Vosteed’s new locking mechanism makes their latest pocket knife a must-have. The ‘Vanchor Lock’ builds on the best features of all existing locking mechanisms, delivering reliability, safety, and swift, single-handed deployment in the blink of an eye. Combine that with the Ankylo’s ridiculously sharp Bohler Elmax steel blade and its ergonomic aluminum handle and you’ve got yourself a tactical knife that’s a treat for eyes and a savior of lives…
On the surface, the Vosteed Ankylo looks like a pretty well-made EDC designed for all sorts of tasks. It’s rugged without overplaying the rugged aesthetic, is peppered with functional details that make it a great knife to use, and comes in a variety of colors to choose from. The knife sports an all-metal design that gives it heft and weight, while allowing you to maneuver it confidently. On the front sits a 3.18″ medium-sized reverse-tanto blade that’s great for cutting, piercing, whittling, scraping, and self-defence. The blade, made from Bohler Elmax steel, is harder than most, making it perfect for all sorts of cutting activities. The reverse tanto profile’s character is accentuated by the blade’s curved belly, which allows you to rock the knife while cutting. A finger groove at the base of the knife lets you comfortably rest your index finger, textured jimping on the top gives you a perfect place to rest your thumb, and a cutout in the blade allows you to swiftly deploy the blade from within the knife.
The Vosteed Ankylo’s unique Vanchor mechanism allows for fast and reliable deployment
The Ankylo’s crown jewel, however, is hidden away from sight within its aluminum body. While most knives have a liner lock, frame lock, or button lock, the Ankylo opts for something even better. The folks at Vosteed realized that while all three locking mechanisms were great, they all had their own trade-offs too. Some either made the knife weak, while others were tough to use with one hand. Designed to mitigate any of these drawbacks, the Ankylo boasts what Vosteed calls a ‘Vanchor’ lock. This patented locking mechanism is CNC-machined from a plate of stainless steel, and is secured by a magnetic button that lets you easily deploy or retract the blade. Unlike most locking mechanisms, the Vanchor lets you open or shut your knife in mere milliseconds with a single hand – a feature so incredibly captivating that it becomes a fidget activity too. When deployed, the Vanchor plate reinforces the blade, acting almost as a tang to give your knife stability and durability during use.
Deploy and use the Ankylo even with gloves on
It’s this Vanchor lock, combined with the Ankylo’s all-metal design that makes it such a pocket powerhouse. Whether it’s something benign as opening boxes, something as difficult as carving wood, or even something as mission-critical as self-defence, the Ankylo’s size, construction, ergonomics, and Elmax steel blade all play their part in the knife’s grand choreography. The blade cutout lets you deploy your knife instantly (even with gloves on), going from 0 to 100 in mere milliseconds, while a satisfying button lets you just as quickly shut the blade right back in. When you’re not using the Ankylo, chances are your thumb and forefinger will find themselves fidgeting wth it, almost like one would with a butterfly knife.
The Ankylo comes in 6 color variants all sporting a 6061 space-grade aluminum handle, that patented Vanchor lock, and the quick-deploying Elmax steel blade. The knife measures a respectable 4.5 7 inches long when closed, opening up to a mid-size 7.75 inches in length which is in the sweet spot for a good, ergonomic mid-sized knife. Each knife weighs 4.76 ounces or 135 grams (optimized for reliability and maneuverability), and you can choose from 6 CMF variants, which feature a choice between handle colors, handle textures, and even a regular or black stonewashed blade. The Ankylo knife, which gathered much support at last year’s BladeShow West 2023, begins shipping in June this year.
“If my Grandmother had wheels, she would be a bike,” as chef Gino D’Acampo once said.
No, this isn’t a car… or at least that’s what UK-based automotive marque Engler wants you to believe. Equipped with a V12 engine under its hood, this literal quad-bike takes the term gaslighting quite seriously! Yes, it runs on gas and outputs a whopping 1200 horsepower, but it also confuses you into thinking it’s a car. However, if you had to go simply by technical definitions, the lack of a steering wheel puts the Engler V12 in quad-bike territory. Yes, I get it, I’m just as confused as you are!
Designer: Engler
At the heart of this beast lies a V12 engine, a powerhouse delivering an astounding 1,200 horsepower. What makes the Engler V12 truly remarkable is its power-to-weight ratio, maintaining a 1:1 ratio with its 1,200 kg frame, a feat that echoes the ambitious designs of hypercars. It’s not just about the raw power, though; the Superquad (yes, that term just sounds odd) brings 1,200 Nm of torque to the table, ensuring that this machine is as capable of thrilling acceleration as it is of performing practical tasks, such as towing.
Despite its formidable capabilities, the Engler V12 is, at its core, still a quad bike—albeit one that pushes the envelope of what a quad bike can be. Traditional quad bikes, like the Yamaha Raptor 700R, offer around 40 horsepower and are praised for their performance. The Engler V12, however, multiplies this figure by 30, challenging the very nature of quad bike dynamics. This machine doesn’t lean into corners like a motorcycle nor does it offer the protective enclosure of a car, presenting a unique blend of exposure and exhilaration that is rare in the automotive world.
Quad bikes, by design, are not typically associated with high-speed stability, especially not at the theoretical top speed of 250 mph that the Engler V12 proposes. The design and engineering choices made to accommodate such speed and power in a quad bike frame ensure that riding the Engler V12 is nothing short of an adventure. It’s a vehicle that demands respect and bravery from its rider, blending the thrill of high speeds with the raw, unfiltered connection to the machine that only a quad bike can offer.
The nostalgic play of the Tetris game has got generations of love and for good reason. 15-year-old Willis Gibson finally managed to beat Tetris by reaching level 157 of the classic video game and setting the internet on fire. Now that Willis has got this challenge under his belt, a LEGO enthusiast has got a real-world Tetris set game to engage in.
This is a LEGO Ideas submission by designer victorvey300 that’s insanely clever and seems like total fun to kill some free time. The real-life Tetris game incorporates the gameplay and elements of the video game ingeniously and challenges even the most seasoned Tetris fans to get a high score.
Called the Tetris Solid, this LEGO set has got my solid vote for being the next big LEGO Ideas project that should hit the shelves ASAP. The small case with the LEGO bricks opens up to reveal the vertical lanes where you slide the tetrominoes in the desired orientation. A rollable treadmill on the right shows the next brick to slide, and you have to think fast on your heels where the brick should go. You can even keep a score of how well you are playing which is ingenious.
Pretty obviously, you cannot make the lines disappear when a horizontal gap is filled (it’s real life not a video game graphic, remember). That’s why the maker took the liberty to tweak the rules a bit, wherein you have to fill the board complexly with all the pieces, just like a puzzle game. A Tetris spin-off for sure but still has the classic influence for the most part which is impressive.
You win if you manage to add all the pieces to the board without any gaps being left. Of course, it’ll take a lot of tries before you get the hang of it but if you do fail, there is a reset button in the form of a lever that lets all the pieces drop back into the box to start fresh. To commemorate Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris, the box has a hidden compartment that reveals the geniuses’ diorama complete with a PC depicting the time when he created the game.
That said, the current 4,000-odd supporters for the Tetris Solid is quite low considering how cool this idea actually is. Let’s hope this LEGO idea reaches more enthusiasts who’ll eventually push it into becoming an official LEGO set someday.
Have you ever fantasized about touring Gotham City in style—not in the Batmobile, but in something a bit more environmentally friendly? Fasten your seatbelts, eco-warriors, and comic book fans, because Automobili Pininfarina has transformed that dream into a luxurious reality designed for the Bruce Wayne in each of us.
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX B95 Dark Knight
Bruce Wayne—the billionaire by day and caped crusader by night—has inspired an ultra-exclusive lineup of electric vehicles that redefine hypercar luxury and blend technological sophistication with environmental consciousness. Available with just a click, these electric dream machines come in two stunning versions, each of the B95 hyper Barchetta and Battista hyper GT. Decked out in color palettes so sharp they’ve surely earned a nod from Wayne Enterprises, these models are a testament to cutting-edge design. Now, let’s dive into what sets each model apart.
Design Philosophies Converged
Both versions share a base of ultra-high performance and sustainable technology but diverge dramatically in their aesthetic expressions. The “Gotham” models exude daytime elegance and open luxury, appealing to those who prefer their wealth to whisper rather than shout. In contrast, the “Dark Knight” models are all about the allure of the night, offering a more brooding, powerful presence that’s perfect for anyone who wants to command the road with a look as sharp as Batman’s own gadgets.
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX B95 Gotham
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX Battista Dark Knight
Through these designs, Automobili Pininfarina skillfully blends advanced technology with luxurious craftsmanship, vividly reflecting the dual nature of one of pop culture’s most iconic characters. Whether you lean towards the light or embrace the shadows, there’s a dream car waiting to bring that fantasy to life.
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX Battista Dark Knight Interior
Gotham Version: The Polished Magnate
The Gotham versions of the B95 and Battista models reflect Bruce Wayne’s daytime character – sophisticated, elegant, and subtly powerful. These cars feature:
Color Palette: Both Gotham models are dressed in Argento Vittorio gloss paint, a silver tone that reflects Bruce Wayne’s polished, public-facing side. The bodywork is complemented by a Nero Torino gloss paint ‘Goccia’ roof, adding a sleek, understated contrast.
Interior Upholstery: The upholstery is made of distinctive tan leather and exudes a warm, inviting feel. The center panels feature bespoke quilting paired with tan stitching, encapsulating a look of refined comfort.
Wheels: The Gotham Battista’s wheels are 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, finished in a Prezioso Evoluzione gloss black face with a matt black channel rim. The Gotham B95 matches in style but adds a matt black inner and gloss black outer ring, all held together with Titan calipers and a brushed aluminum anodized black rim center lock ring.
Dark Knight Version: The Vigilante’s Edge
In contrast, the Dark Knight versions embody the night-time alter-ego of Bruce Wayne—mysterious, formidable, and always one step ahead. These models feature:
Color Palette: Both Dark Knight vehicles’ livery is a deep black Nero Profondo gloss paint that mirrors the Bat suit. The ‘Goccia’ roof maintains the Nero Torino finish, enhancing the vehicle’s menacing and stealthy aesthetic.
Interior Upholstery: Here, the Dark Knight theme opts for a more dramatic black Alcantara and black leather, stitched together with a striking black and gold duo-tone contrast stitch. This choice reflects the utilitarian yet exceptional nature of Batman’s gear.
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX B95 Dark Knight Interior
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX Battista Dark Knight Interior
Wheels: The wheels on both Dark Knight models are finished with Glorioso ceramic-polished rims, lending an extra edge of sophistication and mystery, perfectly aligning with the Dark Knight’s enigmatic presence.
Unique Design Elements Shared and Contrasted
Both versions share some cutting-edge features, yet they are tailored to match their respective themes:
Wayne Enterprises Logos: Subtly placed on the side skirts and roof, the logo is a constant reminder of the high-tech world Bruce Wayne inhabits.
Voice Inspired by Alfred Pennyworth: This feature adds a personal touch reminiscent of Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend.
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX Battista Dark Knight Interior
Roof and Door Design: The Dark Knight cars come with a more aggressive styling, while the Gotham cars opt for a large portion of curved glass roofing, enhancing the interior’s light and airy feel.
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX Battista Dark Knight Top View
Automobili Pininfarina + BruceWayneX B95 Dark Knight Top View
Enter the Bat…tista?
What if Bruce Wayne designed an electric vehicle? Enter the Battista from Automobili Pininfarina, a marvel that defines a luxury electric hypercar. Displayed exclusively at a VIP event in NYC—Bruce Wayne’s kind of town—this vehicle combines high-class luxury with groundbreaking sustainability.
Automobili Pininfarina Battista in NY
The Battista is the world’s first all-electric hyper GT, boasting four electric motors that power up to an extraordinary 1,900 horsepower. This setup enables a breathtaking acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 1.86 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). It’s faster than a Formula 1 car, yet it emits zero emissions, thanks to its 120 kWh lithium-ion battery that also delivers a driving range of up to 476 km (296 miles).
This hypercar doesn’t just fly on the roads—it lands with grace, too, thanks to Brembo’s advanced carbon-ceramic brakes. The Battista stops on a dime, ensuring every high-speed adventure ends as safely as it begins, with no wings required.
Inside, luxury meets the latest technology. The cabin features a trio of high-definition screens positioned around the steering wheel, offering intuitive control and seamless access to vehicle functions and infotainment. This is a car that cocoons its driver in comfort while making no compromises on delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
The Battista embodies high performance without the environmental toll. It blends extreme speed with a zero-emission footprint, all wrapped up in a sleek, carbon fiber body that’s as stylish as it is efficient.
From Silver Screen to Green Scene
What ties these vehicles back to their comic book roots, apart from the names? Each model sports intricate details like Wayne Enterprises logos and bespoke quilting that whispers luxury. Whether you’re looking for the elegant tan leather of the Gotham spec or the brooding black Alcantara of the Dark Knight design, these cars meld fantasy with reality, proving once again that dreams can come true—with a hefty dose of cutting-edge tech and deep pockets.
Automobili Pininfarina isn’t just throwing around big names and fancy tech to sell cars. They’re creating a narrative that extends beyond the showroom. This collaboration with Warner Bros. and DC writes a vivid chapter in luxury automotive history, pushing the envelope on what electric vehicles can represent—beyond mere solutions to emissions, they are symbols of a lavish, aspirational lifestyle.
So, keep your eyes peeled whether you’re a comic book geek, a luxury enthusiast, or someone who marvels at the crossroads of innovation and entertainment. Bruce Wayne might roll up next to you at the traffic lights in an EV that’s as silent as the night but speaks volumes.
Eyewear fashion, I believe, is a constantly evolving realm and a new contender has emerged, disrupting the status quo with its bold and distinctive design. Tangled Eyewear, as its name suggests, embraces the beauty found within the chaos, presenting a captivating blend of disorder and elegance that challenges conventional aesthetics. If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you’re going to love what’s coming!
When you first see Tangled Eyewear it definitely appears as a statement piece, commanding attention much like a messy situation draws our gaze. However, upon closer inspection, its intricate design reveals a harmonious fusion of chaos and sophistication. The chaos and elegance of its tangled frames serve as a poignant reminder that beauty can emerge from the most unexpected places.
The concept of an ‘organized mess’ is a familiar one to many, particularly in today’s fast-paced world. Just as we might navigate through the chaos of a cluttered room with ease, Tangled Eyewear invites us to embrace the beauty found within the tangle. Its intricate design echoes the complexity of modern life, yet within its chaos lies a hidden order waiting to be discovered.
Tangled Eyewear pushes boundaries with its embrace of disorder. Through high-end 3D printing techniques and unconventional shaping possibilities, each pair of Tangled glasses is a testament to the creative potential found within apparent disarray. The result is a dynamic design that captures the eye and sparks conversation.
What sets Tangled Eyewear apart is its commitment to both style and functionality. The ergonomically modeled frames cater to both prescription and sunglasses wearers, ensuring a comfortable fit without compromising on design. With frames and sides hand in hand, Tangled Eyewear offers a seamless blend of form and function.
One of the most impressive aspects of Tangled Eyewear is its versatility. Whether you’re attending a lavish party or a corporate event, these frames are sure to make a statement. The key lies in the choice of color, with options available to suit any occasion or outfit. From vibrant hues to understated shades, Tangled Eyewear offers a solution for every style dilemma.
Bathtime is one of my favorite times of the day! It’s that duration of the day when I get some peace and quiet from the world, and I can truly pamper and take care of myself. Having a beautifully designed bathroom with thoughtful designs will only amplify this special time of the day. These products can make a huge difference in our everyday bathroom experience. And an excellent addition to your bathroom could be the Orbital Tap by Orbital Systems.
Designed by Swedish company Orbital Systems, this innovative tap system recycles water from the sink for flushing the toilet. Dubbed the Orbital Tap, this one-of-a-kind tap saves 100 percent of the washbasin water and then redirects it to the toilet for flushing, which basically means that clean drinking water isn’t used for flushing. In turn, this tap helps to save water, and this excellent approach offers a return on investment for users on average within a period of five years.
The smart system is quite easy to install, and it is typically wall-mounted. It includes a faucet as well as a control dial with a touchpad located on the sink. Users can control and adjust the flow by turning the dial or utilizing the touchpad. The touchpad allows users to choose from different water temperatures, as well as other settings. The tap is available in a variety of finishes ranging from black and white, to brass, chrome, and brushed stainless steel.
The tap can seamlessly and harmoniosuly integrate with different smart home systems, and it comes in a whole range of presets and customizations. The tap is an ingenious design that helps in saving water and also protects the planet. In the words of Orbital Systems, the tap “does good deeds for the planet, for yourself, and for your economy. ” If you’re looking for a sleek, good-looking, revolutionary and not to mention eco-friendly bathroom fixture, then look no further than the Orbital Tap. It looks great in your bathroom, while also ensuring clean water isn’t wasted in flushing.
Observation and visual understanding play an incredibly key role in the life of every creative and technical professional… so instead of living in the Stone Ages and analyzing things with just your eyes, consider adding a 3D scanner to your toolset. Gone are the days when 3D scanners were clunky, complicated, and expensive – the Revopoint MIRACO is compact, highly intuitive, and offers pro-grade scanning. No larger than a handheld gaming console or a DSLR camera, the Revopoint MIRACO works as a standalone scanner, letting you take crisp 3D scans in vivid color without needing any extra software or even an external computer. A 2K AMOLED screen lets you see what you record, and an ergonomic design allows you to hold the scanner in your hands, moving it around to scan objects, scenes, or even humans.
The folks at Revopoint have practically perfected the art of 3D scanning with their extensive range of products like the POP, RANGE, and MINI series of scanners, but the MIRACO is distinctly different. Most scanners are designed to be compact but still need to connect to an external device like a phone, tablet, or desktop/laptop to let you preview the scan while in progress. The MIRACO’s Red Dot: Best of the Best Award-winning design removes that barrier, giving you an all-in-one device that packs bleeding-edge scanning technology, along with a flip-out display that lets you control the scanner as well as preview what you’re scanning like a viewfinder. No cables, no PC, no external device, the MIRACO is a solo beast that scans in crisp detail with up to 0.05mm accuracy and 48-megapixel color.
Quite like most professional cameras, the display folds out too, allowing you to angle-adjust it so you can see what you’re capturing even at odd positions and angles… but more impressively, it flips out 180° to face forwards, so you could use it to scan yourself too.
The camera-shaped design isn’t an accident, it’s completely intentional. Designed specifically for handheld use by both first-timers as well as scanning experts, the format feels incredibly intuitive, allowing you to correctly use the device right out of the box. Hold it as you would a camera, and either click individual photos from multiple angles in ‘single shot mode’, or take a continuous video of your subject in ‘continuous mode’. The Single Shot Mode is perfect for precisely scanning small to medium-sized objects with stunning accuracy, while the Continuous Mode gives you 15fps scanning speeds and allows you to grab larger objects with Far-mode while going farther away for wider captures, and stepping near to grab details with Near-mode. The MIRACO boasts a maximum scan volume of 4000mm x 4000mm x 4000mm, allowing you to practically even scan objects as large as most cars.
An advanced depth camera captures 3D details with accuracy, relying on a 9-axis IMU for position tracking and a 48MP RGB camera for color details when you want to capture color information too. An 8-core processor crunches all the data, saving scans to the MIRACO’s 256GB hard drive. Revopoint offers a choice between a regular and a Pro version of the scanner – one with 16GB of RAM capable of capturing between 4000 to 5000 frames, and the upgraded Pro version with 32GB RAM capturing anywhere between 8000-10000 frames depending on whether you’re scanning in color or just 3D.
Scans get saved on the device, although WiFi connectivity lets you easily wirelessly transfer files to other devices – or rely on the USB-C to physically transfer files or even connect an external display to your MIRACO. A built-in 5000mAh battery powers the MIRACO for up to 2 hours of continuous scanning (capturing depth and color with that accuracy definitely requires a lot of energy), while the MIRACO’s 35-minute fast charge to 80% ensures it’ll never be out of action for long.
To create a realistic leaf by MIRACO. Image credit: Bau-3d.ch
The handheld scanner is quite literally every creative and technical professional’s secret weapon. While most industrial designers, engineers, interior designers, and automotive designers rely on inefficient gauges, calipers, and measuring tapes (and while filmmakers and VFX artists rely on massive expensive scanning rigs), what the Revopoint MIRACO does feels like nothing short of magic. The compact device turns anything in front of it into a 3D model with surgical-level accuracy, making it perfect for modeling, designing, reverse engineering, prototyping, and performing various 3D-adjacent activities. Whether you go for the Revopoint MIRACO or the MIRACO Pro, your kit comes with everything you need to complete successful scans, including the device, Near-mode calibration boards, a power cable and adapter, a scanner bag, cleaning cloth, tripod, a sample bust, markers, a wrist strap, and even a portable turntable.
As Apple gears up for its May event, whispers from Cupertino suggest we’re in for an exciting unveiling of the new iPad Pro on May 7th. Apple is setting the groundwork for a breakthrough with what could be its first truly AI-powered device—the iPad Pro equipped with the cutting-edge M4 chip and its robust neural engine.
Designer: Apple
SONNY DICKSON: iPhone 16 devices
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg suggests that the upcoming iPad Pro represents more than just hardware updates. We should expect to see a preview of Apple’s ambitious AI chip strategy. This integration will significantly enhance AI capabilities, potentially including native Apple-developed tools and deeply integrated chatbots (think Siri on steroids) in partnership with OpenAI, thanks to recent but unconfirmed reports that Apple is back in talks with OpenAI.
Let’s not forget about the accessories! Rumor has it that the next Apple Pencil will have haptic feedback. This feature could be a game-changer for designers as it would allow them to feel the texture of what they’re drawing on, such as the roughness of a canvas or the smoothness of glass, directly from their digital pen.
This feature is significant for those in design as it allows you to see and feel what you’re drawing, making the use of digital tools more akin to using real pencils or brushes. This is particularly beneficial for anyone interested in aesthetics, such as graphic designers, UX designers, or even casual doodlers. It also offers practical advantages for 3D modeling and digital sculpture by enabling designers to feel textures and contours directly, which can lead to more precise and detailed creations. This tactile feature transforms the Apple Pencil from a simple stylus into an essential tool for artists, enhancing both the functionality and the overall creative experience.
Shifting the focus to Apple’s smartphone lineup, the iPhone 16 series is also making headlines with leaked images revealing a new vertical camera setup designed to support spatial video recording—perfect for playback on the Apple Vision Pro in stunning 3D. These leaks, courtesy of Sonny Dickson (via Forbes), show new aesthetic tweaks with new color options, including a chic violet.
But there’s more brewing at Apple. The iPhone 16 is expected to introduce a new Capture Button, which will enhance the photography experience by double-acting as a focus and shutter button. This feature and last year’s Action Button show Apple taking steps to improve user interactions through intuitive hardware updates.
SONNY DICKSON: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro dummy mock-ups with case.
As we approach these releases, everyone in the tech community is getting excited, and that definitely includes me. Will the new iPad Pro’s AI capabilities redefine productivity? Will the iPhone 16’s camera innovations set a new benchmark in mobile photography? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for our ongoing coverage of all things Apple. Their next chapter promises to be as dynamic and innovative as ever, blending cutting-edge technology with sophisticated design to pioneer new territories in the tech landscape. You can catch the Apple event on May 7th by streaming it live on Apple’s official website or through their YouTube channel, starting at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.
Such is the nature of the internet that it honestly feels like years since the Sphere in Las Vegas was inaugurated… but truth be told, the massive hemispherical display only opened to the public in September last year. Practically one of the most visible buildings on the north end of the Vegas Strip (you can even see it as your flight lands at the airport), the Sphere gained meme status with its sheer size and scale, and its ability to become a canvas for everything from advertisements to graphics, and even the occasional hilarious emoji that looks around and interacts with objects around the desert city. YouTuber Carl Bugeja decided that in theory, it shouldn’t be too difficult to make a homemade version of the Sphere using a bunch of LEDs and clever programming. His journey led him to build an adorable recreation of the sphere, scaled down to fit in your palm. The MINI Sphere is an adorable replica of a modern architectural wonder, and even lights up to display various graphics like an eyeball, the planet Earth, swirling colors, or emoji faces. A built-in accelerometer even detects when you lift the MINI Sphere off the tabletop, prompting it to display a scared emoji face!
Designer: Carl Bugeja
The original Sphere is a marvel of maths, engineering, and design, with its outer shell comprising a staggering 1.2 million LEDs that come to life to give the Sphere its own personality of sorts. The thing is visible from miles away, allowing even people in hotel rooms to be privy to the Sphere’s graphics. In between quirky visuals like a spinning earth, an emoji, or just particle graphics, the globe-shaped building also serves as a billboard for brands as well as for the venue itself, which plays movies as well as hosts concerts. The Sphere cost an impressive $2.3 billion to build, but Carl’s task was to create a massively scaled-down version of the building for a minuscule fraction of the price.
Carl’s plan was to build a roughly baseball-sized version of the monument, while still maintaining a compact pixel density that allowed his MINI Sphere to look like a display and not just a cluster of random pixels. His first idea was to simply have an LED ring rotating at high speeds, creating the effect of a sphere display, but that had problems – it would be too blurry, too complicated, and too noisy. He finally decided to use SK6805 LEDs, which measured a mere 1mm in width and height. Packing a staggering 945 of them onto a bendable PCB from PCBWay, Carl began building the MINI Sphere.
The LEDs were oriented on an odd geometric shape, comprising multiple triangles joined together. The idea was to simply fold the triangles to create a geodesic sphere. Carl would then program each LED in a way that would create a continuous display by building multiple graphic patches that could be stitched together in a software.
Carl connected the LED board to a CodeCell controller unit, using a USB-C cable to power the display. He then stuck the PCB onto a hemispherical 3D printed base, carefully ensuring each triangular panel was glued in place without any distinct visible seams.
Before his final design step, Carl began testing out visual patterns by designing them on a computer and feeding them to the MINI Sphere. Since this was a spherical display comprising multiple triangular facets, feeding visuals wasn’t as easy as simply dragging and dropping JPEGs. They had to be sliced into different artboards that could then be fed to the sphere’s various LED panels.
Finally, the MINI Sphere got its crowning component, a diffuser that helped blend the individual pixels to create a more coherent image. Given that the MINI Sphere has less than 1000 pixels (that’s hardly high-definition), it was difficult for the eye to perceive clear images because the gaps between the pixels were so pronounced. To fix this, Carl simply mounted a translucent cover on the Sphere, helping blur the gap between the pixels and create a more easy to identify image. Sure, one would agree that the end result isn’t as crystal clear as the original Sphere, but by DIY standards, it’s very impressive!
The MINI Sphere currently displays the graphics shown below (including even a blinking eye that looks around), but the most adorable is the emoji, which reacts to being shaken or picked up!
Any time I’ve spent with my beloved cats is a core memory for me, and I absolutely love cuddling up with them, or playing random games with them! But in all honesty, I’m running out of ways to keep them busy, amused, and entertained. And you know, if your kitties are bored and restless for too long, they end up knocking down objects out of sheer spite and boredom. And if by any chance you’re pretty much in the same precarious situation as me and are always looking for new ways to keep your pet entertained, productive, and happy, then this collection of pet products promises to come to your rescue! From a modular pet-friendly sofa to a pet-friendly console – these product designs will take good care of your pet, and keep them active and content.
1. Quarter Sofa
Dubbed the Quarter Sofa, this modular and pet-friendly sofa is crafted from wood and fabrics. The sofa includes various modules in the shapes of squares and circles. The modules can be easily assembled and disassembled to build various intriguing and fun configurations.
Why is it noteworthy?
The configurations created can function as a fun and amusing playground for your cats. Your cats can easily move and jump around, and if you have multiple cats they can even play together.
What we like
You can rearrange the different modules to accommodate a variety of people
The hollow spaces can be used to hold and showcase items
What we dislike
If your cat pees or poops in the space, it can be tough to clean and access them
2. Waggin G1
Called the Waggin G1, and designed by Waggin – this unique product is a pet bike trailer and a backpack in one. The trailer is in fact attached to the backpack so it is quite easy to assemble and disassemble, and you can efficiently carry it around with you. The backpack also contains some storage space.
Why is it noteworthy?
The backpack can hold snacks and toys for your pet, or even your items. It can store your laptop, or even some books and notebooks if you need any on your outing.
What we like
You can easily and safely attach the trailer to your bike
What we dislike
It can only accommodate small to medium-sized pets, so you will need to look for another option for your bigger fur buddy
3. PAWaii Wireless Pet Water Fountain
Named the PAWaii Wireless Pet Water Fountain, this unique device keeps your pets hydrated at all times. It provides fresh water to your pets even if you’re home or not. It provides constant access to clean and filtered water, and it has a NSF-certified filter which reduces calcium and magnesium ions.
Why is it noteworthy?
The water fountain is equipped with UV sterilization and it kills any bacteria or microorganisms found in the water. It includes three modes that you can use, and you can use these modes at the same time as well. The modes are – regular mode, manual mode, and inductive mode.
What we like
Equipped with a water-electricity separation design and anti-slip silicone pad
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
4. UTSÅDD Collection
IKEA recently designed their UTSÅDD collection, which is designed to bring joy to felines and dogs, and to their parents as well. The collection includes 29 pieces, which were designed in consultation with veterinarians and pet product specialists. The products were also tested out on the actual users – the doggos and the cattos!
Why is it noteworthy?
The products are machine-washable, durable, dishwasher-safe, and water-repellant. They’re well-designed, and also pretty gentle and safe for pets. The collection includes soft toys for dogs, and a play tunnel for cats, as well as pet bowls, beds, and houses.
What we like
Features a clean and minimalist vibe
The products are not only fun but also useful
What we dislike
Some pieces are a bit expensive
5. Choo Choo Console
Named the Choo Choo console, this furniture design is much more than just a piece of decor, in fact, it can be used as a dedicated little spot for your pets. The design is made using natural materials like cane wedding and wood. It is created to enhance and elevate the connection between cats and humans.
Why is it noteworthy?
The console is a sleek and modern version of a bullet train. It has a hint of contemporary elegance and style to it, while also integrating a sense of efficiency and speed. The designer merged high-speed transportation with the arena of pet-friendly design.
What we like
Serves as a cozy and welcoming space for cats to rest, clean their paws and nails
What we dislike
Seems to be a bulky and space-consuming design that will occupy a lot of space
6. Sphericon Dog Chew Toy
Inspired by the intriguing world of geometry, this unique toy is called the Sphericon Dog Chew Toy. It is the perfect little toy to keep your doggo happy and distracted while adding an element of excitement and freshness to their daily playtime. It helps keep your pet entertained and happy!
Why is it noteworthy?
This chew toy is intended to be something new and novel in the field of canine entertainment. It is a solid object that features a continuous developable surface. And unlike most everyday toys, this sphericon has a distinctive shape that lets it roll around in a fascinating and captivating manner.
What we like
Brings a whole new dimension and element to your dog’s daily playtime
Can adapt to various play environments
What we dislike
It is small in size, so you need to make sure your doggo doesn’t misplace or lose it
7. Triangle Toy
Named the Triangle Toy, this innovative toy is designed to provide entertainment to your furry friends, while also functioning as a work of art. It is a one-of-a-kind pet toy that isn’t simply for playing with, but it can also offer an exciting visual experience which is inspired by nature.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Triangle Toy is designed to be creative and interesting. It is a canvas for the motifs of clouds, the sun, and the mountains. The mountains are represented by the triangular structure, while the rolling ball signifies the gentle flow of the clouds.
What we like
Besides being a creative pet toy, it also looks like a work of art that can enhance any space it is placed in
What we dislike
The toy is currently a concept, so we are unsure how well it will translate into an actual product
8. Dog Hut Desk
If you’re a pet owner, then the best kind of furniture for your home is furniture design that can be used by people and your pet! This creates a living situation that is enjoyable and engaging for pet owners and their pets, instilling and growing an emotional connected between the two. And the Dog Hut Desk is an excellent example of such a furniture design!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Dog Hut Desk is created to be a new nap spot for your doggo. It is a wooden desk design with a metallic U-leg on one end, and a small D-shaped bed for your doggo on the other end. You can work peacefully, while your doggo naps comfortably right beside you, allowing you both to spend some quality time together.
What we like
You can fit in a cushiony mattress on which your dog can lie down and relax
What we dislike
If your doggo is a bit rowdy and naughty, he may distract you while you’re working
9. ORo
Revealed at CES 2024 by Ogmen Robotics, this intelligent and super cool home robot is designed to be the ultimate playmate, guardian, and caretaker for your doggo. It looks like a robot on wheels dedicated to human use, but it in fact takes care of your beloved pet!
Why is it noteworthy?
It offers physical, mental, and emotional stimulation through various playful activities. Called ORo, this neat robot keeps an eye on your dog’s health, and can even discover when they are anxious or uneasy. ORo can also play some calming music to help them relax and destress.
What we like
You can train your dog using ORo through virtual training services and obedience games
What we dislike
We are unsure about how comfy dogs would feel with a robot, they could get aggressive or feel threatened by the presence
10. Clink Clicker
Called the Clink Clicker, this little device is ideal for your doggo’s training regime. It merges the clicking and the treats in one efficient device, so you only need to hold and use one device while conducting your dog’s training. Although it looks like your conventional clicker, it features a sliding mechanism for storing treats to utilize as a reward.
Why is it noteworthy?
Once your doggo’s training is done, you simply need to click the clicker, and your dog will come to you, and you can feed him the treat at once. The little space for the treats is a desiccant compartment keeping the snacks fresh even if you’re outdoors, and it gets kinda hot.
What we like
Makes your training session with your doggo easier and simpler
Saves time on the training process
What we dislike
The clicker is quite small and compact, so you need to make sure you don’t lose it
