Wars bring with them massive destruction on the battlefield but the implications beyond wartime can be equally devastating in terms of mental, psychological and physical damage. The ongoing strangling in two of the most important regions in the world is a clear example of how conflicts can have devastating aftermaths. Land mines have long been one of the worst nemesis of post-war calamities, rendering fertile lands too risky to be cultivated.
Searching for these fatal buried hazards can be an arduous task even for the most potent military units and that’s where robotic land mine detectors make the task easier. This takes all the risk of human life away and also ensures the particular area of land is safely ridden of destructive land mines laid down by battling units in the past.
Designer: Subin Kim and JiHoon Park
Meet the Warden mine detector proposed as a concept design that safely takes care of identifying potential land mines and marks the area with red paint to keep everyone safe. This creates a quarantined zone for residents and outsiders about the potential threats. Working autonomously to scout any kind of terrain, the smart robotic minesweeper is connected to the cloud at all times to send the real-time data of identified mines, so that they can be updated in relevant online maps and public resources.
Looking like a rover moving forward on unknown lands, this robot has a high ride height to move swiftly on rocky terrain. The machine is loaded with advanced sensors and a surprising mowing attachment to remove any standing grass or weed. This makes the marked area visible even in the dark hours of the day. When not autonomous, the minesweeper robot can also be controlled by a soldier during wartime scouting.
This guide will show you how to block unwanted calls, emails and messages on your iPhone or iPad. In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to be able to control who can contact you. With the rise of spam and harassment, it’s important to have the ability to block unwanted messages and calls. […]
In the rapidly evolving world of language processing, the integration of advanced tools like Gemini Pro with LangChain is a significant step forward for those looking to enhance their language model capabilities. This guide is crafted for individuals with a semi-technical background who are eager to explore the synergy between these two powerful platforms. With […]
This guide is design to show you how entrepreneurs can use Google Bard and other AI tools to help them with their business. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, the capacity to transform groundbreaking ideas into thriving enterprises holds tremendous importance. The journey of an entrepreneur is fueled not only by unyielding passion […]
One of the latest additions to the handheld PC gaming market is the Terrans Force Handle 5 a Ryzen powered console capable of competing with the likes of the ROG Ally, Steam Deck and Legion Go. This new console is a significant step forward for gamers who want the power of a desktop gaming setup […]
This guide will show you how to use Apple’s Find My app top locate your iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices. Apple’s Find My app offers an extensive suite of features designed to assist users in tracking and securing their Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and other compatible products. This application is especially valuable […]
They say that ideas never die, but unless a great concept turns into a great product, it really never lives up to its true potential. We’ve always believed ‘crowdfunding’ to be one of the most powerful design movements to emerge from the birth of the internet. Thousands of people rallying from around the world to support a great idea for a useful (or fun) product? What’s more beautiful than that?! Financial constraints become less of a problem for budding creators when people across the globe rally around their efforts, allowing young designers and small teams to still make a large impact without the millions of dollars that large companies channel into product development. Nothing encourages innovation more than fresh ideas getting support directly from the masses. It’s like casting your vote for the kind of designs you believe in, and we absolutely love that! So do the folks at The Crowdfunding Formula, who have helped hundreds of creators bring their designs and visions to life. Dubbed the world’s largest crowdfunding agency, The Crowdfunding Formula set a benchmark this year with as many as 5 of their projects hitting the million-dollar crowdfunding mark in just the past 6 months! For creators, that can be the difference between a concept and a product that’s changing the world, so we sat down with The Crowdfunding Formula to look at some of their most successful projects this year. Who knows, next year it could be your design too! If you’re sitting on an incredible idea but you just need the right catalyst to help turn it into a great product, let this be your inspiration. Here’s a ‘Yanko Design and The Crowdfunding Formula review’ of some of their most noteworthy projects of the year 2023.
01. GoChess: Most Powerful Chess Board Ever Invented
With over $2.6 million gathered from nearly 7,000 fans across the world, GoChess proves that old classics never die – they just need to be reinvented a little bit! This AI-powered chess-board isn’t like anything you’ve seen before. It houses magnets under the board’s surface that move the pieces so you can physically play against an AI opponent. Oh, did we mention, it has a built-in AI that can either play against you or teach you how to play the game. The board is design with back-lighting and squares illuminate to help guide your chess pieces to victory, teaching you valuable gameplay strategies. When you’re experienced enough to play on your own, either challenge GoChess’ AI bot, or play a virtual game against an online opponent anywhere in the world and the board moves their pieces for them! TCF utilized this to help build excitement within the massive chess community, helping raise $600k in just 24 hours. It’s no wonder that GoChess holds the title of the world’s most-funded chess game, and why it’s such a fascinating part of this TCF review.
02. FUELL Flluid: World’s Longest Range E-bike
Boasting a range of 225 miles or 350 kilometers, the Flluid grabbed eyeballs for being the e-bike with the world’s longest range. Keen readers may recognize the name FUELL, Eril Buell’s electric two-wheeler startup that’s been making waves for its electric motorcycles and bicycles. The Flluid debuted on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, garnering support from nearly 600 enthusiasts who helped raise over $1.5 million for the e-bike, earning a solid spot in this TCF review. Erik Buell formed a core part of TCF’s outreach strategy, relying on his decades of expertise in the domain of running his motorcycle company Buell which he relinquished after selling the company to Harley-Davidson in 2003. Aside from that staggering 225-mile range (which can basically get you through a week’s worth of use), the FUELL Flluid also has a 28mph top speed thanks to a 750W motor, a 7-speed gearbox that automatically shifts gears for you, and smart connectivity that lets you check ride statistics as well as monitor your e-bike against theft.
03. FUELL Fllow: 150+ Mile Range and 30 Min Fast-Charging
Set your eyes on the Fllow and you’ll get flashbacks of the good-old Buell days. Designed to forward the legacy of Erik’s legendary cafe racers, the FUELL Fllow is an urban motorcycle with a new electric beating heart that gives it a 150+ mile range, a top speed of 85 mph, and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of just 3.5 seconds… but all powered by clean energy in the form of a 35kW motor and a 10kWh battery. The Fllow’s design aesthetic indicated its future-forward vision too, with a broad aerodynamic fairing sporting a black and shiny silver colorway with just a hint of green to tell viewers that this wasn’t your average fuel-guzzling motorcycle. Designed by Erik Buell and Frédéric Vasseur, a Formula 1 Alfa Romeo principal engineer, the e-bike gathered a staggering $2 million in funding in just the first 24 hours, hitting a $4 million mark in just 3 weeks.
04. Duovox Ultra: Military-Grade Night Vision Monocular
Now tell me, who in their right mind would pass up an opportunity to crowdfund literal military-grade night-vision goggles?! Equipped with a Starvis CMOS sensor, a 7-piece lens, an IR illuminator, and a 10-hour battery, the Duovox Ultra offers full-color vision up to 1650 feet (500 meters) even in pitch darkness. It’s compact, weighing only 280 grams, and can be handheld or tripod-mounted and used alongside your smartphone which doubles as a viewfinder. With military-grade specs, including 5x optical and 10x digital zoom, 128GB storage, and hands-free smartphone operation, the Duovox Ultra was promoted as a great hobbyist tool, but more importantly, a valuable addition to your camping or survival gear, even providing vision in emergency scenarios and power outages… which explained why nearly 6,900 backers helped over $1.1 million to own this dream spy gadget, and why we just couldn’t resist including this in the YD x TCF review!
05. Oculis Lodge: Special Lodging Experience In Nature
This is a statistical rarity, but did you know architecture has a place in the crowdfunding world too?? Well, just like products, buildings require immense amounts of capital to create so for the folks behind the Oculis Lodge, it made absolute sense to rely on crowdfunding to help build their glamping lodge, partnering with The Crowdfunding Formula to raise more awareness and funding from enthusiastic travelers. Unlike with products where backers receive a final unit of the design, backers for the Oculis Lodge could pledge money and redeem it as a 1, 2, or even a 7-night stay at the property. The lodge, surrounded by 7 acres of pristine nature on the slopes of Mount Baker, was home to multiple domed rooms that could house up to 6 people inside. Each dome had its own skylight, a private patio, and was equipped with smart-home tech, while the lodge itself had every amenity one could ask for, from private saunas and jacuzzis to firepits and yoga spaces… and obviously a stunning view of the mountains set against the clearest skies the state of Washington could offer. Enticed by those spectacular views, more than 1,700 backers pledged $1.2 million to help bring the Oculis Lodge to life.
I love products that have been designed with minimalism in mind, as they almost always turn out to be simple, functional, and sophisticated. They carry an air of elegance around them while packing a punch with their functionality. They may not have many bells and tassels to boast, but what they lack in extravagance, they make up in utility and authenticity. They provide immense value, without drawing excessive attention, while also managing to capture eyes. And, we’ve curated a bunch of minimal + functional products that we believe will improve the quality of your everyday life, while letting you enjoy simple pleasures. From a portable battery-free iPhone speaker to a portable CD cover player – these minimalistic designs are all you need to add a touch of pure minimalism to your life.
1. Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil
This Wacom-like stylus is called the Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil, and it features a tip that doesn’t require any replacing or sharpening. It is a unique and innovative stationery that enables you to focus completely on the creative process, without having to worry about the lead.
The octagonal shaft is made of aluminum and houses a special alloy core. Knowing that, you might think that all it will do is leave heavy grooves on your paper, but your mind might be blown away when it draws like a real pencil without seeing the tip wear down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
Features a unique metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so it wears down slowly, and may actually outlive you
What we dislike
The pencil doesn’t smudge or smear like normal graphite, which could be a disadvantage for those who use smudging techniques
2. Portable CD Cover Player
Meet the Portable CD Cover Player – this minimalist CD player features an appealing retro design that perfectly merges a unique and distinctive listening experience with the impact of visual art. With this CD player, you don’t need to put your CD jacket or sleeve aside, you can easily slip it into the specially-designed pocket, enabling you to showcase it.
This CD player is the physical equivalent of displaying digital album art, but with the perk that you also get to showcase the fact that you own the physical original CD. You get to boast your physical CD in a minimal and sophisticated manner, without drawing unnecessary attention.
What we like
An incredibly portable design with a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit, allowing you to listen to your room irrespective of where it is placed
Delivers 7-8 hours of powerful audio experience wherever you go owing to its 1,800mAh battery
What we dislike
It is a completely analog style of listening to music and does not support syncing music or playlists with any digital medium
3. Aroma-Fragrance Pin
Meet the Aroma-Fragrance Pin – a simple, compact, and elegant solution designed to let you enjoy the fragrance of your favorite aromatic oils without moving a muscle. These little pins are tiny containers that store a pinch of cotton, onto which you can drop some of the oil.
Once the oil is dropped in, this effectively diffuses the scent and spreads it around the button automatically; no need to put a container down or hold it in your hand. It’s like your own personal bubble of fragrance that follows you everywhere. The ALMA aroma pin allows you to carry around your favorite scent simply and minimally, without the hassle of bulky perfume containers!
What we like
Look like thick buttons, so it is easy to pin them onto your clothes, bags, hats, and more
What we dislike
Some might find the pin too discreet, preferring a more noticeable accessory
4. EDC Utility Knife
This simple and sophisticated knife is called the EDC Utility Knife, and it packs a whole bunch of functional details into a minimalist body. It is inspired by the everyday paper cutter and features a stunning all-metal body, amped with a textured knob that allows you to deploy and lock the blade.
The metal handle is weighted and grippy enough for a comfortable, accident-free cutting experience, and also hides within it a slick metal scale that you can detach and use independently to either cut/draw straight lines or measure linear distances. The knife packs a punch, providing you with utmost utility, in the form of a simple and minimalist design that can fit deftly anywhere.
What we like
Features a CNC-machined metal body that’s 8mm thick, and long enough to hold your standard OLFA blade
What we dislike
Could have been equipped with a nice lanyard hole or a leather carrying strap, to make it easy to carry around
5. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers
This portable battery-free iPhone speaker is an innovative and exciting version of the typical no-power smartphone speaker. Unlike other speakers on the market, it is made using metal, providing you with a product with enhanced functionality and value, setting it a class apart.
It uses Duralumin, a type of aluminum alloy that’s used in the aviation and aerospace industries because of its vibration-resistant properties and durability. Thanks to this, all you need to do is insert your smartphone into the speaker and feel the sound envelope you from all sides. The choice of material gives the speaker a minimalist and retro style, that adds character to any surface and space, in a simple and classy style.
What we like
Electricity-free speaker that doesn’t need any power to use
A minimalist and unique aesthetic that is captivating to look at
What we dislike
Will not fit with bulky smartphone cases
6. Earth-friendly Tumbler
Have you ever heard of PAPLUS? It is a new kind of thermoplastic resin that mixes biodegradable paper to add durability, heat resistance, and moldability that normal PLA doesn’t have. And this earth-friendly tumbler is built using this innovative material!
Unlike the artificial smoothness of plastic, the PAPLUS Tumbler’s use of this environment-friendly material creates a unique texture that can be compared to ceramic or wooden cups. Each sip brings not only a wonderful flavor to your tongue but also an engaging sensation to your lips. It has a minimalistic appearance that allows it a subtle and simple appearance on your dining table, kitchen, or even work desk if you like sipping water throughout your workday.
What we like
Uplifts the simple act of drinking water to a whole new sensory experience
Has a heat resistance of 120°, allowing you to enjoy piping hot as well as ice-cold drinks
What we dislike
The natural color does become uneven and fade from use, which may not be liked by everyone
7. Levitating Pen 3.0
Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience.
The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it. The levitating pen functions as an innovative stationery with enhanced utility that occupies minimal space on your desk with a minimal aesthetic.
What we like
The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster
What we dislike
The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface
8. Battery-free Aroma Diffuser
This battery-free aroma diffuser is one of a kind, as it lets you take in a deep and relaxing breath to unwind without causing any kind of harm to the environment. By using this diffuser, you can harness the power of a single candle, by utilizing the basics of simple science and physics.
The diffuser doesn’t need batteries or external power sources to operate. It relies on the heat of a single candle to spread calming aromatic scents. It is made using sustainable materials, hence featuring a minimalist and eco-friendly ethos, allowing it to make a valuable addition to your home.
What we like
The diffuser is built from recyclable materials
Suitable with all kinds of essential oils
What we dislike
Since the diffuser lacks electric controls, it is tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma
9. Japanese Lantern Candle
This beautiful Japanese lantern candle looks much like a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern. It has a unique pillar shape and is essential for your bedroom or bathroom on the days you need some me-time and pampering.
It offers a modern take on an iconic Japanese design. Besides offering a relaxing glow, it also features a minimal design which allows it to merge with any modern living space perfectly. It is handcrafted by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan, and displays meticulous craftsmanship.
What we like
The wax is non-melting which creates a stunning clarity on the candle
What we dislike
You need to be careful while using it around children and pets, as it is a fire hazard
10. 0.25 oz Aero Spork
Weighing only 0.25oz, this lightweight metal spork is meticulously and intricately crafted to keep your hands relatively weight-free during your lunch break. It is so light, that you can hardly feel it, so your hand won’t feel strained at all, allowing you to truly enjoy your meal with ease.
Being lightweight, however, doesn’t mean it’s fragile. With a special anodized aluminum exoskeleton, it remains tough as nails and ready to scoop up or pierce through food. It packs strength and durability in a minimal and simple design, allowing you to carry it everywhere with you, without straining your hand while you eat.
What we like
Created for ergonomics, allowing your finger to rest more comfortably inside the curve
Unique and practical design with minimal and beautiful aesthetic
What we dislike
The spork’s design and aesthetics may be considered odd by some, and won’t appeal to everyone
Home projectors are becoming more popular these days as more cord-cutters want to enjoy the freedom of streaming from almost anywhere in the house, even on the ceiling while lying in bed. Despite the growing number of these devices, however, most of them still have designs that originated from projectors made for professional use in board rooms and conferences. There are, of course, a few that have embraced more stylish aesthetics that try to match your living room’s decor, but these often still retain the boxy shapes of their ancestors. That might be a convenient form for cramming electronics, but they limit the potential of what these home appliances can do. This concept design, for example, eschews that traditional box and embraces an unconventional form that lets you tilt the projector’s angle without having to use stands or tripods.
Boxes are the most convenient shape for most electronic devices because you can easily cram so many components inside and arrange them in an efficient manner. They’re not the most visually interesting, though, no matter how much you cover them in premium materials like glass, leather, or fabric. The most common smart home projectors, however, still have that same basic design, which also puts limits on their functionality. Tilting the projector to the angle you want isn’t easy, and you either have to make do with short, built-in legs or have a tripod or stand nearby.
TRIPO is a concept design for a smart portable theater device that employs an odd shape of a rather thick disc that tapers toward the top. On its back are four flat sections that allow you to stand the projector upright or tilt it back in three angles, including 90 degrees to project your content on a ceiling. Because it operates wirelessly, you can achieve this without even having to get up from your couch or bed, providing the utmost convenience and comfort in any situation.
That’s not the only thing that makes the TRIPO concept special, of course. Every inch of the device was intentionally designed to blend well with other pieces of your home decor, from using fabric to minimalist design elements. Vents are well hidden underneath the fabric-covered discs on both sides, providing heat dissipation that doesn’t ruin the design. It isn’t all just looks either because the portable theater is intended to be a powerful yet convenient smart entertainment system, both at home and even outdoors. An ingenious sliding cover, for example, protects the buttons and the lenses during travel.
TRIPO can also function as a simple Bluetooth speaker for those times when you want to listen but not watch. And when not in use, it can almost stand as a piece of sculptural art, calling attention to itself without being overbearing and perfectly fitting with your lifestyle as well as your aesthetic tastes. There might be some compromises in terms of specs given today’s hardware options, but it will only be a matter of time before designs such as these become the norm rather than the exception.
Apple says it has begun piloting a new App Store feature called “contingent pricing” that will help developers lure in customers with cheaper subscriptions based on their other purchases. The contingent pricing model will let developers offer discounts to customers who already have subscriptions to other services, be it those developers’ own apps or participating partners’. It’s starting with a select group of participants before rolling it out to more developers “in the coming months.”
“Contingent pricing for subscriptions on the App Store — a new feature that helps you attract and retain subscribers — lets you give customers a discounted subscription price as long as they’re actively subscribed to a different subscription,” Apple wrote in a post on the Apple Developer website. “It can be used for subscriptions from one developer or two different developers.” Per 9to5Mac, Apple further explained that these bundled discounts will be highly visible to customers both on the App Store and “in off-platform marketing channels” so they can easily find and get in on the perks.
It comes at a time of ongoing scrutiny into Apple’s practices with its App Store and how it handles in-app purchases, which came to a head in Apple’s battle with Fortnite owner Epic Games. Just this fall, Apple asked the Supreme Court to reverse its previous ruling that required it to allow developers to circumvent its 30 percent transaction fee by supporting outside payment systems. But it's still looking for ways to get back in developers' good graces. The company says it will release more information on the new program next month.
Correction, December 17, 2023, 3:30PM ET: This story originally stated that contingent pricing allowed developers to offer cheaper plans than competitors. It actually only works between participating parties. We apologize for the error.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-app-store-developers-contingent-pricing-for-subscriptions-222205906.html?src=rss
