It’s not often that watchmakers tread the route of anime-inspired watches. Of course, Casio is a homegrown company that doesn’t mind taking a shot with Japanese pop-culture-inspired watches, but its not a domain much frequented by others. Now, Tissot is venturing into the arena with a timepiece inspired by the Japanese UFO Robot Grendizer – 70s show that was particularly famous in Europe and the Middle East.
The Japanese anime series, also referred to as the Goldorak, was aired between 1975 and 1977. Only 74 episodes were released then. For a watch to be inspired by a 70s anime may seem out of place in 2024, but as part of the PRX collection, the Tissot PXR Grendizer is a timely drop that falls in line with the July 2024 release of the original series as Gendizer U.
For Grendizer fans or anime or manga fanatics for that matter, this iconic collaboration between Tissot and UFO Robot Grendizer is a special one. Not because the Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer Watch merges the best of Swiss watchmaking and manga culture, but also because it is a new variant to the interesting PRX collection. The latest in the Tissot PRX collection, this inspiring timepiece comes in a sunburst blue dial within a 40mm steel case. The case measuring 10.9mm thick, and 44.25mm from lug-to-lug, has a lovely brushed finish and is topped by a flat sapphire crystal.
The blue dial of course is the most impressive bet about this classic PRX timepiece. It is more exciting because of the embossed bust of Grendizer, featuring the Tissot branding in the chest – like Superman’s ‘S’ emblem. On the rim, you get the original title for Grendizer branding toward the inside. To make the dial even more eye-catching, Tissot has filled the entire thing with Super-LumiNova. Of course, the Grendizer glows a little lesser (in the dark) than the hands and indices, but the entire charisma that’s created on the dial is worth your time. A standout again is the second hand, inspired by Grendizer’s Harken weapon rotating through the middle.
On the inside, the Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer is powered by a Powermatic 80 movement, which is a staple in all automatic PRX watches. Visible in action through the mineral glass caseback, the movement provides 80 hours of power reserve and it beats at 21,600 vph. The special edition Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer Watch is 100m water resistant and comes in a custom-designed case modeled after Grendizer’s UFO Spazer.
A collector item, this Tissot x UFO Grendizer watch is based on an angular integrated bracelet featuring a foldover clasp. If you don’t like what you get as stock, the bracelet comes with quick-release tabs so you can replace it with any option in the Tissot’s custom strap collection. Even besides all the goodness and the enticing anime inspiration, the Tissot is very reasonably priced at $825.
Camping should be about embracing the adventure, not battling with your gear. Thecatal’s Wind Anchor takes ultralight camping to the next level, combining innovative design, durability, and unmatched convenience. Whether trekking through the backcountry, navigating rocky mountains, or enjoying a weekend under the stars, this tent ensures you’re ready for whatever the outdoors throws your way.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Wind Anchor is it’s impressively lightweight. The standard Wind Anchor model tips the scales at just 850g, making it an excellent choice for those who need to keep their packs light. But for the true ultralight enthusiasts, the Wind Anchor Pro pushes the boundaries even further, weighing in at an astonishing 650g. I can’t stress enough that just because the designer has focused heavily on weight reduction doesn’t mean sacrificing durability or functionality; on the contrary, Thecatal has engineered these tents to withstand some of the harshest conditions you might encounter on your adventures.
Wind Anchor introduces a groundbreaking design concept: a structure where the canopy works in tandem with the central pole as the primary load-bearing element. This departs from traditional tent designs that rely on poles to create the structure and use stakes and guy lines for additional stability. This innovation allows for a lighter overall weight, quicker setup time, and increased stability in extreme weather conditions.
At first glance, you might think that it must be flimsy just because it’s lightweight. I’m delighted to share that these tents are built tough to handle whatever nature throws your way, thanks to ultra-thin nylon reinforced with silicone oil. This chemical dramatically enhances the fabric’s durability and performance. Silicone oil is known for its hydrophobic properties, which repels water exceptionally well. Applying to the nylon fabric creates a flexible yet robust coating that strengthens the material and significantly increases its resistance to water penetration.
This silicone oil reinforcement provides superior water resistance, rating exceeding 5000 mm. This means that even in torrential rain, you’ll stay dry and protected inside the tent. The coating also helps the fabric to resist UV degradation, which can weaken the material over time if exposed to direct sunlight. By adding this protective layer, the tent maintains its structural integrity and extends its lifespan, ensuring it can endure multiple seasons of use in varying climates.
The materials used in the Wind Anchor have been rigorously tested for tensile strength, ensuring they resist tearing and stretching under pressure. Silicone oil enhances the fabric’s elasticity, allowing the tent to flex under stress without ripping or losing shape. This combination of lightweight nylon and silicone oil results in an incredibly durable and highly effective tent for keeping you comfortable in the harshest conditions.
Effortless Setup and Unmatched Versatility
Setting up camp after a long day of hiking can be one of the most frustrating aspects of camping, especially as the sun begins to set. The Wind Anchor eliminates this hassle with its intuitive design, allowing you to swiftly set up the tent in 60 seconds and 10 seconds to move it to another location. No more fumbling with poles or getting tangled in guy lines—the Wind Anchor springs to life with minimal effort, letting you focus on enjoying your surroundings.
The tent’s semi-conical shape optimizes wind resistance, reducing the surface area exposed to gusts. This ensures stability in winds up to Beaufort scale level 12, so you can sleep soundly, confident that your tent will stay secure even in extreme conditions. Additionally, with its single arch pole and taut, streamlined fabric, the Wind Anchor offers an unprecedented level of quietness, eliminating the noise often caused by flapping poles and loose fabric.
The Wind Anchor’s design also combines the best features of freestanding and non-freestanding tents. It can be pitched with just two points of contact, making it easy to set up on challenging terrain. This flexibility and its lightweight construction make the Wind Anchor an ideal choice for a wide range of outdoor activities.
What truly sets the Wind Anchor apart is its ability to function as both a ground tent and a flying tent. Whether on solid ground or suspended in the air, this tent adapts to your needs, providing a reliable and comfortable shelter wherever your adventure takes you.
Designed for Every Terrain
The Wind Anchor adapts to any environment, whether rocky mountains, dense forests, sandy deserts, or snowy plains. Designed for stability and comfort in a wide range of terrains, this tent offers reliable shelter from the elements wherever you set up camp.
A key advantage of the Wind Anchor is its compatibility with hammocks. Traditional tents often confine you to the ground, but the Wind Anchor’s flexible structure and secure attachment system allow it to work with any standard hammock. This design innovation means you can enjoy the comfort of a suspended shelter, ideal for wet or uneven ground where setting up a tent might be less desirable.
The tent’s innovative tension-lock system adds another layer of stability, mainly when used in hammock mode. By securing both ends of the tent to the hammock, the structure maintains its shape and prevents tipping, offering a reliable and balanced shelter in the air. This feature is perfect for adventurers who prefer a versatile camping setup that adapts to different environments.
Smart Ventilation and Weather Protection
Comfort doesn’t end with stability. Thecatal has integrated unique reverse-flow ventilation windows into the Wind Anchor, ensuring fresh air circulates through the tent while keeping condensation at bay. Imagine the perfect breeze cooling you off after a long day on the trail—that’s what these windows provide, turning your tent into a comfortable refuge.
The Wind Anchor’s canopy reflects thoughtful design and is essential for year-round versatility. In winter, the black side of the canopy faces outward to absorb heat, increasing the tent’s internal temperature. The silver side facing inward helps retain warmth. The canopy flips to reflect sunlight during the summer, keeping the tent cool even on the hottest days. The adjustable zipper positions enhance warmth retention, ensuring comfort in cold conditions.
Designed with ultralight functionality in mind, the Wind Anchor is a 1.5-wall, four-season tent built to handle most outdoor camping needs year-round. The flyable door cover provides excellent ventilation and protection from light rain or snow, making it adaptable to various weather conditions. When heavy rain hits, the groundsheet can be set up as a small vestibule to keep excessive rainfall at bay.
The multifunctional flysheet is a valuable addition for those venturing into deep wilderness. It transforms the Wind Anchor into a warm 2.5-wall tent with snow skirts, creating up to four storage vestibules and various living and cooking shelters. The flysheet covers an area of around 8 square meters.
This versatile accessory can also serve as a standalone shelter for experienced adventurers. Made from reinforced double-line ripstop nylon, each version offers 5000mm waterproof performance, two waterproof zippered door covers, and a variety of DIY attachment points. These features provide flexible configurations and strong protection in the most challenging environments.
The design includes an isolated storage compartment to separate your muddy gear from your sleeping area. The smart mesh design keeps your gear fresh and acts as a barrier against unwanted visitors. This feature becomes invaluable if the thought of a slithering snake or a scorpion curling up in your shoes sends shivers down your spine. Careful attention to interior design ensures a well-organized and secure living space, giving you peace of mind in the wild.
The Future of Camping Starts Here: Which Wind Anchor is Right for You?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re serious about your next adventure. Now, the question is: which version of the Wind Anchor suits your style? Here’s a brief recap to help you decide:
The Wind Anchor, weighing 850g, uses 20D Matte High-Density Silicon-Coated + PU fabric, offering a solid build that balances durability with lightness. It’s perfect for those who want a dependable tent that can handle rugged conditions without weighing them down.
On the other hand, the Wind Anchor Pro is crafted for the true ultralight enthusiast, tipping the scales at just 650g. With its advanced 10D/530T/0.15*0.15 Double-Sided Silicone material, this tent is about shaving off every possible ounce while still delivering top-tier performance in any environment.
Both models are designed for year-round use, ensuring stability and comfort wherever your journey takes you. Whether leaning towards the slightly more durable Wind Anchor or the ultra-lightweight Wind Anchor Pro, you’re choosing a tent that will keep you secure, comfortable, and ready for any adventure.
So, what’s your pick? The rugged reliability of the Wind Anchor, or the cutting-edge, weight-saving design of the Wind Anchor Pro?
If you’re here reading this, chances are you didn’t figure out what makes this clipper different from other nail clippers… but don’t worry, I’m here to tell you.
Most nail clippers are class 1 levers, given that you apply pressure at one end, and the nails get clipped at the other end. It’s simple, it’s effective, and for the most part, nobody really thinks there’s anything wrong with this format… but the folks at Klhip discovered a way to upgrade this system – simply by changing the type of lever.
The Klhip comes with a fairly stand-out design that feels striking given its all-metal construction. However, the area where it differs from every other nail clipper is in the fact that it switches from a class 1 lever to a class 3 lever. With class 1 levers, the force you apply is on the opposite side of your nail-cutting area. With the Klhip, however, the force applied is right near where your nail is being cut, which makes the overall experience much more ergonomic and efficient, resulting in less force needing to be applied. Imagine using a large pair of scissors to cut a wooden branch versus just swinging an axe. The latter feels intuitively effortless because the point of force is closer to the load area.
The Klhip comes made from 440C surgical-grade stainless steel, with radial blades designed to be sharp enough to provide a clean cut so that you don’t need to file down your nails afterward. If you do, an abrasive surface on the on the Klhip lets you file down any sharp edges, leaving you with the cleanest set of nails. Magnets embedded in the Klhip let you fold down your nail clipper once you’re done, and the Klhip comes with its own metal travel case, with the option to upgrade to a leather pouch too.
This year has been pretty interesting, in the sense that we have come across a whole bunch of innovative and jaw-dropping tech designs. Things have been exciting here at YD, as we encountered an array 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. And we’ve curated the top 10 futuristic tech trends that are forming waves in the industry today – from a conceptual Apple Vision Joystick Pro Max to a unique design that merges earbuds and a smartwatch. These designs will impress you, just as they impressed us.
1. Nokia Infinity Pro
Called the “Nokia Infinity Pro”, this innovative phone concept challenges the typical “candy bar” form factor of smartphones, creating a thin pill-shaped design that looks like an interesting cross between a foldable clamshell and a smartwatch – all combined into one. The conceptual smartphone has a curvaceous shape that fits comfortably in your hand.
Why is it noteworthy?
What makes this phone unique is that the screen covers the entire surface of the phone’s front, not only the rectangular section. The back of the phone features two circular mounds opposite to each other. One mound is a dual-camera system, while the other is a circular display seen on most smartphones.
What we like
The circular display provides access to important notifications and controls even when the phone is placed down
What we dislike
If you keep putting the phone face down, it could scratch the screen
Not sure which UI elements can be used at the top and bottom of the screen, since most platforms are for rectangular screens
2. HEAL+
If you face health issues, then you don’t need to turn to uncomfortable, ineffective, and expensive solutions anymore. You can turn to this innovative wearable device which focuses on the center of physical and mental health, offering users portable, safe, and easy-to-handle tools to ensure a pain-free gut and a stress-free mind.
Named HEAL+, this wearable device is a non-invasive solution that helps your gut function properly, resulting in better overall health. HEAL+ is powered by laser therapy, or essentially low-level laser therapy or LLLT which reduces inflammation and pain, and other gut-related disorders like IBS, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and more.
What we like
Boosts your immune system, helping in recovery from long-COVID
Regulates the microbial balance in our gut
What we dislike
The design is not kid and pregnant-women friendly
3. 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.
Why is it noteworthy?
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.
What we like
The controls and buttons can be mapped as per ergonomic comfort when you play
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
4. iPhone iFold
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.
Why is it noteworthy?
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.
What we like
Has a unique folding form, unseen in Apple smartphones till now
What we dislike
We are unsure if Apple will ever convert this into a tangible product, and how well it would work as one
5. Huawei Watch Buds
Called the Huawei Watch Buds, this innovative gadget combines two gadgets into one. The unique gadget means there is one less gadget to carry around, as it merges earbuds and a smartwatch into one clever design. You can remove the earbuds from inside the smartwatch, much like the stuff of Bond movies!
Why is it noteworthy?
Much like the charging case of your earbuds power up your earbuds, the smartwatch charges the incubating buds inside. The earbuds feature a compact and easy-to-carry form, which creates a compact form factor for the squarish smartwatch. The watch has a 48.5 mm dial with symmetrical chopped edges.
What we like
Compact design, combining two products into one
What we dislike
It is an odd fit for smaller hands
6. Nike Air Jordan XI Adapt Jumpman
Say hello to these super innovative and futuristic shoes – the Nike Air Jordan XI Adapt Jumpman. These shoes are amped with power-lacing technology! Equipped with a self-lacing design, the Air Jordans are right from the future. They are pretty similar to the original shoe shape from 25 years ago.
Why is it noteworthy?
The shoes pair up with the Nike Adapt app, allowing you to personalize them as you please, and control your shoes with real-time customization as well. The app’s interface is a direct reflection of the Jordan brand, and you can customize the buttons on the shoe’s midsole.
What we like
You can personalize the limited-edition Nike shoes’ color scheme, as well as the light flashing pattern
What we dislike
Users could take some time to adjust to the self-lacing tech
7. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
Dubbed the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, this 49-inch monitor is amped with a resolution of 5120×1440 with an aspect ratio of 32:9. The screen isn’t an ordinary curved screen, and it provides a pretty wide field of view which perfectly adjusts to the way your eyes work, on account of its 1800R curvature. This marvelous screen offers an immersive and fascinating visual experience!
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
Equipped with a Multi-View option that lets you place two screens from two different sources, letting them play at the same time
What we dislike
Doesnt have the best sound quality
Pretty expensive price tag
8. FOCI 2
Meet FOCI 2 – the ultimate productivity tool. The productivity wearable tracks your daily emotions, distraction, stress, calm, etc as you study or work. It also analyzes your emotions, running the risk of frustration, procrastination, burnout, and anxiety. It summarizes focus metrics and tension levels during work as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is equipped with tactile feedback which alerts you when you are distracted, fatigued, or stressed. It also features biofeedback training technology which helps you adjust and deal with work states, and improve and elevate your mental performance.
What we like
Helps track and analyze your emotions for heightened productivity
Offers essential feedback for when you need it
What we dislike
The tutorial section isn’t easy to use
9. SHARGE Disk
Meet the SHARGE Disk – the ultimate storage solution for EDC devices. This ultra-lightweight and portable M.2 NVMe SSD is amped with an active heat dissipation system, and 2TB (Maximum) capacity, as well as high read/write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s. It is equipped with an aluminum shell and a silicone case for challenging situations.
Why is it noteworthy?
The SHARGE Disk is an excellent option for those who carry EDC devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops with them. The Sharge weighs 24g/0.84 OZ, and it is half the size of a credit card, making it easy to carry anywhere with you.
What we like
Can easily slip it into your pocket, or hang it on a keychain or bag
Keeps relevant files in hand and accessible
What we dislike
Since it is quite small, you can easily lose it, handle it with care
10. M1
This is the M1 – a compact, and powerful digital multitool. It is a fully functional device, which is designed with the flexibility to expand as and when needed. It is easy-to-use, open source, and will redefine and elevate your digital interactions. It uses the power of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which allows for seamless interactions.
Why is it noteworthy?
With a simple tap, you can use M1 to control access to doors and gates, making entry and exit an easy-breezy process. You can even duplicate RFID cards and key fobs, read tags, and interact with different pet microchips. Owing to the RFID tech, you can open doors, both literally and metaphorically, as you can interact with different systems around you.
What we like
It can clone cards and read Unique Serial codes
Makes data sharing an intuitive part of your daily interactions
What we dislike
The device does not explain additional security measures to protect the data sharing from criminal elements.
While foldables represent the next evolution of smartphones, the current crop isn’t exactly how we imagined these devices to be. When the likes of Samsung first teased the idea of phones that transform into tablets, that dream didn’t involve squarish tablets or thick and narrow phones. The ideal is a normal-looking phone that almost magically becomes a regular tablet when it unfolds, something that wasn’t easily feasible given the technology of the past two to three years. We might be on the cusp of the next stage of the foldable revolution, and TECNO is only too happy to show off not only a tri-fold device but one that is only 11.1mm thick when folded into a conventional phone.
Designer: TECNO
A phone with two hinges that fold in opposite directions is one of the ways we can get the best of both worlds, but it’s easier said than done, naturally. Not only do you have to consider the durability of the display panel that will bend at opposite angles in two areas, the thickness of the folded “phone” also becomes a conundrum. If bi-fold phones like the Samsung Galaxy Fold are already considered to be thick, imagine how much worse three layers would be.
That’s the boast that TECNO is making with the Phantom Ultimate 2 concept, a tri-fold device that is only 11.1mm thick when folded. That’s just around 2mm thicker than the average regular foldable, which is still thick but not by much. TECNO doesn’t give the exact dimensions for the unfolded tablet, but it’s bound to be really thin in that case.
This design gives us a regular 6.48-inch candybar phone that turns into a regular 10-inch tablet and vice-versa, delivering the best of both worlds in a single device. And if that weren’t enough, TECNO shows that the device also supports stylus input, making it an all-in-one entertainment and business computer in your pocket. There are various modes made possible by this novel folding design, though some might be a bit more questionable than others, like putting the sensitive foldable screen in contact with a table.
The TECNO Phantom Ultimate 2 concept will be shown off at IFA 2024 in Berlin next week, though its existence hardly means it’s something we’ll be able to buy soon. Samsung has also shown off tri-fold prototypes, both of the “Z” and “G” varieties, yet none have come to market yet. Then again, the forerunner of foldable devices seems to be content taking a more conservative approach, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if TECNO or even Huawei would land this novelty on shelves first.
Think of it as a gorgeous restomod amongst a wave of EVs.
The Valuchi Expedition Watch is an attempt at regaining control of a dialog that has been lost to the tech world. With almost every new company releasing smartwatches (some of them being rather substandard), the watch conversation has skewed away from timeless craftsmanship and timekeeping excellence. With the Expedition Watch, Valuchi brings our attention back to classic watchmaking at its finest. The Valuchi Expedition Watch comes with a gorgeous Tonneau shape, a screw-down case, luminous hands, an accurate moonphase tracker, and a Japanese Miyota movement powering it all. The design balances classy with sporty, thanks to rubber straps and a 5ATM waterproof case design, giving you a watch that’s truly made for every moment.
The watch sports a barrel-shaped Tonneau case, deviating from the square and circle cases seen on every single tech watch today. The case comes with a screw-down bezel made from premium 316 stainless steel, forming a boundary around the watch’s radial-brushed face. The face also features an accurate 30-day moonphase tracker at the 6 o’clock position, accurately displaying the 4 phases of the moon: new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. Luminous markings on the dial as well as the hour and minute hand allow you to see the time in the dark, and a gorgeous lightning-shaped seconds hand glimmers in daylight, adding dynamism to your timekeeping.
On the inside, the Valuchi Expedition Watch draws power from a Japanese Miyota 6P24 movement that accurately displays the time while also tracking the moon’s phases with immaculate precision. A 3-year battery keeps the watch running comfortably, encased within a water-resistant case that protects the watch when submerged up to 50 meters or 5 ATM. Meanwhile, a hardened mineral crystal on top guards the watch from accidental scratches or bumps (as does the broad 316 stainless steel bezel).
The Valuchi Expedition Watch was designed for a certain mindset – that of someone who wants a watch as versatile and accepting of life’s twists and turns as they are. The watch sports 5 gorgeous color variants, ranging from vibrant to classic, with rubber straps to match. Perfect for wearing to work, black-tie events, the golf course, the tarmac, or even on the beach, the Valuchi Expedition Watch’s everyday, every time appeal makes it your loyal wrist-borne companion. The watch ships globally, packaged inside a gorgeous green box with embossed gold lettering. Along with your watch, the box also includes the watch’s papers and a certificate of authenticity, affirming the quality of your timepiece.
If you love the idea of your Apple Pencil magnetically attaching to the side of your iPad, this ‘Inseparable Notebook Pen’ brings a similar concept to your analog diary or notepad. With a clever clip-on base and a magnetic pen, this piece of stationery ensures you’re never left searching for a pen. The magnetic interaction ensures the pen’s always attached to the side of your notebook, available at a moment’s notice whenever you need to sketch a concept, make a doodle, jot down an idea, or take notes during a meeting.
The Inseparable Notebook Pen, as its name suggests, pairs your pen with your notebook to ensure they’re always together like the happy couple they are. The pen comes with a three-part design, featuring a plastic protector, a metal clip, and the ballpoint pen itself. The device works practically on any notebook, whether soft or hard-bound, giving you a convenient way to store your pen when not in use. However, just like the Apple Pencil sits diligently on the side of y23-our iPad, this pen waits patiently on the side of your notebook, diary, or pad too, waiting to be grabbed and used.
Effortless Writing, Anywhere You Go
To pair your book and pen, first start by placing the plastic protector on the edge of your book’s back cover. This ensures that the metal clip doesn’t accidentally damage your book (it would be a shame if your Moleskine had marks on them, no?) Once the plastic protector’s in place, fix the minimalist metal clip onto the back cover, ensuring it’s gripping your book cover securely. You can now ‘dock’ your pen onto the notebook of your choice. Once the notebook’s over, simply shift the protector and clip onto another notebook and you’re ready to go all over again!
A Daily Companion That Enhances Your Life
The Inseparable Notebook Pen is an adorably minimal piece of stationery that does something so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody’s ever thought of this before. We’re so used to placing pens in pockets or in stationery kits, it’s strange how nobody thought of putting it in the one place it NEEDS to be… your notebook! The pen sits flush against the side of your book, with a magnet that’s just strong enough to ensure that accidental bumps don’t dislodge the pen while in transit. A fabric pull-tag on top allows you to un-dock the pen when you need to write, and the clip’s satisfying magnetic action lets you snap the pen back when you’re done writing… or even if you just feel like fidgeting for a bit!
The Sony WF-C500 earbuds have been the company’s budget true wireless option that may not rival the premium WF-1000XM5 but punch above their weight with a balanced sonic sound at a very reasonable price. The TWS earbuds were launched in September 2021 and have been a huge success all these years.
Now Sony has launched the successor to the WF-C500 earbuds with design tweaks, new features, and a price that’s hard to deny. In fact, the buds offer some advanced features that are rare for reputed budget options on the market. For example, including Ambient Sound Mode and multipoint connectivity for a price of $60 ($30 less than the outgoing model) is a deal-making prospect.
According to the Japanese consumer electronics giant, the WF-C510 earbuds are 20 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter than the outgoing model. These buds are the smallest ever closed-type designs by the company. The IPX4-rated buds can handle the odd splash or sweaty workouts, and they stay snug in place with a refreshed design that results from the analysis of users’ detailed ear shape data. So, one can be rest assured of a stable fit that’ll be comfortable for most people.
This time, Sony has gone for a more contoured shape on the outside, a flatter button surface and a matte finish for better grip and comfort. The cylindrical charging case made partially from recycled plastic is also thinner and smaller for convenience. Looks like they’ve taken a cue from the book of Jabra Elite 8 Active.
The battery also gets a bump up with a total time of 11 hours on the buds themselves and another 11 hours in the charging case. A quick charge of five minutes will give up to 60 minutes of listening time. Another lucrative feature users will cherish is the two-device Bluetooth multipoint connectivity compatible with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. Supported audio formats on the C510 are SBC and ACC, making them ideal for music and gaming.
The sound signature from these earbuds will be balanced with not too much focus on any frequency range. That’s attributed to the 6 mm driver unit and a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz. Combine that with the in-app features including the 360 Reality audio, equalizer settings and DSEE upscaling, and you’ve got a very satisfying sound if you know how to tweak them right. Although ANC is missing, the buds make up with a far better passive voice isolation.
WF-C510 earbuds are now available in four color options – blue, yellow, black, and white – from Amazon. The eco-friendly initiative trickles down to the packaging too as it is 100 percent plastic-free. Being feature-packed and well-designed, the TWS earbuds are going to continue the success of the predecessor for sure.
Lately, Apple has been all over the news for its slated launch of the Watch Ultra 3 but Garmin seems to have undercut the Cupertino giant by launching its own set of new-age smartwatches. Yes, Garmin’s anticipated Fenix 8 AMOLED smartwatch is here alongside the modest Fenix E model.
The sports smartwatch will get a bright screen similar to a smartphone, thus making it crisp and highly visible in broad daylight. If you don’t want to keep charging your watch after a while, choosing the standard solar version with the time-tested MIP (Memory In-Pixel) display is a better option since it delivers added battery life. Either way, the Fenix 8 series will give tough competition to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and the upcoming Apple smartwatch.
The Garmin Fenix 8 comes in two sizes – 47mm and 51mm – for both the AMOLED and standard solar versions. The AMOLED model however gets another 43mm variant well suited to small hands. All the Fenix 8 versions will have built-in speakers and microphone to take calls, trigger the phone’s voice assistant, settings timers hands-free, or even listen to music. This is new to the Garmin Fenix line and something users will value in daily usage. According to official figures, the Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm lasts for up to 29 days on a single charge while the standard Fenix 8 51 mm variant can go for a stellar 48 days with the screen always on.
This smartwatch is tested strictly according to US military standards for protection against fire and sudden shocks. It comes with a 40m water-resistance feature, and the app interface now gets the scuba diving and apnea modes. Garmin has also added a built-in flashlight function which is a welcome addition. The watch now has strength training plans that come with four to a week mode to achieve fitness goals, and guided workouts for trail running and skiing. Durability has been boosted with the inclusion of a sensor guard and leakproof buttons.
Garmin claims that they’ve improved the navigation features as the user can now customize layers on the map screen. Alongside this, the new dynamic round-trip routing feature lets you set a target distance to create an automated route that updates in real time for you to achieve that distance.
Depending on the model and variant chosen, the smartwatch can cost anywhere from $1000 – $1200. The Fenix 8 AMOLED versions are priced at $1000, $1100 and $1200 respectively. The standard 47 mm and 51 mm solar variants will cost $1100 and $1200.
It seems like the Pixel’s A-series is a victim of its own success. While the last few A-series phones like the Pixel 6a, 7a, and 8a have been phenomenal retail successes (sometimes even being preferred by people over the flagships), this year might be different. If these leaked images are any indication, the upcoming Pixel 9a might see a major design update… but there’s probably a good reason why.
The recent leak of the Google Pixel 9a suggests a fresh approach to design in Google’s mid-range offering, one that may mark a departure from the aesthetic norms established by previous Pixel devices. The leaked renders, shared by @VNchocoTaco on X, reveal a design that forgoes the familiar visor-like camera bar seen on its predecessors. Instead, the Pixel 9a opts for a sleek, minimalistic camera island. This module, positioned on a flat back panel, introduces subtle design refinements that indicate a clear intention by Google to redefine the visual identity of its A-series line. Why, you ask? I can think of a few potential reasons.
Rendered Image Representation of the Google Pixel 9a
Like I mentioned earlier, the Pixel A-series has a reputation for being a little too popular. Even though it’s touted as a budget phone, most YouTubers and reviewers claim that it’s just as good as its flagship counterpart, if not better. It looks just like the flagship, with a very similar design, and an equally good camera. The A-series only gets a few minor downgrades in the form of screen quality, processor speed, lack of wireless charging, larger bezels, and notably a lower price… all of which are fairly acceptable trade-offs. As a result, most budget phone lovers prefer the A-Series phones OVER the flagships, leading to more sales while Google tries to push the more expensive models instead by providing offers/discounts, etc. This dramatic redesign is probably Google’s way of making sure the Pixel 9a doesn’t steal the 9 and 9 Pro’s thunder. If Google’s last keynote was any indication, the company is making a HARD pivot to Gemini, and the Pixel 9a will probably get the same Tensor G4 chip to support those Gemini features (otherwise nobody will buy the phone). By cutting back on the design but still providing remarkable AI functionality (along with camera chops), the Google team seems to be future-proofing their flagship phone while still making the A-series fairly lucrative. It’s a nice strategy, although the Pixel 9a images (if they’re real) show a phone that lacks any character.
The images show a phone with flat sides that curve gently at the edges, just like the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro Fold. This shift creates a more ergonomic experience, addressing one of the criticisms directed at the earlier A-series models, which were sometimes described as cumbersome in hand. Despite this redesign, the bezel size remains largely unchanged compared to the Pixel 8a. For some, this may be a missed opportunity for a more streamlined display experience, especially when considering the bezel trends across mid-range competitors. Nevertheless, these design choices suggest that Google is focused on maintaining the practicality and accessibility that the A-series has become known for, rather than chasing industry trends.
Though the images’ authenticity remains unverified, the source claims that the leak originates from a Compal employee. Compal, a well-known manufacturing partner for Google, has been involved in producing various Pixel devices. It’s also rumored that the Pixel 9a will drop at the end of this year (rather than 2025) and will be available in 4 colors. If this information holds true, it adds credibility to the likelihood that these design changes are indeed intended for the upcoming Pixel 9a. Such a move to alter the design language signals that Google is perhaps aiming to establish a different identity for its A-series, distancing it from the flagship models while still retaining core features that are essential for a consistent user experience across the lineup.
