Author Archives: Ida Torres

Nike Alphafly 3 Proto lets you run a marathon comfortably and fashionably

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I know a lot of people whose holiday gift wish list would be a pair of sneakers, specifically a pair of Nike sneakers. Those who are too old for Santa would probably post their dream sneaks on their social media in the hopes that one of their loved ones would grant their wish. If you’re planning to do a bit of long-distance running, this new pair from Nike is something you can dream about.

Designer: Nike

The Alphafly 3 Proto is created specifically for those who are looking for sneakers that can withstand two-hour marathons and beyond. It has actually been tested by actual marathoners like world record holder Kelvin Kiptum famed middle and long distance runner Sifan Hassan. Nike says these shoes are “fine-tuned for marathon speed” so you can challenge yourself to beat your personal records and if you’re into competitive running, to leave others in the dust.

These sneakers are special because of three kinds of innovative technologies that can power your run (or walk). You get two forefoot Air Zoom units together with the ZoomX foam so you get energized no matter how long you’ve been running. There is also a full-length carbon fiber plate which helps propel your stride. Lastly, you get the heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole so you’re still comfortably walking or running whether it’s mile 1 or mile 26.2.

The Alphafly 3 Proto is also the lightest in this line and has an Atomknit upper that will give your feet room to breathe and at the same time have better multidirectional containment. It also has notched laces and an integrated knit tongue with lofted padding. You will have to wait for the new year to get your hands on this pair though as it will only be available by January.

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Enjoy camping in the great outdoors in comfort with off-grid camper trailer

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There are different kinds of people who go camping. There are those that really want to rough it out in the middle of nature, away from the bare necessities that we’ve gotten used to every day. But there are also those that want to stay close to their creature comforts while still experiencing some semblance of the great outdoors. If you’re more of the latter, this Mad Max-looking vehicle may be the one for you.

Designer: Bruder

The Bruder EXP-8 is the flagship vehicle from the Australian adventure trailer manufacturer. If you want to experience an outdoor adventure, you can do so in the comfort of this off-grid camper trailer that is “designed and built for all seasons and environments”. You will be able to drive through the most uneven of terrains and the most extreme climactic conditions as it has 12 inches of suspension travel and three times more usable wheel travel than others in its category.

On the outside, it looks like something out of a Mad Max movie, but with a sleeker and sturdier look. Inside, it is spacious and has a pretty luxurious set up complete with a fully functional kitchen, a living room, bedroom, a bathroom that looks like those you can see in hotels, and gallery windows so you can enjoy a good view of the outdoors. It also has solar panels, a 20 KwH battery, and a 500W inverter so you can get enough power for four people inside the camper.

While it looks tough and heavy, they used lightweight construction for the Bruder EXP-8. It is also able to calibrate its height to fit different kinds of tow vehicles. It can even level out on sloping camp spots so you can enjoy the best of both worlds while camping out in luxury.

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Macintosh-inspired Wireless Charging Stand combines Nostalgia with MagSafe and Wireless Charging

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For those of us who were already alive and aware when the original Macintosh made its bow on January 1984, seeing any vintage design that is inspired by this classic is always nostalgic. We’ve been seeing a resurgence of all kinds of vintage-inspired designs on more modern gadgets and devices to blend the old and the new. elago is one such brand that has been coming up with more nostalgic magsafe and old-school Mac inspired accessories to go together with your iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watch, etc. This latest one is sure to appeal to the classic Mac lovers.

Designer: elago

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The MagSafe MS M4 Charging Stand is a charging stand for your iPhone that brings back the classic retro design of the Macintosh. It also helps reduce clutter on your table when you need to juice up your smartphone and of course do it in nostalgic style. It is made from premium silicone so it should be able to protect your device from scratches and even the spot on the desk where you will be placing the charger. It also adds a grip to to the surface that it’s resting on and has ventilation holes so your device won’t overheat.

You will need to have your own MagSafe charger which will be attached to the charging stand which then allows you to attach your iPhone in place. As it’s charging, you will also be able to use it to take phone calls and do video calls as well. It is also compatible with the StandBy mode that turns your device into an ambient smart display if you’re already sporting iOS 17. It is compatible with the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series. If you’re not using the charging stand, it still looks cute sitting there on your table with the mini Macintosh design complete with the classic cursive “hello.” greeting.

The charging stand doesn’t have any other new additional feature aside from being a stand that charges your iPhone or a stand to hold your device if you’re using it for calls or video conferences. But if you’re looking for something cute and nostalgic, then it’s something that you’d want to add to your collection. And at just $28.99, it’s not that of an expensive addition.

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Solar electric minivan lets you power up in emergency situations

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In the old days, the only function of vehicles was to transport people and goods to their desired location. But as technology evolves, we expect a lot more from them other than just a way to get from point A to point B. We also expect newer cars to be much more eco-friendly, hence the emergence of electric vehicles. Now, we’re seeing vehicles that are able to “contribute to society” in their own way by adding various functionalities aside from just moving.

Designer: HW Electro

Puzzle is a small commercial electric vehicle from HW Electro that may be the size of a light car or van but also has a lot of other functionalities built into it. It can become a mobile power source during emergencies with its AC power supply function and can also become a WiFi hotspot that anyone can connect to. It also has an emergency kit that can be used during emergency situations. The van also has solar panels on top to add to the power source. They plan to add even more functions eventually as the vehicle evolves.

The exterior of the vehicle has been streamlined so it’s easy to remove or add other components since they’re using the same panels. This way they are able to eliminate waste during production since things like the panel under the front light, the front edge of the roof, the left front door, and the right rear door are made from the same exterior panel. The interior has an almost cubic cargo space so you can use the full size of the van. There are also interior panels made into pinboards so you can turn the inside into more of a modular space which you can arrange according to your needs and preferences.

HW Electro released a dedicated app so you can connect electric vehicles like the Puzzle to users’ smartphones to keep track of various information like battery level, charging status, location, etc. If you plan to travel long distances and use your vehicle as your shelter and power source, this is a good eco-friendly and multi-function option for you.

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Cork bike saddle amplifies the eco-friendly quotient of your ride

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There was a huge increase in bicycles and all biking accessories during the pandemic as people tried to find alternative means of transportation. Now that we’re almost back to whatever normal is, bikers are still a huge segment of the transportation market for a lot of reasons. One of these is that it’s more eco-friendly that cars since it does not use any fuel. But there has also been an interest in making the bicycles themselves even more eco-friendly.

Designer: Frame Cycles

One new product that can make your bike more sustainable is the FR-1 Bike Saddle since it is made from reconstituted cork and grade 5 titanium. It was able to do away with the usual three plastic layers of the bike saddle and replace it with the single piece of cork. What’s more, this cork is able to have all the properties of those plastic layers: structural rigidity, foam comfort, and weather resistance.

According to Frame Cycles, they were able to create the first batch of these cork saddles by using a firm grade of reconstituted cork so it has the similar hardness to the usual leather bike saddle. This also means that you will have to spend at least two weeks for the cork saddle to break in and start to soften. They will eventually release variants with different grades of cork. The process of sourcing the materials from the cork trees is also less harmful as stripping the bark every 8-10 years boosts the carbon consumption 3-5 times.

Before the cork saddle gets to you, the components are harvested in Portugal and then molded when it reaches Glasgow, Scotland. This is also where the parts are treated with water-based lacquer and then integrated into the welded titanium substructure. Knowing this entire process, it will not surprise you that the FR-1 Bike Saddle is a bit expensive at around $130. But of course, it’s a small (expensive) price to pay if you want a more eco-friendly bike to accompany your sustainable lifestyle.

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Zippo Fire Starting Multi-Tool will you be your best friend for those camping nights

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If you’ve ever gone camping, chances are you probably had to start a fire for your cooking or smores needs. As someone who has never have done this but have seen enough movies and TV shows where people struggle with it, I can only guess that it’s pretty challenging if you don’t have the right tools or if you actually don’t know how to do it. Fortunately for those who still have to do it manually, there are a lot of tools now (and YouTube).

Designer: Zippo

The Fire Starting Multi-Tool from Zippo should be able to do the job for you as its name says. It’s basically a Swiss knife type of tool that has everything you need to start a fire and do other outdoorsy things. It has a flint wheel ignition that should be able to spark that fire and then add shavings from the tinder grater that’s part of the tool. It also has a 420 high-carbon steel knife blade and a double cut saw blade that should let you cut through things like branches which you also need to kindle the fire.

You should be able to start up to 15 fires at 1 inch each or 12 fires at 3 cm each with what’s included in this tool , which includes 1 flint. It also comes with a fire paracord and bail with an attachment point. For non-fire things, there is a bottle opener and screwdriver so you can enjoy a bottle of beer once the fire has been started.

If you often go outdoors and start campfires and such, this is a handy tool for you to always have with you. Zippo is even offering a combo kit which includes other fire starting tools that you may need if you ned to have those smores while exchanging campfire stories.

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Turn your sleeping area into your office with this rotating furniture

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If you’re living in a small space, you’d want to have furniture that can serve multiple purposes. Modular and multi-functional designs have been dominating the scene the past few years especially during the pandemic when the line between work and private life blurred all the more. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and start working from my bed, thinking maybe I should have a desk built in there or have my desk nearer to my bed for a smooth transition.

Designer: Expand Furniture

This wish comes true with the Compatto Rotating Office Murphy Bed with Desk which is literally a bed that can be turned into a working area and even a multimedia space. And when you’re ready to pack it all up at the end of the day (or the middle), you just have to fold it away, turn it all around (literally) and rest in your Murphy bed with the Queen Italian memory foam mattress.

Of course the highlight of this piece of furniture is the fact that you can quickly turn it into a workspace with a few rotations and push and pulls. The wide desk can fit in things like dual monitors, a TV screen, all-in-one iMacs, and small computers. There is also space for file storage, decorations, books, and other knick knacks. There is also adequate places and openings for all kinds of power cords and wires to power your devices.

You will have to assemble everything yourself though as this is a DIY install. But this seems to be a pretty interesting piece of furniture to have if you can manage to put everything together. I will probably have some anxious moments thinking that I will be displacing my office stuff when I’m sleeping but at least I will have a really cool bed and work station in one.

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Portable sound monitors helps you create music from the comfort of your room

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Gone are the days when you will have to book studio time and spend a lot of money to be able to produce, mix, and create your own music. One tool that artists and producers need to be able to create music is to have great studio monitors so they will be able to fine tune the music they’re creating. We’re now seeing these monitors become more portable and lighter to cater to those who want to produce music from the comfort of their own homes.

Designer: AIAIAI

The Unit-4 monitors by Danish audio makers AIAIAI is one such tool that these indie music creators can use to produce their works of art. These studio monitors portable (weighing at just 2.5kg), battery-powered, and completely wireless. This means you can lug it around to wherever you are working in your house and you will not be bogged down by cables and power cords. Well, at least until the battery runs out after around 20 hours.

When it comes to quality, it can be comparable to the boxy, bigger sound monitors that studios use. It has Flat +/-2dB frequency response from 50Hz to 20kHz and can give a bass extension down to 40Hz with its 2-way active sound monitors. It has a 4-inch woofer and 1-inch silk-dome tweeter with crossover at 3kHz. It is also eco-friendly as the bass reflex enclosure is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic which also contributes to the sound quality since it minimizes resonance.

If you want to use the speakers the old school way, there is a 3.5mm mini-jack and 6.3mm balanced TRS inputs. It comes with a magnetic steel grill to protect the woofer and tweeter but you also have the option to not use it if you feel it interferes with the sound. You can get a pair of the AIAIAI UNIT-4 for $800.

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Smart belt with haptic feedback can replace white canes for visually impaired

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For those that do not have any visual impairments or don’t know have anyone close to them that has this condition, the simple act of walking down a street is something that we probably take for granted. Being aware that not everyone will have that privilege is something that we should occasionally remind ourselves. There are brands and product designers that are constantly working to develop gadgets and tools that can help those that need assistance living their every day lives.

Designer: AI Guided

GUIDi is a concept for a device that can replace the white cane that a lot of visually impaired individuals use to navigate their way through busy streets. It is a device that the user wears on their waist and includes camera and microprocessor modules, and haptic feedback units that will assist them as they walk. There are two 8-megapixel cameras that are forward-facing and will scan the environment as they are walking. The images captured will be analyzed by AI-based software which will be able to identify things like trees, trash cans, sign posts, and other items that the user may face on the street or sidewalk.

The haptic feedback units will vibrate to alert the user that there may be some obstruction in their direction. It will even be able to detect things like branches, wires, and other overhanging items that a regular cane may miss since it’s basically on the ground. The device can also be connected to an app on their smartphone through Bluetooth connectivity where they can choose a specific location and they will be guided by GUIDi accordingly. The battery life is around 8-10 hours on a single charge.

Design wise, it’s pretty much a no-frills device that you can wear on your waist and should not be that obstructive or uncomfortable. The two haptic feedback units on each side should be enough to give the user signals on possible obstacles but also not give sudden vibrations that might surprise the user. The GUIDi is not yet in production but those who are interested can try joining the free trial that the company is offering.

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Candle warmer with halogen lamp makes your self-care routine more relaxing

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There are days when all you want to do when you get home is light up a candle or turn on your diffuser, relax with a book or by listening to music, and just let all the day’s stresses melt away. Self-care has become such an important buzzword the past few years so we get a lot of products now that let ordinary folks have their own destressing rituals without spending so much. After all, we need to find the “silver lining” in whatever situation we’re in.

Designer: Adaption Design Studio for SUMSEI

This is probably one of the reasons why this new product from Korean brand SUMSEI is called the Silver Lining Warmer. They say that this is in reference to the beam of light that shines through the clouds, which is what the product wants to be for those who need a bit of relaxation at home. Basically it’s a candle warmer but with the added bonus of a halogen light to make your room even more comfortable and calming.

The main purpose of the warmer is to diffuse the scent of the paraffin candles as they’re melting from the halogen lamp. But the Silver Lining Warmer also has a halogen lamp that would flicker as you use it to give you a spa-like atmosphere as you enjoy the scents and scenes while probably having sounds in the background as well. The warmer uses heat-resistant resin so that it would still be safe even with the heat from the halogen lamp.

It uses a pretty minimalist design with just black and white color options available so it should go well with any aesthetic. As someone who enjoys diffusing smells and sometimes candles at home while reading or just resting my eyes while listening to music, this is the kind of addition to my routine that I’ll welcome.

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