Tag Archives: Gadgets

Retro devices reimagined with fun 16-bit displays

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Retro designs in technology continue to be a strong trend, from retro consoles to instant cameras to record players. Most of these products try to update the classic aesthetics to modern standards, reinterpreting them without straying too far from the original. In other words, they’re mostly modern devices simply paying homage to the past.

There might be times, however, the original designs still have a lot of pull, especially for eyes that have never seen them before. This series of concepts tries to imagine some of those with completely classic designs, save for the addition of 16-bit displays and a splash of 80s colors that make them funky and hip in their own unique ways.

Desigers: Ahmed Esmael, Marwan Abbass

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Music streaming has pretty much replaced the radio for most people, but the medium hasn’t completely died out. Radios, however, have become rarer outside of vehicles, and most designs these days tend to make the device almost invisible. This concept, in contrast, is as loud as it can be, both in sound and in appearance with its pink body and clashing color combinations.

What sets it apart, however, is the square display beside the circular front speaker. It’s not a modern touch screen for controlling the radio, but more of a useless but fun embellishment to the experience. It displays a 16-bit video that looks at home in games of that era, rendering an accompanying visual to the audio, whether it makes sense or not.

Very few people these days listen to cassette tapes. Unlike vinyl records, there’s almost no special audio quality to these small rectangular containers for brown tape that all too often gets tangled up. That said, some people still have a collection of these tapes, and this cassette player concept adds a unique twist to the device without twisting those tapes.

The color scheme for the device this time is a faded yellow, complete with green streaks of corrosion. But just like the radio above, the flat tape player integrates a screen that can play 16-bit videos. Although it doesn’t serve any practical function, it adds a bit of fun flavor to the music being played, making you want to look at the device even when it’s lying on the table.

The record player in this Timeless Treasure collection steps farther back in time, adopting the form of a 40s gramophone. Its green, flower-shaped sound horn looks like copper that has aged over time, while the boxy platform has a mix of industrial and Art Deco details. Only the dominantly yellow color motif looks out of place and out of time, giving it an odd anachronistic flavor.

The large 16-bit display is again the center of attraction here, playing a pixelated video of an opera or orchestra performance. It could be related to the track being played, though it’s more likely a very generic clip for any and all kinds of records. It would probably be nice if each video was customized for different kinds of music, perhaps using some AI magic to make it happen.

Old-school audio devices aren’t the only ones getting this 80s retro facelift, though a watch is hardly that old to qualify. More like an old-fashioned kids’ digital watch, this particular concept adds a lo-fi feel to this somewhat modern wearable, particularly when an alarm plays. Like the rest of the collection, it’s a fun touch that doesn’t add any functional advantage but gives the designs a new flavor.

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Blocky Wi-Fi router concept is inspired by smokestacks factory

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Usually, we don’t really think of where to place WiFi routers since they just look like ordinary devices. It doesn’t matter where they are placed as long as it does what it’s supposed to do. They’re also not that well-designed anyway so it’s better to hide them away. But what if the router’s design is actually well thought out and can actually be part of your decoration?

Designer: In Je Lee

This is the idea for the Wi-Fi router concept called Complex ‘1’ which has found inspiration in the most unlikely places: a factory smokestack. The designer says that just like the chimney diffuses the smoke, the antenna of this router spreads the Wi-Fi signal throughout your space. There is really no direct correlation between the two of course except that he got the cylindrical shape inspiration from the smokestacks.

Instead of the usual slim antennas that you see on routers, this one actually looks like a lego piece, with the square body and the two cylindrical and asymmetrical antennas. It also comes in a bright, yellow color so if you display it on your desk or shelf, you can get a spot of color in your space. It also has a clock on it so you can use it for another purpose. There’s a small, orange button at the back for resetting or toggling the clock on and off.

This is an interesting take on the common router, which is usually hidden under or behind stuff because it’s not that aesthetic. This way, since you’ll display it in the open, there’s no interference with the signal reception. Well, hopefully there will also be other colors since not everyone is fond of this kind of yellow.

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In an Era of Touchscreens, Why Clicks’ iPhone Keyboard Case is a Touch of Genius

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I’m going to say what we’ve all thought at some point: typing on touchscreen keyboards is a pain. Sure, it’s the norm now, but after years of mashing glass, I still long for the satisfying click of real buttons. The typos, the autocorrect mishaps, the constant toggling between letters, numbers, and emojis—it’s enough to make even the most seasoned smartphone user want to throw their phone across the room. And I’m not alone. Despite the dominance of touchscreens, there’s a growing group of people who just miss the feel of tactile keys beneath their thumbs. Enter Clicks, a physical keyboard for iPhones, and perhaps the best attempt yet at bringing back the tactile typing experience many of us crave.

But make no mistake, Clicks isn’t some relic from the past—it’s a modern accessory that embraces the best of what physical keyboards have to offer while blending seamlessly with today’s tech. And that makes it a fascinating piece of tech in a world that’s overwhelmingly gone touch-only.

The Market Demand for Tactile Keyboards

If you’ve ever lamented the loss of physical keys on phones, you’re far from alone. Many users, from former BlackBerry enthusiasts to those who simply struggle with touchscreens, have voiced their frustrations for years. Kevin Michaluk, affectionately known as CrackBerry Kevin from his early days as a BlackBerry champion, shared how he frequently heard from people who missed the days when they could type without staring at their screens. “I knew the demand was there because I’m the guy who gets emailed and tweeted constantly about, ‘Kevin, when is there going to be a new phone with buttons?’” he said. It’s a request that never stopped, even as BlackBerry transitioned to focusing on software.

What’s surprising, though, is that Clicks’ appeal isn’t just about nostalgia. Sure, former BlackBerry fans are part of the mix, but there’s also a new audience—those who never experienced physical keyboards on phones before. For many, Clicks offers a different kind of productivity. “It’s not about trying to bring back the past, but rather finding a balance between modern tech and tactility,” Kevin noted. In other words, it’s not just about what we lost with the shift to touchscreens, but what we could gain by bringing physical keys back.

Designing for the Modern Smartphone User

The team behind Clicks understood that making a physical keyboard for the iPhone had to be about more than just hitting the nostalgia button. They needed to design a product that felt like a natural extension of today’s smartphones. That meant looking beyond just adding keys and instead focusing on how users actually interact with their devices.

 

Image Credits: Clicks

Image Credits: Clicks

For Clicks, this meant a painstaking design process that involved multiple iterations and constant refinements. From the start, the team knew they wanted to build something that was as much about form as it was about function. “We thought, what would Apple do if they built a keyboard for the iPhone?” Kevin recalled. That meant focusing on clean lines, premium materials, and a seamless integration with the iPhone’s software.

Image Credits: Clicks

The result is a device that attaches to the bottom of an iPhone, offering a full QWERTY layout while leaving most of the screen visible—a big plus for those of us tired of losing half the display to a virtual keyboard. But achieving this wasn’t easy. One of the biggest challenges, according to Jeff, was balancing the tactile feel of the buttons with the need for backlighting. “Backlighting makes a product like this much more complicated than if you didn’t have it. We had to redesign the pushers and domes several times to get the perfect click while also avoiding light bleed,” he explained. It’s the kind of obsessive attention to detail that sets Clicks apart from gimmicky keyboard cases.

Image Credits: Clicks

A New Generation of Button Enthusiasts

While Clicks may look like a throwback at first glance, its user base tells a different story. Nearly half of Clicks users have never used a phone with physical keys before, according to Kevin, and that’s a surprising twist. For many of these new users, the attraction isn’t just about typing—it’s also about the added functionality that physical keys can bring to their smartphone experience.

Sure, there’s a bit of a learning curve. Typing on physical keys isn’t exactly the same as tapping on glass. It takes a bit of practice to build up the muscle memory needed to reach those higher typing speeds. But the payoff? A typing experience that feels far more intuitive and natural. Jeff pointed out that, “If you put in the time to develop the skill of typing on buttons again, you get to that moment where you can type without looking, and it’s amazing—it’s like magic again.” It’s an experience that resonates with people who use their phones as serious productivity tools, whether they’re composing long emails or just firing off quick texts without constantly peering down at the screen.

And then there’s the added bonus of reclaiming screen real estate. For users who are tired of virtual keyboards consuming half of their display, Clicks offers a breath of fresh air. It’s a little like trading in a cramped studio apartment for a place with a view—you suddenly have room to stretch out and breathe.

Accessibility Benefits and Inclusivity

One of the most unexpected success stories for Clicks has been its popularity among visually impaired users. For people who can’t rely on visual feedback, the tactile feel of physical keys makes all the difference. Kevin mentioned that the team has received heartfelt feedback from users who found that Clicks transformed their experience with smartphones. “What’s been most emotional for us is hearing from the accessibility market. People are saying, ‘You’ve changed my life,’” he shared.

But what really stands out is that Clicks didn’t set out to be an accessibility device. Instead, it was designed as a premium, stylish product that anyone would want to use. This has resonated with users who don’t want their device to scream “medical aid.” As Kevin put it, “We wanted to make something that felt trendy, culturally relevant—something that anyone would be proud to use.”

It’s a reminder that good design isn’t just about how a product looks or feels, but also how it makes people feel. In this case, Clicks has managed to strike a balance, creating a device that offers practical benefits without sacrificing style.

Challenges of Designing for a Modern Smartphone Market

Creating a physical keyboard for today’s smartphones isn’t without its hurdles. The Clicks team faced challenges like achieving MFI compliance (Apple’s strict certification for accessories) and adapting to the iPhone’s transition from Lightning to USB-C. Kevin explained that this shift forced the team to make tough decisions about functionality. “With USB-C, we had to choose between charging and data transfer. We prioritized charging because that’s what most users needed day-to-day, but we’re always working on ways to improve,” he noted.

Another design dilemma was how to maintain a high-quality typing experience without making the device too bulky. Early prototypes experimented with different button layouts, from larger space bars to various key sizes. Jeff described how they refined the design through constant user feedback: “We tested several versions with different button materials and layouts, and made over 100 refinements before we got to the final version that shipped.”

The focus was always on making Clicks feel like a natural extension of the iPhone, rather than a clunky add-on. That’s why the final product opts for solid buttons with a satisfying tactile click, rather than cheaper, translucent keys that could have compromised the overall feel.

The Future of Physical Keyboards in a Touchscreen World

While Clicks is currently focused on iPhones, the team hasn’t ruled out expanding to other devices. “You can’t not think about it,” Kevin teased when asked about potential Android versions. The demand is there, and as long as there are users who prefer tactile input, there’s room for innovation. But for now, Clicks is focused on refining its product for iPhone users and building a community of dedicated users who love what the product offers.

What’s clear is that Clicks taps into a larger trend—a realization that perhaps the touchscreen revolution went too far in eliminating physical controls. We’re seeing it in other areas too, like the backlash against touch-only controls in cars. People want that tactile feedback, and Clicks is betting that the same is true for smartphone users.

What’s Next for Clicks?

So, where does Clicks go from here? The team is already working on future iterations, refining everything from button feel to software integration. Kevin emphasized that they’re committed to making each version better than the last: “We always aim to build the best product we can, and we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

But even as they look forward, Clicks has already made a mark. It’s proven that there’s a market for people who don’t want to compromise on their typing experience—those who believe that sometimes, the future needs a bit of the past. And as I type this out on my own touchscreen keyboard, struggling yet again with autocorrect, I can’t help but think they might just be on to something.

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Beam projector concept designed for daddy-kids bonding time

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When you look at products in the market that are meant for parent-child bonding, it can be a little skewed towards mothers. But of course most fathers also want to spend quality time with their kids, especially with activities like camping or being in the outdoors. This product concept comes out of that idea for some “emotional” bonding between dads and their kids, but can also be used by any parent, regardless of gender.

Designer: Kim Taeyeon

Key_Story (or Key-Story, which are both indicated in the concept page) is a concept for a beam projector that you can take along to your camping trip or to any outdoor activity. It is meant to foster an emotional, bonding moment between father and children by watching videos projected on a surface. We assume that you need a wall or a cloth to project of course.

The device is designed to look like a robot and has bright colors in order to attract the attention of the kids, especially the younger ones. The top part, which looks like the robot head, is the beam projector and the bottom part is the speaker for “vivid sound”. The package will supposedly come with three Keys that have different content available. You touch the key to the top of the projector to view the videos.

There’s also USB and Bluetooth connectivity in case you have your own video content and you can charge the projector on a C-type port. The two parts have “free movement” because of magnets which should make kids more interested to operate it, but hopefully not break it.

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Split-flap mechanical clock puts a dynamic piece of pixel art on your wall

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As if constantly checking the time wasn’t distracting enough, having a clock that encourages you to look at it all the time spells trouble for your productivity. Riding the retro wave, this clock brings the popular pixel graphics design of yesteryears to your living space. Waiting for the clock hands to “turn” almost becomes a tense waiting game, and you probably end up losing more time just by watching it.

Klapklok, however, is more than just a quirky-looking clock. It’s also a unique audiovisual experience that brings delight to the senses at the turning of the hour. It makes time feel more dynamic and palpable, perhaps creating a stronger relationship to the concept of time compared to just passively looking at a regular clock, no matter how beautiful that might be.

Designer: Miniot

The split-flap mechanism used by old clocks and scoreboards is itself a blast from the past, but this clock employs it in a way that combines it with another retro design convention. Using 69 elements, the Klapklok creates what is practically a giant pixelated rounded square, where each “pixel” flips from white to black and vice-versa. Of course, the movement is anything but random, and the hands of the clock “move” every 2.5 minutes to tell the time.

The movement of the flaps is subtle but not altogether silent. It’s more like a gentle whisper than a rigid clank. Every hour, all 69 flaps quickly change to display the time as a number, creating a peaceful rustle like the flapping of butterfly wings. Despite the mechanical visual of flipping surfaces, the overall effect is more calming, almost mesmerizing.

It might all look simple, but this wonder clock is carefully handcrafted using premium materials. The base is milled out of high-performance bio polyurethane, while flaps are made from a paper-like yet durable composite material. The hinges are completely transparent to disappear from view and a metal USB-C cable for power perfectly complements the design, even if it’s always visible.

While its primary purpose is to tell time, Klapklok can also be used as a pixel art display. A smartphone app lets owners draw on that rounded square canvas, utilizing those 69 elements to show an icon or letters. It’s a fun and engaging feature that makes the clock useful even after you’ve grown tired of being distracted by its tempting design.

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MagSafe phone stand concept adds hands-free face tracking for perfect framing

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Video calls have become a staple of online communication today, whether it’s for meetings or even just personal one-on-one calls. Unfortunately, the devices we use for video calls haven’t caught up quickly with the trend, and we’re only recently seeing webcams with better sensors or phone stands with better angles. Even then, however, there is still some missing aspects to make these videos more engaging and natural.

This simple-looking phone stand tries to deliver that missing piece by making sure that the user’s face is always within the frame during those video calls. It isn’t a one-trick pony, though, and can keep your phone’s battery topped up or be an interesting piece of desk decor even when not in use.

Designer: Kunal Wagh

Webcams are admittedly getting more sophisticated, both in terms of hardware as well as software. While those integrated into laptop screen bezels are limited to simply upgrading their imaging sensors, external cameras are now sporting stabilizers and gimbals. There are also apps that do automatic focus, zooming, and framing. That’s all fine if you’re using your computer, but not if your smartphone is your device of choice.

Orbit is a design concept for a phone stand that brings those features to mobile devices. It’s practically a MagSafe-compatible charging stand with a unique, minimalist design that makes it look good even when not in use. It pretty much looks like a miniature trophy, with a dome-like shape on top held aloft by two thin arms.

Simply place the phone on the stand and go about your video call or even watch videos. Orbit will simply follow your face to make sure that you always have a clear view of the screen or that your face is always in frame. The concept doesn’t exactly explain the software that makes this possible, but it’s not that difficult to pull off given today’s technology.

Of course, it also functions as a charger to make sure your battery never goes empty, whether you’re on a call or not. Unlike a phone gimbal, Orbit’s simpler design makes it suitable for use almost anywhere, even when away from your desk, as long as you have a power source to keep that charger and internal motors running.

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Kickback brings transparent, nostalgic CD, cassette players and Bluetooth speaker

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Anyone who has ever done spring cleaning knows that you will still find some old compact discs and cassette tapes in your pile of junk. CDs are also still pretty popular now specifically in the K-pop and J-pop industry. The challenge though is to find devices that can still play these “artifacts”. Kickback is a brand that banks on nostalgia with its line up of retro products. Three of the more popular ones are the Discman, Portable Cassette Player, and the Jukebox Mini.

Designer: Kickback

The Discman is inspired by the Sony portable CD player that was very popular back in the days. Aside from being named after it, the design sensibilities is also taken from that particular CD player. What makes this different is that it has a fully transparent exterior so you can see your disc spinning around as you play it. The Bluetooth-enabled device also has a small digital display so you can see what track is playing and some buttons for various controls.

The Portable Cassette Player has a simple name enough so you can understand what it is. Well, that is, if you still know what a cassette tape is. For though of us who know what it is, it is also a portable device with a simple and minimalist design. Just like the Sony Walkman where it draws its design from, it is small enough to fit into your pocket. Well, if you still have cassette tapes of course.

Lastly, we have the Jukebox Mini, which is just semi-nostalgic when it comes to its design. It’s a Bluetooth speaker but with a retro design with two round speakers encased in a rectangular case. It claims that it carries the same quality as speakers from Sonos or Beats Pill. It can be placed on a shelf or desk or mounted on the wall, or you can also carry it around. It comes in cute mint, white, and pink colors.

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This Steampunk Magic Mouse Competitor has a built-in SD Card Reader, and even Charges Normally

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We could spend a lot of time bashing the new USB-C Magic Mouse for repeating the same charging port mistake as its predecessor, but let me just take a minute to ask a few questions about mice in general. Wireless or not, why does a mouse ONLY serve as an input device? Personally, it has the capability to do much more than move a cursor, right? So why is it that in all these years the only improvements to mouse design are only upgrading their Bluetooth chipsets and making them more responsive?

A winner of the Red Dot Award for best Design Concept, the D Mouse comes with a few unusual design choices that may seem weird at first, but make a world of sense if you try to think about how these changes make a mouse ‘better’ than existing ones. Built with an unusual design that employs stainless steel mesh on top and wood on the bottom, the D Mouse looks extremely different from existing plastic mice – because it is. This one comes with NFC pairing, a built-in SD card reader, and in-device storage of up to 1 terabyte, transforming the mouse into a data storage and processing device too.

The best part? It has its own cable integrated into the mouse that wraps around the base, and charges normally – unlike the Magic Mouse that needs to be overturned to charge. Even after an entire decade of people pointing it out.

Designer: Tride Design

The D Mouse is notably a wired mouse, relying on a built-in braided USB-C cable to connect to devices – although it does have Bluetooth 5.0 too. The wired design makes sense considering the D Mouse also works as a data storage and transfer device, given that wired transfers are far more secure and rapid than wireless transfer. Unwrap the cable, plug the mouse in, and it becomes a cursor that also stores data for you. The mouse has up to 1TB of SSD storage on-board, which is fairly helpful if you want to stash important files that nobody goes looking for. After all, who searches for files on a mouse, right?!

The rest of the mouse has a fairly unique but familiar design. The silhouette of the D Mouse is like your everyday ergonomic peripheral, albeit with a metal and wood construction instead of plastic (98% of the materials are recycled). A steel mesh on the top provides a very tactile surface to rest your hand, while still being breathable because of the open mesh. The mouse clicks silently, and instead of the scroll wheel, there’s a scroll-bar right near the thumb for touch-sensitive scrolling.

The mouse has a built-in card reader, along with internal storage that makes it perfect for creatives wanting to carry their files and access them on multiple devices without dongles and such. In this case, the D Mouse IS the dongle, working both wired and wirelessly, depending on how many files you have to transfer. It’s got an integrated fan that keeps the mouse (as well as your palm) cool while in use, and if you’re a gaming fanatic, there’s LED lighting too.

The D Mouse is a winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2024.

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Nintendo Switch 2 could launch before November 5th, says a reliable source

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Rumor has it that Nintendo is finally set to unveil the long-awaited Switch 2. If rumors from PH Brazil (a fairly credible source) are to be believed, we might see an official announcement within the next few days—possibly as early as Monday or Tuesday. Nintendo’s silence on the matter has only amplified speculation, with the gaming community eagerly piecing together hints from any credible leak. And while Nintendo confirmed that their next-generation console would arrive “within this fiscal year,” they’ve kept other details under lock and key, leaving fans in a swirl of speculation.

So, why now? Nintendo has an investor meeting on November 5, and word has it that their current lineup may not be enough to impress stakeholders. A Switch 2 announcement, strategically placed before this meeting, could reinvigorate investor interest and affirm Nintendo’s commitment to the next chapter of handheld gaming. This timeline has driven speculators to suggest that Nintendo might be gearing up for a surprise reveal, hoping to make waves in an industry where rivals like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally are gaining ground.

But don’t start celebrating just yet. Even with leaks buzzing around, Nintendo has a history of playing by its own rules. Previous product reveals have shown Nintendo’s knack for timing announcements when fans least expect it. They’ve defied industry norms before, so it’s entirely possible they’ll keep fans in suspense for longer. That said, the recent online frenzy surrounding the Switch 2 has taken on a life of its own, fueled by social media chatter and updates from other reputable leakers. For fans, each tweet or cryptic profile update becomes a breadcrumb in the hunt for clues.

Assuming the rumors are accurate, what could the Switch 2 bring to the table? While no specs have been confirmed, leaks hint at design enhancements and potential performance upgrades that could set it apart from the original Switch and put it toe-to-toe with competitors. Some speculate a larger, high-resolution display; others suggest faster processors and better graphics capabilities to support Nintendo’s growing library of high-demand titles. If this device lives up to even half of what’s rumored, it could well mark a new era in Nintendo’s handheld dominance.

The stakes are high for Nintendo. The current Switch’s momentum is slowing, with handheld gaming increasingly defined by feature-rich, high-performance devices. For Nintendo, introducing a true next-gen handheld means more than just keeping pace; it means reminding the world why they still set the gold standard in portable gaming. Whether it’s a quiet drop or a full-throttle reveal, the question isn’t if the Switch 2 will make waves — it’s how big they’ll be when it finally hits the water.

Until Nintendo confirms anything, fans remain caught between hype and caution. The possibility of a major reveal has the gaming world on edge, but as always with Nintendo, only time will tell.

Images via Salvo Lo Cascio & Riccardo Cambò Breccia

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Top 5 VR Headsets and Accessories That Are Shaping The Future of Digital Interaction

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Virtual Reality (VR) has been innovating and evolving in the past couple of years. It is truly pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in an immersive experience. VR technology is currently improving visual fidelity, and even incorporating other senses, in turn revolutionizing how we engage and interact with digital worlds. And, we’ve curated five cutting-edge VR gadgets for you – ranging from high-resolution headsets to innovative multi-sensory devices. These unique gadgets are paving the future of VR, displaying the impressive innovations that are taking place in today’s world. These gadgets have something for everyone, irrespective if you’re a tech lover, gamer, or someone simply dipping their toes into new digital arenas.

1. Sol Reader

Meet the world’s first VR eBook reader – the Sol Reader. It offers avid readers a unique and exciting way to experience literature, by completely immersing themselves in a virtual library. It is styled like a pair of VR glasses and features two E Ink displays, which make you feel like you’re actually reading a book, but ensuring that your hands are free. It attempts to work like Kindle, which is the most popular e-reader ever.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is an innovative device that will connect to your iOS/Android app on your smartphone through Bluetooth. You can easily stream third-party EPUB files like eBooks, from your phone to the device. The text is showcased on the dual E Ink screens. Warm LED side lights illuminate the screen.

What we like

  • Has a 25-hour runtime per two-hour battery charge
  • Available in a  range of color choices including black, silver, gold, or blue

What we dislike

  • It is a niche product, appealing primarily to voracious readers
  • It is more expensive compared to other VR headsets on the market

2. Pimax 8K VR Headset

Say hello to the Pimax 8K VY Headset – the world’s first 8K VR headset. It is designed to be a game changer in the world of VR since it delivers unparalleled visual clarity and an expansive field of view. Since it is the world’s first 8K VR headset, it will provide an immersive experience that sets a whole new benchmark for visual fidelity.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Pimax 8K is equipped with dual 4K displays, each featuring a resolution of 3840 x 2160 — and upscales its content from 2560 x 1440. It also has a refresh rate of up to 80Hz. The refresh rates provide a VR experience that is seamless, fluid, and enjoyable.

What we like

  • It has a 200-degree field of view
  • The head strap distributes the weight equally, preventing neck strain according to users

What we dislike

  • According to some users, there is poor clarity at reduced resolutions
  • Hefty price tag

3. Porket VR

Designed by Gihawoo Design, this is the cassette-shaped Porket VR phone case. It essentially breaks down the general perception of VR headsets. The phone case serves as your VR headset, allowing you to consume videos on the go. The foldable VR headset is designed as an extension of the case, and it converts into a VR headset in no time, allowing you to watch quick virtual reality content when you, please.

Why is it noteworthy?

The accessory includes convex lenses that have been placed at a distance of 6 cm from the eyes. When folded, the Porket VR headset case is as thick as the Galaxy Fold 3 and is a must-have for people who like compact designs that can be used in a variety of different scenarios.

What we like

  • Lightweight and compact design that supports spontaneous VR sessions
  • Features an intriguing transformative design

What we dislike

  • Lacks some of the advanced features found in more complex and sophisticated headsets

4. Ordovic VR Headset

The Ordovic VR headset is a groundbreaking innovation in the world of VR, as it adds the sense of smell into the digital realm. It will transport users into a world where they can smell different scents, ranging from the aroma of freshly cooked meals or the smell of saltwater. These scents will be experienced with incredible visuals and immersive soundscapes, providing a truly mind-boggling VR experience. Ordovic leverages the power of olfactory perception, enhancing the experience of virtual environments, and making them more realistic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Ordovic creates a whole new level of immersion in VR, making virtual experiences more engaging and lifelike. Smell is also linked to memory and emotions, and by adding olfactory components, Ordovic makes the gaming experience memorable. Users will be able to recall those experiences more easily.

What we like

  • The headset will increase the realism of the simulations, creating an engaging experience
  • It has versatile applications, it could be used in education, training, therapy, and more

What we dislike

  • The addition of smell could lead to potential sensory overload for some users
  • It could require more complex setup and maintenance in comparison to a traditional VR headset

5. KAT WALK C

The KAT Walk C is amping the world of virtual reality by serving as the world’s first gamer-dedicated, personal Omni-Directional Treadmill (ODT). It gives users the chance to move freely in 360 degrees, simulating infinite movement within the environment while occupying the bare minimum physical space. The KAT Walk C is designed for your home, providing an innovative VR walking solution.

Why is it noteworthy?

Since the treadmill incorporates natural movement in VR, it elevates the gameplay, offering a more engaging and authentic experience. It fits perfectly in your gaming cave, providing mobility to taken in and out, as and when needed. It is also affordable, and multifunctional.

What we like

  • The treadmill features a space-efficient design, ensuring it doesn’t occupy much space
  • It encourages physical activity, offering a new health-conscious approach to gaming

What we dislike

  • Users may take some time to get used to walking and running on an omnidirectional treadmill

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