The Tactical EDC Knife That’s Also a Fidget Toy: Meet the HK2024 Eggplant

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I have a special affinity for folding knifes – they’re compact, safe when shut (by design), and can sometimes be extremely fun to deploy. However, once in a while I come across a fixed-blade knife that feels like it has the spirit of a folding knife. Meet the Harnds HK2024 Eggplant (or just Eggplant) – it’s compact, capable, and charming. Designed to be a full-tang knife with a neat sheepsfoot blade, the Eggplant may just seem like your regular knife if you’re just reading this text without looking at the images. Take a look at the knife, however, and you notice its most obvious design detail – a hole running right through the center of the knife. Wide enough to slip your finger right through, the Eggplant knife gives you a sense of reliability when in use – but when you’re not wielding its sharp blade, the knife doubles as a fidget toy, allowing you to spin it around for fun. Eventually, your hands and eyes fall in love with the Eggplant knife, making it a staple part of your EDC collection.

Designer: HARNDS

Click Here to Buy Now: $40 $49 (18% off) Hurry! Limited units at discounted price.

The mark of a good EDC isn’t just something that’s good-looking or functional, it’s EDC your hands can’t get enough of. Whether it’s playing with a wallet that fans your cards out, rotating your keys on your index finger, or playing with a switchblade or butterfly knife – the tactile experience of EDC plays a pretty important role in ensuring your mind falls in love with its design. That’s what the HK2024 Eggplant knife does with its ‘hole-punch’ design. It’s a knife you’ll absent-mindedly always want to have in your hand even when you’re not using it, and that’s really what subconsciously makes it such a handy little devil. The entire knife measures a mere 5.3 inches, with the blade clocking in at a compact 2-3 inches. The rest of the Eggplant is fairly grippy and ergonomic in hand (a sentence I never thought I’d say professionally), and its ambidextrous handle makes it perfect for both left and right-handed use.

The HK2024 comes in two variants: the D2 steel with a G10 handle and the N690 steel with a carbon fiber handle. The D2 version has the feel of a workhorse—ready to handle tasks from the mundane to the unexpected. D2 steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium material known for its excellent edge retention and durability, ideal for those who value a knife that can keep its sharpness through rough use. Pair this with a G10 sheath, and you’ve got a setup that’s built for those who expect their gear to take a beating. G10 is a composite material, strong yet lightweight, with a textured surface that ensures a solid grip, even when your hands are wet or the conditions get rough. The result is a knife that feels secure in hand, whether you’re cutting rope, working wood, or slicing through a particularly stubborn clamshell package.

The HK2024 Eggplant D2 Steel Variant

The HK2024 Eggplant N690 Steel Variant

Then there’s the N690 variant, which feels like the more refined cousin in this lineup. N690 stainless steel is prized for its superior corrosion resistance and sharpness, making it a great choice for environments where moisture or humidity might be a concern—think coastal hikes or rainy-day urban adventures. The carbon fiber handle adds an extra layer of finesse, offering the same lightweight durability but with a touch of elegance that makes it feel like something special. The carbon fiber sheath keeps the whole package sleek and minimal, reducing weight without sacrificing strength.

Both versions keep the blade length at 2.36 inches, with an overall length of 5.35 inches. This size strikes a sweet spot—it’s compact enough to carry comfortably but long enough to handle a range of cutting tasks. Weighing just over two ounces, they’re light enough that you’ll forget it’s there until you need it. The blade’s sheepsfoot design offers just the right amount of cutting surface for detailed work, like carving, slicing, or opening packages. The curved belly makes it good for rocking back and forth too – an essential for chopping herbs or mincing aromats.

Full-tang construction means the blade and handle are a single piece of metal, making the knife sturdier than those that rely on separate parts. There’s also jimping on the spine for better thumb control during precise cuts, and lightening holes in the design to trim down the weight. These are the kinds of features that seem small but make a big difference in use.

A fixed blade almost always needs a good sheath if you need to carry it around – and the Eggplant does come with one, made from either G10 or carbon fiber depending on whether you buy the D2 or N690 steel variant. The knife snaps into the sheath, and can be ejected with a click sound that adds that wee bit of audio feedback that feels really satisfying. The hole in the center of the knife makes un-sheathing rather simple, giving you a fairly good grasp as you tug the knife out of its ‘holster’ of sorts. With clips made from 420J2 stainless steel, you can attach the knife + sheath to your belt, bag, or even keep it in a pocket. There’s also a lanyard hole, letting you wear it around your neck or attach it to other gear. These options matter, especially when you’re out on a trail or need to access your knife quickly. It’s all about making the tool fit into your routine, not the other way around.

The D2 model offers finishes like black titanium stonewash or satin, while the N690 variant comes with a sleek satin look. These finishes aren’t just for show; they add a layer of protection to the steel, helping it withstand the scratches and scuffs that come with regular use. It’s the kind of detail that keeps the knife looking good even after months of carry.

The HK2024 Eggplant doesn’t try to overcomplicate things. It’s a knife that gets the basics right and adds just enough of a fun fidget-style interaction that your hands will intuitively and instantly get used to. Combine that with the knife’s solid build, its versatile blade, and fairly affordable price and you’ve got an EDC that’s a no-brainer.  The D2 version starts around $40, while the N690 model is about $74. Plus, the campaign promises free global delivery by December 2024, making it a potential holiday gift—or a new tool for your own kit to kick off the new year.

Click Here to Buy Now: $40 $49 (18% off) Hurry! Limited units at discounted price.

The post The Tactical EDC Knife That’s Also a Fidget Toy: Meet the HK2024 Eggplant first appeared on Yanko Design.

This School In India With An Undulating Green Roof & Sunken Courtyard Is A Relief From Boxy Classrooms

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Tucked away in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India is ‘Cocoon’ – the pre-primary extension of the Bloomingdale International School. This 4000 sqft extension is designed by andblack design studio, and it truly stands apart from the main school building owing to its unique form, and unconventional structure. It features a sunken courtyard that mimics the area’s natural landscape. It flows towards the structure like a hill and serves as a versatile space – ranging from a playground to an amphitheater or classroom. This unique project merges the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, forming an interesting and engaging learning environment, that is a relief from the boxy classrooms.

Designer: andblack design studio

The design studio focused on building free-flowing and interconnected spaces that allow students to move about and interact with one another, and the natural environment. Full-height glass panels and skylights make the extension a fluid and light-filled space, allowing the interiors to merge with the surrounding landscape. Besides the sunken courtyard, the project also features an interesting undulating roof. The roof is inspired by natural forms like waves or hills, and it seems to move like them too. It allows the building to be at one with the landscape, creating the impression that it serves as “a form of the landscape in itself”. The roof is covered with turf, and it is supported by a fluid structure that doesn’t include any partitions.

The studio didn’t employ any bright and vivid colors, instead, the form of the structure is the star attraction. The inclusion of turf enhances the building’s connection with the landscape, forming an endearing environment for the children, where they are freely allowed to play and explore. The material palette is simple and minimal, accentuated by the use of prefabricated elements and exposed structural components.

Since prefabricated elements were used to construct the building, the assembly was a simple and cost-effective process. The core of the roof was assembled onsite using prefab metal sections, and concise construction techniques. Built-up beams were assembled at different heights to achieve the building’s curved form. The ceiling is exposed from within, creating a lovely contrast against the green roof. Natural light streams in through the skylight, creating a visual effect that is soothing and almost relaxing. The Cocoon is an excellent effort to build innovative educational buildings, wherein schools are redefined to create seamless and playful spaces that support creativity, learning, and exploration.

The post This School In India With An Undulating Green Roof & Sunken Courtyard Is A Relief From Boxy Classrooms first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sip Sustainably With This Eco-Friendly Paper Pulp Briefcase That Keeps Your Drink Hot Or Cold!

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For coffee lovers who savor a steaming hot cup of joe, there’s often a dilemma when it comes to ordering beverages to go. The drinks tend to cool down by the time they arrive, dampening the experience. Fortunately, Nos Design Consultancy has developed a groundbreaking solution with its innovative compostable paper pulp briefcase, a sustainable and practical way to transport hot and cold drinks, keeping them secure and temperature-stable.

Designer: NOS Design consultancy

Made from paper pulp, a material with eco-friendly potential due to its recyclability and abundance, the briefcase addresses the growing issue of packaging waste. With the paper industry producing large amounts of byproducts, it could be feasible that this packaging could be created from repurposed paper waste, making it an ideal fit for both sustainability and practical use, however, it’s a great starting point.

A key feature of the Nos briefcase is its stackable design, which optimizes transportation efficiency. By taking up less space, more items can be transported at once, cutting down on fuel usage and reducing the environmental impact of deliveries. The clamshell structure not only saves space in delivery bags but also ensures drinks are snugly secured to prevent spills, a significant improvement over traditional cup carriers.

The packaging is designed to accommodate the three standard to-go sizes familiar to most customers, Tall, Grande, and Venti (as per the Starbucks’ language), with grooves that allow lids to slide in and stay in place. This flexibility makes it adaptable to most orders, eliminating concerns over mismatched cup sizes. The interior design hugs each drink, keeping it stable and reducing the risk of spillage during transit.

Beyond its stackability and spill-proof features, the briefcase boasts an additional advantage of reusability. This significantly reduces the demand for single-use containers, slashing costs and curbing the environmental toll of short-lived packaging. When its lifespan comes to an end, the briefcase can either be composted or recycled, completing a full circle of eco-conscious use.

Nos Design has clearly recognized the exponential growth in food and beverage deliveries in recent years, along with the accompanying surge in packaging waste. By conducting internal research and exploring sustainable options, they’ve created a packaging solution that’s not only easy to manufacture but also adaptable for global delivery companies. The design stacks perfectly, making it simple for baristas and couriers alike to load up drinks, seal the briefcase, and ship them off with minimal hassle.

With ergonomic handles and spaces for order details and quality seals, the paper pulp briefcase offers a seamless user experience. It’s versatile enough to be tailored to different brands through customizable color options, creating a unique, eco-friendly delivery system for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

An added benefit is the material’s natural insulating properties, which help retain the temperature of beverages and food for longer. Whether it’s a piping hot latte or an ice-cold smoothie, the briefcase ensures that customers receive their orders as fresh as possible.

In a world where environmental consciousness is more important than ever, the Nos paper pulp briefcase provides a timely and effective solution. This compact, lightweight packaging represents a leap forward in how we think about delivery, offering a cost-effective, sustainable, and user-friendly option for couriers and businesses alike.

By incorporating eco-friendly materials and innovative design, Nos has not only created a functional product but also positioned itself as a leader in the movement toward more sustainable packaging solutions. For companies looking to attract environmentally conscious customers, this briefcase offers a practical, modern, and responsible way to do so.

The post Sip Sustainably With This Eco-Friendly Paper Pulp Briefcase That Keeps Your Drink Hot Or Cold! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Timex reimagines T80 model with MM6 Maison Margiela for wrist and ring watches

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Ring watches are all over the place these days. Traditional wristwatches are finding a new perspective of timekeeping in the rings that are allowing people to wear time in a unique manner – far from the pocket, not so distant from the wrist – yet, in an entirely new perception! While eminent names in Swiss haute horology are still distancing themselves from this new timekeeping fad, American watchmaker Timex is taking the leap of faith with a ring watch edition of its retro T80 model.

Timex is not doing this alone. The watch brand is teaming up with Maison Margiela, a French luxury fashion house. The outcome of Timex and Maison Margiela tie-up is the MM6 collection that features the reimagined T80 steel timepiece in form of a ring watch and retro-style T80 wristwatch with INDIGLO backlighting.

Designer: Timex x Maison Margiela

Timex x MM6 Maison Margiela collection, comprising Timex x MM6 20mm Stainless Steel Ring Watch ($180) and Timex x MM6 36mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch ($200), is available – starting October 24 – through Timex and MM6 Maison Margiela websites. The ring watch here is an endlessly adaptable accessory; even though it has a brushed stainless-steel case and strap, it hides beneath the strap an expanding band, which can stretch to accommodate different finger sizes.

The expansion band allows the wearer to shift the watch between fingers – or even switch between family members – with ease, fitting snuggly in most fingers. Sitting on the finger, the ring watch would scream dual branding and a district look (from the base model). Just below the main digital display is the mineral lens featuring a mask with a sequence of digits from zero to 23. In the sequence spread over three rows, the number six is encircled as a nod to the MM6 numerical signature.

While the T80 ring watch is versatile in functionality, the wristwatch in the collaborative collection is a traditional timepiece, so its stainless-steel bracelet will mostly fit the wrist it is tailored for. That said, the Timex x MM6 36mm watch carries all the functionalities of the T80 – time, month and date display, a chronograph, a daily alarm, and betters that with the contemporary INDIGO backlight technology and the mineral lens exhibiting the MM6 branding, like on the ring. The wristwatch is offered as a gift set along with a standalone brushed and polished stainless-steel strap.

For the interested, the Timex x Maison Margiela ring watch runs on an SR521SW battery. The movement is digital and features an internal electrical circuit controlling the rate at which the watch ticks. Since you’re going to have the ring on for the most part of the day, involuntarily drenching it while washing hands cannot be overlooked. The ring watch is water resistant up to 30 meters and can be taken swimming, for a bath, or occasionally rinsing under the faucet without giving a second thought.

The post Timex reimagines T80 model with MM6 Maison Margiela for wrist and ring watches first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple reportedly tested a blood glucose monitoring app

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Apple is reportedly still working on glucose management — this time through software. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the company tested an app this year for pre-diabetic people, helping them manage their diet and lifestyle. Apple is said not to have plans to launch the app to consumers, but it could play a part in future health products.

The company reportedly tested the app internally, with employees confirmed through a blood test to be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The subjects “actively monitored their blood sugar via various devices available on the market,” logging corresponding glucose changes. The app would then note correlations between dietary changes and blood sugar levels (for example, “don’t eat the pasta”).

Gurman says Apple paused the test to focus on other health features. Bloomberg notes that the Apple Health app currently lacks meal tracking, something rival services offer. The publication also says Apple could eventually offer deeper third-party glucose tracking integration into its products.

The study reportedly wasn’t directly related to Apple’s 15-year quest to offer non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, something that’s seemingly regurgitated in Apple Watch rumors every cycle. The company’s current hardware prototype is reportedly an iPhone-sized wearable device that uses lasers to shoot light into the skin. Gurman claims Apple’s first consumer-facing version — whether in the Apple Watch or some other form — will likely only notify users if they may be pre-diabetic. Providing specific glucose levels would have to come in later iterations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-reportedly-tested-a-blood-glucose-monitoring-app-204241266.html?src=rss

Apple reportedly tested a blood glucose monitoring app

Posted on by

Apple is reportedly still working on glucose management — this time through software. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the company tested an app this year for pre-diabetic people, helping them manage their diet and lifestyle. Apple is said not to have plans to launch the app to consumers, but it could play a part in future health products.

The company reportedly tested the app internally, with employees confirmed through a blood test to be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The subjects “actively monitored their blood sugar via various devices available on the market,” logging corresponding glucose changes. The app would then note correlations between dietary changes and blood sugar levels (for example, “don’t eat the pasta”).

Gurman says Apple paused the test to focus on other health features. Bloomberg notes that the Apple Health app currently lacks meal tracking, something rival services offer. The publication also says Apple could eventually offer deeper third-party glucose tracking integration into its products.

The study reportedly wasn’t directly related to Apple’s 15-year quest to offer non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, something that’s seemingly regurgitated in Apple Watch rumors every cycle. The company’s current hardware prototype is reportedly an iPhone-sized wearable device that uses lasers to shoot light into the skin. Gurman claims Apple’s first consumer-facing version — whether in the Apple Watch or some other form — will likely only notify users if they may be pre-diabetic. Providing specific glucose levels would have to come in later iterations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-reportedly-tested-a-blood-glucose-monitoring-app-204241266.html?src=rss

Batmobile of the future readies for autonomous racing on the streets

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Having seen countless Batmobile designs all these years – whether concept or real ones – the buck stops at how intimidating the build is. The ride should have an Alpha presence when parked alongside other cars, no matter whether they are supercars, SUVs, or monster trucks.

If it’s a Batmobile it should be draped in dark hues of black, although matte is preferred to continue the dark theme. This car is designed for racing given its low riding position, almost glued to the tarmac just like a Formula racer.

Designer: Fabien Guilloux

RobotRacer BBA is a racing vehicle that has Brutal, Black and Autonomous in its DNA. Being a modern take on Batmobile this concept has raw mechanical appeal with the exposed components. Those big front and rear axles, suspension and air intakes take me back to the early 2000s when F1 racing cars had a similar exterior. The dark theme overpowers the sleek lines and curves of the car, however, it does give off a very cool racing vibe. Having a second look at the hover cam view, it looks like a love child of a stealth aircraft and an F1 racer.

The all-wheel drive vehicle has an electric powertrain ready to deliver all the torque to the front and rear wheels. Being completely autonomous gives the designer complete freedom to make it ultra-aerodynamic with the least possible drag coefficient. The side air intake pods are quite large but for electric transmission, they serve no purpose, just for aesthetics they are good. Those wheel rims are draped in matte black color to carry the theme. The only things that cannot have the dark hue are the movable metal components.

This concept design hit me as a futuristic Batmobile right from the time I first laid my eyes on it. However, being autonomous means Batman will never ride it given there’s no seating space on the inside. Crime fighting will be this car’s sole objective though on a lighter note.

The post Batmobile of the future readies for autonomous racing on the streets first appeared on Yanko Design.

Cash App users can claim thousands of dollars in a data breach settlement

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Heads up if you’ve had a Cash App account over the last six years or so: you may now be able to claim thousands of dollars as a result of a class-action settlement. The company proposed the $15 million settlement earlier this year following two security incidents. If you're eligible to make a claim, you only have a few weeks to do so.

The first related breach took place in December 2021 when, according to Cash App, a former employee downloaded reports containing information on more than 8 million users. This included their full names, brokerage account numbers and, in some cases, the holdings and value of investment portfolios. Cash App disclosed the incident in April 2022.

The consolidated class-action complaint alleged that Cash App and parent company Block failed to enact sufficient security measures to prevent another data breach. This involved Cash App’s person-to-person payment services. According to the plaintiffs, “an unauthorized user accessed certain Cash App accounts in 2023 using recycled phone numbers." The complaint contended that Cash App and Block mishandled complaints related to both breaches and fraudulent transactions.

Cash App and Block have denied any wrongdoing, The New York Times reports. They say the settlement is not an admission of liability.

You may be eligible to make a claim if you had a Cash App account between August 23, 2018 and August 20 of this year. The settlement will cover up to $2,500 of out-of-pocket costs stemming from the breaches, as well as up to three hours worth of lost time at $25 per hour. Those who have sustained a monetary loss and haven’t yet been reimbursed can file a claim for that too.

If you plan to file a claim through the settlement website, you’ll need to do so by 2AM ET on November 19. A final court hearing in the case is set for December 16.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/cash-app-users-can-claim-thousands-of-dollars-in-a-data-breach-settlement-194520756.html?src=rss

Cash App users can claim thousands of dollars in a data breach settlement

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Heads up if you’ve had a Cash App account over the last six years or so: you may now be able to claim thousands of dollars as a result of a class-action settlement. The company proposed the $15 million settlement earlier this year following two security incidents. If you're eligible to make a claim, you only have a few weeks to do so.

The first related breach took place in December 2021 when, according to Cash App, a former employee downloaded reports containing information on more than 8 million users. This included their full names, brokerage account numbers and, in some cases, the holdings and value of investment portfolios. Cash App disclosed the incident in April 2022.

The consolidated class-action complaint alleged that Cash App and parent company Block failed to enact sufficient security measures to prevent another data breach. This involved Cash App’s person-to-person payment services. According to the plaintiffs, “an unauthorized user accessed certain Cash App accounts in 2023 using recycled phone numbers." The complaint contended that Cash App and Block mishandled complaints related to both breaches and fraudulent transactions.

Cash App and Block have denied any wrongdoing, The New York Times reports. They say the settlement is not an admission of liability.

You may be eligible to make a claim if you had a Cash App account between August 23, 2018 and August 20 of this year. The settlement will cover up to $2,500 of out-of-pocket costs stemming from the breaches, as well as up to three hours worth of lost time at $25 per hour. Those who have sustained a monetary loss and haven’t yet been reimbursed can file a claim for that too.

If you plan to file a claim through the settlement website, you’ll need to do so by 2AM ET on November 19. A final court hearing in the case is set for December 16.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/cash-app-users-can-claim-thousands-of-dollars-in-a-data-breach-settlement-194520756.html?src=rss

8Bitdo has a new $50 Android gaming controller with Hall effect sticks and triggers

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8BitDo, once known exclusively as a purveyor of Nintendo-infused nostalgia, has expanded in recent years into all sorts of gaming controllers and accessories. The company’s latest foray is into mobile gaming controllers. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller takes the highlights of its well-received Ultimate series — Hall effect included! — and brings them to an extendable accessory that latches onto your smartphone, a la Backbone and Razer Kishi.

First, the bad news (for some). The 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is Android only, so no love here for iPhone owners. It’s also a Bluetooth accessory, rather than a plug-in one like Backbone’s, which means it has a 350mAh battery and weighs more than some rivals. (As The Verge notes, it tips the scales at 236g, making it 71 percent heavier than the BackBone One.) 8Bitdo says its battery lasts up to 15 hours from 1.5 hours of charging time.

But for Android device owners, it’s a versatile controller. 8Bitdo says it’s compatible with mobile devices that are 100mm to 170mm in length. That can even include some small tablets, although not many these days are that small. (Even Amazon’s relatively small Fire HD 8 is about 32mm too wide.) However, it should fit just about any Android phone.

Product photo of two versions of the 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller (black and white), arranged vertically in a mirror-like orientation.
8Bitdo

The controller has Hall effect triggers and joysticks, so you shouldn’t have any drifting worries. It includes a standard four action buttons, a “clicky,” “smooth” and “tactile” D-Pad, a profile button and two paddle buttons on its back. The sticks have “wear-resistant metal joystick rings.”

It works with 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software, letting you remap buttons, adjust stick and trigger sensitivity and create or edit profiles. The software is available on Windows and Android. The iOS version is installable on Macs from the App Store.

You can’t get the 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller quite yet, but you can pre-order it now from Amazon. It costs $50 (half the price of Backbone One!), comes in black and white options and will arrive on November 29, Black Friday.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/8bitdo-has-a-new-50-android-gaming-controller-with-hall-effect-sticks-and-triggers-192521405.html?src=rss