I remember seeing a video where a toaster could be laid on its side and used as a pizza oven instead. Rather than simply toasting bread slices, you could apply a small amount of sauce, pop a pepperoni slice or two, and some cheese and slide it into the horizontally kept toaster. Working essentially as an oven now, this toaster could be used to dish out quick pizza slices, or even toast up garlic bread, bagels, etc. While that sideways toaster use is more of a lifehack, it’s the Dwo Oven and Multicooker’s very USP. Designed to be used vertically as a regular oven, or sideways as a wider pizza oven, the Dwo goes to show that even something as basic as your average kitchen appliance has the potential to be reinvented.
Designed for compact kitchens that can’t accommodate too many appliances, the Dwo lends itself to multiple use cases thanks to an adaptable design that works standing up as well as lying on its belly. The oven comes with a slim profile, sporting clear windows on the front and back, along with a control panel on top that lets you set the temperature and timer. The clear windows also function as doors, with both of them opening depending on how your oven is oriented. When standing up, the front-facing door opens to give you a narrow yet vertically spacious oven, while when sleeping down, the rear door (which is now positioned on top) opens to let you lower wide items into the oven. The concept is sort of like a wood-fired oven versus a tandoor – one has a frontal opening while the other is accessible from the top.
A roller on the bottom of the Dwo helps it easily transition between its two orientations, allowing you to easily and swiftly change between vertical and horizontal use. Vertically, the Dwo is perfect for multi-level cooking, like baking loaves, tea cakes, or a row of cookies. Lay it flat, however, and you can now lower a wider pan into it, making it ideal for pizzas, wider cakes, focaccias, pies, etc. Of course, orienting your oven vertically or horizontally means the heat coils face in different directions based on the orientation. While horizontal, your pizzas don’t necessarily cook fast from the top or the bottom, given that the heat coils are located on the sides. However, with some clever thermodynamic engineering, the Dwo could be turned into a heat-guiding furnace, so your pizza cooks evenly with browning on the bottom and a melted layer of cheese on the top!
Designed by Colombia-based Dogma Design, the Dwo is a Best of the Best winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2024. It gives you an adaptable oven that doesn’t occupy much space, and can be used for something as basic as reheating an entire pizza to something more complex like making biscuits or cupcakes. The oven’s unique flat-ish internal space might be limiting had it not been for its ability to literally lean over and shift between standing and sleeping formats. No more trying to tilt the toaster on its side to lifehack your way through college!
Welcome to Sneakers Sunday, readers! Today, let’s explore a remarkable sneaker partnership combining sustainability and innovation. The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 emerges as a product of a unique alliance between ASICS and automotive parts manufacturer Toyoda Gosei, merging the worlds of sportswear and automotive expertise. This sneaker artfully weaves elements from the automotive airbag industry with cutting-edge design, showcasing repurposed materials known for their strength and resilience—originally crafted to save lives. By focusing on upcycling, the GEL-SONOMA 15-50 highlights resource efficiency and sets a new standard in cross-industry creativity and design.
Designer: ASICS + Toyoda Gosei
Design Elements That Matter
The sneaker distinguishes itself through its innovative use of airbag materials. This approach is far from a gimmick; it utilizes airbags’ durability, lending a rugged yet refined feel to the upper. Originating from components designed to handle intense pressure, these materials provide the sneaker with exceptional resilience, breathing new life into otherwise discarded items.
The distinctive airbag-specific stitching, featured in a striking two-tone pattern, honors the airbag’s industrial heritage. These stitches transcend decoration, symbolizing protection and sturdiness. The sneaker’s tongue draws a playful parallel to an airbag’s inflation mechanism, offering comfort while evoking its original function. Together, these design choices narrate a layered story of transformation and comfort.
Including airbag numbering and vent holes enhances its utilitarian look, embracing its roots. This raw, industrial design appeals to those who value function tied directly to form.
A Closer Look at the Material
The upper combines synthetic fiber, natural leather, and synthetic resin, offering a blend of flexibility, durability, and comfort for trail and casual wear. The rubber outer sole ensures reliable traction across varied terrains, making the ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 as versatile off-road as it is in urban settings.
Sustainability: From Automotive Waste to Wearable Design
A major highlight of the GEL-SONOMA 15-50 is its sustainability focus. ASICS and Toyoda Gosei transform robust rejected materials into valuable products by utilizing airbag materials that are unfit for automotive use. This initiative speaks to a larger movement, aligning with ASICS’ sustainability efforts to reduce waste and efficiently use resources. It demonstrates the possibilities when industries collaborate to tackle shared challenges.
What the Jury Said
The 2024 Good Design Award jury praised the sneaker’s innovation and execution. They highlighted the sneaker’s clever upcycling of discarded airbag materials and recognized its contribution to industrial waste management awareness. This collaboration between ASICS and Toyoda Gosei shows how industries can join forces to create products that meet market needs and benefit the environment.
The jury was particularly impressed with the creative handling of challenging materials. The GEL-SONOMA 15-50 bypasses convenience, illustrating that sustainability can coexist with style and performance.
Three Things We Love About This Sneaker
Upcycled Airbag Materials: These sneakers use creatively repurposed industrial waste, combining style and practicality.
Design that Tells a Story: Featuring elements like airbag numbering, the design ties back to its automotive origins. Every detail narrates a journey of transformation.
Versatility in Use: Beyond sustainability, the durable sole and comfortable upper make it perfect for various activities—from trail running to casual wear.
Final Thoughts
The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 reshapes the concept of a sneaker through its innovative focus on sustainability. Partnering with Toyoda Gosei, ASICS has developed a shoe that performs impressively and advances the dialogue about eco-friendly practices. Each stitch and material choice highlights how imaginative thinking can lead to sustainable solutions.
By drawing on the history and purpose of airbags, these sneakers create an inspiring story of transformation and creativity, turning automotive components into daily essentials.
Are you ready to step into a narrative of innovation and sustainability? The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 encourages you to explore where design meets function, heralding the future of footwear.
The Mova E30 Ultra is a powerful, self-maintaining robot vacuum, offering advanced features like 7,000Pa suction and smart cleaning for both carpets and floors.
OpenAI has unveiled its ambitious roadmap for the future of artificial intelligence, marking a significant leap forward in AI capabilities. The company’s strategy involves officially launching the new o1 model series into production ready versions, alongside substantial enhancements to the existing GPT series. A recent webinar provided valuable insights into upcoming features and improvements, and […]
It’s a slower October than usual in the tech industry, thanks mostly to Google and Microsoft having held their typical fall hardware announcements earlier this year. Still, we’ve seen a fair number of companies reveal new devices in the last two weeks, while Amazon’s October Prime Day raged on. Whether you were busy shopping or watching Elon Musk talk up robotaxis and cybervans, the Engadget team continued to review recently (and not-so-recently) launched products. As usual, this bi-weekly roundup is here to help you catch up, though because I missed last week's edition (as I was out on time off), the cadence is just a bit off.
From Meta’s Quest 3S VR headset and the DJI Air 3S drone, to Sony’s midrange suite of audio gear, these weeks have coincidentally been about the less premium, more affordable “un-flagships,” if you will. And it turns out you don’t have to throw chunks of your retirement savings at companies to get solid devices that are well worth the money.
Meta Quest 3S review: Impressive VR for $300
by Devindra Hardawar
The Quest is arguably the industry's leading VR headset for consumers, especially considering it costs a fraction of alternative options while offering a relatively high-quality immersive experience. Unlike the Apple Vision Pro, which costs $3,500, the new Quest 3S is much more palatable at $300. And, as Devindra observes in his review, it's comfortable, fast and allows wearers to access Meta's large library of VR apps and content. To quote Devindra, "It’s not Meta’s first $300 VR headset, but it’s still a tremendous accomplishment."
Sony LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds reviews
by Billy Steele
The main thing I learned from Billy's recent reviews of Sony and Bose headphones is that flagship, premium-level noise cancelation is making its way down to the midrange products. And I, for one, am happy about it. Looks like most of the things you'll miss if you opt to save some money are features like spatial audio, head-tracking and stuff that's supposed to be make for a more immersive, intuitive listening experience. Personally, I'm okay missing out on those things for now — I really just want decent sound, good voice quality and competent reduction of background noise.
Definitely check out Billy's review of Sony's LinkBuds trio of devices even if you're not in the market for headphones, because he put his ears through literal pain to test the strangely designed earbuds for us. In fact, a rejected headline for the review was "Why am I in pain?" We salute you, Billy.
DJI Neo and DJI Air 3S reviews
by Steve Dent
Continuing in the trend of excellent products that cost less than usual, the DJI Neo is an excellent drone for just $200. Calling it the best $200 drone ever made may sound hyperbolic, but we truly can't think of any other drone that cost the same that came close to delivering similar performance as the Neo. And though one of its main drawbacks, according to our reviewer Steve, is that it sounds like a banshee, I honestly think that would be a pro for me just for the pure comedy of it all. I never thought I'd be in the market for a banshee-sounding drone but here I am thinking $200 would be a fair price to pay for the aerial videos I could get, and I could easily lay upbeat, operatic singing over the footage anyway.
On the other end of the spectrum, Steve's also tested the higher-end DJI Air 3S drone and Canon's EOS R5 II, both of which will cost you a lot more money. The good news is that Canon's EOS R5 II is now so much improved that it better takes on Sony's rival offerings, while bringing intriguing features like eye-control autofocus. Sure, it's still too early to be reliable. But if you have the money for these premium products, you'll get to experience bleeding-edge tech, maybe part of the appeal is that they may not always work well.
reMarkable Paper Pro review
by Dan Cooper
I know Dan was a bit worried about giving a device as niche as the reMarkable Paper Pro such a high score, but after some discussion, we both agreed it fit. As it stands, the reMarkable Paper Pro is arguably the best e-paper writing tablet with a color screen, even after this week's announcement of Amazon's first color Kindle. Per Dan's review, the Paper Pro not only levels up with the addition of color, but also got much faster and reliable in the process.
I particularly enjoy how much care has been taken to more seamlessly blend handwriting and typed text for a more natural note-taking and annotating experience. And though it falls outside this edition's general theme of being a less-expensive product with premium specs, I'm still incredibly tempted to find ways to cough up the $600 or so needed to bag myself a Paper Pro with the accessories Dan recommends.
Phoenix Springs and Neva reviews
by Jessica Conditt
I'm not the most engaged gamer, but I love learning about games from Jess. She recently reviewed sci-fi mystery Phoenix Springs and dreamy platformer Neva, with pieces written so beautifully that I can't help but itch to check out each title so I can feel the way she clearly does about them. Phoenix Springs even follows a technology reporter and covers my favorite genres (science fiction and mystery), while Neva's art looks simply gorgeous. I don't yet know if I'll ever find the time to play new games, but these two have certainly been added to my list.
Upcoming reviews: On the horizon
The Engadget team geeks out about a multitude of things, and as we get started on our holiday gift guide writing, we're thinking about products we like for ourselves and our loved ones. Many of us love e-readers and writing tablets. I certainly have my eye on one of the new Kindles that were announced this week, particularly the new Kindle Scribe and possibly the Colorsoft. Those won't be available until later this year, so for now I'll keep hungrily eyeing the reMarkable Paper Pro. I'll also be wondering what Amazon hardware chief Panos Panay has up his sleeves, other than cans of Diet Coke — something I learned he (like many people) enjoys when I got the chance to speak with him in an interview this week.
Many of us are millennials and have gigantic soft spots for retro gaming. Our executive editor Aaron Souppouris talked to the folks at Analogue, and you can read his beautifully constructed piece to learn more about the upcoming Analogue 3D.
This week, Apple sort of surprised us by announcing the new iPad mini, which has been tweaked to offer more storage and power with an A17 Pro processor. It'll also support Apple Intelligence, of course, and though it seems like a minor update, some of my coworkers and I still love the idea of a small tablet. If only it had a better screen.
All of those recently announced things are on our review roster, alongside things like the Google TV Streamer and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE that launched in the last few weeks. As we approach November and all the holiday shopping that brings, hopefully the hardware launches properly slow down. We're still anticipating an Apple event for Macs, and can still remember being surprised by the announcement of Humane's AI Pin late last year. But for now, we're chugging along while occasionally bathing in nostalgia and longing for a simpler time.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-budget-friendly-gadgets-that-are-good-140033873.html?src=rss
Playing Spilled Mushrooms has been a humbling experience. There I was, thinking I’m good at both puzzles and card games, when I found myself briefly stumped on my very first “delivery” in this card puzzle game about gathering mushrooms. That’s what I get for underestimating a game with cute animals in the cover art.
In Spilled Mushrooms, a Playdate game, you are a mushroom delivery-person who has messed up bigtime: you’ve spilled the mushrooms (obviously), and somehow done so in such an extreme way that they’ve ended up scattered across multiple habitats. Oops! You have a week to collect them all and get them to their intended destination. But — in what sounds like my dream scenario — you’ve befriended the wildlife, so you have a support network of animals willing to help you fix your mistake.
The game requires some light math and a lot of strategic thinking. Each animal is able to gather a specified number of mushrooms and do so for as many days as are written next to the hourglass symbol on its card. The Hippo, for example, can pick up five mushrooms in one shot, but only for one day. Meanwhile, the Porcupine can only grab one mushroom at a time, but will do so for six days.
Each animal also has a unique trait that has potential to interact with the other cards in its habitat. The Moose or Elephant will increase other animals’ collecting capacities while the Grizzly Bear will do the opposite. The Platypus… well, Platypus is confused. As you play, you’ll earn little tokens that can be used to help you stack the deck with cards you want to see in your hand. You can only place one card per turn, and there are three habitats to clear over the course of the seven in-game days that make up a round. Each of those sites will hold a different number of mushrooms.
Once I dusted the cobwebs off my brain and got the hang of the game’s flow, I was able to redeem myself and start winning some rounds. But successfully collecting all your mushrooms on the first (... or second) try isn’t a given. The puzzles take a few minutes to solve and they’re procedurally generated, so you’ll get something new every time. Sometimes, they’re pretty hard. Spilled Mushrooms also gives you the option to create a custom delivery, in which you pick the habitats, mushroom counts and available animal cards.
Despite the challenge, Spilled Mushrooms is a really relaxing game — and one that I keep getting sucked into for long stretches of time. It’s reminiscent of Wingspan with its nature focus and tranquil soundtrack, so it’s a great thing to pick up when you want to unwind at the end of the day or, conversely, ease yourself into thinking while you have your morning cup of coffee. This one will probably be in my regular rotation of games for a good while.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/spilled-mushrooms-is-my-new-playdate-card-game-addiction-140006678.html?src=rss
With the release of iOS 18, it’s crucial for iPhone users to understand the storage implications that come with this update. Apple has introduced a new feature called Apple Intelligence, which brings advanced capabilities to your device but also requires a significant amount of storage space. The video below explores the storage demands of Apple […]
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reating a mini robotic arm with Arduino and 3D printing is an exciting way to merge electronics and design. This project invites enthusiasts into the world of robotics, blending creativity with hands-on technical work. It’s ideal for those eager to dive into the realms of motion control and automation, using accessible components and open-source technology. The core of the project is the Arduino Nano, a compact microcontroller that coordinates the movements of four SG90 servo motors. These motors are controlled through potentiometers, offering precise adjustments to the arm’s motion. By adjusting the position of each potentiometer, you can direct the servo to move in a specific direction, making the control feel intuitive and satisfying.
To build this arm, you’ll need several essential components. Beyond the Arduino Nano, four SG90 servo motors serve as the muscles of the arm, providing the torque required for smooth movements. These motors are driven by the signals from potentiometers, which read user inputs and translate them into specific positions for the servos. The project also requires electronic parts like resistors and capacitors for the PCB, ensuring stable and efficient operation. A DC jack connector allows for easy power connection, supporting a 5V 3A adapter or a standard PC power supply, ensuring the arm has a reliable power source. With a breadboard for prototyping and a custom PCB for permanent assembly, you can seamlessly organize all connections, creating a clean and efficient setup.
But here’s where the magic truly happens: 3D printing. Using software like Fusion 360, you get to design the structural parts of your robot arm, optimizing the form and function to your specific needs. It’s not just about the technical specs—it’s about bringing your vision to life in a tangible, tactile way. The parts, printed with durable PLA filament, take shape layer by layer, transforming digital models into physical components. The design smartly minimizes the need for supports during printing, making it efficient and less wasteful. The result is a sleek, lightweight arm that looks as good as it functions, embodying the intersection of art and engineering.
Programming the Arduino is where the project gains its soul. With a bit of code, you can teach the arm to follow your commands, offering both manual and automated control modes. In manual mode, the potentiometers give you direct control over each servo, letting you guide the arm’s movements with finesse. Automated mode, on the other hand, takes it a step further—allowing you to record sequences and replay them, turning the arm into a precise tool for repeating tasks. This duality of control means you can create everything from a delicate touch for small tasks to a mechanical memory that runs on its own.
As you bring it all together, the assembly process becomes a meditative practice in precision and patience. Soldering each component onto the PCB, carefully routing wires, and securing the servos in place requires focus, but the reward is a beautifully crafted piece of tech that feels like a personal accomplishment. The attention to detail in organizing cables and ensuring smooth motion paths doesn’t just keep things tidy—it elevates the overall aesthetic and functionality of the arm. It’s a reminder that design is as much about what you don’t see as what you do.
By the time the project is complete, you’ll have a fully functional mini robotic arm capable of manual and automated control. The combination of 3D printing and Arduino brings a level of customization that lets you adapt the design to your needs, making it a perfect entry point into robotics. This DIY project is less about building a one-time gadget and more about being an entry-point into the world of STEM and Design. It demonstrates how accessible and versatile modern technology can be, offering a fulfilling way to explore the world of robotics, whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out… and once you’re done you can quite literally pat yourself on the back with your new robot arm!
Finding the right tools to optimize your productivity is essential, while Notion has gained popularity for its versatility, its extensive features and multifunctionality can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for those who prefer a more streamlined approach to task management and digital organization. If you find yourself seeking simpler, more focused alternatives to Notion, consider exploring […]
