves behind are finely mulched and returned to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. This eco-friendly approach not only eliminates the need for bagging and disposal of clippings but also contributes to a healthier, greener landscape. Furthermore, the mower boasts features like over-the-air software updates and a patented cutting height adjustment system, ensuring it stays at the forefront of lawn care technology.

While the initial cost of the Automower 520 EPOS might seem like a significant investment, the long-term benefits for professional lawn care providers are undeniable. Reduced labor costs due to automation, improved efficiency through remote management, and a consistently pristine lawn all contribute to a significant return on investment. The Automower 520 EPOS represents a glimpse into the future of lawn maintenance, a future where robotic mowers operate with precision and autonomy, guided by the power of GPS technology. This innovative solution not only frees up valuable time and resources but also paves the way for a more sustainable approach to maintaining sprawling green spaces.

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This Carbon-Fiber E-Bike Has A 750W Motor And The Soul Of An ATV

Some people cycle for exercise, some do it for the commute, and some do it as a sport, exploring the toughest terrain on the planet. Common sense dictates that all those activities would require bicycles of different calibers and capabilities – the Heybike Hero wasn’t designed for ‘common sense’… it was designed to absolutely defy it. Armed with a 1000W motor and an incredibly resilient carbon fiber frame, the Hero conquers all, whether it’s well-paved bike lanes or harsh off-road terrain. Available in two styles, the Hero has an overall range of 60 miles on a full charge, weighs just 75 lbs, and comes with a staggering 10-year warranty on the bike’s solid carbon fiber frame.

Designer: Heybike

Click Here to Buy Now: $2,399 $4,599 (47% off). Hurry, only 28 left! Raised over $1350,000.

The Hero comes in two variants, the Step Through with its distinct frame design, and the Trapeze, which is slightly more conventional, but just as spectacular looking. Along with the two frame designs, you also have the option between a 750W mid-drive motor, or a 1000W rear drive motor. The mid-drive motor is notable for its efficiency, and its position plays a crucial role in boosting the e-bike’s power. This central motor configuration offers a few distinct advantages – By strategically placing the motor near the pedals, the Hero achieves a more balanced weight distribution. This translates to improved handling and stability, particularly crucial when navigating uneven terrain or challenging inclines. Traditional hub motors, often located on the front or rear wheel, can cause the bike to feel unbalanced and hinder maneuverability on technical trails. The Hero’s mid-drive motor placement ensures a more natural riding experience, akin to a traditional bicycle.

Furthermore, the mid-drive motor delivers torque directly to the drivetrain, resulting in a smoother and more natural power delivery compared to hub motors. This translates to effortless ascents on challenging inclines and smooth power delivery on rugged trails. Riders can conquer diverse landscapes with confidence, knowing the Hero can handle demanding climbs and uneven surfaces with ease. For riders on a budget, the 1000W rear-wheel variant offers a good balance between power and price, having a tag that’s $300 cheaper than the mid-drive motor variant.

An e-bike isn’t really complete with just a motor, though… the Hero also packs an intelligent torque sensor that continuously monitors the rider’s pedaling input, adjusting the motor’s assistance accordingly. As the rider applies more pressure to the pedals, the sensor detects the increased effort and seamlessly increases motor assistance. Conversely, when the rider eases off pedaling, the sensor reduces motor assistance, creating a more natural and intuitive riding experience. This eliminates the jerky starts and stops sometimes associated with e-bikes, minimizing rider fatigue and maximizing efficiency. You’ve also got 5 levels of pedal assist to choose from, letting you either rely heavily on the motor for a more relaxed riding experience, or go entirely analog and test your cardio and stamina.

Conquering new territories and exploring hidden gems becomes easy thanks to the Hero’s impressive range. On a single charge, the Hero boasts an overall range of up to 60 miles, powered by a rigorously certified 864Wh battery. This eliminates “range anxiety,” a common concern for e-bike riders. Furthermore, the 48V/4A charger offers a full charge in just 4 hours, letting you spend more time on the road and less time attached to a power socket.

The meticulously crafted T800 carbon fiber frame also plays a crucial role in the Hero’s exceptional performance. Preferred by elite automotive and aerospace industries for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, the carbon fiber build allows the Hero to achieve a remarkable weight of only 2.8kg. This translates to superior maneuverability on the trails, particularly when navigating tight corners or uneven surfaces. A heavier e-bike can feel sluggish and cumbersome, especially when navigating technical terrain. The Hero’s lightweight design allows for effortless handling and increased control, empowering riders to tackle challenging trails with confidence. The frame is also exceptionally durable, allowing the Hero to tackle even the most demanding terrain without breaking a sweat.

Both the Step-through and Trapeze variants cater to riders of all sizes, ranging from 5’3″ to 6’6″ feet tall, thanks to an adjustable saddle design. The saddle comes with shock absorption too, along with the frame’s full-suspension build, offering a smooth riding experience regardless of the terrain you shred on. 26×4-inch tires let you glide on rocky roads as if they were paved concrete, and hydraulic disc brakes let you stop confidently to keep you and others around you safe.

The e-bike comes with its own dashboard that displays relevant riding information, although what sets it apart is a companion smartphone app that adds a layer of ‘smartness’ to your e-bike experience. The Heybike app seamlessly integrates with the e-bike, providing riders with valuable data and functionalities. The app displays real-time data on speed, distance traveled, and battery level, allowing riders to monitor their progress and plan their journeys effectively. It also boasts navigation assistance, a valuable tool for exploring unfamiliar territories. Riders can pre-plan their routes or utilize the app’s navigation features to discover new trails. Additionally, the app offers various intelligent features that can further enhance the riding experience. These features may include customizable settings for motor assistance levels, trip history tracking, and maintenance reminders.

Once you’ve zeroed in on a frame design, you can choose between the 750W mid-drive motor that offers 160Nm of torque and a much more powerful ride experience, or the 1000W rear-drive motor that opts for a more standard e-bike architecture and offers just 100Nm of torque. The 750W Hero starts at a discounted $2699, while the 1000W comes for $2399. Both variants have a 2-year warranty on the e-bike itself, but a 10-year warranty on Heybike’s state-of-the-art carbon fiber chassis.

Click Here to Buy Now: $2,399 $4,599 (47% off). Hurry, only 28 left! Raised over $135,000.

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Retro Wired Controller for the Xbox is a legitimate Blast from the Past

Remember the classic feel of your favorite retro console controllers? The chunky buttons, the responsive D-pad, the sheer simplicity of the design? The 8BitDo M30 Wired Controller for Xbox brings back that sense of nostalgia while offering features fit for modern gaming.

This officially licensed Xbox controller boasts a familiar 6-button layout, a hallmark of classic gaming experiences. But unlike its predecessors, the M30 boasts “updated” functionality for today’s titles. Exactly what these updates are remains to be seen in reviews, but it suggests the controller can handle the complexities of modern games while retaining the feel of a retro favorite.

Designer: 8bitdo

Beyond aesthetics, the M30 offers a wired USB-C connection for virtually lag-free gameplay. This is a major benefit for competitive gamers who rely on split-second reaction times. The controller is also built with precision engineering, featuring a smooth D-pad and calibrated buttons for optimal control.

Gamers who crave customization will appreciate the M30’s ability to remap buttons and adjust sensitivity. This allows for a personalized experience tailored to each player’s preferences. The controller also boasts additional bumpers and triggers for a more immersive gaming experience, particularly in genres like racing or shooters.

For fighting game enthusiasts, the M30 includes a dedicated mode button that lets them switch between regular and professional layouts. This is a thoughtful feature that caters to the specific needs of the fighting game community.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer yearning for a simpler time or a newcomer curious about retro experiences, the 8BitDo M30 Wired Controller for Xbox offers an intriguing option. It blends classic design with modern functionality, creating a potentially compelling controller for a variety of gamers.

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Adorable LEGO Feng Shui Fortune Cat can wave its hands to give you good luck!

In Feng Shui, the lucky cat, also known as the maneki-neko or fortune cat, is a Japanese figurine that represents good luck, wealth, and prosperity. The figurine depicts a cat, usually a calico Japanese Bobtail, with a raised paw in a beckoning gesture. LEGO builder ‘2PPL’ decided to give this cultural icon its own brick build. Meet the LEGO Ideas Maneki Neko, an adorable sitting cat that waves its hands at you, practically giving you blessings for a more prosperous life!

Designer: 2PPL

“Distinctive features of the Maneki Neko include the raised paw, which can be either right or left depending on local tradition or belief, and it often wears a decorative collar or necklace with a bell,” says 2PPL. “The color of the Maneki Neko also has symbolic meanings: white is associated with purity and happiness, black wards off evil, gold symbolizes wealth and success, and red is linked to love and relationships.”

Although it’s entirely unclear how the Maneki Neko waves its hands, it’s likely to rely on a mechanism similar to the one found in the original. The original Maneki Neko uses an electromagnetic coil and a pendulum-style mechanism powered by a battery – it isn’t inconceivable that this LEGO one does so too, although making the mechanism out of LEGO bricks may be a bit challenging.

However, with over 2,300 supporters, the Maneki Neko is surely prospering on the LEGO Ideas forum, where fellow LEGO builders and enthusiasts gather to vote for their favorite fan-made creations. If a creation reaches the coveted 10,000 vote threshold, it’s sent to the LEGO internal team for review, following which it gets turned into a buyable box set. The LEGO Ideas Maneki Neko definitely has a long way to go till it gets to that mark, but if you do fancy a perpetually waving LEGO feline, head down to the LEGO Ideas website to vote for this project!

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Sandmarc’s new iPhone lens gives you a bonkers 6x optical zoom AND an adjustable focus wheel

You call that a camera bump? Hold my beer…

The smartphone camera is officially the most popular camera in the world today, accounting for a staggering 92.5% of all images taken in any given year. Conventional photographers (who make up the remaining paltry 7.5%) will argue that smartphone photography isn’t ‘real photography’, but that’s only because digital cameras offer tonnes of more variety in terms of being able to shoot on multiple types of lenses. Batting for the mobile photography team, however, is SANDMARC with their newly unveiled whopping 6x telephoto lens for the iPhone. Not only does it boost your smartphone camera’s existing zoom (which is around 30x for the iPhone 15 Pro) by an additional 6x, it also gives you the benefit of an adjustable focus wheel – probably the first for any smartphone camera lens – bridging the gap between phone and traditional camera photography.

Designer: Sandmarc

Even though a smartphone camera is ridiculously powerful for its small size, there are certain things you really wouldn’t do with it, like take wildlife shots, telephoto shots of objects far away (architecture, birds, etc.), or ultra-low DoF portrait shots. Well, maybe you’d take the latter, but that’s a legitimate gray area because artificial bokeh can never compare to the real deal. SANDMARC’s Telephoto 6x Lens wants to change that. Designed to be good enough to take on a wildlife photoshoot or to capture objects from far away because they aren’t really accessible, the zoom lens does a phenomenal job of enhancing your smartphone’s vision without causing any sort of loss in quality because of the limitations of smartphone lens structures.

Aside from extending your zoom range, the Telephoto 6x Lens prioritizes superior image quality over the limitations of your phone’s digital zoom. Crafted with high-quality, multi-coated glass, this lens promises to deliver noticeably sharper images with enhanced detail, even in challenging low-light conditions. Unlike typical add-on lenses that can be cumbersome and offer limited functionality, the SANDMARC lens boasts a unique feature: an adjustable focus wheel. This empowers you to take complete creative control over your photos. By fine-tuning the focus, you can ensure intricate details in close-up shots are captured with razor-sharp precision, adding a whole new dimension to your mobile photography repertoire.

The lens design incorporates a shallow depth of field, a technique beloved by professional photographers. This means realistic bokehs that highlight your subject beautifully, without any of those errors or artificial blurring created as a result of computational photography done by smartphone algorithms. This setup, in its truest sense, is the closest thing to bringing conventional camera tools to smartphone photography. Sure, professional camera evangelists would still say this isn’t ‘real photography’, but they also won’t deny that the results from this phone and lens setup are just immaculate.

While the $159.99 price tag might seem steep, it’s worth considering the significant enhancements it offers. The extended zoom range, improved image quality, and creative flexibility the lens provides can elevate your mobile photography to a whole new level.

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The Leica M Camera Gets A Minimalist Makeover

We’re officially in an age of remakes and reboots. Whether it’s movie franchises, music genres, vinyl discs, or even cars like the Lamborghini Countach getting a modern revival, the words ‘Old Is Gold’ seem to hold true for nostalgic classics… Now, Shanghai-based designer Wencheng Zhang is reviving yet another classic from the mid-50s. Perhaps one of the most iconic cameras of its time, the Leica M gets a minimal redesign thanks to Zhang. Crafted from a single block of aluminum, the redesigned camera combines old-world analog charm with a modern aesthetic and cutting-edge features that bring the 1954 classic shooter well into the year 2024.

Designer: Wencheng Zhang

Zhang’s concept reimagines the Leica M for the modern era, stripping away unnecessary elements to create a truly minimalist design. Imagine a camera precisely carved from a single block of aluminum, echoing the unibody confidence of classic Leicas while hinting at the sleek lines of the Leica TL2. Zhang mentions that the inspiration for this form came from none other than Leica’s very first camera, the Ur-Leica Replica.

While the classic Leica M layout is instantly recognizable, Zhang incorporates subtle tweaks to enhance ergonomics. A gently angled top plate improves in-hand feel, while the familiar viewfinder and large touchscreen display (borrowed from the M11) remain. However, in the spirit of minimalism, Zhang removes the M11’s three customizable function buttons.

Essential physical controls are consolidated on the top plate, just like a classic Leica. Raised numbers provide a nice textural contrast on the shutter speed dial, which sits perfectly flush with the camera body alongside the shutter button. The overall design prioritizes clean lines and seamless interaction.

Zhang even extends the minimalist concept to the charger, featuring a compact dual-slot design for convenient battery management on the go.

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This Smart Ring Tracks Everything From Your Heartbeat To Sleep And Even Your Immune System

While Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is still months away from an official launch, its announcement is proof that the smart ring is the next frontier of the health wearable space. The problem with smartwatches like the Apple or Galaxy Watch, you see, is that they aren’t for everyone. Not all people wear watches, and for the ones who do, there’s a large subset of people who prefer analog timepieces rather than gadgets with screens and sensors. Rings, on the other hand, have a distinct advantage – they’re smaller, sleeker, lighter, and unlike watches, you can wear multiple, combining your wedding ring or any ring-based jewelry with a health-tracking wearable ring. The smart ring market is at the precipice of expansion, and months from now you’ll see hundreds of brands jumping on the bandwagon… but if you’re looking for one now, the Vera Ring is a compelling pick. Designed to be incredibly sleek, breathtakingly light, and completely waterproof, the Vera Ring does everything a health tracker can do and more. It monitors your heart rate 24/7, tracking your heart health, respiratory health, stress levels, sleep quality, and even combines multiple metrics like body temperature, heart rate variability, and stress levels to tell you how good your overall immunity is.

Designer: Vera Health

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $349 ($100 off) Hurry! Only 126 units left!

The creators of the Vera Ring make a compelling argument – in the regular world, you’re bombarded with metrics and data everywhere. Businesses thrive on data, programs require data to run, AI systems are entirely beholden to their databases – but there’s hardly any good real-time data-measuring for your body. Unless you’re wearing a smartwatch 24/7, you have no way of being able to get a broad yet focused overview of your health. That’s where a smart ring comes in. The Vera Ring looks and feels exactly like your everyday ring, but sits on your finger and tracks your body metrics all day all week. With a battery that lasts for 7 full days on a charge, the Vera captures a weekly holistic portrait of your health, presenting all that information to you in a way that’s easy to digest. You can see if your heart’s healthy, if you’re running normal body temperature, if you’re sleeping well or sleeping enough, if you’re stressed or relaxed, and even track menstrual cycles. More so, the Vera app also recommends tweaks to your lifestyle to help you improve your health, and catches health issues before they become serious or irreversible.

The beauty of the Vera Ring lies in its design. 2.5mm thick and 7.5mm wide, the Vera is an icon of minimalism, with a metal finish on the outside, and a medical-grade resin inner that holds all the components in place. The tiny ring weighs anywhere from 5.2 grams (0.18 ounces) to 8.5 grams (0.29 ounces) depending on size, and is hermetically sealed, making it completely waterproof so you could wear it everywhere, even in the shower or the pool. The only time you really need to take it off is when it’s low on charge, and the ring comes with its own holder/charger that lets you dock it and charge it in mere minutes.

Slip the ring on and it begins tracking all your vitals, sending complex data to the Vera app where everything is simplified into easy-to-digest bits. The ring has a 6-axis accelerometer, a skin temperature sensor, and multiple PPG sensors that measure blood volume variations to detect heart rate, blood oxygen, and multiple other metrics pertaining to your health while you’re awake or asleep. Data in real-time gets sent to the Vera app, where an intuitive dashboard gives you scores based on different domains like your heart health, sleep health, stress levels, and even your overall immunity, calculated as a culmination of multiple factors. The app lets you monitor your scores over days and weeks, and does so not just for your ring, but for your entire family, allowing you to check up on your elderly parents, see if your kids are getting enough physical activity or sleep, or if you or your partner are feeling stressed. For women, the Vera also helps effectively track menstrual cycles, giving them a holistic snapshot of their body through the week and the month.

What really seals the deal is that the Vera Ring focuses on the essentials, doing the job of a health-tracking watch but without a distracting screen. You aren’t inundated with notifications, or with a constant need to keep looking at how many steps you’ve taken (I’m guilty of wanting to complete my Apple Watch activity ring every single day) – the ring silently and diligently tracks your vitals 24×7, connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0 to present you with information only when you access the Vera smartphone app.

The Vera Ring comes in 6 different finishes (3 matte metal and 3 ‘precious’ chrome metal finishes) and multiple sizes to fit a variety of fingers. Each ring is also accompanied by a battery stand that can charge the ring and can even hold enough power to juice your Vera Ring 30 times over. The Vera Ring starts at a discounted $249, ships globally with a 1-year warranty, and backers get a lifetime subscription to all the Vera app’s features.

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $349 ($100 off) Hurry! Only 126 units left!

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The Kershaw Misdirect is a sub-$30 Small Pocket Knife with the Attitude of a Big EDC Blade

A part of Kershaw’s ‘Starter Series’, the Misdirect is designed to be compact, affordable, and reliable, making it perfect for people looking for their first EDC blade. However, that minimalist design, stone-washed reverse tanto blade, and smooth stainless steel are sure to captivate even seasoned EDC collectors and knife aficionados. Sitting at just 4-inches when closed and weighing just 3.2 oz. (93 g), the Misdirect is a masterclass in classic knife design – it’s small, but has a larger-than-life attitude, and can handle benign tasks indoors, as well as work equally well in tactical outdoor situations.

Click Here to Buy Now

With a blade that measures just 2.9 inches, the Misdirect falls closely short of the 3-inch margin required to be called a medium-to-large blade knife. The sub-3-inch blade comes crafted from 4Cr13 steel, with a BlackWash™ stonewashed finish that bestows a rather rustic appeal upon the blade. However, the sharp, slightly curved belly, and the reverse tanto profile make the blade highly capable of all sorts of tasks, from cutting and piercing to slashing, scraping, and even chopping with a rocking motion thanks to the slightly curved edge. Meanwhile, jimping on the top of the blade gives you a nice place to comfortably rest your thumb, while the knife’s flipper acts as a nice cross-guard to keep your index finger in place.

A flipper lets you quickly and reliably deploy the blade with either your thumb or index finger, while a frame lock holds the blade in place so it doesn’t shut while in use. To disengage the blade, just pry open a cutout in the frame and the blade comfortably folds back, getting secured shut for the next time you need your EDC.

The Misdirect has a satisfyingly slim stainless steel handle that measures 0.38 inches (9.8 mm) thick, with a built-in wide lanyard holder and a pocket clip that can be arranged in three different positions. Threaded holes on either side of the handle let you place the clip in multiple orientations, giving the Misdirect a unique customizability so you can stash it in your pocket just the way you want it, deploying it in seconds as you pull it out.

Given that the knife is a part of Kershaw’s Starter Series, it boasts an incredible under-$30 price tag that makes it a compelling purchase if you’re looking to own your first EDC blade. With how good it looks and how well it performs, it might just be your last purchase too!

Click Here to Buy Now

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This Helicopter Is So Easy To Control, A Toddler Could Probably Operate It

With just one joystick and two touchscreen panels, the Skyryse One is making helicopters more autonomous, intuitive, and safe.

Helicopters, like pretty much any airborne vehicle, are notoriously difficult to operate. You’ve got controls in front of you, beside you, sometimes even above you – it’s no wonder you need a license with hundreds of hours of training to be able to professionally pilot one. While understandably, you’d expect helicopter pilots to go through rigorous training before being certified to operate a hunk of metal through the sky, there’s really no need for control panels and dashboards to be as complicated as they are. Founded in 2016, Skyryse has been working to simplify how helicopters are operated. Distinct from traditional helicopters, the Skyryse One eschews conventional controls like the cyclic stick, collective lever, throttle, and anti-torque pedals for a simplified control scheme centered around a single stick and a touchscreen interface. This design philosophy is built around Skyryse’s proprietary SkyOS system, which aims to enhance safety by streamlining operations and automating critical functions such as takeoff, hovering, and in the event of system failures, autorotation and landing. The company’s first-ever helicopter, the Skyryse One, puts this new control panel front and center. In fact the company claims it’s so easy to learn, you need just 20 hours of practice before taking to the skies.

Designer: Skyryse

Eschewing the traditional, mechanically complex controls found in helicopters, Skyryse introduces a fly-by-wire system controlled by a single four-axis control stick and two touch screens. This system, powered by Skyryse’s proprietary SkyOS, brings an unprecedented level of simplicity and safety to aviation​​​. Fly-by-wire, a technology where electronic systems replace mechanical ones, is not new to aviation but applying it to helicopters in such a simplified manner certainly is. The SkyOS enhances this system by continuously analyzing pilot input, environmental conditions, aircraft status, and flight parameters, ensuring the aircraft remains within a safe flight envelope​​​.

One of the most groundbreaking features of the Skyryse One is its fully automated autorotation capability. In traditional helicopters, autorotation is a complex emergency maneuver required when the engine fails, demanding immediate and precise actions from the pilot. The Skyryse One, through SkyOS, automates this process, significantly reducing the pilot’s workload and making emergency landings safer​​​.

Moreover, features like auto-pickup and set-down, swipe-to-start, and hover assist simplify operations that previously required intricate control and coordination. The inherent stability feature of the Skyryse One means that at any point, the pilot can release the controls, with the aircraft immediately activating autonomous protocols to maintain safe flying parameters.

Skyryse is making the dream of piloting more accessible. Despite its advanced technology, flying the Skyryse One only requires a standard helicopter Private Pilot License. For those already licensed for airplanes, transitioning to the Skyryse One involves just an additional 20 hours of flight training. This approach could significantly expand the helicopter pilot community by lowering the entry barrier to flying​.

As revolutionary as it is, the Skyryse One comes with a hefty price tag of $1.8 million. However, for aviation enthusiasts and professionals looking for the cutting edge of safety and simplicity, the investment might well be worth it. The company has started accepting a $2,500 deposit for reservations, with deliveries expected to begin following airworthiness certification​​​.

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