Yamaha channels ‘Teenage Engineering’ with its incredibly funky SEQTRAK MIDI sequencer

I distinctly remember the first time I saw the Teenage Engineering OP-1. It was in a Swedish House Mafia music video (One feat. Pharrell), and the entire video was centered around that one gorgeous-looking synth, which the EDM trio even used in their own music production. The song seemed less like a dance track and more like the perfect endorsement of exactly how powerful and incredible the OP-1 synth was. Fourteen glorious years later, Teenage Engineering has absolutely cemented its position as an audio company with a fun streak… and it seems like Yamaha wants a bit of that too. Just last week, the company debuted the SEQTRAK, a funky-looking synth that tries to emulate the casual brilliance of the OP-1.

Designer: Yamaha

The SEQTRAK is a compact, affordable, and highly capable battery-powered MIDI synth that lets you play, sample, remix, loop, and manipulate audio from multiple sources, whether it’s from your laptop, an SD card, or even audio samples recorded on the SEQTRAK’s microphone. It’s got two rows of 12 keys each, a set of dedicated knobs for percussions, synths, and sampling, a few more for sound control and effects, and even a bunch of touch-sensitive sliding pads for working with audio envelopes, passes, and filters. Designed for both hobbyists as well as seasoned professionals, the SEQTRAK lets you do everything from jam to compose, and even occasionally deejay. Who knows, maybe you’ll make a cool music video too??

The SEQTRAK’s petite design is a crucial element in its appeal. Its compact size, fitting comfortably in a laptop bag, makes it an ideal companion for music producers who are always on the move. This portability doesn’t come at the cost of functionality; the SEQTRAK is equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing for impromptu music sessions wherever inspiration strikes.

Despite its compact form, the SEQTRAK doesn’t compromise on sound quality. It houses two versatile sound engines: the Advanced Wave Memory 2 and a four-operator FM engine. The former supports 128-note polyphony, offering a range of authentic sounds from acoustic instruments to synthesizers. Meanwhile, the FM engine can generate synth pads, leads, FM electric pianos, and more. These features are packed into a unit that sports a playful design, with an orange-gray variant reminiscent of LEGO bricks… or perhaps an unofficial hat-tip to Teenage Engineering with a playfully-minimalist design that we’ve come to expect from the Swedish design studio.

The SEQTRAK is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, catering to both beginners and seasoned music producers. Its one-to-one interface allows producers to take control of their music, effectively turning them into their own DJs. Additionally, the SEQTRAK includes a station sequencer for creating seamless compositions and arrangements. The machine’s station library, with over 2,000 presets of professionally crafted tunes, is a significant resource for experimenting with different styles and sounds.

Yamaha has enhanced the SEQTRAK’s functionality with streamlined connectivity options. The dedicated SEQTRAK app allows users to shape their sound with various editing features. The app also supports adding supplemental content, providing a more comprehensive music production experience. Additionally, Bluetooth MIDI and Wi-Fi functionality are included for wireless connections, further enhancing the unit’s flexibility.

The $599 Yamaha SEQTRAK represents a significant step in the evolution of portable music production. It combines quality sound, intuitive design, and connectivity in a package that’s both affordable and appealing to a wide range of music enthusiasts. Whether you’re a budding producer or a seasoned pro, the SEQTRAK seems to have something for everyone. And at a price that doesn’t hit a sour note, it’s poised to be a hit in the electronic music community. So, if you’ve ever dreamt of laying down tracks on a flight, sequencing synths at a café, or having a rave in your room, Yamaha’s SEQTRAK might just be your ticket to on-the-go musical nirvana​.

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Devialet Phantom I Yang Bao Wa Liu is a golden take on the renowned speaker for Chinese Year of the Dragon

French audio brand Devialet’s Phantom I is already a celebrated wireless speaker with side-firing bass reflex ports and subtle color variants. Fittingly, two eminent artists have been summoned to give this iconic speaker a stunning new vibe for the Chinese Year of the Dragon, a festivity that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Dubbed the Phantom I 108 dB by Yang Bao & Wa Liu, after the designers behind the new gold and red colored speaker, this lustrous take on the Devialet flagship creates a nice, visible amalgamation of physical and analog connections. To be available in limited edition between 23 January 2024 and 23 April 2024 (or until the stock lasts) this speaker also dubbed ANIMAL impresses with its “colors and textures reference the dragon of our cultural imagination” designer Wa Liu says.

Designer: Devialet

On the back of the hand-crafted speaker come the 22.5-carat gold leaf accents complemented by the red strokes. This artistic element replicates the rippling motion of the dragon’s movement. It’s more of a musical instrument that seems to have a personality of its own. According to Bao the play of light and shadows helps it cryptically blend into the surroundings. Another good reason it has a deliberate sculptural design to evoke a subtle presence.

The limited-edition Phantom I, justifies the symbol of the dragon with its intimidating presence as opposed to the Western counterpart. In a way, it mixes nature and music, power and serenity all in one go. Creating this version takes around two weeks which explains the attention to detail put in the making. As the artists explain, ‘We obviously work on a number of units at the same time.’ To this end, two gilders showcase their craft, brushing hammered gold leaf onto the surface of the Phantom, juxtaposing it with the thin lines of red lacquer. The intricate design is not only a visual combination of gold leaf and red lacquer, but the lacquer itself requires three painstaking layers of application!

No wonder the  Phantom I 108 dB by Yang Bao & Wa Liu will set you back a mind-numbing $6,700 a piece.

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A Sustainable Lighting Solution That Redefines The Interaction Between Light And Sound

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and design, the fusion of functionality and artistic expression continues to yield groundbreaking innovations. One such marvel is Oloïd, a sustainable acoustic luminaire born from the collaborative synergy of Impact Acoustic; a provider of sustainable acoustic solutions, and the esteemed design studio atelier oï. This unique lighting fixture not only delivers exceptional sound absorption but also redefines the way light and sound interact, creating a transformative experience that enhances the ambiance of any space.

Designer: Impact Acoustic Atelier oï

At the heart of Oloïd’s revolutionary design lies Archisonic Felt, a high-performance sustainable acoustic absorber crafted from upcycled PET bottles. This versatile material demonstrates outstanding sound absorption capabilities and embodies a commitment to sustainability and responsible material sourcing. The Cradle to Cradle certification and LEED accreditation of Archisonic Felt underscore its eco-friendly credentials, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious design solutions.

Oloïd distinguishes itself by offering a transformative lighting experience that seamlessly integrates functionality with artistic expression. The collaboration between Impact Acoustic and Atelier oï is not merely about illuminating a space but about creating an immersive environment where light and sound harmonize effortlessly.

Aurel Aebi, a key figure at Atelier oï, highlights the creative process that brought Oloïd to life. “At atelier oï, we often begin our creative process with an encounter with the material,” Aebi explains. “Our goal was to find a way to make the sustainable material speak in a new way.” This innovative approach involved working with the material’s stiffness and flatness to create organic shapes that redefine conventional luminaire design.

Oloïd is available in a stunning array of 32 colors, presenting a curated selection from the Archisonic Felt range. This diversity empowers users to personalize their spaces, allowing for the creation of bespoke environments that reflect individual tastes and preferences. The luminaire’s design seamlessly integrates the organic shapes derived from the unique qualities of Archisonic Felt, transcending two-dimensional panels into captivating three-dimensional entities.

Sven Erni, co-founder of Impact Acoustic, expresses his fascination with the collaborative process that transformed their material. “The collaboration fascinated us as we witnessed the metamorphosis of our material,” Erni notes. “This was made possible using a distinctive cutting technique at specific angles and the skillful folding of the panels. This creative approach seamlessly transformed the two-dimensional panels into fascinating three-dimensional entities, transcending surfaces to tangible bodies.”

Oloïd not only sets a new standard for sound-absorbing luminaires but also stands as a testament to the potential of sustainable design in reshaping our surroundings. With its commitment to responsible material usage, innovative design, and the seamless integration of light and sound, Oloïd emerges as a beacon of eco-conscious creativity, inviting us to reimagine the possibilities of our illuminated spaces.

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A designer turned the Adidas Logo into a smartphone camera bump and if this isn’t iconic, I don’t know what is

Smartphones have lost character over the years, with their fronts (and even their backs) looking borderline similar over the past few years. Google’s Pixel 6 changed that with its unique belt-shaped design – something that’s continuing to become a visual language for the phone line… but all in all, most phones look eerily similar nowadays. The solution, however, lies in simply playing with the one design detail that helps give the smartphone its character – the camera bump. Meet the FOG phone concept, designed for sportswear brand Adidas. Designed by 2-LA Design, the FOG phone takes full liberty with redesigning the camera bump, resulting in a smartphone that truly looks memorable. To probe exactly how memorable the phone looks, 2-LA Design even excluded any logo or branding on the back of the phone, purely relying on the camera bump to grab eyeballs. The best part? The fact that the camera bump’s design lines up rather perfectly with Adidas’ 3-stripe logo, reinforcing the company’s brand (even though they probably would never enter the smartphone business).

Designer: 2-LA Design

“In the grand tapestry of design, every element, whether it’s the silhouette, the logo, or intricate details, ought to serve a sacred purpose, seamlessly melding into the symphony of the overall aesthetic,” says 2-LA Design.

The three stripes are practically synonymous with the Adidas brand at this point, making them a perfect icon for using in the smartphone’s design. 2-LA Design chose to interpret these stripes not as graphics on the phone’s back fascia (which would work just as well), but rather use it in the most weirdly brilliant way possible. The three lines on the back (looking almost like the Meta Quest 3’s camera bumps) have an unmistakable newness to them, and even if someone were to NOT recognize those stripes as the ‘Adidas FOG Phone’, they would definitely not confuse the phone for anything else from Samsung, Apple, Oppo, Xiaomi, Google, ASUS, etc.

The Adidas FOG Phone (which stands for Fear Of God, strangely enough) is a figment of 2-LA Design’s imagination. It doesn’t exist, but the design direction it proposes is a pretty novel way to look at smartphone design, helping bridge the gap between visual branding and industrial design. My only qualm is the lack of a flashlight…

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Can QR Code-driven Incentives Solve Fashion’s Trillion-Dollar Waste Problem? This Company Thinks So…

Fashion still remains perhaps the biggest offender when it comes to waste and emissions generated by any given industry. Every year, 40 million tonnes of clothes find their way into landfills and third-world countries that are less than equipped to deal with this onslaught of wasted fabric. The solutions haven’t really matched up to the scale of problems either – thrifting still hasn’t made the impact that it promised to make, and brands are doing what they always do – using greenwashing to make their products look less wasteful than they already are. However, one company seems to be sitting on a potentially game-changing idea – incentivize users to slow down fashion by using a Technology platform leveraging unique QR Codes. SIXR is that app-based fashion technology platform that’s partnering with garment companies to provide meaningful incentives to end users to use their clothes for longer and to recycle them right and doing all this by using unique QR codes that will track the entire lifecycle of the garment from design and production to end of life or start of a new life.

Designer: SIXR Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $69. Hurry, only 217/250 SIXR Hoodies left!

Consumers buy the clothes through the SIXR app, wear them for their estimated life, and when their life cycle reaches its end, they scan the QR code that helps them return the garment to SIXR. Once the garment is returned to one of SIXR’s recycling partners, consumers get actual monetary rewards in the form of discounts on their next purchase. Using financial incentives instead of the ‘feel good’ factor of buying sustainable clothing, SIXR hopes to create a fashion recycling movement and a circular economy that sticks. SIXR and their recycling partners will ensure that the garments are put through a rigorous paradigm of Reduce, Reuse, Recyle, Refuse, Rethink and Repair which are the 6R’s from where the company got their name SIXR.

“We’re stuck in a linear apparel economy. Take->Make->Waste,” says Gagan Singh, CEO and Co-founder of SIXR going into details on how SIXR will solve the Trillion-Dollar fashion crisis. The problem with the linear flow of garments is that there’s a defined entry and exit, causing new raw materials to end up in landfills instead of being recycled. SIXR proposes a circular economy where material keeps traveling within the same loop multiple times instead of becoming waste. This reduces the waste problem, but it also reduces the creation problem that requires fresh resources and materials every single time.

The problem has a simple solution according to SIXR. Luigi Ferrara, Chair, Brookfield Sustainability Institute, George Brown College says “There’s truly no incentive for recycling clothes, which is why most people don’t do it. Moreover, even for the people who want to, there’s no fixed system for doing so. There’s no ‘waste bin’ for recycling fashion, and sure, some of us could go to the Salvation Army, but then again, there’s a lack of a financial incentive to just give away your clothes. SIXR’s business model has an effective fix for all those issues.”

Receive up to 12% of the garment’s cost as incentives, because good choices should be rewarded.

“Financial incentives work,” Gagan says, pointing out how the alcohol and soft drinks bottle industry sees a whopping 96% return rate. Copper, tin, and cast iron all see returns too, because of the financial incentive attached to them. SIXR brings that same incentive to clothes too, by allowing people to scan QR codes on their clothes to help activate a return process. Once the clothes are returned, people are given a financial reward in the form of discounts on their next purchase. This incentive drives the spirit of returning clothes after years of wearing them instead of simply discarding them or turning them into washcloths and rags.

Secure Pocket

Vijay Thomas, early investor and Chair of the board of SIXR says” The ‘QR Code’ driven incentive model oversimplifies the genius of SIXR’s solution. SIXR will curate sustainable brands and sustainable product lines from mainstream brands and will work with them right from the design stage to help with making the garments as sustainable as possible with principles like multi use of garments, sustainable materials, ethical labor practices, transparent supply chain, reduce returns through digital try on and timeless fashion. This helps SIXR with not just getting the sustainable brands and products on their platform but since all the information will be encapsulated inside the QR code on each garment, it will help with sorting the apparel based on the fabric type, color and accessories, which is arguably the biggest problem with recycling garments. The QR codes help SIXR create a more organized inventory of returned clothes, which can then either be fixed and resold, or recycled much more efficiently into yarn for the next set of garments, helping plug both the creation and the waste segments of the linear economy, turning it into a circular one.”

The uniqueness of the SIXR solution lies in the fact that it’s managed to build out an entire fashion ecosystem around the problem. Thrifting is easy but it doesn’t take care of torn or old garments. Recycling is hard because consumers don’t know how to. Moreover, neither has the solid financial incentive that SIXR is promising. The company’s launching its app alongside its first garment, the SIXR ‘For Tomorrow’ hoodie. Buying the hoodie will set you on SIXR’s recycling journey as its platform expands to include other brands and garment styles in the future.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69. Hurry, only 217/250 SIXR Hoodies left!

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This Neck-worn Power Bank for the Vision Pro may be better than Apple’s own battery pack

Virtually everyone who’s tried the Vision Pro has mentioned one pain-point, its external battery pack. Designed to strap to your Vision Pro like an IV drip for your headset, this battery pack isn’t particularly elegantly designed. It’s a rather heavy metal cuboid that’s tethered to your headset, and the only way to elegantly store it while in use is to slide it into your pocket – leaving a sole wire that dangles from your head to your waist, coming in the way of your hand while you move around.

It’s almost like Apple WANTS you to know that they’re great at primary products but terrible at accessories, after various debacles surrounding the questionable designs of the Magic Mouse, the Air Power Mat, the Gen 1 Apple Pencil’s charging solution, and the carrying case for the AirPods Max. The Vision Pro’s battery pack is yet another example of Apple’s questionable approach to product functionality, but it seems like ZyberVR has a better fix. The Neck Power Bank, as its name suggests, straps two lithium-ion battery packs around your neck. Perfect for spatial computing, this power bank rests naturally along the curve of your neck, and connects to your AR/VR headset via a rather short cable. It’s an elegant solution to a rather simple problem, and even allows you to move around unencumbered.

Designer: Kylin Wu

Click Here to Buy Now

The Neck Power Bank assumes the familiar horseshoe shape of a neck pillow, a pair of sporty earphones, or one of those neck-worn air conditioners. The power bank boasts a fresh and ergonomic design that sets it apart from the rest. Featuring a flexible center frame, it simplifies the process of unfolding and wearing it comfortably around your neck. Prioritizing ergonomic principles, it skillfully redistributes weight onto your shoulders, effectively relieving neck strain. The product seamlessly conforms to your shoulder’s natural curve, ensuring a secure fit during physical activities and minimizing unwanted shaking. This cutting-edge design departs from convention, effectively eliminating the discomfort often associated with prolonged use and offering users a more convenient, stable, and enjoyable charging experience.

With a robust overall capacity of 10,000mAh, the neck-worn device ensures a seamless 2-3 hours of XR device use, freeing users from battery anxiety. Additionally, the Neck Power Bank packs a removable 5000mAh backup battery that can be hot-swapped during use. Thanks to the quick-release switch, users can effortlessly swap out a depleted battery in a matter of seconds. The removed battery can be charged independently, guaranteeing uninterrupted power and catering to the demands of power users.

A USB-C port allows you to connect the power bank to a host of AR/VR headsets like Meta’s Quest series, Sony’s PlayStation VR, or even other devices like headphones or even your smartphone. ZyberVR even boasts compatibility with Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset, although you’d need a proprietary connector cable that can attach to the Vision Pro (which launches February 2nd). That shouldn’t take time, as Apple would probably want third-party manufacturers to build out accessories to make the headset more lucrative. After all, if they want developers to start building a software ecosystem around the product… a hardware ecosystem would surely help contribute to the Vision Pro’s eventual success!

Click Here to Buy Now

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Early Pixel 9 Pro Leaks Stir Excitement: Could Google’s Latest Flagship Sport Bard AI and Shake Up Pricing Trends?

In a market where style and ergonomics are essential, the Google Pixel 9 Pro emerges as a notable contender. Its design, bearing a striking resemblance to the iPhone 15 Pro Max at first glance, makes a strong statement. Yet, a closer examination unveils Google’s distinct flair. The nuanced differences, such as the Pixel’s front-facing punch-hole camera, differentiate it from Apple’s Dynamic Island. Both models adopt the fashionable flat-edge design, marrying aesthetic allure with ergonomic ease.

@OnLeaks & MySmartPrice

Pixel 9 Pro leaks point to a new design language

This move towards flat edges, prevalent in both tablets and smartphones, might not just be about following trends. The renders from @OnLeaks and MySmartPrice point to the evolution of internal components, paving the way for slimmer devices. The ergonomic advantage of flat edges with a subtle taper is noteworthy, and credit goes to Apple for adopting this in the iPhone 15’s design. The Pixel series, though sleek, often felt a tad slippery, and this shift could enhance the user experience significantly. A potential reduction in bezel size, shrinking the display from 6.7 to 6.5 inches, would be a welcome change, emphasizing compactness without compromising on-screen space.

When it comes to the sides of the device, the Pixel 9 Pro retains the familiar placement of the power button and volume rocker on the right side, akin to the Pixel 8 Pro. If true, I applaud Google for retaining a physical SIM card, and simply relocating it is a practical touch, especially for those who frequently travel internationally.

@OnLeaks & MySmartPrice

Flipping to the back, the Pixel’s iconic design is unmistakable. The 12mm thick ‘visor,’ housing an additional camera, flash, and microphone cutout, is a signature Google feature. This design, closely resembling the new Pixel Fold, highlights Google’s consistent design language across its product range.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is stepping in the right direction with its design. It cleverly borrows elements from competitors and the visionary design of Andy Rubin’s Essential Phone. It seems Google acknowledges great design is about more than functionality; it’s about creating a connection with the user, a device that’s as pleasing to hold as it is to use.

When will the Pixel 9 Pro come out, and how much will it cost?

The anticipation around the Google Pixel 9 Pro’s release and pricing is palpable, especially given the early leaks compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s timeline. This early buzz could hint at Google possibly introducing some notable changes this year. One intriguing possibility, although highly speculative, is the integration of Bard AI into the core of the Pixel 9 Pro, which would be a significant development.

@OnLeaks & MySmartPrice

Pricing predictions for the Pixel 9 Pro are challenging, especially considering the recent price dynamics in Google’s lineup. After an initial price increase, Google unexpectedly slashed prices, adding to the unpredictability. This move could influence the pricing strategy for the Pixel 9 Pro, but only time will tell how Google positions this eagerly awaited device in the market.

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

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

Designer: Srta.JirafaEnfadada

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

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

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

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The Rabbit R2 Smartphone seems like the logical next step for the AI hardware company’s future

Smartphones aren’t dead, they’ve just stagnated. Over the years, companies have tried hard to develop ‘the next thing’, experimenting with folding phones, AI wearable pins, and even AR/VR headsets… but here’s what nobody’s realized yet. There’s nothing wrong with the smartphone’s format. It’s just lacking the next big technological leap. And that leap doesn’t mean redesigning the smartphone, it just means making it, well, smarter. After all, Spike Jonze’s film Her shows exactly this – a smartphone with a sentient AI that works flawlessly at interacting and executing tasks.

Rabbit’s first-gen R1 device was arguably the most discussed piece of tech at CES 2024. a surprising feat for a product from an absolutely brand-new company. Every blog, YouTuber, and tech writer seemed to be excited not just by the product’s pitch, but also its design and even its capabilities. Moreover, with its ultra-affordable price tag, the R1 felt like an absolute no-brainer… the only problem was the fact that it was yet another device you needed to carry with you.

Designer: Shreyansh Onial

Make no mistake, the R1 was still a brilliantly designed piece of gear. Crafted by the fine folks at Teenage Engineering, it was a work of art with how adorable, vibrant, tactile, and unmistakably iconic it looked and felt. However, its form factor brought about a few limitations that led a few tech experts to ask the question – why was the R1 an independent device? The answer was simple – making an R1 app wouldn’t be as impactful as designing a dedicated device to handle all your tasks. The trick worked, with the R1 selling out not once, but twice in just the week after CES. However, we aren’t here to talk about the R1… we’re here to ask another important question – what’s the logical next-step?

Young designer Shreyansh Onial seems to have just the right answer – a smartphone. Aptly named the Rabbit R2, this concept phone outlines the most sensible future for the Rabbit brand, and for smartphones themselves. Phones for too long have remained dumb devices that can only respond to limited queries like “What’s the temperature?” or “How old is Leonardo Di Caprio’s new girlfriend”, but with the R2 these limits simply get shattered. In 2007, Steve Jobs unveiled the app store, which brought about the biggest change phones had ever seen. With the R2, Rabbit brings that moment back to phones again, offering not apps, but a form of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).

The Rabbit R2 looks like a smartphone, but underneath the surface, it’s so much more. It’s your own virtual assistant that does everything you need it to… while still offering the benefits of a smartphone. It comes with a screen, a camera, a USB-C port, and basic hardware, but also runs the ultra-powerful AI that made the Rabbit R1 so compelling just a few weeks ago.

Now, instead of carrying the R1 along with your phone, the R2 BECOMES your phone. Sure, it outwardly seems like quite a herculean task… but from Shreyansh’s POV (and mine too), a smartphone seems like the next logical step for Rabbit. Not an app, not a headset, not a watch, but a smartphone that offers the best of existing phone tech, alongside the most advanced assistant you’ve ever seen; capable of handling complex tasks simply through verbal cues and intuition. Of course, we’d have to find a new term for the R2 because the term smartphone has already been used to describe existing tech for the past 15 years. I’ll leave that creative endeavor to you…

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Incredibly compact e-scooter folds into a laptop-sized suitcase for maximum mobility

Personal mobility devices such as e-scooters, hoverboards, and the like have risen in popularity in recent years. This new breed of transportation is empowering commuters, adventurers, and all sorts of travelers to go the distance with more flexibility, versatility, and style. Electric scooters, in particular, combine the best traits of personal mobility when it comes to freedom of movement and reliability, but it feels that they still fall short of that last leg of the journey that you need to take on foot and force you to leave your precious metal steed behind. Whether it’s for security or convenience, you no longer have to chain down your e-scooter in some exposed parking space, thanks to an ingenious design that lets you fold the vehicle into something you can actually store in your bag.

Designer: SMZ, inc.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,050 $1,500 ($450 off). Hurry, only 61/100 left! Raised over $111,000.

If you presumed this would be similar to the folding non-electric bikes already in the market, not only are you way off base, you aren’t giving enough room for your imagination to breathe either. After all, most e-scooters already fold their stems down to their decks to save space, but that doesn’t make them any less cumbersome to take with you anywhere. The Arma Scooter’s ground-breaking innovation is more like Transformers, turning a tall, two-wheeled vehicle into a compact box that you can carry like a suitcase or stow away in your bag.

This kind of shape-changing ability solves many of the remaining problems owners have with their regular e-scooters. You no longer have to worry about parking space or security because you can always bring your scooter with you. And those parts of a journey where you’re not allowed to ride on wheels? You can simply fold down the e-scooter and walk. Wherever you go, the Arma Scooter goes with you, whether you’re riding on it or carrying it, and letting you switch between the two in just 30 seconds.

Given its foldable design and lightweight body, weighing only around 10lbs (4.5kg) in its first prototype, you might be concerned that the Arma Scooter won’t take you that far on wheels. It couldn’t be farther from the truth, though, thanks to a range of around 7 miles (11 km) with its 36V battery and 250W motor. The batteries, which charge to full via USB-C in just 2 hours, can be swapped easily so you can keep on riding as long you have juice in those spare packs.

The Arma Scooter is more than just an engineering and design marvel, it’s also a testament to the qualities that made Japanese craftsmanship famed within the automotive industry. The meticulous attention to every detail and the dedication to quality and reliability come together to craft not just an innovative device but also a unique experience that aims to be the epitome of mobile excellence. Whether you’re riding for fun or trying to escape the stress of daily commutes, this mind-blowing foldable e-scooter gives you the freedom to go anywhere with the peace of mind that your traveling companion will always be with you wherever you go.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,050 $1,500 ($450 off). Hurry, only 61/100 left! Raised over $111,000.

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