What if you could design a game, launch a marketing campaign, or build a mobile app, all without writing a single line of code? Skill Leap AI outlines how Manus AI is turning complex workflows into intuitive, accessible solutions. With its latest update, 1.6 Max, Manus AI is set to transform how professionals, creators, and […]
Lego unveiled its Smart Play system at CES 2026 earlier this month, with a selection of sets designed for the engaging feature. Now, the toy company has announced five new compatible sets — all Stars Wars themed — available now for pre-order. Anthony Daniels, the original C-3PO, shared the news during the Nuremberg Toy Fair.
The Smart Play system, Lego's newest venture, involves a Smart Brick, Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures. Each Smart Brick has proximity sensors, an accelerometer, a speaker and more. The Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures relay what's happening to the Brick. For example, if you whoosh a spaceship through the air, the Smart Brick should make a sound that imitates that. Vader, of course, also makes his deep breathing sound. Plus, it requires no screens or apps, so the fun remains in its true, tactical form.
The five new Smart Play sets span the Star Wars universe:
These sets join three initially announced Star Wars Smart Play ones: Darth Vader's TIE Fighter ($70), Luke's Red Five X-Wing ($90) and Throne Room Duel & A-Wing ($150). However, these three are "all-in-one" sets, meaning they come with the Smart Bricks. The newly announced options don't come with a Smart Brick, requiring an extra purchase, but will have the Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures that will know what to do.
All of the Smart Play Star Wars sets are available to pre-order as of today. They should be available starting March 1.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lego-has-a-new-round-of-star-wars-sets-that-work-with-the-smart-brick-131210482.html?src=rss
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold is rumored to introduce a fantastic modular battery system, marking a significant evolution in smartphone engineering. This innovation, revealed through a recently uncovered patent, blends advanced technology with practical functionality. By incorporating a replaceable battery into the device’s design, Google aims to extend the lifespan of its smartphones, address growing […]
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that his office is investigating whether TikTok is truly censoring content critical of Trump, days after ByteDance finalized a deal to spin off its business in the US. Newsom made the announcement in response to a post on X, claiming that you can no longer send messages in the app with the word “Epstein” in it. Newsom’s office, in a separate post, said it was able to independently confirm instances wherein TikTok suppressed content critical of President Donald Trump.
The governor’s office told Politico that it tried to send a direct message with the word “Epstein” in it and got a warning that it could not be sent because it may violate TikTok’s community guidelines. Newsom’s team is now “launching a review of this conduct and is calling on the California Department of Justice to determine whether it violates California law.”
If you’ll recall, ByteDance finalized a deal for a new US entity just as TikTok was about to be banned in the US. ByteDance only owns 19.9 percent of the new entity called the TikTok USDS Joint Venture, while the new investors own 80 percent. Oracle, Silver Lake and Emirati fund MGX have a 15 percent stake each. The US business will now retrain TikTok’s algorithm on US data and will also be in charge of content moderation.
After the US entity’s announcement, users started complaining about technical issues affecting TikTok’s recommendation algorithm and other features. Some claimed that they had difficulties posting videos about ICE over the weekend. TikTok blamed its issues, including bugs, slower loading times and timed-out uploads, on a power outage at one of its US data centers. It said it’s now working to restore its services.
It’s time to investigate.
I am launching a review into whether TikTok is violating state law by censoring Trump-critical content. https://t.co/AZ2mWW68xa
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/california-will-investigate-tiktoks-alleged-censorship-of-anti-trump-posts-130000558.html?src=rss
What if your design-to-code process could be faster, smarter, and almost entirely automated? In this breakdown, Universe of AI walks through how Google Stitch’s latest updates, featuring the MCP Server, Gemini CLI, and Agent Skills, are redefining workflows for developers and designers alike. These innovations promise to eliminate tedious manual tasks, ensure design consistency, and […]
Valentine’s Day gifts for men don’t have to mean another wallet or generic watch. For the guy who lives by the everyday carry philosophy, the perfect gift slips into his pocket and earns its place through daily use. These aren’t decorative tokens that live in a drawer. They’re precision tools that become extensions of his routine, carried with intention and reached for without thinking.
The best EDC gear strikes a balance between form and function, proving that thoughtful design doesn’t sacrifice practicality. This Valentine’s Day, skip the predictable and opt for something he’ll actually treasure. These pocket-worthy essentials combine craftsmanship with genuine utility, turning everyday moments into opportunities to appreciate both smart engineering and the person who knew exactly what he needed. Each piece here fits the EDC lifestyle without compromise.
1. Cubik
The Cubik rewrites pocket knife conventions by eliminating the mechanisms that typically complicate blade deployment. Press the trigger, hold it upside down, and gravity does the work. The blade emerges smoothly, locks securely with trigger release, and requires zero maintenance for springs, ball bearings, or complex internal parts that eventually fail. This simplicity translates to reliability that outlasts flashier alternatives, making it the kind of tool that becomes indispensable precisely because it never demands attention or special care.
Beyond its gravity-powered elegance, the Cubik delivers genuine heavy-duty performance. That secure lock isn’t just for show—it holds firm enough for piercing hardwood without blade wobble or mechanism stress. The tungsten carbide glass-breaker integrated into the rear end transforms this gentleman’s EDC into genuine emergency equipment. It’s the kind of thoughtful design detail that matters most when situations turn serious, proving that innovation doesn’t require complexity, just smarter thinking about fundamental mechanics.
What We Like
The gravity deployment system eliminates failure-prone mechanisms entirely
Gravity deployment requires a specific orientation to operate
An unconventional mechanism might confuse first-time users
2. 8-in-1 EDC Scissors
Multitool skepticism usually comes from bloated designs that sacrifice usability for feature counts, but these palm-sized scissors prove compactness doesn’t limit capability. Eight distinct functions—scissors, knife, lid opener, can opener, cap opener, bottle opener, shell splitter, and degasser—fit into a 13cm package that disappears into pockets without bulk. The oxidation film treatment delivers rust resistance while creating that handsome matte black finish that ages gracefully rather than showing wear as a weakness.
The real genius lies in how frequently these tools get reached for. Scissors alone justify pocket space, but having a proper knife blade and multiple opening mechanisms means this compact EDC solves problems before they escalate into frustrations. Package delivery, impromptu picnics, daily tasks that demand the right tool—this unassuming multi-tool handles them without ceremony. It’s the kind of gift that generates quiet appreciation every time it proves useful, which for EDC enthusiasts happens more often than most people realize.
Eight functions in genuinely pocket-sized form factor
Oxidation film provides rust resistance and attractive finish
The function of scissors alone justifies an everyday carry
Multiple opener types handle various bottle and can styles
What We Dislike
Small size might feel awkward for larger hands during extended use
Individual tools sacrifice some leverage compared to dedicated versions
3. BlackoutBeam Tactical Flashlight
Tactical flashlights often promise military-grade performance while delivering consumer-grade disappointment, but the BlackoutBeam backs its claims with 2300 lumens that cut through darkness with surgical precision. That 300-meter throw distance isn’t marketing fluff—it genuinely illuminates distant targets with clarity that transforms nighttime navigation or emergency response. The 0.2-second response time eliminates lag entirely, delivering instant illumination exactly when situations demand immediate light without hesitation or warm-up delays that compromise effectiveness.
The IP68 waterproof rating and durable aluminum construction mean this flashlight survives submersion, impact, and weather conditions that would kill lesser lights. It’s serious durability packaged in a form that never feels excessive or tactical-cosplay ridiculous. Power outages, roadside emergencies, wildlife encounters, or simply navigating dark spaces—the BlackoutBeam handles varied scenarios without requiring different gear. For the EDC enthusiast who values preparedness, this flashlight delivers professional capability in everyday-appropriate packaging that justifies its presence whether clipped to a pocket or stored in a go-bag.
Maximum brightness drains batteries quickly during extended use
Premium performance comes with a premium price point
4. AirTag Carabiner
Forgetting where you left your bag, or keys, transforms from mild frustration to a genuine problem surprisingly quickly, but this Duralumin composite alloy carabiner harnesses Apple AirTag technology to eliminate that anxiety. The same material used in aircraft, spaceships, and boats delivers strength that contradicts its lightweight feel, creating a clip that’s tough enough for serious use yet comfortable for everyday carry. Each carabiner is crafted by hand, bringing artisan quality to functional hardware that typically gets treated as a disposable commodity.
The genius here lies in making tracking invisible. Snap this onto bags, bikes, umbrellas, or anything that tends to wander, and Apple’s Find My network provides location awareness without requiring dedicated attention. It’s passive security that works silently until the moment you need it, then delivers precise location data that transforms panic into calm retrieval. For the EDC enthusiast who carries multiple bags or frequently moves between locations, this carabiner provides peace of mind that scales across possessions without cluttering pockets with separate trackers.
Duralumin alloy provides aircraft-grade strength at minimal weight
Hand-crafted quality elevates functional hardware to premium status
Works with Apple AirTag for seamless location tracking
Available in multiple metal finishes including brass and stainless steel
What We Dislike
Requires separate Apple AirTag purchase for tracking functionality
Limited to Apple ecosystem users for Find My network benefits
5. ScytheBlade
The scythe blade profile seems impractical for pocket carry until you actually handle the ScytheBlade and realize how that aggressive curve concentrates cutting force in ways straight edges can’t replicate. At just 46mm deployed length and weighing only 8 grams, this titanium folder achieves what most manufacturers consider impossible—a genuinely effective blade in micro format. The curved profile resembles a tiger claw, looking dangerous because the geometry delivers cutting performance that exceeds expectations set by conventional blade shapes.
Titanium construction brings natural corrosion resistance that requires zero maintenance while delivering strength that feels disproportionate to the minimal weight. You genuinely forget this knife clips to your pocket until the specific moment demands that curved blade’s unique capabilities. The ScytheBlade proves unconventional designs can work at miniature scales when engineering supports the ambition. For the EDC enthusiast who appreciates distinctive tools that perform despite—or perhaps because of—their radical departure from standard designs, this tiny scythe represents exactly the kind of pocket-worthy innovation that sparks conversation and delivers results.
What We Like
Titanium construction keeps the weight at a mere 8 grams
Curved blade profile concentrates cutting force effectively
Natural corrosion resistance requires zero maintenance
Radical miniaturization proves unconventional shapes can work at the micro scale
What We Dislike
Aggressive blade profile might face legal restrictions in some jurisdictions
Tiny size requires precision handling during use
6. DraftPro Top Can Opener
Drinking beer or sparkling water straight from the can robs you of aroma and a full flavor experience, but the DraftPro Top Can Opener transforms any can into a glass-like drinking vessel by removing the entire top. Designed by award-winning Japanese designer Shu Kanno, this compact tool creates smooth-edged, wide-mouth openings that let you catch scent notes and taste complexity brewers intended. That first crisp snap becomes prelude to genuinely elevated drinking experience that honors the beverage rather than compromising it through narrow can apertures.
The utility extends beyond refined sipping. Add ice cubes directly into summer beers for rapid chilling when the fridge fails. Mix cocktails directly in the can without shakers, glasses, or cleanup that transforms simple drinks into production events. The DraftPro fits domestic and international can formats, making it universally useful whether you’re enjoying local craft brews or imported specialties. For the EDC enthusiast who appreciates how small tools can upgrade daily rituals, this opener proves intentional design can transform mundane moments into something worth savoring properly.
Removes entire top for draft-style drinking experience
Designed by award-winning Japanese designer Shu Kanno
Enables direct ice addition for quick drink chilling
Universal fit works with domestic and international can formats
What We Dislike
Requires practice to achieve a perfectly smooth edge removal
A single-purpose tool might not justify pocket space for minimalists
7. Painless Key Ring
Breaking fingernails or bending rings just to add a single key represents exactly the kind of daily friction that accumulates into genuine frustration over time. This wave spring key ring borrows its mechanism design from aerospace equipment and automotive engineering to eliminate that stress. The innovative coil design makes adding and removing keys genuinely effortless while maintaining lighter weight and superior durability compared to standard pressed rings that deform under pressure from thicker keys.
The engineering elegance lives in how something this simple solves a problem most people accept as inevitable. Keys slide on smoothly, stay secure during carry, and come off without requiring tools, damaged nails, or muttered curses. Available in silver and black finishes, the wave spring ring delivers both aesthetic options and functional superiority that proves sometimes the best innovations target overlooked frustrations. For the EDC enthusiast who organizes multiple key sets or frequently rotates keys based on needs, this ring transforms key management from minor irritation into satisfying precision.
Wave coil design makes key addition and removal effortless
Lighter weight yet more durable than conventional key rings
Inspired by aerospace and automotive engineering principles
Available in silver and black color options
What We Dislike
Premium pricing for what remains fundamentally a key ring
Wave design might catch on fabric in shallow pockets
8. VSSL Java G25 Manual Coffee Grinder
Manual coffee grinders traditionally demanded choosing between bulky plastic contraptions or fragile glass-and-wood designs that felt like a compromise rather than a choice. The VSSL Java G25 rewrites that narrative entirely, delivering rugged construction and refined aesthetics that transform grinding from a tedious chore into an enjoyable tactile ritual. The 25 distinct grind settings provide a range from espresso-fine to French press coarse, but the real achievement lies in making that adjustment feel intuitive rather than requiring an engineering degree to comprehend dials and knobs.
Fresh-ground coffee delivers flavor complexity that re-ground bags can’t match, and the G25 makes that quality accessible anywhere. The durable construction survives travel conditions that would destroy lesser grinders, while the compact form fits bags without dominating pack space. For the EDC enthusiast who refuses to compromise on morning coffee quality regardless of location, this grinder represents exactly the kind of refined tool that enhances daily rituals. The learning curve becomes part of the adventure rather than a barrier to entry, mastering a finely tuned instrument that rewards attention with consistently excellent results.
What We Like
Rugged construction survives travel and outdoor conditions
25 grind settings cover full range from espresso to French press
Transforms grinding into an enjoyable tactile ritual
Compact form factor fits bags without excessive bulk
What We Dislike
Manual grinding requires effort compared to electric alternatives
Premium pricing reflects high-quality construction and materials
9. Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife
Utility knives typically sacrifice aesthetics for pure function, but the Craftmaster proves that clean, minimalist design can coexist with genuine utility. The metallic form measures just 0.3 inches thick and 4.72 inches long, disappearing into pockets while housing an OLFA blade deployed via a satisfying tactile rotating knob. The magnetic back serves a dual purpose—docking the knife to any metal surface and securing its companion metal scale that sports both metric and imperial markings for precision measuring during cutting tasks.
That included scale brings unexpected utility through thoughtful details. The raised edge makes lifting from flat surfaces effortless, while the integrated blade-breaker lets you snap off dulled OLFA blade edges to restore sharpness instantly. The 15-degree curvature prevents finger cuts during extended cutting sessions, and the 45-degree inclination protects box contents during package opening. For the EDC enthusiast who values tools that combine form with layered functionality, this utility knife represents exactly the kind of refined everyday carry that solves problems before they register as problems.
Mere 0.3-inch thickness enables effortless pocket carry
The OLFA blade can be easily replaced when dull
Magnetic back docks on metal surfaces conveniently
The included scale provides a measurement tool with a blade-breaking function
What We Dislike
The rotating deployment mechanism is slower than quick-release alternatives
Small companion scale easy to misplace separately
10. Fingertip-Sized Rechargeable Flashlight
World’s smallest claims usually mean compromised functionality, but this fingertip-sized rechargeable torch by Gadget Industry pushes miniaturization to an obsessive extreme without sacrificing core capability. A lithium-polymer battery, charging circuit, touch-based control system, and white LED all seal into a compact resin shell that sits comfortably on a fingertip. It’s innovation through subtraction rather than addition, stripping everything down to absolute essentials and proving presence and accessibility can matter more than raw lumens.
The scale alone challenges assumptions about minimum viable flashlight dimensions. This micro torch takes the opposite route from bulky EDC lights, promising extreme brightness and endless modes, prioritizing availability over power. It’s the flashlight you actually have when you unexpectedly need light, precisely because you forget you’re carrying it. For the EDC enthusiast who believes the best tool is the one you actually carry, this rechargeable micro light represents the logical conclusion of pocket-worthy philosophy—making the tool so unobtrusive that excuses for leaving it behind simply don’t exist.
What We Like
Genuinely fingertip-sized form factor enables ubiquitous carry
A touch-based control system requires no mechanical switches
Sealed resin construction provides durability at minimal size
What We Dislike
Limited brightness compared to full-sized flashlight alternatives
Tiny form factor makes it easy to misplace when not clipped
Finding the Right Pocket-Worthy Gift
Valentine’s Day gifts work best when they demonstrate understanding of how someone actually lives their daily life. For the EDC enthusiast, that means tools that earn permanent pocket placement through consistent utility rather than novelty that fades. These ten designs represent that philosophy—gear refined enough to appreciate yet practical enough to justify carrying every single day without exception or second thought.
The best EDC gifts become invisible through constant presence, noticed only when they solve problems or make tasks slightly smoother. These pocket-worthy essentials transform Valentine’s Day from an obligatory gesture into a genuine expression of knowing what matters to him. Choose tools that match his carry style, and you’re giving something more valuable than objects—you’re showing you understand the intention behind his everyday choices. That recognition resonates long after Valentine’s Day passes.
Conflicting reports about the iPhone Air 2’s release have sparked widespread debate, leaving many to question Apple’s strategy for this product line. While some leaks suggest a minor update could arrive in 2026, others point to a significant redesign delayed until 2027. This uncertainty underscores Apple’s ongoing struggle to define the iPhone Air’s place […]
What if the secret to seamless visual storytelling lies in something as simple as a character sheet? Below, AI Video School breaks down how Nano Banana transforms the way creators approach character design, offering a streamlined method to maintain visual consistency across projects. Imagine working on an animated film or graphic novel and never having […]
Between the new Macs, iPhones and rumored AI gadgets, Apple surprised us with an upgraded, second-generation AirTag. It has Apple’s latest Ultra Wideband chip — the same one used in the iPhone 17 lineup and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It also uses Precision Finding to reach items up to 50 percent further away than the previous AirTag model. This feature will now work with any Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 or newer.
Apple says the new tag is 50 percent louder and features a “distinctive new chime.” So you can show off that you’ve got the new kind of AirTag. Sadly, there’s still no keyring hole, so you might want to invest in a holder… with a keyring. There are cheaper options than Apple’s leather version, fortunately. I personally like Elevation Lab’s AirTag Wallet Holder.
Capcom is attempting a delicate balancing act with Resident Evil Requiem. The ninth mainline entry seems to split between the gory action of Resident Evil 4 and the claustrophobic dread of Resident Evil 7. After a four-hour hands-on, the distinction is clear: Leon Kennedy handles the heavy lifting with (mostly) violence, while newcomer Grace navigates a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse in a hospital filled with zombies and other monstrosities.
Requiem introduces “nuanced” zombies who retain fragments of their past lives — think blind patients or territorial chefs you can distract.
TikTok says it’s still working to fix the “multiple bugs” in its US service following a power outage at one of its data centers. Users are having issues logging in and uploading videos and are seeing strange behavior from the “for you” algorithm. Some creators have also noticed that new uploads seem to be getting no views or likes.
The company released a statement yesterday saying a power outage had caused a “cascading systems failure” that is still affecting the app. The statement, however, didn’t address reported issues with the app’s recommendation algorithm. Since Sunday, users have reported seeing a wave of generic videos flood their feeds, which are usually hyper-personalized to the user.
It will reportedly show off the revamped Siri in ‘the second half of February.’
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to reveal its new Siri in “the second half of February,” demonstrating some new Gemini-powered capabilities — whatever they may be.
After this, Gurman said the new Siri will be available in iOS 26.4, which is also slated to enter beta testing in February before its public release in March or early April. It’s been a long time coming; Apple teased its next-gen Siri back at WWDC 2024, but it’s still not made it to devices.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-apples-new-louder-high-precision-airtag-120500942.html?src=rss
Samsung is gearing up to introduce its latest flagship smartphone series, the Galaxy S26, through a carefully planned global launch. This process will unfold across several key phases, beginning with the highly anticipated Samsung Unpacked event and culminating in the device’s official market release. Each stage of this rollout is designed to build excitement, provide […]