Tag Archives: Technology

Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch hands on: A Perfect Pair for Day and Night Health Tracking

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Samsung has unveiled its latest wearables, offering plenty to be excited about. The Galaxy Ring and the new Galaxy Watch lineup, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7, are packed with features designed to keep you healthy and connected, whether you’re an extreme sports enthusiast or simply looking to improve your daily wellness.

Designer: Samsung

Galaxy Ring: A New Standard in Health Wearables

Samsung’s Galaxy Ring marks a significant advancement in wearable technology. With its unique concave design, this ring ensures comfortable and consistent 24/7 monitoring, even while you sleep. It weighs only 3 grams and’s incredibly lightweight and perfect for all-day wear. Available in nine sizes and three finishes—titanium black, titanium silver, and glossy titanium gold—the Galaxy Ring combines style with functionality.

The ring’s sensors track vital metrics, including sleep analysis, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and snoring. All this information syncs with Samsung’s Health app, available on any Android phone, making it easy to view your progress.

One standout feature is the Energy Score, which measures seven health metrics related to sleep, activity, and heart rate daily. Wellness Tips offers personalized advice based on your health data, acting like a personal coach for exercise, sleep, stress, and hydration. This level of detail helps you make informed decisions about your health.

Designed for durability and style, the Galaxy Ring is scratch-resistant thanks to its aerospace-grade titanium-grade 5 finish. It’s also water-resistant up to 330 feet, making it versatile for swimming, diving, or everyday wear. The multifunction case, featuring LED scenario lighting, adds to the ring’s appeal and functionality. When opened, it provides a welcome light and a battery indicator and starts pairing mode with a long press.

Connectivity is a big part of the Galaxy Ring’s appeal. It integrates seamlessly with other Galaxy devices, ensuring a connected ecosystem. With Samsung Find, you can quickly locate the ring if misplaced, as it lights up in red and green. The ring also allows gesture-based smartphone control, such as double pinching to snap a picture or snooze an alarm.

Battery life is optimized by turning off some sensors alongside other Galaxy devices, extending the ring’s operational time. Real-time alerts for high or low heart rates, auto workout detection, cycle tracking based on skin temperature, and inactive alerts are practical features designed to enhance the user experience and health management.

The Galaxy Ring is $399.99, and pre-orders start on July 10. This price includes access to all the advanced health and wellness data discussed, with no additional subscription required.

Galaxy Watch Ultra: For the Adventurous

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is built for those who push their limits. Whether diving deep underwater or hiking rugged trails, this watch is designed to withstand the most challenging conditions. It’s water-resistant up to 330 feet and meets U.S. military standards for durability. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, it’s both rugged and lightweight.

Jeffrey Kim, senior product manager at Samsung, introduced the watch, highlighting its first-ever 3-nanometer processor. This means smoother performance and longer battery life. It also has a dual GPS that ensures accuracy even in the city’s densest areas. The watch’s enhanced bioactive sensors deliver precise heart rate measurements during your most intense workouts.

Battery life is impressive, and there are options to extend it even further. Turn on exercise power-saving mode, and you can track your heart rate and use low-power GPS for up to 48 hours. Need more? The standard power-saving mode can keep the watch running for up to 100 hours.

Health and fitness tracking is where the Galaxy Watch Ultra shines. It features an Energy Score to give you a daily snapshot of your health based on sleep, activity, and heart rate metrics. Plus, it offers personalized wellness tips. The watch even tracks your sleep and can alert you if it detects signs of sleep apnea.

The design isn’t just about durability. It’s stylish, too. The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in three colors: titanium gray, titanium white, and titanium silver. You can choose from various bands, like the quick-dry Marine band, the breathable Trail band, and the stylish Peak band, perfect for workouts or a night out. The watch feels sleek, and despite its size, it’s surprisingly lightweight. This makes wearing it comfortable throughout the day, whether hitting the gym or attending a meeting.

One cool feature is the quick button. Just tap it to start or pause your workout, complete a lap, or begin a new interval. Hold it for five seconds, emitting an 85-decibel sound for emergencies. The watch also helps with notifications, offering context-aware replies for quick responses in messaging apps like Google Messenger and WhatsApp.

Changing the straps is a breeze. The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s strap can be removed by clicking two buttons, making it easy to switch between styles depending on your activity or mood.

Galaxy Watch 7: Versatile and Stylish

The Galaxy Watch 7 is designed for everyone. It combines the familiar Galaxy Watch design with new AI enhancements to provide detailed health insights. Available in two sizes, large and small, it offers a range of stylish colors: green and silver for the large and green and cream for the small.

The watch bands are also versatile. You’ve got the sporty, quick-dry material for active days, a comfortable fabric band for everyday wear, and a leather band that looks great in any setting. The storage capacity has doubled from the previous model, giving you up to 32 gigabytes of space.

The Galaxy Watch 7 includes many of the same health features as the Ultra, like the Energy Score and Wellness Tips, helping you stay on top of your health and fitness goals. The watch feels sleek, and its lightweight design makes it easy to wear all day. The buttons are intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall user experience.

Both watches will be available for pre-order starting July 10. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced at $649.99, while the Galaxy Watch 7 starts at $299.99. Each watch offers something unique, whether you need a rugged companion for extreme adventures or a stylish partner for everyday wellness.

Complementary Health Tracking Throughout the Day and Night

Combining the Galaxy Ring with the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Galaxy Watch 7 provides a comprehensive health tracking experience. The ring excels in continuous 24/7 monitoring, especially during sleep, giving vital metrics like sleep analysis, heart rate, and skin temperature. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive, making it perfect for all-day wear.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watches bring more interactive features and on-the-go usability. During the day, the watches can track your workouts with precise bioactive sensors and offer real-time insights and notifications. With its rugged design and extended battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is ideal for outdoor activities and extreme sports. The Galaxy Watch 7, with its stylish and versatile design, fits seamlessly into everyday life, whether you’re working out or attending a meeting.

Together, these wearables create a connected ecosystem that enhances your overall wellness. For instance, you can always wear the ring, ensuring continuous health monitoring while using the watch for more detailed interactions and tracking during your active hours. Samsung recommends wearing the ring on your index or middle finger for optimal readings, making it easy to integrate into your routine.

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s latest wearables offer a new standard in health tracking. The Galaxy Ring, with its advanced AI and comprehensive monitoring, and the Galaxy Watch lineup, with its versatile features and durable designs, provide a holistic approach to wellness. We look forward to testing out these devices. While I don’t typically wear a ring, I’ll do my best to get used to it. Stay tuned for more hands-on insights as we explore their capabilities in detail. For now, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the future of health tracking. For more information and to pre-order these devices, visit Samsung’s official website.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch hands on: A Perfect Pair for Day and Night Health Tracking first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 Hands-On Review: Design, Features, and Performance Unveiled

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Foldable phones are changing how we use our mobile devices by combining the best of smartphones and tablets into one. Samsung leads this innovation with its latest Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. Let’s look at their design, drawing from my hands-on experience.

Designer: Samsung

The Galaxy Z Fold6 features a sleek, symmetrical design with straight edges, making it look refined and practical. It is 2.7 mm wider and 1.4 mm thinner when unfolded compared to the Fold5, making it feel comfortable and substantial. This design improvement makes the device easier to handle while offering a larger screen.

After using other foldables like the Vivo Fold, Honor Porsche Design Foldable, and OnePlus, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to hold and manage the Fold6. The flat and sharp edges add a modern touch. The design feels intentional, enhancing both its look and functionality. I’m a fan of the design, which balances form and function well.

The device is sturdy with its enhanced Armor Aluminum, which improves scratch resistance by 10%. This is paired with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back for better protection against drops and scratches. During my hands-on time, this combination felt durable, giving me confidence in its everyday use. These enhancements build on the Fold5’s already robust design.

The Galaxy Z Fold6’s hinge mechanism is impressive. The dual rail hinge design distributes shock better, making folding and unfolding smooth. This adds to the device’s durability and improves its functionality. The strengthened folding edge makes it more resilient against impacts. The hinge felt solid and reliable, addressing some concerns from previous models.

The main screen includes an improved protective layer that reduces the visibility of the crease, making for a smoother viewing experience. This layer also helps with shock absorption and protects the internal components. The device’s slim and light design, combined with these features, makes it robust and user-friendly. The Fold6’s display improvements offer a slightly better viewing experience compared to the Fold5.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 features a 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display with a 2160 x 1856 pixels resolution at 374 ppi. This display supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience. Whether watching videos, playing games, or multitasking, the display’s colors and details are impressive. The cover screen is equally capable, with a 6.3-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, ensuring clear visuals in any mode. These display enhancements provide a noticeable upgrade from the Fold5.

The Galaxy Z Flip6 is designed for those who value style and functionality. Its compact form fits easily into pockets and bags, making it highly portable. The 3.4-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow offers a dynamic way to interact with the device even when closed. Holding the device, it’s clear that Samsung has prioritized both looks and usability, creating a practical and stylish device. The Flip6’s design refines the Flip5, making it easier to use and more appealing.

The FlexWindow isn’t just for notifications; it supports interactive and photo ambient wallpapers that change based on the time and weather. This feature adds a personal touch to the device, allowing users to express their style directly on the cover screen. The interactive wallpapers respond to touch or movement, making the user experience more engaging. Experimenting with these features and seeing the wallpapers react in real time was interesting. This feature builds on the functionality of the Flip5’s external display, offering more customization options.

Customization is central to the Galaxy Z Flip6. Users can create unique wallpapers using the generative wallpaper feature, which allows the creation of images based on keywords. The device also offers wallpaper suggestions with diverse styles to suit individual preferences. During hands-on use, setting up and switching between these customizations was seamless. This level of personalization was more limited in the Flip5, making the Flip6 feel more unique.

The Galaxy Z Flip6’s durability matches that of its Fold6 counterpart. It features the same enhanced Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, ensuring it can withstand everyday use. The folding edge has been reinforced to resist pressure and sharp objects better. The Flip6’s durability improvements build on the Flip5, making it even more resilient.

Specs and Features: Power and Intelligence

Their intelligent AI features set the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 apart. These capabilities enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, optimized for AI processing, is the core of these devices. This processor enhances performance and enables a host of AI-driven features that make everyday tasks more efficient.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 boosts productivity with AI-powered tools. Samsung’s Note Assist in Samsung Notes offers translation, summaries, and auto-formatting for meeting notes. The embedded transcript feature can transcribe, translate, and summarize voice recordings directly in Notes. PDF overlay translation allows for seamless translation of texts within PDF files, even supporting texts in images and graphs. Composer in Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text for emails and social media posts based on simple keywords, reflecting your tone by analyzing previous posts. These AI tools are more advanced than those in the Fold5, providing a smoother user experience.

The enhanced S Pen experience on the Galaxy Z Fold6 allows access to convenient shortcuts by hovering the stylus over the screen. Smart Select expands the S Pen’s capabilities, offering features like translation, note-taking, and Sketch to Image, which provides image options based on your sketches. During hands-on use, these features made note-taking and content creation more intuitive. This is an improvement over the S Pen functionality on the Fold5, making the Fold6 more versatile for productivity.

The Galaxy Z Flip6’s AI capabilities enhance user interaction and customization. The 3.4-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow supports interactive wallpapers that change based on time and weather, offering a personalized touch. FlexWindow provides quick access to various indicators and widgets without unlocking the device. Users can manage health, SmartThings, reminders, and news updates seamlessly. These features build upon Flip5’s capabilities, offering more customization options and quick access to information.

The generative wallpaper feature allows users to create unique wallpapers using keywords, adding a personal touch to the device. The suggested replies and interpreter mode make communication quick and efficient, with tailored responses and easy two-way translation using FlexMode. These features will be handy for anyone who needs it, making interactions more seamless. These AI enhancements make the Flip6 more intelligent and responsive than the Flip5.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 have AI-powered camera features. The FlexCam on the Galaxy Z Flip6 offers clear selfies and crisp AI zoom with its new 50 MP high-resolution camera and a 12 MP camera for enhanced low-light detail. The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold6 includes a 10 MP cover selfie camera, a 4 MP under-display camera, and a rear triple camera setup. AI tools like ProVisual Engine and Photo Assist elevate photography, offering features like Portrait Studio and Instant Slow-mo. These camera enhancements provide a noticeable upgrade from the Fold5 and Flip5, particularly regarding AI capabilities and low-light performance.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 enhances the gaming experience with its powerful chipset and 1.6x larger vapor chamber, supporting longer gaming sessions with detailed graphics and Ray Tracing. The 7.6-inch screen with up to 2,600 nits of brightness ensures an immersive gaming experience. The Galaxy Z Flip6 also supports a rich multimedia experience with its flexible display and AI-driven features, making it versatile for productivity and entertainment. These gaming and entertainment enhancements build on the performance of the Fold5 and Flip5.

Running on Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 offer seamless connectivity options, including 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Samsung Knox with Knox Vault ensures your data is secure, providing advanced protection against cyber threats. The devices also feature Live Translate, which translates phone calls in real-time, and Interpreter mode, enhancing communication in multiple languages. As someone who travels frequently to Japan and China, I find these features particularly useful. Using third-party apps like Alipay or WeChat in Chinese with real-time translations has been incredibly convenient, making communication and transactions much smoother.

Value: Who Should Upgrade?

For users with Fold5 or Flip5, the differences between Fold6 and Flip6 may not be substantial enough to warrant an upgrade. The Fold6 and Flip6 are iterative updates, offering refinements rather than revolutionary changes. However, for those new to the foldable market or upgrading from older versions like the Fold3 or Flip3, the Galaxy Z Fold6, and Z Flip6 offer significant advancements in design, AI features, and overall performance, making them compelling choices.

The free storage upgrade offer is an added incentive for new buyers. Pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Fold6 can get you a free upgrade from 256 GB to 512 GB or 512 GB to 1 TB, available on Samsung.com and through select carriers and retailers. Additionally, pre-orders made by July 23 are eligible for up to $1,200 in trade-in value for the Galaxy Z Fold6 with an eligible trade-in.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 go beyond their sleek looks, representing the future of smart, user-friendly devices. Their AI features boost productivity, creativity, and overall user experience, making them perfect for everyday tasks. Whether you prefer the large display and productivity tools of the Galaxy Z Fold6 or the stylish flexibility and customization of the Galaxy Z Flip6, these phones offer a seamless mix of technology and design. My hands-on experience with both devices highlights their versatility and intelligence, setting a new standard for what foldable phones can achieve.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 Hands-On Review: Design, Features, and Performance Unveiled first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Amazon Echo Spot Has Returned

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Amazon has revealed a new product: the Amazon Echo Spot, ahead of Prime Day. This revamped version retains the charm of the original 2017 model but now features a hemispherical display and speaker on the front. Enhanced sound quality and a sharper display are the main upgrades, though only time will tell if it avoids the screen flicker issues of its predecessor.

A notable change is the removal of the camera, addressing privacy concerns from users who weren’t comfortable with a camera on their bedside table. The Echo Spot can handle basic tasks via Alexa, such as providing weather updates and displaying song titles from streaming services.

The Echo Spot is available in Black, Glacier White, and Ocean Blue, with customizable display hues in magenta, violet, orange, lime, teal, or blue. It is priced at $80, but Prime members can get it for $45 during Prime Day. This updated Echo Spot offers a sleek design and practical functionality, making it an appealing choice for a smart alarm clock.

The post The Amazon Echo Spot Has Returned appeared first on OhGizmo!.

iOS 18 Beta 3: What’s New for Developers in the Latest Update

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It’s Mobile Monday, and we’re delighted to see that Apple has embraced the occasion by releasing iOS 18 Beta 3 today. This latest beta version brings a range of updates and refinements, moving closer to the official launch of iOS 18. With a focus on enhancing user experience, streamlining interfaces, and adding new features, this update highlights Apple’s ongoing commitment to improving its operating system based on feedback from developers and users.

Designer: Apple

One of the significant updates in iOS 18 Beta 3 is the introduction of Dark Mode icons for several third-party apps, including Facebook, Etsy, Telegram, Signal, Slack, Notion, and YouTube. These icons now automatically adjust to Dark Mode, with secondary colors becoming the main color and backgrounds turning black. More complex app icons are tinted darker, while developers have the option to provide their own dark-tinted icons for better customization.

The Photos app has received a usability enhancement by adding a Select button for a more accessible selection of multiple images, eliminating the need to swipe down. The Search button has also been updated to a blue-highlighted magnifying glass, improving visibility and ease of use.

Messages have undergone significant changes, particularly in its emoji and sticker interface. The new design combines emoji, Memoji, and stickers into a single interface, navigable through small icons at the bottom of the display. Users can create and use stickers directly in messages, with non-moving stickers displayed similarly to emojis. Emojis are now shown larger, providing more detail but requiring more scrolling to see additional characters. These enhancements pave the way for the introduction of Apple Intelligence, including features like Genmoji and Image Playground.

Apple has also added a dynamic wallpaper option that transitions through different colors based on the time of day, making iOS 18 visually engaging. The flashlight interface has been refined, offering a more extensive and intuitive control for adjusting brightness and LED flash spread when activated from the Dynamic Island.

The Maps app continues to receive tweaks, particularly its icon colors, when Dark Mode is enabled, ensuring a consistent and seamless user experience. Additionally, the interface for RCS in the Messages settings has been updated to a tap-in menu that provides more context, such as the use of wireless data and the sharing of cellular network identifiers with carriers.

Hints of Apple Intelligence are becoming more apparent, with code references to features like Genmoji, Image Playground, Writing Tools, and Image Wand. These forthcoming AI enhancements are expected to significantly augment the capabilities of iOS 18, offering users a smarter, more responsive experience.

iOS 18 beta 3 is a clear sign that Apple is committed to making its operating system better and more user-friendly with every update. This release shows how Apple listens to feedback and continues to refine features, fix bugs, and add new capabilities to ensure users have a smooth and enjoyable experience with each new version.

The post iOS 18 Beta 3: What’s New for Developers in the Latest Update first appeared on Yanko Design.

Enhance Your Apple iPhone Experience: Top 10 MagSafe Products Of 2024

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Do you love MagSafe-compatible products as much as I do?! There is a great sense of satisfaction, in my opinion, to have things just stick to your phone. Be it a pair of earphones (maybe that’ll be the next generation of AirPods) or have your phone just conveniently stick to a charging pad – it’s almost like magic. The reintroduction of the MagSafe led to a whole new world of accessories being unleashed. Designers and creatives were racing to create a whole range of products for the repurposed MagSafe. And we’ve been loving every bit of it! From a MagSafe flashlight to a Cyberpunk-themed charging station – there’s a MagSafe accessory out there for your every need. And, we’ve curated many products that we truly believe are worth buying and investing in. This army of accessories will truly amp up your Apple experience!

1. M-Con

The M-Con is inspired by sliders like the PSP Go or, closer to home, the Xperia Play. It is removable like most smartphone controllers today, but it utilizes MagSafe technology to attach it to the iPhone’s back securely. You can always have it attached, or separate the two pieces to place them into your pockets with ease. The design has another USP too – the controller portion and the MagSafe plate can also be separated, and the plate can be used as a stand for the iPhone. You can use the controller as you would, and you can play with the phone even when it is standing on the table.

2. The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

 The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has a unique cyberpunk-like aesthetic which truly sets this charger aside. It doesn’t feature a straightforward row of circles, instead, it alternates their arrangement to create a visually appealing composition that instantly grabs attention. The colors alternate as well, as the white Apple Watch pad is surrounded by black circles for the iPhone and AirPods case. The charging station features the conventional text, lines, and visible screws you’d find in such a tech-centric design language.

3. WUBEN E1

Dubbed the WUBEN E1, this MagSafe flashlight has 300 lumens of brightness and is 6 times more powerful than your smartphone flashlight. It is ideal for vlogging, selfies, outdoor trips, emergencies, and even reading. You can snap the WUBEN E1 onto the back of your phone, allowing it to function as a compact ring light whenever you need it. You don’t need to resort to your phone’s poor flashlight. Even when you’re not using the WUBEN E1 as a ring light, you can prop your phone against it at any angle.

 4. TORRAS MiniMag

Meet the TORRAS MiniMag – a compact MagSafe power bank that you can snap onto the back of your phone, giving it an instant and much-needed battery boost. The power bank is the size of a credit card, and it features a thickness of 0.3 inches. The MiniMag’s compact size and MagSafe compatibility allow it to seamlessly attach to your iPhone, powering it with an extra 5000mAh battery, allowing you to go about your day without the stress of your phone dying down any second.

5. Pandaer 35W Wireless Power Bank

Meet Meizu’s latest Pandaer 35W wireless power bank! The Pandaer 35W features a 10,000mAh capacity and provides multiple charges for almost all smartphones. What makes the product stand out is that it features an integrated magnetic ring, which works perfectly with Meizu’s Pandaer magnetic ecosystem, as well as other MagSafe devices. This ensures effortless and seamless charging, and you can snap your phone onto the power bank, and relax as it receives a battery boost to last the whole weekend!

6. G4 Charger

Dubbed the G4 Charger, this cool accessory reminds you of the Elago charger which converted the Apple Watch into a Macintosh. The charger features a sleek and compact form, which pulls attention to the iPhone placed on it. It is equipped with a dual joint system on the back, and you can position and angle your phone however you like using this joint. It includes a handy light inside the domed front which lights up when your phone starts charging.

7. The Native Union Profile Fox Cases

Created by Native Union and Maison Kitsuńe, these beautiful covers are made from premium Italian leather, and they’re the perfect case for your iPhone. The covers have drop protections, lips around the screen, and a camera bump. It also features a set of magnets that can be used to reinforce the attachment of the companion MagSafe wallet that can be utilized to store at least two cards. The covers are great to look at and use.

8. STRICKERS

Called STRICKERS, this ultra-thin power bank is a conceptual design that you can magnetically attach to the back of your smartphone, most likely an iPhone. The small pack is able to hold a 10,000 mAh battery capacity, so it doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the back of your smartphone. The power bank is equipped with a sheet of bendable silicone material which converts the phone into a smartphone stand.

9. The Elago WS M5 Charging Stand

Meet Elago’s WS M5 Charging Stand! The nifty little product is designed to be a whimsical yet functional MagSafe charger, and it looks like the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP. The charger serves as a stable stand to charge as well as hold your iPhone. It features a fixed 30-degree angle which is great for watching movies or videos, or even to make use of the IOS Standby Mode at night. It also includes helpful back support, ensuring the charger doesn’t fall down.

10. Apple MagSafe Origami Grip Stand

Meet the Apple MagSafe Origami Grip Stand – this MagSafe stand is truly a unique one, and the Japanese art of paper folding inspires it. You can fold the stand flat, hence ensuring you don’t need to waste time assembling and disassembling it. It is a one-of-a-kind accessory that is quite thin and lightweight and has the size of a credit card. The stand is easy to attach to your phone, and can be easily stored in your pocket as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45.00

The post Enhance Your Apple iPhone Experience: Top 10 MagSafe Products Of 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The 10 Best Tech Gadgets Of June 2024

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The month of June has been pretty interesting as it’s brought with it a storm of mind-boggling and innovative tech designs! At Yanko Design, it’s surely been an exciting time for us, as we came across an influx of intriguing designs that left a lasting impression on our minds. Each design broke through some barrier or convention in the tech world, bringing us unique solutions, improved functionality, and immense value. From the downpour of tech designs that June 2024 introduced to us, we’ve curated some of the very best. Not only do these designs address tangible problems, but they also make our lives better, easier, and more efficient in their way. We hope these inventive tech gadgets impress you, as much as they impressed us!

1. Minisforum S100

Dubbed the Minisforum S100, this small and sleek box may look like a power bank, but it is, in fact, a mini PC that you can carry with you almost anywhere, or even install in narrow little spaces. The PC has a small form but is equipped with many standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.2, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, USB-A ports, HDMI, and 65W USB-C. The HDMI and the USB-C make the product pretty portable and flexible.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can connect another monitor through the HDMI to create a high-value dual-screen setup which increases productivity. The palm-sized mini PC is pretty easy to pick up and take anywhere with you, so you can work in a cafe by simply connecting an external display and a power bank.

What we like

  • Supports Power-over-Ethernet or PoE, so you can use the S100 to operate a camera security system without plugging it in

What we dislike

  • It doesn’t have its own battery

2. Nothing Power Bank

Named the Nothing power bank, this nifty little gadget is the ideal device for your jet-setting adventures. The gadget has a transparent aesthetic that boasts its innards in all their glory. The interior is illuminated with tiny warm-toned LEDs, which impart the power bank with a futuristic and Cyberpunkish look inside and out.

Why is it noteworthy?

This conceptual power bank design is a great fit for Nothing, as it is pretty functional, and has a simple no-frills design. There are quite a lot of options in the market, but this transparent design would make for a valuable and unique addition to Nothing’s ever-growing line of products.

What we like

  • The power bank complements the Nothing Phone (2)
  • Features sleek transparent aesthetics

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept, so we’re not sure how well it would translate into a tangible product

3. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9

The new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is a 49-inch monitor with a resolution of 5120×1440 and an aspect ratio of 32:9. It isn’t an ordinary curved screen, and offers a really wide field of view that perfectly conforms to the way your eyes work, owing to its 1800R curvature. You can enjoy a more immersive and fascinating visual experience, irrespective if you’re playing a game or just watching videos.

Why is it noteworthy?

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

What we like

  • It features a Multi-View option that allows you to place two screens from two different sources, letting them play at the same time

What we dislike

  • It doesn’t have the best sound
  • Quite a hefty price tag

4. JBL Live 3 Series

At CES 2024, JBL released three distinct models – the Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3, and the Live Flex 3. These wireless earbuds make up the Live 3 series, and they were made to meet the requirements and preferences of different users, offering them a smooth and personalized audio listening experience. They are stored in a sleek touchscreen charging case.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Live 3 Series includes a 1.45-inch LED touch display on the charging case. It was first integrated in JBL’s Tour Pro 2, and now it has made a comeback. This unique touchscreen allows users to handle calls, view texts, and control music playback. It even lets you check social media alerts on the charging case.

What we like

  • It is a great option for those who don’t like using their phones much

What we dislike

  • The touch control system isn’t very customizable

5. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers

Named the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers – these innovative speakers are both portable and battery-free. The speakers are a fresh new version of a typical no-power smartphone speaker. It is made from metal, making the product quite functional, unlike conventional speaker designs.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179

Why is it noteworthy?

The amplifying speakers are built from Duralumin, which is an aluminum alloy used in aviation and aerospace industries, as it is equipped with vibration-resistant properties. All you need to do is place the smartphone into the speaker and let the sound envelop the room and you.

What we like

  • Electricity-free and doesn’t require any power
  • Quite intriguing to look at, with a minimal appeal

What we dislike

  • Won’t work well with bulky smartphone covers and cases

6. TCL 50 XE 5G

Meet the TCL 50 XE 5G, a nifty smartphone that helps you not only keep up, and stay way ahead of your crazy and fast-paced life. It is equipped with advanced technology and a triple camera system, both teaming up to provide you with accurate color, deep contrasts, and fluid animations at a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone captures every detail owing to its fifty-megapixel main camera, which preserves your priceless moments.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is equipped with the MediaTek Octa-core fifth-generation processor which supports smooth and seamless operations, irrespective if you’re streaming, gaming, or multitasking. It has a battery of 5010 mAh which easily gets you through your day, without the need to constantly recharge it.

What we like

  • Biometric solutions like face unlock and side-mounted fingerprint protect your precious information

What we dislike

  • No 4K video recording support
  • No reverse charging support

7. ASUS ROG ALLY

The ASUS ROG ALLY may look similar to the OG ROG Ally, but it does have a new all-black motif. ASUS also chose white for its first iteration, although it does help it stand out from its rivals. The handles are rounder which ensures a better grip, which is pretty critical to a handheld device. The back triggers are also positioned at a better angle, offering improved ergonomics, while the joystick and D-pad are more durable and precise.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme as the original ROG ALLY, but the mobile gaming processor is now teamed up with 24GB of DDR-7500 RAM. The storage capacity has also been increased to 1TB, and the battery has also been improved to 80Wh, which ensures more playing time.

What we like

  • Amped with improved thermal cooling solutions so it won’t burn your hand

What we dislike

  • Doesnt feature ASUS’ proprietary XG external graphics port

8. Moto Tag

Motorola recently announced an Android-based device tracker, which in all honesty looks pretty familiar. Called the Moto Tag, it is based on Apple’s AirTag and is designed to be a compact little tracking device that pairs up and works perfectly with the Android OS. It allows you to accurately and efficiently track your precious belongings.

Why is it noteworthy?

Much like the AirTag, the Moto Tag is a tiny circular disc that is just a little bigger than a quarter. The Moto Tag features a user-replaceable CR2032 battery which can last a full year on a single charge. The Moto Tag integrates perfectly with the new Google Find My Device Network, facilitating easy and smooth pairing with multiple Android smartphones.

What we like

  • It plays a sound for easier retrieval

What we dislike

  • Doesnt feature a built-in keyring loop

9. Pony Project

Meet the Pony Project – a portable CD player concept with a built-in speaker that is inspired by Sony and Teenage Engineering. It is a conceptual design with the design DNA and color theme of Teenage Engineering and features a digital display that shows the music being currently played.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Pony Project features volume rockers, bass, and treble, as well as power and stop buttons. The player is equipped with the ‘Pony’ branding and makes for an interesting dupe of Sony. Teenage Engineering’s signature color theme was also incorporated in the design.

What we like

  • Offers a new and fun makeover to DAPs
  • Combines Sony & TE design language

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so not sure how well it will translate into a real product

10. Marshall Celestion 100: Limited Edition Collectible Amp

Dubbed the Marshall Celestion 100 limited edition collectible amp, this limited edition design is the perfect combination of timeless design and the brand’s historic sound. Only 100 units have been made, and each amplifier is equipped with a unique numbered plaque. It has versatile power controls, and you can switch between 20W and 5W settings to perfectly match your playing environment.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can play tunes in different settings to complement different vibes – ranging from house parties, and quaint me-time sessions. They are handmade in the UK, and they carry the legacy of legendary build quality and are crafted with immense attention to detail.

What we like

  • Limited-edition, special pieces that are must-haves for collectors

What we dislike

  • Premium materials need extra special care especially when transporting and using outdoors

The post The 10 Best Tech Gadgets Of June 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

RoboGrocery is the first step towards robots packing our grocery

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When I first encountered a self-checkout system in IKEA a few years ago, I sort of panicked because I didn’t know what to do. But after experiencing it and eventually figuring things out, I thought this was such a convenient way to do your shopping, especially if you want to keep social interactions at a minimum. Now if only there was a also a self-packing system since the packing up groceries stuff is the most difficult.

Designer: MIT CSAIL

Eventually, this can of course come true and one step towards a system like this is the RoboGrocery. This was developed by MIT’s CSAIL department and uses a soft robotic gripper together with computer vision to help you bag groceries and other small items. It’s still in its early stages of course but seeing how it’s working at this time seems pretty promising.

They tested it out by placing 10 objects on a grocery conveyer belt, ranging from soft items like grapes, crackers, muffins, bread to the more solid ones like cans, meal boxes, and ice cream containers. The vision detects the size of the item to determine the order of placing it in a box. The grasper, with the pressure sensors in its fingers, then determines whether the item is delicate and should not be placed at the bottom of the bag.

 

While we’re still a few steps away from actually having a robot to bag your groceries, it’s an interesting first step towards that. Eventually, after it becomes available for commercial use, they might also be able to develop this for industrial spaces like recycling plants and factories.

The post RoboGrocery is the first step towards robots packing our grocery first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is Down to an All Time Low Price – $749

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Amazon is offering a killer deal on the Samsung Galaxy S9+ tablet, cutting the price from $1,000 to $750 for the 256GB Beige model. The Graphite version is also discounted to $800 – I’d rather this version but I’m not sure the added $50 is worth it.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+

The Galaxy S9+ features a 12.4-inch display with Vision Booster technology, offering a resolution of 2800p x 1752p. This tablet is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring speedy performance + AI integration. It also comes with 12GB of RAM, a robust 10,090mAh battery, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. In other words, this is a tablet you could game on at the beach…if you need to keep your pesky kids occupied.

The Galaxy S9+ is designed with thin bezels and an Armor Aluminum finish, making it both stylish and durable. This tablet is part of Samsung’s premium lineup, which includes the Galaxy S9 Ultra and the standard Galaxy S9. The S9+ is noted for its larger screen size and enhanced display features, making it ideal for both work and entertainment.

Key features include:

  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Screen Size: 12.4 inches
  • Resolution: 2800p x 1752p
  • Memory: 12GB RAM
  • Battery: 10,090mAh
  • Durability: IP68 rating for dust and water resistance

This deal is a great opportunity to get a high-performance tablet at a significant discount. For more details and to take advantage of this offer, visit Amazon.

The post The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is Down to an All Time Low Price – $749 appeared first on OhGizmo!.

10 Best Next-Gen Apple Concepts That Could Revolutionize Tech

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Apple never fails to mesmerize us with its incredible designs. Let’s take a moment to appreciate all the awesome products and inspiration Apple has provided us with. The groundbreaking tech giant never fails to surprise us, we always find ourselves biting our nails and squirming with curiosity, whenever Apple announces a new product launch. Their ingenious and mesmerizing designs and design philosophy have inspired and influenced designers all over the world, resulting in some pretty unique Apple-inspired designs. And we encountered some pretty amazing Apple-inspired concepts in the past few months.  From a touch controller for the Apple Vision Pro to an Apple-inspired alarm clock – these mind-blowing designs are the best of the lot and a dream for every Apple lover.

1. Apple Vision Joystick Pro Max

This is the “Apple Vision Joystick Pro Max” – a conceptual design of the Apple Vision Pro Controller by Alex Casabò. The sleek-looking controllers seem to perfectly complement the headset’s futuristic look, and they’re designed to offer smooth and seamless functionality irrespective of what you throw at them. They will elevate the gaming experience for every kind of modern game out there, taking note of the VR environment. The controller is amped with a top surface, equipped with a touch-sensitive surface for smart controls like swaying the road or reloading a sniper rifle.

2. Watch X

Luke Gehrer designed the Watch X to celebrate the Apple Watch’s 10-year anniversary. The Watch X is amped with a few exciting upgrades such as an edge-to-edge screen, a hole-punch camera, a blood pressure monitor built into the watch strap, as well as TouchID integrated into the crown. By adding these incredible touches, Gehrer doesn’t simply make the Watch better, he converts it into a miniature iPhone, which is something Apple has done before, by converting the iPad into a mini MacBook!

3. Apple-Inspired Alarm Clock

This Apple-inspired alarm clock features a big flat button on top it, which lets you snooze the alarm, and extend your sleep, without waking you up entirely from your slumbering state. You can hit the button even with your eyes closed, which is the aim behind the design. The design of the alarm clock is pretty streamlined since it has a focused purpose. It features Apple’s famous minimalist design language and is essentially a small cube with a small LCD screen on the front, and a USB-C charging port on the back, with Apple’s logo on the top.

4. iPhone Fold

Called the iPhone iFold, this conceptual design is an innovative foldable phone by Micheal Dufka. The iFold is inspired by the format of the MotoRAZR and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. It has a clamshell-style folding design which offers a compact iPhone with a large screen. It features two displays, with a smaller display placed to the side of the camera bump. You can access essential stats and important notifications without actually opening your phone! It has the same convenience as an Apple Watch.

5. Modern iPhone 4 Concept

Designer Nathan Basset feels that the iPhone 4 is the best-looking iPhone there was, and he designed an incredible smartphone concept inspired by it. Nathan’s modern iPhone 4 features two massive camera lenses which softly protrude out from the flat surface of the phone. It is equipped with a Dynamic Island on the front, and a USB-C on the bottom. But unlike the OG iPhone 4, this one doesn’t have a Home button or any other button for that matter. However, it does have a flush control surface and a mute switch.

6. MacBook Go

Meet the MacBook Go – a MacBook without a screen! The MacBook Go is the complete opposite of the iMac – it is basically all keyboard. Featuring its own DLP projector, this all-in-one keyboard has everything you need to work anywhere anytime. You just need to find an empty wall, pair a Magic Mouse, and you’re all set to get working. It is a keyboard-shaped device, but it functions as a full-fledged computer. How cool is that?! You don’t need spatial computing with a keyboard that serves as an entire computer system.

7. Magic Mouse Touch

Reid Parsekian tweaked and elevated the Magic Mouse, imparting it with a cool new feature! This revamped Magic Mouse features a sprawling curved display on the top. He combines the Touch Bar with the Magic Mouse to create a device that is more user-friendly, functional, and appealing to Apple’s hardcore audience. This “Magic Mouse Touch” is designed to be an external display, something you never thought you would need but will probably want now. It serves as a better mouse too!

8. Apple Car Concept

This mesmerizing Apple Car was created by Dall-E 2 based on a text prompt from the designer, educator, and YouTuber John Mauriello. The incredible-looking car is really quite unique, and is intended to be a ‘minimalist Sportscar inspired by a Macbook and a Magic Mouse, built out of aluminum and glass’. It features a sleek and curvilinear quality and is a complete looker. The car is amped with a machine aluminum body, and zero breaks on the surface.

9. All-Screen Apple MacBook Concept

Meet the All-Screen Apple MacBook concept! This design is a whole other kind of MacBook, one that we haven’t seen before. It supports TouchID (as a slide button), a trimmed version of FaceID, as well as an AirPen to doodle and write on the massive screen. The display is entirely foldable, and it doesn’t have a physical keyboard, but it does feature a digital keyboard with haptic feedback for the real typing experience. This unique device will have dual usage – it could serve as an iPad when folded, and a full-fledged laptop when open.

10. Apple Watch Series X

Dubbed the Apple Watch Series X, this super cool and interesting conceptual design is an innovative smartwatch with a large folding screen. This allows you to use the watch as a de-facto iPhone! The Apple Watch Series X is like other regular foldable on the market since it features a primary screen on the front, which can be gently opened like a book to reveal a ‘larger’ secondary screen on the inside, serving as a smartwatch and a smartphone.

The post 10 Best Next-Gen Apple Concepts That Could Revolutionize Tech first appeared on Yanko Design.

New patent offers glimpse of what Microsoft’s canceled Surface Duo folding phone could be

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Microsoft killed its foldable smartphone adventure in 2023 after two iterations of its unique idea of a folding phone. The Surface Duo and Duo 2’s two-screen design didn’t pan out too well with the consumers. While the competition in the foldable Android phone market perfected the creaseless form factor, Microsoft – though having outsmarted Apple to the foldable phone category – lost out with its unprogressive design.

A new patent shared by Patently Apple shows that Microsoft, most likely, had made peace with the demanded form factor and may have been working on a design codenamed Neon (supposedly the now-canceled Surface Duo 3). The unreleased device detailed in the patent, shows how the phone would have looked with improvements like an external cover display, single folding screen without a crease, and Apple MagSafe-esque magnetic accessories.

Designer: Microsoft / Patently Apple

The uncanny two high-resolution touchscreens of the Surface Duo 2 couldn’t open the users’ minds to adoption and Microsoft felt the pinch of it. A reason why the patent of a never-released phone suggests that the device was being visioned with a concealed hinge folding inner display – like in Galaxy Fold models – instead of two separate displays with a noticeable distinguishing hinge.

The new 180-degree hinge design of the device, in the patent, is accompanied by a cover screen on the outside, which was missing in the previous surface models. Interestingly, the design suggests the cover and inner folding screens with edge-to-edge, and a camera in the cover display for selfies and video calling. A larger camera array on the back – spanning the entire width of the device – features a triple camera module that looks identical to the iPhone’s camera array with lenses placed on the top left-hand side.

A standout feature revealed in the patent is support for magnetic accessories. This is an Apple MagSafe-style feature, which shows a kickstand attached to the device to prove its functionality and usability in different orientations. Additionally, the foldable phone featured a power button updated to pop open the phone – like a book – on a press, saving the user the effort of manually opening the two halves of the device. I know, Microsoft is not going to release a folding phone based on this revealed patent anytime in the future, but I think it did have the mettle to compete I presume.

The post New patent offers glimpse of what Microsoft’s canceled Surface Duo folding phone could be first appeared on Yanko Design.