There are very few things that can make your heart stop with their speed, and motorsport race cars are one of those. The suspense, tension, and adrenaline you feel as these four-wheeled demons pass by is enough to put people on the edge of their seats, literally. There seems to be an innate human fascination for speed and power, and race cars have long been the symbol of those aspirations. Of course, such qualities can also be found in other things, like the impressive pieces of technology that we call smartphones. It’s not surprising, then, that these two very different worlds would eventually meet, such as in the iQOO 12 Legend Edition that embodies the BMW M Motorsport spirit through its power and style.
This isn’t the first time you might have heard of an automotive brand lending its clout to a smartphone, whether in name or in design. In fact, the partnership between iQOO and BMW M started way back in 2019, resulting in the gaming-oriented iQOO 7 BMW M edition as well as an iQOO-branded BMW DTM car during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race. This year, that partnership was again witnessed at the 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship, and 2024 will see iQOO’s presence on a BMW M Hybrid V8 Hypercar at the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Of course, BMW M Motorsport is also leaving its own mark on the iQOO 12, specifically the special Legend Edition that will bear that exclusive branding. This year’s design, however, is a bit different and actually a little more subtle. The overall motif is still predominantly white, of course, just like many race cars. But instead of tall stripes in BMW M’s iconic blue, black, and red colors, the tiny stripes are actually embossed in a Clous de Paris pattern and located off the right side instead. In a way, the BMW M Motorsport is less in-your-face, subtler, and more elegant, allowing viewers to draw the associations between the two brands through the smartphone’s own prowess.
The iQOO 12, after all, is definitely a speedster, being one of the first phones to be powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It has a large and powerful camera system that is designed in the likeness of ship portholes, conveying the spirit of exploration. It isn’t just for show either, boasting a team that includes an Astrography Camera with an ultra-large main sensor, a periscope telephoto lens, and a wide-angle shooter. Despite the power it holds inside, the iQOO 12 Legend Edition still exudes beauty, grace, and comfort with its ergonomic contoured glass and nano-textured finishes. The flat edges and flat display perfectly complement each other, giving the phone a contemporary aesthetic that belies its nature a smartphone equivalent of a performance car.
With first-class features and a striking design, the iQOO 12 Legend Edition perfectly embodies BMW M Motorsport’s mantra of “Fascination Meets Innovation.” It delivers the performance to satisfy users’ need for speed while subtly capturing the visual and spiritual essence of a roaring race car. Already available in China, the iQOO 12 Legend Edition is slated to launch globally by the end of this year.
Established in 1957, the Good Design Award, also known as the G Mark, has served as a beacon of excellence, shining a spotlight on outstanding designs that push boundaries, enhance daily life, and contribute to the betterment of society for over 6 decades. From industrial products and architecture to communication design and digital media, this illustrious award covers a wide spectrum of design categories.
Winning the Good Design Award is highly regarded and can significantly boost the reputation and marketability of a product or design. The recipients are granted the right to display the ‘G Mark’ logo on their winning products, indicating their commitment to quality and design excellence.
The selection process for the Good Design Award is rigorous and involves a panel of experts from various design fields. They evaluate entries based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, aesthetics, environmental impact, and user experience. The award is not limited to Japanese companies or designers; it is open to international submissions as well.
The Award revealed its 5 finalists, of which one of them was crowned the ‘Good Design Grand Award’ winner (Long House Senior Daycare Center by ALL FOR ONE Co., Ltd.). In addition to the main award, the Good Design Best 100 and Good Design Long Life Design awards are also presented. The Best 100 recognizes the top 100 designs of the year, while the Long Life Design Award honors products that have maintained their high design quality over an extended period. Scroll below to see the Top 5 Finalists for the 2023 Good Design Award.
Long House Senior Daycare Center by ALL FOR ONE Co., Ltd. (Grand Award Winner)
This welfare facility is specifically created to cater to the needs of the elderly. Its design draws inspiration from the traditional Japanese porch known as “Engawa,” which encourages locals to visit in a relaxed and informal manner. Moreover, it serves as a community hub for welfare, fostering a sense of togetherness among the elderly, children, and local residents, who can rely on each other for support during challenging times. The town-like architecture of the center emphasizes a state of independence, allowing the occupants to be more inclined to help each other and live out their lives rather than relying on a ‘system’… however, bathing, toileting, and eating are provided as routine services. The community fosters a spirit of humanity within it, relying on altruistic acts of kindness that help it be a model society for its occupants. People are encouraged to visit their family, help out with their daily lives, while children are taught the importance of servitude by being encouraged to help perform duties like watering the garden.
Panasonic Lamdash PALM Electric Shaver by Panasonic Corporation
It’s common for grooming devices to have a hyper-ergonomic design. Look at razor handles or the shape of beard trimmers, for starters. The truth is this isn’t purely ergonomics, it’s also something called a ‘category code’. People are more likely to recognize a product by its shape, so if all beard trimmers have the same overall design, they’re clubbed into the same category, making it more effortless for users to understand and buy. The Panasonic Lamdash PALM, on the other hand, goes a different route. Inspired by the grippy design of a well-rounded pebble, this compact shaver is interesting to look at while also being reliable to hold onto and maneuver across your jaw. The five-blade linear motor shaver sports a hyper-compact design that lets it cut down on large, unnecessary parts, helping save materials by as much as 30% and lower the shaver’s overall production impact without sacrificing function. This hyper-compact design also makes it perfect for traveling with!
Prius Passenger Vehicle by Toyota Motor Corporation
The Prius remains an absolute icon in its impact on the transportation industry as well as pop culture for how rapidly popular and ubiquitous it became with hybrid cars. However, as more and more cars are switching to alternate powertrains like hybrids and EVs, the Prius is finding itself competing against many more companies. Faced with this challenge, Toyota decided to design the newer models of the Prius keeping two things in mind – “A design inspiring love at first sight” and a “captivating driving performance” that doesn’t just focus on environmental impact, it focuses on the thrill of being behind the wheel too. Conceptually referred to by Toyota as “Hybrid Reborn”, the new Prius focuses on an exterior that resonates with modern sensibilities, evoking the feeling of love at first sight, and an interior that combines a functional layout with an emphasis on operability and extensive safety equipment in a space with a high-quality feel.
NHK Citizen Lab Social Platform by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
Designed as a response to the pandemic, the NHK Citizen Lab hopes to build a new information platform that connects researchers and the public to facilitate citizen science activities that yield discoveries through collective knowledge. With the spread of smartphones and other devices, data such as photos and videos can be easily sent anytime and from anywhere, creating a haven of consumer-driven data that can be analyzed for the betterment of humanity. Meanwhile, there are many researchers who are unable to conduct large-scale studies because they are unable to secure sufficient research funds. The Citizen Lab, created by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, helps create a bridge between these researchers and the public. “We devised a plan to create a win-win relationship by leveraging the dissemination, appeal, and reporting power of the public media NHK to convey researchers’ thoughts to citizens in an easy-to-understand manner,” says the team at NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).
Kamiyama Marugoto College of Design, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship by
KAMIYAMA Educational Institute
The national and global spotlight is currently shining on “Technical Colleges” as a potential source of clues to address Japan’s pressing issues, including a declining birthrate and aging population, regional depopulation, economic stagnation known as the lost 30 years, and the frequent occurrence of severe disasters. Located in the Tokushima Prefecture, the Kamiyama Marugoto College of Design, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship’s vision is to establish a cutting-edge technical college in a beautiful natural setting, where students can develop specialized skills that combine the arts and sciences in technology, design, and entrepreneurship. Its unique approach allows students to pursue their education for a five-year period without the pressure of university entrance exams. “We firmly believe that by increasing the number of individuals in Japan who possess the ability to create and possess an entrepreneurial mindset, we can shape the future of our country,” says the College’s spokesperson. “Furthermore, we recognize the significance of progress, even if we ourselves and our organization are still a work in progress.”
For long, the world has assumed that laptops were meant for laptop bags, and that a woman’s purse wasn’t designed for tablets, cameras, headphones, and other devices that the woman of today may carry. Paris-based Laflore is rewriting that odd unsaid rule with the Doquintin, a modern bag designed for modern lifestyles. Of course, coming from the fashion capital of the world, the Doquintin doesn’t style itself on a laptop bag or duffle. It reinterprets the popular tote bag, uplifting it with new materials, redesigned details, and an overhaul that feels like the perfect blend between classic and cutting-edge. It’s 2023… it’s time women’s pants had pockets, and women’s bags had versatility.
Any Time, Place or Occasion – Doquintin can be worn over the shoulder, crossbody, as a backpack, or carried in the hand.
Referred to as a day-to-night bag, the Doquintin (or Le Doq in short) takes its inspiration from the vintage doctor’s bag as well as the tote. Vintage doctor bags were prized for their utility, sporting a wide-opening mouth as well as carefully compartmentalized interiors that allowed medical professionals to quickly and easily access their tools of trade. Laflore decided to carry those very features and imbue them into the modern tote bag, known for its evergreen appeal to women. The Doquintin is the best of both of those worlds, created to address the fact that there was a substantial void between fashion and function in today’s bags. Le Doq casually combines the chic appeal of a tote with the incredibly utility-focused consumer-centric design of a modular and spacious doctor’s bag… and adds to it new features like modular attachments, and the ability to wear it in a variety of styles.
Everything At Your Fingertips – 11 pockets and compartments that will keep your items organized and easily accessible.
Versatility is at the heart of Doquintin’s design, offering a range of carrying options. Whether you prefer to hold it elegantly in your hand, sling it over your shoulder, wear it crossbody, or even as a backpack, Doquintin adapts effortlessly to your ever-changing needs. What sets Doquintin apart are its thoughtfully designed interior pockets and dividers, meticulously crafted to organize your everyday essentials. With 11 pockets and compartments, it accommodates your phone, a 14″ laptop, makeup, books, sunglasses, chargers, and more. The bag’s brass clasp opens 180 degrees, providing easy access to your belongings, while the bright orange lining ensures you can spot your treasures at a glance.
Add-ons – Camera bag designed specifically to compliment Doquintin.
For those who crave even more versatility, Laflore’s designed a few optional addons, including a camera bag, laptop case, exterior pouch, bamboo handles, and compression cubes, designed to perfectly integrate into the Doquintin. These accessories not only complement Doquintin’s aesthetic but also enhance its functionality in ways that just have previously never been done before with women’s fashion.
Doquintin’s journey begins in the heart of Paris, where the Laflore team sketches and conceptualizes each design. The process involves close collaboration with skilled artisans with over 30 years of experience in crafting high-end handbags. Samples are meticulously tested and scrutinized to ensure every detail meets exacting standards.
Built to represent the cutting-edge of fashion, the bags are made from premium cork skin, three times lighter than leather but equally durable and even water-resistant. The cork is sustainably harvested from trees in Portugal every 7 to 9 years, ensuring the environment remains unharmed and thriving. The Doquintin comes in 3 colors – Emerald, Black, and a Crocodile finish that sports the same kind of leather pattern that gives your tote the haute couture aesthetic. The bags start at a discounted $299, with the add-on accessories available separately. Or alternatively, the entire Doquintin bundle starts at $569 and includes the bag itself, along with a Camera Bag, Laptop Case, Exterior Pouch, Bamboo Handles, and 3 Compression Cubes.
EDCs or Everyday Carries have become the common person’s version of Batman’s utility belt, cramming as many essential tools as possible in a small bag. Of course, what is “essential” can be different from person to person, with some prioritizing gadgets and electronics, while others have a complete set of handyman tools at their disposal. Whatever your use case might be, there will always come a time when you need to cut or slice something and pocket-sized scissors just won’t do. That’s where the Tekto F2 Bravo folding knife comes in, delivering a sharp and powerful blade that quickly deploys for whatever task you need it. Best of all, its small size and handsome looks make it a perfect addition to any EDC kit.
Folding knives, even the tactical kind, are a dime a dozen these days, but that doesn’t mean they’re all equal in ability and design. Some look and feel like large weapons for battle, while others are small yet so flimsy that they can barely cut anything worthwhile. Striking the perfect balance between size, strength, ease of use, and aesthetics, is no easy feat, and yet Tekto manages to pull it off again and again, as proven by the F2 Bravo, a handsome tool whose simple beauty belies the cutting power that lies within.
Titanium Accents – With its custom pivot, machined clip, and milled spacer, the F2 Bravo exemplifies a premium, high-end feel that uniquely matches the look and feel of the knife.
Lightweight – The F2 Bravo weighs only 2.4oz (68g) and comes in two different handle materials best known for their lightness and extreme durability, Forged Carbon and G10.
It may have “tactical” in its name, but the Tekto F2 Bravo looks and feels more like a premium tool than a rugged knife. The handle, which comes in Forged Carbon or G10 variants, feels light yet solid, providing confidence in your grip, while titanium accents put it a level above your common folding knives. Recessed liners also give it a rather clean appearance, cementing its image as a high-end product that won’t look out of place in your carry.
Ceramic Ball Bearings – The state-of-the-art ceramic ball bearing mechanism allows the F2 Bravo to deploy the blade rapidly and smoothly with the utmost ease.
The Tekto F2 Bravo is more than just a pretty face, of course. The titanium-coated D2 steel blade offers sharp and precise cuts every time, while its black appearance gives it a more elegant character compared to the typical silver blades of other knives. More importantly, getting access to this powerful blade is quick and easy thanks to a state-of-the-art ceramic ball bearing mechanism that can deploy the blade swiftly and smoothly. And with a discreet liner lock with a strategically placed jimping, you always have a secure hold on the knife, regardless of the difficulty of the task at hand.
Why settle for bulky, unattractive, or ineffective folding knives when you can have the best of all worlds? With a smooth and swift deployment thanks to innovative ceramic ball bearings, and a handsome minimalist design, the Tekto F2 Bravo tactical folding knife is more than just a tool. It is also a timeless and well-thought-out design that would be a welcome addition to your EDC team.
The allure of a delicious meal, artistically presented on a plate, is undeniable. While the endgame for all food is digestion, its initial presentation shouldn’t be overlooked. Professional chefs meticulously craft their plate presentations, but home cooks might not always share that flair. Some might even want to skip the transfer from pan to plate entirely. Enter the Frying Plate: a marvel of design fusing an iron frying pan with a plate, embodying the essence of Japanese minimalism.
At first, the idea might seem unusual. Why eat directly from a frying pan? But don’t mistake Frying Plate for the typical, cumbersome pans we’re used to. Frying Plate is distinctive. Think of it as a cooking plate or a plate with a detachable handle. It offers a fresh perspective on the fusion of cooking and dining.
Central to Frying Plate’s appeal is its uncoated, robust iron base. This material allows for slow cooking on low heat, preserving the natural juices and ensuring the ingredients retain their crispness. Without the need to transfer food, you’re guaranteed a warm meal every time.
A common reservation might be the obstructive handle typical of frying pans. Frying Plate, however, has brilliantly countered this with a patent-pending sliding mechanism. This innovation lets you effortlessly attach or detach the wooden handle. It securely latches onto the plate’s rim, ensuring stability when lifting, without ever coming into contact with the food.
Fresh out of the packaging, the Frying Plate is ready to use. It’s unseasoned, stick-resistant, and a breeze to clean – no detergent required. Its minimalist dark iron surface accentuates the vibrancy of the food, turning every meal into an aesthetic delight. With Frying Plate, the line between cooking and dining blurs, offering a unified culinary experience.
It’s easy to take kitchen knives for granted until what should have been a swift cutting motion ends up in a mess of squished juices, uneven slices, and aching wrists. After all, you can easily buy a new knife, which is both wasteful and inefficient. On the flip side, most kitchen knives are designed simply for utility, and pretty ones that were made for show usually stop at that. Beautiful but useful kitchen knives are hard to come by, even more so if they’re long-lasting and durable. Fortunately, these seemingly mythical treasures do exist, like this eye-catching blade crafted by artisans for the kitchen, letting you cut, slice, and dice with precision and ease, not unlike the famed Japanese swordsmen of old.
Japanese Craftsmanship – Kurenai born in the heart of Seki City, the global hub of cutlery craftsmanship. Each Kurenai knife is meticulously handcrafted in Japan by skilled artisans.
Effortless Slicing – Kurenai glides through ingredients with just its own weight – no force needed.
Crafted to Last a Lifetime – Layered with different types of steel, Kurenai boasts exceptional durability.
Kitchen knives are a dime a dozen these days and most of them look too common and uninspiring. That’s especially true for mass-produced items that don’t even make the cut, pardon the pun, in being useful for a long period of time. It takes not just great skill but also great patience and attention to detail to produce a precision tool that is also a work of art, and who better to know how to do exactly that than the craftsmen in Japan who have a deep history with making swords for the legendary samurai.
Crafted with Damascus Steel – The blade boasts the mesmerizing pattern of a burning flame.
Unparalleled Comfort – The octagonal-shaped handle ensures a perfect fit.
Kurenai is the product of such storied tradition, craftsmanship built over the years, and modern aesthetics. Immediately at first glance, the knife sets itself apart from all other kitchen knives with the mesmerizing flame pattern running along its sharpened edge, a nod both to its flame-forged origin as well as the fiery passion that created it. And unlike any other knife in your culinary arsenal, Kurenai’s distinctive octagonal-shaped wooden handle fits in hand, regardless of the size.
This knife, enchanting as it may be, isn’t just for show. With a Damascus steel blade, Kurenai simply glides across meat, vegetables, and other ingredients, preserving their flavor and enhancing their texture. Carefully sharpening this blade according to the prescribed method reveals Kurenai’s impressive durability, letting you enjoy that smooth experience for years. This pure Japanese-made knife brings the elegance and the sharpness that professionals enjoy to anyone’s kitchen, turning almost anyone into a cutting and slicing pro.
Why suffer through dull blade after dull blade when you can have a single knife that will last you a lifetime. Made with 800 years of history and experience behind it, these distinctive flame-inspired blades bring craftsmanship and culinary passion together to deliver not just a tool but a work of art as well. Designed and made in the land of the samurai, the Kurenai kitchen knife lets you cut through your cooking tasks with the sharpness and elegance of a Japanese sword.
Everyone could use some decorative items in their house, whether it’s just a few flowers or jewelry on display. These small items can enhance the ambiance of a space by their mere presence, creating points of visual interest or setting a more welcoming atmosphere in a room. Unfortunately, we can only have so many of these, especially if we’re short on desk or shelf space. What if you could double the enhancing effects of colorful foliage or lustrous accessories without doubling the space they take up? That’s the kind of visual illusion that this rather unique desk accessory creates, strategically using a mirror to make you see double at no additional cost. Even better, the mirror itself is a work of art, making it a beautiful decoration piece even on its own.
Mirrors have long been used not just as functional products but also as decorative items. Some cultures even place greater value on these highly reflective objects, especially because of their psychological effects. Mirrors can play tricks on our eyes and minds, and these can be put to good use. For example, it can make a room look bigger than it really is or, in this case, double the number of beautiful items that your eyes can behold.
The Mirror Vase Stand is a unique, multi-functional object designed to amplify the decorative value of items in front of it by literally doubling them, at least visually speaking. Its base configuration functions as a holder for small items like accessories and jewelry that can potentially create a dazzling show as both objects and light get reflected again and again. In this form, the Mirror Vase Stand makes for a perfect dresser item, holding your jewelry and letting you put them on or take them off with ease.
Remove that stand, however, and you’re greeted with a hollow container that can function as a vase. The small size makes you more intentional about the flowers and stems that you place inside it, but even just a single flower will be doubled thanks to the mirror. What’s more interesting is that the mirror has a profound effect even on the act of pouring water inside the vase, helping you pause and reflect on the process, no pun intended.
But even without flowers or jewelry, the Mirror Vase Stand can proudly stand on its own, pardon the pun. Its simple design is accented by the polyhedron shape of the slanted base, creating a play of shadows through its flat, faceted surfaces. The multipurpose vase’s beauty extends to its very soul, made from environment-friendly bioplastic material that uses rice husks to create unique visual details and a matte texture that enhances the product’s character.
Why settle for any old vase or accessory stand when you can have a beautiful one that can double its aesthetic value at no additional cost. Whether it’s flaunting jewelry, showcasing a single flower, or standing proudly on its own, this multipurpose Mirror Vase Stand is sure to add a touch of elegance and flair to any space, while also doing its part in keeping the planet healthy.
Infinix today announced the latest addition to its Zero series: Infinix Zero 30 5G. The device features a 50MG front camera with 4K 60FPS video capturing capabilities. That’s correct – Infinix incorporated an HD front camera into a budget-friendly device.
Infinix created Zero 30 5G in direct response to the growing desire among today’s youth for a better front camera to seize and share their digital captures. Leo Chang, Inifinix’s Deputy General Manager commented “Infinix ZERO 30 5G empowers young people with the means to ‘Capture your own story’, placing a full cinematic production house in their hands and making Ultra HD video blogging more attainable than ever.”
On its rear, Zero 30 5G sports a triple camera setup. The main camera is 108MP with a 1/1.67” sensor, f/1.65 aperture, and OIS. It’s paired with a 13MP ultrawide with f/2.2 aperture that delivers 120-degree wide images. Finally, there is a 2MP macro camera to round up the triple camera setup. Besides the hardware, there are plenty of software features like filters and shooting modes to inspire your digital creativity.
Zero 30 5G packs a large 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with FHD+ (2400 x 1080 resolution) and 144 Hz refresh rate. The peak brightness can reach 950 nits. It’s equipped with 2,160 PMW dimming and TUV Rheinland Certified eye-care mode to protect your eyes during extended screen time. The display is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass.
Under the hood, Zero 30 5G is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8020 paired with 256GB of memory and 12GB of RAM which can be expanded to 21GB via memory fusion technology so you can record plenty of Ultra HD quality video. The device measures 164.5 x 75.0 x 7.9 mm and weighs 185g, making Zero 30 5G 9g lighter compared to Zero 20, despite maintaining essentially the same size. It is IP53-rated for water and dust resistance.
Infinix has also given a hefty upgrade to Zero 30 5G’s battery from its predecessor. The phone has a 5,000mAh battery and supports 68W Super Chaging, which is first enough to get from 1% to 80% in 30 minutes, according to Inifinix. There is no support for wireless charging, however.
Zero 30 5G runs the latest version of Infinix’s XOS 13 atop Android 13. It comes with an updated Folax voice assistant now integrated with ChatGPT. Other notable specs include dual stereo speakers that can play back DTS, an under-display finger sensor, and NFC.
The Infinix Zero 30 5G comes in three colorways. Golden Hour and Fantasy Purple feature a glass back panel while Rome Green comes with a textured vegan leather back panel. While Infinix has not revealed the exact availability of Zero 30 5G, the starting price is projected to be around $399.
With a 50MP 4K/60FPS front-facing camera at the forefront, does Infinix Zero 30 5G live up to its promises? Stay tuned for an upcoming review that will delve into every facet of this exciting release.
Flower vases are not an uncommon product in interior spaces, but the majority of them are designed for a single style of flower arrangement. This style often involves a handful of flowers surrounded by rich foliage that create an almost bulbous shape, bringing a splash of color to any area. Of course, that isn’t the only way to arrange flowers, but the standard shape and size of vases put a heavier emphasis on the flowers themselves, using leaves as a background and their stems as invisible scaffolding. Sometimes, however, you can have an even more striking presence with just a single flower and a stem with just a few small branches, and this small metal vase provides not only the support but also the flexibility to embrace that minimalist design, using whatever you may have as the base for such an enchanting floral arrangement.
The Japanese Ikebana style of arranging flowers is almost a stark contrast to what most see on vases. Where typical arrangements bundle a bunch of flowers that are mostly in full bloom, Ikebana might sometimes present a bud that slowly opens up over time, much to the viewer’s delight. Just like with many Japanese designs and philosophies, every aspect of the flower comes from a thoughtful decision, including the length of the stem, the cuts made, or the number of pieces used. A regular tall vase that hides those intentional details, however, isn’t cut for such an arrangement, which is where the HANAKUBARI vase comes in.
Named after the Japanese words for “flower” and “twig,” this small metal barrel looks nothing like a vase. Its size can hold just enough water to keep the flower alive, and its short stature means that it will only cover up a few centimeters of the stems, putting the focus on the minimalist arrangement rather than calling attention to itself. Despite its small size, however, it won’t topple over because the center of gravity is maintained by the main body’s 197g weight. There’s also a small 10g adapter that fits inside, allowing the vase to hold thinner stems.
This cute flower vase, however, isn’t meant to stand alone, although it can definitely function that way. Thanks to that diminutive size, you can place the vase on top of or inside anything, turning that thing into an Ikebana vase. You can, for example, put it on a ceramic plate with an oriental design or place it on top of a metal dish to complement the vase’s stainless steel body. You can even place it inside a transparent plastic or glass container to add some visual accent without detracting from the stem’s natural beauty.
Most flower arrangements are made to dazzle and excite, and their large vases are designed to support their weight and even embellish the image. This tiny yet elegant stainless steel vase, in contrast, encourages a more thoughtful, almost meditative, way to make a delightful arrangement, allowing even a singular flower and its stem to enchant the beholder with its natural beauty.
Dubbed the “Tesla of Coffee Machines” by our Editor-in-Chief, the xBloom is the first-ever coffee machine that introduces an Autopilot feature to the art of making coffee. A pristine machine that looks like something out of a sci-fi future, the xBloom (designed by ex-Apple employees no less) identifies, grinds, dispenses, brews, and pours your coffee for you. It does so with some of the finest beans sourced from top roasters across the world, giving you the finest cup of coffee you can ever get with the press of a single button.
While brewing a cup may theoretically be easy, no other machine gives your coffee beans the connoisseur treatment it deserves like the xBloom, which expertly handles every step of the coffee process. It grinds the coffee into a filter, carries the filter over to a water dispenser, which then pours the precisely heated water in a spiral pour, and gives you a freshly ground, freshly brewed, and freshly served cup of coffee right in front of your eyes. Easily the most advanced coffee machine we’ve seen in a while, the xBloom replicates the authentic experience of having a professional barista make you a cup of coffee. Every aspect of the machine is calibrated and trained to perfection, even down to the xBloom’s pods which come with expertly curated roasted coffee beans and an RFID tag that allows the xBloom to know how to grind and brew those beans immaculately. Here are 6 features that make the xBloom such a game-changer, your inner coffee connoisseur won’t want to go back to the manual pour-over.
Designed to sit elegantly on your countertop, the xBloom is an all-in-one coffee machine that handles grinding, brewing, and dispensing, all within a single device. It’s truly a coffee machine that’s designed to work on autopilot, handling practically every stage with the kind of perfection your high-quality coffee beans deserve. With its expertly tuned automation, the xBloom takes charge, allowing you to sit back and relax while it creates your perfect cup of coffee, doing justice to the premium coffee beans that come with each xBloom pod.
A Pristine, Artful Design
Having won the iF Design Award, as well as the CES 2023 Innovation Award, the xBloom’s overall design is a testament to its exceptional craftsmanship. Standing at 16.9 inches in height, its design is dominated by simple, elegant geometric forms that break down the coffee machine into its separate functions, resulting in a visually stunning piece of equipment. The metallic finish adds a touch of luxury and elegance, elevating the xBloom to something beyond your regular coffee machine, because it’s so much more!
The Power of NFC Technology
To automate the entire process, the xBloom’s coffee beans come in a biodegradable pod that also doubles as a coffee filter that collects the grounds, brews the coffee, and filters the rich, dark liquid into your cup. Each coffee pod contains an NFC tag on its underside, allowing the xBloom to identify the type of coffee bean and brewing recipe instantly. With a simple tap of the pod, the machine sets the grind size, brew temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and even pouring style. Once the xBloom brews and filters your coffee, the used grounds and the cup can simply be discarded in the trash or even composted. The entire pod is made of sugarcane bagasse, a recycled by-product of sugar production that also biodegrades in 30 days, along with the coffee grounds too. In the end, you’re left with the sweet taste of coffee without the regret of a wasteful carbon footprint.
Precise Grinding and Brewing
Professional-grade Grinder – Features 48mm Titanium Nitride coated conical burrs, allowing 20 automatic grind size adjustments perfect for pour-over (each step is as precise as 18.75µm).
Step 1 – Place the Pod on the sensor pad to activate bean recognition.
Step 2 – Pour the beans into the grinder and place the empty pod on the Dock.
Step 3 – Press the Dock and let the machine take care of the rest.
The xBloom’s true magic really lies in how it handles each task expertly and with sheer consistency. The coffee machine boasts a professional-grade grinder with 48mm Titanium Nitride coated conical burrs. With 20 automatic grind size adjustments, it delivers the perfect grind for not just pour-over style coffee but also other creative coffee-brewing techniques like cold brew, ice drip, etc. Each step in the grinding process is as precise as 18.75µm, ensuring consistent results every time. The grounds are then dispensed back into the empty pod, which features its own built-in filter lining.
Magical Pouring Patterns
While grinding has mostly been an automated process, the act of pouring the hot water onto the coffee grounds is something baristas prefer doing on their own, with their own flair, pouring styles, and patterns. The xBloom’s extraordinary design can mimic these different pouring patterns, delivering a true barista-like coffee experience that extracts the right notes from each kind of coffee bean. Once the coffee machine grinds and dispenses the coffee back into the pod, the pod moves over to the pouring station, which can mimic a straight pour, a slow spiral pour, or a rapid spiral pour, depending on the roaster’s curated recipe to help extract the best flavor profiles. The laminar water stream, electrostatically controlled by four energized electrodes, creates a curved flow of water that seems almost magical. Meanwhile, a weighing scale built into the pod holder lets the xBloom know when to slow down the pour, just in case the water overflows from the pod. It’s truly a captivating sight that adds a touch of enchantment to your coffee-making ritual.
Expertly Curated Coffee Pods
As it must have been evident by now, the xBloom follows the popular pod-based model, but with a remarkable twist. Instead of pre-ground, pre-flavored coffee powder, each xBloom pod contains 15 grams of actual coffee beans, carefully measured for a single serving. These pods are curated by xBloom’s partner program featuring expert roasters, offering a diverse range of special coffee types from around the world, along with roaster-picked recipes that get activated when you tap your pod on the xBloom… giving you expertly brewed coffee in the comfort of your home or office. xBloom’s Curator Program invites leading roasters and coffee-masters to design their own pods too, offering limited-edition drops that users can occasionally try. You can buy additional pods on the xBloom app, which also lets you customize recipes… or use your own existing coffee beans along with xBloom’s reusable dripper cup that’s compatible with Kalita Wave 155 filters.
The xBloom was created by a team of tech veterans, including former Apple product designers. Every aspect, from its sleek exteriors to its high-quality internals, reflects the same level of sophistication seen in Apple’s own products. This isn’t your average coffee machine… it’s a beautiful symphony of art, technology, and magic!
