Author Archives: Sarang Sheth

Actual working Pokédex uses ChatGPT to identify Pokémon… and you can build one too

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Let’s face it. You didn’t click on this article by accident. You’re as much of a Pokémon nerd as I am and there’s complete reason to feel excited given what I’m about to show you. A YouTuber by the name of Abe’s Projects decided to throw together a few components to make a rudimentary (but functioning) Pokédex and I CANNOT KEEP CALM!

This Pokédex works surprisingly like the original. Relying on the powers of ChatGPT to identify imagery captured through a rather basic camera setup, Abe’s Pokédex does a fairly good job of replicating the experience of the original from the hit TV series and comic book. Abe even encased his electronics in a wonderfully nostalgic red 3D-printed enclosure, making it resemble the original Pokédex to an uncanny degree… and if that wasn’t enough, he even programmed the Pokédex to speak just like the original, with a computer-ish robotic voice.

Designer: Abe’s Projects

The process, although fairly complicated, gets detailed out by Abe in the YouTube video. One of his admittedly harder builds, Abe mentions the first conundrum – planning the exterior and interior. The problem – you can’t 3D model an outer shape without knowing where your inner components are going to sit, and you can’t know where your inner components are going to sit without planning out your outer shell. Nevertheless, Abe designed a rudimentary framework featuring an outer shell, a few removable components (like the bezel for the screen and buttons), and a flap that ‘opens’ your Pokédex.

The internals feature a XIAO ESP32S3 Sense microcontroller that has its own integrated camera, connected to a black and white OLED screen (based on the Pokédex toy from the 90s), an amplifier that hooks to a speaker, a set of breaker buttons, a battery, and a USB-C port for loading all the information to run the mini-computer, as well as to charge the battery.

The way the Pokédex works is rather clever – it uses GPT4 along with the PokéAPI, relying on the latter’s massive information database. The GPT4 gives the device its AI chops, and an AI voice generator (PlayHT) helps create the signature vocal effect of the Pokédex. Together, they work in tandem to first, identify the Pokémon, second, reference the information in the database, third, display the Pokémon on the screen, and finally, play relevant audio about the Pokémon’s name, type, background, and performance. This does, however, mean that the Pokédex needs to stay connected to WiFi at all times to constantly tap into GPT4 and the PokéAPI (since nothing happens locally on-device).

The entire process wasn’t without its fair share of problems, however. The problems started with the software itself, which hung, crashed, and sometimes got overburdened with just the amount of heavy lifting it had to do. Meanwhile, the PlayHT audio generator posed its own share of issues, like an annoying ticking noise that played in the background as the AI spoke. Abe mentions all the problems he had in a dedicated section of the video, also outlining how he fixed them (hint: a lot of coding).

Once all the bugs were fixed, Abe took his Pokédex out for a spin. In all fairness, it did a pretty good job of identifying Pokémon strictly by analyzing their shape. This meant the Pokédex worked absolutely flawlessly when pointed at images, or an accurate 3D figurine or toy. It didn’t however, fare too well with plushes, which can sometimes have exaggerated proportions. That being said, it’s still impressive that the Pokédex works ‘as advertised’.

Building your own isn’t simple, Abe mentions… although he does have a paywall on his YouTube page where paid members can get access to behind-the-scenes content where Abe talks more extensively about his entire process. If you’re a coding and engineering whiz (with a penchant for Pokémon and 3D printing), hop on over to the Abe’s Projects YouTube page and maybe you’ll figure out how to build your own Pokédex too! Maybe you’ll simplify the process so simpletons like us can build them as well…

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Pocket-Sized Electric Screwdriver has a 200RPM Max Speed to make your DIY projects easy breezy

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With 10 different speeds to choose from, a maximum torque of 12 kgf.cm, the ability to spin clockwise and counter-clockwise, and an exhaustive kit containing 50 different driver bits, the Voltwist-V1 is a DIY essential. It makes disassembling, repairing, and assembling stuff ridiculously easy, and when all’s said and done, the entire kit (no larger than a bar of chocolate) can fit right in your workshop or even office table drawer for another day and another DIY project. Plus, at $56 for the full kit, it’s quite the no-brainer…

Designer: Voltwist

Click Here to Buy Now: $56 $89 (35% off) Hurry! Only 6 days left!

Barely the size of a fountain pen, the Voltwist-V1 looks like just a regular screwdriver, but packs a whole lot of impressive tech underneath. The pocket-sized electric screwdriver comes armed with a metallic body, a minimally slick design, and an intuitive user interface that leaves little to be desired. It all starts really with the LCD screen on the top, which tells you your battery level as well as the screwing direction, followed by two buttons below that let you toggle between clockwise and counter-clockwise movements based on the classic ‘righty tighty lefty loosey’ adage.

Swap directions just by pressing a button. Watch the screen for an indication.

You’d expect an electric screwdriver to be somewhat complicated to operate, but the Voltwist-V1’s design couldn’t possibly make things easier. Once you choose from the 50 bits that come in the V1’s kit, just load it in, and turn the knob at the tip to cycle between 10 different speed/torque settings (depending on whether you’re working with heavy-duty stuff that needs more torque, or small electronic items that you want to speed through). Select the setting of your choice, and simply hit the button under the screen to begin opening screws. Post-repair, the lowermost button helps you put the screws back, satisfyingly tightening them so that they don’t accidentally open after.

All you really have to do then is hold the screwdriver in place as it automatically rotates to tighten or loosen screws. A set of LED lights on either side helps illuminate your working zone, so whether you’re in the dark or your screw’s hidden away in a tiny corner, visibility is never an issue.

The Voltwist-V1 runs on a 650mAh battery, giving it its ridiculously slim and handy design. The Li-ion battery lasts 90 minutes on a full charge, getting you through lengthy projects without really needing to worry about running out of juice. If you do, though… a USB-C port on the reverse end of the screwdriver lets you charge it up to 90% in just 10 minutes, so a quick coffee break and you’re ready to get back to work. In fact, the Voltwist-V1’s case comes with a nifty little cutout that exposes the USB-C port too, allowing you to effectively charge your screwdriver while it’s still in the case (a clever way to ensure you don’t need to take your screwdriver out every single time you want to juice the battery).

Each Voltwist comes with a dedicated case that contains 50 popular S2 hex-bits to choose from, along with a magnetizer that lets you quickly and easily magnetize screws while working with them. The screwdriver itself is 5.3 inches long (the size of a standard fountain pen), and sits in a case 6.9 inches long, 2.8 inches wide, and weighing 0.92 lbs (422 grams) in total. Each Voltwist starts at $56, heavily discounted over its original $89 price tag. The Voltwist-V1 ships globally starting May 2024, so grab yours now instead of living in the stone age with those *ugh* manual screwdrivers…

Click Here to Buy Now: $56 $89 (35% off) Hurry! Only 6 days left!

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The Great British Bake Off gets an adorable LEGO recreation with the entire set, crew, and judges

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I absolutely can’t take my eyes off those tiny KitchenAid mixers on every counter!

One of Britain’s many cultural exports, the Great British Bake Off (renamed The Great British Baking Show in the US for legal reasons) is a wonderful example of what you get when you mix dry British humor with cooking. Sure, Masterchef has its appeal, but nothing is quite as funny as watching the Brits compete over their culinary talents. The sarcasm, chaos, camaraderie, warmth of the judges, and the sheer wit and humor of the hosts make the show a delightful watch no matter where you are… and if you’re a LEGO enthusiast as well, user ‘timoth_e_e’ has an adorable build that recreates the magic of the show, down to brick-size!

Designer: timoth_e_e

The LEGO Great British Bake Off set is littered with an INCREDIBLE amount of detail. Recreating almost every aspect of the show down to its tiniest details, the build set features six decked-out participant islands with burners, utensils, a sink, a KitchenAid mixer, and even an oven in the bottom, while the backdrop has those signature string lights, Union Jack flags, and the entire kitchen pantry for all the participants.

The show is nothing without its camera crew, which is why this set pays homage to them too, providing 3 dedicated Minifigures with filming gear. You’ve got two camera operators and a boom mic operator, two shoulder cams, two boom mics, a tripod, and a pair of poseable studio lights.

The entire build features a whopping 2800 pieces (nearly 4-5 times your average LEGO build), but a lot of that boils down to small details like just the sheer amount of equipment on each countertop, as well as the plants (which timoth_e_e mentions can be scaled down to reduce the ‘clutter’). The kitchens have just about everything you could ask for, with mixing bowls, whisks, cups, pie tins, and food galore.

“This set is meant to be very playable; the refrigerators and freezers open and close and have space for a 2×2 custard (or dough that needs proving), the counters and bakers can be switched around and mixed up for various combinations, and the ingredients on the counter can be switched out depending on if the bakers are working on a technical challenge or a showstopper,” says LEGO user timoth_e_e, the brainchild behind this set. “The idea is to be able to recreate almost any of the moments from the show with this model.”

Nothing beats a Lemon Meringue Pie, now does it?

Put your cake in the fridge to cool it down before you apply icing!

Once made, food gets displayed on the iconic Gingham altar, a linear table where the judges (and the hosts) inspect the food before digging in. In the meanwhile, contestants either wait at their stations, or sit on a row of benches, awaiting the verdict of the judges. The entire set has a whopping 21 Minifigures, including judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas, the three film crew, and 14 popular participants from multiple seasons of the show, allowing you to pick and choose your favorite contestants to play with.

“I think this model would be a fantastic addition to any Lego collection either as an amazing display piece or for its playability. With its instantly recognizable features and characters, the Great British Bake Off has a special magic that I think would translate well to Lego,” writes timoth_e_e on his submission page. The LEGO Great British Bake Off is his submission to the LEGO Ideas Forum, where enthusiasts create, share, and support original builds using LEGO bricks. Submissions that garner a lot of support get sent to the LEGO internal review team, and following their approval, get turned into retail kits for everyone to buy. With over 6,300 votes as of writing this, the MOC (My Own Creation) is well on its way to hitting the coveted 10,000 vote mark. You can vote for the build on the LEGO Ideas website.

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Top 10 Game-Changing Materials that are shaping the Design and Technology World in 2024

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Imagine a world where buildings heal their own cracks, mushrooms become furniture, and fashion can help regulate your body temperature to keep you comfortable no matter the weather. This isn’t a chapter from a science fiction novel; it’s the near future of design materials that are set to revolutionize our lives in 2024. From self-healing concrete to bioengineered plastics, innovators across the globe are pushing boundaries to create materials that not only challenge our traditional understanding of functionality but also promise sustainability and efficiency like never before. A lot of these materials may not seem incredibly new to you, but advancements in their production (and rapid deployment) earn them a spot on this list. These aren’t ‘unheard of’ materials, but rather, are materials that are slowly and surely becoming more and more accessible to companies looking to innovate and bring the latest advancements to the world. Be prepared to hear more and more about these materials going forward, because of how radically powerful they are, and how much potential they hold to make lives easier, processes more efficient, and the world hopefully greener and better.

10. Gallium Nitride (GaN)

This unassuming compound, often overshadowed by its silicon cousins in years past, is poised to claim center stage as one of the top ten game-changing materials for technology. Imagine a substance so versatile that it could simultaneously shrink your bulky laptop charger into an almost weightless accessory and at the same time propel electric vehicles towards unprecedented efficiencies. GaN does just that, thanks to its remarkable ability to handle higher voltages and dissipate less heat than silicon—traits that are propelling us headlong into an era of energy efficiency that once seemed like science fiction. In laboratories around the globe, GaN is already flexing its muscles; showing off not only in power electronics but also making waves in radio frequency applications where speed is king. With 5G networks unfurling their potential across cities worldwide, GaN stands ready as a key player in amplifying signals with clarity and precision unheard of before. But don’t let these technical feats overshadow GaN’s environmental bravado—it operates cooler and wastes less power, which means smaller cooling systems and greener solutions all around.

9. Graphene

This marvel, just one atom thick and yet stronger than steel, is poised to redefine our approach to everything from electronics to architecture. Picture a world where your smartphone bends like paper without breaking or buildings that withstand earthquakes with ease; this isn’t a fanciful daydream but the tangible future promised by graphene. Revered for its exceptional conductivity, it’s set to revolutionize solar panels, turning them into ultra-efficient light sponges that could make clean energy more accessible than ever before. Imagine textiles imbued with this wonder material – clothing that can monitor health or even charge your devices on-the-go (we already know of thermoregulating fabrics that rely on the properties of Graphene)… but what truly sets graphene apart is its versatility – it’s not merely enhancing existing products but paving the path for innovations we haven’t even dreamed of yet.

8. Quantum Dots

You’ve probably heard of quantum dots in one of Samsung, LG, or Sony’s press releases about their latest televisions… but what exactly are these quantum dots, and what about them made them enter this list? Well, quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystals with unique optical properties, making them ideal for next-gen display technologies. These tiny semiconductor particles are small enough to exhibit quantum mechanical properties, which allow them to emit light at specific wavelengths when energized. The result? Vibrant colors and improved energy efficiency in displays ranging from TVs to smartphones. While the world is coalescing around quantum dot displays (moving away from traditional LCDs and OLEDs) because of how incredibly vivid and lifelike they are, the potential for these dots extends way beyond just displays, with their ability to help make solar panels MUCH more efficient, as well as revolutionize (and democratize) quantum computing.

7. Liquid Metal Alloys

If the term ‘Liquid Metal Alloys’ instantly got you thinking of T-1000 from Terminator 2, you’re bang on the money. Imagine a metallic substance as malleable as playdough yet capable of conducting electricity better than copper and withstanding extreme temperatures without breaking a sweat. Liquid metal alloys, composed primarily of gallium mixed with other metals like indium and tin, challenge our very notions of solidity and permanence. These wonder materials can be poured into molds to create seamless parts for complex machinery or used in flexible electronics (think wearable tech or soft robotics) that bend without breaking – think foldable smartphones taken to an entirely new level. Moreover, their self-healing properties ensure longevity in products that would otherwise succumb to wear and tear. Researchers across global high-tech sectors are buzzing about how liquid metal alloys could revolutionize everything from medical devices—enabling more responsive prosthetics—to aerospace components that can endure volatile space conditions unscathed. The transformative potential is immense: energy storage systems becoming more efficient, soft robotics gaining unprecedented flexibility and sensitivity, and even consumer gadgets getting sleeker upgrades while enhancing durability.

6. Advanced Ceramics

Envision a world where engines run cooler and last longer because of ceramic components impervious to heat and wear or where our smartphones are virtually indestructible thanks to scratch-resistant ceramic screens (Apple’s already experimenting with their CeramicShield technology). This alchemy of silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, and alumina stands poised to shatter expectations—without shattering itself—with its unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio and thermal stability. The brilliance lies not just in what these materials can endure but also in their uncanny ability to conduct electricity or resist it entirely depending on the need—a trait that makes them indispensable in electronic devices and solar panels alike. As environmental considerations take center stage globally, advanced ceramics offer an eco-friendly beacon for sustainable development with their durability reducing waste over time.

5. Nanocellulose

Derived from cellulose, the most abundant polymer on earth, nanocellulose is an absolute eco-friendly wonder-material. At just a nanometer scale in width, nanocellulose fibers are invisible to the naked eye but hold the future of sustainable technology firmly within their minuscule grasp. Why is nanocellulose turning heads this year? Picture a material lighter than plastic yet robust enough to challenge steel’s dominance in tensile strength—a true David amidst industrial Goliaths. Manufactured through methods that break down plant matter into its cellular level, nanocellulose transcends its humble origins by boasting properties like biodegradability and low toxicity—all while maintaining remarkable thermal stability and barrier qualities against gases. It’s no surprise then that industries from packaging to aerospace are scrambling to integrate it into their products for an edge in environmentally conscious innovation.

4. Mycelium

Try to picture the word ‘mushroom’ in your head and I’m sure your brain conjures the archetypical button or oyster mushroom that most of us know and love. However, that tiny umbrella-shaped organism is just a tiny fraction of what a mushroom actually is. The part that emerges from the ground is merely the ‘fruit’, which contains spores to help the organism propagate further… but look underneath the surface and you’ll stumble across the mycelium, often considered the true ‘body’ of the mushroom. Often tens or hundreds of times larger than the tiny button-shaped fruits themselves, mycelium has some incredible benefits. It possesses leather-like properties, making it an incredibly suitable vegan alternative to animal-based leather, but more importantly, its fleshy, spongy mass has the ability to grow at a rapid pace, making it a great replacement for styrofoam and a bunch of other moldable materials. The fungus-based material grows by decomposing and ingesting natural waste (which is a win in its own regard), has the ability to self-heal and regrow at rapid speeds, and the best part, is entirely natural, making it eco-friendly and inherently biodegradable. This mycelium single-use biodegradable grill is a perfect example of how the material could revolutionize 2024.

3. Bioplastics & Biocomposites

While mycelium won’t completely replace moldable materials like plastics, petroleum-based plastics are seeing some stiff competition from naturally derived polymers or even polymers that integrate natural composites into them. Traditional plastics are derived from crude oil and have a notorious inability to degrade into soil, causing pretty much every conceivable problem in modern history from landfills to ocean trash and those pesky microplastics that are now finding their way into humans and pretty much every part of nature. Bioplastics are derived from naturally occurring materials (like corn or hemp), allowing them to be molded and manufactured just like regular plastic, but with the added benefit of being biocompatible and degradable. Biocomposites, on the other hand, use natural filler materials and natural binders to create a plastic alternative that’s stiff, durable, and resistant to external elements. The most common biocomposites we’ve seen make use of waste like coffee grounds or grain husks, binding them with natural binding agents to create new materials with properties that mimic different forms of plastic… but with the added benefit of being nature-friendly, and waste-reducing. This no-compromise approach to material sciences make bioplastics and biocomposites a truly game-changing choice for 2024… and perhaps the most easily accessible too!

2. Transparent Solar Panels

Imagine if your home windows could collect energy from the sun and supply your house with power. Or even more impressively, if your smartphone’s glass front could help charge your phone when kept out in the sun. The advent of transparent solar panels are slowly making this dream a reality. These panels offer advantages over traditional panels by being less visible and space-efficient. Despite being relatively new and pricey, ongoing technological advancements suggest future cost reductions, making them more accessible. The panels work by utilizing a special solar cell that absorbs light without darkening, enabling integration into windows and other transparent surfaces. This technology, although in its early stages, holds immense potential to transform solar energy utilization, effectively turning any glass surface into an energy source. The panels operate by letting visible light pass through while capturing ultraviolet and near-infrared energy, enabling power generation without relying solely on visible light. Their thinness and efficiency make them versatile for various applications, from powering devices to entire buildings, without compromising aesthetics. Think about how incredible it would be if you could park your car out in the open and return to a fully charged EV battery?!

1. Self-healing materials

Perhaps the most exciting material type in this entire list, self-healing materials represent a category of materials that can ‘mend’ themselves over time, reversing any damage caused to them. The most obvious application is self-healing concrete, which allows cracks and signs of weathering in buildings to magically disappear, increasing the longevity of structures (done by incorporating specific elements such as fibers or capsules into a concrete mix that contains repairing solutions)… however, the applications in technology are incredible too. Self-healing paints/coatings could allow scratches on cars to automatically disappear when exposed to light or UV, and there have been significant advancements in self-healing polymers and glasses that could make tech damage less of a hassle. Imagine dropping your phone only to see the crack or scratch heal and disappear over time. That would make for a rather fun JerryRigEverything YouTube video!

(Bonus) Titanium

Although Titanium has been one of the go-to materials for EDC tool design and medical use, the fact that Apple and Samsung both launched titanium smartphones last year has massive implications for the world’s strongest metal. Sure, outside those few consumer electronics uses, Titanium has been around for decades… so why does it feature on this list? Well, Titanium sits at a unique crossroads – it’s lightweight, ridiculously durable, and it’s biocompatible (and therefore hypoallergenic). It doesn’t hurt that Apple and Samsung have done wonders for the material’s popularity too… so expect titanium to make more appearances in high-end wearables, bordering on even bionic products like BCIs (brain-computer interfaces) and other exciting products we haven’t seen yet!

The post Top 10 Game-Changing Materials that are shaping the Design and Technology World in 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Casetify’s new AirPods Case isn’t pocket-friendly… but it’s definitely a collector’s item

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“Let me wear my AirPods…”
*proceeds to pull an Iron Man helmet out of their backpack*

I’ll be honest – is Casetify’s latest AirPods case practical? Hell no. Is it cool? Oh absolutely. Partnering with Marvel, the company debuted a few Iron Man-themed accessories, although none as on-the-nose as their AirPods case. Designed to look exactly like an Iron Man helmet that opens up to reveal your TWS earbuds, this little number comes with a stand you can place it on a carabiner clip in case you want to strap it to your backpack… and the best part, light-up eyes that should surely grab the attention of fellow enthusiasts.

Designer: Casetify

Designed for the AirPods Pro and Pro 2, the case is roughly fist-sized, and comes with a painted plastic finish (although a chrome-plating would really seal the deal). The Iron Man head opens just the way the helmet does in the movies, although that doesn’t open the lid of the AirPods Pro case… you still need to flip the helmet open, and then flip open the AirPods case lid to get to your TWS earbuds. A bit of a hassle, sure, but heck… does it look cool.

The Tony Stark-esque holder doesn’t charge your AirPods Pro, however. It’s merely just an outer cover for storing your AirPods in, eschewing that boring white plastic exterior for something more edgy and cool. The best part, however, is the fact that the eyes actually light up. Relying on a single CR2032 coin battery, the eyes on the helmet glow in the signature blue when you shut the helmet, shining for 2 minutes before they dim out automatically.

Priced at $122, the Iron Man AirPods Pro case isn’t specifically pocket-friendly (both physically and fiscally), but it’s definitely worth adding to your collection if you consider yourself a comic-book aficionado or just a fan of the franchise. At least it’s big enough that you won’t be able to accidentally lose it, right??

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Nothing says ‘Modern Classic’ like this Travel-ready 100% Leather Backpack

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If the leather jacket is the ultimate fashion style statement, then the RŌMFRĒ EDC Backpack is the leather jacket of backpacks. With a full-grain leather exterior (and quilted details), the EDC Backpack has a unique distinction – It’s quintessentially classy enough to go with any outfit, be carried anywhere, and pretty much hold anything you consider an everyday essential.

Designer: Jared Morse

Click here to Buy Now: $199 $249 ($50 off). Hurry, only 6/40 left!

Most people don’t know this but backpacks are a part of the ‘EDC’ category too. The abbreviation stands for the term ‘EveryDay Carry’, and while most people think that the category just covers tools, wallets, and other pocketable items, the backpack is a classic example of something you carry every day. Where the EDC Backpack differs from other backpacks, however, is in its material and visual appeal, which makes it perfect for work and leisure, indoor and outdoor, and professional and casual use simultaneously.

3 Colour options – Left: Cocoa color. Middle: Black color. Right: Saddle color.

The backpack’s 100% leather build is perhaps its most visually eye-catching feature. Everything from the bag itself to the straps, handles, and pockets are made from top-notch full-grain leather, available in one of three colors – Cocoa, Black, or Saddle. Aside from the three colors, you’ve also got two sizes to choose from – a Medium with a 17L carrying capacity, and a Large which gives you 22L of storage. Both sizes, however, offer the same classic aesthetic, along with all the features, details, and pockets you’d need to carry your life with you.

Extra secure passport / wallet pocket on the rear of the bag.

Lower front pocket – includes zippered mesh pocket on the front wall

Upper front pocket – big enough for a wallet, passport, keys and other smaller items

Large main compartment

The exterior of the bags features quilted panels on both the front and back that give the EDC Backpack its memorable aesthetic. On the front, the backpack has two outer zippers for stashing belongings (with an extra hidden zipper pocket inside the lower compartment), along with side pockets for bottles, D-rings for hanging carabiners and your other gadgets/accessories, and an extra-secure pocket at the back, right between the adjustable leather shoulder straps.

This pack has a super durable polyester liner, and a double reinforced base.

Features YKK Zippers + Full-Grain Leather

Large interior pocket on the back wall with quilted stitching

Two zips offer access to a rather roomy interior, lined with a super-durable polyester fabric. A dedicated zip gives you padded storage for your laptop up to 16″ in size, while zips on the front let you access the spacious main compartment of the bag that’s outfitted with pockets, mesh-lined pouches, and enough space to store clothes, gadgets, accessories, and anything else you’d need to carry around with you.

Comes with a luggage strap to the back of the bag

Dedicated laptop compartment on the rear of the bag

The EDC Backpack’s appeal is in the fact that it’s designed to complement pretty much every part of your daily routine. Unlike fabric bags that look too disheveled for work, or professional-looking work backpacks that don’t translate well to our outdoor travel aesthetic (after all, that monogrammed company logo won’t look good in your holiday pictures), the EDC Backpack fits in and simultaneously stands out pretty much anywhere. The wonderful leather fabric is perfect for work, looks exceptionally great for travel, and sets you apart as a pretty classy dude if you’re using it as a creative for carrying your camera and whatnot. It’s travel-ready, thanks to adjustable shoulder straps, and a sleeve to slide your luggage handle through. It’s also built to last, relying on high-quality materials, durable YKK zippers, and a double-reinforced base that lets you rest your backpack down on any surface without worrying about your bag getting damaged… and the best part? That gorgeous full-grain leather ages as you do, gathering a wonderful patina that gives your EDC Backpack a distinct character that’s unique to just your backpack.

Left: Large size in Cocoa. Right: Medium size in Saddle.

The RŌMFRĒ EDC Backpack starts at a highly discounted $199 (you won’t find a 100% full-grain leather backpack anywhere for that amount) that’s standard across both Medium and Large sizes. The backpacks are supported by a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship and manufacturing defects (the makers will repair/replace your bag for free), and if you’re in for the full-leather lifestyle, $300 gets you the complete RŌMFRĒ travel bundle, which also includes a minimalist leather bifold wallet, and a dopp bag for your essentials.Click here to Buy Now: $199 $249 ($50 off). Hurry, only 6/40 left!

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The 2024 KeyShot Animation Challenge encourages Designers to push the limit with new Physics and Camera effects

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Even Instagram pivoted from photo to video content… and so should your renders! Sure, a JPG or PNG can be worth a thousand words, but think of how impactful product videos can be. KeyShot has always been at the forefront of the rendering industry, but with these new features, it aims to make video/animation just as easy as rendering images. The 2024 KeyShot Animation Challenge invites designers to explore KeyShot’s two most powerful animation tools – the Physics Simulation feature, and the Camera Keyframes feature.

These two tools unlock a vast array of possibilities – the Physics Simulation helps bring realism to your renders, letting you create falling/bouncing objects, colliding elements, and impactful scenes. Meanwhile, the Camera Keyframes tool allows you to go beyond the traditional zoom, pan, revolve movements and build a more unique and detailed camera path simply by adding keyframes and allowing the camera to glide between them. You can use either one or both tools in your submission to the challenge, which should be a video of 30 seconds maximum. The more imaginative the better.

Click Here to Participate in the 2024 KeyShot Animation Challenge. Hurry! Challenge ends March 10th, 2024.

How to participate:

  1. Download and Install KeyShot and use the trial code KSANIMATE24 to get free access
  2. Create a 30-second (max) rendered video exploring the Physics Simulation and/or the Camera Keyframe tools.
  3. Render your file in 1080p resolution
  4. Submit your entry by uploading and sharing your visuals on Instagram. Use the hashtag #KeyShotAnimation

Important Note: Finalists will be required to send their .ksp file, so be sure to save that in a safe place!

Timelines:

Challenge begins: February 8, 2024
Challenge ends: March 10, 2024

Prizes:

Gold Prize: KeyShot Pro Subscription + KeyShotWeb Subscription + Render showcased on KeyShot blog, Social Media, Newsletter and KeyShot startup window + A Will Gibbons Masterclass + Access to KeyShot Farms cloud rendering service for 1 week. (64-cores CPU or 1x RTX4090 GPU, value of $449.)
Silver Prize: KeyShot Pro Subscription + Render showcased on KeyShot blog, Social Media, Newsletter and KeyShot startup window + A Will Gibbons Masterclass
Bronze Prize: KeyShot Pro Subscription + Render showcased on KeyShot blog, Social Media, Newsletter and KeyShot startup window

Jury:

Karim Merchant – Senior Industrial Design and Creative Specialist, KeyShot
Reza Tari – Marketing Design Manager, KeyShot
Jordan Doane – Creative Support Specialist, KeyShot

Helpful Tips:

Learn about Physics Simulation and Camera Keyframes on the KeyShot YouTube channel. You can also dig into Animation in the KeyShot manual.

Need a model? Choose from thousands of models in the KeyShot Cloud Library.

Click Here to Participate in the 2024 KeyShot Animation Challenge. Hurry! Challenge ends March 10th, 2024.

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This Alternate-universe Cadillac Concept is just unsettlingly beautiful

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They say car aesthetics evolved to keep up with our abilities to bend and shape metal. Cars in older days were boxy because we couldn’t manipulate metal sheets into 3D curves and contours. As soon as that happened, the retro-style boxy cars went the way of the dodo, giving rise to more aerodynamic, curvilinear silhouettes… but what if, in an alternate reality, the old aesthetic just stuck around? We moved onto futuristic-looking LED headlights and cyberpunk metallic gloss/matte paint-jobs… but the shell of our vehicles still retained their retro charm. Meet Hexaleaf, a concept car (and brand) from Ukrainian concept artist Andrii Snitsar. Created as a part of another project, Snitsar decided to share the Hexaleaf as an independent project on his Artstation, highlight its retro-inspired cyberpunk beauty.

Designer: Andrii Snitsar

Snitsar’s Hexaleaf somehow simultaneously looks retro as well as futuristic – think DeLorean but a lot classier. The straight lines and lack of organic curves are almost caricature-ish, but look wonderful on the car. See the cutout on the fender for the wheels and you’ll know what I mean. Snitsar is almost ridiculing the notion of car design by giving the wheels an almost SIM-card-shaped cutout (OCD-people beware). It looks eye-catching, to say the least, and brings more attention to the shiny wheel rims. The car also opts for a highly unusual front bumper, looking more like a metal bumper guard than the bumper itself. It lines up perfectly with those gorgeous headlights that feel like a luxury car from the 50s was given a facelift worthy of the year 2050.

The Hexaleaf logo features prominently on the roof – an odd choice. It can even be seen on the hood, which is where car logos are most commonly found.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly the design language that’s on display with the Hexaleaf, but there’s a strong interplay between old-fashioned and futuristic. The car’s shape, just on face value, is a hat-tip to the cars of the mid-60s, with those vertical headlights adding a distinct retro flavor (think Deville, GTO, Galaxie, or even the Eldorado). That flat-panel windshield is a throwback to an even older time when triplex glass couldn’t be bent into shape, giving the Hexaleaf an undeniable blast-from-the-past appeal. The use of chrome, for some reason, feels both retro and modern, evoking the simultaneous emotions of the DeLorean and the Cybertruck.

The rear highlights dual exhausts and a set of three-ring LED tail-lights, hidden behind a transparent facade (so the back is completely flat, coming to life only when the lights shine through. It’s surprising there’s no electric power train on this one (you’ll even see the gasoline inlet beside the taillight), but then again, the fact that it runs on fuel kinda does give it the pure American muscle vibe that I personally love.

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Unique ‘Minimal Kinetic Clock’ uses moving 3D-printed parts to tell time through light and shadow

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Let’s face it, that thumbnail probably brought you here. Outwardly, the Minimal Kinetic Clock is just a flat piece of white plastic, but thanks to a few moving parts, it assumes a three-dimensional shape that tells the time. Strategically place it in an area with dramatic lighting and the time stands out through how the clock captures highlights and casts shadows.

The project comes courtesy YouTuber Lukas Deem, who meticulously builds the clock from scratch using bespoke 3D-printed parts, an Arduino Mega SoC, and a handful of motors and sensors (while graciously documenting the process for all of us to see. Lukas walks the viewers through the whole procedure, which took multiple iterations and fixes to put together, even detailing out a special stand he made for the clock once it was up and running. The final result looks gorgeous, and I can only imagine how wonderful it would look if Lukas mounted a stretchy white cloth on the front, allowing the parts to push through to create the shape of every number. If you’re reading this, Lukas… give it a shot!

Designer: Lukas Deem (originally made by Jacky Mok)

Lukas embarked on this venture with a clear goal: to build a clean, minimalistic kinetic clock that elevates the concept of timekeeping into kinetic art. The choice of materials was crucial to this endeavor. The project required two power supplies to ensure all components received adequate energy, white Hatchbox filament for its optimal quality for 3D printing, an off-brand Arduino Mega (from Elegoo), a sensor shield for the electronics, and 30 budget-friendly servos to bring the kinetic aspect to life. A real-time clock (RTC) module was also essential for maintaining accurate time.

The 3D printing process alone was a marathon, consuming approximately 85 hours, excluding the time spent on test prints and correcting mistakes. This phase underscored the meticulous attention to detail and patience required for such an intricate project.

However, the assembly phase presented its own set of challenges. Each of the 30 servos underwent rigorous testing for functionality, with a critical step involving the calibration of these components to ensure the clock’s precise movement. One significant hurdle was the project’s power supply system. The challenge of efficiently powering both the Arduino and the sensor shield without resorting to an unwieldy setup led to a compromise: using two power plugs, a solution that, while not ideal, was necessary under the constraints of time and resources.

Design refinements were also an integral part of the process. The creator focused on cable management, using zip ties to maintain a neat appearance, and developed a new base design to enhance the clock’s stability and aesthetic appeal. These improvements aimed at making the clock not just a functional piece but also a polished work of art worthy of display.

That being said, there was definitely room for improvement. Lukas pointed out that the servo motors in the clock weren’t particularly quiet, which meant this clock was a LOT noisier than your traditional ticking clock. However, it would do rather well in an open space like a living room, as opposed to being by your bedside or study table. Assembling the clock using hot glue also seemed to be a rather poor idea, given how it prevents you from disassembling/repairing/upgrading your clock after it’s built.

Lukas, however, isn’t the original creator of the clock. He credits the original design to Jacky Mok, who goes by the username ‘alstroemeria’ on Instructables. You can check out Jacky’s fully detailed build page on the Instructables website if you want to build your own Minimalist Kinetic Clock.

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The “Willy Wonka” of musical instruments created this oddly appealing portable MIDI guitar

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Nobody has destroyed, rebuilt, and reimagined the notion of synthesizers as much as Love Hultén. The maverick synth-maker is credited with designing some of the most incredible-looking electronic music machines out there (we’ve covered a fair few), from synths and loopers to modular electro units and even some record players and arcade games on the side. The Sweden-based music aficionado and synth-builder kicked off 2024 with a new project in collaboration with ‘catbeats’. Although this particular device doesn’t have a name yet, Hultén mentioned that it’s a unique-looking MIDI guitar that has a NESpoly synth on the inside, and a detachable fretboard that makes the entire apparatus easy to travel with.

Designer: Love Hultén

The unconventional design of the MIDI instrument is just about as much of a hat top to a guitar as possible. It does have a fretboard that triggers notes, and a dedicated strumming section for chords and such, but you’ve also got a variety of knobs and buttons that loop, modulate, play/pause, and increase/decrease the gain of what you’re playing.

The entire design can be disassembled for travel, and features a few quirky details made specifically for the user. Given catbeats’ obsession with felines, the guitar has a cat avatar in the bottom corner underneath a removable clear dome. Reminiscent of those cat backpacks that have the pet behind a clear plastic structure, the dome can be removed to access the tiny avatar underneath, and the avatar is made to be replaceable too, allowing you to swap out cats based on mood. Hultén also details that the guitar’s strap is made from ‘extraterrestrial skin’, although that’s just fancy wording given that the strap’s crafted from a clear flexible plastic sheet (or maybe aliens have better skincare than I do)…

MIDI guitars are unusual to come by, although if I did expect them, it would probably be from Hultén. The Gothenburg-based artist has worked on some rather unique and inspiring electronic products, from a circular Game Boy to a synth made from plastic dentures. Sure, this guitar doesn’t feature too high on Hultén’s weirdness scale, but it’s a remarkable representation of how his brain works.

Close-up view of the avatar area and the removable plastic dome.

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