Samsung is a tech giant with its hands in many industries, but one of its biggest businesses is in making displays. These cover anything from TVs to laptops to smartphones to signage, supporting a variety of display technologies like LCD, LED, and everything in between. One kind of technology it has barely touched, however, is Electronic Paper Displays or EPDs, the same kind of eye-friendly, battery-efficient screens found on eBook readers. That is changing now, however, with Samsung dipping its toes into this market with a new Color E-Paper display that’s currently aimed at indoor signage and posters but could also be extended to new types of devices in the very new future.
E Ink signage is becoming more common these days, especially as these electronic paper displays start to show improvements in color rendering. It’s not hard to see the benefits of the technology for this particular use case, since EPDs don’t use power to retain their image and use very little power when changing what’s on display. Although it is hardly the first of its kind, even for the tech giant, Samsung’s presence in this growing market is pretty much a stamp of approval from a brand that sells large TVs and screens for the same purpose of advertising in indoor signage.
The new Samsung Color E-Paper display seems to be really pushing the boundaries of the technology. The 32-inch has a QHD resolution of 2560×1440, though its real boasting feature is the 60,000-color gamut (six per pixel) which is quite high for a color electronic paper. This is thanks to the new E Ink Spectra 6 panel, the very same that flaunted artistic designs and images on the ASUS ROG Project DALI at Computex 2024 last week. This laptop concept utilizes a smaller panel that acts as a canvas for owners to customize the design of the laptop cover as they desire.
ASUS ROG Project DALI laptop concept @ Computex 2024
While the gigantic size of the Samsung Color E-Paper limits it to applications like signs and posters, it does make one wonder if Samsung will stop there. Its collaboration with E Ink could, in fact, lead to more devices with smaller screens, particularly in the eReader market that Samsung has never ventured into before. And with its close ties with Wacom, it could even add stylus support for these devices, potentially putting the likes of the Amazon Kindle and Kobo on notice.
A lot of the focus at Apple’s WWDC event has so far revolved around the cleverly named Apple Intelligence and its features for iPhones and iPads. Of course, that’s hardly the only thing the company talked about this week, and one of its more highly debated products did get its fair share of attention as well. Although the initial hype seems to have died down and complaints about the device’s comfort have popped up here and there, Apple is showing that the Vision Pro is still going strong and growing strong, expanding not only its features but also its reach to other markets. In fact, Apple has just revealed how the platform will become an even bigger space thanks to devices that will let creators design content specifically for visionOS, like this two-eyed camera that looks more like a miniature version of a space-faring cargo ship.
One of the strengths of Apple’s spatial computing platform is the seamless fusion of the physical and digital worlds, which means plain two-dimensional objects like apps and photos look almost natural while floating in the air in front of you. Of course, that doesn’t take full advantage of the strengths of the Vision Pro headset, which requires crafting content designed specifically for it. For that, you’ll also need the right tools for the job, and the upcoming Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera is one such new device made especially for Apple’s visionOS.
Like any camera system designed to capture stereoscopic 3D content, be it photos or videos, this Blackmagic Design spatial camera has two “eyes,” each of which boasts 8160×7200 sensor. The camera also has 16 dynamic range stops for better color quality and accuracy, and it supports recording 3D video at 90fps rates. This imaging is made possible with Blackmagic’s own RAW format as well as the built-in Blackmagic Media Module that provides 8TB of high-performance network storage. In theory, this would allow creators to record over two hours of 8K stereoscopic 3D immersive video in that high-quality format.
The camera’s design itself is as distinctive as its features. Made with a robust magnesium alloy chassis and lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite skin, the camera is designed to keep up with filmmakers, regardless of where inspiration takes them. The URSA Cine Immersive’s blocky yet sleek aesthetic gives it a retro-futuristic flavor reminiscent of the design for spaceships in films and TV shows from the 80s and 90s. Add to the fact that it can be mounted beneath a drone for aerial shots, you shouldn’t be surprised if it gets mistaken for a UFO from afar.
The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera and an upcoming update to the famed Da Vinci Resolve Studio software are some of the first tools designed for Apple’s new Immersive Video format for visionOS. This is just one of the new features that are coming to the Vision Pro, including the ability to turn any plain 2D image into a spatial photo, with no additional hardware or software required. The Vision Pro headset is also being made available to more countries this month, which will hopefully increase the testing of the headset’s design and its features to help future iterations of Apple’s spatial computing platform.
A lot of the focus at Apple’s WWDC event has so far revolved around the cleverly named Apple Intelligence and its features for iPhones and iPads. Of course, that’s hardly the only thing the company talked about this week, and one of its more highly debated products did get its fair share of attention as well. Although the initial hype seems to have died down and complaints about the device’s comfort have popped up here and there, Apple is showing that the Vision Pro is still going strong and growing strong, expanding not only its features but also its reach to other markets. In fact, Apple has just revealed how the platform will become an even bigger space thanks to devices that will let creators design content specifically for visionOS, like this two-eyed camera that looks more like a miniature version of a space-faring cargo ship.
One of the strengths of Apple’s spatial computing platform is the seamless fusion of the physical and digital worlds, which means plain two-dimensional objects like apps and photos look almost natural while floating in the air in front of you. Of course, that doesn’t take full advantage of the strengths of the Vision Pro headset, which requires crafting content designed specifically for it. For that, you’ll also need the right tools for the job, and the upcoming Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera is one such new device made especially for Apple’s visionOS.
Like any camera system designed to capture stereoscopic 3D content, be it photos or videos, this Blackmagic Design spatial camera has two “eyes,” each of which boasts 8160×7200 sensor. The camera also has 16 dynamic range stops for better color quality and accuracy, and it supports recording 3D video at 90fps rates. This imaging is made possible with Blackmagic’s own RAW format as well as the built-in Blackmagic Media Module that provides 8TB of high-performance network storage. In theory, this would allow creators to record over two hours of 8K stereoscopic 3D immersive video in that high-quality format.
The camera’s design itself is as distinctive as its features. Made with a robust magnesium alloy chassis and lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite skin, the camera is designed to keep up with filmmakers, regardless of where inspiration takes them. The URSA Cine Immersive’s blocky yet sleek aesthetic gives it a retro-futuristic flavor reminiscent of the design for spaceships in films and TV shows from the 80s and 90s. Add to the fact that it can be mounted beneath a drone for aerial shots, you shouldn’t be surprised if it gets mistaken for a UFO from afar.
The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera and an upcoming update to the famed Da Vinci Resolve Studio software are some of the first tools designed for Apple’s new Immersive Video format for visionOS. This is just one of the new features that are coming to the Vision Pro, including the ability to turn any plain 2D image into a spatial photo, with no additional hardware or software required. The Vision Pro headset is also being made available to more countries this month, which will hopefully increase the testing of the headset’s design and its features to help future iterations of Apple’s spatial computing platform.
The majority of self-driving car concepts envision a future where family and friends take advantage of the freedom these vehicles offer. Even strangers, however, can also benefit from autonomous vehicles by making mass transit more efficient. Not all commuters, however, are comfortable traveling with strangers, and even self-driving sedans could be a waste of space and energy for these people. If self-driving vehicles are supposed to make traveling more efficient and, therefore, more environment-friendly, then they should also take into account the needs of solo commuters, which is exactly what this concept for a single-person autonomous taxi tries to do.
To be fair, not having to worry about driving while interacting with other people in the vehicle is one of the biggest pulls of the concept, but it’s not the most fundamental benefit. What autonomous cars offer is the freedom to do more important things other than almost mindless driving, whether it’s socializing, preparing for your next meeting, or even resting. Spending some alone time is not exactly easy if you’re traveling with others, whether they’re strangers or not, and having a four-passenger car all to yourself every day is a wasteful use of resources.
TAXI for one is a design concept whose name says it all. Instead of a car, it looks more like a mini golf cart split in half to fit only one person inside. And since it’s a self-driving vehicle, that person is the one and only passenger, with no other people to potentially disturb you or make you feel less secure. It’s perfect for people who, for whatever reason, prefer to travel solo and have very few things to carry with them, like going to and from the office.
The key design requirement for such a single-passenger autonomous vehicle would be the compactness of space while still providing comfort and room for storage. The latter goes into a compartment in front of the vehicle rather than at the back like a traditional trunk. This makes loading and unloading easy because the storage is near the vehicle’s door rather than forcing riders to go around first.
In exchange for the more compact form, however, the TAXI for one has very little room for reclining the seat and stretching your legs. As such, it isn’t exactly designed for longer periods of travel and is better suited for inter-city commutes only. That is probably fine for future workers who just want to get to the office and back home without much fuss, fanfare, or dealing with random people.
As their name plainly points out, wall lamps are lights that we stick to walls, permanently or sometimes temporarily. Most wall lamps are installed indoors to infuse a space with a specific ambiance, but some are also left outdoors to give illumination at night. There is some degree of flexibility and freedom in the way these lamps can be added, removed, and moved when necessary, but it also makes them look out of place sometimes or a superficial part of the wall. Another design strategy would be to discreetly embed the lights into the wall itself, which is what these odd-looking lamps offer in what could be considered a literal interpretation of a wall lamp.
It would definitely be a magical experience to touch a brick on a wall and suddenly have it light up with a warm glow. While doing that for every brick is impractical and expensive, having a few select spots turn into lamps can definitely level up the ambiance of a space with very little effort. Yes, you could just dig a hole into the wall to install some regular old lights, but the OG Brick makes the lighting look like an integral part of the wall rather than an afterthought.
Technically, they are part of the wall, as these are supposed to be layered alongside other bricks while the masonry wall is being set up. They’re also designed to blend in with the rest of the wall during the day when the lights are off, though they probably won’t match every wall color you can come up with. Variations include stainless steel, black powder-coated, and electroplated brown to cover the majority of brick wall hues.
The bricks aren’t made from clay or cement, of course, but have a hard metal frame to withstand the weight of the real bricks above it. A color-matching mesh covers the actual light element and makes the OG Brick “disappear” into its surroundings in the daytime. Since they are designed to be used in masonry walls, the lamps can be used both indoors as well as outdoors.
The visual effect these illuminated bricks give is both subtle yet also endearing, especially thanks to the warm glow of the lights. Despite blending with its surroundings, the OG Brick creates a pleasing juxtaposition between the rough simplicity of regular bricks and the fine craftsmanship of metalwork. Whether outdoors or indoors, the end result is a charming composition on a wall where a few bricks light up like magic.
Living space is becoming more expensive and cramped as time goes by, and that’s especially true when you’re sharing your home with furry friends. Space for human furniture will sometimes have to give way for those designed specifically for pets unless you can find a way to combine those two in a way that creates harmony rather than turf wars. Some pet furniture, however, doesn’t seem to be conducive to that design by nature, like a cat tree whose entire purpose is to give felines a place to play, scratch, or sleep in. That’s exactly the unbelievable idea behind this unusual furniture concept that blends a cat tree and a shelf for humans in a rather visually unique way.
Thanks to their innate agility, cats are notorious for climbing places. They’re also pretty bad at scratching surfaces (just like dogs are infamous for chewing shoes), so cat furniture is often designed to address these needs while enticing cats away from human furniture. Unlike a simple bed or house for a cat, however, a cat tree not only takes up space on the floor but also quite a bit of height from the room as well.
Inspired by the Japanese art of “tameshigiri” or test-cutting swords through rolls of straw or bamboo, Slash is a cat tree design concept that tries to make room for the needs of both cats and their owners. More specifically, it’s a shelf with inclined surfaces, definitely unusual for a shelf, that makes different areas more suited for different functions. The inclined part closest to the floor, for example, would be a good scratching pad for your cat, while the shelves that stop in the middle pillar would be ideal for books.
There is a flat shelf in the middle, and one of these has a ball hanging down for a cat to play with. The middle pillar of the cat tree has cushions at the top and bottom for the cat to sleep or perch on. The middle space can be for almost anything, especially stuff that you don’t want to accidentally fall off.
Slash has an intriguing and unconventional design that will pique the curiosity of cats and humans alike. That said, it’s rather questionable where putting human objects, especially fragile objects like a potted plant, where a cat plays is actually a good idea. You might know which shelves are for you and which are for the cat, but your feline family might have other ideas and claim everything for themselves, as cats often do.
No one can escape the passage of time or how the body grows old and frail. We can really only delay the inevitable with a healthy lifestyle, but there will always come a time when we’ll need someone or something to lean on while walking or need to sit down more regularly even if there’s not a chair in sight. Walking aids and stools are common sights in everyday life, and products that combine these two are also no longer alien to our eyes. Unfortunately, most of them, while functional, are also unattractive and sometimes even difficult to use. They’re often a cause of embarrassment for users who’d rather leave these at home and endure discomfort rather than be seen using them. Fortunately, all hope is not lost and this rather unique “sitting cane” shows how a well-designed tool can be functional, beautiful, and uplifting all at the same time.
Made from a single piece of solid ash wood split in the middle and held together with six brass bolts, the SNILD, the Danish word for handy or dextrous, shatters expectations of what a walking aid should look like. Rather than a traditional stick or a rod that ends with legs at the bottom, it looks more like a tapered paper clip viewed from the front. The curved top and bottom edges along with the sloping sides give the tool a more elegant and stylish appearance, while also providing bigger surface areas for holding or standing on the floor. The loop at the top also lets you hoist the sitting cane over your shoulder if you need to make use of both hands.
Unlike walking aids that also function as stools, transforming the SNILD is as easy as pulling the top halves apart. This reveals a leather seat that is both durable and comfortable, and it uses simple physics to hold the person up. The rubber feet of the legs provide the necessary grip to prevent the stool or the cane from sliding.
More than its functionality, it’s the design and aesthetic that puts the SNILD above the rest. It has a dignified appearance that goes beyond a simple walking aid or seat, and that sense of dignity is transferred to the user who no longer feels the shame of carrying one. It is a part of the designer’s vision of Everyday Assistive Furniture (EAF) design furniture that’s not only a tool but can even be a source of pride and an heirloom for future generations.
Android is available on a wide variety of devices, but not all of them have Google’s official blessing, let alone a product with Google’s name on it. In fact, it wasn’t until 2022 that Google launched its own smartwatch to stand along with sporty and stylish options from luxury brands. The Google Pixel Watch represents to some extent the vision that Google has for Wear OS smartwatches, and it seems that this vision hasn’t changed much over the past three years. At least that seems to be the impression you’ll get from these Pixel Watch 3 renders that, unsurprisingly, have an uncanny resemblance to the Pixel Watch 2 last year.
In terms of design, the Pixel Watches have admittedly been quite distinctive. While their peers sported mostly flat screens with bezels reminiscent of classic watches, the Pixel Watch has a very curved surface, almost like an upturned bowl, that gave it a sleek and modern look. Just like the Pixel 6 smartphone, it is a design that spoke to the heart of many fans, and thankfully Google doesn’t seem to have any plans of changing that yet.
Google Pixel Watch 2
Based on unofficial renders of the smartwatch, the upcoming Pixel Watch 3 has the exact same design as its predecessor, save for one subtle detail you’ll never notice just by looking at the device. According to rumors, the Pixel Watch 3 will be slightly thicker than the Pixel Watch 2, and this is mostly due to a slightly larger battery as well. That’s 307mAh versus 304mAh, which is honestly an almost negligible difference. On the flip side, the Pixel 3’s height and width are allegedly smaller at 40.79 x 40.73 mm than the 41 x 41 mm of the Pixel Watch 2.
Google Pixel Watch 3
There isn’t much information yet about the rest of the Pixel Watch 3, but we do expect some more senses and, more importantly, a pinch of AI. Of course, the watch itself won’t be powerful enough for on-device AI features, so it will have to tie up with a paired smartphone. The Pixel Watch 3 is also expected to come in two sizes, with a larger Pixel Watch 3 Pro also in the works.
The NeoRulerGO combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek, minimalist design. Its ergonomic shape and smooth finish make it comfortable to hold and easy to use. The bright display ensures you can track measurements effortlessly, even in varying light conditions. Its compact size and lightweight build make it easy to carry in a pocket or on a keychain, ensuring you can take it anywhere you need precise measurements.
Despite its compact size, the NeoRulerGO measures just 12mm (0.5 inches) in thickness and weighs a mere 45 grams (1.5 ounces). Its impressive built-in battery lasts up to 90 days on a single charge, ensuring long-lasting performance. Plus, with an IP54 rating, it’s both water and dust-resistant, ready to tackle any environment. You can grab the NeoRulerGO for a special price of $49. For those looking for even more, the $109 premium bundle offers the NeoPencil Case, a NeoPencil Mini, the NeoPencil Classic, and NeoStands with both color and black graphite nibs—delivering exceptional value with a range of versatile tools from Hozo Design.
Line
Curve
Irregular
One of the key features is its adaptability. The roller design allows smooth, continuous measurement over straight lines, curves, and irregular surfaces. The laser guide ensures accuracy, helping you stay on track. In the images, you can see how it glides over different materials, capturing precise measurements in real time. This makes it an excellent tool for architects, designers, and engineers who need exact project measurements.
Working seamlessly with the MEAZOR app, the device allows you to save, convert, and scale measurements. This feature is handy for professionals who need precise data for their projects. The app’s user-friendly interface makes all your data easily accessible and editable, enhancing your workflow. The NeoRulerGO is incredibly user-friendly. Its compact size and lightweight build don’t compromise its functionality, as the device can measure anything from millimeters to several meters with impressive accuracy. The screen displays measurements clearly, and the app organizes all your data.
The NeoRulerGO’s design combines functionality and aesthetics. Its ergonomic shape ensures it fits comfortably in the hand, reducing strain during extended use. The smooth finish adds a touch of elegance, while the bright display is designed for easy readability in various lighting conditions. The device’s intuitive interface allows users to quickly switch between different measurement modes, making it user-friendly even for those new to digital measuring tools. The laser guide is a crucial feature, providing a clear visual reference for starting and ending points. This ensures that measurements are straight and accurate, even over long distances or complex surfaces. The roller mechanism operates smoothly, allowing continuous measurement without resetting the device. This is a significant improvement over traditional tape measures that can be cumbersome and limited in length.
The flexibility of this device extends beyond just architects and engineers. Fashion designers and custom tailors can benefit from its precise measurements for fabrics, patterns, and garments, ensuring every piece fits perfectly. Its ability to measure curved and irregular surfaces means it can easily handle complex designs and unique cuts. Interior designers will find it invaluable for measuring spaces, determining dimensions for custom pieces, and creating floor plans. The laser guide helps maintain straight lines, even in tricky spaces, and the ability to convert measurements quickly makes it easier to switch between metric and imperial units.
DIY enthusiasts will appreciate how it simplifies the process of measuring materials for home improvement tasks, woodworking, or crafting. The ability to measure continuously without the limitations of a traditional tape measure means handling large projects more efficiently. Construction workers will find it indispensable on job sites, with its durability and water and dust resistance making it suitable for rough environments. Precise measurements ensure that all work meets exact specifications.
Artists and designers can use it to measure canvases, frames, and other materials accurately. The ability to measure curved and irregular shapes is beneficial for sculptors and those working with mixed media. The compact size makes it easy to use in the studio or on location, and the MEAZOR app provides a convenient way to keep track of all measurements for future reference. Teachers and students in technical fields such as engineering, architecture, and design can utilize the device to learn about measurements, scaling, and spatial relationships in educational settings. Its ease of use and accuracy make it valuable to any educational toolkit, helping students understand and apply measurement concepts in real-world scenarios.
The integration with the MEAZOR app enhances NeoRulerGO’s functionality, offering features such as unit conversion, scaling, and the ability to create technical drawings from measurements. The app’s user-friendly interface makes accessing and editing measurements easy, improving workflow efficiency for professionals and hobbyists. Hozo Design’s innovation is evident in its modular approach. The optional NeoPencil Case acts as an ergonomic handle and houses the NeoPencil Mini, creating a versatile tool for measurement, sketching, and marking. The case also provides storage for extra graphite tips, keeping everything you need at your fingertips. Additionally, the NeoPencil Stand comes with the NeoPencil and 12 replaceable nibs in various colors, enhancing its functionality. Crafted from durable 7075 aluminum alloy, the NeoPencil offers both reliability and elegance. The stand includes an eraser and a pen holder, making it a comprehensive accessory for designers and artists. With 12 tip refills, you are always prepared for detailed work.
The NeoRulerGO is a versatile and indispensable device for various applications. Its advanced technology, user-friendly design, and portability make it an ideal choice for anyone needing precise measurements. Whether you’re a professional in a technical field, a DIY enthusiast, or someone who values accuracy and efficiency, the NeoRulerGO is a worthwhile investment.
The more buildings we put up to address the growing needs of our civilization, the more materials and energy are consumed along with a rise in waste. And these structures don’t last forever, so the unsustainable process happens over and over again. The need for more sustainable alternatives to building materials has never been greater, especially at the rate that we’re building, tearing down, and rebuilding structures. This new kind of cinder block alternative is trying to be that answer, and it’s notable not just for its composition but because of the interlocking design that makes it easy to build a wall and, when the time comes, take it down again and reuse the blocks for some other building.
Although your typical cinder block isn’t completely harmful to the environment, they are simply wasteful and inefficient. Putting together a wall requires a lot of time, effort, and materials like mortar to give it strength, and even then it’s not that strong anyway. And if you have to, say, move the wall or remove it completely, there’s no other method other than demolishing that wall and then building a new one from scratch.
PLAEX-crete attacks the problem of concrete blocks from two angles: composition and construction. Unlike other sustainable blocks, PLAEX doesn’t hesitate to get down and dirty, using materials that are considered different to recycle, including agricultural, marine, and industrial plastic waste and aggregate waste from the construction industry. Each block is made up of more than 90% recycled waste but is 33% lighter than traditional cinder blocks while also stronger.
The material alone isn’t enough to radically change the construction industry, though. The second part of the two-hit combo that PLAEX delivers is the shape of the blocks that look like gigantic LEGO blocks. The interlocking mechanism is no joke, however, and allows workers to build up a wall twice the time as regular concrete blocks. Best of all, you don’t even need mortar or other materials to keep the blocks together, and they still end up being more solid, sturdier, and more durable than a cinder block wall.
That same interlocking design makes it possible to disassemble the blocks just as easily so that they can be reused, saving money and resources. A modification of the design has also given birth to the PLAEX LinX which supports connections at different angles for more creative shapes and constructions. At the moment, PLAEX can only be used for non-occupancy walls, but work is underway to make the material certified for homebuilding, at which point it could revolutionize the construction industry with its environment-friendly and convenient design.
