When it comes to choosing a new smartphone, the Google Pixel 9 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE are two compelling options that offer distinct strengths and weaknesses. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider key factors such as display quality, build, camera capabilities, pricing, software support, and performance. While the Google Pixel […]
Boosting your productivity on a Mac is easier with the right shortcuts. These shortcuts automate tasks, saving you time and effort. By integrating these tools into your daily routine, you can enhance your efficiency and streamline your workflows.The video below from Stephen Robles shows us 13 amazing Mac shortcuts for fast workflows, lets find out […]
Knowing the actual iPhone battery health is crucial for understanding its performance and expected lifespan. While the iOS system provides some insights, it may not always be entirely accurate. By leveraging analytics data, you can gain a more precise understanding of your battery’s condition. The video below from Daniel about Tech will walk us through […]
The highly anticipated iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have been the subject of recent leaks, providing a glimpse into the final design and features of these upcoming devices. While the changes may not be as drastic as some previous iterations, the new models promise to deliver a range of enhancements that will elevate your […]
As Apple gears up for the final release of iOS 18, iPhone users have every reason to be excited. This latest iteration of the operating system promises to deliver a host of enhancements and features that will elevate your iPhone experience to new heights. From improved stability and performance to expanded customization options and innovative […]
In 2022, the folks at LIVALL unveiled the PikaBoost, a simple battery-powered motor that could attach to any bicycle, giving it an electric upgrade. Now, the PikaBoost 2 comes with the same pitch as its predecessor, but with a power upgrade, better range, an anti-theft design, and swappable batteries. All you really do is strap the PikaBoost 2 to the back of your bicycle, right above the rear wheel and you’re good to go. The process takes under a minute, but gives your bicycle quite the upgrade, with a motor-assisted drive that can be accessed across 4 riding modes. The best part? Unlike e-bikes that can cost upward of $800-1000, the PikaBoost 2 is a simple under-$300 accessory that pretty much attaches to any existing bicycle.
Do you remember when Elon Musk put jet thrusters on the Tesla Roadster to make it go even faster? The PikaBoost 2 is sort of the same thing, but scaled down to less mad-scientist and more practical-genius levels. In essence, it just adds a motor to your existing bicycle, so that you don’t have to rely entirely on pedal power. The PikaBoost 2 outputs an impressive 500W, which when coupled with its high RPM capacity, allows cyclists to conquer steep inclines effortlessly, reaching speeds of up to 32 km/h (19mph) without rider exertion. On flat land, the PikaBoost 2 is a nice way to turn your bicycle from an exercise machine to an effortless mode of transport, allowing you to travel farther and faster without splurging for a gas-powered motorbike or an e-bike.
The slick device retrofits onto almost any existing bicycle simply by attaching itself firmly to the frame right under the seat. Traditional e-bike conversion kits often require significant time and effort to install, with many models being incompatible with a range of bike sizes. In contrast, PikaBoost 2 can be installed or removed in under a minute, thanks to its simplified design that fits most bike models and tire sizes. The system includes a proprietary tool that secures the unit with four anti-theft screws, ensuring a secure fit that’s impossible to remove without the specific tools if you’re a thief… but very easy for you to detach and take home at the end of the day by using the proprietary screw. Additionally, its shock-absorbing spring design helps maintain stability, even on rough terrain, while preventing screw loosening.
PikaBoost 2’s adjustable design seamlessly integrates with wheel sizes from 14 to 29 inches, accommodating mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrids. LIVALL also provides its own tire designs for the PikaBoost, allowing you to adjust based on road or mountain driving. Once installed, the PikaBoost 2’s wheel rests on the top of your bicycle’s rear wheel, gripping it securely to ensure high traction so it can efficiently transfer kinetic power to your bike’s rear wheel. The V-shaped grooves on the PikaBoost 2 interlock with your bike’s treads, while also providing channels to direct water/mud when you’re riding in the rain or on wet/muddy roads.
One of the standout features of the PikaBoost 2 (and an upgrade from its predecessor) is its AAR2.0 technology, which offers personalized e-bike assistance. Unlike traditional systems that rely on torque sensors, AAR2.0 continuously learns and adapts to your riding style, providing precise power assistance that matches your needs. The regenerative braking system further extends your ride by capturing and converting kinetic energy back into electricity, adding sustainability to your journey. At 25 km/h, the RBS (regenerative braking system) can generate about 100 watts of power to recharge your battery.
Although it seems like the original PikaBoost had a bigger 234Wh battery, the one on the PikaBoost 2 is smaller but MUCH more efficient. Equipped with a 158Wh lithium-ion battery, the system offers a range of up to 70 kilometers or 43.4 miles (an upgrade over the 30 kilometers on the previous model). This size reduction comes with a good reason too, as the folks at LIVALL wanted the battery pack to be ‘airline-friendly’. For those seeking even greater endurance, an optional 220Wh battery extends the range to 96 kilometers or 59.6 miles. Both batteries support fast-charging technology, allowing for a full charge in just three hours. Beyond powering your ride, the battery can also function as a portable power station, with up to 100W of output power, making it versatile for charging everything from your phone to even your laptop.
Each PikaBoost 2 is paired with a remote controller that attaches to your handlebars, allowing you to switch between modes while riding. Notably, the 2nd gen device also gets a few nifty design and safety upgrades in the form of an LED taillight that automatically shines as you slow down or make turns (and also works as a charging status light), as well as fall or slip detection that automatically kills the motor to prevent accidents or injury. The PikaBoost 2 also comes with its own smartphone app, available for both Android and iOS devices. Aside from letting you perform actions like switching between modes, the app also lets you track your PikaBoost 2, as well as uses your location to automatically adjust its output based on riding regulations of the country you’re in (European users will see their speeds capped at 25 km/h to comply with the maximum speed limit). The entire device weighs 6.6lbs or 3 kilograms, and is IP66 water-resistant, making it fairly weatherproof. The PikaBoost 2 ships globally, along with the remote controller, the 158Wh battery, a mudguard, and the proprietary accessories for upgrading your bicycle. An upgrade gets you the 220Wh battery along with mountain and road bike tire attachments, and a fast-charging setup. Additionally, LIVALL also sells its own bicycle helmet with a built-in rear LED light that synchronizes with the PikaBoost 2 to shine automatically when you slow down, turn, or come to a stop.
Anyone who has cooked food will have come across a situation where they need to pick up a piece to either turn it over to cook the other side or to take it out of the pan or pot. Large portions are no problem for turners and tongs, but more delicate pieces can end up being an exercise in patience and dexterity. Smaller tongs aren’t always the answer because of the standard design of these tools and their wide, often spoon-shaped, heads that don’t afford precision and dexterity of movement. Some situations call for a radical change in that design, which is what these chopsticks-like pair try to offer, taking a page from one of the most precise utensils ever invented.
Some ingredients or pieces of food are so delicate that they need to be handled with a bit more care than what large cooking tools often provide. That’s true whether you’re trying to flip thin strips of meat on a frying pan, taking out cooked flakes of fish, putting in ingredients in a hot pot, or even just creating a complex arrangement of small fruits. Some of these you can’t even do by hand, while others are possible but not ideal for safety and hygiene. These specially designed tongs solve that problem in a rather fun-looking way that makes you feel you’re really in control.
Unlike your typical tongs, these Chopsticks Tongs don’t have large or wide tips, so picking up and holding small, delicate pieces isn’t a chore. And while they may look like chopsticks from one angle, they don’t require as much dexterity any more than normal tongs. They’re still made from a single piece of metal bent in the middle, so you won’t have to worry about juggling sticks and accidentally dropping them into a pot. Unlike conventional chopsticks, the tips are flat and ridged, preventing food from escaping its grasp. The tongs have a slender form and a minimalist aesthetic that not only saves space but even gives it an elegant design that looks stunning whether it’s in your hand or hanging in your kitchen.
Of course, normal chopsticks aren’t made for use in high heat, so these lifestyle tongs use SUS821L1 two-phase stainless steel that is known to be stronger than the SUS304 variant that’s commonly used. More importantly, the steel used for these tongs is made from recycled offcuts and scraps, giving it a more sustainable and environment-friendly characteristic. What’s interesting about these tongs is that their black color doesn’t come from paint or similar coating materials. Instead, it’s the product of a special metal processing that ensures the color won’t scratch or peel over time. That black oxide coating also ensures the safety of the food you’re cooking or the tableware you put in your mouth.
Durable, precise, and elegant, these Chopstick-shaped Tongs give you the perfect tool for managing small and delicate pieces of food. And while the 275mm (10.8in) Chopstick Tongs are great for keeping your hand at a safe distance, the shorter 175mm (6.9in) Lifestyle Tongs are better for smaller and more precise movements. You might even want to use it for actually eating your food without having to worry about how to use chopsticks properly. Whether you’re frying strips of meat, preparing a hotpot, or simply enjoying a healthy salad, these handsome Chopstick Tongs add a whole new flavor to your culinary experience.
In the heart of Seoul, amid the vibrant chaos of the city’s dense urban landscape, an architectural marvel is poised to rise, a structure that promises to captivate every pedestrian and commuter who crosses its path. This is the Hanwha Galleria shopping center, a visionary project designed by Heatherwick Studio, known for pushing the boundaries of architectural design and redefining spaces in ways that engage both the eye and the soul.
Nestled at a major intersection near the Han River, this new shopping center is not just a place to shop; it’s a bold reimagining of what a department store can be in the 21st century. Gone are the days of insular, windowless retail boxes that isolate themselves from the life of the streets outside. Instead, the Hanwha Galleria opens itself up to the city, inviting everyone in, whether they’re there to browse luxury goods or simply to soak in the atmosphere.
The design features two near-identical, hourglass-shaped volumes formed from curved glass. These aren’t just any glass structures, they ripple and undulate as they rise, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that changes with the time of day and the angle of the sun. By day, the facades shimmer, reflecting the city’s energy and by night, they transform into canvases for projections, turning the buildings into glowing beacons that light up the Seoul skyline.
But these buildings are not merely beautiful to look at, they’re designed to be experienced. At ground level, the two volumes are separated by the busy intersection, but an updated subway station lies beneath, connecting them with a seamless flow. This underground passageway doesn’t just serve as a practical link between the buildings; it’s an extension of the city itself, drawing people in from all directions and inviting them to explore what lies above.
As you ascend from the subway into the buildings, you’re greeted by light-filled entrances and landscaped plazas. These spaces are designed to be more than just entryways, they’re vibrant public areas where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the greenery. The hourglass silhouettes of the buildings create recessed middle levels that are transformed into open-air gardens, cafes, restaurants, and shops. These spaces are not just solely for shopping, they’re places to linger, to meet friends, and to take a break from the hustle of the city.
Rising above, the rooftop gardens offer a different perspective, both literally and figuratively. Here, amidst lush greenery, you can take in sweeping views of the Han River and the city beyond. The buildings’ unique contours frame these vistas in ways that make you see the city anew, each angle offering a fresh perspective.
But the Hanwha Galleria is more than just a visual or social experience; it’s a statement about the future. The double-layered glass facade isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s an environmentally conscious design that enhances the buildings’ sustainability. It’s part of a broader vision to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible, offering natural elements throughout the year with carefully selected native plants that thrive in all seasons.
Heatherwick Studio’s design is a response to Hanwha’s ambition to breathe new life into these structures, transforming them into something more than just a shopping destination. The goal is to create a silhouette that serves as a gateway to the city while providing Seoulites with new, garden-like spaces where they can meet, shop, and enjoy their urban environment.
This project is a bold reflection of South Korea’s rising status as a global cultural leader. It’s no coincidence that this design comes as Thomas Heatherwick is set to take on the role of General Director for the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism in 2025. The Hanwha Galleria is more than just a building, it’s a symbol of a city that is looking to the future, embracing change, and redefining what it means to live, work, and play in an urban environment.
Zomato, one of India’s largest and most internationally recognized food delivery companies, owes much of its success to dedicated riders who navigate various terrains and weather conditions to ensure timely deliveries. These riders spend countless hours on their motorcycles, which have become indispensable companions in their daily lives. However, the motorcycles used are often purely utilitarian, lacking the comfort features that could make these long hours more bearable. Recognizing this gap, a group of designers embarked on a mission to redesign these motorcycles, focusing on enhancing the rider’s experience through basic yet impactful upgrades.
The initiative began with a thorough analysis of the pain points experienced by riders during extended periods on their bikes. The goal was to enhance the food delivery experience by identifying sources of discomfort and providing ergonomic solutions. This redesign was not just about minor tweaks but involved a comprehensive rethinking of the rider’s journey, addressing key areas that affect comfort and functionality.
Traditional motorcycle seats tend to become squeezed and ripped over time, causing discomfort. To address this, the new design incorporates improved cushioning to ensure long-lasting comfort. Riders often rely on the storage box for back support, leading to improper posture and discomfort. The redesigned motorcycle features a collapsible backrest that provides adequate support during breaks or long waits in traffic which aligns with the large Zomato delivery boxes. This addition provides much-needed support during traffic halts or short breaks. It can also collapse down to act as a seat for a second passenger if and when required.
Additionally, the absence of adequate storage for personal belongings has been addressed by creating designated storage areas, allowing riders to keep their essentials secure and accessible. Another key issue is the sudden break between the seat and the fuel tank, creating an uncomfortable riding position. The new design extends the seat cushioning towards the tank, ensuring a smoother transition and better support.
The redesign process also involved analyzing the comfort levels of riders of extreme heights and weights. For a rider who is taller than usual, the handlebar was found to be too low, causing the rider to lean forward and touch the handlebar with their legs while turning, and the footrest was positioned too upright. For a rider with an average height but a slightly healthier side of the scale, the handlebar and footrest positions were appropriate but the seat cushioning needed improvement.
By addressing these critical design gaps, the GlideRide project aims to make the lives of food delivery riders more comfortable and enjoyable. These basic upgrades are not just about improving physical comfort but are also a step towards acknowledging and valuing the hard work and dedication of these riders who play a pivotal role in delivering happiness to our doorsteps.
Heart-warming little adventure games have really found a place to thrive in the Playdate. I picked up Electrolight this weekend while looking for something in the same vein as the bite-sized puzzle/exploration game, Eyeland — cute, low-commitment, not particularly difficult — and found it to be utterly charming.
Electrolight is described as “a tiny game about a tiny piece of light on a tiny adventure.” In it, you’re just a twinkle of light trying to find your way out of a computer so you can see the world. There are only a handful of rooms to explore, with a few simple puzzles to solve and items to collect that will help you advance on your mission. And there are some inspirational messages sprinkled throughout to encourage you on your journey toward new experiences.
Weakty
It’s a short game that’s perfect for a moment when you just want something lighthearted to keep you busy for a half-hour or so. I completed it in about 20 minutes. Electrolight only costs $2 on the Playdate Catalog.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/electrolight-is-a-short-and-sweet-playdate-adventure-game-about-branching-out-213656431.html?src=rss