This Moon-Inspired Lamp Has No App, No Cord, 100% Recycled Aluminum

The lamp has gotten interesting again. What was once a fixture relegated to task lighting and matching living room sets has turned into something more intentional, especially among people who care about how their spaces feel at different times of day. Cordless, portable table lamps have become a genuine category of their own, offering the kind of flexibility that hard-wired fixtures simply can’t.

Designer Rahi Seyedi’s Monir, developed for Rey Studio, slots right into that world while carrying a concept that goes a bit further than most. The 29cm cordless lamp is inspired by the way moonlight sits between the sky and the earth, and that idea drives every decision in the design, from the shape of its dome to the materials holding it all together.

Designer: Rahi Seyedi

The form reads pretty clearly once you know what it’s referencing. A dark, grounded base anchors the lamp below, standing in for the weight of the earth, while the translucent dome above lets the LED ring scatter light in a way that mimics the gentle diffusion of moonlight. Nothing about the design is there for decoration alone. Every detail serves the concept, and you can tell.

Using it is about as frictionless as a lamp can get. A tap switches it on, and gently rotating the upper section moves through three brightness levels. That’s it. There’s no app, no remote, and nothing to configure before you can actually use it. You just pick it up, place it where you want it, and adjust the brightness until the light feels right.

On a desk, Monir keeps things steady without being intrusive. The diffused glow is warm enough to take the edge off the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room, which is exactly what you want during a long stretch of work or reading. It doesn’t replace proper task lighting, of course, but it makes the hours you spend at a desk noticeably more comfortable.

Move it to a side table when the day winds down, and the lamp takes on a different role entirely. At its lowest settings, the warmth it puts out is the kind that encourages you to put your phone down and actually be in the room. Overhead lights off, Monir on, and the space feels genuinely different in a way that’s hard to explain but pretty easy to appreciate.

Sustainability was factored into Monir well before the final form was settled, and it shows. The base and dome are both made from 100% recycled aluminum, while the diffuser uses bio-based polycarbonate, a plant-derived material that doesn’t end up in a landfill. For something that asks so little of you visually and physically, that’s not a small thing, and as lighting objects go, Monir keeps its intentions quiet and its results remarkably clear.

The post This Moon-Inspired Lamp Has No App, No Cord, 100% Recycled Aluminum first appeared on Yanko Design.

Midjourney 8 (Alpha) vs 7: Why Some Creators Are Going Back

Midjourney 8 (Alpha) vs 7: Why Some Creators Are Going Back Midjourney v8 Alpha grid view showing multiple image results and the new sidebar settings layout.

Midjourney 8 Alpha brings a blend of updates and adjustments that have drawn mixed reactions from the AI art community. AI master artist Thaeyne examines notable changes, such as the introduction of a native 2K resolution mode and the high-quality Q4 setting, which caters to professional-grade outputs. Despite these advancements, the shift from Discord to […]

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Apple AI Pin Rumors: How This Tiny Device Plans to Replace Your Screen

Apple AI Pin Rumors: How This Tiny Device Plans to Replace Your Screen Diagram style image highlighting wide and ultrawide cameras on the Apple AI Pin for photos and environment scanning.

Apple is reportedly developing a new wearable device known as the AI Pin. This compact, AI-driven gadget could reshape the landscape of personal technology by emphasizing artificial intelligence over traditional smartphone features. With a sleek design and advanced capabilities, the AI Pin aims to seamlessly integrate into your daily life, offering a glimpse into the […]

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Akai just released a portable and relatively budget-friendly MPC sampler

Akai just revealed specs and other details about the MPC Sample after teasing the gadget earlier this month. This is a portable sampler and groovebox that looks eerily similar to Teenage Engineering's EP series. It also resembles some legendary Akai gadgets from decades past, including the MPC3000 and MPC60. In other words, it's easy on the eyes and sort of looks like a Super Famicom.

It seems pretty capable. The Sample has 16 velocity-sensitive MPC pads with poly aftertouch, which should please finger drummers. It can handle 32 stereo voices of polyphony and there's a sequencer for making actual beats.

Chop mode.
Akai

As for sampling, there's an easily accessible chop mode, in addition to time-stretching and repitching capabilities. Samples can be edited via waveform, thanks to a full-color LCD display. The machine can resample internally with FX, letting creators make some unique soundscapes. The MPC Sample boasts access to four effects engines and 60 effect types.

The gadget ships with over 100 factory drum kits, but users can easily add whatever they want. It comes with just 8GB of internal storage, but there's a microSD slot for more. It can, of course, connect to MIDI keyboards for playing melodic samples. The Sample also hooks up to DAWs.

A sampler.
Akai

The RAM is on the lower side, at just 2GB. However, this is the standard configuration for some more expensive units, like the MPC Live and Live II. It should be able to get the job done, but the MPC XL is the product to pick for those looking for maximum horsepower. That one has a whopping 16GB of RAM. It also costs nearly $3,000.

The rechargeable battery here lasts five hours, which is respectable but not groundbreaking. Teenage Engineering's EP series boasts better battery life, but requires pricey AAs. Finally, there's a speaker, but I've never had much luck with speakers on this type of thing. Bring some headphones to actually hear what's going on. 

Perhaps the biggest news here is the price. The MPC Sample costs just $400, which seems reasonable given the form factor and features. It's available right now.

Casio recently unveiled another nifty-looking portable sampler called the SX-C1. It also resembles a Nintendo product, but this time it's a Game Boy and not the Japanese SNES.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/akai-just-released-a-portable-and-relatively-budget-friendly-mpc-sampler-140047113.html?src=rss

Get Certified in AI for Free: Anthropic Launches Massive New Academy

Get Certified in AI for Free: Anthropic Launches Massive New Academy Anthropic AI Academy course list showing 13 free classes and certification badges in a learning dashboard.

The Anthropic AI Academy offers a free and structured way to deepen your understanding of artificial intelligence, with courses designed for learners of all experience levels. Nick Ponte highlights how the academy’s 13-course curriculum integrates practical applications with theoretical knowledge, making sure participants can apply their skills to real-world scenarios. For example, the “AI Fluency” […]

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Hermès Paddock Yoyo Charger is a luxury wireless charging experience for Apple devices

There are MagSafe chargers, and then there is the Hermes Paddock Yoyo Charger. The French luxury brand has crafted a leather charger case for your Apple devices that costs much more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the MacBook Air. This accessory comes as a part of the Hermes spring tech collection, which includes the Paddock Solo charger, Grand Paddock Case, and the Paddock Duo Charger.

This new collection of leather-wrapped charging accessories for Apple devices by Hermes is certainly targeted at the rich and famous. Clearly, style and status symbols are at the fore in this line-up, but we got most intrigued by the unique design of the Yoyo Charger and the subtle luxury of the Grand Paddock Case.

Designer: Hermes

Both the Yoyo Charger and the Grand Paddock Case are crafted in Gold Swift calfskin with artisan-level saddle stitching. The use of premium materials and attention to detail make it opulent to the feel and touch. The Yoyo Charger has two MagSafe charging zones for fast charging of your multiple Apple gadgets like iPhone, AirPods, or Apple Watch. Complementing the yoyo-shaped charger is the travel-ready Grand Paddock Case, which comes with an inner storage pocket and doubles as a protective casing for the Yoyo Charger.

The internal charging system relies on MagSafe and Qi-compatible wireless charging technology, making it compatible with MagSafe-enabled iPhones starting from the iPhone 12 generation, as well as other wireless charging accessories. Power is delivered through a USB-C connection, and the charging system requires a minimum 20W power input to function properly. While a USB-C cable is included with the charger, the package notably does not include a wall power adapter, meaning users must supply their own power brick.

While this might feel unusual given the price point, it aligns with the increasingly common practice among electronics brands to exclude power adapters from accessory packages. Pricing across the Hermès charging collection highlights the brand’s focus on exclusivity rather than affordability. The Paddock Solo charger starts at around $1,250, while the Yoyo and Paddock Duo chargers are priced at approximately $1,750. When paired with the larger leather carrying cases, the price climbs dramatically. The Yoyo Charger bundled with the Grand Paddock Case reaches around $5,150, a price that exceeds many premium laptops and smartphones.

For most users, the functionality of these chargers will be similar to far more affordable wireless charging pads available on the market. However, for collectors of Hermès leather goods or those who appreciate the blend of luxury fashion with everyday technology. The French luxury high-fashion house has collaborated with Apple for years, most notably through luxury Apple Watch bands, and this charging accessory lineup extends that partnership into the broader ecosystem of Apple devices.

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Claude Can Now Use Your Mac Like a Human : Windows Next

Claude Can Now Use Your Mac Like a Human : Windows Next Anthropic’s cloud desktop app showing Claude controlling a Mac app with on-screen mouse and keyboard actions.

Anthropic has introduced a new feature to its cloud desktop app that enables remote control of Mac OS applications. According to Prompt Engineering, the Dispatch feature allows users to perform actions such as opening software, managing files and controlling mouse and keyboard inputs from mobile devices. For instance, a user can automate tasks like organizing […]

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MacBook Neo vs. M5 Air: Is the $1,099 Air Actually Twice as Good?

MacBook Neo vs. M5 Air: Is the $1,099 Air Actually Twice as Good? MacBook Neo vs. M5 Air

Choosing between the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air involves understanding their distinct features and target audiences. These two laptops cater to different user groups: the MacBook Neo is a budget-friendly, entry-level option, while the MacBook Air is designed for professionals and creatives who require higher performance. This detailed comparison highlights their differences to help […]

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Ultrahuman opens US pre-orders for Ring Pro

At the end of February, Ultrahuman announced its latest smart ring which promises up to 15 days of battery life on a single charge. Sadly, if you were based in the US, you weren’t able to pre-order the Ring Pro, as the company has been locked in a longstanding legal tussle with ring rivals Oura. Now, however, it appears the situation has been resolved, with the US Customs and Border Protection giving its blessing. Consequently, pre-orders for the Ring Pro are starting today, with the first 1,000 customers to sign up getting a hefty bonus.

The smart ring market is still in its infancy, which means it’s fiercely competitive as companies try to keep their rivals at bay. Market leader Oura has been willing to protect its IP in court, issuing patent lawsuits against Ultrahuman, Samsung, RingConn, Reebook, Circular, Zepp, Nexxbase and Omate. In October 2025, Oura secured what it called a “decisive legal victory” over Ultrahuman, banning the import and sale of its rings in the United States. On its own website, Ultrahuman stated the lawsuit was lacking in merit, and that it was an attempt by a rival to hold down a "new player" with a "superior product." Even so, the company's Bhuvan Srinivasan told me in January that the Ring Pro has been designed to avoid any such legal drama going forward.

The standard price for the Ring Pro is $399, but you’ll need to fork out another $100 for the fancy schmancy charging case that adds so much more to the ring’s arsenal. But, for those 1,000 early birds, you’ll be able to pick up both the Pro and its case for $349, which is quite a hefty discount all told. If you’re customer 1,001 don’t feel too despondent, however, as Ultrahuman will still offer you some sort of discount if you’re quick.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/ultrahuman-opens-us-pre-orders-for-ring-pro-130043933.html?src=rss

Spotify’s SongDNA can tell you all about the track you’re listening to

Spotify has started rolling out a feature called SongDNA that can show you the people behind your favorite tracks and give you an insight on how they were created. You can access it by opening the Now Playing view while listening to a specific song and then scrolling down to the SongDNA box.

Tracks that support the new feature will show you all the artists, writers, producers and collaborators behind them. It’s yet another way to make more music on the platform discoverable, since you’ll be able to tap on their icons to see their profiles and the other pieces they worked on. The box will also contain the samples and interpolations that helped form a track’s sound, as well as the covers it inspired. Spotify says it’s giving eligible artist and label teams the power to review and manage the components of the feature, so it’s bound to be supported by more and more tracks as time goes on.

“SongDNA is designed to make a song’s creative lineage more transparent so fans can easily explore the people and influences behind the music they love,” said Jacqueline Ankner, Spotify’s Head of Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships. “By bringing collaborators, samples, and covers together in one place, we’re making it easier for fans to discover new music and see how songs connect and come to life—while giving songwriters, producers, and rightsholders meaningful recognition for the role they play in creating it.”

SongDNA is making its way to paying iOS and Android users around the world, but it’s still in beta and might still go through revisions before it’s more widely available. It will roll out more broadly to Premium users throughout April.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/spotifys-songdna-can-tell-you-all-about-the-track-youre-listening-to-130000809.html?src=rss