Meta Aria Glasses Research Kit : Enhancing Machine Perception in AI

Imagine a world where your glasses do more than just correct your vision—they become a window into new research and innovation. This s the goal of Meta Aria Glasses Research Kit. Initially crafted for internal use, these glasses are now available to researchers worldwide, offering a fresh perspective on tackling the intricate challenges of egocentric […]

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iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Budget Android: Is It Worth 5x the Price?

iPhone 16 PRO MAX

When you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the question arises: does the iPhone 16 Pro Max justify its high price compared to the more affordable Nothing Phone 2A? With the iPhone priced at £1,200 and the Nothing Phone at £300, the difference is substantial. This significant price gap prompts a closer examination of the features and […]

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This Shape-shifting 3-in-1 Urban Backpack Is Your Ultimate EDC Carry Companion

I recently watched the first Harry Potter film (following news of Maggie Smith’s demise), and vividly remembered the scene where Harry bought his wand at Ollivanders. Rather than choosing the right wand, Harry was given a wand that ‘chose’ him. It fit his personality, was tailor-made to his greatness, and that moment when the wand and Harry shared a brief exchange of energy – it’s exactly the feeling you get when you discover the right bag. Zero hyperbole, but I’ve got 4 laptop bags in my house right now, ranging across a variety of styles and price points (one of them’s literally from AliExpress)… and neither of them fits my needs perfectly – my current daily driver is a bag that I’d say is 80% perfect.

Finding a bag that ticks all the right boxes is sort of like searching for that ideal wand. It needs to suit your style, be durable, and have enough versatility to keep up with the chaos of life. It’s a relentless pursuit until you stop and discover just the right bag that matches your needs. The folks behind the Mercurius Modular Bag were out to build exactly that bag – a piece of EDC that’s equal parts corporate-classy yet outdoor-durable, with enough modular elements to fit every aspect of your life in. Designed to be carried in 3 different ways, the Mercurius Modular Bag adapts to your style, whether you want a sling, a backpack, or a briefcase, making it your perfect go-to for work, a trip to the cafe for a quick meeting, an outdoor photoshoot, or even a quick getaway for a couple of days to relax.

Designer: Layla Hanna Lee

Click Here to Buy Now: Laptop Sleeve $98 $140 (30% off) | Modular Tech Bag $299 $428 (30% off). Hurry, exclusive deal for YD readers only!

A Shape-Shifting Bag for Every Moment

What makes the Mercurius Modular Bag stand out at first glance is its ability to switch forms depending on how you want to carry it. This is no one-trick pony—it can be worn as a backpack, slung over the shoulder, or carried like a briefcase. That’s three distinct styles in one, letting you transition from morning commutes to weekend adventures without swapping bags.

When you want to carry it as a backpack, the adjustable shoulder straps come into play. These straps are discreetly tucked away when you’re not using them, keeping the bag’s form neat and streamlined. Once you extend them, the bag sits comfortably on your back, distributing weight evenly to avoid strain. It’s ideal for longer commutes, biking through the city, or when you simply want to be hands-free.

In sling mode, the Mercurius Modular Bag turns into an over-the-shoulder carrier with a single, wide strap that can be adjusted to your height. This mode is perfect for quick access and short walks when you need something more casual than a backpack but not as formal as a briefcase. You can switch to sling mode easily by retracting one of the backpack straps and adjusting the other to act as the crossbody support.

For the briefcase style, simply retract all the straps and use the sturdy, built-in handles located at the top of the bag. This mode is where the bag really takes on a polished, professional look, perfect for meetings or more formal settings. Even though it’s technically the same bag, this transformation gives off a completely different vibe—like you’re carrying a high-end briefcase designed for business, not an everyday commuter’s backpack. The smooth transition between these modes makes it feel like you’re carrying three different bags in one, without the hassle of switching between them.

The Modular Magic Inside

The modular outer design extends to the insides too, with an insightfully compartmentalized layout. The designers have turned the interior into an organized dream, tailored for modern professionals and tech enthusiasts. You’ll find dedicated compartments for just about everything, from chargers to mice, phones, umbrellas, bottles, and even your AirPods. As far as laptops go (you know, the actual goods), this bag fits almost any model you can think of, from ultra-slim MacBook Airs to the large-and-in-charge LG Gram 17-inch. All iPad models slot in just as neatly (as do other tablets), so no matter your tech of choice, this bag has a place for it.

The Mercurius Modular Bag comes in classic black as well.

You can either slide your laptop right into the Mercurius Modular Bag’s dedicated laptop slot, or use an accompanying detachable laptop sleeve made from the same material as the bag itself, but with a built-in RFID-blocking liner for added digital protection. However, the sleeve isn’t just for protecting your laptop or giving it an extra carrying case—it also transforms into a desk pad or mouse pad. It’s a nifty addition for digital nomads or anyone setting up an impromptu workspace at a café or airport lounge. It’s thoughtful features like these that give the Mercurius Modular Bag its edge. The focus is clearly on adaptability—how the bag functions in real life when you’re constantly on the move.

Need more space? No problem. The bag’s expandable design gives you up to 40% more storage capacity, practically doubling your storage capacity. This extra space doesn’t come at the cost of the bag’s sleek profile, though. Even fully expanded, it maintains its minimal design, refusing to bulk up into an eyesore like other expandable bags tend to. Inside, it’s designed to work with modular packs, pouches, and travel cubes—making organization feel less like an afterthought and more like a core feature.

Tailored Extras for the Modern User

It’s the little things that push the Mercurius Modular Bag into the realm of “I need this.” While the bag itself has a built-in organization system, what gives it further meaning are the various pouches and travel cubes that fit perfectly into the remaining empty space, allowing you to carry your gear like never before. Aside from the detachable laptop sleeve, the Mercurius Modular Bag comes with an EDC pouch that has a magnet-based system that lets it snap onto the bag sort of like how a MagSafe accessory snaps onto your iPhone, aligning and positioning itself perfectly. The EDC Bag is ideal for any everyday carry, although Mercurius Modular Bag also comes with a Tech Pouch for tech accessories and a Bath Pouch for toiletries. All three modules fit perfectly into the backpack’s empty space, allowing you to compartmentalize your belongings in a meaningful way (after all you wouldn’t want your toothpaste and shampoo near your tech gear, right?) Furthermore, the Mercurius Modular Bag also provides a square-shaped Packing Cube for clothes that can be used with the bag, along with the Bath Pouch. In a way, you get to build your bags based on whether you’re heading out for a meeting, for something specific like an outdoor photoshoot, or a 2-day getaway.

Other clever details include things like a luggage pass-through feature, which is a godsend for frequent travelers. Simply slip it over your suitcase handle, and maneuvering through airports becomes a breeze. If you want to travel light, you can ditch the Mercurius entirely and just carry the laptop sleeve around with you, thanks to an add-on strap that turns it into a side-sling. The EDC Pouch can be independently carried like a man-purse too, thanks to that same clip-on shoulder strap.

Made from Cactus Leather, Built to Withstand Anything

The Mercurius Modular Bag doesn’t stop at smart functionality; it’s also eco-conscious. Instead of opting for typical leather or synthetic fabrics, Mercurius chose a cactus-based faux leather—an unexpected, yet refreshing choice. This material is as tough as it is sustainable. It’s water-resistant, durable, and designed to hold up to everyday wear and tear, whether you’re navigating city streets or dealing with a bit of rain. The combination of their unique design and cactus leather also gives the bag a luxe feel, so you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing style for sustainability. In fact, brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche all use the same cactus-based leather alternative, embracing both durability along with material innovation. Meanwhile, the company does plan to offer a Smooth Calf Leather version of the bag to backers and users in the future. Alongside the durable outer material, heavy-duty zippers reinforce the design, ensuring the bag holds up under pressure, and a non-toxic suede inner further ensures your devices stay protected from elements as well as rough use. Furthermore, the cubes and modules are made from 100% recycled plastic fabric (the same fabric used by Prada in their high-end bags) echoing the sustainable approach.

The Mercurius Modular Bag is one of many I’ve seen over the years, but the one thing it does more than any of those bags is give me that ‘Harry Potter’s Wand’ feeling – it’s sustainable, durable, expandable, modular, stylish, and is designed to carry literally every object you’d want to carry. It comes in two rather evergreen colors – a tanned brown and a black; and can be carried in a variety of ways – as a sling, a backpack, a briefcase, or even strapped to your luggage. If that isn’t your definition of a perfectly designed bag, I don’t know what is…

Click Here to Buy Now: Laptop Sleeve $98 $140 (30% off) | Modular Tech Bag $299 $428 (30% off). Hurry, exclusive deal for YD readers only!

The post This Shape-shifting 3-in-1 Urban Backpack Is Your Ultimate EDC Carry Companion first appeared on Yanko Design.

Compact Little Home Makes Up For Limited Footprint With A Flexible Swiss Army Knife-Style Living Room

Modern Tiny Living recently designed the Cerceaux tiny home, and it packs a punch with its unique storage-packed interior, and an impressive “Swiss Army Knife” living room. It features a length of 20 feet, but its innovative and flexible layout truly makes it stand apart. It is based on a double-axle trailer and features a finish in engineered wood. The wood finishing is topped by a steel roof, and complemented by an exterior storage box. It is designed to be a good home for the weekend, but may not be a great full-time residence since it has a compact footprint.

Designer: Modern Tiny Living

 

As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a living area or the ‘MTL Social Area’. This section is raised and can seat around six people, in a U shape. It also contains generous glazing, ensuring the space is quite light-filled. Since this space is raised, it includes a load of storage areas, such as pull-out drawers and bookshelves. The sofa can be converted into a bed for the guests if they decide to sleep over. The kitchen is located nearby, and it contains a breakfast bar for two people, a propane-powered four-burner cooktop with an electric oven, a steel sink, a washer/dryer, and a fridge/freezer. It is also equipped with loads of cabinetry, and in-ceiling drop-down cabinets which are suitable for spices. The bathroom is located next to the kitchen and can be entered via a sliding barn-style door. The bathroom is pretty small, and it includes a composting toilet, shower, and sink.

The Cerceaux tiny home only contains one bedroom, which can be accessed through a storage-integrated staircase. This bedroom is much like the bedrooms typically seen in tiny homes. It features a loft-like style, and a low ceiling, as well as a double bed, and space for more storage. The home is powered by a roof-based solar panel and battery setup, making it an excellent fit for some off-the-gird adventures. At the moment, we aren’t aware of the tiny home’s pricing.

The post Compact Little Home Makes Up For Limited Footprint With A Flexible Swiss Army Knife-Style Living Room first appeared on Yanko Design.

Fujifilm’s New X-M5: The Lightest Mirrorless Camera You Need for Everyday Adventures

Get ready for Fujifilm’s lightest, most adventure-ready camera yet! The FUJIFILM X-M5 is set to launch globally in mid-November 2024, and it’s bringing the ultimate blend of portability and power. Weighing less than any other X Series model, this compact powerhouse delivers incredible image quality, making it a must-have for beginners and photography enthusiasts. If you’re capturing spontaneous shots or creating professional-quality videos, the X-M5 is designed to be your everyday companion.

Designer: Fujifilm

Weighing only 355 grams (including the battery and memory card), the X-M5 highlights Fujifilm’s focus on everyday, accessible photography. Despite its lightweight design, the camera is packed with powerful features, including AI-powered subject detection autofocus (AF) that tracks moving objects like animals and vehicles. It can also record video in 6.2K at 30 frames per second. The X-M5 is ready for everything from casual snapshots to high-quality video content.

Design Elements and Controls

The FUJIFILM X-M5 showcases a sleek, retro design embodying style and functionality. Its compact body measures 111.9mm in width, 66.6mm in height, and 38.0mm in depth, making it one of the most portable cameras in the X Series lineup. The top panel features symmetrically placed dials that give the camera a classic, tactile feel and allow users to control settings intuitively.

The left shoulder features a control dial, which allows photographers to quickly access different shooting modes to suit the scene and achieve a variety of tones and moods. If you’re aiming for rich contrast or soft color palettes, these modes replicate the look of classic Fujifilm films, giving a nostalgic touch to modern images. On the right shoulder, the mode dial includes an AUTO mode, making it easy for beginners to let the camera decide the optimal settings for any given scene.

The camera’s grip is ergonomically designed, ensuring a comfortable hold even during extended use. The durable, textured finish adds to the secure handling, while the control layout ensures that both novices and experienced photographers can navigate the settings seamlessly. The well-placed shutter button and control dials create an efficient and enjoyable shooting experience.

Display and Lens Mount

The rear of the X-M5 is equipped with a 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen that offers flexibility for composing shots at different angles—perfect for vlogging, selfies, or shooting from low or high perspectives. The touchscreen allows intuitive control, enabling users to adjust settings, focus, and review images easily. This high-resolution display makes it easy to frame shots, even in bright outdoor conditions.

The X-M5 also features a high-quality electronic viewfinder (EVF), providing a clear and detailed view for composing images in traditional shooting scenarios. The EVF’s high resolution ensures that users can see every detail of their shot before pressing the shutter, making it ideal for precise framing and focus.

The X-M5’s lens mount is compatible with Fujifilm’s extensive range of XF and XC lenses, offering users the flexibility to adapt to different shooting styles and conditions. Whether you’re using a wide-angle lens for landscapes or a telephoto lens for wildlife photography, the X-M5’s sturdy mount ensures secure attachment and excellent performance. The camera’s compatibility with various lenses makes it a versatile tool, suitable for everything from portraits to action photography.

Advanced Features for Photography and Video

At the core of the X-M5 is the back-illuminated 26.1-megapixel “X-Trans CMOS 4” sensor, paired with the “X-Processor 5” image engine. Together, they deliver vivid, high-quality images while maintaining power efficiency. The AI-powered subject detection autofocus (AF) uses deep learning to recognize and track various subjects, including animals, vehicles, and even human faces, ensuring that your shots are always sharp and well-focused.

Beyond still photography, the X-M5 excels at video. It supports 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit recording directly to an SD card, and also offers 4K/60P and 1080/240P for those who want to create cinematic content. Digital image stabilization helps keep footage smooth, even when shooting handheld. The new “Vlog Mode” makes it easy to adjust settings using the LCD touchscreen, and the “9:16 Short Video Mode” is ideal for creating vertical videos for social media. Video creators will also appreciate the three built-in microphones, which provide different directional recording options for a variety of shooting environments.

Optional Accessories

Two optional accessories enhance the X-M5’s flexibility. The Cooling Fan “FAN-001,” which is already available, can be attached to the back of the camera to manage heat during extended shooting sessions. The Tripod Grip “TG-BT1” improves ergonomics, making it ideal for vlogging, selfies, and low-angle shots.

The FUJIFILM X-M5 captures the essence of everyday creativity, offering a portable, feature-rich camera that makes capturing life’s moments easy and rewarding. If you’re just getting started with digital photography or are a seasoned enthusiast, this compact camera is built to be your constant companion, ready to capture the story wherever it unfolds.

The post Fujifilm’s New X-M5: The Lightest Mirrorless Camera You Need for Everyday Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nintendo SWEEP cordless vacuum cleaner gamifies your laborious household cleaning tasks

To gamify everyday use products and services is the mantra for success as it encourages engagement and appeal. For me, household cleaning tasks are the most boring and I can procrastinate for eternity. This concept design gives me reason enough to engage in daily house cleaning chores because of the gamified element.

Meet the Nintendo SWEEP, a cordless vacuum cleaner that brings two polar opposite worlds into a product anyone will notice. The concept appliance inherits the Nintendo’s brand identity of “fun to play,” turning it into a fun experience.

Designer: Jinho Choi

At the core, Nintendo is all about play and adventure – the Nintendo SWEEP retains that element with a design that is retro-modern. It has the reminiscences of old appliance charm in faded grays and rust-color transparencies. The appliance turns any cleaning task into a fun game interface on the accompanying Nintendo Gameboy touchscreen. You can control the vacuum cleaner with a joystick to adjust the functional elements including suction power adjustment, and amount of power delivery via the pull and push operations. In the virtual world, it controls the game content which can be anything from an endless runner adventure or a racing buggy fighting for the lead on a race track.

While the overall design of the cordless vacuum cleaner is based on the Gameboy, the headbrush design is inspired by the Super Famicom. In particular, the pack insert takes the shape of the front portion. The joystick controls and the accompanying buttons let you control everything from the movement to remapping the cleaning area or checking the uncleaned spots in the minimap. Various items can be collected as you go along cleaning which enhances the overall experience. While Nintendo is probably never going to release a vacuum cleaner like this one, perhaps a startup can cash in on this idea!

The post Nintendo SWEEP cordless vacuum cleaner gamifies your laborious household cleaning tasks first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google strikes a deal with a nuclear startup to power its AI data centers

Google is turning to nuclear energy to help power its AI drive. On Monday, the company said it will partner with the startup Kairos Power to build seven small nuclear reactors in the US. The deal targets adding 500 megawatts of nuclear power from the small modular reactors (SMRs) by the decade’s end. The first is expected to be up and running by 2030, with the remainder arriving through 2035.

It’s the first-ever corporate deal to buy nuclear power from SMRs. Small modular reactors are smaller than existing reactors. Their components are built inside a factory rather than on-site, which can help lower construction costs compared to full-scale plants.

Kairos will need the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to approve design and construction permits for the plans. The startup has already received approval for a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, with an online date targeted for 2027. The company already builds test units (without nuclear-fuel components) at a development facility in Albuquerque, NM, where it assesses components, systems and its supply chain.

The companies didn’t announce the financial details of the arrangement. Google says the deal’s structure will help to keep costs down and get the energy online sooner.

“By procuring electricity from multiple reactors — what experts call an ‘orderbook’ of reactors — we will help accelerate the repeated reactor deployments that are needed to lower costs and bring Kairos Power’s technology to market more quickly,” Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, wrote in a blog post. “This is an important part of our approach to scale the benefits of advanced technologies to more people and communities, and builds on our previous efforts.”

The AI boom — and the enormous amount of data center power it requires — has led to several deals between Big Tech companies and the nuclear industry. In September, Microsoft forged an agreement with Constellation Energy to bring a unit of the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania back online. In March, Amazon bought a nuclear-powered data center from Talen Energy.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-strikes-a-deal-with-a-nuclear-startup-to-power-its-ai-data-centers-201403750.html?src=rss

DJI’s Osmo Mobile 6 smartphone gimbal is cheaper than ever right now

There are few faster ways to improve your smartphone photo and video game than by snapping up a gimbal. This increases image stabilization, reducing hand shake to make for smoother shots and help ensure a still is framed just as you want it. DJI's Osmo Mobile 6 gimbal is an option worth considering, especially since it's on sale. This model is currently $20 off, which brings it down to a price of $119.

The Osmo Mobile 6 has a larger clamp than DJI's previous models, meaning larger smartphones and ones with bulkier cases can slot in. If you attach an iPhone, the Mimo app goes into camera view when the gimbal is unfolded so you can start shooting photos and videos with it faster.

The handle is said to be more comfortable to hold compared with earlier versions. DJI retained the built-in extension rod from the previous model, so you can use the Osmo Mobile 6 as a selfie stick. You can set it up as a tripod too.

DJI included an array of smart features, such as timelapse, gesture control, automatic dynamic zoom, panorama and story mode. Using a side wheel, you can adjust the focal length and zoom level manually.

There's a new status panel built in that displays battery levels and a button that lets you switch between various modes. DJI also upgraded its ActiveTrack feature. This supports stable tracking over longer distances and helps your phone's front camera to better track subjects as they rotate.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/djis-osmo-mobile-6-smartphone-gimbal-is-cheaper-than-ever-right-now-192859156.html?src=rss

These Color E-ink Cases let you put Wallpapers on the BACK of your Smartphone too

A phone case that goes perfectly with MKBHD’s Panels app subscription…

Phones have been getting smarter, faster, and flashier, but let’s be honest—most cases? They’ve been playing catch-up. E-ink displays on phone cases made their debut years ago, but they’ve remained stuck in a world of grayscale… until now. Reinkstone’s new 4-color e-ink cases aren’t just breaking that mold; they’re practically reinventing it. Forget the drab black-and-white screens of the past. These cases bring vibrant cyan, magenta, yellow, and black into the picture, transforming the back of your phone into something that feels almost alive. It’s the closest thing to having a foldable phone with a dual screen!

Designer: Reinkstone

It’s not just the color that grabs your attention—it’s the seamless integration with your phone. There’s no bulky battery strapped to the back, no charging cables to wrestle with. Reinkstone’s clever use of NFC technology takes care of that. Your phone powers the case wirelessly, transmitting both power and data through NFC. E-ink displays have negligible power consumption (they only need power while changing pixels), so the cases work just fine without needing a battery pack or a dedicated charging port. Change the display using a companion app, and just like that, the back of your phone updates in real-time. It feels effortless, the kind of feature that makes you wonder why it wasn’t done sooner. It’s not magic, but it’s pretty close.

About the e-ink screen – it’s roughly the size of a trading card, which might not sound groundbreaking, but in the world of phone cases, it’s a revelation. Gone are the days of dull, static covers. This little screen is the perfect canvas for photos, to-do lists, your boarding pass, or a QR code of your website or social media if you’re heavy into networking. And yes – while it might not replace your main screen for binge-watching or endless scrolling, it does offer a burst of practicality. Quick flashes of information on your phone’s backside? It’s a feature you didn’t know you needed until you have it.

Reinkstone didn’t stop at just a pretty screen – durability is baked into these cases as well. They’ve wrapped the e-ink display in explosion-proof tempered glass, ensuring your photos and lists stay protected even if your phone decides to take a tumble. The body of the case is built from Bayer TPU—a material known for being tough, flexible, and capable of surviving drops up to 1.8 meters. Inside, the tech gets even smarter, with a patented multi-layer flexible PCB keeping everything running smoothly without adding bulk. In a world where form often outpaces function, Reinkstone is balancing both like a pro.

And just when you think it might interfere with your day-to-day phone usage, Reinkstone’s already thought of it. Their custom-designed NFC antenna ensures you won’t run into any trouble when making contactless payments or scanning for public transport. You still get to tap and go without any hiccups. It’s almost as if the case isn’t even there—until, of course, you want it to be.

As for pricing, Reinkstone knows how to sweeten the deal. Normally, their cases sit around the $100 mark, but they’re currently on sale—$74.90 for the Reink Case C1 (iPhone 13 to 15 Pro Max) and $79.90 for the Reink Case Knight (Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra)… that’s just a few bucks more than the Panels+ annual subscription for MKBHD’s wallpaper app, and should be no big deal if you are a “wallpaper power-user” like Marques.

 

The post These Color E-ink Cases let you put Wallpapers on the BACK of your Smartphone too first appeared on Yanko Design.