For the uninitiated, Advent Calendars aren’t your standard calendars. Rather than chronicling the 365 days into 12 months, Advent Calendars have just one simple purpose – to count down the days till Christmas. The calendar became somewhat of a tradition in the 1850s, with 24 different flaps that had Bible verses that you’d read every day up until Christmas Day on the 25th of December. In modern times, the calendar has become more of a gifting ritual, with brands creating tiny calendars with products/gifts for each day. This year, the folks at Onyx Coffee Lab decided to make a calendar that quite literally gets you ‘charged up’ for Christmas. The 2023 Coffee Advent Calendar comes in a gorgeous box that opens up to reveal an entire spread of coffee. The box itself is decorated beautifully with gold foil, and creates a wonderful fanned presentation of coffee sachets when opened. I imagine once you’re done drinking all that coffee, it would make for an incredible book or magazine holder!
Featuring 24 days of coffee, the calendar explores various origins, blends, and processing methods, allowing you to experience a veritable tapestry of coffee flavors leading up to Christmas. It’s a perfect way to explore the world through a single cup before deciding on what coffee you want to try more of in the next year!
While Onyx delights practically every year with its gorgeous advent calendars, this year’s packaging exudes elegance and is designed to leave a lasting impression. The box’s exterior is adorned with stunning seasonal illustrations, enhanced with gold foil treatments. Upon opening the box, you’ll discover an accordion-style collection box revealing 24 individually wrapped bags of coffee. Each bag is marked from Day 1 to Day 24, guiding you on a daily journey of coffee discovery. A beautifully designed information card is also included, providing details about each coffee, adding to the overall unique coffee experience.
Not everyone can afford a Breguet, Rolex, Richard Mille, or Audemars Piguet. Not only are they ridiculously expensive, they’re also gatekept from us regular folk by an arduously long waiting and approval process. You don’t simply go buy a Patek Philippe, you need to be ‘approved’ to buy one. This artificial scarcity makes it difficult for any watch enthusiast to appreciate great watchmaking, but the folks at Tèfo Clockwork have a clever solution – their laser-cut DIY kits allow you to build some of the most beautiful movements and complications found on luxury watches. Instead of splurging millions on a timepiece, Tèfo’s DIY kits let you build working mechanisms for a few hundred dollars, turning them into functional table clocks instead.
Created by a team of hardcore horology-enthusiasts, Tèfo Clockwork’s kits bring million-dollar timepieces to the masses. Their laser-cut wooden kits are highly detailed, and are scaled up so you don’t need Swiss-level precision to assemble them. Their current kits come in 4 complication styles – a Center Tourbillon, a Minute Repeater, a Fly-back Chronograph, and a Perpetual Calendar. These complications can be found in some of the most high-end watch brands, but with Tèfo, they can be bought, assembled, and admired at a much lower price. The complications aren’t the watches themselves, so Tèfo isn’t infringing on any intellectual property. The mechanical movements are open for all to build (although some of them like the tourbillon are so complex on a small scale that only a few companies can build them), and that’s pretty much what the Tèfo Clockwork kits hope to achieve.
The center tourbillon
Back in the late 18th century, Swiss-French watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet developed the tourbillon, a watch complication that was designed to counteract the effect of gravity on the watch’s accuracy. This was a concern back in the days of the pocket watch, but as wristwatches gained popularity, a fixed direction of gravity wasn’t really a concern because of the wrist’s constant movement. Tourbillons soon began fading away (given how complex they were to manufacture), although some brands retained them as a work of luxurious art and a symbol of craftsmanship. The Tèfo TC-01 table clock scales up the classic tourbillion, which can be visible right behind the TC logo on the front. The entire contraption measures approximately 10 inches tall and wide, featuring a skeletal design of multiple wooden components that assemble together to create the TC-01 table clock. More than 300 parts come together to build the TC-01, taking over 15 hours (think of it as a highly complex 3D puzzle). The clock draws power from a 12V motor, which is designed to run 24/7, and when you’re not admiring the constant movement of the tourbillon inside, you can actually use the TC-01 to read the time thanks to an hour and a minute dial that rotate with the same accuracy you’d expect from a haute Swiss-made timepiece. At the center is the Tèfo Clockwork logo, which rotates precisely once every second.
The minute repeater
You can build on the TC-01 by adding a minute repeater to it. The minute repeater was originally developed to help tell the time in the dark by chiming every hour, quarter, or minute depending on its setting. Originally used by aristocrats in the 1600s, this too disappeared ‘with time’, becoming just a mechanical luxury found on high-end watches. Tèfo Clockwork’s Minute Repeater module comes with more than 400 parts, requiring over 24 hours of work to put together. Once assembled, it can be paired with the TC-01 by plugging into its side and connecting using a series of pins. Similarly, Tèfo is working on two more complications – the fly-back chronograph (found on ultra-premium Richard Mille watches) and the perpetual calendar (which can be found in Patek Philippe’s watches that cost up to 9 million a pop) that can both be plugged into another side of your TC-01 clock, building on its intricacy, complexity, and accuracy. Both the fly-back chronograph and the perpetual calendar come with 150 parts, and take roughly 8 hours to put together.
Tèfo Clockwork’s entire kits come made from precisely laser-cut wood, with a combination of both light and dark woods to help highlight certain features and increase contrast between different parts. Load-bearing components or parts subject to wear-and-tear are made of metal, while ball-bearings ensure gears, hands, and other components like the tourbillon can rotate freely without any sort of friction. The kit is available as a central module that serves as a clock, with the option of plugging two more modules into its left and right sides to create a larger-than-life functioning luxury clock! Who says you need to sell your house, car, and kidney to afford a Richard Mille or an Audemars Piguet complication?!
The Tèfo Clockwork TC-01 starts at $249 for just the center tourbillon clock, or $749 for the tourbillon clock and two more complication modules. Tèfo offers global shipping with all units expected to ship by November, making these kits a perfect DIY project for you, or a Holiday Gift for a watch-loving friend or family member!
When it comes to setting up our living space, we often focus on the furniture we place in it or the interior decor style we opt for. But what truly makes or breaks a space, and adds a charming spark to it, is the home decor accents we adorn it with. Home decor accents are the diverse range of decorative items that are utilized to elevate the aesthetic appeal of a space and personalize the interior of a home. The right set of home decor accents can help you set the correct tone and theme for your home. But besides being decorative, we believe these designs should be functional as well – the best of both worlds! Hence, we’ve curated a collection of functional and aesthetically pleasing home decor accents that we feel will make an excellent addition to your living space.
1. CD Jacket Player
You can now relive your favorite moments with CDs while appreciating their accompanying album art no matter where you are with the CD Jacket Player. It not only accommodates classic audio CDs but also elevates their aesthetic appeal by harmoniously integrating their jackets.
The CD Jacket Player not only boasts the CD jacket art but can also be wall-mounted allowing it to function as a decorative element in your home. It allows you to display your favorite album art, while also enhancing the visual appeal of your living space, and adding some personal style to it.
What we like
Adds some personality and style to your living space, especially a boon for music fanatics
What we dislike
Since it is a CD player, this limits its appeal and functionality in a world where digital music streaming reigns supreme
2. Bookish Bookmark
You can now enjoy hands-free reading with the Bookish Bookmark which allows you to keep your book open without having to utilize awkward and embarrassing workarounds, like pushing down both sides of the book with something heavy and ugly.
The Bookish Bookmark is perfect for those to want to display their favorite books as an element. It features a transparent design and can keep your book open, adding a visually interest piece to a bookshelf or table. The bookmark can transform your favorite book into a decorative piece, as well as a functional item.
What we like
Allows you to display your favorite book in a visually pleasing manner
What we dislike
It might be too large for small books, and disliked by those who prefer discreet bookmarks
3. Harmony Flame Lamp Fireplace
This stunning brass lamp lets you enjoy a beautiful and safe fire indoors, as it uses eco-friendly bioethanol to spread illumination and warmth in your home. It is built using the same technique that is utilized to craft musical instruments.
The unique brass fireplace is designed to enhance the mood of indoor spaces. The flames and reflective surfaces play with light and shadows, creating an appealing decorative piece that is ideal for your patio or dining table. The fireplace uses odorless and smokeless fuel and has a compact size making it a perfect fit for your home.
What we like
Allows you to enjoy a safe and pretty fire inside the comfort of your home
What we dislike
The lamp utilizes bioethanol which is eco-friendly, but will need to be purchased and refilled, creating a fuel dependency
The fuel capacity and compact size of the lamp may not support extended use, which some people need for longer-lasting illumination
4. Statement Floral Bud Vase
You can now display the natural beauty of a flower and steam with this pretty and unique metal flower vase. This flower vase can disappear into the background, and it allows for a more thoughtful and careful approach to flower arrangement, which celebrates floral beauty in simplicity.
The minimalist design of the unique metal flower case allows it to artfully merge into the background. The vase is also quite carefully weighted to avoid any toppling, and is designed to showcase the flower, and put the complete focus on it.
What we like
Available in silver and pink gold, so you can pick your preferred color
Highlights the natural beauty of the flower
What we dislike
The vase is quite small, so this limits the type and number of flowers it can hold, not the best option for those who prefer large flower arrangements
Can get easily knocked over, owing to its small size
5. Invisible Shoehorn
The Invisible Shoehorn will save your back and your socks as it will seamlessly disappear into the background when it’s not being used. It features a long stainless steel body that prevents snags and tears in socks and stockings.
What makes this shoehorn so unique is that it disappears into the background when it is not being used. The shoehorn features a transparent stand, and the two team up to create an intriguing and attractive decoration for your home. It has both practical use and decorative appeal, allowing it to have dual functionality.
What we like
Functional product with decorative appeal
Merges into the background when not in use
What we dislike
Hefty price tag which may not be preferred by some users
6. Jewelvase Mirror Stand
This pretty little mirror doubles up as an accessory stand or vase, which not only allows you to peer at your face but also enhances anything that is placed in front of it. It features a simple and elegant design that allows it to stand out, which also provides functionality.
The Jewelvase Mirror Stand features dual functionality, which essentially means it serves as a mirror and a vase or accessory stand. The innovative piece is functional, which also elevates the aesthetic appeal of any space it is placed in. It is built using bioplastic material which contains rice husks, which adds to its decorative qualities. It is a multifunctional and elegantly designed piece that serves as an excellent home decor accent.
What we like
The perfect mix of dual functionality and good looks
Elevates any desk, table, or furniture piece it is placed on
What we dislike
Since it functions as a mirror and vase, this dual functionality could hinder and compromise its effectiveness in either role
7. Anywhere-Use Lamp
Dubbed the Anywhere-Use Lamp, this minimalist and portable table lamp looks just like a mushroom that you can pop up almost anywhere. It features a modular design and uses regular AA batteries, allowing you to carry it and use it wherever you like.
What makes this lamp so unique is that you can utilize it to create the right mood anywhere. It uses six high-color rendering LEDs to produce a soft and warm light, that can set up the perfect mood in any space. It is excellent for mood lighting and has an aesthetic appeal that aligns perfectly with the objectives of home decor accents.
What we like
Creates the ideal mood and ambience anywhere irrespective of the location
Elevates the visual and sensory appeal of living space
What we dislike
It is built using iron with powder coating, which does not provide the premium feel that most users prefer for their home decor items
8. Key Holder Wakka
You can now build the habit of putting your keys in the right place with the Key Holder Wakka. It features a stylish key ring and an elegant wooden base which come together to create a stunning home accent that makes storing away your key an enjoyable action.
The keyholder utilizes a powerful neodymium magnet that keeps the keyring in place, and a brisk tapping sound is created at separation. You can pick between iron, brass, or stainless steel in material choices with Silver/Maple and Silver/Walnut options which contribute to its decorative qualities.
What we like
Makes putting your key in place a fun and enjoyable activity that you don’t avoid
What we dislike
The neodymium magnet cannot hold heavier sets of keys effectivity, which limits its utility
9. Modular Flower Tubes
The Modular Flower Tubes are an amazing alternative to the beautiful but boring vases we’ve grown so accustomed to. This unique metal and wood container offers liberating creativity to its users. You can create your own arrangement of flowers according to your personal taste and preference.
The vase features thin copper pipes that can be arranged in diverse positions, creating beautiful floral displays. It allows users to develop unique patinas over time, which builds the aesthetic sense of the vase. The wooden base is a sturdy element that provides stability to the design. It is an ideal home decor accent since it combines both functionality and visual appeal.
What we like
Gives users creative freedom, and allows them to create their own arrangements
What we dislike
The unique patinas that develop over the tubes do add character, but will also need to be maintained and may not be liked by everyone
10. Precision Sakura Metal Puzzle
You can now provide your brain with a satisfying challenge using this beautiful all-metal puzzle. The puzzle takes on the shape of Japan’s most iconic flowers with intriguing pieces that look so similar you’ll be wondering where they go and where to put them.
Once this metal puzzle has been assembled it takes on the shape of Japan’s iconic sakura flowers. The puzzle is built from mirror-finish stainless steel with pieces that fit completely and seamlessly together. This, in turn, creates a visually pleasing decorative piece. Once completed, the puzzle forms an artistic and stylish home decor accent that can elevate any ordinary desk or shelf.
What we like
Allows you to build a puzzle and interact with a fun game, while also functioning as a beautiful home accent
What we dislike
The puzzle could be difficult to put together, which may not be preferred by users who are seeking a relaxing experience
It’s safe to say that the pandemic is now behind us and that all those dormant travel plans from 3 years ago are finally becoming much more easy to execute. The world has changed a lot in the last few years, however… technology has united us, blurring boundaries and allowing us to experience the world like never before. This collection of gadgets embodies technology’s ability to push your boundaries and help you be a global citizen. We’ve got some incredible translators from the award-winning folks at Timekettle, whether you’re a traveler, an expat, a student, or someone working at a multinational corporation. Alongside those, we’ve also got a handful of charging gadgets, productivity tools, classy watches, everything you need to be the ace traveler, worker, and communicator!
1. Timekettle M3 – 3-in-1 Translator Earbuds
These aren’t your average TWS Earbuds – they’re more akin to those fancy ear-worn translator gadgets you’ve seen in sci-fi action and spy movies. Pop the M3 in and it actively translates languages for you, making it perfect to discreetly understand foreign speech without the cumbersome practice of holding up a phone or translator device so someone can talk into it. The M3 sports a unique split-case design that opens into two halves with one earpiece each. This facilitates a kind of verbal ‘breaking of bread’, where you share one half of the M3 with someone who you can converse with, in what Timekettle calls Touch Mode. The Listen and Speaker modes rely on your smartphone too, enabling one-way or even two-way communication using your smartphone’s screen and microphone in tandem. The M3 actively translates 40 languages and 93 accents in real-time (with offline translation for 8 major languages). Given the wearable nature of the device, it also sports ANC, EQ tuning abilities, and still boasts 95% accuracy with a negligible 0.5-second delay that allows for smooth conversations. Given its portable nature and budget-friendly price, the M3 is perfect for the casual traveler or a foreign student on a budget. It pairs with Timekettle’s smartphone app, which is available on both Android and iOS.
Wear the earbuds and you can suddenly understand almost every language. As fairytale-like as that sounds, it’s pretty much the premise of the M3. The different Modes allow you to use the M3 in a variety of ways, making it perfect for work calls with overseas colleagues/clients/vendors, foreign travelers speaking to locals, listening to performances in foreign languages, attending lectures/classes, or even interacting with local authorities without a language barrier.
What we like
It looks like your average pair of TWS earbuds, but the M3 is a world-class in-ear translator that also happens to play music, answer calls, and listen to podcasts!
The split-case design turns the stereo earbuds into individual mono headsets
Perfect for travelers, students abroad, and people looking to learn/understand new languages
What we dislike
No option to tailor EQ for podcasts or music
2. Nothing-inspired Power Bank Concept
This concept for the London-based Carl Pei venture is an accessory anyone would love to have handy. The see-through aesthetics of this power bank adapted from the Nothing Phone (2) are well complemented by the diffused LED lighting on all sides to lend it a futuristic look. The speed of the hard disk is displayed on top adjacent to where you’ll find all the ports to connect your power-hungry gadgets. To keep up with the likes of Seagate, Western Digital, and SanDisk – the compact Nothing external HDD concept should be offered in a comparative capacity – starting from 2TB and going all the way up to 8TB.
Why is it noteworthy?
Gen-Z users will always choose an option that is aesthetically pleasing and cool to show off among peers. With the Nothing’s see-through power bank, there’s a huge potential audience base that can be lured to create the initial buzz.
What we like
A refreshing design that challenges the competition
Made out of lightweight and durable material
What we dislike
No lanyard tether for easy carrying
3. Timekettle Fluentalk T1 Mini – Travel Translator Device
This tiny handheld device is your passport to effortless communication across languages. Styled somewhat like a smartphone with its own touchscreen, camera, microphone, and speaker system, the T1 Mini unlocks the power of instant translation for audio, text, and images, eliminating the need to even take your phone and power the Google Translator app. It handles 36 languages and even works with 88 accents, offering offline translation for 13 popular languages. The standout feature is its 5MP camera that translates 39 languages from signs, menus, and more. For conversations, the T1 Mini works as a two-way translator, converting multiple languages into text and speech to facilitate an easy conversation. The lag is practically negligible with 95% accuracy, thanks to Fluentalk’s built-in translation engine.
Inferring from its name, the T1 ‘Mini’ is the size of a credit card, fitting in your pocket for instant access. It comes powered by a 1500mAh battery, it offers seven days of use on a full charge. Plus, you get one year of free global data, making it ideal for international adventures.
The Fluentalk T1 Mini eliminates the need to open your phone, fire the translator app, make sure you’re connected to the internet, or have the language pack downloaded. It offers one-button translation, simplifying the entire process down to a single click. The T1 Mini also comes with free global data and offline translation, eliminating the need to look for free WiFi while abroad. It’s compact, affordable, and could potentially be an absolute life-saver on your trips!
What we like
One-button translation & instant activation make it easy to use, regardless of age or experience
Compact credit card-sized design
Ability to understand even accents with 95% accuracy
What we dislike
The 2.8-inch screen might feel a little too small for some people
4. UFO Magsafe Charger Concept
There are the usual MagSafe chargers and then there is the UFO MagSafe Wireless Charger that is destined to turn eyeballs. If you want to have the same functionality that the third-party options by Belkin, Mophie, Anker, and Satechi offer but with that oomph factor, then look no further. The concept design has a cute little UFO riding on the back of your iPhone 15 and you would be tempted to turn down your phone every time it runs out of juice just to have a look at that cute little being on the back. So, In a way, it keeps you from instinctively checking the device for any new notifications.
Why is it noteworthy?
The aesthetic appeal of the MagSafe charger adds fun to your smartphone charging routines and we bet you won’t get bored of it.
What we like
The ambient light that surrounds the UFO every time you juice up your device
What we dislike
The UFO rounded shape does not give the best grip to hold onto while using your phone when charging
For more serious globetrotters, immigrants/expats, and international business travelers, the T1 is the Mini’s larger sibling, offering a sizeable 4-inch 1080p display that’s without compromise. It beefs up the hardware that the T1 Mini had with a quad-core chip that offers faster translation (0.2-second lag) with even better coverage, directly integrating into over 200 international networks. The T1 supports online audio translation for 40 languages and 93 accents, and an 8MP camera helps translate text in images across 36 different languages. A built-in multi-microphone array with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) makes the T1 perfect for conversations with local residents and law enforcement, waiters and hotel staff, international colleagues, clients, and investors, or even teachers and students on foreign campuses. The T1 also ships with a free 2-year global data plan that covers all your needs.
The Fluentalk T1 eliminates the need to open your phone, fire the translator app, make sure you’re connected to the internet, or have the language pack downloaded. It’s compact, purpose-built, and does its job like an absolute beast. Whether you’re a traveler or an expat, the T1 is perfect to have on you in a foreign land. Buh bye, Duolingo and Google Translate
What we like
As intuitive to use as a smartphone, without the added apps, notifications, and distractions
2 years of free global data
What we dislike
No external audio input or microphone jack for direct voice translation without a device connection
Has a ‘Swear Filter’ that won’t translate curse words
6. Momentum Watch
Time is relative, that is what we have learned and the designers at All Design Lab have found a way to convert the changing nature of time into a physical gadget. Named Momentum, this watch is almost a kinetic sculpture that adjusts its intensity of spinning based on your emotional and productivity state. For example, the time movement is faster or slower depending on whether the watch senses positive or negative behavior, conveying to the user that their time is being seized or wasted so they can adjust their actions accordingly.
Why is it noteworthy?
Momentum takes away from traditional time-telling, to make the entire experience to be ‘in the moment’. The aim is to double down on the time you have rather than spend it chasing notifications throughout the day and wondering, at the end where the time went!
What we like
The kinetic sculpture creates a soothing movement that can be almost meditative and help the user calm down if they feel themselves getting agitated
Using beautifully neutral tones, this gadget is almost a fashion wearable that is sure to be a conversation starter
What we dislike
The watch offers no option to switch or showcase the actual time, making the users rely on secondary devices and hence breaking the impactful habit they are creating with Momentum
7. Timekettle WT2 Edge – The World’s First Simultaneous Translator Earbuds
The WT2 Edge is the upgraded version of Timekettle’s first-ever product, the WT2. It assumes the shape of your everyday TWS Earbuds, but instead of just playing music or letting you answer calls, the WT2 Edge serves as a bi-directional translator device that works in real time. Just have two people pop one earpiece on and the WT2 Edge begins working, every person in the conversation can speak and listen to translated speeches from counterparts at the same time, offering active translations with unnoticeable lag. Like the M3, the WT2 Edge also works with 40 languages and 93 accents, relying on Timekettle’s AI along with 6 different translation engines to give you 95% accurate translations in under half a second. The earbuds also pack directional voice recognition and ambient noise canceling, picking up your speech with crystal clarity and without any interfering noise. Multiple usage modes allow you to interact freely with people around the globe, but the folks at Timekettle believe the WT2 Edge’s true prowess lies in the conference room. Aside from working in a physical meeting setup with as many as 6 people in the same room, Timekettle’s Group Chat software supports connecting as many as 30 users together, translating both audio and text across multiple languages, making it just perfect for international video calls with clients, colleagues, and investors all across the globe. A single click lets you export your chats too, proving to be ideal for important meetings as well as college lectures.
The WT2 Edge builds on Timekettle’s original vision – to blur the boundaries between different people around the world looking to collaborate together. The device assumes the form of a pair of TWS earbuds, but rather serves as an active translator that helps colleagues, clients, investors, vendors, and other stakeholders in the business to communicate freely regardless of what language they speak. The WT2 Edge is perfect for companies with branches overseas, and on the off chance you find yourself traveling, it’s great for understanding foreign languages as a tourist too!
What we like
As the world’s first Simultaneous Translator Earbuds, Simul Mode enables you to have seamless, real-time conversations as if the two people are speaking the same language
Four different translation modes to cater to all translation needs and scenarios
The ability to pair up to 30 devices in the Group Chat app
What we dislike
Only built for translation, not music.
8. COMM Productivity Manager
If you ever wanted a gadget that could bring your productivity back on track when working from home, this would be it. The COMM smart screen concept removes all the unnecessary distractions that come in the line of communication and online work. For instance, receiving an important mail on your computer and then getting lost down the rabbit hole with distracting apps. The portable touchscreen display designed for work-from-home fanatics focuses on smooth information flow and idea sharing, thereby creating a virtual office environment optimized for productivity.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can connect via video conferencing or audio chat with co-workers and clients directly on the simple interface. Scheduling meetings and getting prompt notifications don’t hamper current workflow which is another plus.
What we like
Distraction-free WFH gadget that keeps productivity in check
Ability to video chat and set meeting schedules right from the screen
What we dislike
Limited functionality that’ll only appeal to a particular set of users
9. Saint Antoine USB Drive
The USB flash drive is one accessory that is an absolute necessity for any kind of user – after all, everything is going digital and data is mostly stored that way. But by today’s standard, the USB flash drives are bigger in size even though some brands shave off the external housing size as a trade-off for durability. However, the Saint Antoine USB takes a detour from the usual design, fitting in perfectly between the keys of your laptop when not in use. This explains the branch-like shape of the accessory. The advantage of this unique shape, well, you never lose the USB drive, as most people are guilty of doing.
Why is it noteworthy?
The compact, thin size challenges existing products on the market. Makes good use of existing space for easy storage that otherwise is not the case with USB drives that are vulnerable to getting lost.
What we like
Slim design that solves a purpose
You can carry your USB drive anywhere without the fear of losing
What we dislike
The one-size-fits-all design is impractical as different laptops have different-sized layouts
10. Sydra Clock
In this digitally dominated world, how many times have we missed out on an opportunity because we forgot or were late for an appointment? Productivity is the trending keyword for all of us and while we are chasing that aim of getting our work-life balance right, we are usually lagging behind and leaving ourselves with a general feeling of dissatisfaction. The Sydra (after the ancient world’s accurate timekeeping device – Clepsydra) aims to help you manage life better by logging all your activities with the time at which you aim to fulfill them. Imagine it hanging in your work setup, giving you a gentle nudge towards your next goal while keeping track of the time spent on the current one. Combining the analog clock with a digital calendar, the Sydra offers an improved hands-free experience that makes time management a more phone-free task.
Why is it noteworthy?
Sydra’s hour hand is a constant reminder of the passage of time as it sweeps across your 12-hour schedule for the day, making space for the next activity or leisure time planned by you. Inspired by the ancient world’s most accurate timekeeping device (the clepsydra), the Sydra brings a bit of that ancient history to your modern room with effortless elegance.
What we like
Sydra can sync multiple calendars (of your family or different work schedules) to create a cohesive tracking/time management device
It is a functional piece of decor, giving you the best of both worlds
What we dislike
With a 12-hour system, Sydra cannot show the next 12 hours while you are approaching the end of the current 12-hour shift, leaving a gap in your time management
Nothing is probably more unpredictable than weather, and temperatures can vary greatly even in the same season. People often prepare different wardrobes for different situations, but it can get pretty cumbersome to keep switching jackets whenever the weather changes. Plus, you might have a favorite that you wish you could use whether it’s chilly, sunny, or even rainy. The good news is that such a jacket is no longer just a dream but a toasty reality, thanks to an ingenious jacket design that not only lets you select your desired warmth but also lets you add or remove parts to match the weather, the season, and your sense of style.
Designer: Carolina Gutierrez, founder of UZE, a Miami-based start-up
One Jacket, Countless Options – Thanks to the precision engineering of its modular design, you get more than a jacket – you get an ally for every occasion.
Heated jackets have been around for quite a bit, but the majority of them are as effective as shoving a hot pack inside the jacket’s pocket. You only have one level of heat, which may be too little or too much depending on the weather. These jackets are also designed to be thick and bulky to keep your body warm, which means you can only use them for a limited number of months each year. The UZE Heated Jacket changes the game completely, promising a jacket that you can wear in all four seasons while giving you the power to decide just how toasty you really need to be.
Look Cool, Feel Hot – Four Graphene heat zones and three heat settings (120°F, 140°F, 160°F) ensure you stay warm in any weather.
The secret to this unbelievable feat is the same graphene technology that the brand uses for its popular power banks, which happens to be a remarkable material for heat conduction. With four graphene heat zones and three heat settings of 120°F, 140°F, and 160°F, you don’t have to frantically search for the right jacket just because it suddenly gets colder or warmer. With a simple touch of a button, you can select the level of warmth that will make you feel comfortable, whether you’re going out for a brisk morning walk or braving the snow. And you don’t have to worry about your jacket running out of power in the middle of the day. UZE is best known for its power banks, so you shouldn’t be surprised that its Heated Jacket carries one that can keep you warm for up to 10 hours and charges in 45 minutes, 10x faster than your run-of-the-mill heated jacket.
Charge 10x Faster, Instant Warmth – The UZE Power Bank keeps you warm for up to 10 hours and charges 10x faster than typical heated jacket power banks (45 minutes vs. 8 hours).
That adjustable warmth is just one of the UZE Heated Jacket’s superpowers. Even when you don’t actually need that kind of heat, the jacket provides comfort and style all year round thanks to its modular design and stylish looks. Add a fur-lined hood when you want to keep your head warm as well or remove the liner when you want a snug fit. There’s even an underarm zipper for better ventilation, perfect for people with more active lifestyles. So yes, you can even wear it as part of your summer glam or fall fashion with its clean style and modern looks.
No More Raining on Your Parade – The fabric’s membranes are 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water but larger than water vapor molecules, achieving superior breathability.
Everything In Its Place, Always Within Reach – Instant access, all within reach. Bank card, key card or ski pass. Bid farewell to fiddly pockets.
One Jacket, Countless Options – Thanks to the precision engineering of its modular design, you get more than a jacket – you get an ally for every occasion.
With waterproof zippers and the specially-developed UZEShield fabric, you can also wear it under the rain or in strong winds. This proprietary fabric prevents water droplets from getting in while allowing water vapor to escape, ensuring enhanced breathability. Want to travel light without a bag? The jacket has plenty of pockets to carry not just the power bank, but also your phone, cards, and other accessories. It even has a cloth wiper for your sunglasses and a built-in keychain holder so you won’t have to worry about losing your keys ever again. With the UZE Heated Jacket, you’re in complete control of your comfort and your style, giving you the exact amount of warmth and protection you need, regardless of what the weather throws at you.
Nostalgia Upgraded – The Muro Box brings a fond childhood music instrument into the future with App Support and MIDI Connectivity
The second you hear a music box, your mind is taken to a fairytale land. Music box sounds have been used in cinemas to transition to dream sequences, showing exactly how rooted the sound of a music box is in childhood nostalgia. In the past, most of these mechanical musical instruments were found inside toys like snowglobes, jack-in-the-boxes, or other wind-up toys. You can still find music boxes today, although most of them just play fixed tunes like your odd nursery rhyme or Happy Birthday (some novelty stores even sell music boxes that play the Harry Potter or the Game of Thrones theme)… but the folks behind the Muro Box are doing something absolutely unusual. The Muro Box is the first customizable music box that can play pretty much any tune you want it to play, thanks to app connectivity and a MIDI interface. You can use Muro Box’s app to either compose your own tracks or browse through a library of pre-composed tracks… or better still, hook it to a MIDI synth and play music directly from your keyboard onto the Muro Box. The result is a charmingly nostalgic rendition of pretty much any song. Whether it’s a Christmas Carol or a Slipknot song, it’s sure to sound positively delightful and just incredibly dreamy!
The way most music boxes worked was simple. Each box would come with a rotating cylinder that had studs on it, and a metal comb placed strategically near said cylinder. When the cylinder would rotate, the studs would ‘pluck’ against the comb, creating notes. Based on the cylinder’s pattern, you could play elements of any song. The problem with the music boxes of the past, however, was that A. You couldn’t change the song and B. The drum’s limited circumference meant you could only play a small portion of the song over and over again, which would become a little annoyingly repetitive after the first few times. The Muro Box solves both those problems thanks to a patented dynamic cylinder that can change while it rotates. This game-changing innovation allows the Muro Box to not just play different songs, but also play ENTIRE songs.
While the Muro Box is built to be a treat for one’s ears, its beauty starts with that gorgeously nostalgic design, echoing the steampunk aesthetic of the good old days. The mechanical parts of the box are surrounded by gorgeous brass detailing, sitting on top of a single-piece maple or acacia wood platform. Zinc-alloy components help create a warm, pleasant sound, while the acacia platform comes with an acoustic chamber that amplifies the music box’s sound. A glass enclosure seals the Muro Box’s internal components, preventing dust, dirt, or fidgety children from toying with the box’s delicate assemblies. Quite like the Muro Box’s sound transports you to a simpler time, its design is a hallmark of the simpler years before electronics, circuit boards, and internet connectivity.
That being said, the box itself has some seriously impressive tech underneath its hood. It’s designed to be entirely programmable, which means you can choose what to play, thanks to a variable cylinder design that can pluck on the resonating comb in a variety of ways. The box connects to an app that allows you to either choose from a library of songs, or design your own melodies using a MIDI-style interface (think Guitar Hero, but with more notes). A single-button interface lets you twist to toggle between songs in the app’s playlist (left for previous, right for next), and pressing the button toggles the play/pause feature. If you’re looking to push the Muro Box to its absolute limit, a MIDI port on the back lets you connect your Muro Box to a synth or a laptop running a DAW, so you can play more complex melodies directly off music production software.
Most users will be more than content with running the Muro Box off its app. The vast library contains user-submitted tunes from all around the world, featuring classics, latest hits, and even local/regional tunes. Pick a tune and the box begins emitting a gentle whirr that’s punctuated by the melodious clinks of the cylinder’s studs hitting the resonating comb. The Muro Box’s different variants come with single, double, and quadruple-comb arrangements, allowing you to play simple tunes or even incredibly layered musical compositions.
The Muro Box comes in three variants, ranging from simple to complex. The catalog starts with the N20 Lite, a redesign of the company’s first N20 music box from back in 2020. The N20 Lite comes outfitted with one 20-note music comb, limiting the number of notes you have to play with. Designed to be smaller than its siblings, it also ditches the MIDI feature for app-only control, and comes with a battery-powered design that lets you carry your music box with you, unlike the larger models that are wired.
The next step in the Muro Box journey is the N40 Standard, with two 20-note combs, giving it a total of 40 notes. This allows the N40 to cover more notes and more octaves, allowing you to play more complicated songs with a lower baseline and upper melody. The final music box in the series is the N40 Sublime, a more complex version of its standard sibling with four 20-note combs instead of two. However, instead of offering 80 different notes, it sticks to 40 notes, but has duplicates for each note. This makes each individual note sound richer as it’s played twice, creating more resonance. The phenomenon is called Sublime Harmonizing, and the best way to understand the difference is to think of a solo singer versus a choir.
Both the N40 variants come with a DIN 5 and USB-C MIDI input, and there’s even a 6.5mm (1/4 inch) audio output with a transducer pickup system. The N40 Standard comes with a Maple box, but you can upgrade to the high-quality Acacia for an extra $90. The N40 Sublime, on the other hand, is outfitted with the acacia-wood box and even has a laser-engraved metal plaque that you can customize with a message of your own.
The Muro Box starts at a commendable $299 for the N20 Lite, going up to $996 for the N40 Standard or a hefty $1,826 for the N40 Sublime. It’s difficult to put a price on nostalgia but the Muro Box definitely doesn’t make things cheap! The music boxes are all made in Taiwan, and ship globally as early as December 2023.
Volcanoes, Earth’s formidable architects, carve landscapes with their fierce might, yet paradoxically, they also forge symbols of serenity’s triumph over chaos.
In the realm of sensory experiences, ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) has risen from a mere cultural whisper to a symphony of tranquility, celebrated and exaggerated in equal measure on digital platforms like YouTube. Beyond the online spectacle lies a substantive scientific foundation, offering genuine psychological solace through this tactile phenomenon. The essence of ASMR can be distilled without recourse to the digital world; sometimes, an object suffused with the right qualities suffices, particularly one as unexpected as that born from nature’s fiercest expression.
The volcanic eruption, a catastrophic spectacle, sculpts the earth and even casts its shadow globally through darkened skies. Yet, from this destruction, beauty emerges in the form of volcanic stones, the raw material for an innovative fusion of meditation aid and tactile object.
Comes in Moon Black or Mars Red.
Each ball is unique that it is one of nature’s masterpieces.
Enter the Lava Ball: a unique embodiment of nature’s dual character. Crafted partly from volcanic rock, its identity is defined by the stone’s intrinsic uniqueness—each porous and textured surface a testament to nature’s artistry. Polished to eliminate impurities, this hemispherical wonder boasts a singular aesthetic.
Listening｜Embrace the rhythm of the Earth and relieve your stress.
In concert with the sphere’s other half, a matte aluminum alloy, the Lava Ball presents a harmonious marriage of the organic and the engineered. This duality facilitates a near-complete ASMR experience: tactile engagement with the rock’s ruggedness, aromatic journeys via essential oils absorbed by the stone, auditory pleasure from its rhythmic motion, and visual allure from its hypnotic spinning on a magnetic base.
Gazing｜Focus on the present state to get to the next level of meditation. Awaiting the moments of inspiration to come.
Smelling｜Perceive and immerse yourself with the familiar scent to wake up the pleasant memory.
Touching｜Experience the unique rock texture to ease the anxiety.
Thanks to the magnet holder, it will always stay on the desktop and come in handy just to inspire you.
Drop one of your favorite essential oil scents and gently turn the ball to spread scents to the air for immediate diffusion.
More than a mere distraction, the Lava Ball serves as a conduit to mindfulness, whether used as a tactile focus or an aromatic centerpiece. Its design, aimed at cultivating relaxation and introspection, circumvents any awkwardness associated with conventional ASMR methods.
The fusion of volcanic and metallic elements is achieved through magnetic bonding, allowing for effortless customization. Its magnetic holder, utilizing nano-suction technology, adheres to surfaces seamlessly, rendering it an elegant and functional desk accessory. A tangible metaphor, the Lava Ball stands as a stylish emblem of beauty’s emergence from turmoil, much like the volcanoes that inspire its creation.
You might as well call it a wearable thermostat because the HILU Blanket can keep you warm in the cold, and keep you cool in the hot months. Designed to be the kind of blanket you can use all year round, HILU’s unique thermoregulating properties can be attributed to the use of a single innovative material – Graphene. Known for its super-conductivity, the pure graphene fibers within the HILU blanket intuitively work to keep you warm or cool based on your body temperature. The blanket works entirely without electricity, adapts to your needs, and can simultaneously keep one half of the bed warm while keeping the other half cool! Whether you’re looking for a neat Christmas gift, or just looking to cut down your energy bills by not cranking the thermostat up this winter, the HILU is a perfect alternative to that stuffy, sweaty comforter… and it’s currently on a massive discount for the holiday season.
HILU graphene-made blanket adjusts to your body temperature so you can sleep all night comfortably in every season.
Why is it noteworthy?
A blanket that does the job of a Thermostat – the graphene fibers in the HILU blanket work to keep you comfortable all year round. The blanket’s built to be durable, anti-microbial, and odor-resistant, with over 10,000 happy customers!
What we like
Will warm or cool you depending on the weather and your body temperature
Soft, hypoallergenic, and anti-bacterial
30-day trial period and 10-year limited manufacturing warranty
What we dislike
The lack of color options beyond silver
No single-bed size for smaller beds
The world’s first pure graphene blanket, HILU possesses some unique qualities. It can regulate temperatures better than any other fabric, switching from hot to cold based on your own body temperature. That means in the summers, it cools your body down, and in winter, it warms you up. More importantly, the temperature regulation is hyper-localized too, which means for two people sharing the same blanket, it can keep one warm and the other cool or vice versa. That aside, the presence of graphene fibers allows the HILU blanket to be naturally sweat and odor-resistant, while also being anti-bacterial. Given the sheer strength of graphene as a material, the HILU blanket is built to be incredibly durable too (the company touts an unmatched warranty).
Made of genuine graphene fibers, HILU blankets are the strongest and most durable in the market.
Crafted from graphene fiber, HILU’s fabric construction begins with the dissolution of graphite into liquid graphene crystals using a specialized wet spinning process. These liquid crystals are then dried to form the fibers, which are skillfully woven together using Patented Adaptex Technology. The result is a remarkable blanket that not only senses and adapts to your body temperature but also excels in other essential aspects of blanket design, such as being soft, comfortable, hypoallergenic, and even OEKO-TEX100 certified. Furthermore, the use of graphene in the construction ensures exceptional durability, making your HILU blanket long-lasting and incredibly durable.
The blanket’s thermoregulating feature gives it the unique distinction of being a blanket you can use all around the year, in any weather. When you’re cold, the fibers dissipate heat to raise your body temperature, and when you’re hot, the graphene fibers absorb heat from your body, cooling you down, reducing stuffiness or humidity, and keeping you dry and sweat-free all night long. Even if you do sweat, the graphene fibers are naturally anti-bacterial, allowing your blanket to remain fresh for weeks (although we do recommend occasional washes!) To wash your blanket, just run it on a gentle cycle with cold water and tumble low dry and your HILU is as good as new!
The HILU blanket comes in both Queen and King sizes, backed by its maker’s impressive 10-year limited manufacturing warranty. The blanket itself comes in a gorgeous neutral satin grey color, although HILU does offer color customization by way of stitch colors, available in gray, blue, and green to match your room’s decor. Both the Queen and King blankets are on a hefty discount exclusive to YD readers, and if you want, HILU offers a graphene + memory foam sleeping mask to match your blanket!
It’s said that the superiority of the human race can be linked to one event – the discovery and control of fire. Ever since apes figured out how to ignite flames, it put them on a trajectory completely different from the rest of the animal kingdom. Fire became a weapon, fire became shelter, fire became protection, and eventually it helped us cook food in ways that no other animal ever could. Humans and fire have shared a destiny for hundreds and thousands of years, and the UM 8-Panel Fire Pit cherishes that by allowing humans more control over how they ignite outdoor fires. Crafted with a unique, modular 8-panel design, the UM Fire Pit is a portable sheet-metal beauty that can be used as a warming, radiating campfire on a cold winter day, or as a high-temperature grilling pit for quickly searing meats for an incredibly fulfilling rustic meal.
Designed to be intuitive to set up and easy to use, the UM Fire Pit is the perfect lightweight fire-building apparatus for seasoned outdoor-lovers who want to build effective campfires without all the hassle involved. The sheet metal design contains the cinder within, keeping the fire relatively enclosed while also collecting ashes and embers that fall. Moreover, a unique secondary airflow channel built into the pit’s design helps boost air circulation, allowing your wood to burn more effectively without any smoke. When all’s said and done, the fire pit disassembles into its different parts that can be stored in a special carrying case, making it easy to travel with.
Unlike most fire pits that are designed to be permanent outdoor fixtures, the UM Fire Pit is a portable device that fits into a case the size of a laptop bag. When you need to set the pit up, it takes just under a minute as you place the base on a flat horizontal surface before plugging the 8 panels in. The sheet-metal design keeps the entire fire-pit extremely light but still durable, stable, and highly heat resistant. The fire pit can be assembled in one of many ways – with all 8 panels creating an octagonal heat-chamber for grilling, or with as few as 3-4 panels in an arc to help radiate warmth while allowing you to admire the fire, or with as many panels you want in any configuration to create a balance between heat and flame visibility.
Firewood fits right inside the pit, with the option to add as time passes by, while ashes from the burning cinders gather in a tray at the base which can easily be cleaned once the fire dies down and the pit is cool to the touch. However, while the fire is still roaring, the UM Fire Pit’s grilling plate accessory can be mounted on top of the vertical panels, turning your cozy campfire into the best kitchen the outdoors can provide.
The UM Fire Pit’s ingenious design can be credited to Japanese simplicity and craftsmanship. The entire pit is built from start to finish in Japan, and comes crafted from precisely laser-cut and bent sheets of metal. The base is formed and then welded shut to close any seams that may cause ash to leak through, while each of the vertical panels plug right into a series of cutouts designed to bring the pit together. The vertical panels come with a unique hollow design and a set of holes at the bottom as well as the top. The purpose of these holes is to cleverly channel the air in a way that burns the fire more efficiently.
More oxygen means more fire, simply put. The UM Fire Pit’s design helps provide ‘secondary’ combustion by adding more air into the mix. When all 8 panels are assembled, air gets circulated within the pit’s octagonal design, helping the wood burn. However, air at the bottom also gets channeled into the hollow panels, where they rise up due to heat and make their way out from the holes above. This air helps the wood burn more efficiently, creating extra heat while eliminating smoke that’s caused by incomplete combustion. The result is a better fire, not just for your lungs but also for your food, as the UM Fire Pit reaches higher temperatures than your regular campfire, allowing you to cook food faster than before.
The fire pit’s modular design gives you the power to build exactly the pit you’re looking for. Assemble 4 panels in a continuous arc and you have a directional campfire that radiates heat in a 180° span while allowing you to admire the fire burning within the pit. Want to channel the heat further? Add more panels, concentrating the radiation in a smaller area while also allowing the fire to burn hotter. Add more panels to build a grilling pit, or remove selective panels to make it easier to add logs from the side.
The UM Fire Pit comes crafted from iron sheets, and that black outer finish is actually the result of a unique mill scale coating process that’s produced by heating the iron at a certain temperature for a specific amount of time. This rustic black finish outlasts any paint or color coating, growing richer and deeper with time. Meanwhile, the pit’s panels and base have an inner lining of stainless steel that turns bronze when exposed to high heat as the fire creates an oxide layer on it. This gradually patinas with time, becoming unique to each user and their fire-pit usage style. Although the pit’s parts are crafted to be resistant to rust, the makers recommend wiping off moisture to keep the parts as good as new, and applying a thin layer of oil to help prevent rust build-up, quite like you would with cast iron cookware.
Each UM Fire Pit comes crafted in Japan at Sanyo Works Co., Ltd. – a metalwork plant that’s been operational since 1953, with extensive experience in fabricating metal parts and products. The pit’s simple yet robust design is crafted to last a lifetime, and each put comes with its own carrying bag that lets you travel with your portable fire pit anywhere, whether it’s the backyard, the poolside, or a camping trail. The UM Fire Pit starts at a discounted $225 and ships globally starting Jan 2024… although here’s the kicker, the first 5 backers will get their UM Fire Pit right before Christmas, making for a great gift, or for that s’mores and caroling-by-the-fireside session!
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