Tag Archives: Technology

10 Best Audio Innovations That Make For Incredible Gifts For Music Lovers

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If you’re a true blue audiophile, or you have a few true blue audiophiles in your life, then you know that all they need are a couple of awesome audio devices to set their mood. All they require is an arsenal of excellent audio devices to blast out some groovy music at their parties or to sing along to their favorite tunes alone in the comfort of their room. Whatever your musical need may be, it is integral to own clear, distortion-free, nifty, and interactive audio devices. And, we’ve curated a collection of unique and innovative audio designs to cater to people’s diverse range of diverse audio requirements. From an invisible turntable to a Nothing-inspired resurrected iPod – there’s an ideal audio device in here for everyone!

1. Nothing x AIAIAI Headphones

The Nothing x AIAIAI’s headphones is a conceptual design that displays how two company’s visions can be merged to create one beautiful and functional product. The headphones feature individual details as seen in the AirPods Max, but they also have the transparent flair and beauty of Nothing.

Why is it noteworthy?

The headphone concept is made up of modular parts that can be easily replaced and swapped out on the fly. They feature stunning transparent housing on the cans, on the ear stem, and on the ear cushions as well. This transparent cushioning on the headrest truly makes the headphones stand out.

What we like

  • Equipped with slide-out cans, removable ear-cups, and detachable aux cable

What we dislike

  • There are only two color options – the usual black and white. Since it is a conceptual design, would have been fun if they’d experimented with different colors

2. Black Wheel

Called the Black Wheel, this unique innovation is the latest version of the Wheel design by Miniot. It smartly hides the electronic and mechanical components beneath the record, which seats all the different parts within a thin circular body, which disappears, the second you put a record on.

Why is it noteworthy?

When the Black Wheel is placed upright, the illusion created by it becomes quite obvious. It has a minimalist charm that pulls you in, even if it is placed horizontally. The Black Wheel also has a unique control system, that is felt but not really seen.

What we like

  • Features an incredibly thin and subtle body without compromising the audio quality
  • Space-saving design, that doesn’t occupy too much space

What we dislike

  • The Black Wheel has an old-fashioned charm which may not be preferred by those who like modern aesthetics and contemporary style

3. Wall Hanging CD Cover Player

Meet the Wall Hanging CD Cover Player – a minimalist CD player with an innovative retro design that offers you a distinguished listening experience combined with the beauty of visual art. You don’t need to hide away the CD jacket, you just need to slip it inside the specially-designed pocket, and put it on display!

Click Here to Buy Now: $199

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes the Wall Hanging CD Cover Player so unique, is that showcasing this CD player equates to physically displaying digital album art. It also lets you show off the fact that you have your own physical original CD!

What we like

  • Portable design that you can carry around with you, which also boasts a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit
  • Has a 1800mAh battery that provides 7-8 hours of excellent audio experience

What we dislike

  • Only offers an analog style of listening to music, it does not facilitate syncing music or playlists with any digital medium

4. Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeaker

Meet the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers – this portable battery-free iPhone speaker is an innovative and unique version of the typical no-power smartphone speaker. It is made using metal, and offers a product with enhanced functionality and value, unlike other typical speakers on the market.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179

Why is it noteworthy?

The Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers are made using Duralumin – a type of aluminum alloy that is used in aviation and aerospace industries, as it has vibration-resistant properties. All you need to do is insert the smartphone into the speaker and let the sound completely envelop you.

What we like

  • The speaker is electricity-free and doesn’t need any power
  • Features a minimalist and unique aesthetic that is quite captivating to look at

What we dislike

  • Will not fit with bulky smartphone cases

5. ERA

This retro-modern portable cassette tape player features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 3.5mm jack that can you plug into your headphones of choice. Called ERA, this unique device features a retro aesthetic with modern functionality, and it truly merges the best of both worlds.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ERA is equipped with a small display beside the physical play/pause and track change buttons. This display adds modern functionality to the device. But, on the other hand, the volume knob looks like the knobs from radio sets of the past.

What we like

  • ERA can by synced to your smartphone via Bluetooth
  • Merges modern functionality with old-school aesthetics

What we dislike

  • It isn’t designed for users who have a bias towards the medium they’re currently consuming music on

6. Ultra Open Earbuds

Bose teamed up with Kith – a fashion and lifestyle brand to create the Ultra Open earbuds. The earbuds were launched at CES 2024, and they mark the integration of Ronnie Fieg, the founder of Kith with Bose – where he will be responsible for merging fashion, culture, and sound to create interesting products.

Why is it noteworthy?

The earbuds are open-style, and they feature a distinctive design amped by a clip-on configuration which is not at all intrusive if you put on glasses or sport sunglasses on a hot day. The buds are cuff-shaped and can be easily hooked onto the outer ear for all-day-long comfort wear.

What we like

  • Has an easy on-and-off fit for active individuals
  • Designed to be a “breakthrough audio wearable” for enjoying music while “still hearing the world around you.”

What we dislike

  • Technical specifications are limited at the moment

7. Urbanista Second Gen Headphones & Earbuds

Urbanista has launched the second edition of their Los Angeles headphones, and Phoenix TWS earbuds. Both the audio designs are currently in production and are expected to be launched in mid-2024. And what’s even better is that they are going to cost slightly less than their first-generation variants.

Why is it noteworthy?

The devices absorb natural sunlight, as well as light from artificial sources to charge the battery. The amount they are charged depends on the intensity and duration of exposure to light. But if exposed to a good share of sunlight, they can offer a week of non-stop listening.

What we like

  • Feature better-designed components for improved efficiency so they can stay charged for longer

What we dislike

  • They are still in production, so we are unsure how the actual products will turn out to be

8. Nothing Npod (1)

Named the Nothing Npod (1), this resurrected iPod by Shreyansh Onial and Aditya Pandharpure is designed as a tribute to Apple’s iconic iPod Shuffle and Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic and glyph interaction. The design signifies how Nothing could transform the music industry by employing tech and nostalgia.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features a signature control panel on the front, as well as a matching circular glyph interface on the back, truly functioning as a fan-made reinterpretation of the iPod Shuffle. It also has a wireless charging coil on the back, as well as a USB-C charger on the bottom.

What we like

  • The concept perfectly merges the design language of Apple and Nothing, to build an innovative audio device

What we dislike

  • Lacks a pocket clip that you could attach to your clothes for easy use and control

9. CD Jacket Player

Meet the CD Jacket Player – a new minimalist CD player that merges functionality with visual appeal, creating an innovative product that provides users the freedom to listen to and enjoy their CDs anytime anywhere. It is a true blue portable design, that gives you access to your favorite tunes wherever you are.

Click Here to Buy Now: $159

Why is it noteworthy?

The CD Jacket Player serves as a minimalist piece of art, which looks like a picture frame or an oversized Polaroid photo owing to its boxy shape. It also features a transparent middle section. The transparent component unveils the CD’s spinning body, which is an excellent spot to place the CD’s cover jacket.

What we like

  • Besides being a CD player, it also functions as a decorative element
  • Portable and easy-to-carry design

What we dislike

10. The Earbugs

Called the Earbugs, this innovative audio accessory offers a unique audio experience, where the goodness of in-ear sound isolation of wireless earbuds is combined with the abilities of bone conduction technology to create a comfy and excellent listening experience for users.

Why is it noteworthy?

Bone conduction teams up with the earbuds’ dynamic drivers to form a 3D soundscape that offers a never-before audio delivery. The earbuds are ergonomically shaped are excellent for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts, and have a decent water-resistant rating.

What we like

  • Equipped with bone conducting technology, offering superior transparency mode

What we dislike

  • The Earbugs aren’t great for bedtime listening, as they don’t seem comfortable to use while lying on your side or sleeping

The post 10 Best Audio Innovations That Make For Incredible Gifts For Music Lovers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Phrozen announces its first large-volume FDM 3D printer with a whopping 600mm/s max speed

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Set to go head to head with other leading FDM 3D-printing brands, the Phrozen Arco boasts a max print volume of 300x300x300 mm³, an acceleration of 30,000 mm/s², and a top speed of 600mm/s. Sure, that sounds like a whole bunch of numbers… but it translates to three simple words – Bigger prints, faster. Unlike its other competitors, it also comes with a Chroma Kit, empowering users with multi-filament printing capabilities that let you print in vivid color.

Designer: Phrozen Arco Team

Click Here to Sign-up Now: Early Access Ends Soon

Phrozen recently announced its first-ever FDM printer, the Arco, which will head to Kickstarter at the end of this month. Having built a solid reputation selling some of the finest resin printers, Phrozen hopes the Arco will set the gold standard for extrusion-based printing, which seems to be picking up as more and more users/creatives/businesses begin integrating 3D printing into their workflow.

Phrozen Arco driven by its Chroma Kit (multi-color AMS), introduces up to 16 colors for your creations. No coating required—now, print vivid, colorful models effortlessly.

On paper, the Arco’s specs put it in the upper echelon of consumer-grade 3D printers. The massive 300x300x300 mm³ build volume lets you print large-scale models without necessarily needing to slice them into smaller, more manageable bits. Larger models, however, are notorious for taking more time to print, but the Arco’s 30,000mm/s² acceleration and top printing speed of 600mm/s make it a worthy contender for being one of the fastest consumer-level 3D printers out there. The Arco is based on Klipper’s 3D printing firmware too (with more third-party collaborations in the pipeline), allowing it to benefit from its open-source nature and improve over time through OTA updates.

Simultaneously print multiple sets or larger models-unleash your imagination with the largest volume color 3D printer.

The speed factor isn’t just a question of cranking up the motors on the X and Y axes, it also requires precise engineering to ensure the filament flows at exactly the right speed (otherwise you get warped, bad-quality prints). To achieve this, the Arco boasts dual 18 mm extruder gears and a 9.5:1 reduction ratio HGX extruder, along with a patented direct extrusion path that cuts the distance between the extrusion gears and the heat source that melts the filaments. Paired with Arco’s patented cooling systems, this allows you to print perfectly with tricky materials like TPU, or achieve ultra-fast prints with traditional filaments like PLA. The external part of the printer is reinforced too, with a stationary bed supported by 4 thickened stands that reduce vibrations that cause those notorious ‘layer lines’ during high-speed printing.

Phrozen is also allowing users to add a Chroma Kit to their Arco. While traditional printers only have a single-spool setup, the Chroma Kit (Phrozen’s self-developed automatic material system) lets you mount multiple spools of filament, supporting 4-color 3D printing at present, upgradable to 16-color prints in the future by connecting more Chroma Kits following upcoming OTA updates. The Chroma Kit works as a dry storage unit for your extra filaments and relies on a series of motors and sensors to automatically swap out old filaments and feed in new ones during prints.

All this is encased in what Phrozen describes as a robust, reinforced outer structure that ensures minimal tolerances for better quality results. Each Arco is also accompanied by a Pentashield – made of acrylic and metal panels – that helps encase your printer in a protective enclosure, reducing noise as well as maintaining optimal print temperatures. PIXUP, Phrozen’s own slicing software, helps load and prepare models for printing too, and their dedicated model library lets you easily choose (or even sell) print-ready models, creating a community that truly helps set 3D printing apart from any other manufacturing industry!

Click Here to Sign-up Now: Early Access Ends Soon

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Ten of the Best IoT Devices To Create A Smart & Cohesive Home Environment

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If you dream of having a smart home, then filling it up with excellent IoT gadgets is key. People prefer IoT devices today as they help them create an automated home that requires minimum interference and actions on their part. The range of IoT devices is truly quite remarkable today from smart shades that lift themselves to exceptional security cameras that ensure complete safety in your home. We’ve curated a collection of smart, well-designed, and easy-to-use IoT devices that will make your home a smooth automated haven. From IoT devices that help you stay connected with your pets while you’re away from home to the Frame Wall Pad, a full-screen touch system with Korean elegance – we have a whole range of exciting gadgets for you.

1. The Frame

Called the Frame, this impressive full-screen touch system is designed for Kocom, a renowned Korean smart home appliance company. The unique wall pad is designed to redefine and elevate the smart home experience with complete comfort and convenience.

Why is it noteworthy?

Frame’s impressive full-screen touch system differentiates it as a sophisticated and user-friendly centerpiece on the wall of any home. Its functionality and impeccable design set it apart from other systems on the market.

What we like

  • Serves as an embodiment of elegance, and technological advancement

What we dislike

2. SwitchBot Curtain 3

Called the SwitchBot Curtain 3, this simple robot can be attached to any curtain rod within 30 seconds, transforming your regular curtains into smart ones that can control your phone. You can smoothly operate the robot with shortcuts or voice commands.

Why is it noteworthy?

The SwitchBot Curtain 3 is currently in its third edition and features a new DynamiClamp design that lets it work on a large range of curtain rods and tracks, moving curtains the way you’d see them in five-star hotels.

What we like

  • Super easy to install, and can be configured in multiple ways
  • The DynamiClamp design lets the Curtain 3 be navigated in different kinds of rod designs

What we dislike

  • You need SwitchBot Hub for Voice Control feature

3. Mui Board Gen 2

Called the Mui Board Gen 2, this gadget looks like a simple piece of timber at first glance, but it converts into a touch-sensitive interface for controlling various aspects of a smart home. You can adjust your lighting, curtains, thermostat, and speakers with a simple tap on the wooden surface.

Why is it noteworthy?

This second-gen Mui Board features a new Matter networking protocol, allowing compatibility with smart devices from Apple, Google, and Amazon. This integration offers easy connectivity and elevates the board’s appeal.

What we like

  • Features ChatGPT integration via APIs

What we dislike

  • Looks could have been worked upon, to make it more appealing

4. Arpobot Smart Shade

The Arpobot Smart Shade is a Matter-compliant IoT accessory that is designed to work with almost every chain-operate blind and shade. It can transform your analog blinds into voice-activated automatic ones.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can just snap the Arpobot Smart Shade in place, and it will start working without needing extra hubs or separate apps…just your Apple/Google/Amazon smart home platform.

What we like

  • Easy to install
  • Minimalist design that blends well into almost every interior space

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag

5. Migo

Migo is short ‘for amigo’, and it means friend in Spanish. The various components of Migo communicate and connect via Bluetooth, allowing owners and their dogs to interact remotely.

Why is it noteworthy?

The main appeal of Migo is the collar which has its own tracking system, temperature sensor, heart rate monitor, audio output, and an LED flashlight. It allows owners to have eyes on their dogs at home, through the camera unit that functions as a traditional surveillance camera.

What we like

  • The camera has a speaker, so owners can speak to their dogs

What we dislike

  • It’s currently a concept, so we don’t know how well it would translate into a tangible product

6. SwitchBot Bot

The SwitchBot Bot is designed to automate products that aren’t originally smart. Called the ‘Button Pusher’, this IoT gadget can stick to switchboards or appliances, pushing buttons and switches with a plastic flipper so you don’t need to.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bot is a simple and efficient approach to enhancing homes and lives. It can turn simple products into remote-controlled ones that can be operated via an app, voice commands, smart home setups, or IFTTT routines.

What we like

  • Automate switches that aren’t designed to be smart
  • Economical than upgrading to a smart appliance

What we dislike

  • Needs SwitchBot Hub for Voice Control and Smart Home configuration

7. ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera

The ecobee doorbell camera records in 1080p to offer “enhanced low light vision”, and utilizes a 175-degree vertical field of view, allowing you to see everything clearly from the floor to the sky.

Why is it noteworthy?

It allows the viewer on the opposite side of the doorbell camera to see any packages being dropped on the porch, or in more dangerous cases, identify any potential threats that they may present on the opposite side of the door.

What we like

  • Features a slick outward appearance featuring a machined glass front panel surrounded by aluminum alloy

What we dislike

  • You need a subscription to ecobee Smart Security, which connects all ecobee security devices

8. Bownce

Bownce calls itself “the first IoT ball of its kind”. It is a small ball designed to get you sweating, and training your muscle groups with the help of technology. It has a compact size, accentuated by integrated electric components.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is quite small, and easy to install, allowing you to bring it to your office, backyard, or whichever room in your home you feel most comfortable in. It’s also not intimidating for newbies who want to start punching stuff.

What we like

  • It has integrated electric components, allowing you to track your performance
  • The connecting app logs your punches and gives you real-time updates and statistics

What we dislike

  • Not sure how it can replicate an actual punching bag

9. SwitchBot Smart Lock

The SwitchBot Smart Lock is created to fit over standard single deadbolt locks, automating it, and allowing you to open it using an app, Bluetooth, proximity, or even voice commands. The device has a motor that can either lock or unlock it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The lock connects with the SwitchBot app via Bluetooth and can work with your Apple Watch as well. It also pairs with the Hub for WiFi-based connectivity, and you can control it using your voice.

What we like

  • It is protected by 128-bit AES encryption
  • Can be configured with your smart doorbell to open for approved people

What we dislike

  • The battery lasts for 6 months

10. Bird Buddy

Called the Bird Buddy, this AI-powered bird feeder captures videos of any birds that make it to your garden or porch, streaming their faces to your phone, alongside a notification when they show up. The feeder features a camera in the front, which captures the bird as closely as possible.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bird Buddy’s AI identifies the birds for you as well, maintaining a record of the birds that visit, along with their pictures, in case you don’t make it to your porch in time with the DSLR.

What we like

  • Weather-proof feeder
  • Features a modular design, allowing you to snap the camera attachment off and take it indoors for charging

What we dislike

  • Has a low battery life
  • The Bluetooth camera pairing process is a bit buggy

The post Ten of the Best IoT Devices To Create A Smart & Cohesive Home Environment first appeared on Yanko Design.

The most powerful MagSafe Battery Pack gives your iPhone an impressive 10,000mAh boost

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It’s a good thing Apple discontinued its MagSafe Battery Pack, because frankly, it sucked. With an abysmal 1,460mAh capacity, it’s really no match for the one from TORRAS. Armed with a whopping 10,000mAh internal battery that can wirelessly charge at speeds of 15W, the TORRAS MagSafe Battery Pack knocks pretty much any competition out of the park. It also packs a fold-out stand for good measure, allowing you to prop up your device while it’s charging.

Designer: TORRAS

Click Here to Buy Now: $47.99 $79.99 (40% off, use coupon code “TORRAS214” at checkout). Hurry, offer ends in 48 hours!

The TORRAS MagSafe Battery Pack is a relatively slick snap-on gadget that attaches onto your iPhone or any MagSafe-ready smartphone. With a sizeable 10,000mAh battery, it can juice your entire smartphone four full times before it needs to be recharged, making it quite the lifesaver (especially if you’re the kind of person to forget charging their power bank). With that kind of capacity, you can charge multiple devices together (thanks to the USB-C port on the base), allowing you to share power with a buddy, or even charge an extra gadget you have on hand. The MagSafe Battery Pack will output 20W of power through its USB-C, while supplying 15W through the wireless charging coil, giving you the ability to rather rapidly charge your devices regardless of how you connect them. For smaller devices like TWS earbuds, the MagSafe Battery Pack even has a ‘trickle charge’ mode that reduces the power output, which can be activated simply by holding the power button for 2 seconds.

Each MagSafe Power Bank comes with a distinct metallic outer shell that feels vastly more premium than Apple’s own plastic battery pack. The metallic exterior is also furnished with one of TORRAS’ O-ring pop-out stands, which can even rotate, letting you prop your phone vertically or horizontally during charging. The latter activates your iPhone’s ‘StandBy’ mode, which is quite useful to see the date/time or the Superbowl score in realtime as your smartphone charges!

Handling a whopping 10,000mAh battery (with simultaneous device charging) obviously is no joke, but that’s a domain where TORRAS was built to shine. Having developed some industry-leading neck-worn cooling wearables, the cooling technology developed for TORRAS’ Coolify product line ended up translating rather well to its MagSafe Battery Pack. Charging can sometimes cause components to heat up, reducing the charge-efficiency… but TORRAS’ patented heat dissipation tech helps retain that high-efficiency at all times. The sleek kickstand holds a patent too, for its ability to fold flat into the power bank when not in use, and open out into a 360° rotating stand when you need.

The TORRAS MagSafe Battery Pack is available in white and black variants, with a titanium version releasing in the near future. About the same width and length as a credit card, and weighing just 206 grams (7.2 ounces), the MagSafe Battery Pack is perfectly pocket-sized, allowing you to carry it along with your phone without really feeling too much bulk. The fact that it securely snaps onto the back of your phone definitely helps too. The TORRAS MagSafe Battery pack starts at $79.99, although it’s available for a 40% discounted price of $47.99 for a limited time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $47.99 $79.99 (40% off, use coupon code “TORRAS214” at checkout). Hurry, offer ends in 48 hours!

The post The most powerful MagSafe Battery Pack gives your iPhone an impressive 10,000mAh boost first appeared on Yanko Design.

Revopoint MINI 2 3D scanner brings precision and innovation to your projects

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Have you ever wished to put your knickknacks and small treasured mementos in your personal Metaverse room? Or maybe you need a replacement part for a toy or machine that has long gone out of production. You can try modeling these real-world objects using sophisticated 3D software, but not only is it a painstaking process, the end result might not be as accurate and precise as the real thing. What you need is a simple yet powerful tool to digitize physical objects, and that’s what Revopoint’s upgraded MINI 2 handheld 3D scanner offers, providing designers, makers, and all kinds of creatives the power they need to scan small objects not only with speed but, more importantly, with accuracy and precision as well.

Designer: Revopoint

Click Here to Buy Now: $821 $912 ($91 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

3D scanning was once confined to large machines inside professional studios, but thanks to advancements in technology, you can now hold such a scanner in your hand that offers a high level of accuracy and an accessible price tag. You might think that a handheld, portable device would have to sacrifice features just for the sake of size, but the Revopoint MINI 2 3D scanner breaks from the mold and surpasses expectations. With its blue light-powered single-frame precision of up to 0.02 mm and an accuracy reaching up to 0.05 mm, it makes short work of any small object you throw at it, quickly turning real-world three-dimensional objects into their virtual 3D counterparts.

Single Capture Range @ Nearest Distance 52 x 64 @ 120 mm

Single Capture Range @ Furthest Distance 168 x 132 @ 250 mm

An insect scanned by Revopoint MINI 2. Credit: PUTV

The Revopoint MINI 2 presents a significant upgrade from its predecessor across the board. Its single-frame scanning range now reaches 168 mm x 132 mm at a distance of 250 mm, and the scanning speed is now faster at 16 fps. The RGB camera doubles its pixel count and even comes with a larger aperture that lets more light in, allowing it to capture more intricate color details than before. And with a new flash LED system that removes shadows from the object, you can get more uniform colors as well.

Up to 16 fps Scanning Speeds – Create ready-to-use models in seconds.

A 50-cent coin scanned by Revopoint MINI 2. Credit: PUTV.

A ring scanned by Revopoint MINI 2. Credit: PUTV

The MINI 2 isn’t just a leap in power, it is also easier to use as well. A 9-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) makes sure you still get properly aligned frames, even with shaky hands or fast movement. Revopoint also added tactile buttons directly on the device to make it easier to start or pause the scan and adjust the depth camera’s exposure right then and there, saving you from having to fumble for the right buttons to tap on a phone or a computer. And to make sure the scanned data is also transmitted quickly, the new MINI 2 gets a new USB-C port and support for Wi-Fi 6 for wired and wireless connectivity options.

Up to 2 Megapixels Depth/RGB Cameras Resolution

With more powerful features in a compact and portable package, the Revopoint MINI 2 creates a world of possibilities when scanning small objects quickly and accurately. Scan a part of a toy or a machine to 3D print a replacement when parts are no longer available. Scan pieces of art or historical artifacts to preserve mankind’s legacy for future generations. Or scan designs, prototypes, and other physical items to integrate these objects into your creative workflow. Whether you’re 3D printing gears for replacements, scanning body parts for non-invasive medical analysis, or designing for realistic virtual worlds, the Revopoint MINI 2 3D scanner delivers the precision and power you need to get the job done right at a shockingly cost-effective price point.

Click Here to Buy Now: $821 $912 ($91 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post Revopoint MINI 2 3D scanner brings precision and innovation to your projects first appeared on Yanko Design.

GPT-powered ballpoint pen can digitize, summarize, translate, and compute your notes in real-time

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Imagine a pen that solves your mathematical equations as you note them down, or converts all your handwritten meeting notes into a comprehensive list of bullet points, or even enriches your essays with tags and other relevant information for easier searching and even for a better output. Sure, ChatGPT can do all of that, but it’s limited to the fact that it exists in your phone. The XNote puts the powers of AI inside your ballpoint pen, allowing you to instantly digitize drawings, doodles, and notes, and even have the AI interpret, expand, and solve them for you. Notes get synced in real-time, and through the power of GPT, can also be summarized, bulleted, or even translated instantly. Never did I think that AI would revolutionize the world of stationery, but here we are!

Designer: XNote

Click Here to Buy Now: $179 $249 ($70 off). Hurry, exclusive secret perk for YD readers only! Raised over $275,000.

The XNote looks like an ordinary classy notebook and pen combo – the kind you’d carry to work and into meeting rooms… but let not its deceptive exterior fool you, because within that pen lies some of the most impressive tech ever invented since the gel pen that could write in space. The XNote pen comes with a built-in computer that instantly digitizes your notes, sketches, doodles, and technical drawings… but it doesn’t stop just there. It leverages the power of ChatGPT to interpret what you write, allowing you to simply have GPT summarize meeting notes, turn a set of instructions into a task list, solve equations in real-time, translate notes into different languages, and even expand on paragraphs you may have written with even more information. Your notes then exist in two forms – the one written on paper, and the other, in the XNote app, where you can save notes, search through them, and use them digitally however you see fit.

The borderline wizardry lies in the XNote pen’s engineering, and the way it communicates with the app to tap into its AI powers. The pen boasts a 300mAh battery that grants it an impressive standby duration of 60 days, along with 7-8 hours of actual usage. Transmitting data to XNote’s app via BLE, the pen also offers a noteworthy 100MB of storage capacity. While these specs may initially seem modest, it’s equivalent to a thousand A4 pages teeming with text and illustrations. The notebook pairs with the pen wonderfully too, with its Moleskine-like exterior and its luxurious appeal that just makes the XNote feel incredibly premium.

All your written matter – be it notes, scribbles, drawings, or even complex graphs – get digitized and synced with the XNote app, which leverages the full spectrum of ChatGPT’s capabilities. Operating on OpenAI’s API, it intelligently interprets text and drawings, deducing insights from them, comprehending inherent instructions, and conveniently categorizing them for effortless future retrieval. Write a paragraph, and the app can summarize it, or translate it into 53 different languages (as of January 2024). It gives you the ability to ‘chat’ with your notes, unleashing the kind of power that seemed absolutely impossible just 2 years ago. During a meeting, it transforms your notes into task lists, action plans, or ready-to-send Minutes-of-Meeting emails within seconds. You can even pose questions to your notebook, convert quick scribbles into reminders, or tackle complex equations and graphs with ChatGPT’s assistance. A simple paragraph could become a dissertation, a note could become a well-executed email, a quick list of ingredients could convert into a perfect recipe, or even the opposite – your recipe could get converted into a shopping list that you could then use to pick up the right groceries. The possibilities are quite literally endless, and the XNote’s ability to create meaningful tags for all your written matter means you can effectively search through your notes too.

The beauty of the XNote lies in the fact that it takes cutting-edge advanced technology, but packages it in a way that pretty much anyone can use. You don’t need to ‘learn’ how to use the XNote pen, simply because there’s nothing really to learn. The entire experience is automatic and intuitive, and the app helps you work with your data in a myriad of ways, saving time and effort without having you ‘adjust’ to a new technology or method of working.

There is, however, the concern of privacy… which XNote takes incredibly seriously. XNote relies on ChatGPT’s secure API, which is end-to-end encrypted to protect user data. Moreover, your data doesn’t ever get used to train OpenAI’s GPT models, so you can rest assured knowing that your information only belongs to you and nobody else. Your handwritten notes obviously exist in the notebook, but the digitized version of your notes exist on the cloud, and can be stored offline on your device so you don’t need an internet connection to access them. The app even supports adding voice memos to your text, a pretty useful feature that lets you add context to all your notes. Most of the app’s essential OCR and transcription features are free, like unlimited cloud storage, seamless syncing, and offline accessibility. However, the ChatGPT-powered features require a subscription to the XNote AI+ Membership plan, priced at $59 for an annual subscription.

The notebook and pen combo, typically priced at $199, is available for a special Yanko Design exclusive price of $179. This offer includes an 18-month warranty for the pen’s hardware, a charging cord, 5 complimentary ink refills, a 1-month trial of the AI+ subscription, and worldwide shipping options.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179 $249 ($70 off). Hurry, exclusive secret perk for YD readers only! Raised over $275,000.

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The Future Is Here! Introducing Flying Umbrellas To Take Convenience To The Next Level

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In the fast-paced world of technological innovation, where convenience is key, I Build Stuff, a content creator, has taken the concept of hands-free technology to new heights—literally. In a recent creation that has captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts and casual observers alike, I Build Stuff has designed a flying umbrella drone that hovers above users, shielding them from the rain in a futuristic and whimsical fashion.

Designer: I Build Stuff

In an era dominated by smart devices and voice-controlled assistants, the integration of hands-free technology into everyday objects is a natural progression. The flying umbrella drone is a prime example of this trend, offering a unique solution to the age-old predicament of holding an umbrella while navigating through rain showers.

The concept behind the flying umbrella may seem straightforward—attach propellers, install a drone, and affix an umbrella. However, the designer encountered numerous technical challenges during the development process, leading to a journey of trial and error. The result is a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge technology and creativity.

The core structure of the flying umbrella is a cross-shaped frame made of 3D-printed parts, extending from the edges of a traditional umbrella. At each end of the frame, small propellers resembling a hurricane’s rotation lift the umbrella into the air. To ensure lightweight yet robust construction, carbon fiber tubes form the skeleton of this innovative device, enabling it to gracefully soar above its user.

Crucial to the functionality of the flying umbrella is the incorporation of a flight controller and an electric stability control circuit. The designer meticulously soldered wires to the circuit, regulating the motor’s speed to prevent the device from flying off uncontrollably. The flight controller, programmed to maintain stability, keeps the flying umbrella gracefully following its user.

Despite initial success during the pilot flight, the inventor faced challenges during subsequent tests. The flying umbrella exhibited erratic behavior, shaking violently during one instance. The inventor took a pause, addressing the issues and stabilizing the system, even going so far as to encase the electronics in plastic wrap to protect them from moisture.

While concerns about the device’s stability persist, the I Build Stuff creator has showcased its effectiveness in protecting against drizzles. Anticipating future improvements, the inventor envisions adding a camera and programming the flying umbrella to autonomously follow users, eliminating the need for manual control.

The current controller-operated system opens the door to exciting possibilities. However, the prospect of a fully autonomous flying umbrella holds promise, making this invention accessible to a broader audience. The potential for hands-free technology to benefit not only tech-savvy individuals but also the elderly or those less proficient with remote controllers is an exciting prospect on the horizon.

In a world where innovation knows no bounds, the flying umbrella drone stands out as a quirky yet functional creation, redefining the way we navigate rainy days. As technology continues to evolve, the prospect of a completely hands-free experience with a flying umbrella is both intriguing and eagerly awaited by enthusiasts around the globe.

The post The Future Is Here! Introducing Flying Umbrellas To Take Convenience To The Next Level first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Winter Essentials To Keep You Warm For The Remaining Chilly Days

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Winter is by far my favorite season of the year, as the temperature drops, my excitement rises! Chilly nights followed by frosty mornings, cozy naps in bed with blankets wrapped around me, and cups of hot cocoa – it all sounds like heaven to me. As blissful and beautiful as winter can be, it can also be harsh on our bodies and our lifestyles, if we don’t equip ourselves for it. So, we’ve curated a bunch of super interesting and functional tech designs to get you through this winter season…in style! These innovative designs are the ultimate winter essentials for you.

1. Tornado

NextNova has designed something pretty awesome – a terracotta heater with a unique airflow pattern that creates an impressive tower of fire that heats your home, while also having the option to distribute a fragrance of your choice.

Why is it noteworthy?

Dubbed the Tornado, this terracotta-based heater merges the charm of a fireplace with the safety of a scented candle. It works based on airflow and the thermal properties of baked clay to produce radiating heat for the outdoors and the indoors. It burns bioethanol utilizing ceramic wool as a substrate.

What we like

  • Outputs 7000 BTU (British Thermal Units) of heat
  • Mimics the effect of a fireplace without the danger and hazards of smoke or a disaster

What we dislike

  • There is open space on the top, and on one side, so it could be dangerous for kids and pets when placed indoors

2. Bio Heater

Called the Bio Heater, this innovative appliance provides an ingenious and novel way to make excellent and judicious use of cooking oil that would otherwise be wasted after use. Designed by Unichest for their client Flint Lab, the Bio Heater is a unique solution that employs cooking oil as fuel.

Why is it noteworthy?

It uses cooking oil to produce an eco-friendly fuel for the Bio Heater. It is equipped with a combustion technology under its belly which transfers heat energy, which is then further radiated in the room.

What we like

  • Features a minimal and clean design that perfectly merges with modern homes
  • The rounded top can be used to hold items when not in use

What we dislike

  • Bulky and space-consuming design, not intended for smaller homes

3. Hotdog Hand Warmer

The Hotdog Hand Warmer is designed to warm your hand with the appearance of a cute dog’s face. Although it’s not easy to catch the resemblance easily, once you do, you really can’t unsee it. It is the kind of design that will be appreciated by people of all ages, including kids who have no idea about different breeds.

Why is it noteworthy?

The hand warmer isn’t just a “hot dog”, it is an easy-to-use hand warmer, that can be charged via USB from a power bank or even a smartphone, making the device pretty portable and usable almost anywhere. It features a simple slider to switch between off and two heat settings to suit your needs and comfort levels.

What we like

  • Delivers warmth while also providing an emotional and adorable experience

What we dislike

  • The dog’s ear or nose doesn’t function as buttons
  • It isn’t exactly a revolutionary design

4. Thermaphones

The Thermaphones are an innovative pair of cans created to alter the temperature to nullify the effect of both a super hot day or a super chilly winter. They’re designed by Kevin Chiam.

Why is it noteworthy?

The headphones have a unique hybrid design, and the temperature-changing earbuds offer unique thermal comfort. The earcups on the headphones are super cozy and comfy.

What we like

  • Eradicates any chances of vertigo induced by the extreme variation in temperature
  • It provides you comfort during the winter and summer

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept, so we don’t know how the final tangible product will turn out to be, and how effective it will be

5. POCO

Called POCO: Portable Capsule Coffee Machine, this compact and lightweight device can be slid easily into your backpack or bag along with coffee pods, making it a great coffee maker on the go for the winter.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can recharge POCO via a USB-C, charging it on the go using your laptop or a portable charger, making it an excellent device for those who are always on the move.

What we like

  • Features a built-in thermal insulation function
  • Allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee anytime anywhere

What we dislike

  • Since it’s a concept we don’t know how functional and credible it will be as an actual product

6. Breeze Desktop Hand Warmer

Named the Breez desktop hand warmer, this little device makes texting in the cold super easy and efficient. The desktop hand warmer makes using your keyboard a breeze!

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed to keep your fingers warm and toasty, the Breez desktop hand warmer lets you clack away on your keyboard without feeling cold. It features a horizontal form that uniformly warms your hand as you type.

What we like

  • The hand warmer covers the entire keyboard making sure there are no cold zones or spots

What we dislike

  • There aren’t any color options, besides pastel blue, so not a lot of variety

7. Fire Safe

The Fire Safe is an envelope-sized, portable fire and cooking companion that lets you create a warm and comfy fire wherever and whenever you like. It creates communal campfires and cooking experiences with friends and family.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Fire Safe builds quaint campfire and cooking experiences while minimizing the environmental footprints left behind by typical campfires. It features a hinged collapsible design.

What we like

  • Lightweight and slim design
  • Portable and easy-to-carry design

What we dislike

  • It is built from stainless steel, which cause a unique patina to form over time, which may not be preferred by all users and their myriad tastes

8. Hearth

Dubbed Hearth, this stylish but normal table with a black tabletop is designed to be a stunning centerpiece in its dormant state, but also as an electric fireplace in its activated state. It has a tapered and shuttered base to evoke images of a burning fire.

Why is it noteworthy?

The glow that comes from within the heater provides a warm and soft light that feels like an alluring and open invitation for families and friends to huddle together and spend some quality time together, much like what people did in ancient times.

What we like

  • Multifunctional design that works as a fireplace and a coffee table

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept so we don’t know how well it’ll translate into an actual product

9. UZE Heated Jacket

Called the UZE Heated Jacket, this unique and innovative jacket totally changes the jacket game, by letting you wear it in all four seasons, while also giving you the power to decide how warm you wanna get.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features four graphene heat zones and three heat settings of 120°F, 140°F, and 160°F, so you don’t have to search for the right jacket when it gets colder or warmer. By simply pressing a button, you can select the level of warmth that will make you feel comfy.

What we like

  • Can keep you warm for up to 10 hours and charges in 45 minutes

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are quite dull, they could be worked upon

10. BioLite Firepit

Called the BioLite Firepit, this smoke-less wood burner lets users have a little glance into whatever is going on inside the fire. The pit doesn’t need any chemical fuel or gas to build a great fire.

Why is it noteworthy?

The firepit utilizes standard wood mixed with some clever engineering, which basically involves air being injected through 51 air jets, which maintains a uniform temperature throughout the firepit, providing improved combustion.

What we like

  •  It is equipped with a fan that controls the fire’s intensity

What we dislike

  • You need to have access to chopped wood at all times to use it, otherwise it is useless

The post Top 10 Winter Essentials To Keep You Warm For The Remaining Chilly Days first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Dual Touchscreen Monitor is the biggest productivity upgrade your Laptop can get in 2024

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Everyone deserves the opportunity to multitask, but not everyone has $3500 for an Apple Vision Pro headset. The metaverse’s biggest feature-push has been its ability to let you host multiple screens in your virtual space, allowing you to work on simultaneous projects or even keep dedicated displays for work/entertainment/inspiration. However, an obvious alternative to strapping glasses to your face is to simply have multiple screens in the real world! You could opt for a bulky, non-portable monitor… or something as sleek as the FlipGo from JSAUX. Designed to look like a super-slim laptop, the FlipGo is, in fact, a dual-monitor setup that connects to your laptop or PC with a single cable. In mere seconds, it gives you three screens instead of one, with a variety of mounting/docking accessories like folio cases, stands, and VESA mounts, along with two screen sizes to choose from, depending on your needs and requirements. When you’re done, just shut the FlipGo like you would a laptop. It’s that simple… and frankly, it’s a lot better than having a massive VR block strapped to your head. And at $329, it’s a lot cheaper too.

Designer: The JSAUX Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $329 $559 (41% off). Hurry, only 50 left!

What stands out immediately with the FlipGo is its design, balancing the fine line between screen size, portability, and sheer sleekness. Available in two sizes (13.5 inches and 16 inches), it manages to provide ample screen space without feeling bulky. The 13.5-inch model weighs 1.1 kg, while the 16-inch variant is slightly heavier at 1.6 kg, underscoring its portability. But it’s not just about the size and weight; the display quality is a visual treat. With resolutions of 2256×1504 (2.2K) for the smaller model and 2560×1600 (2.5K) for the larger one, and a 100% sRGB color gamut, the FlipGo promises vibrant and crisp visuals. The 60Hz refresh rate, although standard, contributes to the smoothness of the display.

Magnetic Design

The FlipGo isn’t just versatile in its physical design; its functionality is equally adaptable. Switching between UltraView (dual-screen) and DuoViews (triple-screen) modes is effortless, which is a big plus for those who value productivity without technological complexity. The FlipGo is also accompanied by a variety of stands and mounting accessories, giving you everything from a portable folio case/stand to a much more comprehensive magnetic VESA Stand attachment that gives you full freedom to orient and use your dual-screen setup however you see fit… and even adapt between mounting styles depending on your needs. This allows the FlipGo to cater to a wide range of users – from professionals who need extra screen space for spreadsheets and presentations, to designers and coders who thrive with a broader canvas for their creative and technical work.

Connectivity is another area where the FlipGo shines. It’s equipped with an array of ports, including USB-C and Mini HDMI, catering to various devices and preferences. The inclusion of DisplayPort MST for Windows and DisplayLink for Macs, albeit requiring software installation for the latter, shows JSAUX’s commitment to versatility. The ergonomic design of the FlipGo also deserves mention, featuring multiple stand options like the Flex Folio, Snap Stand, Stand Holder, and Snap VESA Adapter, allowing users to easily magnetically snap on or off their dual-screen gadget onto a variety of stand options, allowing users to find their perfect viewing angle.

The two sizes are split across Pro and Standard tiers, offering a variety of features unique to each tier. The Pro variants offer the aforementioned UltraView mode (a single-cable dual-screen experience), along with DisplayLink support, whereas Standard tier users can skip on Pro features but even get an optional upgrade to include touchscreen input, turning your FlipGo into a portable tablet for your workstation! The visual clarity, resolution, and color reproduction remain standard across all tiers, regardless of whether you opt for Pro or Standard variants. The FlipGo starts at $329 for the 13.5-inch model, while the larger 16-inch model starts at $479. Both models come with a 12-month warranty, lifetime support, and international shipping beginning May 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $329 $559 (41% off). Hurry, only 50 left!

The post This Dual Touchscreen Monitor is the biggest productivity upgrade your Laptop can get in 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

World’s First Earphones with 5 Audio Drivers basically puts a 5-Speaker Home Theater in your ear

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Designed in tandem with Cowboy Bebop’s 25th anniversary, these Anime-themed earphones hold the distinction of packing the most number of audio drivers in a singular tiny wearable design. Dubbed the “Tribrid 5-Driver System”, the TE-ZX1 from AVIOT uses multiple drivers to cover a variety of frequencies, much like a home theater uses a series of speakers to create an immersive soundscape across low, mid, and high-range audio frequencies. The result, according to AVIOT, is staggeringly great sound that feels nothing like the cheap $99 TWS earbuds you find all over online retail platforms. For a price of $218, the TE-ZX1 offers the option of putting the world’s smallest home theater in your ear… along with hybrid noise canceling to sweeten the deal!

Designer: AVIOT

Click Here to Buy Now: $217 $334 (35% off). Hurry, offer ends soon!

An earphone’s biggest advantage and disadvantage is usually its size. Designed to be small enough to fit in your ear cavity, these audio devices are conveniently compact, but that also limits their capabilities because of how small the drivers inside them are. To account for this, earphones rely on digital signal processing or DSP to help improve sound quality, soundstage, stereo imaging, etc. The distinct advantage the TE-ZX1 has is the fact that it uses multiple drivers to make up for its small size. Equipped with a staggering 5 drivers per ear, the earphones cover a wider range of frequencies, and reproduce them much more accurately, relying less and less on DSP and more on accurately reflecting the audio signal exactly how it is.

Enjoy Wireless High-Resolution Audio with LDAC

The TE-ZX1’s Tribrid 5-Driver System features a combination of a planar magnetic driver and a dynamic driver, along with three balanced armature drivers to produce a wide spectrum of sounds with crystal clarity. “These three types of drivers, each with distinct characteristics, complement each other to perfection. We have uncompromisingly refined the characteristics of each driver, creating an overwhelming amount of information. The result is a dynamic and transient-rich sound across the entire frequency range,” mention the folks at AVIOT. The earphones also come with LDAC tech, supporting all relevant codecs to ensure that high-quality sound is transmitted perfectly over Bluetooth, and hybrid noise canceling to ensure that external sounds don’t muddy the quality of what the TE-ZX1 has to offer. High-quality microphones also help ensure crystal-clear calling, allowing the earphones to serve as more than just audio-listening devices.

All this impressive tech sits encased within an incredibly edgy outer design, courtesy of the tag-team duo of mechanical designer Kimitoshi Yamane and graphic designer Toshiaki Uesugi. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the iconic anime TV series Cowboy Bebop, the earphones and their case draws inspiration from the high-speed combat ship ‘Swordfish II’ featured in the series. The eye-catching aesthetic balances ergonomics rather wonderfully too, with an outer shell that relies on additive manufacturing – the same cutting-edge manufacturing method used by premium in-ear monitors worn by professionals and experts. Additive manufacturing helps build out complex shapes that other molding/machining methods can’t achieve, resulting in a form that’s highly precise with an intricate acoustic design (that fits those 5 drivers on the inside). A metal nozzle helps effectively channel audio from the Tribrid driver system directly into your ear, and each TE-ZX1 comes with as many as 8 different silicone tips to choose from, for a snug fit regardless of ear type.

The earphones and their charging case come with a gorgeous metallic red colorway, complete with black accents that definitely should grab a few eyeballs. The earphones are rated IPx4 waterproof, making them suited for wearing while exercising or even in mild rain, and come with a battery backup of 8 hours, extendable by an additional 20 hours when used alongside the charging case. Approximately 10 minutes of charging gives you a full hour’s worth of listening, so you’re never left hanging for too long while your fancy 5-driver earphones are charging! The TE-ZX1 starts at a rather affordable $218, putting them square in the mid-range for the TWS category… even though the sound they promise rivals gear that’s 3x the price!

Click Here to Buy Now: $217 $334 (35% off). Hurry, offer ends soon!

The post World’s First Earphones with 5 Audio Drivers basically puts a 5-Speaker Home Theater in your ear first appeared on Yanko Design.