The Live S arrives as Loupedeck’s first product since its acquisition by Logitech. Designed to be the smallest of the company’s streaming consoles, the Loupedeck Live S is an affordable gadget for the on-the-go livestreamer or someone looking to dip their toe into streaming, content creation, or design. With 15 haptic display buttons, 4 RGB buttons, 2 rotary knobs, and a rather affordable $149 price tag, the customizable control center is perfect for multitaskers looking to boost their productivity, or streamers/podcasters who want everything right at their fingertips.
At its core, the Loupedeck Live S is a streamlined version of its predecessors, featuring two tactile analog knobs, four physical buttons, and 15 touch-sensitive LCD squares. These elements provide a tactile and responsive experience, allowing users to adjust settings like volume, switch scenes, and toggle functions with ease and precision. The touch-sensitive buttons, although lacking physical feedback, confirm every touch with haptic feedback, enhancing the user experience.
The device, slightly larger than a typical cellphone, is compact enough to fit comfortably on any desk. Its stand, snapping securely onto the back, props it up at a convenient angle for easy access. Buttons with individual displays dynamically light up to let you know which shortcut or application they’re assigned to. The display built into each button means easily being able to switch between applications, shortcuts, and environments and having the Loupedeck adapt to the moment.
Setting up the Live S is straightforward: plug in, install the software, and you’re ready to dive into its functionalities. The graphical user interface is simple yet powerful, allowing easy drag-and-drop customization. Users can set multiple profiles and workspaces, and the device seamlessly transitions between these based on the selected application. The Loupedeck Live S supports a plethora of native plugins for popular software like OBS, Twitch, Spotify, and a range of Adobe products. Beyond these, users can also create or import custom profiles and icons for virtually any application or game, making it a highly adaptable tool for a variety of tasks.
While its primary market is streamers and content creators, the Loupedeck Live S has proven its worth in other domains. It’s been lauded for its usefulness in enhancing productivity, especially in work-from-home setups, offering quick access to frequently used functions and applications. This versatility extends to gaming and other entertainment applications, with users able to tailor the device to their specific needs.
I spend a substantial amount of my day on my desk, typing away to glory. Most of the time I also end up eating my meals on it! And binge-watching on Netflix as well. And I’m sure that’s the case with most of us, since working from home became the new norm, and our home offices became our new hang-out spots. But having a great desk is important! Simply a ‘good’ desk won’t do either. A great desk helps us work comfortably and effectively. It puts us in the right mindset, helping us achieve our daily productivity goals and checkmark all the tasks on our to-do list! Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design! And good looks are a bonus. And finding a desk that does all of the above can be a Herculean task. But worry not! We’ve curated a collection of innovative, highly functional, and aesthetically pleasing desk designs, that will end your hunt for a great desk once and for all! From a desk chair that swivels around to a modular table that pivots from a work desk to a dining table – there’s a perfect desk in here for everyone.
1. The Time Table
This unique desk makes the passing of time pretty visible and tangible, as it allows people to have and maintain a personal relationship with the time they invest in projects, activities, and other work.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features a sub-table, and this sub-table moves up and down, changing its elevation as time passes before returning to its base state at the lowest point. Think of it as a time, like a reverse hourglass, that slowly demonstrates the movement of time in a very visual manner.
What we like
Allows users to measure, log, and be aware of how much time they’re spending there
What we dislike
The desk could also become a bit distracting
2. Float Mini Desk
Office furniture brand Humanscale unveiled the Float Mini desk, which as its name implies is a compact sit-stand desk that can effortlessly fit into any room in your home!
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to be a miniature version of HumanScale’s Float desk, it is equipped with a small cantilevered work surface, and a single-leg frame that doesn’t occupy much space at all.
What we like
Equipped with optional casters and easy-to-move
Doesn’t require to be plugged into a power source, hence it can be taken outdoors
What we dislike
The desk surface could be small for those who need more space to work
3. The Den Desk
The Den Desk provides you with the building blocks to build your desk just the way you like it! It feels like you’re playing with LEGO.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can start with the most basic setup and then grow your desk by adding other parts or accessories, from monitor mounts to even a cabinet on the side. You can slot in a desktop at an angle, and build a corner desk if you like!
What we like
You can assemble and disassemble the various pieces with relative ease
What we dislike
4. The Hit Desk
Designed by Nahtrang, the Hit desk is a functional and flexible furniture piece that will add an elegant and contemporary touch to your living space. The desk can be used as a workspace, vanity table, or however else its horizontal surface can assist.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Hit desk is inspired by Mediterranean architecture, and its wavy front creates an intriguing play of light and shadow, making it a beautifully designed contemporary desk that would make an excellent addition to your work-from-home office.
What we like
Can be customized according to your personal needs
What we dislike
Could have been equipped with more storage space
5. The Pallas-Executive Work Station
The Pallas-Executive Work Station is designed to be a replacement for executive workspaces with a utilitarian setup and is designed to be a masterpiece that perfectly merges personal expression and shared values.
Why is it noteworthy?
The exterior of the desk is much like any other ordinary desk, however, the interactive exhibition hall within is the main star attraction. It is a canvas that boasts the essence of the occupant’s personality, aspirations, and interests while maintaining a sense of privacy and exclusivity on the other side.
What we like
Features a unique dual-layered design
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we don’t know how well it would translate into an actual product
The desk is quite massive and suited for larger offices
6. Sui Desk Chair
Dubbed the Sui Desk Chair, this intriguing chair can transform from a working desk into a casual chair where you can enjoy your favorite book, or sip on a cup of coffee with a little swivel.
Why is it noteworthy?
It’s built to be a hybrid and multi-purpose structure. Even when it’s a desk, you still get some freedom of movement (at least in the physical sense) as the design brings you wide and generous angles, letting you have both private and semi-public spaces, depending on which way you want to swivel.
What we like
Made using wood that is “grown with respect for the land” and the metal parts that are built from 99% recylable steel
What we dislike
Could make your sedentary lifestyle more sedentary if you already have one
7. FTP Desk
This unique table design concept functions as a multi-purpose setup that can transform into something like a puzzle game, wherein different pieces can be fit into different places, depending on what is the needed functionality for the furniture design.
Why is it noteworthy?
Features an orange circle that can be moved around and away from the rest of the table. Moving this shape around and changing its position becomes both a symbol and a ritual that can help your mind shift to a different kind of activity, whichever one you decide to associate with its position.
What we like
Modular and shape-changing design that can be used for multiple functionalities
What we dislike
Shifting the various modules can be annoying for those who prefer one steady furniture piece
8. Eto Desk
Designed by Australian designer Tom Fereday for the furniture brand King, the Eto desk features minimal angles and integrated smart accessories.
Why is it noteworthy?
The desk is quite sleek and minimal and includes an aluminum frame and a timber veneer top that is available in three finishes – Smoked Oak, American Walnut, and Congo.
What we like
Equipped with a slim desk built into the design that provides discreet and easily accessible storage for stationery
What we dislike
Aesthetics are a bit simple and unassuming
9. Refold
Refold is a foldable desk built using cardboard. Using a few pieces that can fold down into a relatively thin rectangle, you can have a standing or sitting desk to use.
Why is it noteworthy?
Serves as a more sustainable option for those who do find themselves trying to set up a desk outdoors. That said, it can also be used indoors as well, either to provide a unique aesthetic or to have a space-saving desk that you can assemble and disassemble in just minutes.
What we like
Sustainable and flexible design
What we dislike
Will be difficult to carry a large canvas with you everywhere, and you may get funny looks from people
10. Buddyhub Desk
Designed by Busetti Garuti Redaelli for Pedrali, the Buddyhub Desk is a cozy-looking round-edged desk equipped with a sound-absorbing fabric panel that is wrapped around the outer edge of the desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
It functions as a private cocoon for employees to work in without being disturbed by other employees. The sound-absorbing fabric panel is available in a range of soft and pastel colors which team up with the rounded and cushy form of the desk to create a furniture design that is soothing, fun, and playful.
What we like
Can be customized with a wide range of optional accessories
Sitting atop your book sort of like a halo, the Bowio 2.0 is a genius reading light that illuminates your pages and not your entire room. The light, styled like a leather fashion accessory, clips onto the left and right sides of your book cover, while LEDs built into its strap cast a soft glow that’s powerful enough to let you read in the pitch dark.
In an era dominated by OLED displays, it’s refreshing to see a book-light like the Bowio make the kind of impact it’s making. Now in its second edition, the Bowio 2.0 builds upon the success of its predecessor which raised over half a million dollars from 7000 backers back in 2021. The world’s most funded book light is back for round two, with a few improvements to its design, craftsmanship, and functionality.
The format of the Bowio 2.0 remains unchanged for the sole reason that it works so brilliantly. Sitting on your book like a golden arch, the Bowio 2.0 shines warm LED lights at your pages, allowing you to read, turn pages, and move around without having the light cause you or anyone discomfort. The Bowio 2.0 clips onto each end of your book (and is long enough to fit larger books or even board games like DnD), with multiple LEDs that cast a warm diffused glow that doesn’t cause any shadows, helping you read clearly. It attaches directly to your book, unlike other body-worn reading lights, which means you can adjust yourself without worrying about the light’s orientation going askew, and like its predecessor, the Bowio 2.0 has touch-sensitive brightness settings built in that let you adjust the LED brightness to suit your needs.
Bowio GameLight is specifically designed for Game Masters, it fits seamlessly with both carton and wooden screens.
Craftsmanship is one of Bowio 2.0’s highlights, with varieties spanning both vegan and genuine leather options. No matter which material you pick, the Bowio’s stitching and edge-finishing are impeccable, and the leather has just the right amount of stiffness to hold its shape no matter how you use it. Metal buckles on both ends separate the LED strip from the Bowio 2.0’s magnetic clip, and N52 neodymium magnets in the clips on each side help the Bowio 2.0 firmly grasp onto both paperback and hardbound books. High CRI LEDs offer better color rendering than regular LEDs, and draw power from a battery pack that gives it up to 95 hours (depending on the brightness setting) of use on a full charge. You can run your Bowio on 1.5V rechargeable batteries, charging them through a built-in USB-C port, or use disposable AAA batteries that are more readily available.
The Bowio 2.0 campaign is seeing a pretty good response right off the bat, which gives me hope for a human race that still prefers offline entertainment like reading and gaming (it even got an Honorable Mention at the 2023 LIT Lighting Design Awards). The self-proclaimed book light attaches onto board games too, allowing you to play in dimly lit environments, and each Bowio 2.0 ships with a tabletop standing accessory if you opt for its ‘Gamer’ edition. For the avid bookworm, the Bowio 2.0 is available in pastel or colorful vegan leather editions, along with an Alcantara synthetic leather variant. However, if you’re looking for something more au naturel, you’ve got variants made from cowhide in regular, suede, and even textured variants to resemble snake or croc leather… and finally a 24K gold gilded leather book light for elite bookworms. Each Bowio 2.0 comes packaged in a classy plastic-free kraft carton box that can easily be composted/recycled, and ships globally.
Back up your systems, store all your photos, run AI models, host websites, or even have your own free streaming service, the $500 ZimaCube gives you your personal (and secure) cloud server without those pesky monthly subscription fees.
Looking almost like a beefy CPU that sits on your desk, ZimaCube is a NAS (network-attached storage) device that brings cloud computing to your tabletop. Rather than relying on Google, Amazon, Microsoft, or Apple to store all your data remotely (where your data can be accessed by companies, advertisers, governments, or worse… hackers), ZimaCube is your own personal cloud server that stores all your data in the secure confines of your home or office, but still allows you to access it anywhere on the go. Powered by a 10-core 12th-gen Intel processor, the ZimaCube offers up to 64 GB of RAM and has 6 whopping HDD bays for storing up to 120 TB of data. This basically gives you a powerful cloud server that can take backups of all your devices, host websites, run your own personal streaming service using locally downloaded files (goodbye Netflix), or better still, run your own personal AI model or GPT by hooking up an external GPU. In a world plagued by governments snooping on private citizens, and by companies looking to make a quick buck by either charging you monthly fees to store your data or by selling them to advertisers, ZimaCube lets you take back ownership of your private information, whether it’s photos on your smartphone or all the work files on your laptop/desktop.
At its core, the ZimaCube offers a massive storage capacity of up to 164 terabytes, with a unique 6+1 bay design accommodating a mix of six hard disk drives (HDDs) and four solid-state drives (SSDs). This blend ensures ample storage space for large files and speedy access to frequently used data, striking a balance between vast storage and fast performance. This makes it ideal for storing everything from important documents to extensive collections of digital assets like photos and videos, all securely in one place and accessible from anywhere.
ZimaCube provides a centralized hub of up to 164 TB for storing and cataloging all your project files, media assets, and documents. Its unique 6+1 bay design provides extra flexibility by offering HDD, SSHD, and SSD storage options.
Aside from storing backups of your selfies and videos (after all, the ZimaCube is capable of so much more), you additionally have the option of storing work files and data dumps, and directly editing them over the cloud instead of needing to download them to your device. Powering the ZimaCube is a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, ensuring efficient data management, particularly for tasks requiring substantial computing power like video editing. This is complemented by cutting-edge connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 and 2.5GbE networking ports, facilitating rapid data transfer and smooth workflow management. For professionals relying on demanding applications, the ZimaCube’s extensive storage capacity, robust processor, and advanced connectivity make it perfect for content creators and multimedia experts who require a reliable storage solution that can keep pace with their workload.
Files stored on the ZimaCube can be accessed through a multitude of ways, enabling storage, retrieval, sharing, and even collaboration. The ZimaOS provides a clean, intuitive way to manage your data, but it goes above and beyond by also being a one-stop management dashboard for your data stored on DropBox, Google Drive, etc. All your files find a home within the ZimaOS dashboard, so you don’t have to hunt across multiple accounts and devices to find files. The ‘ZSync’ feature synchronizes file versions across all devices (so any edits made to a file update everywhere), and automatic backups take the hassle out of remembering to manually backup all your data. Want to share data with team members, clients, and stakeholders? The ZimaCube’s PeerDrop feature allows you to share files with anyone through an encrypted gateway, bypassing the public cloud entirely. It also supports various tools like Nextcloud and Seafile, allowing you to share and collaborate on files with ease. You can create shared folders, set permissions, and even generate public links. This is a boon for remotely located teams and groups who need to work together on projects, regardless of their geographical locations.
Harness the desktop-class performance of NVIDIA® Quadro® and AMD Radeon Pro eGPUs for professional graphics output. With Thunderbolt 4, you can daisy chain up to six external RAID arrays together and get a jaw-dropping 1PB to your ZimaCube.
Going beyond just traditional data storage, you can even run your own private AI models directly on the ZimaCube. PCIe Gen 4 ports and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity allow you to hook up powerful external GPUs to host and run your own AI models like Stable Diffusion without splurging big bucks on a GPU farm or buying GPU credits online. Moreover, the folks behind the ZimaCube also boast the ability to privately run a GPT on your own data, allowing you to effectively ‘chat’ with your own documents to retrieve information, find files, and get an overview on lengthy run-downs without as much as opening them. The AI runs entirely locally and privately, with no data ever leaving your device.
All those technical capabilities sit in the ZimaCube’s black-box-esque design that’s crafted with a predominantly metal construction, providing robustness and efficient heat dissipation. It features a magnetic attachment system for the front-mounted panel and a durable design with multiple ventilation panels, crucial for maintaining optimal temperature. On the inside, modules plug in with LEGO-like configurability. The ZimaCube lets you customize your own server, adding modules such as a WiFi module, additional interfaces, high-speed drives, and even RAID arrays. It’s not just the hardware that’s customizable – with software options like ZimaOS, TrueNAS, and unRAID, and a community-driven range of apps and plugins, you’ve got digital flexibility too.
The ZimaCube presents two distinct variants tailored to different user needs: the Standard and Pro models. The Standard version is powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N100 processor, a competent choice for general storage and computing needs. It’s like a reliable sedan, efficient for daily tasks. On the other hand, the Pro model shifts gears with the robust 12th Gen i5-1235U core processor, akin to a sports car in the processor world, offering enhanced performance and handling more demanding tasks with ease. Both models champion significant storage capacity and connectivity options, but the Pro model stands out with its higher RAM support and processing power, making it suitable for power users who need that extra bit of computational muscle. The ZimaCube Standard starts at an early-bird price of $499 (VAT-free), while the Pro is similarly discounted with a $900 price tag (the HDDs need to be purchased separately). It ships globally with a 19V 220W power adapter, universal plugs to fit a variety of international power sockets, and a 1-year warranty.
Look, I know life can get hectic and work can be super exhausting. Our schedules are quite taxing, and it can take a veritable toll on us, especially on our mental health. Taking care of our well-being has never been more essential, considering how troubling life can get. As much as we tend to pay attention to our physical well-being, it’s time to do the same for our mental health. However, it can be a task to remove some time from your day to actually focus on your well-being, hence having a couple of products to help you seal the deal is always a boon! These are the essentials you need to achieve a mindful and relaxed lifestyle. From a stress-free aroma diffuser to a night lamp that improves your circadian cycle, these are the products you need to relax and unwind.
1. Buda Ball
The Buda Ball is a uniquely designed stress-relief tool that levitates and rotates using magnetic levitation technology. It serves as a visual reminder to stay present and mindful.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ball’s horizontal and vertical levitation creates a soothing, hypnotic visual experience, aiming to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Enhances relaxation and mindfulness with its hypnotic movement
Minimalistic and modern aesthetics suitable for various spaces
What we dislike
Requires a stable, uninterrupted power supply for levitation
2. Japanese Lantern Candle
Designed to resemble a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this Japanese lantern candle features a unique pillar shape and is the perfect item to pamper yourself with on the days you need some de-stressing.
The Japanese lantern candle provides a contemporary take on an otherwise iconic Japanese design. It features a minimal design, enabling it to merge with modern living spaces, and offers a tranquil and relaxing glow. The calming influence of candlelight and the tranquility of Japanese design merge to build a mindful ambiance.
What we like
Made using a patented non-melting wax which imparts the candle with a beautiful translucency
Created with detailed craftsmanship
What we dislike
There is a risk of fire hazard, considering it is a candle, so it should be used with caution around children and pets
3. Battery-free Aroma Diffuser
This battery-free aroma diffuser is designed to let you take a relaxing breath, without the environment being harmed in any manner. You can harness the power of a single candle with this minimal and serene aroma diffuser which makes use of simple physics and science.
The battery-free aroma diffuser uses something as simple as scent to create a relaxing and peaceful environment. It showcases a smooth return to simplicity and natural elements in the mindfulness experience.
What we like
Has a compact and comfortable size that is easy to use
Encourages an eco-friendly ethos
4. MOTION ZERO
MOTION ZERO brings the zen-like tranquility and peace of Japanese gardens to your workdesk. It is designed to be a functional art piece that is compact and tiny enough to perfectly fit on your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is built from metal and features a ripped base, three chrome ball bearings, and a shimmering chrome egg. MOTION ZERO tactfully engages your fingers, eyes, and mind, helping you to de-stress and calm down, while also enabling you to focus more and boost your productivity and memory.
What we like
Allows you to reach a meditative state without hyper-conventional techniques
What we dislike
Will not appeal to those who prefer a more hands-on or natural environment for their meditative activities
5. Harmony Fireplace
A bioethanol brass fireplace that combines modern aesthetics with eco-friendly functionality. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, it represents a chic and sustainable choice for those seeking the warmth of a real fire without the environmental impact.
Offers a clean, eco-conscious way to enjoy the charm of a real fire.
What we like
Contemporary brass design that complements modern interiors
Use of bioethanol, aligning with environmental sensibilities
Versatility for indoor and outdoor settings
The tranquil ambiance created by the flickering flame
What we dislike
Heat output is less robust compared to traditional fireplaces
Bioethanol, while eco-friendly, can be costly
6. Terrarium Incense Burners
The Terrarium collection revamps how an incense holder looks, and how it can also be used as a decorative item. The incense burners feature a unique sculpted design and are made of blackish concrete.
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique design guides the smoke from the backflow incense cones, making it quite an unusual incense cone, where the plume moves downwards rather than upwards. It comes in three designs, inspired by mountains, trees, and volcanic lakes.
What we like
The incense burners feature miniature eco-systems within them, which are inspired by nature
What we dislike
They are larger than the typical incense burners and could be difficult to position in your home
7. ASMR Zen Ball
Dubbed the ASMR Zen Ball, this little product fuses natural and engineered elements to provide a calming and sensory experience to users.
The ASMR Zen Ball is made from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, allowing the device to double up as a fidget toy while providing an interactive manner to engage and connect with the natural energy of the earth.
What we like
Functions as a fidget toy, while also providing utility for sensory stimulation and aromatherapy when used with essential oils
Encourages relaxation and mental focus
What we dislike
Although it is intended to be placed on a work desk, besides sensory benefits, it has no practical application on a desk
8. Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set
Dubbed the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, this relaxation-inducing design not only recreates the smells but also the overall experience of a memorable and captivating outdoor fire.
The mini hardwood is collected from branches that would otherwise have been thrown away, and they give off a comforting smoky smell when they are burnt on the stainless steel miniature oven. You simply need to add a few drops of the essential oils extracted from Mt.Hakusan trees, and you’ve got an amazing and authentic outdoor scent,
What we like
By adding a piece of solid fuel, you can utilize the stove as a cooking or heating tool
What we dislike
Not as straightforward as conventional diffusers
9. BIOS SkyView Wellness Lamp
If you’re someone who doesn’t often get a good night’s sleep and finds themselves feeling sleepy and groggy through the day, then the BIOS SkyView wellness table lamp is the ultimate product for you!
Why is it noteworthy?
This minimal home accessory provides an array of health benefits such as increased alertness, and boosted mood. It promotes a good night’s sleep while strengthening your circadian rhythm and allowing you to feel energized.
What we like
Helps you wake up feeling refreshed and alter
Utilizes violet-blue light to create calmness to support deep sleep
What we dislike
Will occupy a substantial amount of real estate on your bedside table
10. Stress-free Aroma Diffuser
The pretty Stress-free Aroma Diffuser is all you need to sit back and relax, while you’re breathing in an amazing mix of aromatic blends selected to soothe your mind and bring you some peace.
The diffuser creates its own gentle breeze, allowing the aroma to softly and evenly disperse wherever you’re sitting, with a porcelain filter soaking up the oil to provide a long-lasting experience.
What we like
The polished base provides an intriguing contrast to the organic-looking porcelain disc, creating a sophisticated decoration piece
Handcrafted porcelain filter from Hida, Japan
Intuitive operation with a battery-powered fan
What we dislike
The size of the diffuser limits its effectiveness in very large rooms
Even outside the design world, the Eames Lounge Chair remains an absolute furniture icon. Designed in 1956 by Ray and Charles Eames, the chair’s aesthetic was defined by its use of bent plywood paneling and plush leather cushioning, resulting in a multi-part seat that looked as interesting as it was comfortable. In an audacious blend of design heritage and contemporary street culture, Globe Skateboards has unveiled a stunning homage to Charles and Ray Eames, revered icons of mid-century modern furniture design. This unique collaboration marries the adventurous spirit of skateboarding with the timeless elegance of Eames’ design principles, resulting in a collection that’s both a nod to the past and a ride into the future.
Designers: Globe Brand & Eames Office
Globe’s skateboards intricately mirror the materials and aesthetics of the iconic lounge chair and ottoman. The series includes a 30-inch cruiser in white ash wood, a 32-inch cruiser hewn from walnut, and a 38-inch longboard carved out of black oak. Each skateboard is a tribute to the Eames’ pioneering spirit, capturing the essence of their design legacy. The attention to detail is meticulous, with elements like the paint dip and laser-etched finish on the wood veneer of the skateboards precisely emulating the Eames Lounge Chairs and Ottoman.
Eames Lounge 30-inch Cruiser in Ash Wood and White
Eames Lounge 38-inch Longboard
The core of this venture is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, a staple of 20th-century design. Renowned for its innovative use of molded plywood and premium veneers, the Lounge Chair reimagined the classic 19th-century English club chair into a modern marvel. Its distinct form and replaceable components have allowed it to transcend generations, standing as a symbol of enduring design.
Close-up of the 32-inch Walnut Cruiser against the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
The homage doesn’t stop at mere visual replication. Globe’s collaboration with the Eames Office can be seen in the smaller details too, such as custom-embedded metal Eames Office + Globe badges and Eames logo deck bolts, enriching the skateboards. Even the underside of the boards feature a laser-carved Eames Office logo, a subtle yet significant mark of this unique partnership.
The skateboards come packaged in heavyweight canvas board bags that double as carry-all totes, signaling Globe’s commitment to practicality and style. Although the walnut cruiser has already sold out, indicating the collection’s popularity, other models, including the Eames La Chaise Box Set, remain available for enthusiasts and collectors.
Wood is one of the most preferred materials of choice for furniture designers for ages galore. Wood is a sturdy, functional, and minimal material that adds a sense of zen and style to any living space. It instantly elevates a space, while adding some warm to it. It’s a minimal material that holds a strong personality without any additional frills and tassels. I truly believe a well-crafted piece of wooden furniture can add a magical touch to even the simplest of living spaces. Minimal, clean, and almost always soothing, beautifully designed wooden furniture helps add the ultimate finishing touch to a room, and we’ve curated a few of our favorites for you!
1. Tokyo
Dubbed Tokyo, this ingenious multifunctional design doubles up as a shoe rack and a bench. It combines two furniture pieces into one individual furniture design.
Why is it noteworthy?
What makes Tokyo unique and special is its side leg, which gently and seamlessly curves, subtly embracing the cushion to create a top tray for daily essentials. This functions as a neat spot to store your souvenirs and other knick knacks.
What we like
Features a bottom shelf which also serves as a nifty storage space
Multifunctional furniture design
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional it will be in reality
2. Snowhouse Sofa
Named the Snowhouse Sofa, this intriguing furniture design is for pets and humans alike, and it is what a wooden sofa would look like if it experienced some snowfall, and was coated with it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The wood is covered with cushy white cushions to give the idyllic impression of fallen snow. The edges are rounded, adding a depth of softness to the furniture piece. The ends of the sofa are hollow, with nifty little spaces to store books, magazines, and other miscellaneous items.
What we like
The area on top serves as a passage for your cats
Integrated with smart storage space
What we dislike
The Snowhouse Sofa is currently a concept, so we don’t know how the actual product will turn out to be
3. The Soul Sculpture Bench
Designed by Madrid-based designer Verónica Mar for Les Ateliers Courbet, the Soul Sculpture Bench is a minimalist bench that has a spiritual sensitivity, and is designed to balance and ground the energy of the space it is placed into.
Why is it noteworthy?
Inspired by the recurring spiral patterns that are often seen and found in the universe, in the various galaxies, in the intricate DNA chains, and in the dynamic water currents.
What we like
Creates a cohesive connection between nature and design
What we dislike
Bulky and space-consuming design
4. Kainchee
Named Kainchee, this innovative chair design looks like a pair of scissors and does full justice to its name.
Why is it noteworthy?
The chair does look like two pairs of scissors, from the bottom half at least. The star feature of the chair is its intertwining and geometrically intriguing form. A band of walnut wood forms the seat of the chair, while subtly interlocking with the ash wood to form the legs of the chair.
What we like
It has a unique form and design philosophy which allows it to stand apart from other furniture pieces
What we dislike
There are no options for customization
5. The Rook Stool
Named the Rook Stool, this interesting stool design is inspired by pieces of chess and has a lot of similarities to them as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
The designer drew references from the shapes of decorative wooden chess pieces for the Rook Stool. The stool utilizes simple elements that have been placed at unusual but intriguing angles and intersections to create a sculptural appeal.
What we like
Inspired and influenced by chess pieces
Available in three types of solid wood
What we dislike
It doesn’t seem like a comfortable seating option to sit for hours on end
The OnePlus 12 has officially been announced, at least in China, and it matches almost everything that has been leaked previously. No, there is no wood grain model or case, but there is indeed a marble-like green variant on the table. Truth be told, there isn’t anything surprising or new with the OnePlus 12, at least in terms of overall design. It looks exactly like the OnePlus 11 before it, which ties in with the company’s less aggressive branding strategy. That’s not to say they’re exactly the same, of course, and OnePlus is trying to focus on the design story of the phone this time around. In particular, it’s homing in on how the OnePlus 12’s camera was inspired by the same creative and manufacturing processes used to make luxury timepieces as if these two product categories shared a common ancestor.
Designer: OnePlus
To be fair, manufacturers have thankfully started to pay as much attention to materials, colors, and aesthetics as watch-makers do for upscale timepieces. Of course, most of the conventions and practices don’t cleanly transfer between these two worlds, but there are definitely lessons that can be learned from both sides of the fence. Coincidentally, the OnePlus 12 does have one part that lends itself perfectly to that same watch-making expertise thanks to its circular camera bump that does look like a watch to some extent.
OnePlus spares no effort to illustrate how the OnePlus 12’s camera design takes a few pages from luxury watches, like using the same high-end machined aluminum casing for the camera island as well as the plate on top of the cameras. It also uses special laser engraving for the markings on the outer area of the plate, while utilizing a polishing process with micron-level precision for the semi-circular island to achieve an elegant appearance. This is then topped by a circular Gorilla Glass cover, completing the picture of a watch-like camera.
Of course, that story will probably be lost on most buyers who haven’t heard of it, but the OnePlus 12 is undoubtedly quite stunning even without that backstory. Unfortunately, the phone’s color options are rather unremarkable, except for the “emerald green” colorway that looks more like a slab of marble than a gem. The phone does have a classic appeal to it, with its curved back and equally curved screen, though that might also be just a kind way of saying “old”.
The OnePlus 12 is one of the first to carry the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, positioning it as a premium 2024 flagship. Despite appearances, it only has three cameras, a stacked 50MP main shooter, a 64MP telephoto camera with 3x lossless zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide with a 14mm equivalent lens. The other unnamed circle is pretty much a 3D ToF (Time-of-Flight) depth camera. Although now officially available in China, international markets will have to wait until next month to get their hands on the OnePlus 12 and its watch-inspired camera design.
The three ideological aspects behind every portable multi-tool probably are versatility, performance, and user experience. Take one facet out and you’re left with little or no sense to carry the product in your tool bag, irrespective of whether you’re a professional or a self-taught DIYer. If there is someone who understands this better than the other tool-set builders, it’s Arrowmax… Well into its fourth essential portable tool, Arrowmax delivers the M1 Pro, an electric screwdriver, primarily with precision and intuition as its basis. It also comes with five-level controllable torque taking out the elbow-grease you’d require with a manual screwdriver, and the unintuitive power of most electric screwdrivers that require a learning curve. The M1 Pro’s beauty is that you don’t need a learning curve. The motor activates as you grip and turn the driver, automatically rotating clockwise or counterclockwise to open/tighten any screw you need to contend with.
Settings are automatically saved to the screwdriver, allowing it to resume in the last used mode even after being switched off.
The M1 Pro’s design sees a few significant upgrades over its previous models – something that hasn’t happened in a while. For starters, it arrives with a new handle design and touch-sensitive interface, which for many takers would transcend traditional experiential boundaries. Switch buttons near the head offer seamless screw fastening and removal with just a simple touch, while an OLED screen displays dynamic icons and battery power status when charging. The main stake of the inventive screwdriver is the enclosed package of 60 extended S2 steel bits it comes packed with. These various length bit bars and extended rods magnetically snap to or detach from the screwdriver head, enhancing the M1 Pro’s application range manifold and making it a versatile companion for a design project you wish to undertake.
Cutting-edge oval design for improved grip and control
The M1 Pro trades the usual screwdriver handle design for an ergonomic oval body – made from aluminum alloy – improving grip and control. The tool’s compact size permits a precise distribution of weight to reduce hand fatigue during prolonged usage. M1 Pro doesn’t just stop at versatility; it takes performance to a new level with a revamped circuit board, a powerful motor, and control software to meticulously execute touch and motion-activated controls, providing a seamless and efficient user experience.
One of the standout performance features of the M1 Pro still is its ability to function within five-torque modes: the first is A (Auto) mode, where torque is decided by manual or gesture control feature and the other four torque levels range between 1 – 10 kgf.cm. The screwdriver also comes with integrated shadowless LED lights that illuminate the work area, allowing you to even operate in low-light situations without needing someone to hold a torch. The multiple torque modes and shadowless lights have remained one of Arrowmax’s most prized features, so it’s no surprise that they make it to their latest flagship.
It’s not all manual doing here. You can control the torque settings wirelessly with the M1 Pro’s mobile app, available on Google Play, Apple App Store, and Arrowmax. For added smartness in the process, Arrowmax has equipped the M1 Pro with a proprietary Smart Motion Control system (SMC), which allows the screwdriver to be gesture-controlled by the direction you twist your wrist. The motor automatically adjusts torque and direction based on the angle of your hand rotation. Using the app, however, you can customize torque settings for each of the modes, and enjoy the convenience of automatic saving as well. The screwdriver saves the settings you’re working in to resume in the last used mode even after being switched off. And since Arrowmax understands that its tool will be required and should adapt to every situation equally, it can transition to manual mode when electric mode lacks sufficient power, and you continue working without losing a second.
M1 Pro is equipped with fast Type-C charging
The M1 Pro’s effectiveness of the torque and its performance are governed by the built-in 600mAh LiPo battery. This gives the screwdriver a working time of 90 minutes. To put that into perspective, the M1 Pro should be able to tighten or loosen over 900 screws on a single charge. Charging is handled by a Type-C fast charging cable that juices the unit fully in 100 minutes. The tool has a rubber back cover to help with battery replacement without any professional assistance.
M1 Angle Screw – precision at a new angle
The resourcefulness of the M1 Pro really takes a prominent twist with the interesting M1 Angle Screw you get with the M1 Pro Plus edition. Crafted from CNC-machined 7075 aerospace-grade aluminum and featuring steel gears, the special Angle Screw attachment is designed to negotiate tight spaces and challenging angles with ease of maneuvering and working on screws in upright and straightforward positions. The whole Arrowmax M1 Pro package is delivered in an aluminum storage box, again CNC-machined for durability and sheer precision. The M1 Pro box organizes bits efficiently with a magnetic compartment inside so you can remove and snap them back seamlessly during an efficient operation or a creative endeavor.
This versatile tool provides exceptional performance and precision for a wide range of tasks
The M1 Pro also comes with a standard M1 variant, which has the same number of drill bits, the same 10 kgf.cm torque output, torque modes, and battery capacity. The only features it lacks are the Smart Motion Control system (that lets the screwdriver automatically identify torque and rotating direction with your wrist movements), Bluetooth control, and a capacitive-touch display. The touchscreen display gets replaced with a button-operated interface and a smaller screen, like the ones seen in Arrowmax’s previous devices. The M1 starts at a respectable $59 discounted price, while the M1 Pro boasts a price tag of $89 (36% off its original $139 price). Both the M1 and M1 Pro ship globally, making them perfect a perfect addition, nay upgrade, to your existing DIY toolkit!
The Utility Knife gets major props for how simple and sophisticated it looks, but how it cleverly masks functional details into its minimalist design. Styled like your everyday paper cutter, the knife comes with a gorgeous all-metal body, coupled with a textured knob that lets you deploy and lock the blade. The metal handle is weighted and grippy enough for a comfortable, accident-free cutting experience, and also hides within it a slick metal scale that you can detach and use independently to either cut/draw straight lines or measure linear distances.
OLFA Snap Knife – Using the wide blade from OLFA, it’s easier to perform the cutting, slicing and trimming with top safety and solid control.
The Utility Knife sports a CNC-machined metal body that’s 8mm thick, and long enough to hold your standard OLFA blade. The CNC-machined handle ensures a kind of perfection you wouldn’t get from most paper cutters made of plastic. The blade’s enclosure and opening are all machined to absolute perfection, allowing the blade to slide through with zero difficulty and be operated without any of that wobble you’d find in imperfectly manufactured plastic-handled cutters.
A metal slider knob controls the blade itself. Rotate the slider to tighten or loosen the blade, before sliding it in or out. The experience is satisfyingly smooth thanks to the metal-on-metal interaction, giving you a cutter that feels vastly more enjoyable to use than something you’d use in school as a kid.
The knife’s opening sports a 45° chamfered edge that allows the blade to safely exit through, making it visible so you don’t end up hurting yourself. The 45° slant also allows you to use the knife to open boxes easily while resting it on that surface, so you don’t risk cutting too deep into the box and damaging what’s inside.
However, the story doesn’t end there! The knife’s back surface is designed to be magnetic, making it easy to stick onto magnetic boards, fridges, and metal cupboards, but more notably, it’s the docking point for the Utility Knife’s companion – its metal scale. The scale snaps satisfyingly into place, docking onto the knife so it’s always conveniently within reach.
15° Curvature Ruler – Prevent your finger from being cut when cutting and you’ll be able to pick it up easily from any surface.
Blade Snapper – Snap off the blade with the special design in the tip of the ruler.
Its all-metal design means you can use it alongside the knife to cut straight lines (without worrying of damage as you would with a plastic or wooden scale). The scale comes with both imperial and metric measurements, and has a slightly tilted edge that makes it easy to grip and lift off flat surfaces. Finally, a slit in the top of the scale serves as a blade-breaker, allowing you to snap off blunt parts of the OLFA blade to reveal a fresh sharper edge.
Together, the knife and scale make a surprisingly handy combo. Although designed for stationery-adjacent use, the knife serves EDC-based roles rather well too, and the scale is perfect for tiny measurements on the fly. The fact that the Utility Knife uses OLFA blades means you’ve always got a sharp edge at hand, and you don’t need to worry about manually sharpening blades like you would with regular EDC. The only thing missing is a nice lanyard hole or a leather carrying strap, but hey, maybe I’m being pedantic…
Pro eGPUs for professional graphics output. With Thunderbolt 4, you can daisy chain up to six external RAID arrays together and get a jaw-dropping 1PB to your ZimaCube.
