Implementing a truly modular phone might be next to impossible at this point in time, but that doesn’t mean that the idea has no merits. It also doesn’t mean we can’t have some of the flexibility and customization that the concept promises, at least in some way that is practical and, more importantly, accessible to people today. That’s the vision behind the HMD Fusion, now formally a real thing rather than just a proof of concept, giving owners the choice of how they want to live their mobile phone life and, perhaps more significantly, the tools and opportunity to make their own “Smart Outfits” to customize their experience.
You might have heard of this style of smartphone modularity before, particularly if you’ve been following Nothing’s recent escapades. The CMF Phone 1 opened the doors to customized back covers, and it didn’t take long before creative people really took that offer and ran with it to a rather amusing degree. Now the HMD Fusion is daring to dream a bit bigger with an even more open ecosystem as well as a more affordable smartphone base.
The highlight of the HMD Fusion is the Smart Outfits, which you can place on its back as a rear cover. These can range from anything like a rugged protective cover to a wireless charging coil. Because of the special pogo pins on the back of the HMD Fusion, you can actually have more interactive functionality and no longer have to worry about needing a separate power source. The Flashy Outfit, for example, offers a ring light for taking selfies, whether with the 108MP rear camera or the 50MP front cam. You can also have something like a detachable game controller that won’t have the instability and latency of Bluetooth.
HMD, however, isn’t stopping there. It’s actually providing an open source software and hardware toolkit for more seasoned veterans to make their own Smart Outfits. It could potentially open the floodgates of creative designs, though do expect some to be over-the-top and impractical but also fun and novel. There is definitely unlimited potential, only hampered by the phone’s own hardware.
Inside, the HMD Fusion is pretty much an entry-level phone, with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 process, 6GB of RAM, and an HD+ resolution screen only. The aforementioned cameras squarely aim at the GenZ market, though, who could use the Smart Outfit system to literally dress up their phones. Fortunately, the HMD Fusion also carries a very GenZ-friendly price tag of £199/249€ (roughly $279), which means almost anyone can have access to this appetizer of a modular phone, presuming it becomes available in their region.
Being stuck at home for months not only gave birth to the indoor gardening trend, it also helped people rediscover the joys of home cooking. The rise of the domestic chef who’s excited to try out new recipes for themselves or for their families has also given rise to the need for more sophisticated kitchen appliances. At the same time, however, aesthetics has never been more important than it is today, with kitchens finally getting the recognition they deserve as sanctuaries that serve not only food but peace of mind as well. With so many requirements on many levels, it’s no surprise that some brands falter in meeting those needs or choose to focus on just one or two aspects. At IFA 2024 in Berlin, AEG is proudly rising up to the challenge, delivering a new range of kitchen products that deliver not only AI-assisted cooking but also elegant designs that take the cooking experience to the next level.
AI is everywhere these days, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated feature that requires an entire manual to use. With AEG’s Assisted Cooking, you have smart technologies right under your fingertips, literally, ready to help you with new recipe ideas, the best settings to use for that dish, and even the safest way to preserve the food so you can enjoy it a lot longer. From preparation to cooking to storage even to cleanup, AEG’s new full kitchen line has got you covered with innovation that’s made easy, convenient, and beautiful.
The new AEG 9000 ProAssist with SteamPro Oven, for example, features the AI Taste Assist function that helps you make efficient use of the oven. Simply throw it a recipe and, based on key facets like timing, temperature, and protein type, it will automatically select the most optimal cooking settings. It can even suggest new tasty and nutritious dishes you may have never tried before through the AEG app.
The CookSmart Touch, which is now available on hobs like the new AEG 9000 ProSense Hob, puts all the functions you need under your fingertips. With a simple touch, you can access the new Assisted Cooking function that guides you through each step to complete a dish and even suggests the accessories you’ll need to use. CookSmart Touch also lets you assign pan-frying or boiling to the hob, select different cooking modes, and generally enjoy the cooking process without breaking a sweat.
This intuitive interface is an immense help to novices just discovering the joys of cooking as well pros who want to glide through the process with as little friction as possible. And for the first time, the CookSmart Touch technology provides a seamless experience that spans AEG’s kitchen range, from ovens to hobs to built-in coffee machines. It removes much of the anxiety and uncertainty associated with cooking, adding joy and peace of mind to every meal prep.
Killer Kitchen Style
Even with all the innovative technologies, AEG hasn’t forgotten the most important aspect of its kitchen range: the human element. Designed to look dashing in any kitchen setting, AEG’s kitchen products deliver not only an effortless cooking experience but also a style that suits people’s tastes. The AEG SaphirMatt Induction Hub, for example, brings not only a handsome surface to your kitchen but also durability you can rely on when the cooking does get a bit intense.
This year’s lineup is available in Glossy Black and MattBlack, both standing out with their sleek and luxurious dark hues. Signature metal handles provide not only usability but also visual identity, making AEG designs easily recognizable in any kitchen. It’s not just the appliances either but your food that gets the beauty treatment as well. The AEG 9000 AutoSense Hood’s illumination can really make your dishes pop, adding to their already appetizing aromas. The new AEG Kitchen Range not only makes you feel in total control, it also makes you feel like a culinary master in their natural environment.
Healthy Living, Healthy Planet
Cooking your own food is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting tasty and nutritious meals, but your health doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet’s. Appliances naturally leave a carbon footprint, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it significantly smaller. The new AEG Kitchen Range is not only filled with smart features, it’s also designed to be sustainable and energy efficient without you having to worry about pushing a button to activate some “Eco Mode,” helping you reduce your carbon footprint by as much as 30%.
The AEG 9000 ComfortLift Dishwasher, for example, can save up to 40% energy with some guidance from the QuickSelect with Ecometer function. The AEG 9000 MultiChill 0°C Fridge Freezer not only has better energy efficiency but also has an inner lining that’s made of 70% recycled plastic. The AEG 9000 ProAssist with SteamPro Oven can help save energy with its PreHeat and Residual Heat functions, reducing the amount of electricity needed to keep the food warm.
Selected models in this new Kitchen Range are part of the AEG EcoLine and boast high energy ratings, some of which are even higher than “A” in the EU energy efficiency class. More than just innovative performance and striking design, the new AEG Kitchen Range represents the brand’s no-compromise approach to energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and commitment to a greener tomorrow for all.
Innovation for the Entire Home
The kitchen isn’t the only part of the modern home that AEG is upgrading with its innovative designs. The AEG 9000X AbsoluteCare Pro tumble dryer brings the same care and energy efficiency from the kitchen to the laundry. With the AbsoluteCare feature that uses a heat pump system to dry delicate material like wool and SmartDry that lets you select lower energy settings, this leading-edge machine has earned The Woolmark Company’s Wool Care Green recognition. It also features 3DScan Technology that determines the humidity in down jackets and duvets for the best drying settings that will keep their fluffiness intact.
AEG is also debuting two new cordless cleaners to keep your home not only clean but also safe from harmful materials and organisms invisible to the naked eye. The AEG 6000 Cordless offers not only strong dust pick-up but also hands-free self-cleaning, emptying its 0.5-liter dust bin with just a touch of a button. The AEG 8000 is the brand’s most powerful and most versatile cordless cleaner, with the UltimatePower multi-surface nuzzle and a brushless DC motor that can capture 99% of dust on hard floors. And with the new Automatic Emptying Station, you can get the AEG 8000 ready for another round of cleaning without having to get your own hands dirty.
In a world where flexibility and efficiency are the cornerstones of productivity, your desk setup should reflect the same principles. Gone are the days of single-function tools that do only one job. Today, we’re looking at gear that can multitask, bringing both style and versatility to your workspace. From a letter opener that doubles as a paperweight to scissors that moonlight as a boxcutter, these top 5 desk tools aren’t just unexpectedly versatile—they’re game-changers. Let’s explore how these innovative tools can elevate your everyday work experience.
1. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter: The Sleek, Multi-Tasking Marvel
Why It’s Noteworthy:
Kick off your desk transformation with this sleek letter cutter. Not only does it make opening mail a breeze with a simple slide, but it also doubles as a stylish paperweight. Its minimal design adds a sophisticated touch to any desk, standing upright and ready to slice through envelopes with ease. Plus, with a replaceable blade, it’s built to last—saving you from the clutter of unnecessary paper scraps and adding a chic element to your workspace.
Effortless, clean cuts that make opening mail almost enjoyable.
Dual-purpose design that also serves as a modern paperweight.
Replaceable blade ensures longevity and continued sharpness.
What We Dislike:
Not ideal for cutting through thicker materials or heavy-duty use.
2. Scissors with Base: Your Go-To Cutting Companion
Why It’s Noteworthy:
These aren’t your ordinary scissors. Standing tall on a magnetic base, they’re always within arm’s reach—no more digging through drawers! Beyond cutting paper, one of the finger rings doubles as a boxcutter, making this tool incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for professionals who need to go from snipping paper to slicing open packages without missing a beat. Made from Japanese stainless steel with a Teflon coating, these scissors are designed to perform and impress.
Always upright and accessible thanks to the magnetic base.
Boxcutter function adds an extra layer of utility.
Premium materials ensure durability and a sharp cut every time.
What We Dislike:
The boxcutter feature is not as sharp or precise as a dedicated box cutter.
3. Ballpoint Pen: The Power Pen with a Twist
Why It’s Noteworthy:
Think pens are boring? Think again. The Ballpoint Pen is designed for those who appreciate a bit of flair with their function. Its dodecagonal barrel shape not only adds a unique visual element but also provides a comfortable, secure grip for long writing sessions. Built tough with a heavy-duty clicker that’s perfect for fidgeting, this pen is more than just a writing tool—it’s a desk accessory you’ll want to show off.
Ergonomic, dodecagonal shape enhances grip and comfort.
Heavy-duty clicker mechanism stands up to frequent use and fidgeting.
Sturdy build ensures it’s more than just a pretty face.
What We Dislike:
The unique dodecagonal shape, while ergonomic, may not be comfortable for everyone.
4. Paperweight and Pen Holder: The Compact Desk Organizer
Why It’s Noteworthy:
Say goodbye to desk clutter with this clever combo. The donut-shaped paperweight keeps your documents from flying off your desk while doubling as a pen holder. Its 12 beveled edges offer a tactile experience and serve as a playful fidget tool during those long conference calls. Perfect for those who like their desk accessories to pull double duty, this piece adds a touch of modern design to your workspace while keeping things tidy.
Two-in-one design for both organizing and styling your desk.
Adds visual and tactile interest to any setup.
Compact size makes it a versatile addition to any workspace.
What We Dislike:
Limited to holding a single pen, which might not suit everyone’s needs.
5. Japanese Drawing Pad: The Creative’s Multi-Purpose Canvas
Why It’s Noteworthy:
Whether you’re a designer, an artist, or someone who just loves doodling during meetings, the Japanese Drawing Pad is your perfect companion. Made with high-quality Japanese paper, this pad is durable enough for a range of media, from pen to brush. The microperforated edges make tearing pages a breeze, giving you a clean canvas every time. Plus, with a recycled cardboard base, it’s as eco-friendly as it is functional—ideal for those who want their creativity to come with a side of sustainability.
If you haven’t noticed it yet, AI is taking over, but not in the nefarious Skynet sense. You can hear about it everywhere and, to be fair, it is actually everywhere, even when you don’t see it, let alone be aware of its existence. It’s coming to consumer devices, even when you’re not that interested in AI image generation and photo effects. To be fair, AI can do plenty to improve the computing experience, from optimizing performance to organizing our mess of data to make sense of all the notes and photos that we have taken over the years. To support that kind of AI in computers, however, you need a capable processor to handle that load, and ASUS collaborated with Intel to power this new generation of mobile computers with the latest Intel Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake chips to cover a wide range of laptops that cater to an equally varied range of users.
Designer: ASUS
ASUS Zenbook S 14 with Ceraluminum
Revealed last June at Computex 2024, the ASUS Zenbook S 14 offers not only AI prowess but, perhaps more importantly, an exquisite design that’s made to last. The new Ceraluminum material, an amalgamation of ceramic and aluminum, combines the durability of metal with the elegance and texture of glass, delivering a graceful aesthetic that belies the power inside. This attention to detail carries over to the cooling system that includes a geometric grille design composed of no less than 2,715 vents. Only 2.6 lbs light and 0.47 inches (11.9mm) thin, the Zenbook S 14 offers a delightful mobile experience that doesn’t compromise on power either.
That power is delivered by the new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, promising 47 TOPS of neural processing performance to drive those AI features, whether it’s cleaning up audio for conference calls or adding effects to video interactions. Windows’ CoPilot+ key is also there, ready to generate images, create detailed summaries, and more with just the push of a button. The laptop’s 72Wh battery and a full range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 support, allow users to take their work anywhere they go without having to worry too much about running to the nearest power outlet.
ASUS Vivobook S 14
Embracing minimalism and simplicity, the ASUS Vivobook S 14 delivers that same Intel Lunar Lake performance in a sleek and unassuming design. With a weight of 2.85 lbs and a 0.55-inch profile, this mobile computer offers a stylish companion for all your work and entertainment needs, wherever life takes you. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V and its 47 NPU TOPS performance, you also have the full range of AI features available at your fingertips.
Quality of life features for the Vivobook S 14 include a gorgeous 14-inch 16:10 OLED display and Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos speakers, a good number of I/O options, including a microSD card reader, and a large touchpad to complement an RGB backlit keyboard. A 75Wh battery promises hours of use on the go, while USB-C charging offers the flexibility to charge even when away from power outlets.
ASUS Vivobook 14/16 Flip
If flexibility is the name of the game, then the new 14-inch and 16-inch ASUS Vivobook Flip notebooks will satisfy your needs. A 360-degree hinge converts the laptop into a tablet or display, depending on the circumstances, and support for the optional ASUS Pen 2.0 helps those creative juices flow more naturally. Of course, it is also powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, giving it AI chops you can take with you anywhere.
The ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406), which is now available from ASUS’s online store, will also be available for pre-order from Best Buy starting 6th September with a starting price tag of $1,399.99. The ASUS Vivobook S 14 (Q423) has a starting price of $999.99 and will be up for pre-order from Best Buy on 5th September, with other configurations following in Q4 this year. Also launching in Q4 are the ASUS Vivobook 14 Flip and Vivobook 16 Flip, with details to be disclosed closer to their availability.
PC gaming has experienced a huge boost thanks to the advent of handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck, the ASUS ROG Ally, and the Lenovo Legion Go. But while these offer a more mobile gaming experience, they still pale in comparison to dedicated gaming laptops when it comes to performance, battery life, and heat management. Gaming laptops have been around for years, of course, but they, too, are experiencing a renaissance, whether they’re becoming slimmer and sleeker or, in this case, taking on a completely different design. Rather than completely overhauling the laptop or even doing away with it, the Acer Project DualPlay concept instead transforms this familiar design into something that adapts to the latest gaming trends, including playing the same game with a friend who’s right beside you.
Designer: Acer
The days when PC and console gaming camps were divided across keyboard or controller lines are long gone. Those on PS5 and Xbox now feel the need to grab a keyboard to communicate with friends, while some PC gamers now swear by gamepads, especially those playing on handheld PCs. The trends may have changed, but the design of gaming laptops has not caught up to this shift, which is why the Acer Project DualPlay concept changes the formula a wee bit by embracing both playing styles in the same device.
When you press a certain “release” button on top of the keyboard with two fingers, the laptop’s extra-large touchpad pops out and becomes a wireless controller, not unlike those you’d usually connect and bring with you in a separate case or pouch. This dual system lets gamers quickly switch between keyboard and controller without missing a beat and without having to worry about forgetting to bring the controller or having no space for it in the bag.
“DualPlay,” however, has dual meanings here. That detachable controller can actually be separated into two joysticks, not unlike the concept of the Nintendo Switch Joy-con, allowing two people to compete or cooperate in the same game without having to fight over the controls. It brings back the social feeling of playing with someone beside you that home consoles offered, except you’re no longer limited to doing that at home.
The Acer Project DualPlay gaming laptop concept has other surprising features that really take gaming to the next level. Releasing the controller also pops out two high-fidelity 5W speakers from the sides, delivering audio that’s not impeded by desks or other obstacles. There’s also an overabundance of dynamic RGB lighting not only around the keyboard but also around the screen, flanking the detachable controllers, the infinity mirror lighting bar on the back, and even the controller’s joysticks. It definitely looks like a gaming laptop from the future, though it remains to be seen if it is far too ahead of its time as well.
You know that handheld gaming PCs have made it big when major PC manufacturers join the fray. At this point, almost every major brand has put out its own take on mobile gaming, not to mention the smaller names that really pushed this niche market long before it became mainstream. Acer was noticeably the only one that was falling behind, but that all changes today at IFA 2024. With the Nitro Blaze 7, not only is it coming out with its first-ever handheld gaming PC, it’s arriving guns blazing (pun intended) with the latest AMD Ryzen chip boasting powerful AI capabilities to take your experience beyond just gaming.
Designer: Acer
If there’s one area that Intel has pretty much been left behind, it would be the nascent handheld gaming PC race where AMD’s Ryzen has become the chip of choice since the Valve Steam Deck. Conversely, Intel has been ramping up its new AI-powered processors, and AMD is now pushing its Ryzen AI generation to new PCs in every form. Being a bit late does have its share of benefits, and Acer’s first stab at a handheld gaming PC is able to immediately gain the lead in this area, with the new AMD Ryzen 8040 series and Ryzen AI giving the portable computer a needed boost.
The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS inside the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 boasts 39 AI TOPS (tera or trillion operations per second), putting it in the same league as many AI-powered laptops. Teamed up with the AMD Radeon 780M and 16GB of RAM, you’ve got the makings of a powerful gaming beast that can fit into a small bag. Then there’s the 7-inch 1920×1080 144Hz IPS touch display with 100% sRGB color gamut support, delivering vibrant and bright visuals, even for the darkest of horror games.
What really sets a gaming handheld apart, however, are its controls, which often translate to joysticks and buttons that you’d also see on gamepads. The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 also features touchscreen support for more direct interaction with UI elements on the screen, while the traditional joysticks and d-pad offer more precise control. There’s also a dedicated hotkey that brings players to their game libraries without having to fumble with half a dozen menus and screens. This customized Acer Game Space feature fixes one of the biggest pain points of Windows gaming: managing titles from different platforms and sources.
The Acer Nitro Blaze 7’s straightforward and simple design eschews complicated and extraneous details that only get in the way of you and your favorite games. With its arrival, the roster of major handheld gaming PC brands is more or less now complete, heating up the competition for the market’s most powerful gaming machine in the smallest form factor. Availability details for the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 handheld gaming PC will vary by market and have yet to be confirmed.
AI is fast becoming a thing on desktop and laptop computers, even on those devices that aren’t used for heavy computation or heavy content creation. Whether it’s generating images for inspiration, making sense of documents, or optimizing performance, AI is starting to become a prevalent presence in computing, but those features seem to benefit only those with enough resources to spend on a powerful but pricey rig. Good technology shouldn’t just be for a select few, and ASUS is working with Qualcomm to make not just AI but multi-day battery life more accessible to everyone with new mobile computers powered by the new Snapdragon X Plus.
Designer: ASUS
ASUS ProArt PZ13
Right at the top of that list is the new ASUS ProArt PZ13, first shown off at Computex back in June. It’s a 2-in-1 tablet with a detachable keyboard cover and kickstand, not unlike some of the popular designs for these portable PCs. What makes it extra special is the silicon inside, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus, an octa-core variant of the chipmaker’s latest line that targets not smartphones that run Android but Windows computers. What it lacks in raw power compared to the Snapdragon X1 Elite it makes up for in a balanced performance per watt, delivering long battery life while still supporting AI features thanks to its Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and integrated graphics processor.
As part of ASUS’ ProArt family, the ProArt PZ13 caters to digital content creators like designers, artists, streamers, and writers. These users benefit from the computer’s highly portable design, only 9mm thick and weighing only 1.87 lbs. The 70Wh battery makes the lack of nearby power outlets less of a worry, especially if you can charge it via USB-C. The IP52 dust and water resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H certification, also takes away some of the fear when using this AI-powered creativity machine outside of your office or home. And with the same sleek Nano Black coating we saw on the ASUS ProArt PX13, you will definitely want to show it off outdoors.
Of course, as a creative tool, the screen is a critical factor, and the ProArt PZ13 doesn’t disappoint with its bright and vibrant 13.3-inch 3K (2880×1800) Lumina OLED display. ASUS lets you control every aspect of that display, from the color gamut it uses down to color calibration. The ProArt PZ13 also includes a suite of software that really showcases its AI chops, including StoryCube for managing photos and videos. Creativity no longer has to be tethered to desks and power outlets thanks to the ASUS ProArt PZ13 and Snapdragon X Plus.
ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507)
Those who want a more traditional laptop form factor will be happy with the ASUS Vivobook S 15, also powered by that Snapdragon X Plus AI process and boasting more than 18 hours of uptime with its 70Wh battery. The 15-inch 3K 120Hz Lumina OLED screen will also delight content creators who need precise and accurate color reproduction, especially with support for 100% of the industry standard DCI-P3 gamut. A plethora of connectivity options, both wired and wireless, make working anywhere a breeze, and its slim and stylish design makes it a joy to bring out in public.
Best of all, these two Snapdragon Windows computer carry accessible price tags that make them tempting options for your next mobile computer. The ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507) will start at $899.99, while the ProArt PZ13 starts at $1,099.99.
Paper notebooks are in again, though some would argue they never really went out of fashion. Even with the inherent limitations of the medium, there is just an unbridled joy in putting pen or pencil to paper that has not yet been sufficiently replicated by the most advanced technologies and designs. In a way, notebooks have also become a reflection of the owner’s own self, while also acting as a gateway to their own inner world, their thoughts, their dreams, and maybe even their own self-image. Some people like their notebooks and their covers plain, while others opt for designs that display their interests and loyalties. Still, others treat their notebook covers like a blank canvas ready to tell their life story through stickers and art. This rather distinctive Japanese-inspired notebook tries to tell a different story, one that aims to inspire the owner to not only rise from the ashes but also embrace their own imperfections.
Ceramic pots have great value not just because of their intricate, often hand-made designs but also because of their fragility. A single drop or hard bump is enough to break a beautiful vase, and most people simply throw these away, even if there’s just a crack. The Japanese, however, aren’t ones to dispose of what can still be repaired, and so the famed kintsugi, the traditional art of repairing pottery, was born. In a nutshell, this art uses golden lacquer to patch up and cover cracks, resulting in a piece of pottery that is even more beautiful because of its obvious flaws.
Over time, kintsugi became a symbol of embracing imperfections and self-healing, and those are the sentiments that this golden healing notebook attempts to convey. Using an equally traditional screen-printing method, wriggling lines of gold are painted on the notebook’s plain black cover, mimicking the cracks covered up by lacquer in a kintsugi masterpiece. And as with cracks, there is no uniformity or pattern to the branching lines, giving it a sense of randomness that you would find in nature itself. It’s a striking visual, with the gold contrasting with the black, that evokes both awe and wonder, subtly leading the mind to deeper thoughts.
The notebook’s theme of recovery and revival goes deeper than the cover. The paper used inside is bagasse which is made from the residue produced during sugarcane extraction. Instead of creating new paper from virgin pulp, it reuses what has been discarded, trying to make whole what was broken. In its own small way, it helps heal the planet’s cracking health, patching it up in small beautiful pieces rather than in one grandiose but ineffective sweep.
The kintsugi notebook embodies not only a traditional Japanese practice but the very highlights of Japanese culture itself. It is the perfect example of Japanese minimalist design, the frugality and efficiency of its people, as well as the profound thinking they can evoke from just a few simple symbols and materials. Whether you’re writing down your most secret thoughts, planning out your day ahead, or simply scribbling ideas and dreams, the notebook’s beautiful recycled paper invites you to let your pen roam free on the page, while the seemingly cracked cover exhorts you to embrace even the flaws that could, someday, lead to a beautiful design.
The fashion industry is known for its striking designs, lavish materials, and sometimes mind-blowing forms, but it also has a dirty little secret when it comes to sustainability. Many of those materials, processes, and even ingredients have a tendency to harm the environment, especially mass-produced pieces of clothing, accessories, and footwear. Even something that sounds so innocent like the rubber soles of shoes can have a long-term negative impact on the planet’s health, especially when they’re thrown away without much thought. Although it’s not enough to make this discarded material disappear, these distinctive artistic stools help reduce their numbers while providing furniture that makes an impact in more ways than one.
According to figures, 20 billion pairs of shoes are produced each year, and nearly all of those end up in landfills sooner or later. Footwear is usually made with half a dozen synthetic materials, with outsoles using plenty of rubber that takes more than a hundred years to decompose. Burning them, on the other hand, releases toxic gases, which is usually what happens in garbage disposal sites. Even though the process still uses water and energy, recycling these materials is still a significantly better way to deal with all the waste.
WU is a line of stools that does exactly that, giving new life to shoe soles that result in an even more interesting design. 90% of each stool’s raw materials are made from recycled rubber shoe materials, about 15kg of material that is equivalent to 60 rubber soles. It’s a small number compared to the amount of shoes being thrown away, but even just 10 of these stools mean 600 shoes are kept away from landfills.
The resulting design is quite intriguing as well. The raw materials are classified according to color to have a more uniform appearance, but the uniqueness still comes out in tiny bits of colors and microtextures. If some recycled plastics create a terrazzo effect, the recycled rubber soles result in finer and smaller pieces that have a grainy appearance as if painted with oils or mixed in with concrete.
The shape of the WU stool is also unusual, with a hexagon seat and a three-pointed base. This makes it easy to combine the stools into a larger form like a bench, though the connection will be superficial and perhaps a bit unstable. When placed together, these stools paint a rather eye-catching picture, almost literally, as if somebody took reality and applied a mosaic filter on it. Either way, no one will be the wiser that these were probably made from the pair of shoes they threw away years ago.
Tactical knives have become an important part of people’s tool kits, whether they’re for cutting through rope, preparing food outdoors, or even carving wooden figures and toys. Many EDC knives try to appeal to common aesthetic tastes, offering designs that look suave and sometimes even luxurious rather than the rugged style that usually comes to mind. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with a variety of designs, there are times when you want a knife that doesn’t try to hide its sharpness, strength, and tactical versatility. That’s the kind of experience that the new Tekto A7 Zastava brings to the table, an automatic out-the-front switchblade that delivers performance, reliability, and handsome good looks that proudly display its battle-hardened heritage.
Outdoor ruggedness has a negative connotation of looking rough, unpolished, and unappealing. The Tekto A7 Zastava clearly lays those doubts to rest with a design that evokes a sense of sophistication without hiding its robust nature. It takes its cue from the design of the iconic Zastava M70 rifle, particularly in the wood inlays that grace its sides. Each inlay varies in grain and actual color, which makes each A7 Zastava OTF knife a one-of-a-kind item. The wood material also beautifully contrasts with the dark black handle and blade, giving it a premium appearance that will make it the star of your EDC collection.
Made from premium S35VN steel, the blade offers two versatile configurations—double-edged dagger and spear point—delivering superior strength and precision.
Of course, this tactical knife isn’t made just to be displayed, and its blade is ready to prove its mettle, whatever the task it faces. Made from high-performance S35VN steel, the 3.6-inch titanium-coated blade isn’t just sharp and tough but also offers excellent wear and corrosion resistance. Available in spear and double-edged dagger point configurations, the A7 Zastava OTF knife offers the versatility you need to meet the challenges of any outdoor task or mission.
Despite its powerful disposition, the A7 Zastava is designed to be easy to use and, most importantly, safe and secure. Jimping points on the handle offer a secure grip, and the contoured button delivers not only a smooth and reliable operation but also a satisfying feeling with every deployment. A reversible clip secures the knife in your pocket or bag and accommodates both left-handed and right-handed users. Last but not least, a tungsten glass breaker is integrated into the handle, making emergencies less stressful. With this variety of features, you get not just a tool but a dependable partner that’s ready to cut through tasks and challenges wherever you go.
With an exceptional blade and handsome looks, the Tetko A7 Zastava OTF knife elevates tactical knives from just cutting tools into works of high-quality craftsmanship. From the strategically placed jimping to the wood inlays to the reversible clip, Tekto’s meticulous attention to detail and partnership with Zastava Arms has given birth to an automatic tactical knife that exudes a character that is both rough yet elegant at the same time. Whether you’re camping outdoors, crafting a project, or responding to a crisis, the Tekto A7 Zastava OTF knife delivers the performance that you need in a stylish yet powerful design that will appeal to pros and enthusiasts alike.
