There are 24 hours in a day, but almost half of those remains shrouded in mystery and, in some cases, fear. The darkness of the night makes us feel a little less secure because we can barely see anything, especially in areas away from bright city night lights. It’s an almost literally different world that’s just begging to be explored and enjoyed, provided we can see safely and adequately. Night vision cameras and equipment do shed some light on the subject, but they paint the world in dull shades of gray that make it impossible to actually enjoy the experience. That’s where the AKASO Seemor Night Vision Goggles come in, revealing the beauty and wonders of the night as if it were daytime, with some help from AI.
You need light to see things, and that’s true for both our eyes as well as the cameras that turn light information into the beautiful images and videos we enjoy. Of course, there isn’t much light at night, so cameras need to either add more lights or use a different kind of light. This is why most night vision cameras, including security cameras, only see the world in shades of black and white, because the light that they get is only enough to see the forms but doesn’t have sufficient color information.
Ultra-low Light Full-color Night Vision
Fortunately, we have come to a point where what can’t be fully accomplished in hardware can be enhanced by software, particularly with artificial intelligence. The AKASO Seemor Night Vision Goggles is, in fact, the first of its kind to harness the power of AI for this very purpose. Labeled as “AI-ISP,” the technology integrates advanced AI algorithms with the binoculars’ Image Signal Processing (ISP) to enhance image and video quality. The result is a breathtaking view of the night in true full color, with rich hues and 99% color reproduction that blows any night vision camera out of the water. It accomplishes this without requiring more lights that would have disturbed the serenity of the night world and chased nocturnal creatures away.
Of course, AI can only use what it’s given, and the AKASO Seemor, fortunately, has solid foundations, starting with a large 1/1.79″ CMOS sensor that can “see” even with weak light. The more light it can gather, the more data the AI-ISP has to work with in order to create that magical experience of seeing the night in color. The visual range of the Seemor goggles is also mind-blowing, allowing you to spot human or animal movement 1,640 ft (500m) away or identify the outline of buildings that are 3,280 ft (1km) in the distance. All these stunning scenes can be recorded in high-resolution 4K, both for photos and videos, ensuring that those enchanting nighttime memories will be preserved in as high a quality as you saw them with your eyes.
The AKASO Seemor Night Vision Goggles isn’t just powerful, it is also simple and convenient to use. Built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi lets you connect to your smartphone both for remote monitoring of what the goggles see as well as fast transfer of photos and videos. Two 3,200 mAh batteries give you up to 8 hours of uninterrupted enjoyment, and two 1/4 nut ports at the top and bottom of the Seemor let you easily mount the device on tripods or even helmets. Whether you’re trying to observe the mysterious creatures of the night, chasing down urban legends, or simply trying to discover beauty in the darkness, the AI-powered AKASO Seemor True Full-Color Night Vision Goggles opens your eyes to a whole new world you could never see before.
Acclaimed Norwegian studio Snøhetta collaborated with lighting brand Ateljé Lyktan to design the Superdupertube – an innovative office lamp made using extruded hemp and sugarcane bioplastic. The hemp-based lighting is a contemporary update of Ateljé Lyktan’s Supertube which is an office light from the 1970s. It was made from extruded aluminum.
“[The Supertube] had finished production in 2010 or something like that, so it was iconic but sort of forgotten,” said Snøhetta partner Jenny B Osuldsen. “And it’s a tube. It’s not rocket science but it is what you need for a smart lamp in an office.” “We really loved it and think it has a lot of possibilities, so we wanted to upgrade it to a new level,” she added. The lighting design is made from hemp, and it can be industrially composed.
The extrusion technique used to create the original Supertube was developed in the 1960s, and both brands wanted to produce a lamp that was inspired by and pays tribute to the original design. But, at the same time, they wanted to lower the carbon footprint of the lamp and picked the most sustainable material they could find, which is hemp – a material known for being renewable and durable. They experimented with different materials, before finally picking hemp bioplastic to build Snøhetta’s first office lighting design.
Snøhetta and Ateljé Lyktan sourced the hemp used for the lights from the Netherlands, as the quality of the hemp from Swedish farmers “wasn’t quite there yet”, according to Gadd. The hemp used for the lighting design was sourced from the Netherlands, as they believed the quality of hemp from the Swedish farmers “wasn’t quite there yet”, according to Gadd. The hemp is then mixed with polylactic acid bioplastic which is derived from sugarcane, wood cellulose, and other minerals to form a fossil and gas-free composite. This material is then extruded to form the main body of the lamp, which also includes injection-molded louvers and side covers. The electric cables are covered in linen fabric. The lamp can also be composted in an industrial composter, or even recycled and transformed into pellets to build more lamps.
Designed to extend the range of delivery from specific hubs, the DJI Express can easily make short inter-city commutes to deliver cargo and supplies without needing a semi-truck or even a dedicated driver. Perfect for smaller cities located next to bigger ones, the drone takes on the role of a delivery-agent, helping easily and rapidly cover large distances to complete deliveries.
Designer: Qingsheng Meng
The DJI Express UAV concept, created by China-based Qingsheng Meng, explores a different format from the drones you’re currently used to. Unlike most quadcopter-shaped aerial devices, the Express takes on the shape of a winged eVTOL that can fly longer distances like your regular airplane. However, significantly smaller than most airplanes, the Express UAV, as its abbreviation suggests, doesn’t have any humans inside it. The unmanned aircraft is controlled entirely remotely, relying on a combination of sensors for route-mapping and obstacle avoicance, and a rather massive camera unit on the tip that allows the remote pilot to look around as they maneuver the craft.
The drone’s design can functionally be split into a few distinct groups. You’ve got yourself a winged aircraft with propellers on each side. A high-definition camera mounted on a 2-axis gimbal on the front allows the drone to ‘see’, while the body of the aircraft houses a battery module on top, and the cargo payload at the bottom. Finally, a tail with a dedicated propeller helps with steering and stability.
A close-up of the top shows you the drone’s detachable battery, which comes with an easy-to-pull-out handle for swapping battery cells during a delivery cycle. However, the drone has its own charging port too, allowing you to charge said battery packs – a feature that can be used while the drone’s grounded for a significant number of hours. In front of the battery is a flip-switch that lets you set the drone to auto or manual, hinting at fully-autonomous flying capabilities thanks to the intelligent obstacle-avoidance sensors on the top as well as the bottom of the craft.
The DJI Express UAV’s design also has a rather well-ventilated fuselage that allows wind to rapidly cool the motor and batteries during flight. Cool air passes through the UAV’s body, helping maintain optimal temperatures during flight and keeping the battery healthy over longer journeys. Given the UAV’s fan-made conceptual nature, there are really no concrete details of its size or capabilities, although DJI does have a delivery drone in its enterprise roster – the Flycart 30. That being said, the Flycart still has a quadcopter-style design that severely limits its range and ability to deliver cargo over inter-city commutes.
Around 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed on a daily basis, and even if a fraction of them are produced in Keurig or Nespresso machines, those are a LOT of coffee pods that get thrown in the waste after they’re used. Keurig’s finally tackling this persisting problem with the K-Round, an alternative to the pod that’s biodegradable, plastic-free, and still manages to produce a great brew. The K-Round is essentially a compressed disc or puck of coffee grounds (sort of how your local barista tamps down coffee into a puck), bound together with plant-based materials like cellulose. The K-Rounds go into Keurig’s upcoming machine, the Alta, which can process these rounds, extracting coffee from them without leaving you with a throwaway plastic and metal coffee pod like your regular Keurig machine currently does.
Every company reaches a level of scale where it suddenly becomes difficult to sustain growth, and Keurig’s CEO Bob Gamgort mentioned that the company had reached that point. Creating great coffee is easy, but that isn’t precisely what Keurig does. The company creates great ‘single-serve’ coffee, helping users brew exactly one cup at a time instead of an entire pot and then having to either consume more coffee than needed or throw the rest. The company pioneered the single-serve coffee movement, and now, in order to grow even further, has realized that generating more waste in the form of use-and-throw pods isn’t particularly tenable.
Enter the K-Round, a puck of compressed coffee that achieves a few things. For starters, it does away with the pod entirely, using only plant-based natural materials in its design. The K-Round is entirely biodegradable and leaves no waste apart from a small leftover disc that can easily be composted or discarded with natural waste. But more distinctly, the K-Round reinvents the perception of the pod by allowing users to have a sensorial experience BEFORE the coffee is even brewed. Most coffee pods are shrouded in mystery – nobody knows what’s in them or how they work, and all you really have is a label on top that tells you what’s inside the pod. The K-Round on the other hand, is much more sensorial. Users can actually look at the pod and see how coarse or fine the grounds are, or if they’re light or dark-roasted. The pods also give off a distinct coffee aroma, helping prepare you for the brewing/drinking journey you’re about to embark on, all while keeping the process relatively simple – place the pod in the machine, shut the lid, hit the button, and voila! Barista-level coffee brewed in mere minutes.
The K-Rounds are essentially just roasted/ground coffee that’s been compressed into the shape of a puck, and bound together using a plant-based coating of cellulose and alginate (the same stuff used to create those bursting pearls in boba tea). Different variants also have sorbitol, a form of sugar that’s 50% as sweet as sucrose, and is non-fermenting (you don’t want the coffee turning into alcohol in the pod). The engineers at Keurig Dr. Pepper (yes, that’s the name of the company, I didn’t know they were co-owned either) developed the K-Rounds to be space-saving, shelf-stable, and entirely plant-based, while still ensuring that the resulting coffee tastes great and doesn’t have any underlying undesired flavors or aromas. Their inspiration for the puck shape came from the way baristas tamped down coffee into pucks before loading them into coffee machines. The pucks come in a variety of sizes, depending on the type of brew. Espressos are smaller and flatter, while other ‘larger’ brews like double shots or tall cold-brews result in taller pucks. The K-Rounds currently only work with the upcoming Keurig Alta coffee machine, which can apparently identify each puck and automatically adjust temperature, water-level, and brew time accordingly. Notably, the Alta is designed to be backwards compatible too, and will accept the older use-and-throw K-Cups coffee-pods too. The Alta and K-Rounds don’t have an official date – Keurig says it’s still fine-tuning the two based on consumer feedback. If you want to be a part of the beta test, Keurig’s inviting coffee aficionados to sign up on their website.
Look, I know life can get hectic and work can be super exhausting, which can be brutal for our mental health. Taking care of our mental well-being has never been more essential, considering how chaotic life can get. As much as we tend to pay attention to our physical well-being, it’s time to do the same for our mental health. Meditation can really help you unwind, release stress, and create an overall tranquil mindset. Although if you’re anything like me, sitting still without a single thought in your head can seem damn near impossible! Hence we’ve curated a collection of innovative gadgets to help you master the art of meditation. From a meditation headset designed by Layer to a battery-free aroma diffuser – these inventive product designs are all you need to inculcate meditation sessions into your daily routine! Start your day or end it on a peaceful and tranquil note. You can thank us later!
1. Japanese Lantern Candle
Designed to look like a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this pretty Japanese lantern candle has an interesting pillar shape and is essential for your bedroom or bathroom on the days you decide to give yourself some much-needed me-time and pampering. The lantern has a soothing and aesthetic appearance.
The Japanese lantern candle provides a contemporary and modern take on an iconic Japanese design. It has a minimalist design that lets it seamlessly merge with any modern living space perfectly and emits a relaxing glow that will instantly make you feel at ease, and help you enter a meditative state.
What we like
Since the wax is non-melting, it creates a lovely clarity on the candle
What we dislike
The candle is a fire hazard, so you need to use it carefully around kids and pets
2. ASMR Zen Ball
This little compact ball is called the ASMR Zen Ball, and it perfectly fuses natural and engineered elements to create a space-inspired design that provides a calming and relaxing experience to its users. The nifty little product has a meteorite-inspired porous surface that functions as an excellent absorbent surface for your aroma oils, which helps create a meditative experience for you.
The Zen Ball is made from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, which lets it double up as a fidget toy, creating an interactive experience, where users can connect with the natural energy of the earth.
What we like
The Zen Ball also doubles up as a fidget toy, which provides sensory stimulation
What we dislike
The ball could get rolling due to accidental bumps when not attached to its base
3. Rin Harmony Incense Holder
The Rin Harmony Incense Holder lets you enjoy the smoky and relaxing aroma of your favorite incense stick, letting you calm down, irrespective of where you are. The holder is built from natural walnut wood, and it serves as a storage space for the incense sticks, as well as a base for the burning incense.
The brass plate functions as a safe space to hold the lit stick, and a matching cover lets you snuff out the flame, while also making sure that the ashes don’t fly around.
What we like
Dual-functional design with a minimal form
Great companion for your calming exercises and meditation
What we dislike
The holder only allows one incense to be lit at a time, so the reach of the aroma is limited
4. LightVision Meditation Headset
Designed by Layer Design, the LightVision meditation headset is an interesting innovation with an array of LED lights that create a layer of magic to the natural visual feed of the user. It transforms natural videos into a sequence of biomorphic patterns, which are visible to the closed eyes.
Why is it noteworthy?
The patterns are visible as an ever-changing kaleidoscope of sequences that trigger the brain’s “frequency-following response”. This results in a distraction-free state of mind letting you meditate and unwind.
What we like
An ergonomic form that is comfortable on the face and eyes
What we dislike
Meditating with the help of screens may result in tired eyes if you’re using them for long periods of time
5. Battery-free Aroma Diffuser
If you’re in the mood to meditate, then this battery-free aroma diffuser is your perfect companion. It lets you take a deep and relaxing breath without causing any kind of harm to the environment. When you use the battery-free aroma diffuser, you harness the power of a single candle as it uses simple science and physics.
As its name signifies, the diffuser doesn’t need any batteries or external power source to operate. It only uses the heat of a single candle to spread some amazing aromatic scents. Made from sustainable materials, the diffuser has a minimalist and eco-friendly design philosophy.
What we like
Built from recyclable materials
Compatible with all kinds of essential oils
What we dislike
Since the diffuser lacks electric controls, it is tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma
6. Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set
Named the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, this little design induces relaxation as it recreates the smell and lovely experience of a mesmerizing outdoor fire. It perfectly captures all the scents, smells, and memories of a memorable outdoor fire, but within the comfort of your own home, without the dangers of a large outdoor fire.
The wood collected for the diffuser is from branches that were meant to be thrown away. They give off a distinct warm smoky steel when they are burnt on the stainless steel mini oven, emitting a comforting and serene aroma.
What we like
You can use the diffuser as a heating or cooking stool by adding a piece of solid wood, making it a distinct multifunctional design
What we dislike
Requires small pieces of wood, can’t be used with larger pieces of wood
7. Stress-free Aroma Diffuser
Meet the Stress-free Aroma Diffuser which helps you sit back and relax while breathing in an excellent mix of aromatic blends, that have been specially selected to soothe your mind, and help you meditate and unwind. Play some calming music, and let yourself relax with the Stress-free Aroma Diffuser.
The Stress-free Aroma Diffuser emits a gentle breeze, which disperses the aroma evenly wherever you are sitting. It features a porcelain filter that absorbs the oil to provide a long-lasting experience.
What we like
The base is polished and provides an interesting contrast to the organic-looking porcelain disc, letting it function as an elegant decoration piece
What we dislike
Looks easily breakable and fragile, so it must be handled with care
8. The SOUL
The SOUL is an ambient sound generator with a pure all-white minimalist form factor with 8 tactile slides on the top and ambient lighting at the base of the speaker. You don’t need to connect it to your Wi-Fi, and does it come with an app, nor does it have Bluetooth.
Why is it noteworthy?
The SOUL is designed to help you calm down, and not bog you down with features, and paid subscriptions. The sliders on the top resemble tactile spherical sliders, and they let you build out your soundscape, letting you choose between different sounds, and how loud you want them.
What we like
The 8 sliders allow you to customize your sound, helping you focus, destress, meditate, or even fall asleep
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual product, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
9. Focus
Dubbed Focus, this unique design merges an aroma diffuser and a mood lamp to form an object that will remind you of a scented candle. Focus is meant to touch your different senses, letting you unwind, and enter a soothing meditative state, where you can leave all your cumbersome worries behind.
Why is it noteworthy?
In its unlit mode, Focus resembles a small wireless speaker, but when turned on, it allows you to take a break and relax, while also encouraging you to be mindful, and helping you to focus at the task on hand.
What we like
Lets you take little breaks, and enjoy the present moment
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we are unsure how the actual product will turn out to be
10. Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp
This is the Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp – it is equipped with a monolithic form that holds a fragrance diffuser in its upper half, and a compact, well-designed desk lamp in its lower half, allowing it to function as a smart dual-functional product design, that you can place on your desk or bedside table.
Why is it noteworthy?
Made from a combination of wood, copper, and frosted acrylic glass, the diffuser has an earthy warm appearance that is typically seen in most of Gingko’s products, creating a product that is minimal, calming, and surreal.
What we like
A portable little device that you can carry around with ease
What we dislike
Some people may not prefer wood as their material of choice for diffusers
We’re finally at a point where design as an occupation holds the same mental weight as medicine, engineering, or law. The past two decades have seen a rapid rise in ‘design’ and ‘design thinking’ becoming permanent parts of the professional vocabulary, and with that, there’s a steady rise in the demand for designers. The educational setup, however, is still taking time to catch up to the industry’s need for designers, which is why even today there are still just a handful of institutions that command the design education space. A lot of them are in the global west, undoubtedly, but the global east is picking up pace too, offering young designers and aspirants the ability to travel to a whole variety of countries to study and specialize in design. If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re either thinking of studying design abroad, or you’ve already studied design abroad… or you’re just design-curious.
The allure of studying design abroad is undeniable—new experiences, exposure to international design perspectives, and the promise of personal growth. However, before your dreams take flight across borders, there are critical considerations that can make or break your educational journey. From cultural nuances and the constant evolution of design requirements to financial planning and accreditation standards, venturing into foreign territories for a design education requires meticulous preparation. My objective here is not just to guide you through practical steps but also to present you with a wealth of options when it comes to planning your career trajectory.
1. Evaluate the Worth of Studying Design Abroad
The decision to study design abroad is more than a question of education; it’s an exploration into cultural diversity and global perspectives. Exposure to different design philosophies, techniques, and cultural aesthetics can significantly enrich a designer’s creative arsenal. International programs often boast cutting-edge technology and facilities, alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. However, this comes at a cost, both financially and emotionally, as you step away from the familiar comforts of home. It’s essential to balance these factors against your personal and professional goals. Does the international exposure align with your career aspirations? Can the unique experiences and skills acquired abroad offer you a distinctive edge in the competitive design industry? These are questions only you can answer, making this initial evaluation a cornerstone of your decision-making process.
2. Choose the Right College or Program
Choosing the right institution is a multifaceted decision encompassing several critical factors. Reputation is often the first consideration, but digging deeper into the curriculum offered, faculty expertise, and the strength of the alumni network can provide greater insight into the program’s value. The program’s location can also significantly influence your learning experience, offering unique cultural and design opportunities. Accreditation ensures that the education you receive meets global standards, essential for your future employability. Lastly, consider the program’s connections to the design industry, including internship and employment opportunities post-graduation. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in not just shaping your educational experience but also in laying a solid foundation for your future career in design.
3. Future-Proof Your Education: Choose Programs with Potential
The design industry is continually evolving, driven by advances in technology and shifts in societal needs. Future-proofing your education means choosing programs that not only provide a solid foundation in traditional design principles but also incorporate emerging fields such as UX/UI design, sustainable design, or digital media. Programs that emphasize adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation prepare students to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the design industry. Look for curriculums that blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering opportunities to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry professionals. This approach not only enhances learning but also ensures that students graduate with a portfolio that showcases their skills in addressing contemporary design challenges.
4. The Merits of Studying Design in Your Own Country
While international study offers unique advantages, considering the merits of studying in your own country is equally important. Cultural relevance in design can be a significant factor, especially if you intend to work within your local market post-graduation. Studying domestically can also be more cost-effective, reducing the need for international travel and living expenses. Moreover, local education systems are often well-aligned with the country’s specific design industry needs, providing relevant networking opportunities and internships. However, this doesn’t preclude international opportunities; many domestic programs offer exchange or study abroad options, allowing students to gain international exposure without committing to a full degree program overseas.
5. Job Opportunities: Local vs. Global Market Readiness
The design job market is incredibly diverse – design itself doesn’t have a standalone industry, it instead builds on the capabilities of other industries, whether it’s medical, consumer-goods, architecture, city planning, etc. Understanding the demand for specific design skills in your target market—whether local or international—is crucial. Programs that offer robust internship and placement services can significantly enhance your employability by providing practical experience and industry contacts. Networking, both in-person and online, can open doors to job opportunities not advertised publicly. However, international students should also consider a few things before planning on studying abroad. Aside from mere market readiness or a burgeoning need for your skill-sets, it’s important to evaluate the future from a social, economical, and even political lens. Looming sociopolitical unrest could lead to disruptions in your studies/work, low-skill work could be replaced by AI, a weak economy could easily affect job availability.
6. The Financial Aspect: Weigh Costs Against Benefits
The financial implications of studying design abroad are a major consideration. Tuition fees for international students can be substantial, and when combined with the cost of living, travel, and materials, the total expense can be daunting. Exploring scholarship opportunities, financial aid, and part-time work options can help mitigate these costs. It’s essential to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, considering the potential return on investment in terms of career opportunities and salary prospects. Ask yourself – “Will my salary grow proportionate to how much I’m investing in my career?” While the initial financial outlay may be significant, the long-term benefits of an international design education can outweigh the costs for many students.
7. Learning Vs. Earning – Upskilling Amidst Work
The debate between pursuing further studies and entering the workforce directly presents a compelling consideration: the possibility of learning while earning. This approach champions the idea of upskilling within the context of a job, where theoretical knowledge meets practical application. It’s a strategy that not only keeps the financial wheels turning but also enriches a designer’s skill set and experience in real-world settings. It allows aspiring designers to avoid the substantial financial and time investments typically associated with studying abroad, without sacrificing the advancement of their skills and careers. You build a skill set while building your savings – it’s a win-win.
8. Legal Considerations and Work Rights for International Students
Understanding the legal framework of your host country is essential for international students. This includes visa requirements, work rights during and after your studies, and potential pathways to permanent residency or employment. Regulations vary widely between countries, so it’s important to research thoroughly and plan accordingly. Many countries offer post-study work visas that allow graduates to remain in the country and gain valuable work experience, enhancing their career prospects.
9. Building a Global Network: Long-Term Career Advantages
One of the most significant benefits of studying design abroad is the opportunity to build a global network. Connections with fellow students, faculty, and industry professionals can provide invaluable support and opportunities throughout your career. These relationships can lead to collaborative projects, job offers, and partnerships. Actively engaging in your institution’s alumni network, attending industry events, and participating in design competitions can help you build and maintain these critical connections.
10. Reflection: Is Further Studies in Design Worthwhile?
Finally, reflecting on the value of further studies in design is crucial. While formal education can provide a strong foundation, the design industry also values experience, portfolio strength, and creativity. Consider whether your career goals are best served by further academic study or by gaining practical experience through internships, freelance projects, or starting your own design venture. For many, a combination of both education and practical experience offers the best path to a successful career in design.
Furniture so yummy-looking you’d want to lick them…
Meet Flare, a collection of furniture by Draga & Aurel designed to explore the theme of refraction. The furniture’s relatively blockish shape comes from the fact that it’s manufactured out of multicolored blocks of lucite (a patented version of acrylic resin known for its sheer glass-like transparency) that look practically like pieces of candy fused together to form functional decor pieces. The collection includes tables and decorative totem pieces, all of which are painstakingly crafted by hand, and are completely unique in their pattern and color composition. Much like wooden furniture are distinctly unique because of their woodgrain, Flare’s tables and totems have their distinct color-grains that make each unit individualistic. Unlike wood, however, these pieces have a kind of funky pop-futurism to them that’ll grab your attention and probably even cause you to salivate. I’d probably recommend against licking them.
Draga & Autel’s collection boasts a range of coffee tables and a unique totem-style sculpture. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted from sheets of Lucite in various colors, shapes, and thicknesses. These sheets are layered and glued together to create the furniture’s bold, geometric forms, for instance, the use of bold geometric shapes creates a sense of dynamism and stability. The chunky shapes and vibrant hues reference minimalism, space-age design, and the captivating patterns of optical art.
A defining characteristic of the Flare collection is its exploration of light refraction. The layered acrylic creates a kaleidoscope effect, with the colors shifting and transforming depending on the viewer’s position. This dynamic interplay of light adds a captivating element of intrigue to any space.
The meticulous craftsmanship is evident in each piece of the Flare collection. Lucite sheets are hand-selected and cut to precise specifications before being carefully layered and glued together. This attention to detail ensures that each piece is not only beautiful but also built to last.
The Flare collection is a perfect example of how design can bridge the gap between art and function. The pieces are not only conversation starters but also provide practical surfaces for everyday use. Their only tragedy is the fact that they probably won’t go with most conventionally decorated homes. The Flare fits well in more quirky, minimalist houses dominated by pops of color and whimsy.
It’s 2024 and if you’re bummed that you can start your EV with your mobile phone, but can’t open the door to your house with it, the folks at SwitchBot just designed the perfect little accessory. Designed to retrofit onto your existing deadbolt door lock, the SwitchBot Lock Pro has 15 different unlocking options, from letting you use your phone or Apple Watch, to voice commands, biometrics, numeric PINs, or hey, even your regular key if you’re feeling a little old-fashioned. Or maybe get it to unlock when you say “Open Sesame” if you’re feeling extra whimsical!
The Lock Pro follows in the footsteps of the original SwitchBot Lock, which retrofitted onto deadbolt locks to turn them into smart IoT locks. The new Pro variant still transforms deadbolt locks into smart ones, but comes with a sleeker design that integrates right into your door frame, a higher torque output that unlocks and locks doors with absolute ease, and even the inclusion of a number pad and biometric sensor that lets you unlock doors with a PIN or your fingerprint. There’s a minimal amount of assembly, the Lock Pro runs on replaceable AA batteries, and it also supports the Matter IoT protocol which means the Lock Pro can seamlessly communicate with all your other smart home devices, whether they’re from Google, Apple, Amazon, or any other third party company running on the Matter protocol.
Designed with both American and European markets in mind, this retrofit smart lock integrates seamlessly into existing hardware, supporting all common deadbolt locks. Installation is a breeze, taking a mere 5 minutes – for US deadbolts, SwitchBot Lock Pro comes equipped with tailored adapters that allow for effortless cylinder changes, while European users can opt for different mounting plates based on the protrusion of their cylinder. This ingenious design eliminates the need for complex DIY modifications, making the transition to a smart lock a minimal-effort experience without any specialist tools or even requiring calling a handyman. You visit SwitchBot’s website to check whether the Lock Pro is compatible with your door lock for the US or the EU.
At the core of the SwitchBot Lock Pro lies an upgraded motor that boasts an impressive 20 kgf/cm² of torque – more than double the force of its predecessor. This increased power ensures smooth operation, even with multiple locks, and faster unlocking times, providing effortless entry every time. Whether you’re a tenant, apartment resident, or a smart home enthusiast, the SwitchBot Lock Pro is a must-have addition to your connected living space.
Fingerprint Enabled
In essence, the Lock Pro builds on the sheer elegance of its predecessor, which allowed wireless locking and unlocking using Bluetooth devices like your phone or Apple Watch, or through smart home commands via the SwitchBot Hub. Retaining those existing features, the Lock Pro adds a few more for good measure, including a numeric keypad that sits on the outside, allowing residents (or any of your guests) to enter the house with a bespoke PIN code. Aside from the keypad, the SwitchBot Lock Pro sports a biometric sensor too, with a lightning-fast fingerprint recognition time of just 0.3 seconds. It can store up to 100 fingerprints and supports virtual passwords, emergency passwords, and fingerprints for enhanced security.
With up to 15 unlocking solutions available, including one-time passcodes, expiration passcodes, remote unlocking, voice unlocking, and Apple Watch unlocking, the SwitchBot Lock Pro offers a variety of usage methods that cater to pretty much all kinds of people whether they’re tech-savvy or tech-averse. Yes, you can still use your regular key, just in case you’re wondering! Support for Matter means your Lock Pro can also communicate with all your smart home devices, allowing you to remote lock/unlock your door or even set up routines (like automatically locking all doors after midnight). The Lock Pro, however, still requires the use of SwitchBot’s Hub to communicate via WiFi with other devices.
The SwitchBot Lock Pro runs on standard 4 x AA batteries, offering an impressive battery life of 6-9 months, 1.5 times longer than other retrofit smart locks. An optional SwitchBot Dual Power Pack offers an eco-friendly alternative to standard single-use batteries, with a rechargeable design and an ingenious relay power system that ensures uninterrupted use by letting you hot-swap one battery pack at a time while the Lock Pro runs solely on the second battery pack while one of them charges. Additionally, the Lock Pro features passive power supply unlocking, allowing access even if battery replacement is delayed.
Employing AES-128-CTR encryption at the software level, the Lock Pro provides robust protection against potential virtual threats. On the hardware front, the lock sports an auto-lock feature that utilizes a magnetic sensor, ensuring heightened safety and reliability by automatically securing the door based on its open/closed state, and surpassing the effectiveness of timer locks. Users can stay informed with real-time updates on lock and door statuses via their phones, and receive automatic reminders, ensuring peace of mind with every exit.
This isn’t SwitchBot’s first IoT rodeo – the company’s product roster features both standard as well as creative IoT devices like their award-winning curtain-opening robot, the button-pusher that turns regular switches into smart ones, and the Meter – a temperature and humidity sensor that lets you ensure every room in your house is at the right environment setting. The Lock Pro is a perfect addition to SwitchBot’s ecosystem, advancing their existing Lock product with newer features and more unlocking methods including keypad and fingerprint-based input. Whether you’re a family seeking convenience and security, an Airbnb host managing guest access, a fitness enthusiast with hands full of groceries, or a smart home aficionado seeking seamless integration, the SwitchBot Lock Pro offers a tailored solution. From fingerprint unlocking for family members to remote guest access for hosts, quick access for post-workout arrivals, and automated routines for smart home enthusiasts, the Lock Pro quite literally ‘unlocks’ a whole world of possibilities!
In a world where gadgets are ruling the roost, a unified approach to control them is prime. Carrying around different controllers for your drone, portable gaming consoles and Metaverse applications seems like backtracking to the last century. The dynamic aspects of life and users’ desire to have the least possible things to carry in their backpacks with the maximum scope of utility are important in current times. That’s the reason multiple utility gadgets are in hot demand.
This Multiverse controller wants to address this market space with its ability to address multiple use-case scenarios. With 3D printing in its structural design, the controller has modular capabilities to adapt to the needs of users and gamers who love the freedom of customization.
Strangely named the Lifil Murtiverse controller, this gadget will primarily be an open-source product in terms of hardware and software. This keeps the options open for industrial applications, along with the casual applications for individual users. All the buttons, triggers and joysticks are completely modular, allowing the users to program the controller for different game-playing needs, customize for drone flying, controlling industrial equipment, or even employed in tech-savvy educational applications in schools or institutions. The ergonomics have been kept close to what’s identified as a winning formula as it closely resembles an Xbox or PlayStation controller.
The positioning of buttons can be adjusted by a 30-degree adjustment angle to have maximum control over the transversal axis. On the inside, the components are ARDUINO actuated to make possible the assembly of the controller from scratch for potential configuration with newer Bluetooth or WiFi modules. According to the designer, the controller can be reconfigured at the internal hardware level to ensure it never gets obsolete with technological advancements.
If there ever was an emoji for a pocket knife, it would probably look like the Kershaw Iridium. Designed with an aesthetic that I can only describe as a modern classic, the Iridium ticks all the boxes with its clean aesthetic, grippy aluminum handle, more-than-capable D2 steel blade with a spear-point profile, and Kershaw’s new DuraLock technology that secures the blade in its open position while it’s in use. The Iridium is dependable, ambidextrous, and folds down to a 4.5-inch form factor that weighs a mere 3.3 ounces and fits right in your pocket after use.
The Iridium boasts a comfortable 6061-T6 aluminum handle with a gray anodized finish. Its ambidextrous DuraLock mechanism ensures secure blade lockup, while the reversible deep-carry pocket clip makes it convenient for both left and right-handed users. The entire build uses black-oxide hardware for a sleek look and added durability.
At 7.9 inches overall and a weight of 3.3 ounces, the Iridium finds a comfortable balance between pocketability and functionality. The 4.5-inch closed length makes it easy to carry daily, while the 8-inch overall length tackles various EDC and outdoor tasks.
The Iridium’s crown jewel is its 3.4-inch D2 high-carbon tool steel blade. D2 steel offers excellent edge retention and wear resistance, making it ideal for everyday cutting chores. The blade features a utilitarian drop-point profile and a thickness of 0.107 inches, providing enough strength for tougher jobs. Jimping at the base of the spine enhances grip during precise cuts.
Deployment is smooth and effortless thanks to the KVT ball-bearing pivot system. The blade can be opened using dual thumb studs or a simple flick of the wrist with the DuraLock mechanism engaged. Kershaw backs the Iridium with a lifetime warranty, giving the EDC an heirloom quality so you can pass it down to your children.
The Kershaw Iridium is a compelling choice for those seeking a full-size, well-built EDC knife without breaking the bank. It boasts high-performance materials, a comfortable design, and a versatile blade profile – all at an accessible price tag. The Iridium is also available in a blacked-out version and a reverse tanto blade variant for people looking for something a little more edgy and unconventional.
