Author Archives: JC Torres

Cheaper Samsung foldable phone might be on the horizon

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Although foldable phones are now a hot topic in the smartphone industry, they are hardly the hottest-selling products in the market. There’s still significant pushback on buying these form-changing phones, partly because of durability concerns but mostly due to the price tags attached to them. There are more affordable foldable phones from brands like OPPO, Vivo, and OnePlus, but most people still look to Samsung as the golden standard for these devices, warranted or not. The Galaxy Z Flip clamshell style foldable almost fits the bill, costing almost as much as a high-end smartphone, but it also doesn’t embody the potential of foldable phones. For years now, there has been a lot of talk about Samsung launching a more affordable version of the Galaxy Z Fold, but nothing has come to pass yet. If industry rumors are correct this time, however, that cheaper Samsung foldable might finally hit the market really soon.

Designer: Samsung (via The Elec)

What makes a foldable phone more expensive than regular smartphones? Branding and R&D costs aside, the biggest cost in making these phones comes from the specialized hinges and, more importantly, the flexible displays. The latter alone can make up a huge chunk of the phone’s so-called build cost because of their low yield rates per production run, expensive materials, and expensive equipment used to put them all together. Finding a cheaper way to make these foldable screens without drastically downgrading their quality and durability could help drive down the prices of the final product.

According to sources in the industry, Samsung is close to achieving this objective by switching to a different method to produce the flexible display panels it uses for making its foldable phones. Without going too deep into the technical details, the insider tip claims that Samsung has found a more affordable process to make the bezels that will hide the circuitry of these foldable panels, which is apparently one of the reasons why these screens are expensive. This is the same process Samsung Display uses for iPhone screens, so there’s little concern about the quality, at least for regular rigid screens.

Making the flexible panel less costly will have a rippling effect that could help make it possible to save off some digits from the retail price as well. It’s not a done deal, though, especially if the cheaper displays turn out to also be less reliable. Furthermore, Samsung could also use the opportunity to add more features and upgrades to the foldable phone, offsetting the cost savings and keeping the product’s premium price tag in the end.

That said, it would definitely be in Samsung’s best interest to offer a more accessible foldable phone, especially the “regular” book-type Galaxy Z Fold. Its competitors have almost caught up to it with more affordable designs, and Samsung’s only advantage now is the weight of its brand in a very small number of exclusive features. When it comes to the foldable experience, however, some might even say that Samsung is the one trying to catch up, so any advantage, especially when it comes to price, will help it regain its lead.

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Beautiful wireless charger concept reminds you to take some time off

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Wireless chargers are all the rage these days, taking on different shapes, sizes, and functions. Some are simple flat beds for your phone and accessories to lie on, while others raise the design a bit higher, literally, with stands that magnetically hold your devices up. The one common trait that these products have is that they mostly lean towards minimalist design trends, which is good for keeping a clean and tidy look but bad for missed opportunities. Minimalist or not, that wireless charger will still take up some space on your desk or shelf, so why not let it serve another purpose, like this rather simple yet elegant desk clock that does more than just charge your phone; it also tells you to take a break and charge yourself as well.

Designer: Nihoy Lahiri

Although they still need to make contact with a flat surface, wireless chargers, especially the magnetic variety, opened up new possibilities for designs. No longer tied down by charging cables, the only limits are creativity, imagination, and, of course, the laws of physics and electronics. Transforming a charging pad into something that has use even when it’s not charging a phone is a smart way of making use of space, which is what Zenith tries to offer with a subtle spiritual purpose behind its design as well.

Even without a phone, Zenith already looks like a decorative piece that calls your attention not just to the actual clock but also to its design. The gentle curves of its body convey a more organic and less daunting image compared to something that looks completely angular and mechanical, like what many desk clocks look like. The translucent material makes the entire structure look ephemeral and almost mystical, adding to the spiritual character of the design.

The arch-shaped void at the bottom is where you will let your phone lie while it charges. The empty space is a perfect contrast to the roundness and whiteness of the clock above it. It’s a small version of a Yin Yang composition that further enhances the design’s otherworldly appeal. Zenith’s deeper message, however, goes beyond its aesthetic.

By combining a wireless charger with a timekeeping piece, people will be forced to look at the clock every time they lay down the phone to recharge. It visually nudges their mind to take stock of their own internal battery levels, giving them pause and practicing a little bit of mindfulness. With the clock positioned above the smartphone rather than the other way around, it gives a subtle reminder that time should have a higher importance in our lives than tools. It is the zenith, so to speak, that guides our lives, not the phones that, more often than not, send us on a downward spiral of distractions.

The post Beautiful wireless charger concept reminds you to take some time off first appeared on Yanko Design.

Beautiful wireless charger concept reminds you to take some time off

Posted on by

Wireless chargers are all the rage these days, taking on different shapes, sizes, and functions. Some are simple flat beds for your phone and accessories to lie on, while others raise the design a bit higher, literally, with stands that magnetically hold your devices up. The one common trait that these products have is that they mostly lean towards minimalist design trends, which is good for keeping a clean and tidy look but bad for missed opportunities. Minimalist or not, that wireless charger will still take up some space on your desk or shelf, so why not let it serve another purpose, like this rather simple yet elegant desk clock that does more than just charge your phone; it also tells you to take a break and charge yourself as well.

Designer: Nihoy Lahiri

Although they still need to make contact with a flat surface, wireless chargers, especially the magnetic variety, opened up new possibilities for designs. No longer tied down by charging cables, the only limits are creativity, imagination, and, of course, the laws of physics and electronics. Transforming a charging pad into something that has use even when it’s not charging a phone is a smart way of making use of space, which is what Zenith tries to offer with a subtle spiritual purpose behind its design as well.

Even without a phone, Zenith already looks like a decorative piece that calls your attention not just to the actual clock but also to its design. The gentle curves of its body convey a more organic and less daunting image compared to something that looks completely angular and mechanical, like what many desk clocks look like. The translucent material makes the entire structure look ephemeral and almost mystical, adding to the spiritual character of the design.

The arch-shaped void at the bottom is where you will let your phone lie while it charges. The empty space is a perfect contrast to the roundness and whiteness of the clock above it. It’s a small version of a Yin Yang composition that further enhances the design’s otherworldly appeal. Zenith’s deeper message, however, goes beyond its aesthetic.

By combining a wireless charger with a timekeeping piece, people will be forced to look at the clock every time they lay down the phone to recharge. It visually nudges their mind to take stock of their own internal battery levels, giving them pause and practicing a little bit of mindfulness. With the clock positioned above the smartphone rather than the other way around, it gives a subtle reminder that time should have a higher importance in our lives than tools. It is the zenith, so to speak, that guides our lives, not the phones that, more often than not, send us on a downward spiral of distractions.

The post Beautiful wireless charger concept reminds you to take some time off first appeared on Yanko Design.

Retro camping lantern concept gives the gas lamp a modern, playful flair

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With the rising interest in camping and other outdoor activities, there is also a rising need for safer and more sustainable solutions to common problems like outdoor lighting, off-grid power, and reliable shelter. There is no shortage of portable power stations now available in the market, and you’ll often come across innovative tent designs that take into account modern needs and conveniences. But when it comes to lighting, most of the products still follow the same old design patterns. Rugged and durable, they definitely are, but they also tend to be lifeless and uninspiring, the complete opposite of what time outdoors is supposed to bring. This lamp concept design tries to make that experience a little bit more fun while still delivering much-needed light, and it takes inspiration from objects that have long been in use, some even hailing back centuries past.

Designer: Yu Dan (0-1 Design Studio)

There are few things that immediately illicit images of spending time outdoors than an old gas lantern. These clunky metal vessels have been used by our ancestors to make the night less daunting and make life more bearable when the light and warmth of the sun are long gone. Of course, this kind of lamp is not only outdated but also dangerous, but we, fortunately, have plenty of technologies available to simulate both the appearance as well as the emotions generated by this artifact of a bygone era.

The camping lantern concept is a modern take on several antiquated lantern designs, both those using kerosene as well as those that employ candles. Instead of these fire hazards, however, it uses rechargeable lights, presumably LEDs, in a circular tube hidden at the bottom and top sections of the lamp. The “cover” of the lamp also takes inspiration from the wide-brimmed hats of ancient swordsmen from East Asian countries, which happens to also be similar to how the traditional gas lanterns look as well.

The effect of having candles is provided by a modular lighting design in the shape of low cylinders that can be stacked on top of each other to increase their brightness. The “candles” can also be used independently, in case you need a softer glow away from the lantern. Both light tubes and candles give off a warm, yellow light that sets the perfect mood at night while also providing enough light for reading. As a bonus, the lantern’s battery can also be used to charge other devices, though care should be taken not to drain it completely before the sun rises again.

Truth be told, the concept is a simple re-imagination of the iconic shape of a gas lamp, but it’s that simplicity that also makes its application and effect more diverse. The form immediately calls to mind the old frontier days portrayed in many TV shows and films, but its functionality is completely immersed in the demands of modern life. Best of all, it makes spending the night outdoors a little bit more interesting if not dramatic, silently keeping you company as you watch the fireflies dance in the darkness.

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Fossil will no longer make smartwatches, implies weak market for designer wearables

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There was a time when smartwatches were seen as geeky trinkets that had no place on ordinary people’s wrists. It took the success of the Apple Watch and the collaboration of fashion brands to bring this piece of wearable technology to the masses. But while smartwatches have finally found their legs, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it has been a profitable business either. It seems that those brands that have made smartwatches literally fashionable are starting to reconsider their strategies, especially with only a few successful products that are unsurprisingly still dominated by consumer electronics companies. Fossil has apparently decided to just pull the plug and call it quits on the smartwatch market, preferring to focus its resources on the designer products that actually bring in the money.

Designer: Fossil (via The Verge)

When smartwatches first came to the market, it was smartphone manufacturers that took the lead. Compared to the selection we have today, it’s not surprising why most people shied away from having them on their wrists. They were large, clunky, and visually unappealing. And they required charging almost every night.

While the Apple Watch would always be an exception, it took negotiations with brands like Fossil, TAG Heuer, Mont Blanc, and Michael Kors, just to name a few, to really bring smartwatch designs to the same level as traditional timepieces, at least on the outside. To some extent, there was a successful push to turn these pieces of wearable technology into true fashion accessories and, given some of the prices, luxury items. Now smartwatches are more or less more common, but that doesn’t mean the market for the more fashionable smartwatches is actually growing. In fact, you could almost say that the top smartwatch vendors are Apple, Samsung, and Google on the higher end, and Xiaomi, Mobvoi, and smaller manufacturers on the opposite end.

Confirming rumors that were already going around the Internet, Fossil announced that it was exiting the smartwatch business. It was a “strategic decision” and would focus on the “core segments of our business that continue to provide strong growth,” namely traditional watches, jewelry, and leather goods. Reading between the lines, it means that its line of smartwatches isn’t providing that kind of growth and it doesn’t foresee that changing in the future.

This makes the Fossil Gen 6 that was launched in 2021 the last smartwatch the marque will ever make. Fossil does promise to continue supporting its existing smartwatches for the next few years, though it probably really means only one or two years moving forward. Fossil is the first brand to make this big announcement, but it probably won’t be the last as the designer smartwatch market continues to stagnate or even shrink, leaving smartphone manufacturers to take the helm once more.

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Huge transparent horn speakers deliver an odd yet beautiful way to enjoy music

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We’re long past the days when speakers, especially those at home, would simply be literal black boxes that belted out sound in whatever direction they were pointed at. While those still exist, many of the audio equipment marketed for home use have taken on more interesting designs that marry aesthetics and function without sacrificing either. Bang & Olufsen might be one of the most popular brands in this growing market of art-inspired speakers, but it is hardly the only one with curious and eye-catching designs. This loudspeaker set, for example, is just as much a work of art as it is a piece of high-end audio equipment, promising to elevate the listening experience to a whole new level that involves not just the ears but also the eyes.

Designer: Timothy Hill

In an iconic form, the speaker has always been represented by one of its oldest designs, a conical structure that curves from one end to another, creating what is commonly known as a horn shape. The Jetstream loudspeaker takes that shape and transforms it into an art piece by using transparent acrylic for the horn and blowing it up to human-sized proportions. The result is a distinctive, one-of-a-kind speaker that makes the drive unit look like it’s floating in mid-air. Viewed from the side, the speaker also looks like the sonic boom traces left by a high-speed jet, which given the background of the designer, seems almost fitting.

The horn shape chosen for the Jetstream might look ornamental, but it is actually based on a solid foundation of physics. Just like with horn speakers of old, the shape helps to propagate sound waves more freely and evenly, and given its size, it also multiplies that effect to reach all corners of a room. The loudspeaker system promises clear and dynamic sound, regardless of what you’re listening to, whether it’s classical masterpieces or modern movie sound effects.

Although the horn loudspeaker is definitely the center of attraction, it isn’t the only member of the Ferguson Hill Jetstream loudspeaker system. There’s also the bass speaker which takes the form of a transparent sphere with a large drive unit, held up by three metal cone feet. This gives the speaker a certain retro-futuristic aesthetic that perfectly complements the gigantic horn loudspeaker.

Although it functions primarily as a sound system, the Jetstream is also a statement piece that transforms any space into a unique audiovisual experience. It’s the kind of fusion of art and technology that truly redefines what it means to be a home speaker these days, offering value that goes beyond blasting sound but also touches the emotions and mind by appealing to more than one of our five senses. That said, it’s also a design that, at least in this case, carries a rather hefty price tag, though that could soon change as more audio equipment manufacturers embrace a more design-conscious approach to making speakers.

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Visor mixed reality headset promises a more accessible Apple Vision Pro

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Although it’s definitely the latecomer, Apple is unsurprisingly stirring up a storm with the launch of the Vision Pro. Mixed reality, or spatial computing as Apple named it, is en vogue once again, and many companies are making a lot of noise to demonstrate how they’ve been playing the game long before the Vision Pro was even announced. That boast comes with the implication that they can offer a better experience and a more accessible product, like this visor-like Visor headset that’s trying to be a better Vision Pro than the Vision Pro with a more open platform, a more stylish design, and most importantly, a more affordable price tag.

Designer: Immersed

Although the Apple Vision Pro is definitely more stylish than other mixed reality headsets, it’s still a headset that leaves nothing to the imagination about what you’re wearing or doing. Visor, on the other hand, looks more like its namesake, at least outwardly. Despite the spectacle-like design, it actually bears 4K micro OLED displays per eye, a lot more than what the Visor Pro boasts. And yet the headset itself manages to weigh only 200g, more than half what the Meta Quest 3 weighs. And yes, it has an external battery to help keep the weight down.

Beyond just the design of the device itself, the Visor offers a completely different experience from the likes of the Vision Pro or even the new Xreal Air 2 Ultra that was announced at CES 2024 earlier this month. It neither runs its own operating system nor does it just mirror the screen of a computer. Instead, it harnesses Immersed’s mixed reality software that it has been developing for years that practically gives you virtual monitors spread across your vision, resulting in a wider field of view compared to the common smart glasses implementation.

What this means in practice is that you can keep on using the software and operating system you’re already familiar with without any limitations. In fact, Immersed says it won’t even block attempts to make SteamVR work with its device, even though its focus is more towards productivity and professional use. Visor doesn’t even have an app marketplace, but it will release development tools for sideloading apps later on.

If Visor’s $399.99 price tag sounds too good to be true, that’s because it somewhat is. That cheap figure actually requires you to also buy a “Membership Plus” subscription that will cost $59.99 a month for 12 months or $39.99 for 24 months. The good news is that you won’t lose access to the basic features of the device if you decide not to renew after that period. Alternatively, you can buy the device alone for a full $999.99, without any of the extras, which is still a lot cheaper than the Apple Vision Pro. Whether it can deliver all these promises, however, is something we’ll have to see in due time, no pun intended.

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Rimowa Chess Attache offers a luxurious way to carry your luxurious game pieces

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Chess is a game that spans centuries and while the basic mechanics haven’t changed much, it has taken various forms over the course of its very long history. Chess sets today come in a variety of styles, from cheap plastic to fragile class, from classic designs to abstract geometric shapes. Some sets, usually the expensive ones, are kept safely at home, while others go wherever their owners go, ready to challenge a fellow enthusiast at a moment’s notice. Rimowa, best known for making premium luggage and bags, is trying its hand at striking a middle ground with a high-quality aluminum chess set housed in a signature Rimowa case, ready to travel and make you the envy of all your chess colleagues.

Designer: Rimowa

Portable chess sets do exist, but the most common design you might see is a thick wooden board that folds in the middle to transform into a miniature suitcase for the wooden pieces. It’s practical and, to be fair, a bit sustainable, but also terribly uninspiring. Nothing lights a chess enthusiast’s fire better than a captivating and elegant chess set, one that embodies the long-lasting legacy of a game that had enchanted and beguiled even monarchs.

The new Rimowa Chess Attache is both a homage to the classic chess design but also a rejuvenation with a more modern aesthetic. Each chess piece is crafted from black and silver (for white) anodized aluminum, emblazoned with a laser-engraved Rimowa monogram. The board, though made of wood, is wrapped in leather materials and has magnets that keep the pieces steadily in place until you or your opponent is ready to make the next move. That board’s aluminum frame also bares Rimowa’s logo, signifying its place in the brand’s selection of premium products.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Rimowa product if there is no travel container involved, and indeed, a major part of the Chess Attache’s appeal is exactly that attache case. The small suitcase’s rounded edges and ribbed faces carry the hallmarks of Rimowa’s iconic design language. Inside, the chess pieces like in compartments cut out from foam and a suede-like microfiber, securing them in place until the time comes for them to be taken out and played. A delicate protective leather layer then sits in between the pieces and the magnetic wooden board that’s secured to the attache with premium leather straps.

Of course, there’s also plenty of Rimowa branding to be found inside, from the black leather lining down to the monogram-engraved snaps of the leather straps. Every inch of the design screams luxury product, and it’s probably good that a metallic lock system is integrated directly into the case’s shell. Whether it’s the chess set itself or the case that carries them, this Rimowa Chess Attache elevates not just your game but also your traveling experience.

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OnePlus 12 teardown reveals what it takes to keep this phone cool

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Smartphones today are practically small yet powerful computers that you can hold in your hand and fit in your pocket. And just like any computer, the more powerful it is, the more heat it generates. In the past, smartphones could get by with simple cooling techniques that didn’t take much engineering or design to implement. Of course, those no longer work today, and sometimes even the common “vapor chamber” isn’t enough to keep the device from running hot. That’s why you’ll often hear brands boasting about some new advanced cooling technology, and a teardown of the new OnePlus 12 shows just how far some have to go to make sure your phone doesn’t turn into an incendiary device, whether you’re gaming, browsing the Web, or even simply charging it.

Designer: OnePlus (via JerryRigEverything)

It’s probably debatable whether the OnePlus 12 is the most powerful smartphone in the market to date, but it is one of the first to launch with the shiny new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Benchmarks do speak in its favor, which suggests that despite its rather classy appearance, the OnePlus 12 is a gaming-worthy device. This also means it is in even more need of a more effective cooling solution compared to gaming smartphones with insane designs that include a tiny fan inside.

OnePlus does talk about a “Dual Cryo-velocity Vapor Chamber Cooling System,” which is just its fancy way of saying that its latest flagship has a ginormous cooling system. That size is mainly due to actually having two vapor chambers on top of each other, acting as redundant cooling systems that work doubly hard to keep not just the processor cool but the battery as well. Of course, you wouldn’t actually see the stacked vapor chambers even from the teardown, because they’ll just look like a large, flexible copper plate.

The size of this material, however, does show the almost ridiculous lengths designers and engineers have to go through to ensure the safety of such a powerful device. And it’s not just because of the powerful processor but also thanks to super-fast battery charging, which means even more heat being generated. The teardown also shows the trick that OnePlus (and other manufacturers) use to pull off this quick charging feat: split the battery into two and charge both small packs at the same time.

Although not the focus of the video, the teardown does suggest how relatively easy it is to open up the OnePlus 12. It was only when it came to separating the screen did things got really risky, but if you’re trying to replace the display, chances are it’s already dead in the first place. OnePlus is noted to have a solid parts replacement program, so much of that effort in prying open the OnePlus 12 won’t be in vain.

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Pixel 8 Pro thermometer can now ready body temperatures, but is it worth it?

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When Google launched the Pixel 8 Pro, it revealed a feature that seemed to be a solution looking for a problem. It had a temperature sensor, one of if not the first to debut on a smartphone, that was advertised as a way to, well, check the temperature of food or your baby’s water bottle. There were leaks claiming that it could also take your body’s temperature, but that never came to pass, at least until now. Google finally let the cat out of the bag that it was just waiting for FDA approval, so the Pixel 8 Pro is now capable of reading your body temp, though the exact process and usefulness of that feature still remains a big question mark.

Designer: Google

Why would you want to use your phone to read your own temperature anyway? That’s because many people have been quite obsessed with checking their body temperature ever since the recent pandemic, and short of awkwardly carrying a thermometer with you all the time, using a smartphone is the next best thing. But since the feature would be used to take the place of a medical device, it needed regulatory approval first, which Google finally got.

According to the tech giant, the secret to this feature is the infrared sensor that’s positioned right beside its cameras. Before this body temperature feature was finally released, all it was allowed to do was measure the temperature of non-living objects by holding the phone no farther than two inches from the target. Unsurprisingly, there’s only a limited number of applications for such a thermometer, so it was like a feature that buyers were paying for but couldn’t fully use. The narrative now changes with the addition of body temperature readings, but it might not be a clear win either.

It uses the infrared radiation, a.k.a. heat, that our body generates to make this reading, but Google claims it does one better than the typical forehead digital thermometers commonly used today. It measures the temporal artery, that is, the artery located on your temple, to get a more accurate reading. Of course, the data is further processed by an AI-powered algorithm before being displayed on the Pixel thermometer app. The process, however, isn’t as quick or as straightforward as those forehead thermometers. You need to first hold the Pixel 8 Pro two inches away from the center of your forehead, wait for the beep to signal the start of the scanning process, and then swipe the phone toward your temple, all in just four seconds. The scanning automatically stops after four seconds, so the accuracy of the reading also depends on how accurate your movements are.

Although Google is quite confident in the accuracy of this feature, it’s still a bit doubtful how much use it will get in real life. Admittedly, body temperature reading is far more useful than precariously placing your phone so close to a hot object, let alone one that’s giving off smoke or steam. Fortunately, the Feature Drop that delivered this feature on Pixel phones also has other goodies, like Circle to Search which was first announced on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. Google is also launching a new Mint Green flavor of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, in case you’re still in the market for a new phone, especially one that you can also use as a thermometer.

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