Author Archives: Sarang Sheth

Material Matters 2024: Shaping the Future of Design & Sustainability Through Materials Innovation

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As part of the iconic London Design Festival, Material Matters 2024 promises to be a cornerstone for material enthusiasts, designers, and innovators. Set in the historic Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, from September 18-21, the fair will spotlight groundbreaking work across material disciplines, showcasing how innovative thinking can shape the future of sustainable design. This year’s lineup includes some of the most compelling projects and collaborations that fuse creativity with sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at five standout exhibitions that demonstrate the show’s thematic diversity and material brilliance.

1. Locally Grown: Harnessing Human Hair as a Material

In an unexpected and captivating twist, Studio Sanne Visser is showcasing Locally Grown, an installation that explores human hair as a regenerative material. Visser, known for pushing the boundaries of material design, has transformed what many consider waste into a valuable resource. Visitors can not only experience the journey from haircuts to yarn but can even contribute to the process by offering their own hair for transformation.

Hair spun into yarn, is showcased in products like ropes and even wearable garmets like hats, developed in collaboration with various designers. This project underscores the versatility of unconventional materials and opens up conversations around waste and resourcefulness. The exhibit is backed by the Dutch Embassy and reflects a strong commitment to material reuse​.

2. Suru: Blending Craftsmanship with Circular Innovation

Barcelona-based Suru is a standout in Room 12, bringing a fusion of local craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainable living. The brand’s philosophy is rooted in circular innovation, with a focus on integrating recycled and biodegradable materials into its modular furniture and lighting designs. At Material Matters 2024, Suru is launching new products, including the Carta Lamp 001, a portable light made from a single sheet of paper that can be disassembled easily for repair, embodying their lifecycle approach. They’re also showcasing established pieces like the Niu Armchair 001, crafted from ethically sourced, VOC-free beech wood and featuring a cushion made from recycled coconut shells and PET fabric. Each piece exemplifies Suru’s dedication to sustainability without compromising on style or functionality​​.

3. BIOTEXFUTURE: Revolutionizing Textiles Through Biotechnology

The future of textiles is bio-based, and nowhere is this more evident than in Fibre Futures, an exhibition led by BIOTEXFUTURE in collaboration with Adidas and RWTH Aachen University. This installation delves into innovations in bio-manufacturing and alternative resource streams, with a focus on high-performance textiles that could revolutionize the fashion and sportswear industries. The combination of scientific research and cutting-edge design makes this one of the more technical but no less intriguing exhibits​.

This exhibit offers visitors a look into how biotechnology is shaping the next generation of materials, proving that high-performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability. Expect alternative fibers and spinning techniques that push the boundaries of what textiles can do.

4. Rootfull: Nature’s Hidden Potential

Rootfull, an innovative project turning to nature’s unseen power, focuses on creating sustainable designs using tree roots. This unique approach explores the raw beauty and versatility of roots in product design. At Material Matters 2024, Rootfull showcases a range of lamps crafted from roots, highlighting their natural durability and the aesthetic appeal of light leaking through the fibrous network of roots. By using a material that’s typically overlooked or discarded, Rootfull not only opens up new possibilities for biomaterials but also taps into the innate connection between nature and design, offering a fresh perspective on how we can reimagine organic waste as functional, beautiful art.

5. Mushlume Lighting: Lighting the Way with Mycelium

Continuing the biomaterials theme, Mushlume Lighting by Danielle Trofe uses mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms—to create an eco-friendly line of lighting. Each piece is biofabricated, grown rather than made, illustrating the potential of mycelium as a scalable, renewable material. Trofe’s work is an outstanding example of how fungi can move beyond the realm of the kitchen and into the living room, lighting up spaces with minimal environmental impact​.

6. Peel Fabric Lamp: Illuminating Waste with Alkesh Parmar

Designer and researcher Alkesh Parmar has long been known for his innovative use of materials often regarded as waste, particularly citrus peel. At Material Matters 2024, Parmar showcases his Peel Fabric Lamp, an extraordinary piece crafted from orange peel, a material that behaves much like leather when treated. Parmar’s practice of blending craft and critical design questions the impact of globalization and champions local, sustainable materials. His unique approach not only transforms everyday waste into functional art but also pushes the boundaries of material innovation. The Peel Fabric Lamp exemplifies his belief in the potential of overlooked resources, offering a striking visual reminder of how waste can be reimagined into objects of beauty and practicality.

Material Matters 2024 offers a breathtaking view of the future, where materials are no longer just functional but integral to the conversation on sustainability and innovation. Whether it’s furniture crafted from orange peel, lighting grown from mushrooms, or yarn spun from human hair, the exhibits at this year’s fair challenge us to rethink our relationships with the materials that surround us. With each installation, visitors are reminded that the future of design doesn’t just lie in creating new products, but in reimagining the materials that shape them.

Expect the unexpected at Material Matters 2024—and don’t be surprised if you leave with a new appreciation for the chair you sit on or the light that illuminates your room.

The post Material Matters 2024: Shaping the Future of Design & Sustainability Through Materials Innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Elago’s Pager Case for the AirPods 4 may have VERY unfortunate timing, but it looks cute

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I’m sure the folks at Elago had no idea pagers would be a hot geopolitical topic around the time they announced their cute AirPods cases but we definitely live in unprecedented times! Designed to look like the famed device from the pre-cellular era, this silicone cover-case fits around the AirPods 4, transforming it into a piece of retro tech! The cover is a part of Elago’s ongoing series that has turned the AirPods into mini iPod Shuffles, Macintoshes, and even the Apple Watch into a makeshift iPod Classic.

Designer: Elago

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Designed to be compatible with the AirPods 4 which launched just last week, this cover case is yet another part of Elago’s throwback design series. This time, the cover case looks like a pager, complete with a screen that reads Apple’s signature “Hello” but in seven-segment calculator-speak. The screen (which glows in the dark) is accompanied by faux buttons too, along with a chain and clip that you can use to attach the AirPods to your pant pocket.

For those born after the turn of the millennium, pagers were the evolutionary step right before portable cellular phones. Unlike cell-phones or mobiles that let you have conversations with other people, pagers were simply beepers. You’d give your pager number to people, and they’d call your pager. The screen would notify you that you received a call from someone, and you’d then have to find a landline phone to call them back. It wasn’t convenient, but it was compact, had a battery that lasted several days, and was a great way to get notified of a call without getting distracted by having to answer it. You’d see the number and call them back whenever convenient.

This cover case, like all of Elago’s cases, comes made from silicone, known for its rubbery soft exterior and impact resistance. The shock-proof silicone cover makes it a perfect pick for people who want to protect their AirPods from bumps, scratches, or any impact-based damage. Moreover, the screen (and buttons) even glow in the dark, mimicking the backlight of pager displays back in the day, while also allowing your AirPods to be visible and accessible in the dark!

The Elago Pager Case comes at a very ill-fated time, following the series of pager explosion attacks that occurred in Lebanon over the weekend. Although it seems like pagers might not be having a good media cycle for now, these cases may be a cute option once the news dies down and pagers are again remembered for what they truly are… being the iconic communication device of the early 90s, with doctors even today using them in the hospital wards and operation theaters over actual phones.

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Nothing Phone (3) concept brings a 3-Camera Setup and a refined Glyph Interface to the smartphone

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Thrice as good deserves thrice the number of cameras, right?

The past few weeks have been tech-heavy. First the Google Pixel launch, then IFA (where we saw multiple new phones), and then Apple announcing the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. It’s called Tech-tember for a reason, and it seems like we’re just getting started because Huawei announced their tri-fold device just days ago, and now this Nothing Phone (3) concept is grabbing eyeballs.

It’s been a while since the company’s announced a new flagship. Nothing debuted the budget Phone (2a) this year, and followed it up with the ultra-budget CMF Phone (1) later in July. While we wait for the Phone (3) to officially drop, this concept from the mind of AndroidLeo shows off an incredibly refined form that still stays true to Nothing’s original design playbook.

Designer: AndroidLeo

Purely a visual exercise on behalf of AndroidLeo, this concept shows a further refinement of Nothing’s style. Not much changed between Phone (1) and (2) barring the splitting of the Glyph interface. AndroidLeo takes the Glyph interface in this concept further by modifying its shape without diluting the character. The G-shaped arc in the Glyph gets turned into an O shape, around the wireless charging coils as well as inside them. The glyph light on the top right corner remains untouched, but the camera gets a redesigned LED array. The Phone (3) features a 3-lens setup, and the Glyphs respond to that, with an almost clover-meets-fidget-spinner type layout. A flash sits in the top right part of this glyph, while the battery and charging lights at the bottom stay intact, along with the red recording light.

Details on the Phone (3) have been scarce, although one could expect a launch probably around MWC next year if we’re looking at patterns. As of now, Nothing’s debuting a documentary on Brian Eno at the London Design Festival, and just announced a product launch on the 24th of September.

As for AndroidLeo’s concept, it’s a wonderful look at the evolution of the company’s design. Nothing’s trajectory as a company has been different from most others. They’ve been ruthlessly consumer-focused, with community events, and even encouraging of fan-made designs (whether official as a part of design contests, or unofficial concepts that Nothing proudly showcases on their YouTube).

It’s safe to say that when the Phone (3) launches, a triple-lens camera might just be the most no-brainer upgrade… especially given that Nothing has not one, but two budget phone lines – their (a) series as well as the CMF series. It just makes sense for their flagship to now become the de-facto ‘Pro’ of their mobile offering. Snapdragon hopes to announce Gen 4 of their Snapdragon 8 chipset in October, and Nothing will undoubtedly capitalize on it by being one of the first new phones to feature the processor.

The Phone (3) could also be one of Nothing’s first AI-focus phones, as the Phone (2) and (2a) both had GenAI-based wallpaper options. Aside from Gemini making its eventual appearance on all Android phones, maybe Nothing’s working on AI features for their device as well as their camera system. For now, let’s see what they have to announce on the 24th of the month.

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Snap’s $1200 AR Glasses with Holo-Displays are pretty impressive… but you can’t buy them (yet)

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Techtember is the gift that keeps on giving. Beyond IFA, an Apple keynote, a PlayStation launch, Huawei’s tri-fold device debut, and impending launch events from Meta and Nothing, it seems like Snap (the company behind Snapchat) has something they want to launch too. Meet the Spectacles ’24, Snap’s latest attempt to carve out a space in the augmented reality (AR) landscape. Unlike typical consumer tech releases, the Spectacles ’24 are not available for public purchase. Instead, Snap is offering them to developers at a rate of $100 per month, amounting to $1,200 over a year. This approach allows developers to get their hands on the device, experiment with its capabilities, and build AR experiences, signaling that a consumer-ready version may not be far off.

While Snap’s relationship with Apple remains strong, the release of Spectacles ’24 positions Snap closer to becoming a competitor in the AR field, especially considering Apple’s $3,400 Vision Pro. However, in terms of design, the two devices couldn’t be more different. Spectacles ’24 don’t resemble a tech-heavy headset like the Vision Pro. Instead, they look more like casual 3D glasses from a movie theater, integrating transparent displays that enable an authentic AR experience. This technology is reminiscent of Microsoft’s Hololens but in a much smaller form factor. By creating a more approachable look, Snap is clearly trying to make AR glasses appear less intimidating and more like something you could wear day to day.

Designer: Snap Inc.

Under the hood, the Spectacles ’24 are equipped with two LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) displays, offering a respectable 46-degree field of view. This is a notable improvement over the 26.3-degree FOV of its predecessor, Spectacles 4, making it more immersive for users. The transparent waveguide optics, which dynamically adjust dimming, ensure that the AR visuals remain clear regardless of lighting conditions, enhancing the overall experience.

Performance-wise, the Spectacles ’24 pack two Snapdragon processors (specific models have not been disclosed) and an extendable battery life of 45 minutes. This isn’t particularly long for intensive use, but the device is designed for short, sharp bursts of AR activity, and external battery options are available. At 226 grams, the new Spectacles are bulkier than previous models, which weighed in at just 134 grams. This weight increase is the trade-off for improved features, including a more comprehensive camera setup. It also makes the Spectacles ’24 significantly lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro, which clocks in at nearly 1000 grams (with the battery pack) or the Hololens 2, which weighed a respectable 566 grams. The Spectacles ’24 boast two RGB cameras and two infrared sensors, enabling better hand-tracking and object recognition, along with a depth sensor for more interactive AR applications.

Beyond the hardware, Snap is taking significant strides in the software department. The Spectacles ’24 operate on SnapOS, a new operating system designed from the ground up to focus on AR. This revamped OS leverages hand-tracking as the primary interaction method, ditching the clunkier controls of earlier models. The system also incorporates a social aspect, allowing users to interact with other Spectacles in close proximity, creating co-located AR experiences. For example, friends can share and participate in AR content in real time, an idea that aligns well with Snap’s social media roots.

A notable feature of the Spectacles ’24 is the “spectator” mode. This allows someone with a smartphone to observe what’s happening in the AR environment from their own perspective, rather than just viewing a first-person feed from the glasses wearer. This social feature gives users a more engaging way to share their AR experiences, which could foster new types of interactive content.

In conjunction with the hardware launch, Snap has also updated its Lens Studio, the AR creation tool that developers use to build experiences for both Snapchat and Spectacles. The latest version supports more sophisticated programming with TypeScript and JavaScript, along with enhanced tools for collaboration, enabling developers to work together more effectively on AR projects. With the integration of SnapML, developers can utilize machine learning to create even more advanced AR applications, including object tracking and recognition.

Though the Spectacles ’24 aren’t available to consumers yet, Snap’s decision to focus on developers indicates that it’s playing the long game. By giving creators the tools they need to build compelling content now, Snap hopes to lay the groundwork for a future consumer release. It’s a strategy that makes sense, especially as the AR field heats up with other major players like Meta and Apple introducing their own headsets.

The post Snap’s $1200 AR Glasses with Holo-Displays are pretty impressive… but you can’t buy them (yet) first appeared on Yanko Design.

Does your Water Purifier also give you chilled or hot water on demand? The TOKIT AkuaPure T1 Ultra does

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No more purifying your water and then needing to put it in the fridge to chill, or the microwave to warm up. The TOKIT AkuaPure T1 Ultra literally dispenses purified hot/cold water with the press of a button. It’s the kind of multitasking we can appreciate, helping you cut the dependence on extra appliances for just adjusting water temperature.

There was a time when phones just allowed you to make phone calls. Then they became portable. Then they allowed text messaging. Eventually we’ve gotten to a point where a phone can practically do anything while being small enough to fit in your pocket. Without being hyperbolic, the TOKIT AkuaPure T1 Ultra is one step forward in that direction for purifiers. Most water purifiers just clean your water for drinking purposes. The AkuaPure T1 Ultra does so too, with a rigorous 6-stage purification process… but it also does more. With an instant cooling and heating feature, the purifier also lets you make coffee or iced tea in seconds. No waiting hours for your fridge to chill the water, or minutes for your microwave to heat water up. Now that’s what I call good problem-solving.

Designer: TOKIT

Click Here to Buy Now: $399 $699 (42% off). Hurry, only 270/300 left! Raised over $50,000.

Arguably the most impressive bit about the AkuaPure T1 Ultra is the one feature no other tabletop water purifier has – the ability to offer refreshingly cold water at 41°F alongside instant hot water courtesy its 1600W thick-film heating element. Users can select from six preset temperatures, ranging from 41°F to 210°F, allowing quick preparation of beverages in as little as three seconds. Whether you need a cold glass of water or a hot cup of tea, this device is built for versatility. The entire process takes just 3 seconds, whether it’s heating or chilling your water. Separate pipes for hot and cold water ensure ‘taste and temperature integrity’, according to the TOKIT team.

The heating and cooling may be impressive (and they are), but ultimately it’s the purification that counts, right? To that end, the AkuaPure T1 Ultra’s 6-stage reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system is pretty much state-of-the-art. This system achieves a filtration accuracy of up to 0.0001μm, effectively removing 99.99% of contaminants, including antibiotics, heavy metals, bacteria, and organic matter. The addition of activated carbon from Sri Lankan coconut shells enhances water taste, further elevating the drinking experience. With NSF/ANSI 58 and 42 certification, the AkuaPure T1 Ultra meets stringent U.S. standards for reducing total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorine, and other impurities, ensuring a cleaner, healthier drinking experience. Moreover, the water gets UV sterilization treatment too. Equipped with two UV germicidal lamps, the device is engineered to inactivate bacteria and viruses by destroying their molecular structure.

All the features sit within a sleek tabletop design that’s portable (to a degree) and doesn’t need plumbing or being bolted into a wall. The AkuaPure T1 Ultra has the demeanor of a modern coffee maker, with its vertical design and a dispensing area for you to place your cup or glass. A display on front guides you through the heating and cooling presets, while a real-time TDS display lets users monitor water quality at a glance, informing you when it’s time to change the purifier’s replaceable filters. A child safety lock feature ensures that hot water dispensing cannot be accidentally activated, a nifty and practical solution for families with young children.

The AkuaPure T1 Ultra comes in a single space-grey metal finish with a touch-sensitive display on the front and a 4-liter water reservoir at the back that needs to be periodically refilled. You can use any kind of water with the AkuaPure T1 Ultra, as TOKIT vouches for the quality of its filtration system, following years of R&D in the space and having carved its name as an indispensable water purification expert. In fact, the purifier also has its own automatic self-cleaning function that kicks in periodically to flush out its filters, ensuring that you only drink the freshest water… hot or cold.

Click Here to Buy Now: $399 $699 (42% off). Hurry, only 270/300 left! Raised over $50,000.

The post Does your Water Purifier also give you chilled or hot water on demand? The TOKIT AkuaPure T1 Ultra does first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple to launch NEW iPad Mini after 3 years, plus M4 MacBook, iMac, and Mac Mini at upcoming October event

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Although Apple just announced latest iterations of the iPhone, Watch, and AirPods, it seems like the company still has new products left to announce. Given that the iPad Pro got the M4 chip earlier this year, it only makes sense that Apple would bring the same flagship chip to their other products. Renowned analyst Mark Gurman announced that Apple has yet another event that’s due for sometime in October. The upcoming October 2024 event is expected to unveil a range of exciting new products, particularly in the Mac and iPad lineup. Among the anticipated announcements are the M4 MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, along with new iterations of the iPad mini (which hasn’t seen an update since 2021) and iPad 11. These product launches continue Apple’s trend of releasing updated models with each passing year, reflecting its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and user experience. This event is expected to mark the debut of the M4 chip series, following last year’s release of the M3-powered devices.

The MacBook Pro is expected to take center stage with updated 14-inch and 16-inch models featuring the new M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. Apple fans are likely to appreciate the continued refinement of performance, even though there are no expected changes to the external design of these laptops. The MacBook Pro last saw a significant redesign in 2021, and rumors suggest that an OLED display and thinner design may not appear until 2026. However, the anticipated internal improvements promise to elevate multitasking, graphics capabilities, and battery efficiency, catering to professionals and creative users alike. These updates should keep the MacBook Pro in contention as one of the most powerful and efficient laptops in the market.

In addition to the MacBook Pro, Apple is also planning to update the iMac with the M4 chip. While there has been speculation about potential design changes, the primary focus for the iMac appears to be performance enhancement. The Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories are also rumored to switch from Lightning to USB-C, aligning with Apple’s gradual transition to USB-C across its product lines. This would provide a more uniform experience for users who own multiple Apple devices, offering a higher degree of flexibility and compatibility across accessories.

The Mac mini is another product expected to benefit from the M4 series, sort of leapfrogging from the M2 chip that it currently has from 2 years ago. The M4 and M4 Pro chips should deliver significant improvements in speed and efficiency. Notably, the Mac mini is rumored to undergo a physical redesign, potentially shrinking to a size closer to that of an Apple TV. This compact redesign is likely to appeal to users looking for a powerful yet space-efficient desktop solution. However, reports suggest that the new Mac mini may forgo USB-A ports, which could stir some debate among users who rely on legacy devices. Given this news, one could assume that the Mac Studio will get a similar M4 upgrade sometime early next year.

The iPad mini is also on the agenda for the October event, with the seventh-generation model expected to feature a faster chip (possibly the A18 that’s inside the flagship iPhones), upgraded cameras, and improved display performance to address the “jelly scrolling” issue that has affected portrait-mode usage. Additionally, the iPad mini is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, making it more future-proof in terms of wireless connectivity. For users seeking a more portable alternative to the full-sized iPad, the iPad mini continues to offer an excellent balance of power and portability. The introduction of new color options will also cater to those who prioritize personalization in their devices.

Lastly, Apple is expected to reveal new lower-end iPads, including the iPad 11 (which hasn’t been updated since 2022). These devices will likely focus on offering accessible entry points into Apple’s ecosystem while maintaining solid performance, making them ideal for education and general productivity purposes.

This October event is shaping up to be an important one for Apple’s computing division, with a strong focus on incremental improvements in performance, user experience, and design efficiency across its product lineup. The introduction of the M4 series will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, while updates to the iPad lineup will maintain Apple’s leadership in the tablet market. It’s just been a week since Apple’s last keynote and the company’s still waiting for consumers to get their hands on the iPhone 16 and Watch 10 devices, so it doesn’t seem like Apple will announce for at least a few weeks. However, if the event’s due for October, we can expect Apple to either announce it formally at the end of the month or silently update devices like they’ve done in the past although the latter seems less likely.

The post Apple to launch NEW iPad Mini after 3 years, plus M4 MacBook, iMac, and Mac Mini at upcoming October event first appeared on Yanko Design.

Batmobile Crocs may be the coolest version of the footwear we’ve ever seen

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We’ve seen Shrek Crocs in the past (and tbh they’re hideously brilliant), but nothing really passes the vibe check as much as these Batmobile Crocs. Modeled to look like the iconic vehicle from the 1989 Batman movie starring Michael Keaton, these shoes come with all the bells and whistles, including a graphic on the front showcasing the hood, a set of fins near the ankle, wheel-shaped details around the heel, and the best part, actual windshields on the front! Yes, you’ve got headlights and taillights too, along with the jet engine intake on the frontal tip and an afterburner on the back. Sure, Crocs have a reputation of being considered a fashion faux pas, but this one pulls all the stops. Oh, did I also mention it comes with its own custom Batman Jibbitz charms that you can fasten into the holes on the top??

Designer: Crocs

Wear these shoes and you’re bound to get a few stares – some of awe and others of contempt. If you can look past the latter, the ‘Crocs Batman Batmobile Classic Clogs’ are quite the wearable memorabilia. Announced on the 45th anniversary of the Batman movie, these shoes perfectly capture the unique design of the Batmobile from all those years ago, and I assume it has to do with the clog’s inherent bulbous, curvy shape.

The design is absolutely filled with easter-eggs that make it look almost exactly like the 1989 Batmobile. The front of the clog mimics the 1989 Batmobile’s turbine intake, complete with mechanical lines and even the tiny signal lights from the car. You’ll find the Batmobile’s classic wings molded into the heel straps, adding a bit of flair to an otherwise laid-back piece of footwear. The side profile features carvings that resemble the Batmobile’s rear wheels and side air intakes. It’s clear the design team put thought into translating one of the most iconic vehicles in comic book history onto a clog.

Quite like the Batmobile itself, these shoes are built for everything. As Crocs are known for, they’re lightweight, flexible, and come equipped with their signature ventilation ports to keep your feet cool and dry. This is a crucial feature for anyone who’s spent time in Crocs—they can handle water, mud, or any unexpected elements, just as Batman handles Gotham’s criminal underworld. The pivoting heel straps are a practical addition, keeping the clogs secure on your feet whether you’re on a casual stroll or, hypothetically, chasing after a villain. The Crocs material also makes these shoes easy to clean, which is always a plus if you’re planning to wear them in all kinds of weather… and get this, all Crocs are also flame-retardant, which is definitely a plus too!

In true Crocs fashion, the Batman Batmobile Classic Clog comes with special Jibbitz charms. These small, rubber accessories allow you to personalize your pair with extra Batman-themed flair, further indulging your superhero fantasies. The Batman x Crocs Classic Clog “Batmobile” will be priced at just $69.99 when it launches later this September. A kids’ version will also be available for $54.99 upon release. The Jibbitz, sadly, cost extra.

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Your Wireless Charger Might Be Hurting Your Battery — Aukey’s MagFusion Pro Series Has the Fix

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I bought a wireless charging power bank a few months back for my iPhone 15 Pro. I don’t use it anymore just because of how much it heats up my battery. You see, a battery’s biggest enemy is heat. Heat affects the lithium-ion sub-structure, not only causing your battery to lose efficiency over time but also potentially catch fire. Neither of those things are good, obviously – which is why Aukey’s new chargers with its proprietary Omnia-Frez technology keep your devices cool while they wirelessly charge.

Aukey’s MagFusion series, equipped with the innovative Omnia-Frez cooling technology, offers a practical and stylish solution to one of the most frustrating problems of modern tech—overheating during charging. Whether you’re a mobile gamer fighting through long boss battles, an Apple enthusiast with too many cables cluttering your desk, or a commuter relying on your phone for navigation, the MagFusion lineup promises to keep your devices cool, charged, and ready for anything.

“The new Omnia-Frez technology addresses the challenge of overheating while charging head-on,” said David Yunyou Wu, Vice President of AUKEY. “Overheating slows down charging and degrades a battery’s lifespan, but AUKEY’s revolutionary Omnia-Frez cooling technology is changing the game for iPhone users.”

Designer: Aukey

The MagFusion 3-in-1 Pro is the perfect charging station for those who live deep within the Apple ecosystem. It’s designed to handle your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously, offering a sleek, minimalist design that’s far more appealing than the spaghetti mess of cables we’re all too familiar with. But it’s not just about looks—this charging hub is all about efficiency. Thanks to the Omnia-Frez cooling system, the 3-in-1 Pro keeps your devices running cool by reducing charging temperatures by up to 20°C (68°F), which leads to faster charging times and a longer lifespan for your battery. In fact, Aukey’s testing shows that an iPhone 15 Pro charges a full 26 minutes faster on the 3-in-1 Pro compared to traditional wireless chargers. Plus, the adjustable stand allows you to prop your phone at the perfect angle for FaceTime calls or a quick glance at notifications.

Not only does it work beautifully, but the 3-in-1 Pro is also easy on the eyes, made with tempered glass and aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s a charging station that will look just as good in a modern office as it would on your nightstand. All the while, a strong magnetic connection ensures your iPhone stays firmly in place—so even if you accidentally nudge it, it’s not going anywhere.

If mobile gaming is your thing, Aukey’s MagFusion GameFrost was tailor-made for you. We’ve all had our phones get alarmingly hot mid-game, only to watch performance tank as the heat throttles the processor. The GameFrost combats this by offering three adjustable cooling modes—Common, Medium, and Freezing—that you can tweak depending on how intense your gaming session gets. This performance enhancer disguised as a charger keeps your phone cool enough to handle whatever game you throw at it without losing speed or lagging when you need it most. And, of course, it charges your phone at the same time, pumping out 15W of wireless power for iPhones compatible with Qi2 and MagSafe.

But Aukey didn’t stop at function; they added a dash of flair with customizable lighting effects. Whether you prefer a pulsing glow during late-night gaming sessions or a solid color that matches your RGB keyboard, GameFrost lets you set the mood. The real-time temperature display is a nice touch, too, giving you live feedback on just how cool your device is staying, ensuring both peace of mind and bragging rights.

For those always on the move, the MagFusion Dash Pro transforms your car into a high-tech charging station. We’ve all been there—halfway through a road trip or stuck in traffic, watching your phone heat up as it juggles GPS, podcasts, and texts. The Dash Pro prevents that problem with its active Omnia-Frez cooling system, designed to keep your phone cool even on long, grueling drives. It delivers 15W wireless charging and is compatible with iPhones using Qi2 tech, ensuring your phone stays powered up without becoming a hot brick in your hand.

What sets the Dash Pro apart, though, is its secure, no-nonsense design. It’s compact yet sturdy, with a strong magnetic mount that holds your phone firmly in place, even over potholes and bumpy roads. The adjustable ball joint means you can tweak your phone’s angle to suit your line of sight—perfect for navigation. With its sleek profile and silent operation, this is the kind of tech you’ll barely notice while it quietly does its job.

Aukey’s Omnia-Frez technology, featured in every MagFusion product, works its magic through a combination of cooling techniques. A 7-blade fan spins silently, whisking heat away, while alloy cooling fins and a thermoelectric chip work in tandem to dissipate heat quickly. The result is a cooler, more efficient charging experience, with no throttling or battery damage from excessive heat. And, unlike many cooling systems, this one is impressively quiet. Whether you’re deep into a gaming session, working at your desk, or listening to tunes on the road, the MagFusion series operates with barely a whisper, making it as unobtrusive as it is effective. So, whether you’re catching up on emails, dominating the leaderboards, or navigating rush hour traffic, you can count on your phone being ready for action without going mercurial… literally.

The post Your Wireless Charger Might Be Hurting Your Battery — Aukey’s MagFusion Pro Series Has the Fix first appeared on Yanko Design.

Foldable Game Boy console lets you go from Classic to Nintendo Switch-style Landscape gaming in seconds

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Flip Phones? How about we introduce an era of Flip Consoles!

Meet the Game Boy Flip, an audacious fan-made console concept that features a flip-type gadget with joy-cons. In its shut mode, you’ve got a handheld device that can be used to play Game Boy Advanced or Color games, but open the foldable and you’ve got a larger screen for a more immersive landscape-style game a la Nintendo Switch. I don’t see any cameras on this device but slap a couple and you quite literally have a flip phone that can be used for stuff other than just gaming… not bad, huh??

Designer: Abdelrahman Shaapan

The idea of a foldable gaming console seems like an absolute winner, truth be told. Flip phones are currently in a spot where they’re searching for a problem to solve – but the Game Boy Flip has no such problem. It’s a dedicated gaming device that takes its reputation seriously, offering multiple gaming modes ( we counted as many as three).

The first is just straight-up handheld touchscreen gaming. Use it in the closed mode for more retro old-school games, or open it up for a more expansive contemporary console experience. The dual touchscreens are perfect for immersing yourself in games, although there are arrow buttons on both the left and right side just in case you want some analog action.

If touchscreen gaming isn’t your jam (and a lot of bonafide gamers would feel so), the Game Boy Flip comes with snap-on Joy-Cons that let you play games with advanced controls, just like you would a GBA or Nintendo DS. The closed-display format offers the perfect size and aspect ratio for such games, making it perfect to relive old classics from years ago.

However, open the console up and you’re presented with a modern-day beast. The Joy-Cons snap to the open-screen device, now giving you a larger landscape display that’s perfect for newer games like the ones on the Switch. In fact, I’d go a step further and say the Game Boy Flip looks better than the Switch just given how slick and gorgeous that bezel-less screen is.

The only real difference is that the Joy-Cons don’t exist independently. They’re part of an armature that holds the phone in between (sort of like the Razer Kishi or the Backbone controller) with a USB-C jack plugging into the device to create a ‘wired’ connection, so you can’t detach the Joy-Cons and play with them independently the way you would on a Switch. However, that isn’t really what this concept is all about – it’s more about providing a novel template for the clamshell-style foldable phone, turning it into a Game Boy from the future that’s backward compatible, allowing you to play old classics on a small screen, and modern-day titles on the larger, landscape screen.

Now sure, this is just a fan-made concept of a Nintendo device that will probably never exist… but if anyone there can build a controller prototype for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 or even the Xiaomi Mix Flip, I’m sure there’s definitely a gamer market out there willing to rock a flip phone just for the experience of being able to play games on it effectively!

The post Foldable Game Boy console lets you go from Classic to Nintendo Switch-style Landscape gaming in seconds first appeared on Yanko Design.

Revolutionize your Coffee Brewing with this Ultra-Minimal Grinder with 48 Grind Profiles + RPM Settings

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I’m not a coffee nerd, but I’m a ritualist. I love the idea of brewing your beverage of choice (tea or coffee) the intended way. With tea, it’s a fairly fixed routine that I seldom deviate from, and for coffee, although I go through the entire ritual of ensuring the temperature and brew times are perfect, I imagine my coffee would taste significantly better if I ground my own beans instead of using the pre-ground ones I picked up at my local barista. But with so many grinders on the market, finding one that balances performance, ease of use, and design can be a grind in itself. The Grinista Coffee Grinder aims to check all those boxes. It’s sleek enough for any modern kitchen and packed with features that will appeal to beginners and pros alike. If I was any more of a coffee person I currently am, I’d probably already have added this to cart – and it isn’t because of how gorgeously minimal it is.

Designer: Grinista

Click Here to Buy Now: $169 $398 (58% off) Hurry! Only 117 of 400 left.

The first thing you notice about the Grinista is its minimalist look. It’s not one of those kitchen gadgets that scream for attention. Instead, it quietly blends into its surroundings, all smooth lines and matte finishes. No unnecessary embellishments—just clean, functional design – sort of something from the minds at Braun back in the day. The grinder has a plain, matte-finish black outer body, with perfect cuboid forms and a large circular knob that breaks the visual monotony. The knob is matte black too, although Grinista will sell you a light/dark wood knob too, making the grinder look even more Scandinavian in its overall aesthetic. It’s the kind of appliance you don’t mind keeping out on your countertop, which is good because once you see how convenient it is, you’ll want it within arm’s reach. And, despite its minimalist appearance, it doesn’t sacrifice functionality in the name of style. That simplicity extends to how easy it is to wipe down after use, avoiding any lingering coffee dirt.

Operating the Grinista is refreshingly straightforward, which is rare for a machine with such high-end capabilities. The digital interface is intuitive and well-thought-out. Instead of squinting at confusing dials or fumbling with awkward settings, you’re met with a clear and simple digital display. You can easily adjust the grind size, set the timer, or weigh your beans directly on the grinder—no need for a separate scale cluttering up your workspace.

Look at it and you’re greeted with a blockish design featuring a rotary knob on the front, and a backlit LED display right beside it… but hidden inside is the Grinista’s most underrated feature – its companion scale. Most home grinders don’t include this feature, so it’s nice to see Grinista streamlining the process. The Grinista’s grinding basket (or hopper) pops out, and you can place it on the small digital scale included with your brewer to save both time and effort, while having absolute precise control over your coffee-brewing process. Once weighed, pick the basked up and pop it back within the Grinista. The grinding basket stores a single dose worth of beans (40g which makes up to 3-4 cups), which means you can store the rest of your beans in an air-tight container to keep them fresh, using exactly the amount you need each time.

Inside, Grinista boasts a 64 mm flat burr powered by a 5Nm torque motor, which grinds the beans with the precision that coffee purists demand. Whether you’re grinding for a pour-over or an espresso shot, the burrs make sure the coffee particles are consistent, allowing for better extraction. The result? A smoother, fuller taste in every cup. Add to that the ability to set a grind timer, and you’ve got a machine that’s capable of handling everything from a quick morning cup to a full batch of coffee for entertaining guests.

The knob on front lets you cycle through grind-sizes, depending on whether you want a coarse grind for a French Press or a fine grind for an espresso-maker. Grinista’s 48 adjustable grind settings, or “gears,” give you the freedom to fine-tune your grind size to perfection. Paired with the adjustable RPM (controlled by a second knob at the back), you can slow things down to get a more controlled grind without generating too much heat, which is a common culprit in ruining the flavor of freshly roasted beans. This kind of detail is usually reserved for more commercial-grade equipment, but Grinista manages to bring that precision into a home-friendly machine.

Cleaning is typically the dreaded chore of any grinder owner, but Grinista makes it easier than most. Its magnetic assembly allows for quick disassembly, allowing you to wipe down the machine between uses. Coffee oils and static can sometimes cause coffee grounds to stay stuck around the dispenser spout – but an ‘Auto Powder Knocking’ button vibrates the spout, clearing out any clumps of coffee powder that could get stuck in the machine.

Perhaps one of the most user-friendly aspects of the Grinista is its universal compatibility with portafilters. Compatible with your standard 58mm portafilter, the Grinista’s powder cup lets you quickly get brewing your coffee once it’s ground. Just place your portafilter over the cup and tip it over. The coffee empties directly into your portafilter and can be tamped and taken straight to your machine. Alternatively, if you’re using a French press, a moka pot, or a pour-over, just pour the grinds directly into your setup from the powder cup.

All in all, the Grinista Coffee Grinder feels like a thoughtfully designed tool for people who take their coffee seriously but don’t want to deal with overly complicated equipment. It combines a streamlined design with features that give you real control over your grind, all without turning your kitchen into a barista’s workshop. Between the built-in digital scale, the powerful flat burr, and the easy maintenance, it covers all the bases for a truly satisfying coffee-making experience. And while it doesn’t shout for attention, the Grinista quietly makes your mornings a little better—one grind at a time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $169 $398 (58% off) Hurry! Only 117 of 400 left.

The post Revolutionize your Coffee Brewing with this Ultra-Minimal Grinder with 48 Grind Profiles + RPM Settings first appeared on Yanko Design.