Author Archives: Ida Torres

Samsung’s Retro OLED Cassette and Turntable Concepts Are Pure Nostalgia

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If you’ve lived long enough on this earth, you probably sometimes still long for those days when music was tangible. Whether you experienced putting in a cassette tape or placing a vinyl record on your turntable or even plopping in a CD, you probably miss the sound and feel of “physical music”. That’s why we have several devices that are banking on this nostalgia factor and it seems like Samsung is not immune to this trend.

Samsung Display has unveiled two intriguing concept devices at the ongoing CES 2026: the AI OLED Cassette and the AI OLED Turntable. While they’re not yet products that you can actually buy tomorrow, this “creative flex” for their circular OLED technology may inspire other manufacturers or even get Samsung to actually produce it or something similar in the future.

Designer: Samsung Display

The AI OLED Cassette is a throwback for those who experienced this kind of music back in the day. It takes the classic tape deck design and turns it into a smart speaker with two tiny 1.5-inch circular OLED displays. They’re in that place where the spinning reels used to be, since this isn’t exactly a cassette player. On the left, you get the playback controls and on the right side, you get a digital waveform or equalizer. Both screens are touch-sensitive, letting you interact directly with the device without constantly reaching for your phone.

It’s not just a usual Bluetooth speaker, though, as you get AI-powered music recommendations built into the device. That means you can discover new music, select what you want to hear, and control everything directly on the cassette itself. You get a touchscreen display as well so you don’t need an external device to control it. This standalone functionality sets it apart from traditional Bluetooth speakers that rely heavily on phone connectivity. There’s also a lozenge-shaped display that doubles as a virtual tuning dial, adding another layer of interaction that feels surprisingly intuitive for something so retro-inspired.

Going further back in the nostalgia trip, the AI OLED Turntable is a 13.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen that looks like an actual vinyl turntable. The turntable display can actually display images and videos to add to the ambience in your space while playing the tunes. Imagine hosting friends and having your turntable show ambient visuals that match the vibe of your playlist. It’s part music player, part art installation, part conversation starter. The large circular display becomes the centerpiece of whatever room you place it in, commanding attention in a way that most modern tech tries to avoid.

AI OLED Bot

These two device concepts actually blur the line between technology and home decor, standing out from the usual, minimalist smart speakers that are on the market. By embracing retro aesthetics and then adding cutting-edge OLED technology, they turn these functional devices into design statements as well, letting them blend into your living space while giving you the music that you want at a particular time.

The timing couldn’t be better either. We’re living through a massive vinyl resurgence, with record sales hitting levels not seen since the 1990s. Cassette tapes are even making a comeback among collectors and indie musicians. There’s clearly an appetite for music experiences that feel more intentional, more physical, more there. Samsung seems to understand that people don’t just want convenience anymore. They want connection to their music and their spaces.

However, before you start dreaming about these devices adorning your living room, remember that they’re still concept devices and may never be manufactured by Samsung Display. These showcases are essentially Samsung demonstrating what’s possible with their circular OLED technology and showing other manufacturers what could be built. They might never produce these exact products themselves.

RGB OLEDoS Headset

Still, as concepts, they’re a vision for how technology can exist while still celebrating personality and nostalgia, rather than generic, robotic looks. Whether you’re a design enthusiast who appreciates the aesthetic, a tech geek fascinated by flexible OLED displays, or a pop culture lover drawn to the retro vibes, there’s something genuinely appealing about these devices. Sometimes the best concepts aren’t about predicting the future. They’re about reimagining how the past and present can play together.

The post Samsung’s Retro OLED Cassette and Turntable Concepts Are Pure Nostalgia first appeared on Yanko Design.

IKEA’s Viral Donut Lamp Just Got a $100 Smart Upgrade

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Whenever I pass by IKEA, one of the things that always catches my eye are their minimalist lamps (well, a lot of their items are minimalist of course). They look simple, elegant, and something that would fit right into my space. Probably one of their most popular lamps is the VARMBLIXT donut lamp designed by renowned Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis, which is, as its name suggests, a donut-shaped lamp.

Now this lamp is seeing a 2026 upgrade with the new VARMBLIXT smart donut lamp that still keeps the popular sculptural but playful form intact but adds a smarter component. The light now radiates from the inside with its matte finish instead of the previous version where external light reflected and bounced off on its glossy surface. This shift from glossy to matte white glass fundamentally changes how you experience the lamp – instead of being a reflective object, it becomes a glowing light source that creates ambiance from within.

Designer: Sabine Marcelis for IKEA

The difference in the design, specifically the material, allows the lamp to create a different atmospheric experience. For those that love more colorful ambience lighting, you now get 12 preset colors that were personally curated by the designer herself. The colors also transition smoothly through the different hues so that there is no abrupt change to your environment. You get different temperatures of white light to glowing amber and warm red to soft pink to cool lavender and turquoise to gentle yellow tones and finally back to white light. Marcelis designed these transitions to be subtle and natural, so the shifts feel organic rather than jarring.

When you connect the lamp to the IKEA Home Smart app through DIRIGERA, you get the “full colour spectrum with more than 40 shades” to play with, giving you even more control over your lighting mood. The VARMBLIXT lamp comes with the BILRESA remote so you can start cycling through the colors without any complicated setup. But it is built on the Matter standard so you can integrate it with your smart home system including Apple Home, Siri, and other compatible platforms.

Just like the original donut lamp, you can use this smart version as a table lamp or you can also mount it on your wall if you need this to be part of your wall decor. You get flexibility on how you want this sculptural piece to be displayed in your space, whether to blend in with your aesthetic or to be the centerpiece decoration while providing ambient light. At $99.99, it hits that sweet spot of designer quality at an accessible price point.

IKEA is also launching a VARMBLIXT smart pendant lamp which focuses mostly on how white light can move from cool daylight to the yellow glow that mimics candles when it gets darker. Its design is a cluster of curved tubes made from frosted white glass that creates a sculptural presence even when turned off. When illuminated, those frosted tubes transform into a magical piece of light engineering, casting a soft, diffused glow. You can also use it with the included remote or connect it to your smart home system. The pendant is priced at $149.99.

Both lamps will be available starting in April 2026, and they represent more than just a product upgrade. They’re part of IKEA’s ongoing collaboration with Sabine Marcelis, with another collection already planned for 2027. For collectors and design enthusiasts, this makes the VARMBLIXT pieces part of an evolving story worth following.

What I love most about these smart upgrades is that IKEA didn’t sacrifice the design integrity that made these lamps iconic in the first place. They’ve simply enhanced what was already working beautifully, adding functionality that feels intuitive rather than overwhelming. Whether you’re drawn to the playful personality of the donut lamp or the refined elegance of the pendant, both pieces prove that smart lighting can be sculptural, affordable, and genuinely beautiful.

The post IKEA’s Viral Donut Lamp Just Got a $100 Smart Upgrade first appeared on Yanko Design.

This 4K Bird Feeder Captures Hummingbirds at 120fps in Slow Motion

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A few years back, I had to bring some members of a birding community around the place I was working at that time. I got to experience firsthand what it is that they actually do. And while I probably would not take up birding as a hobby, it is indeed interesting to observe, take pictures, and talk about all those birds out in the wild with people who were super into it.

The Birdfy Hum Bloom was just unveiled at the ongoing CES 2026, and it’s something that will definitely interest those who are into birding, specifically hummingbirds. It’s a bird feeder that also doubles as a camera to capture the natural artistry of these birds in full 4K motion. This device seems to be a game-changer for hummingbird lovers as well as a place for said birds to rest and get fed while still enjoying their natural habitat.

Designer: Birdfy

In the eyes of the hummingbird, the Hum Bloom looks like a regular bird feeder where they can rest and get their nectar from. But it actually sports an 8-megapixel camera that is able to capture 4K video at 20fps. You can switch it to slow-motion mode to get a more magical 120 frames per second so you can see the hummingbird’s mesmerizing wing movements in stunning detail. They say even traditional cameras cannot do this with the hummingbirds that flap their wings between 50 to 80 times per second when hovering.

This device also comes with Birdfy’s OrniSense AI technology, which is able to recognize over 150 hummingbird species (TIL that there are that many hummingbird species). You’ll only get notifications on your connected device when the motion sensors detect hummingbirds in flight, and you won’t get alerts every time it senses movement, unless it’s the aforementioned birds.

Don’t worry though, as this bird feeder isn’t just a gadget with a camera. The hourglass-inspired shape and floral color choices mimic actual flowers that naturally attract the hummingbirds. It’s not just backyard decoration but “a revolutionary smart feeder for discovery.” It also has nectar level sensors so you get alerted when you need to refill it and also notifies you when you need to refresh it. The flower-inspired design makes it easy to refill compared to traditional feeders. You won’t get pesky unwanted visitors as it also has a built-in ant moat to keep them away.

The Hum Bloom goes beyond aesthetics with its leak prevention system, ensuring your patio or deck stays clean and the nectar stays where it belongs which is inside the feeder. One of the most thoughtful features is the integrated solar panel with battery backup. This means you don’t have to worry about constantly charging or replacing batteries, which is especially important since hummingbirds are most active during daylight hours when the solar panel is working at its best.

Through the Birdfy mobile app, you can access all your footage, create clips of your favorite moments, and learn detailed information about the species visiting your feeder. It’s like having a personal hummingbird documentary studio right in your backyard. The AI doesn’t just identify the birds; it provides educational content so you can learn more about these fascinating creatures.

The device is expected to launch in Q2 of 2026, though pricing hasn’t been announced yet. Given its advanced features and premium positioning, it will likely be a significant investment, but for serious hummingbird enthusiasts and nature lovers, the unique capabilities may well justify the cost.

Thinking back to my time with that birding community, I now realize how much they would have appreciated technology like this. Birding requires patience, the right timing, and often expensive camera equipment to capture quality images. The Hum Bloom eliminates much of that complexity as it does the waiting for you, captures the perfect moments automatically, and requires minimal maintenance thanks to its smart sensors and solar power. Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a nature photography enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys watching wildlife from the comfort of home, the Birdfy Hum Bloom represents an exciting intersection of technology and nature.

The post This 4K Bird Feeder Captures Hummingbirds at 120fps in Slow Motion first appeared on Yanko Design.

Razer’s Project AVA Brings Holographic AI Companions to Your Desk

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Remember watching sci-fi movies as a kid and dreaming about the day you’d have your own holographic assistant? Well, that future just arrived, and it’s cuter than we ever imagined. Razer unveiled Project AVA at CES 2026, and honestly, it’s giving us all the futuristic vibes we didn’t know we needed.

Picture this: a sleek cylindrical device sitting on your desk, projecting a 5.5-inch animated 3D hologram that actually talks to you, learns your habits, and becomes your daily companion. It sounds like something straight out of a Black Mirror episode, but in the best possible way.

Designer: Razer

What makes Project AVA so fascinating isn’t just the holographic technology itself (though let’s be real, that’s pretty spectacular). It’s how Razer has reimagined what AI companionship could look like in our physical spaces. Unlike Siri hiding in your phone or Alexa trapped in a speaker, AVA exists as a visible presence on your desk. She has facial expressions, tracks eye movement, and her lips actually sync when she talks. It’s the kind of detail that transforms a gadget into something that feels surprisingly alive.

The personality customization is where things get really interesting. You can choose from different avatars, each with their own distinct personality. There’s Kira, an anime-style character perfect for gaming enthusiasts. There’s Zane for those wanting a more professional vibe. And then, in what might be the most genius collaboration ever, there’s an avatar modeled after League of Legends legend Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, plus characters from Sword Art Online. Razer clearly understands its audience, and they’re leaning hard into gaming and anime culture in the best way possible.

But here’s what really sets AVA apart: she’s powered by xAI’s Grok engine, which gives her some seriously sophisticated AI capabilities. This isn’t just a voice assistant that sets timers and plays music. AVA learns from your interactions and evolves her personality based on how you communicate with her. She can help organize your schedule, brainstorm creative projects, analyze data, and even provide real-time gaming coaching by actually watching your screen and offering strategic advice.

The gaming features deserve special attention because they’re genuinely innovative. Through what Razer calls “PC Vision Mode,” AVA can analyze your gameplay in real-time and offer coaching tips. Before you worry, Razer has been clear that AVA is designed as a coach and trainer, not an automated playing tool, so she won’t get you banned from competitive games. She’s more like having a knowledgeable friend watching over your shoulder, offering helpful suggestions.

From a design perspective, the cylindrical unit houses impressive tech: dual far-field microphones, an HD camera with ambient light sensors, and of course, Razer’s signature Chroma RGB lighting because aesthetics matter. The device connects to your Windows PC via USB-C, ensuring the high-bandwidth data transfer needed for those real-time features to work smoothly.

What’s particularly clever about Project AVA is how it addresses something we’ve all experienced with traditional AI assistants: the disconnect. When you’re talking to a voice in a speaker, it feels transactional. But when there’s a holographic character making eye contact and responding with facial expressions, the interaction becomes more engaging and, dare I say, more human.

Razer is calling AVA a “Friend for Life,” which might sound like marketing hyperbole, but it hints at something bigger happening in tech culture. We’re moving beyond thinking about AI as tools and starting to explore how they might serve as companions in our daily lives. It’s a fascinating cultural shift that raises interesting questions about how we’ll interact with technology in the coming years.

For anyone interested in being part of this next wave of AI innovation, reservations are open now for a $20 deposit, with the device expected to launch in late 2026. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a collector of innovative gadgets, or just someone who’s always wanted their own holographic companion, Project AVA represents something genuinely new in the consumer tech space.

The post Razer’s Project AVA Brings Holographic AI Companions to Your Desk first appeared on Yanko Design.

SanDisk Just Made USB Drives Look Like Whistles and Crayons

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Remember when USB flash drives were just boring little rectangles you’d inevitably lose in your bag? The younger ones who have gotten used to cloud storage or just sending files on messaging services probably don’t even know what flash drives are. Over the last years, they haven’t really been relevant or needed or even interesting especially since they just practically look the same.

Well, SanDisk just tossed that playbook out the window. The storage giant is bringing some serious whimsy to the tech world with two collections that prove functional doesn’t have to mean forgettable. I haven’t used flash drives for some time now but seeing these new designs makes me want to get them and think about what I should actually store in them. Or maybe I can even just get them as a bag charm if I don’t really need them.

Designer: Sandisk

First up is something that’ll have soccer fans doing a double-take. SanDisk has launched an officially licensed FIFA World Cup 2026 collection, and the star of the lineup is a USB-C flash drive shaped like a referee’s whistle. Yes, you read that right. These aren’t just novelty items either. They pack up to 128GB of storage and boast speeds of up to 300MB/s, so you can actually use them to store all those nail-biting match moments and victory celebrations.

The FIFA collection comes in multiple editions celebrating the three host countries: USA, Canada, and Mexico, plus a Global Edition and a premium Gold Edition. Each design draws inspiration from the unique culture of its respective country, turning these drives into collectible pieces that go beyond basic storage. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder why more tech companies aren’t having this much fun with their products.

But SanDisk didn’t stop at sports memorabilia. They’ve also teamed up with Crayola to create something that might just be even more delightful: crayon-shaped USB-C flash drives. And we’re not talking about generic crayon shapes here. These drives come in actual Crayola colors with real names like Mango Tango, Cerulean Blue, Electric Lime, and Vivid Violet.

The Crayola collaboration is particularly clever because it bridges the gap between nostalgia and practicality. These adorable drives offer up to 256GB of storage, making them perfect for students, creatives, or anyone who wants their tech to spark a little joy. The drives even come with a three-month subscription to the Crayola Create & Play app and access to Crayola Thinking Sheets, which adds an extra layer of value beyond the hardware itself.

What’s fascinating about both collections is how they challenge the notion that tech needs to look “professional” or minimalist to be taken seriously. There’s been this long-standing assumption in the tech industry that sleek, understated design is the only way forward. But SanDisk is betting that people actually want products that reflect their personalities and interests.

The whistle-shaped FIFA drives are particularly genius from a design standpoint. They come with a lanyard attachment, so you can literally wear them around your neck at matches or viewing parties. It’s functional (you won’t lose it), thematic (referees wear whistles), and conversation-starting all at once. That’s the kind of thoughtful design that makes products memorable.

Similarly, the Crayola drives tap into something deeper than just aesthetics. Crayons represent creativity, childhood wonder, and the freedom to express yourself. By transforming that iconic shape into a storage device, SanDisk is sending a message: your digital creations deserve the same colorful treatment as your physical ones.

Both collections also demonstrate smart licensing partnerships. FIFA World Cup 2026 is one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, and Crayola is an instantly recognizable brand with nearly universal positive associations. These aren’t random collaborations. They’re strategic moves that connect technology with cultural moments and beloved brands. From a practical standpoint, these drives deliver the specs you’d expect from SanDisk. USB-C connectivity means they work seamlessly with modern devices, from smartphones to laptops. The SanDisk Memory Zone app makes organizing and backing up files straightforward. They’re real, functional products that just happen to look fantastic on your desk or in your pocket.

The post SanDisk Just Made USB Drives Look Like Whistles and Crayons first appeared on Yanko Design.

Emerson Just Built the Air Fryer That Actually Listens to You

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One of the goals for this year is to cook more, and my good ol’ air fryer should play a huge role in this as I’m also trying to be healthier. However, preparing the ingredients while operating the device can sometimes be a little challenging and messy, to say the least. I sometimes wish that my air fryer could actually just listen to what I want it to do instead of me trying to figure out everything manually.

Emerson is trying to solve that problem with their SmartVoice 10QT 6-in-1 Air Fryer and its game-changing feature: true voice control. The device has more than 1,000 preset voice commands, which make it easier for you to just tell the air fryer what it is you’re cooking, and it helps you figure out how it should be cooked. Having this in your kitchen will bring convenience to a whole other level.

Designer: Emerson

The SmartVoice Technology built into this allows you to use natural conversation. You can say things like “Hey air fryer, cook pork chops” or “Hey air fryer, increase temperature” without having to memorize the exact syntax you need for it to follow you. It is a 6-in-1 device as you can also bake, roast, broil, reheat, and dehydrate all sorts of food and dishes in there, aside from air frying, of course. There are also voice prompts that will remind you to shake or flip your food if the recipe calls for it.

Another standout feature of this device is that all your voice commands are handled directly on the device. There are no cloud servers or background monitoring involved, which should satisfy those who are concerned with privacy and data collection. It is also a literal plug-and-play device, so there should be no frustrating setup issues, or so they claim. Reality can sometimes be different, but hopefully, it is as advertised.

This SmartVoice air fryer should suit large households as it has a capacity of 10 quarts, which should be able to hold up to 10 pounds of food. It is able to recognize more than a hundred different foods, so you don’t need to constantly check on temperature and times. If you prefer the usual button approach, the appliance also has 12 touch presets. It also has preheat settings to ensure optimal cooking conditions even before you start cooking. The 1,700-watt power output ensures your food cooks quickly and evenly, while the nonstick basket makes cleanup a breeze. The device weighs 14.46 pounds, giving it a sturdy presence on your countertop without being impossible to move when needed.

What makes this air fryer truly special is how it fits into your real cooking routine. Picture this: you’re marinating chicken with messy hands, your phone is across the room, and you suddenly remember you need to adjust the temperature. Instead of washing your hands, drying them, and fumbling with buttons, you simply speak your command. It’s that seamless integration into your workflow that makes voice control more than just a gimmick as it becomes genuinely useful.

For busy parents juggling multiple tasks, this is a game-changer. You can monitor your cooking while helping kids with homework, folding laundry, or prepping the next dish. For anyone with mobility challenges or arthritis that makes pressing small buttons difficult, voice control offers newfound independence in the kitchen. And for multitaskers who are always moving between counters, the ability to control your appliance from anywhere in the kitchen is liberating.

Priced at $169.99, the Emerson SmartVoice Air Fryer sits in the mid-range category for large-capacity air fryers. However, when you consider that you’re getting six cooking functions, genuine offline voice control (not just app-based controls), and a family-sized capacity, the value proposition becomes quite compelling. Many smart appliances require subscriptions or constant connectivity; this one simply works out of the box.

The Emerson SmartVoice 10QT 6-in-1 Air Fryer represents a thoughtful approach to smart kitchen technology. Instead of adding complexity for complexity’s sake, it addresses real pain points that home cooks face daily. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, cook more efficiently, or simply make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable, this voice-activated marvel might just be the cooking companion you’ve been waiting for. If you’ve been on the fence about smart kitchen appliances because of privacy concerns or setup hassles, this offline, plug-and-play solution could finally change your mind.

The post Emerson Just Built the Air Fryer That Actually Listens to You first appeared on Yanko Design.

LEGO’s New Smart Bricks Launched at CES 2026 Bring Star Wars Builds to Life

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If you thought LEGO couldn’t possibly get any cooler, think again. At CES 2026, the iconic toy company just dropped what they’re calling their biggest innovation since the Minifigure debuted back in 1978. That’s nearly 50 years of building history, so yeah, this is kind of a big deal.

Meet the LEGO Smart Brick: a standard 2×4 brick that looks totally normal on the outside but is secretly packed with more tech than you’d think possible. We’re talking motion sensors, LED lights, a tiny speaker, and a custom-made computer chip that’s literally smaller than a single LEGO stud. The result? Your builds can now react to how you play with them, complete with authentic sounds and lighting effects. And the best part? No app or screen required.

Designer: LEGO

LEGO is launching this new Smart Play system with three Star Wars sets hitting stores on March 1, and honestly, they picked the perfect franchise to showcase this technology. Because if there’s any universe that deserves the full immersive treatment, it’s Star Wars. And if there’s any fandom that would gobble these builds up, it’s those that love the galaxy from far, far away to bits.

The Smart Play system works through three components working together. There’s the Smart Brick itself, which is the brain of the operation. Then you’ve got Smart Tags, which are special tiles that trigger specific responses when the brick detects them. Finally, there are Smart Minifigures that activate character-specific sounds and interactions. The bricks communicate with each other using something LEGO calls BrickNet, a proprietary wireless system that creates what they describe as a “decentralized network” of interactivity.

In practice, this means when you place a Smart Brick into Luke’s X-wing and fire it up, you hear authentic engine sounds. Move it around, and the accelerometer responds with appropriate whooshes and laser blasts. Park it at the command center, and you’ll hear refueling sounds. Put Emperor Palpatine on his throne, and the Imperial March starts playing. It’s the kind of detail that makes Star Wars fans absolutely giddy.

The three launch sets cover different price points and iconic moments from the original trilogy. The most affordable is Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter at $69.99 with 473 pieces. It includes a Smart Darth Vader minifigure who breathes menacingly and delivers his famous lines. The mid-range option is Luke’s Red Five X-wing at $99.99 with 584 pieces, featuring Smart versions of Luke and Princess Leia, plus good old R2-D2. The premium set is the Throne Room Duel and A-wing at $159.99 with 962 pieces, which recreates that unforgettable final confrontation from Return of the Jedi. This one comes with two Smart Bricks and three Smart Minifigures, including Luke, Vader, and Palpatine.

What makes this feel different from LEGO’s previous tech experiments is how seamlessly integrated everything is. There’s no coding required like with Mindstorms, no video game component like Dimensions, and no augmented reality app like Hidden Side. The Smart Play system enhances the physical building and storytelling experience without pulling you into a digital world. For parents worried about screen time, that’s actually a pretty compelling selling point.

Of course, some play experts have raised concerns about whether adding technology might diminish the imaginative play that makes LEGO special in the first place. But LEGO’s approach here seems thoughtful. The tech is designed to respond to creativity rather than dictate it. Kids still build whatever they want, but now their creations can talk back.

Pre-orders open January 9, and LEGO has already teased that more Smart Play sets are coming later in 2026, including a Millennium Falcon, Mos Eisley Cantina, and a Landspeeder. They’re clearly betting big on this platform.

For collectors, these inaugural Smart Play sets represent something special: the ground floor of what LEGO is positioning as their most significant evolution in decades. Whether that claim holds up remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain. The Force is definitely strong with this one, and your childhood dreams of building Star Wars worlds that actually come alive just got a whole lot closer to reality.

The post LEGO’s New Smart Bricks Launched at CES 2026 Bring Star Wars Builds to Life first appeared on Yanko Design.

This $699 FIFA World Cup Phone Is a Limited-Edition Collector’s Dream

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 edition is just a few months away, so we can expect that these first few months of the year, we’ll get a lot of product tie-ups and merchandise. After all, the world’s most-watched sports event will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico. If you plan to watch any of the matches in person or you’ll just be sitting pretty from the comfort of your own home while streaming, Motorola’s newest smartphone may be the device that you need to enjoy the game more.

The Motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition is a limited-edition collectible device that celebrates the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. It is a mobile phone that’s designed for soccer fans who are excited about the upcoming tournament and for anyone who loves things where technology meets sports culture.

Designer: Motorola

This special razr edition boasts a stunning vibrant green shade reminiscent of a football pitch where all the action takes place. It has a soft-touch vegan leather back cover with multicolor geometric patterns, showing off fluid motion representing energy and inclusivity. Since this is a foldable phone, the pattern is designed to flow seamlessly across the device, giving you a unified, continuous look whether it’s folded or open.

The main display is a 6.9″ Foldable AMOLED screen with HDR10+, FHD+ resolution, adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, and stunning 3000 nits peak brightness. This should be perfect for when you’re watching the football matches on your smartphone. The external display has a 3.6″ pOLED with adaptive refresh rate up to 90Hz and 1700 nits peak brightness. You can stay connected with the latest scores and notifications even without having to open your phone.

If you’ll be watching the matches live, Motorola wants to make sure your camera system is perfect for those match-day memories. It has a 50MP main camera with a 13MP Ultrawide + Macro Vision Camera with a 120° field of view and a 32MP front camera for those reaction shots. It also has some creative features like Auto Night Vision, 4K UHD video at 30fps, Adaptive Stabilization, and Horizon Lock to get smoother videos. The main camera even includes OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Pantone™ Validated Color, ensuring your photos look professional and true to life.

Under the hood, the razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition runs on Android™ 15 with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the US and Canada. The 4500mAh battery will keep you powered throughout the day, from kickoff to the final whistle, and when you do need to charge, the 30W TurboPower™ charging gets you back in action quickly. There’s also 15W wireless charging for added convenience.

What really makes this device stand out is its durability. It features a titanium-reinforced hinge and IP48 dust and water protection, meaning it can handle submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Whether you’re celebrating a goal with friends or caught in unexpected rain while heading to a viewing party, this phone is built to last. The audio experience shouldn’t be overlooked either. With dual stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos® and three microphones, you’ll get immersive sound whether you’re watching matches, making video calls with fellow fans, or recording your own commentary.

Of course, since this is a special edition smartphone, you get FIFA World Cup features that only this phone has. You have exclusive wallpapers to celebrate the tournament, an official tournament theme ringtone, and a FIFA Watermark feature that you can add to your photos and videos before sharing them on your socials.

The Motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition will be available starting February 12, 2026, with an MSRP of $699.99 in the United States and $999.99 CAD in Canada. In the US, Verizon will serve as the exclusive carrier partner during the introductory month, and unlocked models will be available on motorola.com, with Amazon.com availability coming later.

For collectors and football enthusiasts alike, this limited-edition device represents more than just a smartphone. It’s a piece of World Cup history you can carry with you. With its eye-catching design, powerful features, and exclusive FIFA content, the razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition is the perfect companion for experiencing the tournament’s excitement, whether you’re in the stadium or streaming from home. If you want to showcase your passion for the beautiful game while staying connected in style, this collectible device deserves a spot in your hands and your collection.

The post This $699 FIFA World Cup Phone Is a Limited-Edition Collector’s Dream first appeared on Yanko Design.

This 55-Inch Smart Calendar Has Wheels and Runs Your Entire Home

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As I get older, smaller screens and fonts are becoming my enemy as my eyesight is visibly strained. I’m actually scared that someday I would need a humongous screen to do all my work and tasks, or at least something that can enlarge the font to something I can comfortably read. We’ve seen huge screens like the Amazon Echo Show 21 and the Skylight Calendar Max for those who need larger displays, but this new one from Cozyla takes the cake. Or rather, takes the screen.

The Calendar Plus Max is a massive 55-inch 4K touchscreen that serves as a smart home command center, a calendar for your entire household, and even as a smart TV so you can watch together. Cozyla announced this at the ongoing CES 2026 and it’s considered to be the largest smart calendar display on the market right now. I don’t have a household to manage and I don’t have the space, but the idea of having this huge screen in my place seems like a dream.

Designer: Cozyla

This huge display comes with a wheeled stand for portability, so you can bring it around your house wherever you need it. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, so you get seamless connectivity as well. Imagine wheeling it into the kitchen during the morning rush when everyone’s trying to figure out their day, then moving it to the living room for family planning sessions, or even into your bedroom for a movie night. The mobility factor is something most smart displays don’t offer, and it’s honestly a game-changer.

Instead of having different devices to manage your home or various sticky notes if you’re still analog, you can use this display so that everything’s in just one huge place. It has a large touchscreen, so kids, adults, and grandparents can all easily manage it without squinting or fumbling. You also get a sleek, contemporary design that makes it look like premium tech and not just a utility device. At 55 inches, it’s the same size as a standard household TV, which means it commands attention without looking out of place in a modern home.

Since “calendar” is in its name, one of the main features of this device is its CalendarOS Smart System. You can create up to 8 family member profiles, and you can even personalize the color coding for each person. You can sync calendars from various services like Apple, Google, Outlook, and others, so you get one unified view instead of checking multiple apps across different devices. No more “I didn’t see that on my phone” excuses from the family. You can also create a customizable dashboard with widgets, shortcuts, and lists that make sense for your specific household needs.

As your “home mission control” device, you can add meal planning features to prep your weekly menus, create chore charts so everyone knows their responsibilities, manage to-do lists, and keep shopping lists updated in real-time. It centralizes all the tiny organizational tasks that usually get scattered across phones, refrigerator magnets, and forgotten notebook pages. Since the display runs on full Android OS, you can also use it as a smart TV for family movie nights, play YouTube videos as you cook or do chores, play games with the kids, and basically do any other thing that you use Android features and apps for.

It’s a device that can be used for both productivity and entertainment, whatever your family needs at the moment. The 4K resolution means whether you’re viewing your calendar details or watching your favorite show, everything looks crisp and clear. For those of us with aging eyes, being able to see text and images clearly from across the room is an absolute blessing. The Cozyla Calendar Plus Max represents a new category of home technology, one that acknowledges that families need centralized, visible, and accessible information hubs. It’s not trying to be another device you check occasionally; it’s meant to be the family communication center that everyone naturally gravitates toward.

While Cozyla hasn’t announced official pricing for the Max model yet, their smaller calendar displays typically range from around $165 to $400 and up, so expect this premium 55-inch version to be positioned as an investment piece. But for families drowning in scheduling chaos, or for anyone who appreciates having technology that actually simplifies life rather than complicating it, this could be worth every penny.

The post This 55-Inch Smart Calendar Has Wheels and Runs Your Entire Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meet M1: The AI Companion That Wants to Live in Your Home

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You’ve seen robots in sci-fi movies, stiff and awkward humanoids that stumble through doorways while trying to act human. But what if I told you there’s a 15-inch robot that actually wants to become part of your everyday life, and it might just pull it off? Meet M1, Zeroth’s flagship home robot that’s rewriting what it means to have a robotic companion.

M1 isn’t trying to be your butler or your therapist. Instead, it occupies this fascinating space between tech gadget and genuine helper. Zeroth describes it as “embodied intelligence,” which sounds like marketing speak until you realize what they mean. This little robot sees, listens, remembers, and most importantly, acts on what it learns about you and your household. It’s built on the idea of human-technology symbiosis, bringing interaction, companionship, and protection into one compact form that doesn’t feel like you’re living in a dystopian future.

Designer: Zeroth

Let’s talk design. M1 stands roughly 15 inches tall, deliberately sized to feel approachable rather than intimidating. The materials tell their own story: stainless steel, aluminum alloy, ABS, rubber, silicone, and glass come together in a way that feels both premium and purposeful. This isn’t cheap plastic masquerading as innovation. There’s a thoughtfulness to the construction that suggests Zeroth actually considered how this robot would exist in your living room, not just function in a lab.

But here’s where M1 gets genuinely interesting. It’s not just a novelty gadget collecting dust after the initial excitement wears off. The robot offers fall detection and mobile safety checks for older adults who want to maintain independence at home. For busy parents, it steps in as that extra set of eyes, managing reminders and routines while keeping kids engaged. And for the makers and tech enthusiasts? M1 becomes a canvas for customization and experimentation, letting you build and define what your first personal robot should actually do.

Zeroth launched this five-robot lineup at CES 2026, but M1 is the one they’re pushing into U.S. homes first. The company, founded in 2024, isn’t just throwing robots at the market to see what sticks. They’ve developed what they call their “Technology DNA,” a unified foundation built on three pillars: advanced motion control, an evolving interaction model, and proprietary actuator engineering. Translation? M1 moves more naturally, learns how you communicate, and packs serious tech into that compact frame.

The pricing sits at $2,399 during the pre-order phase, down from its $2,999 MSRP. That’s not impulse-buy territory, but it’s also not astronomical when you consider what you’re getting. Expected shipping starts April 15, 2026, giving Zeroth time to fine-tune production and hopefully avoid the launch disasters that have plagued other robotics companies.

What makes M1 particularly compelling is how Zeroth positions it. This isn’t about replacing human connection or automating every aspect of life. Instead, M1 fills gaps. It’s there when you need a reminder to take medication but don’t want to set another phone alarm. It engages with kids when you’re making dinner and can’t referee the tenth sibling argument of the day. It monitors for falls without making Grandma feel like she’s being watched by Big Brother. The voice intelligence integration means M1 responds naturally to conversation rather than requiring you to memorize specific commands. It’s the difference between talking to a device and talking with a companion. Over time, the robot learns household patterns, preferences, and needs, becoming more useful the longer it stays in your home.

Zeroth is betting that 2026 is the year consumers are finally ready for home robots that do more than vacuum floors or play music. M1 represents that gamble in physical form, a synthesis of cutting-edge AI, thoughtful design, and practical functionality. Whether it succeeds depends on whether people see value in having a small robotic presence that promises to make life just a little bit easier.

The company showcased M1 and their full robot lineup at CES 2026 for anyone wanting a hands-on experience with the technology. The future of home robotics might not look like the towering androids we expected. Instead, it might be 15 inches tall, made of premium materials, and quietly learning your routine while sitting on your kitchen counter. M1 isn’t just another smart device. It’s Zeroth’s attempt to answer a question we’ve been asking for decades: what happens when robots finally come home?

The post Meet M1: The AI Companion That Wants to Live in Your Home first appeared on Yanko Design.