When mobile phones began scaling up, they used physical buttons for navigation. Steadily touchscreen smartphones took over more rapidly than mobile phones to reach our pockets in the first place. This was because of two considerable reasons: larger display real estate and lighter and slimmer design. But what we had to forgo in this barter was the tactile feedback on the press of a button that good old mobiles offered.
It has been seen that mobile gamers and camera enthusiasts prefer the tactile feel of the phone and this has given surge to a new league of accessories that make this possible from an everyday smartphone. Now a designer believes there is a scope of adaptation for a smartphone with tactile buttons for camera and gaming mode, in addition to physical volume rockers and power button of the touchscreen phone.
Appropriately christened the Phone One, this as the tagline suggests, is a multi-mode smartphone that revives the physical buttons for a tactile feel. The interesting aspect here is that these buttons do not take up the screen space but are provided in a uniquely designed three-pivot side panel of this smartphone.
The pivot allows the right-side panel of the phone to rotate within the phone frame itself, transitioning from normal phone mode to gaming mode and further into camera mode and back to the phone mode. The normal mode with volume and power buttons ensures the Phone One looks as close to normal as possible for daily usage.
The magic starts on the first twist of the side panel that reveals the game mode. This shows up a speaker grill in the center and D pa- style four buttons in as many colors. Taking things further into the optics arena is the camera mode that appears on the next pivot of the side panel. This mode with all the physical buttons for recording, clicking, flash and more has a very camcorder-like appearance.
Besides the bespoke pivoting side panel, Phone One is a run-of-the-mill smartphone with an edge-to-edge HD display and a slim profile. It has a single camera cutout on the back and a plasticky white body with the Phone One branding on the pivoting side that protrudes slightly from the main body. Of course, we do not have details about the possible innards of the Phone One, but it is an interesting concept worthy of seeing the light of day.
All of us have come across the various ideas floating around discussing traveling to Mars as a leisure activity. With space tourism becoming an upcoming concept, and humanity inching closer to the era of routine space travel and living, the need for products that adapt to zero-gravity environments becomes increasingly apparent. With such newer establishments, come the relevant new industries such as everyday space objects since the traditional objects developed for Earth’s gravity might pose challenges when used in the unique conditions of space. Addressing this concern, a groundbreaking collection of multi-functional products designed specifically for zero-gravity space living, including within spacecraft where gravity is absent.
In zero-gravity environments, the absence of a defined up or down poses a challenge to conventional products that are designed to function on a single surface. Cups, flashlights, and speakers, for instance, may not be as convenient when their functionality is limited to one side. The innovative Spatio collection addresses these challenges by introducing products with multi-functional capabilities that enhance usability in zero-gravity environments.
Lumina – Flashlight:
The flashlight that’s changing the game in space! Unlike regular flashlights that only shine in one direction, Lumina beams light in five ways. You can easily change where the light goes by turning the central wheel, making it perfect for lighting up different spots. Plus, Lumina has a smart design with a back-mounted battery, so it can shine its light anywhere in the vastness of space.
Sonus – Speaker:
The omnidirectional speaker looks like a moon and transforms your zero-gravity audio experience! Just press the top, and the speaker pops up, getting louder as more parts come out. It’s got a handy Type-C charging port and a hole to attach a rope, making it super convenient to handle even when things keep flying around. Sonus keeps the music playing even in zero gravity and is the perfect buddy for life in space.
Aqua – Water Bottle:
Thirsty in space? Aqua’s got you covered! This water bottle is a zero-gravity hydration hero. With a handle sticking out in four directions, you can grab a sip from any angle. The top is easy to twist on and off, sealing tight, and the sucking mechanism makes drinking a breeze. Taking inspiration from space food packaging, Aqua not only looks cool but is a must-have for space travelers who want to stay refreshed and hydrated.
The packaging of this line further exemplifies its commitment to innovation. Drawing inspiration from conventional space food packaging methods, the packaging is designed to complement the space-friendly functionality of the product, ensuring that every aspect of the Spatio collection aligns with the needs of zero-gravity living.
Spatio’s visionary collection of multi-functional products challenges the traditional norms of product design, catering specifically to the demands of zero-gravity space living. As we step into the future of space exploration and potential colonization, the Spatio range serves as a testament to human ingenuity, providing not only convenience but also a glimpse into the adaptability required for life beyond Earth’s gravitational pull.
Compact enough to easily fit even in the tiniest of backyards, the Gozney Arc isn’t a pizza oven as much as it’s a portal straight to Naples. With a unique design that combines high-end material, immaculate engineering, and a series of game-changing innovations, the Gozney Arc sets a new standard for creating epic pizza at home.
The Arc gets its name from the way its evolutionary lateral gas burner creates a yellow flame that rolls and arcs over the internal chamber of the oven, mimicking that of a wood fire seen in many traditional restaurant pizza ovens. The innovative burner design unlocks valuable floor space meaning the oven is compact on the outside but big on the inside whilst providing unparalleled heat consistency and precise control. This, creator and founder Tom Gozney mentions, makes it easier than ever to bake the perfect pizza no matter your skill level Just like a restaurant pizza oven, Arcs reaches temperatures upwards of 950°F (500°C), well beyond what your regular home oven is capable of so you can cook a pizza in as little as 60 seconds…. if you’ve tried baking a restaurant-style Neapolitan or even New York pizza in your home oven (with a pizza stone or steel), you know that it just doesn’t taste the same. The lower temperatures of home ovens mean the pizza dough takes longer to cook, and instead of charring on the surface, it dries out through and through, giving you a bread-like consistency, not the airy, charred crust you’d get in a restaurant.
Arc XL + Arc bring Gozney’s renowned design ethos into a sleek form that’s compact outside yet big on cooking space inside.
That’s where a device like the Arc comes in. Designed to distill the performance of a restaurant oven into something more accessible so you can churn out 14 or 16-inch pizzas that taste just like something you’d get at your favorite pizza place. It’s tricky scaling down all those thermals and design principles but that’s what the Arc’s engineering is all about. It has a 20mm stone floor and thick layers of insulation that provide unbeatable heat retention and consistency. This helps the pizza oven get hot and stay hot, allowing you to get a consistent bake, pizza after pizza. However, don’t just limit yourself to pizza with this oven, with the Arc you can create calzones, focaccias, grilled fish, roasted veggies, seared meats, and other dishes that benefit from high, searing, scaling down an hour’s worth of cooking to mere minutes.
With a revolutionary lateral gas burner, unbeatable heat retention, and precision temperature control – all for distributing high heat evenly and consistently – creating epic pizza has never been easier.
It isn’t just the fact that the Arc is smaller that makes it the perfect partner for your outdoor cooking adventures – it’s smarter too, with innovative features that make the entire process highly intuitive and easy for home cooks. Temperature control is key to achieving perfect results with any oven, and the Arc is no exception. With features like a digital temperature display that alerts you when the oven has hit the perfect stone floor temperature of your favorite pizza styles and an intuitive, precise temperature control the Arc lets home cooks make pizzas with more confidence and less trial-and-error.
The Arc is available in two sizes with the smaller oven having a base big enough for a medium 14″ pizza, and the Arc XL is able to make a large 16″ pizza for everyone to dig into. To ensure you have everything to need, Gozney has also designed a range of pioneering accessories from a handy outdoor stand for the pizza oven, with fold-out side tables and a dedicated spot for a propane tank underneath to a new range of peels so you can launch, rotate and serve your pizzas with ease.
With the Arc, you don’t need to be a professional pizza guru, have working knowledge of wood-fired ovens or stress about fluctuating temperatures or uneven cooking to make the restaurant-worthy pizzas at home. What’s not to love? Bring on the pizza parties.
A Grade-5 Titanium body, a magnetic opening mechanism, and a replaceable blade that lets you stay sharp at all times. The G9 Knife by PICHI isn’t ‘default’ in any way. Every little thing about it screams ‘different’ and ‘better than the rest’, with a design that strays away from tradition, but still retains functionality, durability, and tactile pleasure that’ll make this your favorite knife to carry on outdoor adventures.
Most knives have a rather simple blade deployment technique. Some require manual flipping out of the blade from within the handle, others have spring-loaded switches that cause the blade to swivel or shoot out (switchblades, as they’re called) – the PICHI G9, however, opts for something a little more fidgety-fun. The knife features a two-part handle that opens up to reveal the blade sandwiched on the inside. Deploying your blade requires a bit of thumb action, causing the handle to disengage, revealing the blade inside, which can then be slid out. Magnets help the handle snap back into position, creating an opening experience that’s uniquely appealing, has a nifty tactile quality to it, and can be faster than most manual knives with a fair amount of practice.
Measuring a mere 3.14 inches long, the PICHI G9 is finger-sized, giving it a compact form factor that’s just designed for your hands and for travel. The entire thing weighs a paltry 55 grams (1.94 oz) blade and all, and comes crafted from grade 5 titanium, known for its quality and sheer durability. The knife, for all intents and purposes, can practically last forever with sustained use – a feature made easy thanks to the fact that it has swappable blades on the inside that you can replace, sort of like your grandfather’s shaving razor that probably still works just as well today as it did in the 50s.
The stonewashed outer body of the knife doesn’t have much detail to begin with, which allows you to really appreciate that unique texture on the knife’s body. However, there is a 3-stage safety lock that prevents the blade from accidentally being deployed, and a hinge on top with a brass insert that’s hollow, allowing you to pass a carabiner or paracord through it for carrying your knife around.
As for the knife itself, the PICHI G9 doesn’t go down the traditional drop-point route. Instead, it relies on a standard SK2 blade, known for its robustness, sharpness, and ready availability. The cutter-esque blades have a sheepsfoot design, which makes them great for piercing and slicing, while the blades themselves are symmetric, which means you can just flip them over if one tip gets dull, using the other side before you need to replace the old blade with a new one.
SK2 HC Blade
The fact that you can replace blades makes the G9 knife perfect for beginners who don’t know how to sharpen their knives (or experts who don’t want to spend too much time on a whetstone maintaining their blades). The SK2 blades are designed for heavy-duty use, and can take an absolute beating, slicing through paper like butter but also piercing through wood very comfortably. The knife’s rather simple design makes it perfect to use anywhere, whether it’s at home or in the great outdoors.
The 3-Stage Locking Switch
For the outdoor enthusiast, each PICHI G9 pairs wonderfully with its own pure leather sheath that lets you (safely) carry your knife with you wherever you go. Sure, you could carabiner that baby onto your pant belt loop, but there’s something satisfying about the holster-like design of the leather holder. The holder also comes with a deep pocket clip, letting you attach it to your pant’s waistline for quick and easy access. The G9 with a single SK2 blade retails for $89, while the entire kit with the leather holder will cost you $116, with free global shipping.
If you are a lover of pop culture, and your personal space is adorned with Pokémon, Star Wars, Marvel, or Mario-themed products and devices, then, well you’re at the right spot. There’s something about pop culture designs that spreads a sense of joy and amusement through you, adding a whimsical quirkiness to even the most mundane of spaces. And, we’ve curated a collection of fun yet functional pop culture designs that cover some of your favorite movies, characters, and shows! From AI-generated Star Wars timepieces to furry Sonic The Hedgehog-themed controllers – this list of adorable and playful products has something for all pop culture lovers out there!
1. Star Wars Timepieces
Designed by our Editor-In-Chief Sarang Sheth, these imaginary timepieces are inspired by various characters from the Star Wars Saga. Every year, the 4th of May is celebrated as Star Wars Day, and these watches were created on Midjourney’s AI art generator as an ode to this day. The first one is an homage to the Storm Trooper with its slightly cloudy transparency and ceramic surfaces, while another one has a Darth Vader theme featuring the iconic Sith lord’s helmet.
Why is it noteworthy?
All the timepieces were created using Midjourney’s latest versions 5 and 5.1, functioning as accurate and impressive homages to the Star Wars series. All the pieces perfectly represent certain characters and their trademark characteristics – ranging from Darth Vader and his helmet to Yoda with his green skin and brown cloak
What we like
There are various kinds of timepieces ranging from a wrist watch to pocket watch and even a table clock
What we dislike
They’re conceptual AI-generated designs, so we don’t know how well they will translate into tangible products
2. Brooklyn 99 LEGO Build
One of my all-time favorite shows is Brooklyn 99, and LEGO creator Ben Fankhauser has built an adorable build featuring the entire 99th precinct, amped with all the rooms and characters from the show. The detailed set includes almost everything from the bullpen to the captain’s office and even the printer room!
Why is it noteworthy?
The entire set was built with great attention to detail, and the most precise aspect of the precinct’s floor was recreated. Some secret details were added as well! Fankhauser says the set is full of Easter eggs! Holt’s office even has his pet corgi – Cheddar.
What we like
Accurate representation with hidden details for added excitement
What we dislike
The iconic briefing/meeting room is not included in the build
3. SmartAir Minions Routers
The SmartAir Minions Routers were one of the key highlights at CES 2024 for us. We didn’t go searching for them, but when we did come across them, we were completely floored, because at first glance they look like plush little toys, but only a further investigation reveals that they’re adorable WiFi routers!
Why is it noteworthy?
The WiFi routers are available in two models, and they resemble two main characters – short and cute Bob, and tall and goofy Kevin. The Bob-shaped router offers dual-band WiFi connectivity, while the taller Kevin provides triple-band internet – 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.
What we like
The routers provide an excellent blend of wide coverage and high speeds
They eliminate dead zones, providing WiFi connectivity to every corner of your home
What we dislike
Kids may mistake them for toys and play with them, bringing down your home network
4. Squid Game Security Camera
Inspired by the dark South Korean series Squid Game, this security camera is the perfect addition to the home for every pop culture lover! It is designed after the workers who monitor the activities of the players on CCTV monitor. These creepy creatures can now be placed in your home, keeping your living space and you, safe and secure.
Why is it noteworthy?
The rotating lens of the camera is positioned where the eye would be, offering 180-degree views of the surroundings, ensuring complete security. The camera has a unique feature to ensure no hacking attempts can be made – it has a privacy mask that physically blocks the FOV when the camera is not being used.
What we like
Has its own light illumination that can be adjusted by the user
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we’re unsure how well it would translate into a tangible one
The relevancy of the Squid Game theme may be in question, so may not resonate with users
5. Dune: Part 2 Xbox Controller
Microsoft unveiled a Dune edition controller in collaboration with Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures to promote the release of the movie. The unique controller has a levitating feature, which essentially means that the controller rests on a stand that floats, although we’re unsure how this is achieved, but we guess magnets were used.
Why is it noteworthy?
The controller features a custom finish accentuated by the movie logo and symbols. The controller is also partnered up with a Dune-themed Ornithopter Stand which offers a whole feel. It has an alluring and vibrant feel, making it a true collector’s item.
What we like
Gives off the impression that it is floating
What we dislike
It is a one-off collector’s piece, so need to get your hands on it quickly
6. Samsung Eco-Friends Collection
Samsung has patterned up with a South Korean accessory maker to create the Eco-Friends collection. The line is quite eco-friendly, in comparison to the usual plastic-based accessories that you find in the market. They’re designed for the new Samsung devices like the Galaxy S23 line, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, and the Galaxy Watch 5.
Why is it noteworthy?
The accessories are made from 40% Post Consumer Materials. These materials usually include recycled plastic and vegan leather. The designs feature popular characters and shows like Star Wars, Hello Kitty, Spongebob, The Simpsons, and Pokémon. There are also some fun designs by younger artists.
What we like
Eco-friendly alternative to the plastic-based accessories found today
What we dislike
Only limited to Samsung’s newer models
7. Elemental Coffee Machine
Meet the Elemental Coffee Machine – a unique coffee machine that combines the elements of Star Trek and Apple! The innovative coffee machine has a sleek silhouette featuring an espresso group head with an intuitive modern touch interface. The form of the machine is quite clean and minimalist, making it super easy to use.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee machine’s UI is a tribute to ‘okudagrams’ – a nickname given to the interactive displays found on control panels in 23rd and 24th-century starships as seen in Star Trek. The panel was added here to eliminate the long time it takes for filter coffee to brew, while also creating a fun experience.
What we like
Has a MacBook reference in the compartment as it looks much neater
What we dislike
Users may find the control panel unnecessary and may find it difficult to adjust to the machine’s form
8. Smart Minion Projector
This adorable Smart Minion Projector takes an otherwise mundane gadget to a whole new level. The geometric cylinder merges the elements of IP with the functionality of the product, while the yellow is the bright pop of color needed to transform the projector into complete Minion mode!
Why is it noteworthy?
The projector features a single camera, automatic focusing motor, and TOF feature face recognition which ensures the picture is clear at all times. A smart eye protection function can be added as well, making the project truly updated, and well-equipped to meet your movie-watching needs.
What we like
Compact and cute upgrade to the typical projector
What we dislike
9. Starfield Xbox Controller & Headset
Last year at the Xbox Games Showcases 2023, Microsoft launched the Starfield Xbox controller and Starfield headphones to promote its sci-fi RPG dubbed Starfield. The controller is inspired by the ship’s controls as seen in the game and amped with transparent pad triggers and bronze rumble motors. The headset also has similar accents.
Why is it noteworthy?
The devices have a retro aesthetic which is defined as NASA-Punk in the DNA. The designs are quite clean, with the controller’s side and back grips resembling the panels of the spaceship. The gamepad can be easily used for various devices like Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC, Android, and iOS.
What we like
Futuristic retro appeal combined with excellent functionality
What we dislike
The controller doesn’t come equipped with a rechargeable battery
10. Sonic The Hedgehog Xbox Controllers
A collaboration between Microsoft and Paramount Studios led to a Sonic the Hedgehog Xbox controller and the Xbox Series S which is embossed in a black hue with the big iconic golden ring around the vent. Sonic and Knuckles have been featured on the front, and the controllers are also super cute!
Why is it noteworthy?
The controllers are furry! They are covered by a layer of furry-colored hair, one is blue like Sonic’s hair, while the other is red, mimicking Knuckles’ fur, creating unique controllers, and honestly unlike anything we’ve seen on the market.
What we like
A must-have design for the Sonic fans
Innovative take on controllers
What we dislike
Not meant for people whose palms get sweaty easily
Welcoming a new member into the family is a special time full of excitement and happiness. Setting up a cozy space for a new baby is important, and the crib plays a major role in that. Most conventional cribs can be used until the baby turns 3 years old, depending on the size of it. Once outgrown, these cribs become obsolete and are often discarded. But what if a crib could be more than just a baby bed? Imagine a crib that doesn’t become useless after a few years but turns into cool chairs instead. This is a new kind of crib that goes beyond the usual, making it not just practical but also eco-friendly. This clever idea is changing the way we see cribs and making baby products better for the environment.
Designer: Zhipeng Qiu, Yufeng Lin
The traditional notion of cribs being a single-use item is challenged by a design that incorporates a thoughtful combination and disassembly feature. The crib can seamlessly transform into two stylish leisure chairs, offering a sustainable solution to the short-lived nature of conventional cribs. This design not only addresses the issue of limited functionality but also promotes responsible resource use and environmental consciousness.
The transformation from crib to chairs is made possible through an ingenious chute structure and plug-in mechanism. This ensures that the process is user-friendly and easily manageable for parents. The chairs maintain a balance in form and size, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing addition to any home. The product embodies a gentle sense of wrapping and comfort, reminiscent of a mother’s care, ensuring the child’s well-being during the crucial developmental years.
One of the standout features of this innovative crib design is its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. By repurposing the crib into functional chairs, the design minimizes waste and contributes to a more circular economy. This approach aligns with the growing global emphasis on responsible consumption and reducing the environmental impact of consumer products.
Despite its environmentally conscious design, the product does not compromise on appearance, beauty, or comfort. The creators have successfully blended aesthetics and sustainability, offering a visually appealing and eco-friendly solution for families. This dual-purpose furniture piece serves as a testament to how thoughtful design can enhance the quality of public life by promoting longevity and minimizing waste.
This innovative crib design represents a significant step forward in the realm of baby products. By challenging the conventional notion of single-use cribs and introducing a sustainable and versatile approach, this design not only meets the needs of growing families but also contributes to a more eco-conscious society. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable choices, this innovative crib design sets a positive example for the industry, encouraging the creation of products that enhance both functionality and environmental responsibility.
Sharing a meal with someone is truly an enriching and bonding experience. And, you always feel the need to create an enjoyable and comfortable environment for your dinner partner – especially if you’re hosting the dinner! The correct set of cutlery and tableware is exceptionally important to create a wonderful ambiance for a meal. They have the potential to completely transform your dining experience, taking away attention even from the food! Designers have been getting extremely creative when it comes to cutlery. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and exciting tableware designs that are sure to be the highlight of your next dinner party!
1. Hida-Cedar Bowls
These beautiful wooden bowls are designed by Higashi Shunkei, and are made using cedarwood sourced from the forest in Takayama. The bowls are sustainable, eco-friendly, renewable, and also quite gorgeous. The lovely bowls would make a wonderful addition to your dinner table for your next dinner party!
Why is it noteworthy?
Named the Hida-Cedar bowls, these pretty bowls are spun, finished, and lacquered within Higashi Shunkei’s workshop, and display a stunning dark finish with light-colored bands reminiscent of a tiger’s strip skin.
What we like
The bowls perfectly merge aesthetics and sustainability
Each bowl features a unique and distinctive distorted pattern
What we dislike
There don’t seem to be a lot of options to choose from in terms of color and size
2. Iron Frying Plate
The Iron Frying Plate is truly an ingenious creation. It is an innovative kitchen design that not only serves your food but also functions as a frying pan with a removable handle. The Iron Frying Plate is a new and refreshing way to combine cooking and eating, creating an enriching dining experience.
The Iron Frying Plate is pretty unique since it merges both a frying pan and a serving plate. The kitchen tool is made from durable materials and is intended to be a functional and elegant solution to cooking and serving. It facilitates direct-from-the-pan serving and brings a whole new cooking method to the table.
What we like
Multifunctional and easy-to-use design
The wooden handle can be attached and detached
What we dislike
Heavier and tougher to handle than traditional frying pans, since it is made from iron.
Tough to store in small kitchens
3. Sustainable Cutlery Set
The Sustainable Cutlery Set is a sustainable and guilt-free cutlery set made using Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers or GFRP. The utensils are light and durable and presented in reusable and recyclable packaging. They’re made to last a long time, so you don’t have to worry about their usability and longevity.
The cutlery set has a lot of mechanical strength, so the knife and fork won’t fall apart when your steak is tougher than you like it. The various components of the set can be split in half, so they’re easy to carry around. The parts are also easy to screw and unscrew, while also maintaining a sturdy connection.
What we like
Sustainable cutlery set that is also built to last
Easy to carry around wherever you go
What we dislike
Handles might be too thin for large hands
4. Electric Chopsticks
This project by Kirin Holdings and the Miyashita Laboratory (Meiji University Dr. Homei Miyashita Laboratory of the Department of Frontier Media Science, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences) includes a chopstick device that features an electrical stimulation waveform that works to adjust and customize the taste of low-sodium food.
Why is it noteworthy?
These innovative chopsticks are designed to make low-sodium food tasty, you can enjoy food with low-sodium content, allowing you to take better care of your health. These chopsticks are an excellent option for those who need to go on a low-sodium diet.
What we like
Creates a sense of saltiness in low-sodium food
Utilizes a weak electrical current in transmitting sodium ions from the food to the mouth
What we dislike
It’s still in the prototype stage, not an actual product yet
5. Oku Knife
Scottish artist and metal worker Kathleen Reilly designed the ‘Oku Knife’. Inspired by Japanese table settings, the Oku knife features a rather intriguing handle that is folded 90 degrees from its blade. The design was informed by chopstick resets.
Why is it noteworthy?
Oku features a unique folded shape that lets the handle be placed on a surface, with the blade sitting perpendicularly away from that particular surface. You can even rest the knife’s blade along the edge of a cutting board or plate.
What we like
The knife can be hooked onto the rim of a plate, creating intimacy between the two objects whilst improving cleanliness and maintaining stability
What we dislike
The design may seem pointless or unnecessary to some people
6. Mount Fuji Cutlery Rest
These Itadaki cutlery rests offer a lavish metal accessory that combines both simple forms and intricate engravings. These stunning rests function as luxurious tableware accents, while also serving as testaments to fine craftsmanship. The cutlery rest’s unique form is inspired by the country’s most iconic summit – Mt. Fuji.
This Japanese-inspired cutlery rest isn’t just a flat block of metal, it slopes upwards toward the middle, creating a flat stump at the peak. This brings to mind the image of Mt.Fuji. The curves of the rest are ideal for holding forks, knives, chopsticks, or spoons.
What we like
The cutlery rests also represent Japan’s seasons that yield cherry blossoms
Designed to be an homage to Japanese craftsmanship
What we dislike
Can only accommodate two (2) utensils
7. Plate Grater
The Plate Grater is a revolutionary piece of tableware as it merges a plate’s functionality with a grater’s practicality. This innovative product lets you grate fresh ingredients directly onto your plate, adding a fresh and unique touch to every meal, as you can elevate ordinary dishes with an assortment of garnishes on the dining table.
This unique tableware is distinctive because of its dual functionality, which lets it function as a stylish plate and an effective grater. Not only is the tool visually appealing, but it is also useful for grating fresh ingredients on the table, adding a fine gourmet touch to your meals.
What we like
Lets you grate fresh garnishes and ingredients directly onto dishes
Adds a gourmet touch to ordinary meals
What we dislike
Users who aren’t accustomed to the grater’s dual purpose may need a certain period of adjustment
8. Joseph Joseph Salad Bowl & Servers Set
Joseph Joseph and Element Studio collaborated to create this thoughtfully designed and minimal salad bowl and servers set. It’s an intelligent space-saving design since both products can be merged into one convenient product, seamlessly integrating functionality and form.
Why is it noteworthy?
It occupies a tiny amount of space on your dinner table or kitchen drawers, and it is also quite aesthetically pleasing. It adds a twist and exciting change to an ordinary salad bowl, and mundane servers set. It makes preparing and serving salads a fun affair.
What we like
Combines two products into one
Space-saving design
What we dislike
There seem to be no options in colors and sizes
9. Walnut Shell Tableware
When you mix walnut shells, pine resin, and Canauva Powder you get NOS, which creates new CMFs with a wide range of colors, patterns, and light transmissions, as it includes grinding large volumes of walnut shells into varied sizes. This is used to create utensils!
Why is it noteworthy?
Pine resin is utilized to bind the NOS, and once the shell of the walnut is removed from the kernel, it is thrown away as waste. This waste was transformed into plates by designer SooA Choi. The unique plates are eco-friendly and sustainable.
What we like
Eco-friendly design that makes for a great alternative to ceramics
What we dislike
Since the plates aren’t very visually appealing, they won’t make a pretty addition to your dining table
10. Veark Carving Knife
Designed by Veark, the CK20 Chef Knife is inspired by the manufacturing process of workshop tools. It is made using the drop-forge method, which converts the humble knife into an expert culinary tool. The knife is designed to give your mundane meal an exciting upgrade.
Why is it noteworthy?
Each Chef Knife is forged from a single piece of stainless steel and then hand-finished to provide the knife with a razor-sharp edge. The knife is reliable, well-balanced, and reliable with a sturdy wrench-inspired grip that lets your thumb naturally rest in its groove for maximum stability and maneuverability.
What we like
The knife is quit easy to maintain and clean
Versatile and innovative product that is excellent for slicing fruits, veggies, meats, and herb
What we dislike
Instead of a wooden handle, it has a steel one, which may not be comfy for everyone to use
It’s always exciting when a top brand like BLUETTI launches a new product, and this time, they’re bringing something unique to the great outdoors with their latest product offering, SwapSolar. Hot on the heels of their AC500’s smashing success on Indiegogo, which brought in an impressive $12 million, they’re not resting on their laurels. The SwapSolar is the world’s first LFP-powered MultiCooler portable refrigerator using an AC180T hot-swappable battery power station. Together, these two products are designed to cater to most outdoor adventures, from powering your devices to ensuring your food and beverages stay chilled, all with ease and efficiency.
LFP, an acronym for Lithium Iron Phosphate, denotes a specific type of lithium-ion battery renowned for its long lifespan, safety, and excellent performance at high temperatures. The energy produced from these batteries is referred to as LFP power. The AC180T outdoor power supply system guarantees you don’t have to sacrifice power, even off-grid. Its innovative hot-swappable battery design allows for uninterrupted usage. BLUETTI’s spokesperson, James Ray, confidently asserts, “We want users to savor the joy of outdoor life. SwapSolar is your ticket to 3-6 days of happy camping trip. Power up and keep your food fresh at once, it’s time to go wild with BLUETTI!”
This user-friendly design offers an easy-to-swap-out battery system that features two B70 batteries with a significant 1,433.6Wh capacity utilizing the secure LFP battery technology. These batteries are built to last, offering over 3,000 life cycles and 5,000+ swap times, enhancing their longevity and reliability. For added convenience, BLUETTI makes these batteries available for separate purchase, allowing users to tailor their power solutions with extra packs to accommodate their unique requirements. This capability is beneficial for prolonged outings or unexpected emergencies, where swapping batteries can instantly restore full power, ensuring you remain powered up in any situation.
To recharge quickly, connect the device to a wall outlet that has two charging rates. If you’re charging a single B70 battery, it will achieve an 80% charge in just 1 hour and a full charge in 1.5 hours at 850W. Alternatively, if you’re charging two B70 batteries, they will reach an 80% charge in just 45 minutes and a full charge in 70 minutes at 1,440W.
There are four different ways to power this device, depending on your situation. You can use a standard wall outlet or a vehicle power source, either at home or while traveling, even while making ice. If you’re looking for continuous operation, consider the solar panel setup. And, of course, you can always use the batteries when there are no outlets available.
The MultiCooler stands out from the crowd; it’s not just your average fridge. Think of it as the “cooler” choice among the competitors, featuring a versatile 3-in-1 design that includes cooling, freezing, and even ice-making features. As for temperature settings, the temperature ranges from a frosty -4°F to a warm 68°F (-20°C to +20°C), ensuring everything from ice cream to fresh produce stays at the perfect temperature. Its high-efficiency yet powerful compressor can quickly bring the temperature down from 86°F to 32°F (30°C to 0°C) within a mere 15 minutes, making it incredibly effective for rapid cooling. The integrated ice maker can also churn out clear, crisp ice cubes in just a few minutes, making it a go-to feature for chilling your favorite beverages and crafting the perfect cocktails.
With a capacity of 42 qt (40L), it can hold about 60 cans of soda, according to BLUETTI, making it perfect for any gathering or solo adventure. However, let’s have fun and do more real-world math since not everyone drinks only soda. When considering how to fit a mix of beer bottles, bottles of water, and soda cans into a 42-quart refrigerator, it’s essential to consider these items’ varying sizes and shapes. We can infer some approximations for the other things based on the capacity to hold 60 soda cans. Soda cans are about 12 ounces and have a fairly standard size, which allows for a certain level of efficiency in packing. Beer bottles, although also often holding 12 ounces, might pack less efficiently due to their different shape. For simplicity, we might estimate that you could fit around 55 beer bottles in the same space, assuming a slight decrease in packing efficiency. On the other hand, bottles of water commonly found in 16.9-ounce (500 ml) sizes are usually taller and narrower than soda cans and beer bottles. This difference in shape could mean that around 45 bottles of water might fit into the refrigerator.
Given these considerations, here are a couple of combinations for chilling these items in the MultiCooler. One possible arrangement is 30 soda cans, 20 beer bottles, and 15 water bottles. This mix balances the different shapes and sizes to optimize the available space. Another combination is ten soda cans, 25 beer bottles, and 20 bottles of water, allowing for more liquid in water and beer at the expense of soda can quantity. You might be wondering, “Where does the ice go?” The simple answer is that it’s a portable refrigerator, so no ice is needed to keep your drinks chilled.
Weighing in at just 52.9 lbs (25kg), the MultiCooler features ergonomic side grooves for simple lifting. When it’s packed to the brim, roll it along using its convenient wheels and telescopic handle, making transportation a breeze. It’s also built to handle the bumps and dips of uneven terrain with its 45° tilt protection. An optional sliding mount is available for those needing extra stability in their vehicle. It won’t disrupt your peace and quiet, running softly at 30dB for cooling and 45dB during ice production.
The MultiCooler boasts a sleek LCD touchscreen complemented by tactile buttons for straightforward operation. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to oversee and adjust settings like temperature, ECO mode, and Self-Clean mode through the BLUETTI app, all from the palm of your hand.
The SwapSolar system is designed to enhance outdoor experiences by providing a reliable and sustainable power source, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for families in nature. It is easy to use and portable, making it ideal for remote locations and enabling device charging and running essential appliances. Apart from its practical benefits, SwapSolar also serves as an educational tool, promoting the importance of renewable energy and environmental stewardship. With SwapSolar, families can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors with the assurance of safety, self-sufficiency, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
It’s always exciting when a top brand like BLUETTI launches a new product, and this time, they’re bringing something unique to the great outdoors with their latest product offering, SwapSolar. Hot on the heels of their AC500’s smashing success on Indiegogo, which brought in an impressive $12 million, they’re not resting on their laurels. The SwapSolar is the world’s first LFP-powered MultiCooler portable refrigerator using an AC180T hot-swappable battery power station. Together, these two products are designed to cater to most outdoor adventures, from powering your devices to ensuring your food and beverages stay chilled, all with ease and efficiency.
LFP, an acronym for Lithium Iron Phosphate, denotes a specific type of lithium-ion battery renowned for its long lifespan, safety, and excellent performance at high temperatures. The energy produced from these batteries is referred to as LFP power. The AC180T outdoor power supply system guarantees you don’t have to sacrifice power, even off-grid. Its innovative hot-swappable battery design allows for uninterrupted usage. BLUETTI’s spokesperson, James Ray, confidently asserts, “We want users to savor the joy of outdoor life. SwapSolar is your ticket to 3-6 days of happy camping trip. Power up and keep your food fresh at once, it’s time to go wild with BLUETTI!”
This user-friendly design offers an easy-to-swap-out battery system that features two B70 batteries with a significant 1,433.6Wh capacity utilizing the secure LFP battery technology. These batteries are built to last, offering over 3,000 life cycles and 5,000+ swap times, enhancing their longevity and reliability. For added convenience, BLUETTI makes these batteries available for separate purchase, allowing users to tailor their power solutions with extra packs to accommodate their unique requirements. This capability is beneficial for prolonged outings or unexpected emergencies, where swapping batteries can instantly restore full power, ensuring you remain powered up in any situation.
To recharge quickly, connect the device to a wall outlet that has two charging rates. If you’re charging a single B70 battery, it will achieve an 80% charge in just 1 hour and a full charge in 1.5 hours at 850W. Alternatively, if you’re charging two B70 batteries, they will reach an 80% charge in just 45 minutes and a full charge in 70 minutes at 1,440W.
There are four different ways to power this device, depending on your situation. You can use a standard wall outlet or a vehicle power source, either at home or while traveling, even while making ice. If you’re looking for continuous operation, consider the solar panel setup. And, of course, you can always use the batteries when there are no outlets available.
The MultiCooler stands out from the crowd; it’s not just your average fridge. Think of it as the “cooler” choice among the competitors, featuring a versatile 3-in-1 design that includes cooling, freezing, and even ice-making features. As for temperature settings, the temperature ranges from a frosty -4°F to a warm 68°F (-20°C to +20°C), ensuring everything from ice cream to fresh produce stays at the perfect temperature. Its high-efficiency yet powerful compressor can quickly bring the temperature down from 86°F to 32°F (30°C to 0°C) within a mere 15 minutes, making it incredibly effective for rapid cooling. The integrated ice maker can also churn out clear, crisp ice cubes in just a few minutes, making it a go-to feature for chilling your favorite beverages and crafting the perfect cocktails.
With a capacity of 42 qt (40L), it can hold about 60 cans of soda, according to BLUETTI, making it perfect for any gathering or solo adventure. However, let’s have fun and do more real-world math since not everyone drinks only soda. When considering how to fit a mix of beer bottles, bottles of water, and soda cans into a 42-quart refrigerator, it’s essential to consider these items’ varying sizes and shapes. We can infer some approximations for the other things based on the capacity to hold 60 soda cans. Soda cans are about 12 ounces and have a fairly standard size, which allows for a certain level of efficiency in packing. Beer bottles, although also often holding 12 ounces, might pack less efficiently due to their different shape. For simplicity, we might estimate that you could fit around 55 beer bottles in the same space, assuming a slight decrease in packing efficiency. On the other hand, bottles of water commonly found in 16.9-ounce (500 ml) sizes are usually taller and narrower than soda cans and beer bottles. This difference in shape could mean that around 45 bottles of water might fit into the refrigerator.
Given these considerations, here are a couple of combinations for chilling these items in the MultiCooler. One possible arrangement is 30 soda cans, 20 beer bottles, and 15 water bottles. This mix balances the different shapes and sizes to optimize the available space. Another combination is ten soda cans, 25 beer bottles, and 20 bottles of water, allowing for more liquid in water and beer at the expense of soda can quantity. You might be wondering, “Where does the ice go?” The simple answer is that it’s a portable refrigerator, so no ice is needed to keep your drinks chilled.
Weighing in at just 52.9 lbs (25kg), the MultiCooler features ergonomic side grooves for simple lifting. When it’s packed to the brim, roll it along using its convenient wheels and telescopic handle, making transportation a breeze. It’s also built to handle the bumps and dips of uneven terrain with its 45° tilt protection. An optional sliding mount is available for those needing extra stability in their vehicle. It won’t disrupt your peace and quiet, running softly at 30dB for cooling and 45dB during ice production.
The MultiCooler boasts a sleek LCD touchscreen complemented by tactile buttons for straightforward operation. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to oversee and adjust settings like temperature, ECO mode, and Self-Clean mode through the BLUETTI app, all from the palm of your hand.
The SwapSolar system is designed to enhance outdoor experiences by providing a reliable and sustainable power source, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for families in nature. It is easy to use and portable, making it ideal for remote locations and enabling device charging and running essential appliances. Apart from its practical benefits, SwapSolar also serves as an educational tool, promoting the importance of renewable energy and environmental stewardship. With SwapSolar, families can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors with the assurance of safety, self-sufficiency, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Cup noodles are a popular and quite common meal in Japan, although they are not limited to Japan anymore. They’ve become a quick and fun meal for people all over the world, and I’m no exception. I love a cup of hot and spicy noodles that are ready in a matter of five minutes – I mean how cool and convenient is that?! The right way to eat noodles from a cup is with the help of chopsticks and a spoon, that really is the best way to enjoy some noods! But of course, that is the tough way, and most people prefer forks. But, the typical fork that accompanies cup noodles is often un-ergonomic and really uncomfortable to eat with! The angle just doesn’t sit right, and it is difficult to scoop noodles and veggies with it. This is where Nissin teamed up with Nendo to create an obsessively ergonomic fork quite simply dubbed ‘The Fork’.
The Fork was designed after taking into consideration hours of user observation, to create a piece of cutlery that makes your noodle-eating experience smooth and hassle-free. The fork features a 128-degree arch at the neck which is perfect for scooping up noodles. The arch effectively limits the strain of lifting your elbow when scarfing down noodles. The left and right sections of the head have rounded edges, that perfectly fit against the walls of the cup, making it easier to lift up and consume the noodles.
The neck of the fork is marked with a shallow dip that is great for scooping up veggies and toppings, so you don’t miss out on them! There are little bumps between the various slots to ensure the noodles don’t slip off, while a small clip holds down the lid, as you wait for the hot water to prepare your instant noodles. What makes the Fork even more interesting and useful is that it comes in two variants – one for lefties, and one for righties! Nendo and Nissin really thought of everything. The left-hand version comes in a bold red color, while the right-hand version is available in white.
