Tag Archives: Technology

Top 10 Sleek and Portable MacBook Accessories To Elevate Your Efficiency On-the-Go

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One of my favorite and most beloved devices is my MacBook. I honestly cannot do without my MacBook, probably because it is one of my most prized possessions! It contains basically everything I hold important in my life – from work documents to memorable pictures from even ten years ago. And not to mention, I do end up spending most of my day, typing away and working on my MacBook. Since it is such an integral part of my daily and work routine, I’m always looking for ways to elevate my MacBook. I love innovative and nifty gadgets that function as the perfect sidekick to my MacBook, helping me boost my daily productivity and efficiency. Here, we’ve curated a few of our favorite MacBook accessories that’ll promise to level up your already awesome and beloved MacBook. Dive in!

1. Magic Bar

Named the Magic Bar, this portable Touch Bar is designed to pair up perfectly with any Apple peripheral. It is an innovative device, amped with a sleek, seamless, and easy-to-carry form. It functions as a portable and functional gadget which is quite similar to the Touch Bar in terms of functionality, utility, and form. The features of the Magic Bar are similar to the Touch Bar as well. The design is quite recognizable, and it aligns horizontally with your keyboard.

2. TAIM

Named TAIM – this cable management solution can be attached to a MacBook charger, providing a nifty way to let you wrap the cable around the block, securing it, so you don’t lose it and can access it with ease. This innovative solution saves time, making sure you don’t waste essential minutes on dealing with the table. With TAIM you can focus on getting your tasks and work done. TAIM helps in saving time obviously, but it also cuts down on the frustration you may experience while untangling cables.

3. HUB-OX

Called the HUB-OX, this portable and compact USB-C hub is divided into two halves, featuring loads of charging slots, HDMI connections, and ethernet ports. The lightweight and palm-sized HUB-OX works great with MacBook Pro models with four USB-C ports. The HUB-OX elevates your laptop to a range of 7.7°, which not only keeps your laptop charged but also offers a comfortable eye level for your entire workday. It helps you keep your neck straight, and spine against the chair.

4. HyperJuice

Meet the HyperJuice – the world’s most powerful USB-C battery pack. The HyperJuice is an airline-safe 27000mAh battery pack with dual USB-C (100W+60W) + 18W USB-A. It is designed to quickly charge your MacBook Pro or any other USB-C laptop/device. It is a new high-power connection that can charge almost any modern device. It provides the 2 most powerful USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 profiles (100W and 60W) in a single battery pack! It can also charge cameras, GoPros, headphones, speakers, VR headsets, Nintendo Switches, and even drones.

5. Bluebonnet

This classy leather housing for your MacBook is called the Bluebonnet! Designed to protect your laptop from accidental bumps and scuffs, the Bluebonnet also stores your planner, notebook, and papers neatly. You can even add a pen of your choice. This nifty case frees your hands while storing and carrying everything you could need for a meeting or conference. The stylish leather product gives your MacBook a sophisticated yet functional upgrade. It is available in different color options.

6. DGRule

This is the DGRule – the invisible hub for the MacBook. The DGRule is designed to be a nifty and convenient alternative to the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, as they aren’t compatible with most devices. The DGRule is lightweight, subtle, and discreet, snapping seamlessly onto both sides of your MacBook. It is a cushion pad intended to stick to your laptop, irrespective of which position you work in or place it in. It is made from CNC aluminum, and available in Space Gray or Silver, perfectly camouflaging with your laptop.

7. NuType

Say hello to the NuType – a wireless mechanical keyboard that fits perfectly with your MacBook, iPad, and other devices. The sleek and stylish device features Kailh Choc low-profile mechanical switches, an aluminum frame, and ultra-thin keycaps that measure less than 2mm. The keyboard is also equipped with “T” shaped slats at the base, and they’ve been created to perfectly pair up with the original keyboard of MacBook and Surface. The slats impart both the devices with excellent portability and an improved typing experience.

8. Maotoam

Say hello to the Maotoam – an ergonomic laptop stand amped with premium design aesthetics and ergonomic flexibility. The stand helps you work comfortably through the day and builds a stress-free working environment for you. It features multiple height adjustable angles and forward and backward position adjusting liberties for your MacBook. You can orient your MacBooks in multiple positions, letting you work in a style and position that is comfortable for you.

9. Nifty Minidrive

Dubbed the Nifty Minidrive, this card adapter sits cozily inside your MacBook. You can place any MicroSD card with storage up to 200GB, providing your laptop with an excellent data boost. You can remove or add the card based on your needs and requirements. The Minidrive is nothing like the visually unattractive pen drives that pop out of your USB ports. The Minidrive sits flush inside the card reader, and it is truly almost unnoticeable to the human eye.

10. FLIKK Laptop Stand & Sleeve

FLIKK Laptop Stand by Jexter Lim

Dubbed the FLIKK laptop stand and sleeve, this innovative design is set to handle the drawbacks of conventional laptop stands. Traditional laptop stands don’t provide options to elevate, and different viewing angles. But, this is where the FLIKK laptop stand and sleeve come to the rescue! It creates the desired viewing angle for you, building a comfortable and efficient working regime for you. FLIKK can also be converted into a laptop sleeve, storing and carrying your laptop for you as you move around.

The post Top 10 Sleek and Portable MacBook Accessories To Elevate Your Efficiency On-the-Go first appeared on Yanko Design.

Shell-shaped smart speaker brings cool minimalist feel to a home staple

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Smart speakers in our homes aren’t luxury items or just for early adapters anymore. It’s become a common gadget for the digitally savvy to have as it performs a lot of functions aside from just something to play music or podcasts or audio books from. While there are a lot of devices already available in the market, there’s always room for concepts or designs that want to take a different look at these smart devices.

Designer: AICO Designs

The Shell Intelligent Speaker is one such concept that wants to play around on the shape of the smart speaker. Taking its design inspiration from shells from the ocean, they wanted to combine the round and square shapes instead of the usual concave and convex shapes of shells and then use a dot matrix outline. Supposedly, the adductive character and the hole shape of the device will add to how the acoustic sound of the speaker will be better.

What you get is a round speaker that evokes not just a seashell but also an egg timer, albeit bigger. The round screen gives you enough space to view things like your music and videos, the weather and date information, etc. Of course since it’s a smart speaker, you can also just not look at the screen and listen to the shell for the information you’re asking from it.

Of course since this is a concept, they didn’t really delve into the functions of the smart speaker, which is actually a big part of why someone would buy a particular device. But from a design standpoint, this one looks pretty solid with its minimalist concept and its light, pastel colors.

The post Shell-shaped smart speaker brings cool minimalist feel to a home staple first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Futuristic Tech Trends Revolutionizing the Industry and Shaping Our Future

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This year has been pretty interesting, in the sense that we have come across a whole bunch of innovative and jaw-dropping tech designs. Things have been exciting here at YD, as we encountered an array of intriguing designs that left a lasting impression on our minds. Each design broke through some barrier or convention in the tech world, bringing us unique solutions, improved functionality, and immense value. And we’ve curated the top 10 futuristic tech trends that are forming waves in the industry today – from a conceptual Apple Vision Joystick Pro Max to a unique design that merges earbuds and a smartwatch. These designs will impress you, just as they impressed us.

1. Nokia Infinity Pro

Called the “Nokia Infinity Pro”, this innovative phone concept challenges the typical “candy bar” form factor of smartphones, creating a thin pill-shaped design that looks like an interesting cross between a foldable clamshell and a smartwatch – all combined into one. The conceptual smartphone has a curvaceous shape that fits comfortably in your hand.

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes this phone unique is that the screen covers the entire surface of the phone’s front, not only the rectangular section. The back of the phone features two circular mounds opposite to each other. One mound is a dual-camera system, while the other is a circular display seen on most smartphones.

What we like

  • The circular display provides access to important notifications and controls even when the phone is placed down

What we dislike

  • If you keep putting the phone face down, it could scratch the screen
  • Not sure which UI elements can be used at the top and bottom of the screen, since most platforms are for rectangular screens

2. HEAL+

If you face health issues, then you don’t need to turn to uncomfortable, ineffective, and expensive solutions anymore. You can turn to this innovative wearable device which focuses on the center of physical and mental health, offering users portable, safe, and easy-to-handle tools to ensure a pain-free gut and a stress-free mind.

Click Here to Buy Now: $359 $998 (64% off). Hurry, only 20 left! Raised over $290,000.

Why is it noteworthy?

Named HEAL+, this wearable device is a non-invasive solution that helps your gut function properly, resulting in better overall health. HEAL+ is powered by laser therapy, or essentially low-level laser therapy or LLLT which reduces inflammation and pain, and other gut-related disorders like IBS, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and more.

What we like

  • Boosts your immune system, helping in recovery from long-COVID
  • Regulates the microbial balance in our gut

What we dislike

  • The design is not kid and pregnant-women friendly

3. Apple Vision Joystick Pro Max

This is the “Apple Vision Joystick Pro Max” – a conceptual design of the Apple Vision Pro Controller by Alex Casabò. The sleek-looking controllers seem to perfectly complement the headset’s futuristic look, and they’re designed to offer smooth and seamless functionality irrespective of what you throw at them.

Why is it noteworthy?

They will elevate the gaming experience for every kind of modern game out there, taking note of the VR environment. The controller is amped with a top surface, equipped with a touch-sensitive surface for smart controls like swaying the road or reloading a sniper rifle.

What we like

  • The controls and buttons can be mapped as per ergonomic comfort when you play

What we dislike

  • It is a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product

4. iPhone iFold

Called the iPhone iFold, this conceptual design is an innovative foldable phone by Micheal Dufka. The iFold is inspired by the format of the MotoRAZR and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. It has a clamshell-style folding design which offers a compact iPhone with a large screen.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features two displays, with a smaller display placed to the side of the camera bump. You can access essential stats and important notifications without actually opening your phone! It has the same convenience as an Apple Watch.

What we like

  • Has a unique folding form, unseen in Apple smartphones till now

What we dislike

  • We are unsure if Apple will ever convert this into a tangible product, and how well it would work as one

5. Huawei Watch Buds

Called the Huawei Watch Buds, this innovative gadget combines two gadgets into one. The unique gadget means there is one less gadget to carry around, as it merges earbuds and a smartwatch into one clever design. You can remove the earbuds from inside the smartwatch, much like the stuff of Bond movies!

Why is it noteworthy?

Much like the charging case of your earbuds power up your earbuds, the smartwatch charges the incubating buds inside. The earbuds feature a compact and easy-to-carry form, which creates a compact form factor for the squarish smartwatch. The watch has a 48.5 mm dial with symmetrical chopped edges.

What we like

  • Compact design, combining two products into one

What we dislike

  • It is an odd fit for smaller hands

6. Nike Air Jordan XI Adapt Jumpman

Say hello to these super innovative and futuristic shoes – the Nike Air Jordan XI Adapt Jumpman. These shoes are amped with power-lacing technology! Equipped with a self-lacing design, the Air Jordans are right from the future. They are pretty similar to the original shoe shape from 25 years ago.

Why is it noteworthy?

The shoes pair up with the Nike Adapt app, allowing you to personalize them as you please, and control your shoes with real-time customization as well. The app’s interface is a direct reflection of the Jordan brand, and you can customize the buttons on the shoe’s midsole.

What we like

  • You can personalize the limited-edition Nike shoes’ color scheme, as well as the light flashing pattern

What we dislike

  • Users could take some time to adjust to the self-lacing tech

7. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9

Dubbed the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, this 49-inch monitor is amped with a resolution of 5120×1440 with an aspect ratio of 32:9. The screen isn’t an ordinary curved screen, and it provides a pretty wide field of view which perfectly adjusts to the way your eyes work, on account of its 1800R curvature. This marvelous screen offers an immersive and fascinating visual experience!

Why is it noteworthy?

Using the Odyssey OLED G9 is like having two QHD or 2K monitors side-by-side but with the elimination of the distracting borders that break the seamlessness and harmony of the entire experience. There is also enough space for multiple application windows, helping you get your work done.

What we like

  • Equipped with a Multi-View option that lets you place two screens from two different sources, letting them play at the same time

What we dislike

  • Doesnt have the best sound quality
  • Pretty expensive price tag

8. FOCI 2

Meet FOCI 2 – the ultimate productivity tool. The productivity wearable tracks your daily emotions, distraction, stress, calm, etc as you study or work. It also analyzes your emotions, running the risk of frustration, procrastination, burnout, and anxiety. It summarizes focus metrics and tension levels during work as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is equipped with tactile feedback which alerts you when you are distracted, fatigued, or stressed. It also features biofeedback training technology which helps you adjust and deal with work states, and improve and elevate your mental performance.

What we like

  • Helps track and analyze your emotions for heightened productivity
  • Offers essential feedback for when you need it

What we dislike

  • The tutorial section isn’t easy to use

9. SHARGE Disk

Meet the SHARGE Disk – the ultimate storage solution for EDC devices. This ultra-lightweight and portable M.2 NVMe SSD is amped with an active heat dissipation system, and 2TB (Maximum) capacity, as well as high read/write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s. It is equipped with an aluminum shell and a silicone case for challenging situations.

Why is it noteworthy?

The SHARGE Disk is an excellent option for those who carry EDC devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops with them. The Sharge weighs 24g/0.84 OZ, and it is half the size of a credit card, making it easy to carry anywhere with you.

What we like

  • Can easily slip it into your pocket, or hang it on a keychain or bag
  • Keeps relevant files in hand and accessible

What we dislike

  • Since it is quite small, you can easily lose it, handle it with care

10. M1

This is the M1 – a compact, and powerful digital multitool. It is a fully functional device, which is designed with the flexibility to expand as and when needed. It is easy-to-use, open source, and will redefine and elevate your digital interactions. It uses the power of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which allows for seamless interactions.

Why is it noteworthy?

With a simple tap, you can use M1 to control access to doors and gates, making entry and exit an easy-breezy process. You can even duplicate RFID cards and key fobs, read tags, and interact with different pet microchips. Owing to the RFID tech, you can open doors, both literally and metaphorically, as you can interact with different systems around you.

What we like

  • It can clone cards and read Unique Serial codes
  • Makes data sharing an intuitive part of your daily interactions

What we dislike

  • The device does not explain additional security measures to protect the data sharing from criminal elements.

The post 10 Best Futuristic Tech Trends Revolutionizing the Industry and Shaping Our Future first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lexar’s Tiny SSD lets you record 4K ProRes Video without clogging your iPhone’s Storage

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Everyone knows the iPhone has a great camera – Lexar gives you a great SSD to match.

When I bought my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I knew for a fact that storage was going to be a problem in the long run. With the ability to record in 4K ProRes, and shoot high-quality images, the iPhone’s cameras are pretty state-of-the-art. The problem is that they’re so good they blast through your phone’s internal storage in a month or so if you’re not careful. It’s all by design, unfortunately. Apple also makes money off its iCloud subscription. iCloud might work for a solid 80% of regular consumers out there, but for mobile photographers/videographers, content creators, and camera enthusiasts, having to constantly interface with a cloud drive isn’t just a hassle, it’s counterintuitive.

That’s where Lexar comes in with its Go Portable SSD and Multiport Hub, designed specifically for people recording media in high-res formats. Barely the size of your thumb, the Go SSD boasts a capacity of up to 2TB and plugs right into your phone, giving you the benefit of recording directly on the device without clogging your phone’s storage or having to upload to the cloud. It plugs right into your phone, eliminating the need for extra wires. Alternatively, it can be paired with Lexar’s USB-C hub, which also lets you connect other devices like a power bank to keep your iPhone running over long shoots that can take multiple hours.

Designer: Lexar Design Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $189 (32% off). Hurry, only 267/500 left! Raised over $771,000.

Designed specifically to complement the iPhone 15 Pro models, this innovative SSD + Hub tag-team offers up to 2TB of additional storage, a significant boost for those who demand ample space for their projects. In fact, Lexar designed the SSD specifically for people who like recording in ProRes 4K@60fps.

With up to 2TB storage and extra USB-C ports, it’s perfect for shooting bulky ProRes videos.

By offloading footage to the SSD, users can continue recording without interruptions, allowing for longer takes and more ambitious productions. However, the benefits extend beyond storage capacity. The integrated USB-C hub transforms the iPhone into a versatile production hub, enabling the connection of essential accessories such as microphones, lights, and external power sources.

Both the SSD and Hub boast the same machined aluminum design, with a slim form factor that complements the iPhone and MacBook’s anodized metal finish. The SSD and Hub click together perfectly too, becoming almost one product visually, with a mere thumb dimple to help you unplug them once you’re done. The Go Portable SSD and Hub are envisioned to be used together but can operate independently depending on the filmmaker’s specific needs. The SSD itself is particularly compact, measuring just 1.71 x 0.98 x 0.32 inches. It has a bent connector to neatly fit behind the iPhone when plugged in, maintaining a streamlined setup without protruding cables.

The Hub, which is slightly larger at 2.71 x 1.71 x 0.32 inches, sits flush with the SSD, offering four USB-C ports for connecting additional peripherals like microphones, power banks, gimbals, and other accessories. The thoughtful design also includes a 30W power delivery feature, making it easy to charge devices while simultaneously supporting data-transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps.

The Go Portable SSD stores all your media locally, letting you access/transfer/process media files on multiple devices without needing a stable internet connection. This SSD offers read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s, providing near-instantaneous access to files and allowing quick data transfers that boost workflow efficiency. This makes it a compelling option for photographers, videographers, and other digital professionals who need reliable, high-speed storage solutions.

With your data stored offline, it’s impermeable to hacks, leaks, and breaches. For users concerned about theft, the Go Portable SSD also has 256-bit AES encryption, allowing you to password-protect your media from being accessed by unauthorized people. Go ahead, sign that NDA before filming!

While the focus is largely on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users, Lexar’s new products are also compatible with the iPad and Android devices that support USB-C and OTG functionality. This widens the scope for mobile filmmakers across platforms, although the primary market remains centered around Apple’s latest devices. The Go Portable SSD is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, catering to different storage needs, and both models boast IP65 ratings, ensuring protection against dust and water splashes, enabling users to film in a variety of conditions.

You can either spring for just the SSD, or opt for the SSD + Hub combo. The latter also includes a silicone protective case, a male-female adapter, a male-male adapter, a cold shoe adapter cable for camera rigs, a storage box, a storage bag, and 20 label stickers you can apply onto the SSD to help you keep track of the media stored on it. The Lexar Professional Go SSD and Hub both ship globally, with a 5-year warranty on each product.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $189 (32% off). Hurry, only 267/500 left! Raised over $771,000.

The post Lexar’s Tiny SSD lets you record 4K ProRes Video without clogging your iPhone’s Storage first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wearing this gadget for 45 minutes a day can fix your sleep cycle

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Your sleep health is more linked to your regular health than you think. A lack of sleep (or just bad quality sleep) can lead to fatigue, cognitive issues, or even physical illnesses… and 1 in 3 people are at risk of these, because of bad quality (or quantity) sleep. The reason? Exposure to screens, working odd hours/shifts, inconsistent bedtimes and wake-up times, or even jet lag. However, this slick wearable device hopes to remedy this problem using just light.

Designer: Re-Time

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $200 (35.5% off). Hurry, only a few left!

The retimer 3 emits specific wavelengths of blue-green light underneath your eye, retimer 3 works in tandem with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This light has been scientifically proven to adjust the body clock and regulate melatonin production, the hormone responsible for inducing sleepiness. Consequently, consistent morning use of retimer 3 can help regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up refreshed.

Designed by Re-Time, an Australian sleep-tech company working in tandem with researchers from Flinders University in Adelaide, the retimer 3 builds on an existing ecosystem of healthcare wearables… but in a different way. “We are seeing a proliferation of wearables like smartwatches, smart rings, and apps designed to monitor and track sleep behavior,” say the folks at Re-Time. “While improvements in sensor technology and AI have made these wearables increasingly sophisticated, they primarily serve as monitoring tools.” The retimer 3, on the other hand, gives you control over your sleep patterns. The retimer 3, comes with its mobile app, which provides consumers with a simple method to create, manage, and monitor the usage schedule to effectively address sleep issues – whether arising from travel, odd-hour work, or misaligned body clock.

The retimer 3 sports a slick form factor, reminiscent of an under-eye rimless spectacle frame. It is designed to rest on the bridge of your nose, with under-eye light delivery. In fact, the retimer 3 can even be worn with your spectacles on. The device is designed to be fairly lightweight at just 36 grams or 1.2 ounces, and comes with a foldable design that makes it easy to carry around to work or even to travel with.

The folks behind the retimer 3 recommend wearing it for just 45-60 minutes each day for the device to help restore your circadian cycle and body’s melatonin production. The app offers personalized recommendations based on individual sleep patterns and goals. Users can set sleep schedules, create personalized light therapy routines, and monitor their progress over time. Integration with popular health platforms like Apple Health and Android Health Connect further enhances the device’s utility by syncing sleep data along with fitness data and overall health metrics. This data-driven approach allows users to identify potential correlations between sleep patterns and other health metrics, alongside actually seeing a difference in sleep scores over the weeks and months.

While light therapy is a cornerstone of retimer 3, the device’s impact extends beyond simply regulating sleep-wake cycles. Your sleep quality is intrinsically linked to your mental and physical health. By improving said sleep quality, users can expect enhanced cognitive function, mood elevation, and increased energy levels. Adequate sleep is also essential for physical health, aiding in muscle repair, immune function, and overall well-being.

The retimer 3 builds on over 25 years of research, and 12 years of market understanding (the first Re-Timer launched in 2012). Whether dealing with onset insomnia, struggling to adjust to new time zones, or facing the challenges of shift work, retimer 3 offers a practical method to regain control over their sleep patterns without medication or side effects. retimer 3 is now available for pre-order, with international shipping as early as October 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $200 (35.5% off). Hurry, only a few left!

The post Wearing this gadget for 45 minutes a day can fix your sleep cycle first appeared on Yanko Design.

Seabubbles The Flying Boat

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SeaBubbles, a pioneering French company, is transforming sustainable mobility with its innovative hydrofoil technology. These 100% electric boats offer a zero-wave, zero-noise, and zero-emission solution for waterborne passenger transport.

By utilizing advanced foils, SeaBubbles creates a smooth, futuristic experience that not only protects natural ecosystems but also provides a unique sensation of ‘flying over the water.’ Drawing inspiration from shipbuilding, automotive, and aeronautical industries, SeaBubbles delivers an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional boating.

Image: Seabubbles

In response to the growing demand for clean and efficient urban mobility, SeaBubbles has introduced SeaBubbles Mobility Solutions, a suite of services designed to help local authorities and boat operators implement decarbonized waterborne transport.

This initiative includes providing charging points, sourcing zero-emission boats, and managing essential administrative tasks. By leveraging natural waterways, particularly in major cities, SeaBubbles offers a sustainable, shared, and practical alternative to traditional, polluting transport methods.

Image: Seabubbles

SeaBubbles’ efforts have not only advanced technology but have also influenced regulatory frameworks, making them the first electric hydrofoil to receive approval for passenger transport.

As the maritime industry moves towards decarbonization, supported by increasingly favorable regulations, SeaBubbles is at the forefront, offering a glimpse into a future where waterways are free from pollution, noise, and environmental impact. With their innovative boats, SeaBubbles is contributing to a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable world.

The post Seabubbles The Flying Boat appeared first on OhGizmo!.

The Ultimate Distraction-Free Writing Tool for Enhanced Creativity

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The BYOK device is a meticulously designed tool that enhances the writing experience by providing a distraction-free environment that fosters creativity and productivity. Digital distractions constantly threaten focus, making BYOK an essential device for writers seeking to immerse themselves in their craft without interruptions. Its minimalist LCD screen, combined with the flexibility to use your own keyboard, makes it a versatile and powerful companion for any writer.

Designer: BYOK (Bring Your Own Keyboard). Nick Sjolinder

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $180 (28% off). Hurry, only 26/980 left! Raised over $179,000.

The Writer’s Perfect Companion

At the heart of BYOK—short for “Bring Your Own Keyboard”—is the principle of flexibility and freedom. This device is not tied to any specific keyboard, giving users the autonomy to connect their preferred keyboard, whether it be through USB-C, Bluetooth, or even a standard USB with an adapter. This level of customization allows writers to tailor their workspace precisely to their liking, making BYOK an adaptable tool that fits seamlessly into any writing routine.

One of the key features that makes BYOK a must-have for writers is its ultra-portable size. Small enough to fit into a bag or even a large pocket, BYOK is designed to accompany you wherever inspiration strikes. Despite its compact form, it doesn’t compromise on power. With a battery life that supports up to 20 hours of continuous use or 5 hours with the highest backlight setting, BYOK ensures you can write for extended periods without needing constant recharging.

Features that Cater to Every Writer’s Needs

Night Mode

BYOK offers a comprehensive suite of features aimed at enhancing the writing process. The adjustable backlight is particularly noteworthy, allowing writers to toggle between three brightness levels—low, medium, and high. This feature ensures that writing can continue in any lighting condition, from dimly lit environments to late-night sessions. The backlight’s thoughtful design reduces eye strain, making it easier to stay focused and productive, no matter the time of day.

The design of BYOK is as functional as it is sleek. It has a magnetic design and a pop-out stand, allowing for versatile positioning that can be customized to your comfort. With a built-in magnet at the back, BYOK supports different viewing heights and angles, promoting an eye-level viewing option that reduces strain and enhances ergonomic comfort. Whether placed on a flat surface or elevated using magnetic stands, BYOK offers unlimited viewing positions, ensuring that you can set up your workspace to reduce strain and enhance comfort. This flexibility makes BYOK suitable for various environments, whether working at a desk, standing, or lounging.

Versatile connectivity is another strength of BYOK. The device supports multiple data transfer options, including Wi-Fi syncing, allowing seamless integration with platforms like Google Drive. This ensures that your work is always up-to-date and accessible across devices. For those who prefer a wired connection, the USB-C port provides a quick and reliable way to transfer data directly to your computer. With these options, BYOK guarantees that your documents are securely backed up and easily retrieved.

Storage is another area where BYOK excels. The device has 16MB of internal storage, enough to hold over a million words. This ample space means you won’t have to worry about losing your work, even if the battery runs out. The intuitive and simple menu, which includes features like word count display and battery monitoring, keeps you informed and focused on what matters most—your writing.

Design Excellence

Another highlight is the device’s fast-refresh monochrome LCD screen, which provides a smooth typing experience without the lag commonly associated with e-ink displays. This ensures that every keystroke is captured accurately, allowing you to maintain your writing flow without interruption.

The product’s simplicity extends to its user interface, which is navigated using three tactile push buttons. This intuitive design enhances concentration and productivity by allowing you to focus solely on your writing without getting bogged down by complex menus or unnecessary features.

Seamless Integration into Your Writing Workflow

BYOK’s thoughtful design ensures that it integrates seamlessly into any writing workflow. The process is straightforward: power the device, connect your preferred keyboard using wired or wireless, set up wireless syncing if desired, and start typing. This simplicity allows you to dive straight into your writing without distractions, making BYOK an invaluable tool for writers.

The specifications of BYOK further emphasize its practicality. An ESP32-S3 processor powers the device and features a 129.00mm by 37.60mm LCD screen, offering ample space for your text. It’s available in sleek black and white, with a potential third color option. The device also provides three different font sizes and three backlight brightness levels, catering to various visual needs and preferences.

Designed with Writers in Mind

Niklas Sjolinder, the founder of BYOK, was inspired by the challenges he faced with existing writing tools. As he worked on his own book, he found it difficult to maintain focus due to endless tabs, notifications, and distractions. While using a distraction-free device, he appreciated the concept but quickly noticed drawbacks such as high costs, limited performance, and restrictive built-in keyboards. These frustrations led him to envision BYOK—a writing tool that would be both budget-friendly and versatile, offering exceptional value by providing the flexibility to use any keyboard while eliminating distractions. This personal journey and desire to create a better writing experience drove Sjolinder to develop BYOK, focusing on what truly matters: the freedom to write without interruptions.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $180 (28% off). Hurry, only 26/980 left! Raised over $179,000.

The post The Ultimate Distraction-Free Writing Tool for Enhanced Creativity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meta approved Roto VR chair rotates with your head movements to makes gameplay immersive

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Like with other simulators, motion sickness – leading to dizziness and nausea – is common in VR. Some people get uncomfortable when they don a headset and dive into virtual reality.  This is because the brain essentially gets disturbed while you stand still and the environment around you moves. This disturbance in brain equilibrium means you begin feeling nauseous or dizzy.

London-based Roto VR is ready to change the game for someone who feels the symptoms with the introduction of a motorized Explorer chair that rotates with the movement of the VR user’s head, making sure there is no indecisive movement in the environment, which the brain cannot register and begins to trigger nausea. Chair intends to make the virtual environment more immersive and less distorting!

Designer: Roto VR

This is a major piece of VR furniture that matches real-world movements with that of the headset. Of course, then it requires a headset to function and would take up a lot of space in your home. But it is significant for all of us who desire complete physical transportation into the virtual world, which is far and above what the headsets have to offer even after evolving rapidly in the last few years.

World’s first interactive VR chair, the Roto VR Explorer, is a sophisticated motion device that provides haptic feedback to the body. The chair looks pretty ordinary until you gawk at its round base integrated with an electric motor. This base rotates the chair 360-degrees at up to 21 revolutions per minute (though the speed matches the intensity and speed of the user’s head). Slow head movement, equally slow rotation, and the faster the movement, the quicker it spins until reaching the top speed.

The chair spins in the direction of the head of the user with a Meta Quest headset on. The head strap of the Quest is attached to a dedicated Roto head tracker, which can capture the motion and head movement for precise motion tracking. Interestingly, the Roto VR Explorer chair is provided with the “Made for Meta” stamp, substantiating that the device is authorized by Meta and meets all industry standards. That said, the rotation of the chair is triggered by the motion sensing tracker attached to the headset, which suggests that the chair can be used with other headsets as well and there is no rigidity despite that Meta earmarking.

The Roto VR Explorer chair is attached with two pedals – right above its base – for running simulation. Of course, the chair does not vouch to eliminate motion sickness entirely; VR users will still experience nausea moving back and forth. If you think, the chair deserves a chance in your VR environment, you can now preorder it at £799. Delivery will begin in October 2024.

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Top 10 Retro-Themed Music Players To Enhance Your Audio Experience With Vintage Flair

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If you’re a hardcore audiophile or have a few hardcore music lovers in your life, then you know a true blue audiophile just needs a bunch of amazing audio devices to set his/her mood. All an audiophile needs is a collection of impressive audio designs to blast out their favorite tunes. Whatever your musical need may be, it is integral to own clear, distortion-free, nifty, and interactive audio devices. And if you manage to get retro-themed music players, then it’s a whole new experience for you! Retro-style music players take you to an era gone by while maintaining some modern functionality. And, we’ve curated a collection of our favorite retro music players for you. These gadgets are wonderfully retro-esque, they have been imbibed with modern functionality. Their aesthetics may be from their past, but their utility is embedded in the future.

1. Black Wheel

Named Black Wheel, this one-of-a-kind innovation is the latest iteration of the stunning Wheel design by Miniot. The turntable cleverly conceals the electronic and mechanical components beneath the record, which stores all the varied parts within a thin circular yet sturdy body, which vanishes once you put a record on.

Why is it noteworthy?

When placed upright, the Black Wheel creates a pretty apparent illusion. It features a minimal and classy charm that attracts you instantly, even when placed horizontally. It includes a unique control system that can be felt but not seen.

What we like

  • Equipped with a thin and compact body that doesn’t alter audio quality
  • Features a space-saving design

What we dislike

  • It has an old-fashioned charm which may not appeal to users of modern products

2. SP3000T

Say hello to Astell&Kern’s latest portable music player, which attempts to bring a modern device that looks retro on the outside but partially retro on the inside, creating a device that merges the past and present. Called the SP3000T, this device features a retro twist, since it incorporates dual vacuum tube amplifiers on the back.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tube amps aren’t just for sure, they function the way tube amps did in the past. They provide the device with an analog appearance and sound, offering a unique audio quality that is warm and pretty soothing, something that cannot be achieved by only digital sound.

What we like

  • You can switch between analog tube amplifiers and the digital op-amp mode
  • Equipped with 8GB of memory

What we dislike

  • Too large and heavy for a portable player
  • Expensive price tag

3. FUTURAHEAD Headset

Say hello to the FUTURAHEAD headset, which provides a whole new music-listening experience. These conceptual headphones feature a digital screen that has been integrated into the outer shell to display playlists, videos, the user’s mood, as well as the rhythm of the music, genre, or images. The square shape of the cans is inspired by the retro design of headphones of the past.

Why is it noteworthy?

With the FUTURAHEAD headset, Olga wanted to create a product that merges retro looks and modern tech, while ensuring the functionality is top-notch. According to the designer, “Future Nostalgia as a visual style became a source of inspiration for this project.”

What we like

  • Amped with peppy details, and charming aesthetics

What we dislike

  • If you’re a private person, you may not like the fact that the music you’re listening to is being displayed on the digital screen

4. LEGO Radio

This LEGO Radio is the perfect retro-themed music player! It cannot play your local radio station, but you can play the pre-recorded tunes that come along with it. You can turn on the dial, and Spotify and Apple Music too. It is equipped with an extendable antenna and tuner window to offer some old-school feelings.

Why is it noteworthy?

The adorable LEGO Radio is functional and it is amped with Apple Music/Spotify support. It has a lovely color palette which elevates the whole nostalgic aesthetic. It is 13 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep.

What we like

  • Features a stunning vintage-inspired green and beige palette
  • You can connect your smartphone in the hidden compartment on the back, and play your fav tunes

What we dislike

  • It doesn’t have an actual transmitter to play live radio stations

5. Portable CD Cover Player

Say hello to the Portable CD Cover Player – a minimal CD player with a lovely retro design that provides an excellent listening experience, with the pleasure of pretty visual art. You can put in the CD jacket or sleeve within the specially-designed pocket, and showcase your favorite CD with pride.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199

Why is it noteworthy?

The Portable CD Cover Player is essentially the physical equivalent of showcasing digital album art, with the extra benefit of being able to showcase your physical original CD.

What we like

  • Portable and easy-to-carry product with a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit
  • Equipped with a powerful battery which offers 7-8 hours of top-notch audio

What we dislike

  • You cannot sync it with any digital medium, it only supports analog music listening

6. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers

These are the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers, and they’re portable and battery-free. This iPhone speaker is a novel and exciting version of the conventional no-power smartphone speaker. It is made from metal, making it pretty functional and valuable, unlike typical speaker designs you see nowadays.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179

Why is it noteworthy?

The speakers are built from Duralumin – an aluminum alloy that is used in aviation and aerospace industries since it has vibration-resistant properties. You can place the smartphone into the speaker, and the sound surrounds the room and you.

What we like

  • Does not require any power, and is electricity-free
  • Minimal, sleek, and unique aesthetics

What we dislike

  • Incompatible with bulky smartphone covers and cases

7. Retio

This stunning retro speaker is called Retio, and it is made using vintage Nixie tubes, creating a gadget that beautifully blends past aesthetics with modern utility. The Retio serves as a Bluetooth speaker and a clock. It features Nixie tubes that were made during the 70s to 90s, adding a hint of retro-ness to the product.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Retio is a portable product amped with 6 hours of playback time. It is powered by a 6800mAh battery, and the Nixie tubes have an impression lifespan of 22 years. The speaker is equipped with a powerful 10W Class-D amplifier and has been created with meticulous care and attention to detail.

What we like

  • Perfectly merges the past with modern functionality
  • Hand-crafted and amped with steampunk flavor

What we dislike

  • The numbers for the clock are difficult to read from a distance

8. Floating Record

Called the Floating Record, this high-performance turntable plays your record vertically, with the help of built-in full-range stereo speakers. It features a walnut wood base and a Carbon Fiber tonearm. It is made using high-quality materials, which add a whole new level of class to your living space.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Floating Record is essentially turntable tech reimagined to create a visually and mechanically interesting way to experience vinyl music. It is a must-have for all the vinyl lovers out there – ranging from the first-time record listener to the seasonal vinyl enthusiast.

What we like

  • No external gear is needed, it’s all integrated into the design
  • Perfectly blends with different interiors and environments

What we dislike

  • The turntable is pretty fragile and can skip if you don’t position the record properly

9. VIBESPIN

Meet the VIBESPIN – a super cool portable record player. This compact record player is designed by vinyl lovers for all the vinyl lovers out there. It features an elegant and timeless design, amped with modern features and high-quality elements. It is the perfect turntable for camping trips, outdoor adventures, or even parties in your home!

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes VIBESPIN unique, is that it works well for the indoors and the outdoors. You can use it on a road trip, or if you’re simply chilling at home. It features a retro vintage design, and its style will bring to mind the image of a big 1950s car, despite this, the turntable is pretty lightweight and ergonomic.

What we like

  • Occupies half the area of a 12″ record
  • Among the smallest record players available today

What we dislike

  • The stylus is pretty basic and doesn’t have a true aux out

10. iBoy Retro Toy

Designed by Classicbot, and called the iBoy Retro Toy, this adorable little product is a tribute to the iconic MP3 player. It features arms, legs, and earbuds for ears. He looks like a friendly little MP3 player! The Retro Toy can be used at home or in your office, adding a hint of nostalgia to both these settings.

Why is it noteworthy?

The iBoy features magnetic joints that support his arms and legs. He can be posed in any way you like. You can play around with the little toy, and get a whole bunch of poses, around a thousand! It serves as a helpful fiddling toy for when you’re stressed out, and need to distract and give yourself a little break,

What we like

  • Functions as a toy for grownups with detachable and lifelike headphones

What we dislike

  • The chrome gets easily scratched or scruffed

The post Top 10 Retro-Themed Music Players To Enhance Your Audio Experience With Vintage Flair first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Odyssey 3D offers a glasses-free 3D experience for gamers and creators

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We live in a three-dimensional world and see in three dimensions, and yet the computers and mobile devices we use every day are confined to flat, 2D space. Mixed reality and spatial computing are trying to bridge that gap, but they still project flat virtual objects in the real world and, more importantly, require wearing goggles or headsets. In fact, most stereoscopic 3D experiences require some sort of eyewear, at the very least glasses that guide images to the correct eye. That is until monitor makers have gotten smarter and have started to implement 3D displays that don’t need glasses to work, like the new Samsung Odyssey 3D shown off at Gamescom 2024 this week.

Designer: Samsung

Our eyes see in 3D because they can view objects at two different angles due to the space between them. Stereoscopic 3D tries to mimic our innate binocular vision by projecting two different images, shifted slightly at an angle, which are then sent to the right or left eye as necessary. This re-direction requires polarizing filters to work, which is why people have to wear glasses when watching 3D movies. Impressive as the experience might be, it’s definitely inconvenient, especially for those that wear prescription glasses, and can’t be used for general-purpose computing, until now.

Image courtesy of SamMobile

The Samsung Odyssey 3D is the latest in a new breed of computer monitors that promise this same stereoscopic 3D experience without having to put anything in front of your eyes. The monitor has built-in stereo cameras that track the movement and position of each eye. View mapping creates two sets of images which are then displayed separately to each eye thanks to a lenticular lens on the front panel. It creates the same effect of seeing floating 3D images but without the hassle of glasses or headsets.

The monitor is primarily targeted at gamers, which is why it boasts features like 4K resolution, a fast 1m gray-to-gray response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate. Of course, the need to see 3D images as they truly are isn’t just limited to entertainment, since those creating assets for these games will also want to check if they’re 3D models are displaying correctly. Monitors like the Samsung Odyssey 3D will eventually become an invaluable tool for designers, artists, and content creators who might want to work in 3D space right from the start.

Of course, this glasses-free 3D monitor also functions as a 2D monitor, and you can seamlessly switch from one mode to another, depending on your use case. It also features an ergonomic Height Adjustment Stand, tilt capabilities, as well as HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connectivity. Samsung hasn’t disclosed when the Samsung Odyssey 3D will launch and at what cost, but considering this monitor was first teased back in January at CES 2024, it probably shouldn’t be long now.

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