The launch of the Apple Vision Pro sparked renewed interest in extended reality experiences, both those offered by full-blown and heavy headsets as well as those pushed by more straightforward glasses. The latter often rely on your smartphone or a dedicated remote control to navigate through apps projected in front of you, an indirect interaction method made more awkward by the standard design of these devices. Remote controls might be fine for TVs and appliances, but not when you can barely see your own hand. This concept design tries to challenge convention by redesigning the face of a remote, offering a more ergonomic and simpler way to move around mixed reality while wearing those XR glasses.
Designer: Yiqiao Liu
XR or eXtended Reality glasses like the Xreal Air and TCL RayNeo can probably be called the poor man’s Vision Pro. They practically display a virtual monitor in front of you, which may or may not be pinned in an arbitrary location or follow your head around. This allows the glasses to be lighter, cheaper, and less conspicuous, though they do look like overgrown sunglasses. This also makes using the XR platform feel a bit more familiar because they more or less correspond to familiar operating systems like Windows or Android.
Moving around and interacting with objects in this XR space is then a simpler matter as well, and some even use the phone itself as a pointer and remote control, which is difficult to use when your vision is partially obscured by the glasses and all your fingers can feel is a flat and featureless surface. On the other hand, conventional remotes with their numerous buttons and straightforward layout can also be cumbersome to use as well.
The XR Glasses Controller concept takes the minimalist design of something like an Apple TV remote and tilts it at an angle. Visually, this soap-shaped device looks like an unbalanced remote, with the top buttons leaning to the right and the bottom touch dial sliding to the left. It’s not a design that was made just to look different, though it definitely gives it a distinctive appearance.
The theory behind this design is the mobility and limited range of our thumbs when holding a remote. As many smartphone designers already know by now, the thumb holding the remote moves naturally in an arc, and that up-and-down movement can cause more strain. The controls are thus aligned with this arc, making it easy for the user to switch between buttons and touchpad without having to overextend or bend their thumb. Along with the significantly reduced number of buttons, the remote is easier to use as well, though it does limit itself to Android-based XR platforms since those buttons perfectly match Android’s navigation scheme.
Our chaotic and busy lives involve a whole lot of running around, and the right footwear can truly make or break your daily routine. Shoes started off as functional designs meant to protect our feet, and yes we need to pick ones that do exactly that. But, they should also reflect our style statements and represent our personality and our personal fashion sense. After all, don’t they say that you can tell a lot about a man by the state of his shoes? Personally, I love a good pair of sturdy and stylish sneakers, ones that can get me through the day without giving me any shoe bites, and also match my outfits. However, I do know that this isn’t the case with everybody. People have high demands and expectations when it comes to their footwear, hence designers are unleashing all of their creative juices, leaving no stones unturned in making unique, innovative, and ergonomic shoes.
1. The Heinekicks
Iconic Dutch brewing company Heineken paired up with the celebrity sneaker designer Dominic Cambrione or ‘The Shoe Surgeon’ to create the ‘Heinekicks’. These innovative kicks were released alongside the Heineken Silver – a smooth, and easy-to-drink beer brewed for the young generation of drinkers. The limited edition sneakers are filled with beer, or more specifically the soles have been infused with the new Heineken Silver! Heineken’s iconic red, green, and silver colors were retained in the shoes.
2. The M0.0NSHOT
Named the Mo.oNSHOT, these shoes by Allbirds are designed to be the world’s first net carbon shoe. They have a net carbon footprint of net 0.0 kg CO2e, and they feature a minimal all-grey woolly sock-style trainer design with a unique upper made from regenerative wool, as well as a bioplastic midsole. These shoes are one of the most sustainable mass-produced shoes you may have seen till now!
3. The Cloudboom Strike LS
On, a running technology company designed a groundbreaking new sneaker called the Cloudboom Strike LS. The shoe is pretty innovative, and is created to redefine performance, setting a whole new standard for environmental responsibility. It uses a new cutting-edge method which utilizes a robotic arm to spray a single length thermoplastic filament onto the mold, forming a smooth one-piece upper.
4. Synthiesis
Designer Jessica Thies created a pair of conceptual shoes designed to help reduce the shoe industry’s impact on the environment. Called Synthiesis, the shoes are based on Thies’ research into engineered living materials, and it is an element of her thesis at Parsons School of Design. The shoe is experimental, and printed using ink that contains living algae, which can easily absorb carbon dioxide from the surroundings.
5. Disassembly Lab Sneaker
Called the Disassembly Lab footwear, these shoes are cleverly constructed, using easy-to-disassemble parts. The shoes are pretty easy to repair and recycle. The shoe is made up of two different halves – the upper body and the outsole equipped with plugs, which lets you wind a piece of rubber band around. The rubber band connects the two halves together, creating a flexible product even during movement.
6. Samsung Shortcut Sneaker
Named the Samsung Shortcut Sneaker, these sneakers are truly crazy and innovative. They are designed to be a phone remote control, and you can control the phone by simply shuffling your feet, or moving your feet in a not too awkward manner to carry out some simple actions on your smartphone. The shoes are equipped with two sensors in the soles, and they keep track of their positions relative to each other.
7. The Ultimas
Designed by the outdoor equipment brand Cub Cadet, these limited edition shoes are called the Ultimate Lawn Mowing Shoes or the Ultimas. The shoes are black and yellow, and designed to complement the Ultima Series lawn mower which were released earlier by the brand, and are created for those who want to wear a pair of cool and functional kicks while mowing their lawns! It is a niche product, but pretty unique.
8. Growing Shoes
Designed by Moa Lövinder, these innovative shoes are designed to grow with children aged 2-3 years old. They are a sustainable solution to the issue of children constantly outgrowing their shoes, and the shoes then going to waste. The adaptable shoes are simple yet pretty clever, they are based on the principles of circular design economy. The shoes can be adjusted to three varied sizes, allowing them to be used much longer than typical footwear.
9. The Simpson Stan Smith Sneakers
Adidas brought back the Simpsons to its popular Stan Smith sneakers! The sneakers form a symbiotic fusion that transcends fashion trends. The shoes are embellished with Marge’s husband Homer, and one of Homer’s popular scenes has been integrated onto the shoes – where he slowly moves back into the bush. This scene is pretty popular amongst meme enthusiasts from all over the world!
10. Next-Gen Moc & Mule
The Hydro Moc & Mule are excellent shoes if you like hiking and other outdoorsy stuff, and the Next Gen versions of these innovative-looking shoes are pretty design-led, while also being super sturdy. The EVA foam cage can resist water, while keeping your feet protected and safe. The design is future-facing, with aesthetics, quality protection, and comfort all being highly considered and paid attention to.
We’ve heard of wearable ACs, but a wearable fridge is definitely uncharted territory.
Say hello to the Litheli FrozenPack, a backpack that ISN’T made for carrying clothes or tech. Instead, it’s designed to carry food and beverages… specifically the chilled kind. Modeled on the shape and size of a wearable backpack, this refrigerator has a 16-liter capacity for carrying drinks or food, a battery pack that chills your food down to -20°C (-4°F) for up to 6 hours, and an insulated design that keeps food chilled for another 4 hours with the power unplugged. The FrozenPack is compact enough to travel in cars with you while tailgating, or even on your back if you’re hiking to a campsite or to a place where cars can’t reach. You can either power it directly for hours via a power cable, or opt for the On-The-Go kit which equips you with two swappable battery packs… and no, it isn’t like those insulated beer coolers – it’s quite literally a wireless, wearable refrigerator capable of chilling drinks and preserving frozen food.
I’m not a person built for the outdoors. I do love the outdoors, but mankind developed indoors for a reason. Life indoors is comfortable. You’ve got a roof over your head, you’ve got WiFi, television for watching movies and shows, and a fridge full of snacks to eat. You don’t get all those comforts outdoors… or rather, you didn’t until now. The Litheli FrozenPack brings the final frontier of indoor comfort to the outdoors. With an incredibly high capacity-to-volume ratio (which means more storage in a smaller form factor), the FrozenPack is compact and lightweight enough that you can strap it on your shoulders like a regular backpack. In fact, it looks like a backpack in every regard, with adjustable straps, pockets, pouches, and mesh holders for extra supplies… but its pièce de résistance is revealed when you open the backpack’s lid to find yourself with what’s essentially 16 liters of fridge-space.
The storage space is perfectly optimized for carrying your drinks or food efficiently. The FrozenPack can snugly fit 10 large beverage cans along with 9 bottles in its cooler compartment, or even store multiple packs of canned food. If you’re looking to stash ice cream, the fridge’s adjustable temperature setting lets you crank the cooling down enough to store ice cream or frozen food. The FrozenPack’s temperature can be configured using a control panel on the front that also houses a display that tells you the fridge’s inner temperature as well as its battery level. The fridge’s temperature can be micro-adjusted between a range of -4°F to 68°F, allowing you to change settings based on the kind of stuff you’re storing within the FrozenPack. This eventually also affects the fridge’s run time, with the highest running time being an impressive 8 hours on Eco Mode. The small size means cooling happens much faster too, allowing the Litheli FrozenPack to go from regular to chilled in just 15 minutes, and with an operating noise level of below 35dB, the FrozenPack is even quieter than your conventional kitchen fridge.
Powering your adventures is the U20 IPS SUPER BATTERY, a one-stop solution for the Litheli ecosystem. With a revolutionary design that allows it to exist outside the fridge instead of built into it, the 74Wh battery pack can be removed on demand or swapped out for a fresh one, allowing you to keep your fridge running for longer. This powerful battery unit delivers north of 6 hours of chilling and even doubles as a power bank for your other electronic devices, keeping you connected on and off the grid. If and when the battery runs out, the fridge still holds its temperature for a solid 4 hours, thanks to a thin yet incredibly efficient TPU840 fabric exterior, along with a PU and EPE inner lining that perfectly insulates your food without adding bulk to the design.
But the true test for any outdoor fridge lies in its ability to withstand the elements. The Litheli FrozenPack tackles bumpy roads with ease. Advanced sensor technology ensures tilt protection, allowing it to operate normally even at inclines of up to 40°. Plus, anti-shock functionality minimizes spills and keeps your food secure – even on the roughest terrains. While carrying the fridge on your back, padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap ensure the FrozenPack stays on comfortably, and add-on brackets let you easily attach the fridge to your car or motorbike/scooter while on the go too.
The Litheli FrozenPack’s design is perfectly suited for travel, with straps, flaps, and pouches galore that make it ruthlessly functional while still being fairly weatherproof. Each FrozenPack Standard Kit comes with a power cable for wired use, although if you want to experience the power of the battery-powered FrozenPack, upgrading to the On-The-Go kit gives you two swappable battery modules (along with that power cable), effectively allowing you to double your fridge’s run-time while outdoors!
Samsung’s snore-tracking feature on its sleep tracker caught me entirely off guard. This handy addition logs the start and end of every snoring session, giving a detailed look at our nighttime habits. To use it, all you need is your Samsung watch, band, or ring and your Samsung device on a stable surface near your head—like a nightstand with the bottom pointed toward you.
Designer: Samsung
I always swore up and down to my family that I didn’t snore. For 50 years, I held firm in my belief, insisting they must have been mistaken. Then, I checked Samsung’s Health app and heard the recording. It was a shocker, to say the least, a humbling moment that made me realize I was wrong all along. Despite sleeping well and rarely having trouble staying asleep, discovering that I snore has made me appreciate the benefits of tracking these nighttime sounds.
Why Track Snoring?
Snoring can indicate health issues like obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts while you sleep. Understanding when and how often you snore can help determine if you need to consult with your doctor. Ignoring snoring could lead to fatigue, heart issues, and other health problems. Samsung’s snore-tracking feature helps catch potential health concerns early.
Sleeping with an anti-snoring mask
With AI, Samsung’s snore-tracking feature could become even more valuable. In the future, AI might analyze snoring patterns to identify trends and suggest when to consult a healthcare professional. You could receive personalized health insights directly on your phone, alerting you to potential issues before they become serious. AI could monitor changes in snoring frequency, duration, intensity, and patterns, offering a comprehensive view of your sleep health.
This technology might even predict when your snoring could worsen, allowing you to make proactive lifestyle changes. Samsung could one day provide actionable health advice, making it easier to manage your sleep health. This would make snore-tracking a crucial part of personal health monitoring.
Enhancing Sleep Quality and Personal Insight
Knowing your snoring patterns can improve your understanding of sleep quality. Snoring can disrupt sleep cycles, leading to feeling less rested and productive. By tracking these disturbances, you can identify triggers like alcohol, sleeping position, or stress and make changes to sleep better.
Samsung’s snore-tracking feature offers more than just numbers. It provides a personal snapshot of your sleep patterns. Whether you’re surprised to learn you snore or confirm what your partner has said, this feature gives you valuable insights into your health.
For me, realizing that I snore has changed my perspective on my sleep health. Knowing what’s happening while I sleep and having the tools to monitor it is reassuring. Samsung’s feature has made me more aware of my nighttime habits and encouraged me to be proactive about my health.
The snore-tracking feature is a valuable addition to the health tech market, offering more than just basic metrics like step counts or heart rate. It provides practical insights into your sleep health, making it useful for anyone interested in better understanding their sleep patterns. As technology evolves, it’s exciting to see how Samsung continues to enhance our well-being through innovations like these.
Samsung Galaxy Ring: My Favorite Sleep Tracker
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is my absolute favorite sleep tracker, especially for anyone who prefers not to wear a watch to bed. It offers comprehensive health tracking with a stylish design and a lightweight feel, making it almost unnoticeable during the night. The ring monitors sleep, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, providing detailed insights through the Samsung Health app. Its water-resistant design makes it safe for swimming and showering.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
However, the ring currently lacks iOS support, and a proper fit is crucial for accurate sensor readings. Despite these minor limitations, the Galaxy Ring blends style, comfort, and advanced health tracking, making it an essential part of my setup along with the Fold6. The Galaxy Ring is a top choice for anyone looking to track their health metrics discreetly and comfortably.
We’re still wrapping up our review of the Samsung Galaxy Fold6, so stay tuned for our full review.
Climate comfort can dramatically affect our daily lives, especially when we find ourselves in environments where the temperature is beyond our control. How often have you wished for a bit of a breeze in a stuffy office or during a hot outdoor event? The value of portable, personal cooling solutions becomes apparent in these situations. Let’s explore the capabilities and design of Printworks’ “Fantastic” portable fan, priced at $79 plus shipping, and determine whether its features justify the investment for on-demand cooling anywhere you go.
Designer: Printworks
Fantastic, Wood Beige
As a frequent traveler, both for work and pleasure, I’ve endured my share of discomfort during hot, sticky situations that many can relate to. Whether it’s being stuck on a plane during a tarmac delay with no air conditioning, relaxing under the scorching sun at a beach, lounging by the pool, enjoying a dinner outdoors, or enduring a sweltering day while watching your kids compete in their tennis match—each scenario underlines the need for a reliable portable fan. These experiences are not uncommon, especially in locations where central air conditioning is not a given. With this context, one might consider whether $79 is a reasonable price for a reprieve from the heat.
The “Fantastic” portable fan by Printworks offers an intriguing blend of style and functionality, merging classic materials with modern design elements. Using ABS and PP plastics ensures durability and lightweight handling, while the beech wood frame adds a touch of natural elegance, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and making it a stylish addition to any room.
Fantastic, Wood Blue
The choice of colors, including the newly introduced Wood Beige and Wood Blue, offers a subtle yet sophisticated palette that complements contemporary decor. These colors, especially the Wood Beige, imbue the device with a minimalist, organic feel that can harmonize with various interior designs without overpowering them. Wood Blue, on the other hand, adds a cooler, more serene vibe, aligning well with modern, tech-oriented spaces.
Fantastic: Cerise, Green, Wood and Petroleum
The fan’s design, which features a compact and circular form with a distinctive, concentric pattern on the grille, enhances airflow and contributes significantly to its visual identity. This pattern catches the eye and effectively diffuses air, ensuring functionality complements the aesthetic, seamlessly integrating both elements. With a 360-degree rotation capability, you can direct the breeze precisely where you need it, providing a refreshing escape on hot summer days like never before.
Fantastic, Cerise $69
At just 0.9 pounds and with dimensions of 7.87 inches all around and only 2.6 inches deep, the “Fantastic” fan fits easily into any travel bag or backpack. Its compact, lightweight build is perfect for taking along on any trip, whether your daily commute or a weekend adventure. Made from tough materials yet light in structure, this fan holds up well on the road, adding no extra weight to your load. Whether you’re gearing up for a business meeting, a family getaway, or just a day in the park, you can toss the “Fantastic” fan into your bag and go. It’s ready to kick in with a cool breeze whenever you need a break from the heat, making it a practical addition to your travel essentials.
At $79, this fan offers performance and quiet operation and also serves as a decorative piece. This blend of practicality and visual appeal makes it worthwhile to enhance personal space with a functional accessory that serves an aesthetic purpose. Select from Beige or Dusty Blue to match your style and enjoy its tailored cooling experience.
Laptops are designed to be used as complete, standalone portable computers that don’t need to connect to any external device to use. At least until you run out of battery and have to plug into a wall socket. That said, the design of laptops isn’t exactly great at ergonomics, whether it’s the cramped and flat keyboard or the centrally-positioned touchpad. That’s why some people still opt for at least a regular mouse, but those aren’t exactly portable especially the more common, bulky designs. This mouse design concept, however, prioritizes portability and compactness over anything else, and it takes a page out of the design of today’s foldable clamshell phones to pull off a rather intriguing yet also questionable design.
Designer: Antoine Brieux (NAK Studio)
Foldable computer mice do exist, but they’re really stretching the definition of the word. Perhaps the biggest example is Microsoft’s Arc Wireless mouse, which is basically just a flat box that you “fold” into a curve to use. It’s more than bending than actual folding, but that’s for a very good reason that we’ll see later.
In stark contrast, this “Emergency Foldable Mouse” really does fold in half, not unlike the phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. In its “deactivated” form, it’s more like a square compact or pocket mirror, though its flat edges and sharp corners clearly mark it as some sort of gadget or tool. When closed like this, the mouse automatically turns off and then turns on again the moment you open it.
Unlike a foldable phone, however, this mouse doesn’t unfold completely flat and instead stays at a fixed obtuse angle. After all, this is a mouse and it would be difficult to use it if it laid completely flat on a desk. That said, even that configuration isn’t comfortable, as users of Microsoft’s own foldable mice will attest to. Yes, your hand arcs over the mouse for a more ergonomic hold, but unlike the gentle curve of the Foldable Arc Wireless, you have two edges potentially biting into your skin. Even the designer admits that the design is clearly not for ergonomics but for the object itself.
Admittedly, it carries an aesthetic that will probably appeal to many computer users, especially collectors. The clear plastic version will definitely catch people’s attention, but even an opaque aluminum object with such an angular bend will pique anyone’s curiosity. If anything, the Emergency Foldable Mouse challenges the standard mouse design with an eye toward portability, an area that isn’t as widely explored as ergonomic mouse designs.
Before you go out on a limb buying a Galaxy or Oura ring, the RingConn Gen 2 already holds the title for being the thinnest/lightest smart ring. It still manages to also boast of a 2-week-long battery life, the ability to track your health and sleep with AI-powered insights, IP68 water resistance, and here’s the kicker… a subscription-less smartphone app that gives you all your health data without hiding behind a paywall. With not one but TWO design awards under its belt, the RingConn Gen 2 boasts a $209 starting price – less than half of what its competitor’s smart rings go for. Here’s everything the Gen 2 can do…
Lighter than an AirPod, Thinner than a Credit Card
I’ve long proclaimed the superiority of smart rings to smartwatches. They’re ultimately a bunch of sensors hooked together – but the smart ring does offer a much more efficient format. It’s minimalist, can be worn alongside other rings (you can’t wear two watches), and all your data goes to your smartphone so your ring doesn’t need to worry about having its own display. This translates to a MUCH longer battery life, and the absence of a second display to get addicted to or to have inundate you with notifications. Smart rings are almost ALWAYS designed to be entirely waterproof so you can even swim with them, and they usually last a week or more on a full charge, making them vastly more superior to smartwatches.
Weighing between 2-3 grams, the RingConn’s Gen 2 is lighter than a single AirPod (which weighs 4 grams), and with a cross-section that’s 2mm wide, the ring is also about as thin as your average credit card. That lightweight and sleek form factor makes it perfect for wearing all-day every day because chances are within a few hours of slipping it on, you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Meanwhile, the ring will be hard at work, tracking your sleep, fitness/activity, heart rate, body temperature, stress levels, sleep apnea, and even acting as your period calendar (for women wearers).
Comprehensive AI-powered Sleep + Health Tracking
The RingConn Gen 2 does everything any wrist-worn health tracker does, but better. Its upgraded photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors can measure heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood oxygen levels with great accuracy. These sensors are embedded in a design that takes advantage of the finger’s unique anatomy, which allows for MUCH more precise readings compared to wrist-based devices. The temperature sensor gauges your temperature levels as well as fluctuations, pairing it with your heart rate data to get a sense of your stress levels or even if you’re on your period. Combine all three with the accelerometer and the Gen 2 captures all your steps and other physical activity, tracking various sports from running to cycling, soccer, swimming, and a bunch more.
At the end of your day, the ring also tracks your sleep using AI. In 2024, RingConn unveiled its first transformer-based deep learning model for sleep apnea detection – the ring uses this AI-based learning model to identify sleep risk events that could be affecting your health – something other smart rings currently cannot because they haven’t built out such AI models. The more you wear the ring, the more it learns and the more personalized it becomes, getting better at tracking and identifying your quality of sleep and even detecting any drops in blood oxygen caused by apnea events and obstructed breathing (snoring, etc.)
Fitness Insights without a Monthly Subscription
I can’t stress this enough but your health should never be behind a paywall. It really doesn’t make sense to buy a fitness tracker only to then have an app that gates pro-level health tracking metrics behind a subscription model. To that end, the RingConn Gen 2 makes a pretty bold claim of not hiding behind any sort of freemium or premium business model. The RingConn app, available for Android and iOS devices, is free to use, and locally backs up all your health data. This allows you to monitor your health even when your smartphone isn’t connected to the internet. Picture yourself trekking in the wilderness with no cellular service but still being able to track your metrics in real-time.
Your health data is also compatible with leading fitness apps such as Apple Health and Google Health Connect, allowing you to comprehensively track workouts, sports, and all other activities within one singular dashboard. For specific insights, the RingConn app is still your go-to destination… and its sleep-tracking feature gives you a holistic look at your body’s metrics through your entire sleep journey, allowing you to catch any potential concerning events immediately. The app also analyzes data throughout the day to provide a detailed stress index and ratio, helping you gain a clear understanding of your stress levels. Additionally, the RingConn Gen 2 features comprehensive menstrual health tracking right within the app, allowing users to monitor cycles, predict ovulation, and track symptoms for deeper insights into their health patterns.
Sleek Metal Design with 12-day Battery Life
The RingConn sports a hypoallergenic aerospace-grade titanium alloy exterior, while the inside of the ring has a medical-grade epoxy coating that allows the sensors to work accurately when in contact against the skin. Between these two layers lie all the hardware and sensors that power the Gen 2, along with a best-in-class battery. Lasting a stunning 5 more days than even the Galaxy and Oura rings, the RingConn Gen 2 boasts a 12-day battery life. It’s rather impressive considering exactly how small and thin the Gen 2 ring is. When the ring runs low on charge, it comes with its own charging case that begins working the second you slip the ring into its cylindrical platform. A simple 2-hour charge brings the Gen 2 ring’s battery to 100%, lasting nearly 2 weeks… and the case houses its own 500mAh battery so you can charge your ring without necessarily having the case plugged in.
The RingConn Gen 2 boasts a starting price of $209, which includes the ring itself, the charging case, and free global shipping. Upgrading to the $239 package also gives you a clear silicone ring protector and a separate bedside charging dock. The RingConn Gen 2 comes in 3 colors – Future Silver, Royal Gold, and Matte Black, across 9 sizes, ranging from a size #6 to a size #14 depending on your index finger’s diameter.
Some might think of gamepads and game controllers simply as accessories, but just like keyboards and mice, their design can greatly affect the user’s enjoyment. It isn’t just about ergonomics and features, though those are definitely definitely critical elements to such a device. A controller’s appearance can also bring delight to the user, especially when it comes in a form that appeals to their aesthetic tastes or interests. That’s why there’s no shortage of controllers sporting designs from popular video game franchises, official or otherwise, or why Microsoft opened up an Xbox Design Lab to let gamers mix and match designs to their heart’s content. This new special edition Xbox Controller offers a more futuristic flavor that also cares for our planet’s future in its own small way.
There is no small amount of fascination with devices that have transparent shells. Although it only shows contemporary hardware and designs, it gives a window into those technological mysteries that make them feel a little futuristic. No group of people loves this aesthetic more than gamers, and the new Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition gives that feeling many will enjoy, at least if they’re fans of azure hues.
The controller might be blue, but it is far from looking sad. Unlike previous transparent Xbox controllers, Sky Cipher gives a complete and clear view of the device’s innards, at least from the front. Many of those internal parts are given a metallic silver sheen to make them really pop out and add to that futuristic flair. Unfortunately, the back of the controller is completely opaque, which is probably for the best since it has rubberized grips that would look unattractive on a transparent surface.
There are, of course, opaque parts in front as well, but this special edition manages to make them a bit more visually interesting. The triggers and D-Pad, in particular, have a metallic quality to them, which, alongside the silver internals, give the controller a more mechanical personality. It’s like a prop from some sci-fi show that would be used to control giant robots, ships, or drones. Presuming those machines of the future would have such a primitive mode of control, of course.
The Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition is forward-looking in more ways than one. It is the first of its kind to use more environment-friendly packaging, one that completely removes single-use plastics from the box. It even saves paper by ditching the manual for a QR code, since gamers are more likely to go for electronic and online documentation anyway. The controller itself is, of course, still made from plastic anyway, but Xbox is hopefully inching slowly towards a more sustainable design for the true futuristic vision.
The Deadpool & Wolverine movie took the theaters by storm, and the whirlwind that has followed has put us in a complete Marvel mood! And we’re here to celebrate the Marvel universe and pay tribute to it. For all the Marvel diehard fans out there, we’ve curated a collection of super fun and functional products that will add a pinch of superhero drama to your life. From a dynamic Wolverine Xbox Controller to economical earbuds inspired by Deadpool – these innovative designs are a must-have for all Marvel lovers! Have fun.
1. Wolverine Xbox Controller
Designed by Do3D, this is the Wolverine Xbox Controller. It features a yellow body, and three Adamantium claws which sharply appear outwards, from behind the controller. The controller pairs up perfectly with its Deadpool counterpart, and this controller comes along with a set of 3D files that can be bought and 3D printed.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Wolverine-themed controller augments the controller’s body much like its Deadpool counterpart. The back features an attachment, offering a themed take on the controller. The controller also has the signature back-of-the-fist with three Adamantium claws, which emerge from the inside.
What we like
Features a diamond-plate-inspired texture, and a wolverine whisker pattern
What we dislike
The claws attachment is purely cosmetic and has no functionality
2. Immortal 121 Earbuds
Designed by boAT Lifestyle, these TWS earbuds have been shaped like Deadpool’s mask. The Immortal 121 earbuds are equipped with cutting-edge features, packed in an incredible package that costs only USD 20.35.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Deadpool earbuds offer 40 hours of playback, 40 milliseconds of latency, Bluetooth 5.3, adjustable EQ, IPx4 water resistance, and a game-changing 10-minute charging time so you’re never out of energy!
What we like
Economical and well-priced
Deliver 180 minutes of listening time
What we dislike
Some users may find the LED lights a bit flashy
3. LEGO Captain America Shield
This life-size LEGO Captain America shield is built using 3000 pieces and measures almost 18.5 inches in diameter. The shield is also accompanied by a tiny Captain America Minifigure! It is a total must-have for anyone who loves the Avengers or has a soft spot for Captain America.
Why is it noteworthy?
The shield isn’t made from vibranium, of course, but it really does look and feel like the real deal, and if you’ve ever accidentally stepped on a LEGO brick, you know it is as tough as vibranium when you take the shooting pain that courses through your body in consideration.
What we like
Accompanied by a Minifigure of Captain America from Avengers Endgame holding the shield and Thor’s Mjolnir
What we dislike
Has a high brick count, which may be tough to put together for beginners
4. Marvel 3D-printed Headphone Stands
Designed by Angled, these Marvel 3D-printed headphone stands are intended to become the interesting centerpiece of any geek’s desk. The stands are 3D-printed to scale and can easily accommodate the most standard headphones (and even VR headsets).
Why is it noteworthy?
Each headphone stand is 3D printed, and yet it features an extraordinary amount of detail. Angled partnered up with designers and artists to build new variants and models online. The detailed models are then approved by Angled’s team based on sizing, proportions, and the ability to print without any flaws.
What we like
Can be customized and painted to make them more realistic
Includes stands that hold your Xbox or PS controllers
What we dislike
Not very compact, and will occupy substantial space on your desk or table
5. Cheeky Controllers
Named the Cheeky Controllers, this Series X console features the perfectly contoured rear of the gamepads. The front has the texture and imprint of Deadpool’s thighs marked with leg holsters and the iconic logic.
Why is it noteworthy?
The accessory has a leathery texture on both sides, representing the superhero’s costume in the latest movie. The controller’s curious cushy design is quite innovative, but does raise the question of whether it will improve or worsen your gaming experience.
What we like
Features a red and black spandex suit
What we dislike
Players with smaller hands will find it difficult to grab the rear and release the trigger button inputs
6. LEGO Avengers Set
The LEGO Avengers set is 35.5 inches tall and was designed as a part of the 60th anniversary of the Avengers. It is meant to be one of the tallest sets when it is put together. The LEGO set also includes brick-built Dum-E.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you look closer, you will notice the Quinjet, Leviathan, and two Chitauri flyers from the 2012 Avengers Assemble. The interior showcases scenes from the Infinity Saga, Age of Ultron party, and Endgame.
What we like
Features a removable roof and side panels to recreate any of the scenes
What we dislike
It is a pretty big LEGO set and will occupy quite a bit of space
7. Andaseat Marvel Collaboration Series Gaming Chairs
You can now indulge in your inner superhero, and bring out that Marvel love with the Andaseat Marvel Collaboration Series superhero gaming chairs. The superhero-inspired chairs are equipped with an ergonomic PVC design, and they offer an AD + PVC leather which is quite comfy to the touch.
Why is it noteworthy?
The chairs feature a reclining back that tilts 90-160 degrees to keep you super comfy while you play. The chairs are available in four different editions – Captain America, Iron Man, Spiderman, and Ant-Man. Each chair has a design and color scheme that resembles their respective superhero.
What we like
Features adjustable armrests that offer support to your forearms
What we dislike
There is limited availability outside of the US currently
8. TVA Multifunctional Computer
Meet the JK Captain’s TVA Multifunctional Computer, it features retro-futuristic tech, as well as a multifunctional computer design that reminds you of an orange globe-like computer that is connected to the TVA Holoprojector. The computer is quite drop-dead gorgeous.
Why is it noteworthy?
The designer created an orange bubble monitor with gizmos which remind you of the onscreen adaptation on Loki. It also features a white keyboard, as well as accents of yellow and the gimmicky orange which are seen throughout the body of the contraption.
What we like
It features a reel tape recorder, the volume toggle buttons, the microphone, forward, rewind, play, pause, record buttons, and a full-scale qwerty keyboard.
It has an exquisite attention to detail, which can be seen in the 3D render.
What we dislike
The color scheme might be painful to some people’s eyes
9. Babypool Popcorn Bucket
Designed by Regal Cinemas, this pint-sized merchandise is supposed to be a Babypool Cup and Bucket Combo. The adorable merchandise imitates the naughty variant of Deadpool from the new Deadpool and Wolverine movie. You can enjoy your snacks while watching the new movie!
Why is it noteworthy?
Deadpool is placed on a tiny theater chair, and he wears a pacifier and a miniature red suit. Deadpool’s arms are raised with milk bottles by his side.
What we like
Super cute and functional merchandise
What we dislike
Might scare some kids (or even adults)
10. Superhero-Themed Products
Designed by Instagram user Coldstar Art, these futuristic and uber-cool helmets are inspired by popular cinematic legends that span across a whole variety of universes. The superhero-themed helmets are AI-generated, and although they may not be very great to wear, each one is exceptional to look at.
Why is it noteworthy?
These helmets dip into the MCU universe with a Punisher helmet and a Deadpool helmet. The Punisher helmet looked quite badass with a skull-inspired design and a respirator on the front. While the Deadpool headgear is quite recognizable, and features a red and black colorway.
What we like
The helmets are both safe and sexy
What we dislike
They’re conceptual, so we are unsure how well they will translate into tangible products
Despite all the conveniences and marvels of modern technology today, our safety and security are still concerns. The moment we step out the door, we never know what emergency we will be facing, leaving us wondering if we’re properly prepared for any task, challenge, or even danger. The news is always full of reports of crimes that leave people, especially women, wounded and traumatized. We can bring all the tools and safety precautions we need in a large bag, but that not only cramps our style but also impedes our mobility, especially when we’re going out for some exercise. Enter the FitBeltSafeguard (StayFit-StaySafe), a simple yet ingenious everyday belt that you can wrap around your waist any time, giving you access to 17 essential features. Each pocket stores an essential tool you’ll need to be more productive including in an emergency situations where you have to defend yourself or call for help.
Nothing is more stressful than leaving home only to realize that you forgot small but important things like a reusable bag for groceries, tissue paper, or worse, even your phone. That sense of dread is amplified when you find yourself in a dangerous situation without a way to protect yourself or even call for help. Who says only superheroes can have a utility belt full of tools that can save the day or even lives? With the FitBeltSafeguard everyday belt, you no longer need to leave home unprepared to face any eventuality, whether you’re going out for a run, doing some groceries, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
Built-in anti-skid technology to keep the belt on your waist at all times. Even an extreme training.
This incredibly slim belt features as many as 17 functions with all the hidden pockets, securely behind a flap. All you need to do is pinch the lower reflective lining of the belt and lift it up to gain access to the pocket underneath. No one knows where the pockets are or what they hold except you, thanks to vibrant icons that give you a clue which one is which. To anyone else, it simply looks like you’re wearing a cute but unassuming lumbar support belt like the ones athletes wear while training.
The pockets are also strategically placed where you need them the most. The front pocket, for example, holds your smartphone for quick and easy access at any time. The pepper spray pocket, which is compatible with many types of small pepper spray cans, is on the right where your hand naturally rests, allowing you to instantly pull it out at a moment’s notice. The panic alarm with built-in stainless steel magnetic chain emergency trigger technology allowing for easy activation even when your movement is being limited by an assailant. The loud sound, SOS, and LED the alarm produces ensures that you can be seen and heard.
Waterproof
In addition to these tools for fighting off dangerous actors, the belt is home to everyday essentials that make life so much more convenient, especially for those with active lifestyles. There’s a pocket for hand pads that lets you do pull-ups and push-ups safely without harming your hands, as well as an inflatable cushion for floor exercises or just sitting almost anywhere. You have access to a reusable shopping bag for those unexpected and unplanned market discoveries, while a roll of dog waste bags is also there for picking up after your furry friend. One of the most interesting items in this belt is the compressed tissue paper. Made of biodegradable eco-friendly material, these premium quality tear-resistant rolls of tissue magically expand with a few drops of water and can also be use without any water.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, and the FitBeltSafeguard has room for plenty more, including keys and credit cards. With all those things going inside it, it’s mind-blowing how this everyday belt remains compact and easy to use. Made of premium Lycra, the stretchable and durable material hugs your waist comfortably, and with the integrated anti-skid, you don’t have to worry about it bouncing and shifting, while industrial-grade Velcro makes sure it stays securely fastened around your body. Additionally, all the everyday essentials were specifically designed to fit the pouches perfectly and eliminate the bulkiness. Never again do you need to feel unprepared and vulnerable whenever you step outdoors with the FitBeltSafeguard. This is the one in a life time innovation that we all have been waiting for. A peace of mind for all!
