As we approach Salvador Dalí’s 120th birthday on May 11th, the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, is offering visitors a unique opportunity: to “Ask Dalí” and converse with a lifelike, artificial intelligence recreation of the Spanish painter himself, simply by picking up a lobster phone. This innovative experience is inspired by one of Dalí’s most iconic creations, the Lobster Telephone, and is made possible through the fusion of the artist’s eccentric genius with cutting-edge machine-learning technology.
Salvador Dalí, known for his surrealist paintings such as “The Persistence of Memory,” “Swans Reflecting Elephants,” and, of course, the Lobster Telephone, has left an unforgettable mark on the world of art. His works continue to captivate audiences worldwide, challenging our perceptions of reality and expanding the boundaries of the imagination. The Lobster Telephone, created by Dalí in 1936 for the English poet Edward James, now serves as an inspiration to the central piece in the Dali Museum’s latest interactive exhibit, as the ‘telephone’ fits best for the analogy, allowing visitors to engage with the artist himself in a surreal and thought-provoking manner.
Surrealism, the movement Dalí helped to spearhead, aims to revolutionize human experience by balancing a rational vision of life with one that asserts the power of the unconscious and dreams. Surrealist artists find magic and strange beauty in the unexpected and the uncanny, the disregarded and the unconventional. Dalí’s paintings offer deep and multifaceted meanings, providing ample scope for imagination and understanding of the artist’s perspective.
In an era marked by remarkable technological advancements, it’s fitting to bring a renowned artist back to life through AI, especially as we celebrate his birthday. Debuting after a successful preview at the renowned SXSW conference, Ask Dalí marries the artist’s eccentric genius with some of the latest in machine-learning technology. Crafted by advertising agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), the experience utilizes OpenAI’s GPT-4 and ElevenLabs’ Eleven Multilingual V2 models. These tools are trained on a rich dataset of Dalí’s own writings and archival audio, producing responses that echo his distinctive voice, flamboyant personality, and whimsical humor.
To start a conversation, visitors pick up the telephone and ask any question they would like, whether seeking insights into the artist’s surreal imagery or his thoughts on contemporary matters. During a demonstration, Hank Hine, director of the Dalí Museum, tested the system by asking what one should be sure to see when visiting the museum. The AI, channeling Dalí’s lyrical style, recommended, “In the labyrinth of the imagination that unfurls within the Dalí Museum of St. Petersburg, one must seek the melting clocks in The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory, where time drips like a dream refusing to be contained.”
Building upon the successes of previous AI-assisted exhibits, such as Dalí Lives in 2019, which brought the artist’s persona to life on screens throughout the museum, and the Dream Tapestry in 2023, where AI assisted visitors in creating digital paintings from descriptions of their dreams, Ask Dalí is the latest in a series of innovative intersections of art and technology inspired by Dalí’s own fascination with new mediums. Jeff Goodby, the co-founder of GS&P, reflects on the project’s alignment with Dalí’s legacy: “Dalí was fascinated by the latest tools and technologies of his era and continually explored various artistic media,” he notes. “Ask Dalí provides a delightful new way to interact with machine-learning technology. Dalí’s poetic writings, in an imaginative style all his own, are the basis of the training, providing dynamic and unpredictable answers to visitors’ questions.”
The 120th birthday of Salvador Dalí promotes the intersection of art and technology allowing visitors to engage with one of the greatest artists of the 20th century in a manner that is both enlightening and surreal. Through the Lobster Telephone, visitors to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg can experience firsthand the wit, wisdom, and eccentricity of Salvador Dalí, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come.
Recycle and Reuse have become the buzzwords today. Most materials – single-use plastic excluded – are being recycled, and some plastic items such as bottles are reused to restrict them from reaching the landfills. Plastic pollution is therefore a big menace globally that designers are trying to solve with potentially innovative ideas. In that league we came across the Reusable: a collapsable, reusable cup that is made from food-grade material and fits right in your pocket so you can carry it wherever your routine takes you.
Disposable paper cups have been around for a long time now. Not essentially made with the purpose of being reused, such cups have to reach the landfills after one time use. All right, some of these to-go cups are recyclable, but some paper cups contain a plastic or wax coating – to prevent leaks – rending their unrecyclable. This is where a solution like the Reusable makes a lot of sense, not essentially because it can be recycled at the end of life, but since it can be reused a multitude of times before it can be retired from the lifecycle.
The brainchild of British-designed Kalina Gotseva, the Reusable has been 3D printed from durable, food-grade silicone. Made in a unique twisted design, after thousands of iterations on paper and other materials, the Reusable is made collapsable, transforming the cup from a full-sized option to a compact form factor that allows it to fit in the pocket.
Making a silicone cup with all the intricacies to make it reusable, the cup is a direct benefit product for millions of tea and coffee drinkers around the world, whose day wouldn’t start with the pipping hot beverage picked from the driveway in a throwaway one time use cup. This scenario could change with the benefit of Reusable which you can flip out of your pocket and have your drink served to you in it.
With the foldable and reusable design, the question of safety and convenience does arise in the mind. Gotseva has taken care of every detail, starting with making the entire foldable design self-contained. For that, the designer ensured that the body of the cup folds down flat and it can then fit securely in its cap to remain intact and dust-free in your pocket/bag. The protective cap is not just the Reusable’s case, in fact it has a tested push-and-pull slider on the drinking hole, which offers leak-proof convenience, so you can carry and drink your beverage safely, at your convenience.
The Reusable despite all the nifty features has sleek aesthetics paired with an ergonomic grip and three interesting color choices to pick a cup that matches your style. Created from BPA-free silicone, the cups are colored – with food-safe options – during the injection molding process. These are available in dark blue, light aquamarine, and vibrant orange colors to choose from. I don’t know about you, but I’m waiting for the Reusable to hit the market. My pick is orange, what’s yours?
I love a well-designed and functional lighting design with some aesthetic value. But besides these three holy grails, it also helps if the light is portable, and can be carried around with you wherever you go. Besides that, a well-designed lighting fixture should not only have the ability to illuminate any living space but also add that extra oomph factor! I mean, of course, we need them to see in the dark, but as highly functional as they should be, a lighting fixture also needs to be aesthetically pleasing, adding an attractive and visually soothing element to any space it is placed in. And an excellent lighting design that we feel ticks all the checkboxes is the Grasp Portable Lamp by Thomas Albertsen for Frandsen.
Designed for the TV show Denmark’s Next Classic, the Grasp portable lamp by Danish brand Frandsen features an innovative and unique rechargeable bulb. After it debuted on the reality TV competition, where it was one of the best lighting designs, Frandsen picked up the lighting piece.
Frandsen was impressed by the ‘exceptional potential’ of the design, and hence decided to pick it up. The lamp features a refined metal form that comprises two cones – one for the base, and one for the lampshade. The two cones are connected via a thin and curving road that also makes up the body and the handle of the lamp. The portable lamp has a clean and minimalist visual appeal, while also serving as a functional and highly practical design with a water resistance rating, which makes it a great fit for both the indoors and the outdoors. It also features a base that sits well on both smooth and not-so-smooth surfaces.
“I wanted to make a portable lamp capable of illuminating a table where people gather, enveloping the surroundings in a warm, intimate ambiance, casting a magical aura in the otherwise dark spaces,” said Albertsen.
The lamp’s bulb which is called the Frandsen One functions as a source of light and power unit for the lighting design. So you don’t need to recharge the whole lamp, you can simply remove the bulb, and replace it with a fully charged spare bulb.
If you’re someone who needs a break from the hectic and fast pace of life and needs to indulge in some much-needed me time, then you’re well aware that you need an assortment of accessories to help you achieve this feat. Pampering yourself, and allowing yourself to relax and unwind isn’t a task we can accomplish simply by ourselves. And this is where grooming products, self-care items, and little meditative designs come to the rescue! All you need is an array of thoughtful and well-designed products to give you some amazing me-time, enabling you to truly relax after a long hard day at work. From a zen-like Japanese lantern candle to a battery-free aroma diffuser – we’ve curated a collection of designs that are all you need to treat yourself and take better care of yourself.
1. Rotating Nail Clipper
Called the Rotating Nail Clipper, this unique and one-of-a-kind product protects your wrist from twisting and getting hurt if you ever sit down to trim your nails. It helps you cut your nails efficiently, and you don’t need to unnecessarily twist or bend your wrist to achieve the perfect angle.
This unique nail clipper features a rather practical design that protects you from having to unnecessarily bend your twist while cutting your nails. It is an ergonomic tool made from high-carbon stainless steel and anodized aluminum alloy and has a rather minimalist and clean design ethos.
What we like
The sleek and clean design is quite easy to use
You have a variety of colors to pick from
What we dislike
The price tag is higher as compared to ordinary nail clippers
2. Japanese Lantern Candle
This pretty Japanese lantern resembles the traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, and it features an adorable pillar shape. This candle is a must-have for some self-care sessions when you simply wanna unwind, and let the stresses of the day fade away.
This quaint candle provides a contemporary take on an age-old iconic Japanese design. It offers a rather relaxing glow and has a minimal design ethos, which allows it to perfectly merge with any living space. The lantern is created by handcrafted artisans in Kurashiki, Japan.
What we like
Since the wax is non-melting, it produces a pretty clarity on the candle
What we dislike
You need to be careful while using it around children and pets, as it is a fire hazard
3. Legacy Precision Nail File
Designed by Yoshida Yasuri, the Legacy Precision Nail File is made in Japan using meticulous craftsmanship. The file is manufactured through an intricate three-stage sharpening process, making sure it is not dull, but nor does it have sharp edges like typical factory-made nail files.
The thick stainless steel plate is shaped in all directions six times, on both sides of the nail file, to ensure it is fine, durable, and smooth.
What we like
Guarantees lifelong durability
Come along with a handmade leather sheath
What we dislike
The sheath cap is quite easy to lose
4. Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser
Named the Battery-free aroma diffuser, this soothing little diffuser is what you need for some self-care. It lets you take in deep breaths while harnessing the power of a single candle by using simple physics and science.
This innovative diffuser doesn’t need batteries, nor does it need any external power sources! The diffuser uses the heat of a single candle to emit lovely aromatic scents. It is build using sustainable materials, and hence it advocates an eco-friendly ethos.
What we like
The diffuser is made from recyclable materials
Compatible with different kinds of essential oils
What we dislike
It doesn’t have electric controls, so it is difficult to adjust the intensity of the aroma
5. Japanese Cypress Vãs Wood Diffuser
Use the Japanese Cypress vãs wood diffuser to diffuse your favorite essential oils without any batteries, power, or electricity. You just need to add a few drops of oil, and the wood diffuser does its own natural magic!
Why is it noteworthy?
The design is inspired by the Latin word for a vessel which is vās, normally used to hold flowers. The vās itself is handcrafted from the Japanese hinoki cypress tree, giving you, not just a natural oil diffuser but also a decorative object to match your wooden theme if you have one.
What we like
The wood diffuser works as a natural oil diffuser, as well as an elegant home accent
What we dislike
You can only use 100% pure essential oils, as the diluted ones arent as aromatic and could damage the wood
6. Nike LED Mask
If you’re in the mood to indulge in some self-care and grooming, but don’t want to use the typical old masks from Sephora, then you may want to consider this Nike LED mask. This unique conceptual product lets people take care of their skin, without having to go to a facility to pamper their skin.
Why is it noteworthy?
The mask has a user-friendly CMF which allows users to get comfy with it, and handle it with ease. The mask features Nike’s sporty and fun image, which makes it quite relatable.
What we like
You don’t need to touch your face with your hands
Easy to use and accessible design
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
7. Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set
Called the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, this little relaxation-inducing design is all you need to create the smell and lovely experience of having a memorable and enticing outdoor fire. It is the ideal design you need after a long day at work when you simply need to chill and unwind.
The mini hardwood is retrieved from branches that would otherwise have to be thrown away. They radiate a comforting smoky smell when it is burnt on the little stainless steel oven. Just add a few drops of essential oils from the Mt. Hakusan trees, and you have an amazing outdoor scent.
What we like
It can be used as a cooking or heating tool, by adding some wood
What we dislike
Requires small pieces of wood of specific sizes
8. LightVision Meditation Headset
Dubbed the LightVision meditation headset, this unique innovation by Layer Design is amped with LED lights that produce a layer of magic to the visual feed of the user. This creative headset converts natural videos into a sequence of biomorphic design, which is still visible to the closed eyes.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various patterns can be seen as a constantly-changing kaleidoscopes of sequences that activate the brain’s “frequency-following response”. This creates a distraction-free state of mind, helping you focus and meditate.
What we like
The headset has an ergonomic form which is comfy on the eyes and face
What we dislike
Meditating with the help of screens may result in tired eyes if you’re using them for long periods
9. Stress-Free Aroma Diffuser
Named the Stress-free Aroma Diffuser, this little diffuser lets you sit back and relax, while taking in a wonderful array of aromatic blends that are designed to soothe your frantic mind, and help you relax. If you’re in the mood for some self-care, or to spend some quality time with your partner, the diffuser is an amazing ambience setter.
The Stress-free Aroma Diffuser forms a gentle breeze, which lets the aroma softly and evenly disperse even if you’re sitting. It has a porcelain filter which soaks up all the oil to offer a long-lasting experience.
What we like
The polished base provides an intriguing contrast to the organic-looking porcelain disc, creating a sophisticated decoration piece
What we dislike
The diffuser seems quite fragile, so you need to handle it with care
10. Aroma Fragrance Pin
This little product is called the Aroma Fragrance Pin, and it is designed to be a tiny pin that maintains a pleasant aroma around you at all times, irrespective if you’re traveling or commuting around. It holds cotton with a lovely essential oil of your choice. It retains the strong fragrance around you.
The fragrance pin forms an individual fragrance bubble around you, and when the smell fades away, it can easily be topped up. It is a great product for those with sensitive noses who get bothered by the aerosol particles in usual perfumes.
What we like
Functions as a stylish button-style accessory with a lot of colors to pick from
What we dislike
You need to conduct some trial and error, to figure out how long the oil will last
Handsome minimalist design with a fabric-covered base
Built-in speaker in the RGB-lit base
Bright and colorful lights that can sync to music
Includes a magnetic remote control
CONS:
Speaker output quality is average
Matter support still unavailable
RATINGS:
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The Govee Floor Lamp Pro delivers a breathtaking audiovisual experience that syncs to the music while also standing proudly as a design object when the lights are off.
Most of us probably presume that lamps either hang from ceilings, stick to walls, or stand on tables. While elevated lighting is indeed necessary to provide illumination in the darkness, every inch of your room or house definitely deserves a bit of light, especially when it adds a splash of color as well. As far as ambient lighting products go, the tall, stick-like figures known as RGB floor lamps are probably the least known or appreciated. Govee might very well be changing that perception with its new Floor Lamp Pro which not only brings pro-level features deserving of its name but also looks quite sleek and elegant standing anywhere in the room, even when all its lights are turned off.
Govee has dozens of designs for different kinds of lighting solutions, but if there’s one trait they share it’s that they shine best when the lights are on, figuratively and literally. When they’re off, they tend to look unimpressive, at least for those that aren’t hidden behind TVs or stuck to wall corners. Floor lamps, however, are always visible and are, therefore, designed to be seen. Fortunately, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro is something that you’ll love seeing even if there’s no light show taking place.
Available in black and gray color options, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro’s dark silhouette cuts a rather striking figure whether it’s standing in a corner or placed somewhere in the middle of the room. The floor lamp’s shape is pretty simple: a tall, thin rod standing on top of a cylindrical base. On closer inspection, you will realize that the rod is made of sturdy aluminum that slightly wraps around a white silicone LED light strip. You’ll hardly see this color contrast unless you intentionally turn the light strip into view, which is actually easy to do since you can rotate the rod 360 degrees.
The can-shaped base is covered with a fabric-like material reminiscent of those found wrapped around smart speakers. That association isn’t by accident as the Floor Lamp Pro, unlike Govee’s other lights, actually comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. This makes the product an all-in-one light and sound system, one of the extremely few floor lamps with such a feature. The bottom of the base itself isn’t covered by this soft material as it exposes the base’s own RGB lights, yet another defining feature of this new Govee Floor Lamp Pro.
Although you can expect the Govee Floor Lamp Pro to be a dazzling sight once the psychedelic lights start to dance, what sets this design apart is how it still catches your eyes once the show is over. Unless you’re familiar with these kinds of RGB floor lamps, you might actually mistake it as some modern design object meant to add some minimalist elegance to your room. This pretty much means that the Floor Lamp Pro provides value all the time, even when you’re not actively using its bright lights.
Ergonomics
Just like any Govee product, setting up the Floor Lamp Pro is practically a breeze. Given the rod’s 67-inch height, you shouldn’t be surprised that it comes in four pieces that you can quickly join and screw together in a snap. You slip in the silicone light strip and install the rod into the base, easily connecting the wires to finally finish the process. It can be done in around 10 minutes, depending on how well-versed you are at assembling things.
You won’t be handling the Govee Floor Lamp Pro most of the time, at least not directly, which is probably for the best. After all, it’s meant to stand in a corner of the room and stay there until the next time you redecorate. And even when you do need to control it, you won’t be able to do it on the lamp itself anyway because it lacks any form of physical control. Instead, you will be operating the lamp remotely, mostly through your smartphone.
Surprisingly, Govee ships a Bluetooth-enabled remote control with the Floor Lamp Pro, which gives you quick and instant access to some of the most basic and important functions. Instead of fiddling with the app to turn down the volume, you can simply press down the button on the remote to save you the trouble and the stress. And to make sure you don’t lose that small remote, you can magnetically stick it to the lamp’s metal rod until you next need its services.
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro isn’t exactly lightweight at 7.3lbs (3.3kg), but that’s fine since you’re unlikely to move it around anyway. One trick that it does have is that you can turn the rod around, making it trivial to customize the lighting experience from bouncing off walls to directly shining the light in your direction. All in all, this Govee product is just as easy to set up just like its siblings, though there is definitely some assembly required. Operating it is also straightforward, though the Govee Home app can admittedly be a bit daunting and overwhelming for first-time users, but that is mostly because of the plethora of features available for such a simple-looking product.
Performance
When you first turn on the Govee Floor Lamp Pro, you might actually be blinded by how bright the LED lights are. It is to be expected from a flagship Govee product, but this one definitely takes it up a notch with a 2,100 ANSI lumens brightness. Govee didn’t skimp on the LED beads either. The light strip, for example, has 162 RGB units and 162 white units, while the base has 30 RGB beads and 30 white beads.
What all these numbers mean in practice is that you have a bright and unbroken beam of light wherever the Floor Lamp Pro shines. You won’t see any distinct cuts or patterns on the projected light thanks to the high density of LED beads distributed along the length of the light strip. And thanks to Govee’s RGBICWW technology, your eyes are treated to the widest range of colors, turning every moment a psychedelic experience.
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro, however, doesn’t stop there. As mentioned earlier, this is one of the extremely few floor lamps to bear a speaker inside. And not just any speaker, mind you, but a Bluetooth speaker system with two full-range and one low-frequency speaker inside. What would normally be a captivating light show becomes an immersive multimedia experience that dances to the beat of your music or even your film. That speaker, though loud, won’t exactly blow your mind with its quality. It’s decent enough for small parties and enhancing the mood of a film or soundtrack, but it isn’t going to win any awards, especially against actual speakers from audio brands.
The Floor Lamp Pro has the ability to sync its lights to music like a magical light and sound show. It can use either the built-in mic to listen to the sounds around it or, better yet, the built-in Bluetooth speaker playing your own tunes streaming from your phone. With Govee DreamView, you can even sync other Govee lights so they all dance to the same beat, whether they’re in the same room or scattered throughout the house. This Music Mode is just one of the many features you can access from the Govee Home app, of course, and there are literally a dozen others you can pick out to set the right mood at the right time, from scheduled activation to scenes for different holidays. You can even enjoy 29 preset white noise sounds to calm you down and help you focus, though not everyone might like the available selection. Fortunately, you can always use your own relaxing notes thanks to the lamp’s speaker.
As a smart lamp, you have a variety of ways you can control the lamp, though what you’ve heard so far requires your fingers to tap your way through menus and options. You can also use your voice thanks to integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Unfortunately, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro doesn’t yet support the new Matter standard that would open up compatibility with other smart home platforms and devices. That will eventually come, but there’s no timeline yet for its arrival.
Sustainability
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro is an exceptional smart lighting product, but it isn’t that too different from other brands when it comes to the materials it uses. There’s plenty of plastic to go around, especially with the silicone light strip. That said, the Floor Lamp Pro is a little unique in its use of slightly more sustainable materials like the aluminum rod and fabric-like cover for the base.
Any damage, however, would require sending the product back for repairs, which is thankfully a straightforward and painless process. It’d be impossible to repair the light strip on your own, at least not without extensive electronics experience, though you might get by with a few dents and knicks on the metal rod. Hopefully, as Govee’s business grows, so will its efforts in sustainability in order to secure a brighter future for its customers.
Value
Truth be told, a floor lamp is a harder sell compared to products like string or strip lights. The latter are more general-purpose and more flexible as they can be used in almost any situation or design. That said, they also don’t have a big effect when it comes to coloring an entire space, at least not without investing in longer strips. Not only is that not economical, it’s not very efficient either.
The Govee Floor Lamp Pro has the power to really change the atmosphere inside a space. Whether it’s bouncing off walls or shining directly, the bright and colorful lights can easily reach across the room. The magic, however, really happens when you start pairing those lights with sounds coming from the lamp’s own speaker. Best of all, it remains just as captivating as a decorative design when it’s not in use. For a floor lamp that costs $219.99, that’s quite a steal.
Verdict
Smart floor lamps are still a pretty niche market, and it might be difficult to justify one or two if you’re not a gamer or a die-hard room modder. Of course, these aren’t the only audiences that these lights serve, but most people probably can’t imagine what they’d want a vertical stick of light for. With the Floor Lamp Pro, however, Govee is pushing the envelope of what floor lamps are capable of and trying to break the mold with a smart lighting solution that can instantly change the ambiance of a room in a cost-efficient and space-saving manner.
The configurable and bright RGB lights are already impressive, but their ability to sync with the music playing from the lamp’s built-in speakers really takes the immersion up a notch. The wide variety of modes and features enables you to almost literally paint a different picture of your room every time, whether you’re having a lively party or trying to focus on work. The Govee Floor Lamp Pro’s value, however, doesn’t end when the lights go off and the music stops. With a sleek minimalist design and quality materials, it becomes a design object that adds a different kind of aesthetic, one that can speak loudly with fewer words and without the dazzling lights.
‘There is no friend as loyal as a book,’ but the benefits of reading and the entire idea of owning books are taking a back seat nowadays. The shift of entertainment forms to digital speeds has made our free time busier and immersed our reading hours in reels. The biggest sufferers of this neglect and transformation are kids who remain devoid of bedtime stories and instead are fixated on the screens, swiping through reels and videos with little quality to improve concentration or cultivate the habit of reading.
Taking advantage of all the benefits of reading is essentially impossible going forward. Of course, some parents have managed to keep the routine of reading bedtime stories to their kids; it’s really not a norm anymore. Chishu audiobook player was idealized to help children relive the losing charm of someone reading stories in bed to them. And following the humble recognition of the concept, it is now reimagined with new colors and approach.
Enter Chishu 2X audiobook player, a humble, handy device that wants to improve children’s concentration and cultivate in them the habit of listening to books, at least. The pocket-sized player, equipped with a specially designed story card, is tailored for children below the age of 12. A child can insert the card in a dedicated slot, tune the player to their audio liking, and play the story content while being engrossed in some secondary activity or playing.
The curved, interactive design of the Chishu 2X shortens the distance between children and the audiobook player, making it their storyteller capable of ‘immersing them in the world of stories’ at an early age. To make it more adaptable amid the little ones, the device comes in various base colors. However, each functional area on the device – the story card slot; volume rocker; skip next knob; and the speaker grill – all come in different color options, making the entire package fun to hold and playful to interact with.
Taking of interaction; the little window display in the top right, where the story card slots in from the top, kids can keep tab on the story they’re listening to. The speaker system of the new Chishu 2X has been upgraded and embedded within a lighter and more drop-resistant molded metal body, rendering the device suitable even for older children and young adults to explore.
The problem with racing simulator rigs are that they aren’t designed by automotive designers, they’re designed by gamers. Most sim-racers are fairly utilitarian looking, with an almost bare-basics cockpit-inspired design focusing on real-world feel. The most aesthetic part is almost always the driver’s seat, and everything else looks like a naked chassis. Not the Pininfarina Formula though… designed by Fabio Bilotta, this concept piece brings the world of automotive art and gaming together to create a rig so unique it’ll garner stares the same way a hypercar does.
Designer: Fabio Bilotta
The Pininfarina Formula combines sleek aesthetics with user-centered functionality. Paying homage to the iconic shape of the Istanbul Air Traffic Control Tower, it embodies a blend of sophistication and dynamism. The secret to the Pininfarina Formula’s sculptural beauty lies in its meticulous material selection. Carbon fiber offers a perfect balance of strength and lightness, while reinforced plywood ensures long-lasting durability. Stainless steel adds a touch of class, and genuine leather elevates the experience with a luxurious feel.
The Pininfarina Formula models itself ergonomically on Formula 1 cars, positioning the user’s feet at shoulder height for optimal control and mimicking the posture of professional racers. But it doesn’t stop there. The setup is designed to adapt to individual needs. The pedal sledge and steering wheel housing are both fully adjustable, allowing users of all heights and preferences to find their perfect racing position.
Whether you prefer the immersive world of virtual reality or the classic experience of a traditional screen, the Pininfarina Formula caters to your taste. Its adaptable design seamlessly integrates with different gaming setups, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite racing titles in the way that suits you best. The setup comes without a wheel or pedals, giving you the ability to attach your own, based on your preferences as well as your budget… although if you’re splurging on a Pininfarina-inspired rig, is money really an object for you?!
Just in time for Apple’s May 7th event, Blackmagic announced the Micro Control Panel, a tiny, keyboard-sized controller that takes your iPad color grading to a whole new level. Dock your latest iPad Pro in the Micro Control Panel, fire up the DaVinci Resolve app, and this tiny rig rivals most color-grading setups. Designed for professional as well as novice videographers and unveiled at NAB 2024 this year, the new portable control panel features a mounting slot for an Apple iPad Pro, an internal battery, supports both Bluetooth and USB-C connections, and boasts an affordable $495 price tag.
Designer: Blackmagic
Standing out for its portability, the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel is roughly the size of a keyboard. Don’t be fooled by its size, though. This panel packs a punch with high-quality trackballs and machined knobs for precise control over color correction. Whether you’re adjusting shadows, highlights, or saturation, the tactile feedback provided by these controls allows for nuanced fine-tuning.
Beyond color correction, the panel offers a range of transport and grading controls conveniently positioned around the edges. With these buttons at your fingertips, you can navigate your project timeline, set stills, and execute other commands with ease, significantly speeding up your workflow. Notably, some of these controls were previously exclusive to the larger DaVinci Resolve Mini and Advanced panels.
For existing DaVinci Resolve users, the Micro Color Panel offers a familiar feel. The trackballs boast a similar professional design, and the shift keys mimic the layout of higher-end panels. This ensures a smooth transition for experienced colorists while offering a user-friendly introduction for beginners.
An exciting feature for creators on the go is the integrated battery and Bluetooth connectivity. Ditch the cables and achieve wireless control over your color grading suite. This makes the Micro Color Panel ideal for location shoots or editing suites with limited space. But don’t worry, traditionalists can still connect via USB-C if desired.
The biggest perk might be the price tag. At $495, the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel is significantly more affordable than its larger counterparts. This opens the door for a wider range of editors and colorists to experience the power of dedicated control panels and take their creative output to the next level.
Innovative design often emerges from the desire to solve a problem, and the Cuna furniture collection is a perfect example of this principle. Created as a solution to repurpose cardboard, Cuna is an eco-friendly piece of furniture that is cleverly designed, a multifunctional piece that redefines the concept of sustainability and functionality.
Designer: Valeria CoelloCrafted from cardboard, a material readily available in most households, it is a testament to the idea that there is latent potential in what we often consider to be “waste.” Think about the sheer volume of cardboard boxes that accompany the gadgets, appliances, and packages we receive daily. Rather than relegating this cardboard to landfills, Cuna repurposes it, offering an ingenious solution that is as practical as it is environmentally friendly.
Created from just two sheets of sturdy cardboard joined by five additional pieces, the bench offers a unique aesthetic and DIY experience. It’s a lovely DIY experience that allows one to build a connection with their masterpiece. The brilliance actually lies in the simplicity of its design. By utilizing the principles of joinery, the pieces interlock without the need for screws or adhesives, forming a structure that is remarkably sturdy and surprisingly lightweight.
The genius of the Cuna bench lies in its versatility. When assembled, it can be used in two different ways, depending on the user’s needs. In its standard configuration, it offers a beautifully curved seating area for one person. However, flip it upside down, and an additional layer of cardboard transforms it into a conventional flat bench, capable of potentially seating an extra person. This dual-purpose functionality extends further; the flat-top version can also serve as a table. With two of these benches, you have a complete set—a low table and chairs—perfect for various settings, from hosting parties to day-to-day living.
Despite being made of cardboard, Cuna is surprisingly comfortable. The 6-8mm thickness of the cardboard provides a firm yet yielding surface, which is gentle on the body. The curved design provides a cozy seating experience, with the sides acting as convenient armrests or even as a place to set down a cup or phone. When placed against a wall, it even acts as a makeshift backrest. Furthermore, it can serve as a daybed, allowing you to rest on one side while placing your legs on the other.
Cuna is an ideal option for a wide range of scenarios. Whether you are a student on a budget, a bachelor looking for practical and sustainable furniture or a new homeowner looking to add both comfort and sustainability to your space, Cuna fits the bill perfectly.
The next time you unbox a new TV, microwave, or even the humble pizza, think twice before discarding the packaging. With Cuna, you can repurpose that cardboard, transforming it into a functional piece of furniture that adds an element of sustainability and comfort to your living space.
As Bulgari commemorates its 140th anniversary, it introduces two distinguished Octo Finissimo Automatique BVL 138 Sketch editions that celebrate the brand’s legacy and propel it into the future with groundbreaking design concepts. These editions—each in rose gold and stainless steel—illustrate a sophisticated fusion of material excellence and design innovation.
Designer: Bulgari + Buonamassa Stigliani
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic BVL 138 Sketch in rose gold
The rose gold model, reference 104165, features a luxurious 40mm case that is impressively thin at only 5.5mm, thanks to the ultra-slim profile of the BVL 138 movement. This case offers both a sapphire case back and front, revealing the inner workings of the automatic BVL 138 caliber. This movement is just 2.23mm thick, with a diameter of 36.6mm, and equipped with 36 jewels. It includes a platinum micro-rotor, a small seconds feature positioned at 7:30, and a 60-hour power reserve. The artistic gold dial beneath a lacquered finish enhances both its depth and visual impact, and the dial itself presents technical illustrations that mimic a skeletonized view, lending a sophisticated illusion of depth. This model’s rose gold bracelet, complete with a folding clasp, mirrors the case, reinforcing the watch’s elegance.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic BVL 138 Sketch in rose gold
Conversely, the stainless steel model, reference 104163, offers a sleek, contemporary option. It shares the same 40mm size and a thin 5.5mm profile with a sapphire case back and front, showcasing the precision of the automatic BVL 138 caliber. The dial, finished in silver lacquer, acts as a shimmering canvas that reflects the mechanical beauty it encases. The stainless steel bracelet, secured by a durable folding clasp, enhances its modern appeal. Like its rose gold counterpart, it boasts a 60-hour power reserve and robust 100-meter water resistance, ensuring reliability and functionality.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT BVL 318 Sketch
The dials of both models highlight Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani’s creative expertise. Each stroke and sketch brings the technical elements of the watch to life with spontaneity and artistic precision. These elements bridge traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistry, highlighted by the trompe l’oeil effect that gives each dial a three-dimensional look despite its flat surface.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT BVL 318 Sketch
In addition to the two remarkable editions, Bulgari introduces a third variant limited to 140 pieces: the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT BVL 318 Sketch (Ref. 104192). This model is molded in stainless steel, features a chronograph and GMT function, and incorporates the same innovative sketch-style dial. It showcases a 30-minute chronograph counter at 6 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a second-time zone display at 3 o’clock, making it a standout piece for global travelers and watch enthusiasts alike.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT BVL 318 Sketch
This approach illustrates Bulgari’s innovative spirit and aligns with its heritage. It uses color schemes that enhance each model’s distinctiveness—the rose gold’s warm tones enhance its refined elegance, and the cooler tones in the stainless steel accentuate a more urban, modern aesthetic. Each design choice ensures that the dials are integral to the watch’s identity, reflecting a blend of avant-garde design and traditional watchmaking.
