The Magma Ambiance Lamp is a tribute to nature’s raw power, taking inspiration from the magnificent Puu Õõ volcanic cone. With its dynamic yet minimalist design, the lamp encapsulates the essence of an active volcano, allowing users to bring that natural wonder into their homes.
The Magma Lamp draws from the striking image of an erupting volcano, with clean, conical lines that reflect the natural geometry of volcanic cones. Its design focuses on simplicity and fluidity, mimicking the flow of molten lava. The lamp’s adjustable lighting settings further enhance this concept, offering an experience akin to the glow of magma, pulsing and radiating from the center outward.
The design process began with a deep dive into geometric exploration, specifically focusing on conical shapes that evoke the majesty of volcanic formations. The goal was to capture a balance between form and function, ensuring that the lamp’s structure would not only serve its lighting purpose but also stand as an artistic piece in any home. Texture and pattern proposals were equally crucial, with radial patterns expanding from the lamp’s core, visually mirroring lava flowing from a volcanic eruption.
The concept of radial patterns became central to the Magma design. By repeating the pattern outward from the center, the lamp visually simulates the flow of molten rock down a volcanic slope, creating a sense of movement and energy.
The first prototype was crucial for refining the lamp’s size, developing an in-house PCB, and testing color and light intensity. While the battery lasted an impressive 18 hours at maximum brightness, the team saw room for improvement. The next iteration aimed to extend battery life and introduced remote intensity control, scheduled on/off options, and synchronization with other Magma lamps to create cohesive lighting atmospheres across different areas of the home.
Building upon its initial success, the Magma lamp underwent a design evolution. The latest version embraces a bolder, more contemporary aesthetic while maintaining its connection to volcanic inspiration. New textures applied along the neck of the lamp simulate the appearance of erupting lava particles, while intensified textures at the base add a sense of movement and dynamism. The placement of the brand’s logo was intentionally unconventional, keeping the lamp free from visible text and maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.
To complement various home interiors, neutral and pastel color options were chosen, ensuring that the Magma lamp could seamlessly integrate into a wide range of settings while still making a bold statement.
The next phase of the Magma Lamp development focuses on integrating smart functionality. The design team plans to introduce mobile app connectivity, allowing users to configure automatic on/off schedules, manually adjust light intensity, and synchronize multiple lamps for a unified experience. Additionally, the battery life will be doubled to provide even greater autonomy, ensuring the lamp can light up your home for extended periods without frequent recharging.
Beyond functionality, the assembly process is also being optimized. The goal is to create a visually clean product with no visible screws or fittings, ensuring that every Magma lamp maintains a polished and elegant appearance.
The Magma Ambiance Lamp is a remarkable blend of natural inspiration and cutting-edge design. It brings the captivating energy of a volcanic eruption into the home, with smart features and a design that elevates any interior space. As it evolves, the Magma promises to continue providing not just light, but a transformative ambiance, creating warm and connected atmospheres that reflect the beauty and power of nature.
You know how every time Apple launches a feature on the iPhone, Android people rush to point out they did it first, or they did it better? If you’re a Windows fan, this post might just be perfect for you. At the end of last month, Apple debuted the M4 Mac mini, surprising us not with just a chip upgrade, but a size downgrade too. A fraction of its original size, this newer Mac mini was tailored for Apple’s AI (or Apple Intelligence), and was designed to be a functional power-house. Not to be outdone, however… it seems like MiniForum has a Windows-based answer to the new Mac mini.
The EliteMini AI370 may be a bit of a handful name-wise, but it’s a handful when it comes to performance, ports, and portability too. Powered by AMD’s latest AI-ready Ryzen processor and the Radeon 890M, the EliteMini has 12 cores, 24 threads, and 50 TOPS of AI processing, ready to easily handle any demanding task from gaming to video editing or even working with AI models without breaking a sweat. The entire device measures just 5 inches across, making it exactly as small as the Mac mini, albeit with way more ports… and perhaps the most important feature – a front-facing power button.
Under the hood, the EliteMini AI370 boasts AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which makes multitasking a breeze. With 12 cores and 24 threads, this chip is engineered for the heavy workloads you’d typically assign to a full-sized desktop, handling everything from advanced editing to 3D rendering with ease. Thanks to AMD’s XDNA2 architecture, this processor includes a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), delivering up to 50 TOPS (trillion operations per second) in AI power. If you’re working with AI applications, real-time rendering, or advanced editing software, this kind of performance is a huge asset, enhancing productivity while keeping things running smoothly.
Graphics enthusiasts and gamers will appreciate the Radeon 890M integrated graphics. Unlike many compact PCs that struggle with graphical processing, the EliteMini is geared for high-quality visuals, with frame rates above 60 FPS. This makes it more than capable for gaming and intensive creative applications. Having this level of integrated GPU performance means you won’t need to invest in an external GPU—perfect if you’re tight on desk space or don’t want extra hardware cluttering your setup.
Memory and storage are equally robust in the EliteMini AI370, with 32GB of DDR5 memory clocked at a fast 7500 MHz. This speed is a lifesaver for multitasking, allowing you to work across several applications without stalling. Storage options are equally impressive, supporting up to 4TB of PCIe NVMe SSD. That’s plenty of space for large project files, software libraries, and extensive media, while the SSD’s high-speed access means you won’t be stuck waiting around for files to load. For everything else, there are ports on both the front as well as the back.
All this power and performance gets packed into a compact and accessible device, fitting neatly on any desk setup. The 5-inch form factor is easy to overlook, but don’t let its size fool you—this mini-PC holds its own. For users who need a flexible and minimal setup, the EliteMini offers a front-facing USB-C setup and headphone jack, while ports on the back include three USB 4.0, HDMI, and an Ethernet connection that’s upgradable to 10GbE. As a (probably) unintentional jab to Apple, the EliteMini puts its power button smack-dab on the front of the mini PC too, making it MUCH more accessible than the Mac mini’s awkwardly placed power button.
Of course, all these features come at a price. The EliteMini AI370 starts at an introductory $1,099, with a regular price of $1,399, reflecting the high-end components and capabilities. For comparison, Apple’s Mac Mini M4 starts at $599, but it lacks the EliteMini’s integrated AI capabilities and has fewer configuration options. For Windows users who prioritize performance and customization, the EliteMini’s added capabilities and that compact design make it a perfect alternative to the Mac mini. Besides, if you’re going to be working with AI models, you’d want a computer that’s AI ready too, no?
Although we see dozens of computer keyboard designs these days, the basic layout of the device hasn’t changed since the very first model came out. Even if you consider variants of the QWERTY standard like AZERTY or Dvorak, the standard has remained the same over the years, which means carrying over most of the usability and ergonomic problems that were there from day one. The “10 key” numeric keypad, for example, is always on the right side, with a bias towards right-handed people.
That’s not exactly a problem for TKL or “Ten Keyless” keyboards, but that does mean buying a separate numpad that doesn’t integrate well with the rest of the keyboard, both functionally and aesthetically. This keyboard concept takes a shot at solving that long-standing handedness problem and its solution is to let you design your keyboard layout to your needs and preferences.
Designer: Alexey Prokopenko
It’s easy enough to just buy a TKL keyboard and a numpad separately, allowing you to arrange the two as you see fit. That, however, only works for that combination, and even then it’s not always a pretty sight. The visual and functional disconnect between these products can also have a subtle effect on our subconscious, just like how clutter or disjointed styles can trigger our minds in ways we don’t realize.
A modular design like the Connect concept helps solve this problem. In a nutshell, you can place a numpad module to the right or left of the “main” TKL keyboard in a way that physically connects the pieces. Since they’re from the same system, they also share the same aesthetic, which is a matte black in this case.
Of course, the beauty of a modular system is the flexibility it offers. Not only can you switch the position of the numpad on either side on a whim, you can also connect something else there or have a different module on the opposite end simultaneously. You can, for example, have a trackpad or a macro keyboard on either side. The choice is totally yours and can be changed dynamically depending on your work, need, or mood.
If there’s one oddity to this design concept, it would be that the function key row is also an optional module. Granted, some Bluetooth keyboards actually exclude this row, forcing users to make complicated keystrokes to activate the functions. In this case, however, removing that row would create an imbalance when a module is attached to the left or right side of the keyboard. Most people will probably prefer to have that function row there all the time anyway, making it a bit of an unnecessary design detail.
In the world of technology, AI has been consistently making innovative and significant strides. It has positively impacted multiple domains including the creative industry. AI tools aren’t just novelties for creative professionals, they serve as transformative instruments that elevate productivity, precision, and creativity. We have curated five innovative AI tools and gadgets that are handy for creative professionals.
These AI tools offer innovative solutions that enhance productivity, creativity, and precision. Whether you are a musician, designer, digital content creator, or global communicator, these tools provide invaluable support in your creative endeavors. As AI technology continues to advance, the possibilities for creative professionals are boundless, promising a future where creativity and technology go hand in hand.
1. ASUS ProArt PZ13
Say hello to the ASUS ProArt Pz13 – a 2-in-1 tablet designed to meet the demands and requirements of creative professionals. The PZ13 is tailored for designers, artists, streamers, and writers who need portability and performance. This sleek device is equipped with a detached keyboard cover and kickstand, ensuring you can use it in different environments.
The PZ13 is amped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus – an octa-core processor that balances performance and power efficiency, making it perfect for creative tasks. It is amped with a robust feature set including a 70Wh battery, IP52 dust and water resistance, and MIL-STD-810H certification.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ProArt PZ13 can seamlessly integrate AI features into the creative workflow, thereby improving productivity, and supporting new forms of artistic and creative expression. It also includes a Neural Processing Unit and integrated graphics processor which enables the tablet to deal with complex creative tasks with ease.
The PZ13 is a powerful sidekick for content creators, as it also features a lightweight design and long battery life, allowing creators to work virtually from anywhere. This makes it a flexible and valuable purchase for creatives who are always on the move, enabling them to capture and execute ideas wherever they may be.
What we like
Lightweight and compact design for easy transport.
Enhances creative processes with integrated AI capabilities.
What we dislike
It may not be able to match the performance of more powerful devices.
2. AIMake
AIMake is a generative AI tool designed especially for industrial design applications. It provides a prompt-based interface that allows users to effortlessly and easily create graphical outputs. It is great for working on 2D printing, laser-etching, engraving, or embossing, as it offers a streamlined solution to bridge the gap between concept and execution. It provides a choice between 70 different styles.
The platform is designed to meet a whole bunch of design needs and requirements, ranging from ready-to-print logos to editable SVGs for screen-printing and low-relief 3D engravings. AIMake is a versatile and invaluable tool for professional creators and DIY lovers, as it helps them bring their creative visions to life.
AIMake’s ability to democratize and simplify the design process makes it invaluable. It leverages AI, to cut down the need for extensive technical expertise, helping you focus on the creative aspect of your project. It features an intuitive prompt-based design system that helps users generate complex designs with a simple text description.
AIMake is integrated with DesignFind, an asset marketplace, offering users access to a whole range of free and paid project files from creators around the world. This helps build a collaborative and interactive environment where designers can share ideas and inspire one another. This elevates the platform’s utility even more.
What we like
Features an intuitive prompt-based interface that simplifies the design process.
Supports various output formats and styles.
What we dislike
It may not offer a lot of control over the finer and more intricate design details.
3. ROLI Airwave
Meet the ROLI Airwave – an impressive tool that harnesses the power of AI to completely rejuvenate music education and production. It isn’t an ordinary instrument, it is a comprehensive music-learning ecosystem powered by ROLI’s Music Intelligence (MI) platform. It merges AI with advanced vision and voice technology, providing an immersive learning experience that is interactive, intuitive, and fun.
It functions as an “intelligent piano” concept, that pushes the boundaries of traditional music learning, helping musicians interact with their instruments and instructors seamlessly and intuitively. It is equipped with 3D infrared cameras and Vision technology, which captures intricate finger movements and gestures, offering real-time feedback and guidance.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ROLI Airwave offers a novel and transformative approach to music learning and production. It provides dynamic, interesting, and real-time feedback to users, helping them improve their skills. The guidance is extremely personalized and tailored to each musician’s needs and requirements.
This level of guidance and help is provided on account of the sophisticated AI algorithms, which analyze and study the musician’s technique. Irrespective if you are a beginner having an issue with finger positioning or an advanced player fine-tuning your skills, the AirWave will be the coach you need.
Users may take some time to adjust to the new system.
4. AnkerMake M5
The AnkerMake M5 is a state-of-the-art 3D printer that provides an impression combination of high-speed printing and exceptional detail. It is created for professionals and DIY enthusiasts and is engineered to deliver flawless prints with efficiency. It features a PowerBoost technology, which optimizes energy through a Y-axis transmission system.
The system is equipped with a powerful stepper motor, double-belt driveshaft, and a stabilized motion algorithm, thereby generating extra power for high-speed printing without compromising on quality.
Why is it noteworthy?
The M5 is equipped with an advanced AI Camera Recognition System which ensures your prints are on track while making the entire printing process seamless and reliable. It can print at five times the usual speed while maintaining a 0.1mm precision. This enables users to produce high-quality prints in no time.
This is excellent for industries where rapid prototyping and production are essential, like product design and engineering. It features an ultra-direct extruder which always ensures precision, reducing the distance between the extruder and nozzle to enhance control and minimize errors.
What we like
Can print at 5X the normal speed significantly reduces production time.
Provides real-time monitoring and error detection.
What we dislike
The intricate components and systems, such as the ultra-direct extruder, may require maintenance.
5. VocaEase
For creators and creative professionals who often find themselves on the go, the VocaEase is a handy tool. It is an innovative AI-powered translation tool that supports seamless communication, bridging linguistic gaps in spoken and written formats. It provides a comprehensive suite of features to meet the needs of global communicators.
Whether you’re having voice or video calls with clients, or attending international conferences, VocaEase will provide real-time translations with a 0.5-second response time. It also features ChatGPT’s Whisper function, which improves its transcription abilities, and creates summaries of meetings, conferences, and conversations for users.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you’re someone who travels a lot, then the VocaEase will transform the way you communicate across languages. It delivers a whole new level of speed and accuracy. It can deal with multiple languages and formats easily, providing utility in a wide range of applications, from meetings to social media interactions.
It is quite handy for professionals who need to quickly collect information from multilingual sources, saving valuable time, and reducing the risk of miscommunication. It features a user-friendly design, which allows users to operate it easily, using varying levels of technical expertise.
What we like
Provides fast translations, facilitating smooth conversations.
Handles multiple languages and formats effectively.
What we dislike
Requires reliable internet connectivity.
May sometimes struggle with complex or nuanced translations.
Traveling light is often not as easy as it sounds. Navigating a narrow aisle on a regional jet or waiting on the tarmac in a snowstorm for your gate-checked bag can make even the simplest of trips cumbersome. That’s the challenge that led to the creation of Onli Travel and the Trilogy Modular Travel System—born from a firsthand experience with air travel frustrations and a powerful question: Why couldn’t luggage adapt to these challenges?
Onli Travel’s latest release, the Trilogy Modular Travel System, is built on versatility, adaptability, and convenience. It’s not just another travel bag; it’s a modular luggage system designed to adapt to meet the needs of a wide range of travelers, from weekenders to globetrotters. Built from years of iteration and user feedback, the Trilogy represents Onli Travel’s quest for a better way to carry what matters.
This system gives you three different bags that come together—or apart—as needed. Unlike traditional luggage that must be either fully checked or fully carried, the Trilogy breaks down into separate components that fit under airplane seats or in crowded compartments, avoiding gate checks and streamlining your travel experience. It’s three bags in one: a compact, expandable tote, a spinner that fits under an airplane seat, and a larger, expandable rear backpack unit.
The Expandable Tote Pack front unit features a redesigned strapping system that lets you carry it as a backpack, shoulder bag, or tote. The middle unit, an expandable spinner, is stronger and more stable and designed to support smaller bags on top without toppling over. The rear unit has also been redesigned with accessibility in mind—a larger panel allows access even when combined with the middle section, and a hidden pocket provides secure storage.
Onli Travel’s Penta 5-in-1 Packable Duffel, a related modular new product, enhances the Trilogy system. The Penta Duffel supports those unexpected needs—a market run, a last-minute detour, or just a day out. It functions as a duffel, backpack, shoulder bag, belt bag, or crossbody, adding lightweight capacity right when needed.
The Trilogy aims to eliminate the need to check a bag. Each piece is designed to be stowed under a seat or into a tight overhead compartment, making gate-checking as obsolete as possible. Since Onli Travel’s inception, this concept has been tested and refined across dozens of flights, leading to over 20 engineering and design improvements. The Expandable Tote, Spinner, and Weekender Daypack are easy to open—clamshell-style for organized packing or top-loading for casual trips.
Over the past two years, Onli Travel has worked with real travelers, sending beta testers across Japan, Spain, Poland, and Ukraine, among other places, to test the Trilogy. This field testing validated the design and guided many changes. Travelers asked, and Onli listened—redesigning everything from the strapping system to reinforcements for stability, making this the most advanced modular spinner the company has produced.
Onli Travel understands that travel means freedom—freedom to move smoothly from a business meeting to an adventure without swapping bags. The Trilogy offers that freedom, making travel a seamless experience. Each detail has been refined to serve a purpose—even the packing cubes, designed to fit the bags perfectly, help reduce stress, and keep everything organized.
The purpose is clear—to take the hassle out of travel and replace it with flexibility. Fitting your bag into a tight cabin or walking hands-free through crowded streets, the Trilogy has you covered. With its versatile, expandable components and thoughtful features, the Trilogy redefines traveling light, traveling smart, and traveling with peace of mind. After all, travel should focus on what you’re seeing and doing—not worrying about your luggage.
With the Trilogy Modular System, Onli Travel has created something beyond just luggage—they’ve created a travel companion. One that adjusts to your needs, grows when you need extra space, and simplifies the entire traveling experience. And that’s something every traveler could use.
LEGO Group has a rich history of making Star Wars-themed sets for 25 years, and for the holiday season, there’s something new that builders will want to add to their collection. The official 2024 Advent Calendar is a Star Wars-themed set that is selling like hotcakes as more than 60,000 units are already gone.
The interactive buildable set for both kids and adults comes with new Star Wars minifigures and vehicles that can be assembled each day leading up to Christmas time. The 368-piece LEGO set has miniature versions of the Holiday Princess Lia, Mandalorian Gauntlet, Jabba’s Sail Barge, Emperor’s Shuttle, Praetorian Guard, Super Battle Droid and many more.
Accompanying these cute minifigures are the 18 mini-vehicle models representing the respective franchise. These include Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder, Millennium Falcon, X-Wing, TIE Fighter, AT-AT, Y-wing, Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, Emperor’s Shuttle, U-wing, and T-6 Jedi Shuttle. This set is about imaginative story building to keep everyone engaged for 24 days and revere in the spirit of the Star Wars universe. Every morning there is a new surprise hidden for Star Wars fans to engage with and rejoice in the final build on Christmas day.
To create your personalized element of adventure and X-Mas spirit, the set can be combined with other Star Wars sets by LEGO. So, the permutations and combinations for having a fresh build are limitless. This gives LEGO builders the freedom to tinker around with any set element.
Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024 glorifies the 25th anniversary of LEGO and the Star Wars franchise just as the fans would desire. It is priced at $45 but can be bought for a discount at $36. This set along with the Harry Potter Advent Calendar gives LEGO lovers plenty of ways to set up their advent calendars for family fun. Otherwise, it can be displayed as a part of your Star Wars or LEGO collection on the workspace shelves in your geeky den.
With concerns rising about climate change and the demand for eco-friendly solutions, bamboo has become a top choice. The growing popularity of bamboo products is largely due to their positive environmental impact. Though bamboo is commonly found in furniture and flooring, it’s not considered wood but rather a grass with distinct composition and growth patterns compared to tree wood where its tightly packed fibers contribute to its durability and strength.
Those very properties, however, make it quite ideal for some designs, and there is a wide range of applications of bamboo in furniture, accessories, or even architecture. It is becoming a widely-used alternative to wood because of its faster growth rate and ubiquity, not to mention its unique properties and deep roots in antiquity. Here we explore not only the reasons why bamboo is such a popular choice but also the variety of uses it has in contemporary product design.
Why is Bamboo the best material for sustainable product design?
Just like regular wood, bamboo is a renewable resource for production materials. Unlike typical trees, however, it’s often easier to grow and take care of. With minimal chemical and water requirements, bamboo stands out as an eco-friendly material that absorbs more carbon dioxide than cotton or timber and releases oxygen to enhance air quality.
As a material, it also offers plenty of unique properties that make it suitable to replace not just hardwood or metal but even plastic or fabric. Here are some of the reasons why bamboo has become such a darling in the product design industry, especially compared to less sustainable options.
Eco-Friendly Material – Bamboo’s self-regenerating nature and rapid growth with minimal care make it one of the most sustainable alternatives to plastic or metal.
Cost-Effective – Bamboo is an affordable material that allows designers to experiment with the material and integrate it into their designs.
Versatile Material – Bamboo is a versatile material that can be used to create various products like fabrics, towels, brushes, and furniture.
Highly Durable – Despite its lightweight, bamboo offers remarkable tensile strength, flexibility, and durability, making it resistant to wear and tear over time, unlike many other materials.
Strong yet Soft – Bamboo offers durability comparable to popular hardwoods, ensuring long-lasting beauty and functionality.
Grown Naturally without Chemicals – Bamboo is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and its 100% biodegradable fiber grows rapidly due to its grass-like nature
Aesthetically Appealing – Bamboo’s natural sheen and silk-like texture enhance the visual appeal of different products and provide a luxurious feel.
Given the versatility of bamboo, it’s no surprise that it has been used in a wide variety of product designs. It’s not just the usual furniture or accessories either, as some consumer electronics have even adopted this wonder material. Bamboo doesn’t just bring sustainability but also a touch of style to designs that use it.
Of course, not all products can simply use bamboo material willy-nilly, since the material is still wood. With some creative thinking, however, bamboo can be utilized for almost anything, including textile! Here are ten examples of bamboo being used in modern products to elevate their quality both from without and within.
1. Bamboo Furniture
In the Kana Pro Bamboo Standing Desk by FlexiSpot, form meets function in a sustainable package. Crafted with a bamboo desktop that exudes warmth and durability, this desk elevates any home office aesthetic. With its dual-motor lifting system, one can adjust the desk’s height to one’s, ensuring ergonomic comfort. Safety features like anti-collision technology and a child lock alongside an integrated cable tray keep wires organized, while the additional lacquer coating enhances resistance to scratches, water, and insects.
The design is simple and doesn’t hide the wooden nature of the bamboo tabletop. Instead, it proudly displays the grain patterns unique to wood that give the slab its own character. It takes the elegance of natural bamboo strips and puts them on top of an ergonomic desk for a luxurious and comfortable working experience.
2. Electronic Devices
Using wood with electronics isn’t a popular design, especially ones that get exposed to moisture and the elements regularly. Used properly, however, it can turn a utilitarian product into a fashion statement, making a device an extension of one’s character and tastes.
The Bambass headphones are a sustainable innovation that merges bamboo weaving with modern design. Crafted with eco-friendly materials like bamboo and vegan leather, these open-back headphones offer both style and functionality. The adjustable design ensures comfort, while the use of bamboo provides enhanced sound insulation. With a commitment to reducing e-waste, Bambass represents a step forward in eco-conscious electronic accessories.
3. Bamboo Towels
Bamboo is wood and wood is hard, so you’d presume that you can only use bamboo for similarly hard products. Unlike most trees, however, bamboo stalks are actually flexible and fibrous, making it possible to actually transform them into yarn and fabrics. What you get is textile that’s sustainable on many levels while still providing the basic properties of regular cloth.
PANGEA’s Bamboo Adventure Towel 2.0 is not just eco-friendly; it’s carbon-negative, actively removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. Crafted entirely from 100% bamboo fibers, dyed with natural colors, and featuring a waffle pattern for enhanced absorption, it outperforms traditional microfiber towels. Designed for outdoor use, it’s naturally hypoallergenic, and antibacterial.
4. Bamboo Plates
Plates made of wood aren’t exactly new, especially in some cultures that emphasize a strong association with food and nature. Bamboo, however, opens up even more possibilities not only in terms of design but also sustainability. Reusing cutoffs, for example, helps reduce the need for raw materials even further, as demonstrated by this creative plate design.
Knork’s Sustainable Eco Plates feature a unique shape that comfortably holds wine glasses, perfect for eco-conscious entertaining. Made from bamboo and sugarcane offcuts, they contribute to a zero-waste future. The plates’ intelligent design includes space for wine glasses and hanging Knork Eco utensils. Crafted from Astrik resin, they’re biodegradable, dishwasher-safe, and decompose into compost in two years. These durable, sustainable plates minimize environmental impact, setting the stage for eco-friendly parties.
These minimal bamboo-inspired pens feature a magnetic base for self-organization. Designed by Kim Minsu, they resemble the aesthetic appeal of bamboo plants. The pens return to an upright position on the flat base, ensuring easy access whenever needed while adding a stylish touch to any workspace.
This minimalist tea set, designed for a luxury hotel brand in Jintan District, southern China, integrates the region’s renowned bamboo and high-grade green tea. The set, resembling bamboo, comprises a teacup, teapot, and tea spoon that stack to form a bamboo shape, symbolizing the traditional tea brewing process. This design seamlessly blends elegance with functionality, offering a serene addition to any kitchen.
6. Bamboo Toothbrush
There is so much plastic around us that we have become desensitized to their presence and effects on the environment. Even the toothbrushes we use to keep your teeth healthy is pretty much completely made of different kinds of plastic. Considering how often we replace these products, their accumulated numbers in landfills can be quite staggering.
The Everloop Toothbrush features an innovative design that allows for the replacement of its bamboo bristles. Made by NOS, this toothbrush addresses the alarming issue of plastic waste, with billions of toothbrushes being discarded each year. Its handle is crafted from recycled toothbrushes, while a clamping mechanism enables the attachment of 100% natural bamboo bristles. The plastic handle can be retained and the bamboo bristles can be periodically replaced to ensure that minimal plastic waste enters the environment.
7. Bamboo Pet Furniture
Humans aren’t the only ones who can enjoy bamboo-based products. With the rise in the number of pets in households, it’s only natural for pet furniture to also increase, most of which are made using plastic. Of course, not every piece or part of the pet furniture should be made of wood, but careful design can yield interesting results. CatYou in a Circle, for example, is an innovative modular cat furniture designed to serve as a lounge for both owners and pets. This set includes a floor sofa and coffee table, offering a relaxing space for cats and their owners.
Crafted with urban living in mind, it addresses common challenges faced by cat owners in compact spaces, providing hiding spots and play areas within the furniture. The woven bamboo design allows for visibility while maintaining boundaries, and adjustable armrests and washable cushions enhance comfort and versatility. CatYou in a Circle’s design balances functionality, style, and the behavioral needs of both pets and humans, making it an ideal solution for modern living spaces.
Thilina Liyanage’s “Birdie” is a picturesque bamboo glamping villa that resembles a majestic bird in flight. Located amidst a forest in Sri Lanka, this stunning creation showcases Liyanage’s talent for crafting nature-inspired structures using bamboo and wood. Elevated on stilts, Birdie offers occupants a serene view of the surrounding forest, with two levels providing ample space for a family of three. The upper level features a bedroom with a balcony, while the lower level includes a living space, a toilet, and a cantilever hammock for relaxation. With its bamboo, wood, and tile exterior, Birdie exudes the elegance of a swan about to take flight, creating an illusion of being suspended in the air. The spacious interior, cleverly integrated into the bird’s chest and wingspan, offers a comfortable retreat amidst nature.
Turtle Bay, situated by Thailand’s Khao Tao Reservoir in Hua Hin, exemplifies eco-tourism through its sustainable design and use of local materials. Architect Sarawoot Jansaeng-Aram’s concept includes floating bungalows crafted to resemble bamboo turtles, featuring shingled roofs and locally sourced bamboo. Embracing the renowned “Poon Tum” technique, known for its natural ventilation and resilience, Turtle Bay showcases a commitment to preserving the ecosystem.
9. Bamboo Cleaning Brush
Just like with toothbrushes, household cleaning tools are mostly made of plastic. Though some brushes do have wooden handles, their bristles are still made of plastic. It’s possible to use different materials, but the usual plastic alternatives are often too expensive to produce.
This sustainable dish brush features replaceable bamboo bristles, ensuring infinite reusability. Introduced by NOS, the creators of the successful Everloop Toothbrush, this innovation addresses the mounting plastic waste issue. The brush’s concave lid mechanism doubles as a soap container, while its replaceable bristles, made from natural fibers like bamboo and castor beans, are 100% compostable.
10. Bamboo Packaging
Although phone manufacturers have started removing plastic from their boxes, other products continue to ship packaging with plastic wrap or even plastic containers. Wood isn’t always a better choice for this purpose, but bamboo-based materials can actually help bridge the gaps between plastic, paper, and wood.
Global brands are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, with initiatives ranging from extending product lifecycles to sourcing eco-friendly materials for packaging. Sony, for instance, has launched its sustainability campaign by adopting recycled paper goods and locally sourced annuals for packaging. Their Original Blended Material, made from bamboo, sugarcane, and recycled paper, reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional packaging materials sourced from mature trees. By sourcing materials locally and promoting sustainable practices, Sony aims to minimize environmental impact while delivering quality products.
When it comes to choosing speakers to adorn your home and play your favorite music in your space, the look or design is not always the priority. The first thing you’re probably looking at is the sound quality (or maybe the cost if you’re working on a tight budget) and how it looks is just an afterthought. There are brands though that have teamed up with designers to make their speakers stand out in the sometimes overly crowded audio market.
Designer: Tom Fereday for Pitt & Giblin
Tasmanian audio brand have teamed up wtih Australian designer Tom Fereday to bring something called the Cast speaker. It has an industrial but aesthetic design, if the look you’re going for is simple but steely. The speaker is mostly made from marine-grade aluminum that not only adds to the acoustic properties of the device but also makes it more durable. This kind of aluminum can combat oxidation and degradation so it can last for a long time without looking so old.
Each speaker is made from four aluminum elements whose casting brings about a soft texture with a certain sheen. This is because the external surfaces are honed and hot waxed. The speaker itself has a complex curve on a circular pattern with a small opening at the center, the only interruption in its cohesive design. The casting is both the cubic framework and the acoustic design for the speaker.
When it comes to quality, the Cast speaker has a Hypex FusionAmp module that is able to power a 10″ subwoofer, four 4″midrange drivers, and a high frequency unit. The Digital Signal Processing is able to re-align the 3-way geometry that powers the unit. It’s a pretty high-end piece of audio equipment so the price is pretty steep. But if the look and the quality is what you’re looking for, you wouldn’t mind spending that much,
We might take for granted the effect that lighting has in our lives, thinking they’re just there for illumination. Even that aspect, however, can have unintended consequences, such as when the light is too bright, too dim, too cold, or too warm. Suffice it to say that lighting fixtures can affect not only visibility but even ambiance, especially if the light source is always visible.
A pendant light hanging from the ceiling is one such example, and while it might sometimes be nerve-wracking to see them precariously swaying in the wind, they can also be a source of wonder, awe, and even calm. This particular design takes its inspiration from both nature and geometry to create an almost mesmerizing effect when viewing it from different angles.
Rippling water has always been associated with calm, meditation, and Zen. Unlike a gushing river, concentric circles expand at a gentle and uniform pace, creating a hypnotic movement that’s only broken when colliding with another rippling surface. You can’t make light ripple without some sort of liquid or substance, but this pendant light comes close to emulating that effect both in design and in lighting.
The Ripple lamp is composed of concentric hexagons loosely bound together with black fabric cords. When hanging from the ceiling, the pieces separate and drop to create a pyramid form that’s almost like a ziggurat. Because of this “three-dimensional” arrangement, you get a different and unique view when seen from different angles. Of course, from the top, it looks like a rippling pattern, one with hexagons instead of circles.
This composition also affects the light being distributed from the center. Light doesn’t just go down as with normal pendant lamps but also upward, which has the effect of diffusing the lamp’s glare. Naturally, it also casts interesting shadows which add to the mystical effect of the rippling form.
The lamp comes in a flat-pack form, with the eggshell white metal rings taking up less space when collapsed. Its design is simple and minimalist, yet effective in conveying a sense of calm and peace. Even with the light off, the Ripple lamp functions as a decorative piece that gives a unique visual to any room’s atmosphere.
In the world of audio technology, growth and evolution is consistent. Every day we witness innovative designs that are transforming how we hear and experience sound. Today, audio products are futuristic. They deliver not only sound but also build immersive experiences that engage multiple senses. We have curated ten groundbreaking audio designs for you, that will offer a unique and inspiring perspective on the future of sound.
These ten futuristic audio designs represent the cutting edge of sound technology. From visually stunning speakers to personalized audio experiences, each product offers a unique perspective on how we can engage with sound. As technology continues to evolve, these innovations pave the way for even more immersive and engaging audio experiences.
1. Ferrofluid Bluetooth Speaker
Dubbed the Ferrofluid Bluetooth Speaker, this innovative design merges sound and visual art, creating a dynamic Ferrofluid display. Ferrofluid, a liquid infused with nanoscale magnetic particles, was originally conceived by NASA for space applications. When the liquid is exposed to magnetic fields, it converts into lovely intricate patterns that seem to defy gravity.
This innovative speaker harnesses the mesmerizing properties of ferrofluids, forming a visual symphony that complements the auditory experience. The speaker features a sleek 3D-printed body, which is a perfect specimen of modern engineering and aesthetic appeal. It is equipped with a LED-illuminated glass chamber, that enhances the ferrofluid’s visibility while adding an ethereal glow.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Ferrofluid Bluetooth Speaker possesses the ability to translate sound into a captivating visual performance, offering a unique multi-sensory experience. This speaker isn’t just about delivering audio; it’s about creating an immersive environment where music is seen as well as heard. The visual representation of sound waves via ferrofluid provides a tangible connection to the music, allowing users to “see” the rhythm and intensity of their favorite tracks.
This integration of visual art with audio technology is a testament to the innovative spirit driving the future of consumer electronics. It challenges traditional perceptions of what a speaker can be, transforming it from a mere sound device into a centerpiece of interactive art.
What we like
The ferrofluid display provides a unique and mesmerizing visual experience
Combines cutting-edge technology with artistic expression
What we dislike
The ferrofluid may require special care to maintain its performance
2. LAVA GENIE
Dubbed the LAVA GENIE, this new-age guitar adopts touch-sensitive pads, while ditching the strings. The guitar is powered by AI, making learning, playing, and sampling music more fun and seamless. It is designed to be used by beginners, and seasoned musicians alike. It is an innovative all-in-one instrument that eliminates the hassles of traditional instruments.
The LAVA GENIE offers easy and instant access to the world of sound, helping you play whenever inspiration strikes. It is a portable and powerful device that invites users to explore and share their musical voice, helping people to interact and connect through music, anytime and anywhere.
It is equipped with an integrated AI, which transcribes your songs effortlessly and easily. You need to upload any audio file, and the app will convert it into chord charts, syncing it perfectly with the GENIE. It functions as your personal music assistant, bringing your musical ideas to life, and improving your skills with each session.
The LAVA GENIE is also equipped with over 500 preloaded sounds in its synth and sample bank. You can play any instrument you can think of on the GENIE, including guitar, piano, nylon, drums, and electric guitar. It functions as a mini sound studio in the form of a guitar, allowing you to jam, compose, or perform in the style of your choice.
What we like
You can pair the guitar with the LAVA+ app, and access excellent features like interactive Chord Charts, BPM settings, and speed adjustments
Features a stunning futuristic aesthetic
What we dislike
Beginners might face a learning curve when it comes to fully utilizing its sampling and looping features
3. Woojer Edge
Named the Woojer Edge, this revolutionary product is designed to transform the way you experience audio. It lets you feel sound! Amped with cutting-edge technology, the Woojer Edge will deliver an immersive audio experience that goes beyond traditional listening, ensuring you don’t simply hear sound but feel it.
The Woojer Edge includes an aptX Low Latency Bluetooth 5.0, which offers a seamless and high-quality wireless audio transmission. It also includes an analog headphone amplifier that elevates sound fidelity. These features work in tandem to deliver an unparalleled audio experience.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Woojer Edge is designed to bridge the gap between physical and sound sensation, providing users with a multi-dimensional and immersive audio experience. It contains two products: the Strap Edge, and the Vest Edge. Each product has been tailored to specific use cases. It is ideal for gamers and music enthusiasts on the move.
The Vest is designed for immersive applications such as gaming, music creation, and virtual reality. It converts audio signals into haptic feedback, enabling users to physically feel the depth and intensity of sound, providing a more engaging and realistic experience.
What we like
Built from high-end breathable fabrics
It is equipped with powerful and accurate, hi-res haptic feedback
What we dislike
The vest can be a bit cumbersome and uncomfortable when users are seated
4. OSSIC X Headphones
Dubbed the OSSIC X, these are the world’s first 3D audio headphones that are calibrated to you. They provide an unparalleled 3D audio experience, and they calibrate sound based on the listener’s anatomical features, including head size and ear shape. The headphones utilize 3D audio algorithms and head-tracking tech to deliver an immersive sound experience.
The sound experiences perfectly reflect the real-world audio environments. This kind of unique personalization elevates spatial awareness, making these headphones perfect for a variety of applications including music, gaming, and virtual reality.
Why is it noteworthy?
The OSSIC X is unlike typical headphones, and they do not provide a one-size-fits-all sound profile. They will adapt to the individual user, delivering a tailored audio experience. The headphones can accurately position sound in 3D space, converting them into an essential for gamers and VR enthusiasts.
They are designed to provide a competitive edge in immersive experience. These headphones are setting a whole new and exciting standard for what headphones can achieve and deliver. They are paving the path for future innovations in personalized sound and audio.
What we like
Ensures a tailored and immersive listening experience for each user
Provides accurate sound placement and an increased sense of space
What we dislike
Initial calibration and setup may be challenging and time-consuming for some users
5. Collector
Dubbed the Collector, this innovative and revolutionary drum kit was designed by Liu Tianchen. It was created to bridge the gap between electronic music and traditional drumming, creating a futuristic product that is truly the best of both worlds. It is equipped with six adjustable pads and two pedals mounted on a folding frame.
These features provide a near-authentic drumming experience that feels like the real deal with some bonuses. Unlike typical drumming kits, you can create personalized sound banks and rhythms using the Collector. It is a flexible and customizable design that offers control and autonomy over your music.
Why is it noteworthy?
Musicians can sample real-world audio and transform it into synthesized rhythms, creating unique beats and sounds. This capability allows for a creative and personalized music-making experience, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned musicians. It offers new avenues of expression to musicians.
This product makes perfect sense for musicians looking to merge traditional drumming techniques with modern electronic sounds. It promotes experimentation, allowing beginners and experienced musicians to play around with their music, creating new and exciting sounds. It features a portable form, allowing you to make music wherever you please.
What we like
Users can create their sound banks and rhythms
The folding design allows for easy storage and transport
What we dislike
The experience may differ from playing a conventional drum kit, not well-suited for those looking for a more traditional experience
6. Earbugs
Called the Earbugs, these earbuds merge the best of two worlds – the immersive in-ear sound isolation of traditional wireless earbuds, and the innovative capabilities of bone conduction technology. This innovative hybrid design presents a one-of-a-kind audio experience that delivers comfort and premium sound quality.
They are engineered to provide a seamless listening experience, allowing users to enjoy their favorite tunes, podcasts, and audiobooks with clarity and depth. The Earbugs integrate bone conduction, and transmit sound vibrations directly through the bones of the skull to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum.
This technology not only enhances sound quality but also offers a natural transparency mode, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings without sacrificing audio immersion.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Earbugs enhance sound quality, while also providing a natural transparency mode. This allows users to enjoy their audio immersion while being aware of their surroundings. They combine dynamic drivers with bone conduction technology. This clever pairing creates a rich, 3D soundscape for the listener.
The earphones feature an ergonomic design ensuring a secure and comfortable fit, even during intense physical activities. So, they’re great for those who like to work out and listen to their favorite tunes at the same time. The Earbugs also boast a good water-resistant rating, making them resilient to sweat and light rain, which is ideal for users with active lifestyles.
What we like
Equipped with futuristic bone conducting technology, which delivers superior transparency mode
What we dislike
Not well-suited for bedtime listening, as their design can be uncomfortable for users who prefer to sleep or lie on their side while wearing earbuds
7. JBL Tour PRO 3 Earbuds
The JBL Tour PRO 3 earbuds are paired up with a groundbreaking smart charging case. The case doesn’t just serve as a protective shell, it functions as a multifunctional device that elevates the user experience with its integrated touch screen. It is created for the tech-savvy consumer, and it allows users to control playback, manage calls, and access media information without touching their phones.
The charging case also doubles up as a wireless audio transmitter, delivering seamless connectivity in scenarios where Bluetooth dongles were once needed. This dual functionality makes the JBL Tour PRO 3 earbuds a versatile device for everyday use and travel.
Why is it noteworthy?
These earbuds are set to revolutionize the way users interact and handle their audio devices. It provides a whole new level of convenience and functionality. The charging case’s touchscreen offers unprecedented control, enabling users to manage their listening experience directly from the case.
This feature is great for travelers, as it offers them easy access to audio controls and connectivity options. They don’t need to carry any additional devices. This showcases JBL’s commitment to enhancing user convenience and adaptability, making it a game-changer in the world of wireless audio.
What we like
Enhances versatility and eliminates the need for additional devices
Provides easy access to controls and information
What we dislike
The touch screen may consume more power, affecting battery life
8. Van der Waals
Named the Van der Waals, this speaker is a visually stunning audio device that utilizes ferrofluid to create dynamic visualizations. This orb-shaped speaker is equipped with a clear cage containing ferrofluid. This reacts to the magnetic field generated by the speaker, and as the music plays, the ferrofluid creates intricate shapes, forming a tangible representation of sound.
It adds a visual and enticing element to the music, helping us watch it in a way. The speaker uses ferrofluid to form a unique and engaging visual experience that elevates and improves the auditory experience for you.
Why is it noteworthy?
The speaker combines art and technology to offer a new way to experience music, making it a standout in the world of audio design. The speaker is a tribute to the work of Dutch physicist and Nobel laureate Johannes Diderik van der Waals, as it explores molecular behavior uniquely and innovatively.
What we like
The ferrofluid display provides a captivating and otherworldly visualization of music
Combines functionality with artistic expression
What we dislike
The ferrofluid may require extra attention and efforts to maintain
9. Jack
Designed by Podo Labs, Jack is a compact and innovative Bluetooth adapter that brings wireless functionality to any wired headphones. Jack offers features such as Qualcomm aptX HD audio support and an impressive battery life, making it a versatile accessory for audio enthusiasts
This small device clips easily to clothing or bags, allowing users to enjoy the freedom of wireless audio without having to replace their favorite wired headphones. Jack’s ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously further enhances its utility, providing a seamless and flexible listening experience.
Why is it noteworthy?
Jack is known for its ability to transform any wired headphones into wireless devices, offering a cost-effective and convenient solution for users who value their existing audio equipment. By supporting high-definition audio standards like Qualcomm aptX HD, Jack ensures that users can enjoy superior sound quality without the limitations of cables.
Its compact design and long battery life make it an ideal companion for on-the-go listening, while its multi-device connectivity allows for easy switching between audio sources. Jack exemplifies the potential for small, innovative devices to enhance and extend the functionality of existing technology, providing users with greater flexibility and choice in their audio experiences.
What we like
Enables wired headphones to function as wireless devices
Supports Qualcomm aptX HD audio for superior sound quality
10. Revols Earphones
Revols earphones introduce a revolutionary concept in wireless audio with their quick custom-fit technology. These earphones are designed to mold to the unique contours of the user’s ears in just 60 seconds, providing a level of comfort and sound isolation unmatched by traditional models.
The custom fitting process is controlled via a companion app, allowing users to achieve a personalized fit with minimal effort. This innovation addresses the common issue of ill-fitting earphones, ensuring that users can enjoy their audio content without discomfort or distraction.
Why is it noteworthy?
Revols earphones are designed to offer a truly personalized listening experience, transforming the way users interact with their audio devices. The custom-fit technology ensures that each pair of earphones conforms perfectly to the user’s ear shape, enhancing comfort and sound quality. This personalized fit not only improves the audio experience but also increases sound isolation, allowing users to immerse themselves fully in their music.
The ease and speed of the fitting process, controlled through a user-friendly app, make Revols a practical choice for a wide range of activities, from exercise to commuting. By prioritizing user comfort and personalization, Revols sets a new benchmark for wireless earphones, highlighting the importance of adaptability in modern audio design.
What we like
Provides a personalized and comfortable fit for each user
The molding process is quick and controlled via a user-friendly app
What we dislike
Requires a smartphone app for the custom fitting process
