Tag Archives: Gadgets

EDC flashlight and charging case makes sure you won’t be in the dark for long

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Small pocket-sized flashlights are a dime a dozen these days, especially in the era of EDCs or Everyday Carry bags. Many of these come in rugged designs with bright LED functionality, and most of them utilize rechargeable batteries for convenience. Of course, that implies having some sort of charger always at hand, which requires carrying yet another separate device in your kit.

This EDC tool, however, takes a cue from the now ubiquitous wireless earbuds design, providing a carrying case for the LED flashlight that also serves as its charger. Even better, you can actually use the flashlight while it’s still in its case, removing the need to fiddle with two separate devices when you’re in a hurry.

Designer: Olight

On its own, the Olight Baton 4 LED flashlight looks pretty ordinary. It has a small cylindrical body typical of tiny flashlights, though it boasts a brightness of 1,300 lumens and a throw distance of 170 meters. It has small LED indicators for its brightness level and remaining battery charge, but that’s pretty much it for the flashlight itself.

The real killer feature of the Baton 4 Premium Edition, however, is its 5,000 mAh charging case. It has a flip-top design that makes it easy to open and close with one hand. You can easily slip in any compatible Olight flashlight for charging, but there’s a special function when used with the Baton 4 or Baton 3 flashlights. You can simply flip open the cover and press the side button to turn on the flashlight while it’s still in the case, so you don’t have to lose time pulling it out and putting it back in again.

The case itself has dual charging functionality. It can charge the flashlight inside or charge a phone like a power bank. This means you don’t really need to carry a separate charger for the flashlight and your phone, as the case can do both. It might sound like a small convenience, but for people who always find themselves outdoors in the dark, intentionally or otherwise, it can be a critical space-saving feature that helps make room for more things inside their EDC bags.

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Old walkman becomes cassette player and storage unit

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“Everything old is new again” is an adage that we will probably never escape. How we listen to music continually evolves but it seems that we still have a certain fondness for the old way like vinyls, CDs, and yes, even cassette tapes. Streaming music on our mobile devices is the most convenient but there’s a certain nostalgia attached to “vintage” that we enjoy. And of course, the music quality is way different to the compressed ones we have now.

Designer Name: Love Hulten

This designer is obviously of the generation that still enjoyed listening to music on cassette tapes since the main component of this device is his old Sony Walkman WM-EX655. And he still has a collection of cassette tapes so we know he’s a serious collector. What he developed is something straight out of a 60s science fiction movie. But instead of using it to conduct experiments, you use it as it was originally intended: to play sweet, sweet music.

What he came up with is a cassette player and storage unit for the colorful cassette tape cases. There’s also built-in dual circular speakers, keyboard switches and buttons with various functions like play, stop, forward, rewind, etc. There’s also an audio waveform meter to go along with the beat of the music and even a tape slot to put in the case of the album you’re currently playing. The cabinet looking device blends design and technology to give you a truly retro piece of equipment that still performs its original function.

It’s of course a device that he made for himself since he has been collecting and keeping cassette tapes. But unlike vinyls and CDs that you can still buy from a lot of places, I don’t know that many stores that still sell cassettes. So the possibility of having a commercial version of this is very slim.

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SEGA Emojam emoji pager for kids is a quirky clash of past and present cultures

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You’ve probably heard about how some people bemoan the degradation of literacy thanks to “txtspeak” which abbreviated words to avoid hitting the SMS character count cap. Although that may be a thing of the past now that we have longer limits and more flexible messaging services, a newer trend is to completely replace words with their more expressive iconic equivalents: emojis.

In less formal settings, a string of emojis instead of a full paragraph could be more efficient and even fun, and SEGA thinks it could actually be a good thing for kids. Adults might roll their eyes at the thought, but these cute devices might remind them of their own past when text in a single scrolling line was the way to communicate. Of course, these kids have it easier with smileys and icons that can paint a dozen words.

Designer: SEGA

Given how many icons, objects, and faces are now included in the set of emojis almost universally understood by everyone, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that some people can carry out conversations without typing a single character. Of course, just like any iconography, some images or expressions can be open to interpretation, but that’s also precisely the point with this “Emojam” pager from SEGA. It’s like developing a secret coded language that only you and your close friends can understand.

With this emoji pager, kids can “type” 10 emojis from a selection of 1,100 emojis to send to their friends. That’s quite a lot, especially when you consider that the device only has three buttons. Interpreting the sequence of icons correctly is also part of the fun, making communication more active and less mechanical like the way adults communicate with each other today.

As a device designed for kids, SEGA Emojam has a few safety features to protect their emotional and mental states. It’s a Wi-Fi-only device that can only have 100 people on its friends list, and group chats are limited to five people only. More importantly, you can only add a friend after you physically tap two devices together, which means it will be someone you’ve at least met face-to-face once. The library of emojis, vast as it may be, doesn’t include harmful imagery either.

Admittedly, the idea of an emoji pager might sound cute but its commercial success might be a bit questionable. Still, SEGA definitely thinks it will be a hit among Japanese kids, especially with special emojis from popular franchises like Sanrio. The SEGA Emojam pager launches on December 10 for 7,150 JPY, around $47, though it isn’t clear if it will require a paid subscription to use.

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White noise speaker concept helps lull you to sleep

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Are you the kind of person who’s always sleepy when at the office but suddenly feels energized as soon as you leave? Then when it’s time to sleep, you have so much energy and you find it hard to fall asleep? It’s a vicious cycle that affects a lot of modern employees now. It may be that they just don’t like the work but it can also be because of things like insomnia and even Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). It can affect your work, social life, and overall quality of life.

Designer: Jinkyo Han

One thing that works for some people to help them fall asleep is having some kind of white noise playing in the background. You can use your phone or smart speaker to play white noise playlists but what if there’s a device that just does that? That’s the idea behind the concept for a white noise speaker. It doesn’t have any other purpose that may distract you from sleeping. All it’s supposed to do is play white noise and accompany you as you drift off to dreamland (hopefully).

The speaker looks like one of those digital photo frames that can display random photos from your collection. The rectangular device has a glass frame at the top and then the speaker grill at the bottom where the white noise comes out. The glass seems like a screen where white-noise related videos can play (like falling rain, leaves blowing in the wind) that can accompany the white noise as it lulls you to sleep.

There wasn’t much information about the other features or aspects of the concept design but the product renders seem to be self-explanatory. As someone who also has much trouble sleeping at night (and then consequentially has problems waking up in the morning), this can be a pretty useful device to have.

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Top 5 AI-Enabled Tools & Gadgets For Creative Professionals To Transform Their Workflow

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In the world of technology, AI has been consistently making innovative and significant strides. It has positively impacted multiple domains including the creative industry. AI tools aren’t just novelties for creative professionals, they serve as transformative instruments that elevate productivity, precision, and creativity. We have curated five innovative AI tools and gadgets that are handy for creative professionals.

These AI tools offer innovative solutions that enhance productivity, creativity, and precision. Whether you are a musician, designer, digital content creator, or global communicator, these tools provide invaluable support in your creative endeavors. As AI technology continues to advance, the possibilities for creative professionals are boundless, promising a future where creativity and technology go hand in hand.

1. ASUS ProArt PZ13

Say hello to the ASUS ProArt Pz13 – a 2-in-1 tablet designed to meet the demands and requirements of creative professionals. The PZ13 is tailored for designers, artists, streamers, and writers who need portability and performance. This sleek device is equipped with a detached keyboard cover and kickstand, ensuring you can use it in different environments.

The PZ13 is amped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus – an octa-core processor that balances performance and power efficiency, making it perfect for creative tasks. It is amped with a robust feature set including a 70Wh battery, IP52 dust and water resistance, and MIL-STD-810H certification.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ProArt PZ13 can seamlessly integrate AI features into the creative workflow, thereby improving productivity, and supporting new forms of artistic and creative expression. It also includes a Neural Processing Unit and integrated graphics processor which enables the tablet to deal with complex creative tasks with ease.

The PZ13 is a powerful sidekick for content creators, as it also features a lightweight design and long battery life, allowing creators to work virtually from anywhere. This makes it a flexible and valuable purchase for creatives who are always on the move, enabling them to capture and execute ideas wherever they may be.

What we like

  •  Lightweight and compact design for easy transport.
  • Enhances creative processes with integrated AI capabilities.

What we dislike

  • It may not be able to match the performance of more powerful devices.

2. AIMake

AIMake is a generative AI tool designed especially for industrial design applications. It provides a prompt-based interface that allows users to effortlessly and easily create graphical outputs. It is great for working on 2D printing, laser-etching, engraving, or embossing, as it offers a streamlined solution to bridge the gap between concept and execution. It provides a choice between 70 different styles.

The platform is designed to meet a whole bunch of design needs and requirements, ranging from ready-to-print logos to editable SVGs for screen-printing and low-relief 3D engravings. AIMake is a versatile and invaluable tool for professional creators and DIY lovers, as it helps them bring their creative visions to life.

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Why is it noteworthy?

AIMake’s ability to democratize and simplify the design process makes it invaluable. It leverages AI, to cut down the need for extensive technical expertise, helping you focus on the creative aspect of your project. It features an intuitive prompt-based design system that helps users generate complex designs with a simple text description.

AIMake is integrated with DesignFind, an asset marketplace, offering users access to a whole range of free and paid project files from creators around the world. This helps build a collaborative and interactive environment where designers can share ideas and inspire one another. This elevates the platform’s utility even more.

What we like

  • Features an intuitive prompt-based interface that simplifies the design process.
  •  Supports various output formats and styles.

What we dislike

  • It may not offer a lot of control over the finer and more intricate design details.

3. ROLI Airwave

Meet the ROLI Airwave – an impressive tool that harnesses the power of AI to completely rejuvenate music education and production. It isn’t an ordinary instrument, it is a comprehensive music-learning ecosystem powered by ROLI’s Music Intelligence (MI) platform. It merges AI with advanced vision and voice technology, providing an immersive learning experience that is interactive, intuitive, and fun.

It functions as an “intelligent piano” concept, that pushes the boundaries of traditional music learning, helping musicians interact with their instruments and instructors seamlessly and intuitively. It is equipped with 3D infrared cameras and Vision technology, which captures intricate finger movements and gestures, offering real-time feedback and guidance.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ROLI Airwave offers a novel and transformative approach to music learning and production. It provides dynamic, interesting, and real-time feedback to users, helping them improve their skills. The guidance is extremely personalized and tailored to each musician’s needs and requirements.

This level of guidance and help is provided on account of the sophisticated AI algorithms, which analyze and study the musician’s technique. Irrespective if you are a beginner having an issue with finger positioning or an advanced player fine-tuning your skills, the AirWave will be the coach you need.

What we like

  • Offers customized feedback, enhancing learning efficiency.
  • Captures intricate finger movements, improving technique accuracy.

What we dislike

  • Users may take some time to adjust to the new system.

4. AnkerMake M5

The AnkerMake M5 is a state-of-the-art 3D printer that provides an impression combination of high-speed printing and exceptional detail. It is created for professionals and DIY enthusiasts and is engineered to deliver flawless prints with efficiency. It features a PowerBoost technology, which optimizes energy through a Y-axis transmission system.

The system is equipped with a powerful stepper motor, double-belt driveshaft, and a stabilized motion algorithm, thereby generating extra power for high-speed printing without compromising on quality.

Why is it noteworthy?

The M5 is equipped with an advanced AI Camera Recognition System which ensures your prints are on track while making the entire printing process seamless and reliable. It can print at five times the usual speed while maintaining a 0.1mm precision. This enables users to produce high-quality prints in no time.

This is excellent for industries where rapid prototyping and production are essential, like product design and engineering. It features an ultra-direct extruder which always ensures precision, reducing the distance between the extruder and nozzle to enhance control and minimize errors.

What we like

  • Can print at 5X the normal speed significantly reduces production time.
  • Provides real-time monitoring and error detection.

What we dislike

  • The intricate components and systems, such as the ultra-direct extruder, may require maintenance.

5. VocaEase

For creators and creative professionals who often find themselves on the go, the VocaEase is a handy tool. It is an innovative AI-powered translation tool that supports seamless communication, bridging linguistic gaps in spoken and written formats. It provides a comprehensive suite of features to meet the needs of global communicators.

Whether you’re having voice or video calls with clients, or attending international conferences, VocaEase will provide real-time translations with a 0.5-second response time. It also features ChatGPT’s Whisper function, which improves its transcription abilities, and creates summaries of meetings, conferences, and conversations for users.

Why is it noteworthy?

If you’re someone who travels a lot, then the VocaEase will transform the way you communicate across languages. It delivers a whole new level of speed and accuracy. It can deal with multiple languages and formats easily, providing utility in a wide range of applications, from meetings to social media interactions.

It is quite handy for professionals who need to quickly collect information from multilingual sources, saving valuable time, and reducing the risk of miscommunication. It features a user-friendly design, which allows users to operate it easily, using varying levels of technical expertise.

What we like

  •  Provides fast translations, facilitating smooth conversations.
  • Handles multiple languages and formats effectively.

What we dislike

  • Requires reliable internet connectivity.
  • May sometimes struggle with complex or nuanced translations.

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Retro devices reimagined with fun 16-bit displays

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Retro designs in technology continue to be a strong trend, from retro consoles to instant cameras to record players. Most of these products try to update the classic aesthetics to modern standards, reinterpreting them without straying too far from the original. In other words, they’re mostly modern devices simply paying homage to the past.

There might be times, however, the original designs still have a lot of pull, especially for eyes that have never seen them before. This series of concepts tries to imagine some of those with completely classic designs, save for the addition of 16-bit displays and a splash of 80s colors that make them funky and hip in their own unique ways.

Desigers: Ahmed Esmael, Marwan Abbass

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Music streaming has pretty much replaced the radio for most people, but the medium hasn’t completely died out. Radios, however, have become rarer outside of vehicles, and most designs these days tend to make the device almost invisible. This concept, in contrast, is as loud as it can be, both in sound and in appearance with its pink body and clashing color combinations.

What sets it apart, however, is the square display beside the circular front speaker. It’s not a modern touch screen for controlling the radio, but more of a useless but fun embellishment to the experience. It displays a 16-bit video that looks at home in games of that era, rendering an accompanying visual to the audio, whether it makes sense or not.

Very few people these days listen to cassette tapes. Unlike vinyl records, there’s almost no special audio quality to these small rectangular containers for brown tape that all too often gets tangled up. That said, some people still have a collection of these tapes, and this cassette player concept adds a unique twist to the device without twisting those tapes.

The color scheme for the device this time is a faded yellow, complete with green streaks of corrosion. But just like the radio above, the flat tape player integrates a screen that can play 16-bit videos. Although it doesn’t serve any practical function, it adds a bit of fun flavor to the music being played, making you want to look at the device even when it’s lying on the table.

The record player in this Timeless Treasure collection steps farther back in time, adopting the form of a 40s gramophone. Its green, flower-shaped sound horn looks like copper that has aged over time, while the boxy platform has a mix of industrial and Art Deco details. Only the dominantly yellow color motif looks out of place and out of time, giving it an odd anachronistic flavor.

The large 16-bit display is again the center of attraction here, playing a pixelated video of an opera or orchestra performance. It could be related to the track being played, though it’s more likely a very generic clip for any and all kinds of records. It would probably be nice if each video was customized for different kinds of music, perhaps using some AI magic to make it happen.

Old-school audio devices aren’t the only ones getting this 80s retro facelift, though a watch is hardly that old to qualify. More like an old-fashioned kids’ digital watch, this particular concept adds a lo-fi feel to this somewhat modern wearable, particularly when an alarm plays. Like the rest of the collection, it’s a fun touch that doesn’t add any functional advantage but gives the designs a new flavor.

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Blocky Wi-Fi router concept is inspired by smokestacks factory

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Usually, we don’t really think of where to place WiFi routers since they just look like ordinary devices. It doesn’t matter where they are placed as long as it does what it’s supposed to do. They’re also not that well-designed anyway so it’s better to hide them away. But what if the router’s design is actually well thought out and can actually be part of your decoration?

Designer: In Je Lee

This is the idea for the Wi-Fi router concept called Complex ‘1’ which has found inspiration in the most unlikely places: a factory smokestack. The designer says that just like the chimney diffuses the smoke, the antenna of this router spreads the Wi-Fi signal throughout your space. There is really no direct correlation between the two of course except that he got the cylindrical shape inspiration from the smokestacks.

Instead of the usual slim antennas that you see on routers, this one actually looks like a lego piece, with the square body and the two cylindrical and asymmetrical antennas. It also comes in a bright, yellow color so if you display it on your desk or shelf, you can get a spot of color in your space. It also has a clock on it so you can use it for another purpose. There’s a small, orange button at the back for resetting or toggling the clock on and off.

This is an interesting take on the common router, which is usually hidden under or behind stuff because it’s not that aesthetic. This way, since you’ll display it in the open, there’s no interference with the signal reception. Well, hopefully there will also be other colors since not everyone is fond of this kind of yellow.

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In an Era of Touchscreens, Why Clicks’ iPhone Keyboard Case is a Touch of Genius

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I’m going to say what we’ve all thought at some point: typing on touchscreen keyboards is a pain. Sure, it’s the norm now, but after years of mashing glass, I still long for the satisfying click of real buttons. The typos, the autocorrect mishaps, the constant toggling between letters, numbers, and emojis—it’s enough to make even the most seasoned smartphone user want to throw their phone across the room. And I’m not alone. Despite the dominance of touchscreens, there’s a growing group of people who just miss the feel of tactile keys beneath their thumbs. Enter Clicks, a physical keyboard for iPhones, and perhaps the best attempt yet at bringing back the tactile typing experience many of us crave.

But make no mistake, Clicks isn’t some relic from the past—it’s a modern accessory that embraces the best of what physical keyboards have to offer while blending seamlessly with today’s tech. And that makes it a fascinating piece of tech in a world that’s overwhelmingly gone touch-only.

The Market Demand for Tactile Keyboards

If you’ve ever lamented the loss of physical keys on phones, you’re far from alone. Many users, from former BlackBerry enthusiasts to those who simply struggle with touchscreens, have voiced their frustrations for years. Kevin Michaluk, affectionately known as CrackBerry Kevin from his early days as a BlackBerry champion, shared how he frequently heard from people who missed the days when they could type without staring at their screens. “I knew the demand was there because I’m the guy who gets emailed and tweeted constantly about, ‘Kevin, when is there going to be a new phone with buttons?’” he said. It’s a request that never stopped, even as BlackBerry transitioned to focusing on software.

What’s surprising, though, is that Clicks’ appeal isn’t just about nostalgia. Sure, former BlackBerry fans are part of the mix, but there’s also a new audience—those who never experienced physical keyboards on phones before. For many, Clicks offers a different kind of productivity. “It’s not about trying to bring back the past, but rather finding a balance between modern tech and tactility,” Kevin noted. In other words, it’s not just about what we lost with the shift to touchscreens, but what we could gain by bringing physical keys back.

Designing for the Modern Smartphone User

The team behind Clicks understood that making a physical keyboard for the iPhone had to be about more than just hitting the nostalgia button. They needed to design a product that felt like a natural extension of today’s smartphones. That meant looking beyond just adding keys and instead focusing on how users actually interact with their devices.

 

Image Credits: Clicks

Image Credits: Clicks

For Clicks, this meant a painstaking design process that involved multiple iterations and constant refinements. From the start, the team knew they wanted to build something that was as much about form as it was about function. “We thought, what would Apple do if they built a keyboard for the iPhone?” Kevin recalled. That meant focusing on clean lines, premium materials, and a seamless integration with the iPhone’s software.

Image Credits: Clicks

The result is a device that attaches to the bottom of an iPhone, offering a full QWERTY layout while leaving most of the screen visible—a big plus for those of us tired of losing half the display to a virtual keyboard. But achieving this wasn’t easy. One of the biggest challenges, according to Jeff, was balancing the tactile feel of the buttons with the need for backlighting. “Backlighting makes a product like this much more complicated than if you didn’t have it. We had to redesign the pushers and domes several times to get the perfect click while also avoiding light bleed,” he explained. It’s the kind of obsessive attention to detail that sets Clicks apart from gimmicky keyboard cases.

Image Credits: Clicks

A New Generation of Button Enthusiasts

While Clicks may look like a throwback at first glance, its user base tells a different story. Nearly half of Clicks users have never used a phone with physical keys before, according to Kevin, and that’s a surprising twist. For many of these new users, the attraction isn’t just about typing—it’s also about the added functionality that physical keys can bring to their smartphone experience.

Sure, there’s a bit of a learning curve. Typing on physical keys isn’t exactly the same as tapping on glass. It takes a bit of practice to build up the muscle memory needed to reach those higher typing speeds. But the payoff? A typing experience that feels far more intuitive and natural. Jeff pointed out that, “If you put in the time to develop the skill of typing on buttons again, you get to that moment where you can type without looking, and it’s amazing—it’s like magic again.” It’s an experience that resonates with people who use their phones as serious productivity tools, whether they’re composing long emails or just firing off quick texts without constantly peering down at the screen.

And then there’s the added bonus of reclaiming screen real estate. For users who are tired of virtual keyboards consuming half of their display, Clicks offers a breath of fresh air. It’s a little like trading in a cramped studio apartment for a place with a view—you suddenly have room to stretch out and breathe.

Accessibility Benefits and Inclusivity

One of the most unexpected success stories for Clicks has been its popularity among visually impaired users. For people who can’t rely on visual feedback, the tactile feel of physical keys makes all the difference. Kevin mentioned that the team has received heartfelt feedback from users who found that Clicks transformed their experience with smartphones. “What’s been most emotional for us is hearing from the accessibility market. People are saying, ‘You’ve changed my life,’” he shared.

But what really stands out is that Clicks didn’t set out to be an accessibility device. Instead, it was designed as a premium, stylish product that anyone would want to use. This has resonated with users who don’t want their device to scream “medical aid.” As Kevin put it, “We wanted to make something that felt trendy, culturally relevant—something that anyone would be proud to use.”

It’s a reminder that good design isn’t just about how a product looks or feels, but also how it makes people feel. In this case, Clicks has managed to strike a balance, creating a device that offers practical benefits without sacrificing style.

Challenges of Designing for a Modern Smartphone Market

Creating a physical keyboard for today’s smartphones isn’t without its hurdles. The Clicks team faced challenges like achieving MFI compliance (Apple’s strict certification for accessories) and adapting to the iPhone’s transition from Lightning to USB-C. Kevin explained that this shift forced the team to make tough decisions about functionality. “With USB-C, we had to choose between charging and data transfer. We prioritized charging because that’s what most users needed day-to-day, but we’re always working on ways to improve,” he noted.

Another design dilemma was how to maintain a high-quality typing experience without making the device too bulky. Early prototypes experimented with different button layouts, from larger space bars to various key sizes. Jeff described how they refined the design through constant user feedback: “We tested several versions with different button materials and layouts, and made over 100 refinements before we got to the final version that shipped.”

The focus was always on making Clicks feel like a natural extension of the iPhone, rather than a clunky add-on. That’s why the final product opts for solid buttons with a satisfying tactile click, rather than cheaper, translucent keys that could have compromised the overall feel.

The Future of Physical Keyboards in a Touchscreen World

While Clicks is currently focused on iPhones, the team hasn’t ruled out expanding to other devices. “You can’t not think about it,” Kevin teased when asked about potential Android versions. The demand is there, and as long as there are users who prefer tactile input, there’s room for innovation. But for now, Clicks is focused on refining its product for iPhone users and building a community of dedicated users who love what the product offers.

What’s clear is that Clicks taps into a larger trend—a realization that perhaps the touchscreen revolution went too far in eliminating physical controls. We’re seeing it in other areas too, like the backlash against touch-only controls in cars. People want that tactile feedback, and Clicks is betting that the same is true for smartphone users.

What’s Next for Clicks?

So, where does Clicks go from here? The team is already working on future iterations, refining everything from button feel to software integration. Kevin emphasized that they’re committed to making each version better than the last: “We always aim to build the best product we can, and we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

But even as they look forward, Clicks has already made a mark. It’s proven that there’s a market for people who don’t want to compromise on their typing experience—those who believe that sometimes, the future needs a bit of the past. And as I type this out on my own touchscreen keyboard, struggling yet again with autocorrect, I can’t help but think they might just be on to something.

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Beam projector concept designed for daddy-kids bonding time

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When you look at products in the market that are meant for parent-child bonding, it can be a little skewed towards mothers. But of course most fathers also want to spend quality time with their kids, especially with activities like camping or being in the outdoors. This product concept comes out of that idea for some “emotional” bonding between dads and their kids, but can also be used by any parent, regardless of gender.

Designer: Kim Taeyeon

Key_Story (or Key-Story, which are both indicated in the concept page) is a concept for a beam projector that you can take along to your camping trip or to any outdoor activity. It is meant to foster an emotional, bonding moment between father and children by watching videos projected on a surface. We assume that you need a wall or a cloth to project of course.

The device is designed to look like a robot and has bright colors in order to attract the attention of the kids, especially the younger ones. The top part, which looks like the robot head, is the beam projector and the bottom part is the speaker for “vivid sound”. The package will supposedly come with three Keys that have different content available. You touch the key to the top of the projector to view the videos.

There’s also USB and Bluetooth connectivity in case you have your own video content and you can charge the projector on a C-type port. The two parts have “free movement” because of magnets which should make kids more interested to operate it, but hopefully not break it.

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Split-flap mechanical clock puts a dynamic piece of pixel art on your wall

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As if constantly checking the time wasn’t distracting enough, having a clock that encourages you to look at it all the time spells trouble for your productivity. Riding the retro wave, this clock brings the popular pixel graphics design of yesteryears to your living space. Waiting for the clock hands to “turn” almost becomes a tense waiting game, and you probably end up losing more time just by watching it.

Klapklok, however, is more than just a quirky-looking clock. It’s also a unique audiovisual experience that brings delight to the senses at the turning of the hour. It makes time feel more dynamic and palpable, perhaps creating a stronger relationship to the concept of time compared to just passively looking at a regular clock, no matter how beautiful that might be.

Designer: Miniot

The split-flap mechanism used by old clocks and scoreboards is itself a blast from the past, but this clock employs it in a way that combines it with another retro design convention. Using 69 elements, the Klapklok creates what is practically a giant pixelated rounded square, where each “pixel” flips from white to black and vice-versa. Of course, the movement is anything but random, and the hands of the clock “move” every 2.5 minutes to tell the time.

The movement of the flaps is subtle but not altogether silent. It’s more like a gentle whisper than a rigid clank. Every hour, all 69 flaps quickly change to display the time as a number, creating a peaceful rustle like the flapping of butterfly wings. Despite the mechanical visual of flipping surfaces, the overall effect is more calming, almost mesmerizing.

It might all look simple, but this wonder clock is carefully handcrafted using premium materials. The base is milled out of high-performance bio polyurethane, while flaps are made from a paper-like yet durable composite material. The hinges are completely transparent to disappear from view and a metal USB-C cable for power perfectly complements the design, even if it’s always visible.

While its primary purpose is to tell time, Klapklok can also be used as a pixel art display. A smartphone app lets owners draw on that rounded square canvas, utilizing those 69 elements to show an icon or letters. It’s a fun and engaging feature that makes the clock useful even after you’ve grown tired of being distracted by its tempting design.

The post Split-flap mechanical clock puts a dynamic piece of pixel art on your wall first appeared on Yanko Design.