Tag Archives: Toys

LEGO announces smaller, 1050-brick version of R2D2 to celebrate Star Wars’ 25th Anniversary

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Get ready to embark on a journey to a galaxy far, far away as LEGO commemorates the 25th anniversary of Star Wars with this new 1050-brick version of R2D2, hitting stores in March 2024. R2-D2, the iconic droid who’s captured our hearts in countless Star Wars adventures, is making a triumphant return in his brick-built form, following a 2214-brick version from 3 years ago. This newer build is smaller (boasting half the parts of the original), and is focused around younger galactic enthusiasts age 9 and above. However, whether you’re a seasoned LEGO Jedi or young a novice Padawan, this delightful set promises hours of galactic fun!

Designer: LEGO

Standing at 24cm tall, this brick-built rendition of R2-D2 is slightly shorter than the previous 75308 model, which graced us nearly three years ago. However, don’t let the size fool you, as this version is packed with exciting features. With a moveable head, an adjustable third leg, a periscope, and a plethora of tools straight from the Star Wars universe, it’s a true masterpiece.

But that’s not all, folks! R2-D2 comes complete with an information plaque, a Minifigure version of himself, and a special 25th Anniversary Minifigure of the infamous Darth Malak. It’s a Star Wars celebration like no other!

Here’s the lowdown on LEGO Star Wars 75379 R2-D2:

  • Set Name: R2-D2
  • Set Number: 75379
  • Age Range: 9+
  • Piece Count: 1,050
  • Price: $99.99
  • Release Date: March 1st, 2024

So, mark your calendars for this epic rendezvous with R2-D2 in March 2024. Whether you’re a young Jedi or a seasoned builder, this set promises adventure, nostalgia, and the joy of creating alongside one of Star Wars’ most beloved characters.

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Rimowa Chess Attache offers a luxurious way to carry your luxurious game pieces

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Chess is a game that spans centuries and while the basic mechanics haven’t changed much, it has taken various forms over the course of its very long history. Chess sets today come in a variety of styles, from cheap plastic to fragile class, from classic designs to abstract geometric shapes. Some sets, usually the expensive ones, are kept safely at home, while others go wherever their owners go, ready to challenge a fellow enthusiast at a moment’s notice. Rimowa, best known for making premium luggage and bags, is trying its hand at striking a middle ground with a high-quality aluminum chess set housed in a signature Rimowa case, ready to travel and make you the envy of all your chess colleagues.

Designer: Rimowa

Portable chess sets do exist, but the most common design you might see is a thick wooden board that folds in the middle to transform into a miniature suitcase for the wooden pieces. It’s practical and, to be fair, a bit sustainable, but also terribly uninspiring. Nothing lights a chess enthusiast’s fire better than a captivating and elegant chess set, one that embodies the long-lasting legacy of a game that had enchanted and beguiled even monarchs.

The new Rimowa Chess Attache is both a homage to the classic chess design but also a rejuvenation with a more modern aesthetic. Each chess piece is crafted from black and silver (for white) anodized aluminum, emblazoned with a laser-engraved Rimowa monogram. The board, though made of wood, is wrapped in leather materials and has magnets that keep the pieces steadily in place until you or your opponent is ready to make the next move. That board’s aluminum frame also bares Rimowa’s logo, signifying its place in the brand’s selection of premium products.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Rimowa product if there is no travel container involved, and indeed, a major part of the Chess Attache’s appeal is exactly that attache case. The small suitcase’s rounded edges and ribbed faces carry the hallmarks of Rimowa’s iconic design language. Inside, the chess pieces like in compartments cut out from foam and a suede-like microfiber, securing them in place until the time comes for them to be taken out and played. A delicate protective leather layer then sits in between the pieces and the magnetic wooden board that’s secured to the attache with premium leather straps.

Of course, there’s also plenty of Rimowa branding to be found inside, from the black leather lining down to the monogram-engraved snaps of the leather straps. Every inch of the design screams luxury product, and it’s probably good that a metallic lock system is integrated directly into the case’s shell. Whether it’s the chess set itself or the case that carries them, this Rimowa Chess Attache elevates not just your game but also your traveling experience.

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This LEGO version of the classic Sony Walkman WM-22 features an opening lid with removable cassettes!

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Fashion is cyclical and it seems like cassettes may just be making their comeback. Audio manufacturer Fiio just debuted their latest retro CP13 cassette player at CES this year, and it shouldn’t be long before people are making mixtapes again. Just to prime us for that retro-resurgence, LEGO builder Srta.JirafaEnfadada designed a to-scale Sony Walkman made entirely out of LEGO bricks… and the best part, it actually fits LEGO cassettes in!

Designer: Srta.JirafaEnfadada

Before MP3 players and iPods pretty much changed the game, cassettes were the gold standard in music playback. Cars had cassette players, people owned boomboxes, and for a brief while, the Sony Walkman was one of the coolest products you could own. Designed to play cassettes on-the-go, the Walkman walked so the iPod could run. You could make your mixtape, pop it in, and listen to music either on the Walkman’s built-in speaker (if it had one), or on a pair of headphones or earphones for a private music experience.

This entry into the LEGO Ideas forum is based on the WM-22 Walkman, available in the iconic red colorway. It features the classic opening flap on the front that lets you put cassettes in and take them out between plays, with a transparent window that even lets you peer into the walkman’s insides to see which cassette’s loaded. Around the periphery are its play-pause and rewind/fast-forward buttons, and a simple rotary dial to adjust volume. The WM-22 didn’t sport a record button, which most costlier models had, allowing you to even capture audio directly to the cassette. However, it did have a 3.5mm jack, which can be found on this LEGO version too (right above the volume button), allowing you to hook a pair of headphones in. You’ve also got 4 different LEGO cassettes to choose from with the build, adding variety to your music library!

The Sony Walkman was submitted to the LEGO Ideas forum, an online dashboard where LEGO enthusiasts can share their own LEGO-based creations. The forum allows the LEGO community to vote for their favorite designs, with the top-voted ones getting turned into box-sets for us regular-folk to buy. The Sony Walkman sits at 2,068 votes as of writing this article, and if it hits the coveted 10,000 mark, it could potentially be made into a retail set! You can vote for the Sony Walkman or any of your other favorite designs on the LEGO Ideas website.

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Cute Camera for Kids Concept gets budding shutterbugs started early

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Smartphone photography is a huge part of modern culture today, whether it’s for preserving precious memories or for taking food photos to flaunt on social media. And just like how big touch screens like tablets have become children’s toys in one way or another, it might only be a matter of time before the younger generation becomes interested in taking photos. Of course, camera apps even on the most kid-friendly tablet aren’t exactly kid-friendly, not to mention the device itself won’t be the best medium for inducting toddlers into the wonderful world of digital photography. This concept design tries to address those issues by turning a digital camera into an object that kids are most familiar with: a toy.

Designer: Nicola Morelli

While smartphone manufacturers are indeed trying to make taking photos as simple as tapping on the shutter button, especially with the help of AI, there will always be occasions when you need to manually adjust some settings. That’s true not just for changing ISO, focus, and shutter speed, but also for the selfie timer. Typical camera apps make these settings easy to change if you’re an adult, but toddlers 3 years or older are a very different story. And there’s the fact that a touchscreen isn’t exactly the best interface for kids still developing cognitive and motor abilities.

This Camera for Kids concept design attempts to transform the digital camera into a more tactile experience by using physical controls for using the camera. And it’s not just any old physical control, which would make it similar to a complicated professional camera. Instead, it uses metaphors that kids might be more familiar with for those same actions, ensuring that their functions remain understandable even if the underlying concepts aren’t.

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The shutter button, for example, takes the form of a water gun trigger that most kids will probably know how to use. A crank lever is used to change focus and brightness, and taking selfies involves pulling a “TNT” string that shortens as it counts down to the shot. The toy-like operation as well as the appearance of these parts help instill a sense of confidence and fun, encouraging the child to explore and discover rather than be intimidated by the device.

The camera also has a modular design that makes it easier to use, like an actual mirror for those selfies, a flash for lighting, and a strap for carrying around the kid’s neck. Almost like building blocks, kids or their parents can mix and match these parts, depending on what they need or want to do at the time. It’s an example of a thoughtful design that truly puts the target audience, in this case, little photographers, at the center of the experience, shaping technology around them rather than forcing them to adopt to something their minds aren’t yet ready to tackle.

The post Cute Camera for Kids Concept gets budding shutterbugs started early first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Unique Pet Toy Inspired By Nature To Keep Your Pets Engaged

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Pet toys come in various shapes and sizes, but The Triangle Toy stands out as a unique creation that not only entertains your furry friends but also doubles as a work of art. This innovative pet toy is not just about play; it’s a visual experience inspired by the beauty of nature.

Designers: Second White, Ethan J Choi, Jihun Yoo, DK (Dukkeun An), Junha Kam, Ikhyeon Kim<, Maini Kwon yanko design images to size – Triangle_pet_toy_02

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Triangle’s design is a testament to the creativity that can be infused into pet products. The triangular shape serves as a canvas for the motifs of clouds, mountains, and the sun. The towering mountains are represented by the overall triangular structure, while the rolling ball symbolizes the gentle flow of clouds. The transparent ball, a central element of the toy, represents the shining sun. Together, these elements create a harmonious scene reminiscent of a sunrise or sunset over a cloud-covered mountain.

The design language of Triangle is a careful blend of curved and angular lines. This combination imparts a sense of softness and brilliance to the toy, making it visually appealing. Crafted from high-quality materials and featuring a seamless harmony between its components, Triangle transcends the typical notion of a pet toy, resembling more of an objet d’art that seamlessly integrates into any space.

What sets Triangle apart is its interactive nature. The toy is designed to maintain your pet’s continuous interest through an ingenious treat-dispensing mechanism. By placing treats inside the transparent ball, your pet is enticed to engage with the toy. When the cloud-shaped plate is touched, the ball rolls along rails, dispensing treats as it moves. This not only provides mental stimulation but also turns playtime into a rewarding experience for your furry companion.

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Adding to its innovative features, Triangle allows for difficulty adjustment. The three holes in the transparent ball can be resized by turning its top part. This feature enables pet owners to customize the level of challenge, ensuring that the toy remains engaging for pets of varying activity levels. It’s a thoughtful addition that caters to the diverse needs of pets, keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated.

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Practicality meets design in Triangle, as it is not only an engaging toy but also easy to maintain. All parts, including the transparent ball, are detachable, allowing for convenient cleaning. This feature ensures that Triangle remains a hygienic and safe plaything for your pet. The ease of disassembly and reassembly makes the cleaning process a breeze, enhancing the overall user experience.

At its core, Triangle is a simple yet ingenious mechanism toy that harnesses the beauty of nature. The ball within the toy moves by tilting around a central axis based on the principles of gravity. This design, inspired by the natural world, incorporates inclined surfaces and curved shapes. By subtly tilting the toy, users can manipulate the ball, creating an interactive and enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners.

In conclusion, Triangle is more than just a pet toy; it’s a thoughtful creation that brings together design, functionality, and the essence of nature. Its ability to engage pets, adjustable difficulty levels, and easy maintenance make it a standout product in the world of pet accessories. Triangle not only adds joy to your pet’s playtime but also elevates your living space with its aesthetic appeal—a true testament to the potential for creativity in the world of pet products.

The post A Unique Pet Toy Inspired By Nature To Keep Your Pets Engaged first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google Chrome’s T-Rex Offline Game gets immortalized in this adorable LEGO diorama

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Back when Google was still a fun company (when Android had easter eggs, and when the company cracked April Fools jokes ever year), users who browsed the web on Google Chrome noticed a nifty hidden gem within the browser’s error message. When the browser couldn’t connect to the internet, it would display a “You are offline” message with a pixelated dinosaur standing amidst desert terrain. Press a key and it would trigger Chrome’s hidden game – an infinite side-scrolling adventure where you would have to get the dinosaur to dodge obstacles by either jumping over them or ducking under them. The game almost instantly became a crowd favorite, allowing people to keep themselves entertained even when offline.

LEGO builder Brick Dangerous decided to give this game the respect it truly deserves by turning it into a LEGO brick set. Comprising 449 pieces (although you could just as easily extend the diorama), the LEGO Ideas submission features the grey dinosaur against its familiar white background, accompanied by a cloud and two cacti.

Designer: Brick Dangerous

The build is pretty straightforward, with a lot of scope for adjustment or even upgrading to extend the scene sideways. It relies on 449 bricks in its current avatar, with no fixed orientation. You can choose to have the T-Rex on land or jumping in air. Want to make a nice stop-motion, that works too!

“This game is very fun, millions of people play it every time there are connection problems, something simple, but addictive,” says the designer, Brick Dangerous. “Luckily this T-Rex did not become extinct with the meteorite!”

This isn’t Brick Dangerous’ first rodeo on the LEGO Ideas forum. The designer has submitted multiple projects on the forum, and two of our favorites, the vintage telephone and the LEGO hourglass, even reached the coveted 10,000 vote mark. However, for reasons undisclosed, LEGO’s internal review team didn’t convert them into retail sets. This T-Rex build looks promising, though… it’s crossed the 1,500 mark and has another 570 days before its deadline ends. Head to the LEGO Ideas forum to vote for this dino before it goes extinct!

The post Google Chrome’s T-Rex Offline Game gets immortalized in this adorable LEGO diorama first appeared on Yanko Design.

Home tools displayed as chess pieces in unique metal display

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When you’re living alone for the first time, one of the things that people advice you to have at home is a box of tools for whenever something needs tinkering or fixing. I do have one but it’s mostly just stuck in a drawer somewhere since I don’t really know how to tinker or fix things. But for those who use these tools a lot, this concept for a set of tools and how they are stored would be pretty interesting.

Designer: Seongjae Park

Tips for Chess combines metal tools and a chess set so fans of these two will probably be interested to have such a thing displayed in their homes. In fact, even if you don’t use them a lot, it’s still an interesting piece to have in your home and may fool people into thinking you’re a toolhead or a chess aficionado. This is mainly made from metal, from the “chess board” to the various tools included in the set.

The different chess pieces are represented by different kinds of tools. You get hexagonal wrenches with different sizes to serve as your pawns. The rook is the square and triangular wrench, the Bishop is the crosshead screwdriver, while the Knight is a a flat-blade screwdriver. Representing the main pieces are the hexagonal wrench as the Queen and the U-shaped screwdriver as the King. In case you won’t be able to remember which is which, the chess roles and the tool roles are imprinted on the bottom of the tip.

To make it even more interesting (or confusing to people like me) the chessboard itself also provides information. The coordinate system (right angle and straight line) provides a scale of cm and inches. I would probably just have this as a display since it’s too pretty to actually use although they are built to be functional. Also, as mentioned, I don’t know how to use them so they’ll just be on display at home.

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This LEGO Ramen Bowl looks so realistic it’ll make you salivate

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This might be taking the “microplastics in our food” theme a little too far, but damn does that ramen look good!

Made from ‘ingredients’ rather than bricks, Micdud’s LEGO Ramen Bowl is just about as realistic as LEGO could ever get. The bowl was designed as an entry into LEGO’s Ideas forum, where the brick-building company encourages users and fans to design their own LEGO creations and share them with the world. The most popular creations (which collect 10,000 votes from the global LEGO community) get turned into box-sets for us to buy, as we saw with the LEGO Polaroid that got turned into a box-set just last week. With 3,431 votes and counting, Micdud’s LEGO Ramen Bowl may just hit retail status too!

Designer: Micdud

“The model was designed, as a fully customizable construction, thanks to a wide selection of ingredients,” says LEGO builder Micdud. It all starts with the construction of the basics: a “bamboo” roll-out pad, a “ceramic” bowl with subtle details, chopsticks (hidden in a decorated “paper” wrapping) and a special chirirenge spoon.

The beauty of the LEGO Ramen bowl is that, unlike most LEGO creations, each bowl is unique given that you assemble it entirely based on your preferences. you start with a ladle-full of the dashi broth (available in three colors or flavor intensities) before adding the noodles, chashu bacon roll, egg (regular soft-boiled or marinated), and other toppings like panko-coated shrimp, squid, nori seaweed, cooked shrimp (which uses the brick separator piece), different mushroom varieties, Naruto Maki fish cakes, pak-choi cabbage, and finally corn and chives.

The vibrant colors of the LEGO bricks add a mouth-watering pop to the brick-based dish, making it look virtually edible. The bowl, chopsticks, and rollable bamboo mat look positively gorgeous too, and aside from a bottle of Kikkoman soy sauce, this could honestly pass off as a meal! Do beware around small children, though, since this bowl contains tiny parts that may be a choking hazard.

If you loved Micdud’s LEGO Ramen Bowl, head to the LEGO Ideas forum to cast a vote for it!

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AI breakthroughs, developments and tools during 2023

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A recap of major AI developments during 2023

The world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in the past year, transforming the way we interact with digital devices and content. Major tech companies such as OpenAI, Microsoft, Google and others have been at the forefront of these AI developments in 2023, integrating sophisticated AI into their products and services. From […]

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Lego Cherry Blossoms lets you have spring in your house soon

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There are people born with “green thumbs” that are able to create wonderful gardens and plant and floral masterpieces. And then there are people like me who kill everything green that they touch (yes, I even manage to kill succulents and bonsais). If you’re the latter or you have kids that are interested in flowers and would need practice on non-living versions of floral arrangements or if you just like adding a bit of flowery things to your collection, then this new Lego addition should interest you.

Designer: Lego

Spring is still a few months away but the LEGO Cherry Blossoms will help you get ready for it, as long as you’re 8 years old and above. The set features two buildable cherry blossom twigs that you can mix and match to get white and pink blooms. Since it’s Lego, you don’t get the actual flowers. You need to build it with the 438 pieces that come with the set to create two twigs that can measure up to 14 inches (35 cm) long. You can combine the different colors or stick to creating a white stem and a pink stem separately.

Once you’re able to complete your cherry blossom twigs, you can put it around the house as a piece of spring decoration. You can also combine it with other LEGO flower sets (sold separately) like their Roses, Wildflower Bouquet, Dried Flower Centerpiece, Flower Bouquet, Botanical Collection, etc. If it’s winter where you are, then these flowers can brighten up your space even though they may not be in season.

It’s interesting to see Lego venturing into other sets that may not necessarily appeal to their original market that are used to bigger and more complicated builds. But the Cherry Blossoms and their other flower sets is perfect for young kids who aspire to eventually create gardens or for adults like me who can only dream of having an actual green thumb.

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