Tag Archives: Product Design

Move over Graphite… This Company is making Recycled Coffee Pencil Leads that write and smell great

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People are much more productive on coffee, they say. A single cup can get you working with more energy and focus, but one company is making your cup of coffee a little more productive than you think. While the coffee you drink enriches your mind, the coffee grounds you throw away after the brewing process can apparently be bound into pencil leads, letting you literally write/sketch/doodle WITH coffee! Meet GRIND Z – a pencil lead that ditches graphite for coffee, giving you an all-natural zero-waste alternative to regular pencils. The 5.6mm lead fits into any clutch pencil that accepts leads that size, allowing you to scribble, write, take notes, doodle, and sketch with coffee. Each lead is made up of recycled coffee grounds along with a combination of binding agents – and the result is an earthy brown lead that writes on paper and actually has a coffee aroma too!

Designer: Zirobio

Click Here to Buy Now: $26 $34 (24% off). Hurry only a few left!

Coffee grounds are a major contributor to landfill waste, with millions of tons ending up in dumps each year. GRIND Z effectively diverts these grounds from an unwanted fate, giving them a new life as a creative tool. The company behind this project, Zirobio, is a biotechnology firm dedicated to developing sustainable solutions through bio-based materials. Initiated by Hailey and Miles, avid coffee drinkers, the GRIND Z was their way of seeing if this humble cup of coffee – a symbol of work, happiness, and hustle – could be channeled into something else. Something that transforms coffee waste into even more productivity.

This is a 5.6mm pencil lead containing 20% recycled coffee grounds and other components like wax and adhesives.

Coffee has been embraced by the art community already, with people using espresso and black coffee to make stained art. The liquid imparts a brown or ochre tint on paper, depending on how diluted it is – Zirobio’s idea builds on this already existing trend, transforming it from liquid to lead. One cup of coffee can generate enough grounds for up to 6 leads, Zirobio says. Each GRIND Z lead boasts a unique blend of 20% recycled coffee grounds and 80% essential binding agents like waxes and adhesives. This carefully formulated combination ensures a smooth writing experience you expect from high-quality pencil lead. But the real magic lies in the subtle, natural coffee aroma (with a hint of bitterness) that lingers with each stroke, adding a delightful sensory element to the drawing/writing process.

The lead comes in a standard 5.6mm size, ensuring compatibility with most clutch pencils – the refillable mechanical pencils commonly used by artists and designers. Zirobio even offers a sleek aluminum clutch pencil as part of their Kickstarter rewards, creating a perfect match for the eco-friendly lead. The natural brown hue of the coffee grounds eliminates the need for artificial coloring, resulting in a unique aesthetic that complements the sustainable philosophy behind the product.

Beyond its eco-friendly credentials, GRIND Z offers a captivating visual appeal. The subtle variations in the brown tones add a touch of organic charm to your artwork or sketches. This earthy aesthetic sets it apart from traditional graphite leads, allowing artists to explore a new visual language in their work. The lead can be used with a clutch pencil or even as a crayon. It supports being sharpened by a knife or a sharpener, with zero wastage (because there’s no wood being used), and if all that wasn’t impressive, the GRIND Z is naturally skin-friendly, allowing people with sensitive skin to handle it with ease.

You can grab yourself a 2-pack of GRIND Z leads (each pack contains 6 leads) for $26 and YD readers get a free custom-made coffee bean ring too. Alternatively, a $29 pledge gets you a GRIND Z 2-pack along with a compatible 5.6mm aluminum clutch pencil. If you own a coffee shop or a small studio, YD readers can also enjoy a 34% discount, getting a 10-pack of GRIND Z and 10 clutch pencils for $109, adding a sustainable highlight to your brand. Additionally, stretch goals have unlocked more free rewards with free shipping, such as art posters, coffee ground soap, and coffee ground mugs, included along with your order.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26 $34 (24% off). Hurry only a few left!

The post Move over Graphite… This Company is making Recycled Coffee Pencil Leads that write and smell great first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro: Your New Everyday Earbuds

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Samsung has introduced its latest audio devices, the Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro. These new earbuds are designed to enhance your daily listening experience, whether at home, on the go, or working out. They come with handy features and a refined design, offering something for everyone.

Designer: Samsung

Galaxy Buds3: Versatile and Reliable

The Galaxy Buds3 are open-ear earbuds, perfect for those who need a dependable set for everyday use. They have a comfortable, ergonomic design that fits snugly in your ears, ensuring they stay put even during intense activities. Available in black, white, and navy, the Buds3 has a simple and clean look that works with any style.

The Buds3 delivers clear sound across all frequencies, with improved drivers that enhance bass response for a rich audio experience. Whether listening to music, taking calls, or watching videos, the Buds3 provides quality sound without fuss.

A standout feature of the Galaxy Buds3 is their active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. This feature helps block out background noise, allowing you to focus on your music or conversation. The transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed, making it easy to switch between focused listening and situational awareness.

The Buds3’s battery life is solid. It offers up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 20 hours with the charging case. The case is compact and easy to carry, ensuring your Buds3 are always ready to go. Fast charging means you can get an hour of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

The Galaxy Buds3 also works seamlessly with other Galaxy devices. You can easily switch between your phone, tablet, and watch without missing a beat. Touch controls on the earbuds let you manage your music, answer calls, and activate your voice assistant with a simple tap.

Galaxy Buds3 Pro: Premium Audio Performance

For those looking for a bit more from their earbuds, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers advanced features and high-quality sound. These in-ear earbuds are designed with audiophiles in mind, delivering great sound in a compact, wireless form. Available in black, white, navy, and burgundy, the Buds3 Pro adds a touch of sophistication to your audio gear. 

The Buds3 Pro features Samsung’s advanced dual-driver technology, combining a woofer and tweeter in each earbud to provide detailed sound across all frequencies. The enhanced ANC technology in the Buds3 Pro is more effective, reducing ambient noise significantly. This creates an immersive listening experience in a noisy office or on a busy street.

The Buds3 Pro also includes a new 3D audio feature. This feature creates a surround sound experience that adapts to your head movements, making it feel like you’re in the center of the action. This feature is great for watching movies or playing games, providing a more dynamic and engaging audio experience.

Comfort is critical with the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. They come with multiple ear tip sizes and wing tips, ensuring a secure fit for all-day wear. The buds are also sweat—and water-resistant, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities.

The Buds3 Pro’s battery life is excellent. With ANC on, it offers up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 21 hours with the charging case. The case supports wireless and fast charging, so you can quickly boost your battery.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro also features intelligent active noise control, which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment. This makes it easy to enjoy your music without constantly fiddling with settings.

Complementary Features with Galaxy Ring and Watch

The Buds3 and Buds3 Pro provide a complete health and connectivity experience when paired with the Galaxy Ring or Galaxy Watch. The seamless integration allows for effortless switching between devices, ensuring you stay connected and informed throughout the day. Whether you’re tracking your health metrics with the Ring, managing your fitness with the Watch, or enjoying high-quality audio with the Buds, Samsung’s ecosystem works together to make your day smoother.

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro offer a range of features to fit different needs. The Buds3 provides reliable performance and essential features, making them perfect for everyday use. Meanwhile, the Buds3 Pro delivers a premium audio experience with advanced noise cancellation and immersive sound. Both models integrate seamlessly with Samsung’s other wearables, creating a connected experience that fits your lifestyle. We’re excited to try these earbuds out in different scenarios and share our thoughts. For more information and to pre-order these devices, visit Samsung’s official website.

 

The post Samsung Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro: Your New Everyday Earbuds first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch hands on: A Perfect Pair for Day and Night Health Tracking

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Samsung has unveiled its latest wearables, offering plenty to be excited about. The Galaxy Ring and the new Galaxy Watch lineup, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7, are packed with features designed to keep you healthy and connected, whether you’re an extreme sports enthusiast or simply looking to improve your daily wellness.

Designer: Samsung

Galaxy Ring: A New Standard in Health Wearables

Samsung’s Galaxy Ring marks a significant advancement in wearable technology. With its unique concave design, this ring ensures comfortable and consistent 24/7 monitoring, even while you sleep. It weighs only 3 grams and’s incredibly lightweight and perfect for all-day wear. Available in nine sizes and three finishes—titanium black, titanium silver, and glossy titanium gold—the Galaxy Ring combines style with functionality.

The ring’s sensors track vital metrics, including sleep analysis, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and snoring. All this information syncs with Samsung’s Health app, available on any Android phone, making it easy to view your progress.

One standout feature is the Energy Score, which measures seven health metrics related to sleep, activity, and heart rate daily. Wellness Tips offers personalized advice based on your health data, acting like a personal coach for exercise, sleep, stress, and hydration. This level of detail helps you make informed decisions about your health.

Designed for durability and style, the Galaxy Ring is scratch-resistant thanks to its aerospace-grade titanium-grade 5 finish. It’s also water-resistant up to 330 feet, making it versatile for swimming, diving, or everyday wear. The multifunction case, featuring LED scenario lighting, adds to the ring’s appeal and functionality. When opened, it provides a welcome light and a battery indicator and starts pairing mode with a long press.

Connectivity is a big part of the Galaxy Ring’s appeal. It integrates seamlessly with other Galaxy devices, ensuring a connected ecosystem. With Samsung Find, you can quickly locate the ring if misplaced, as it lights up in red and green. The ring also allows gesture-based smartphone control, such as double pinching to snap a picture or snooze an alarm.

Battery life is optimized by turning off some sensors alongside other Galaxy devices, extending the ring’s operational time. Real-time alerts for high or low heart rates, auto workout detection, cycle tracking based on skin temperature, and inactive alerts are practical features designed to enhance the user experience and health management.

The Galaxy Ring is $399.99, and pre-orders start on July 10. This price includes access to all the advanced health and wellness data discussed, with no additional subscription required.

Galaxy Watch Ultra: For the Adventurous

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is built for those who push their limits. Whether diving deep underwater or hiking rugged trails, this watch is designed to withstand the most challenging conditions. It’s water-resistant up to 330 feet and meets U.S. military standards for durability. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, it’s both rugged and lightweight.

Jeffrey Kim, senior product manager at Samsung, introduced the watch, highlighting its first-ever 3-nanometer processor. This means smoother performance and longer battery life. It also has a dual GPS that ensures accuracy even in the city’s densest areas. The watch’s enhanced bioactive sensors deliver precise heart rate measurements during your most intense workouts.

Battery life is impressive, and there are options to extend it even further. Turn on exercise power-saving mode, and you can track your heart rate and use low-power GPS for up to 48 hours. Need more? The standard power-saving mode can keep the watch running for up to 100 hours.

Health and fitness tracking is where the Galaxy Watch Ultra shines. It features an Energy Score to give you a daily snapshot of your health based on sleep, activity, and heart rate metrics. Plus, it offers personalized wellness tips. The watch even tracks your sleep and can alert you if it detects signs of sleep apnea.

The design isn’t just about durability. It’s stylish, too. The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in three colors: titanium gray, titanium white, and titanium silver. You can choose from various bands, like the quick-dry Marine band, the breathable Trail band, and the stylish Peak band, perfect for workouts or a night out. The watch feels sleek, and despite its size, it’s surprisingly lightweight. This makes wearing it comfortable throughout the day, whether hitting the gym or attending a meeting.

One cool feature is the quick button. Just tap it to start or pause your workout, complete a lap, or begin a new interval. Hold it for five seconds, emitting an 85-decibel sound for emergencies. The watch also helps with notifications, offering context-aware replies for quick responses in messaging apps like Google Messenger and WhatsApp.

Changing the straps is a breeze. The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s strap can be removed by clicking two buttons, making it easy to switch between styles depending on your activity or mood.

Galaxy Watch 7: Versatile and Stylish

The Galaxy Watch 7 is designed for everyone. It combines the familiar Galaxy Watch design with new AI enhancements to provide detailed health insights. Available in two sizes, large and small, it offers a range of stylish colors: green and silver for the large and green and cream for the small.

The watch bands are also versatile. You’ve got the sporty, quick-dry material for active days, a comfortable fabric band for everyday wear, and a leather band that looks great in any setting. The storage capacity has doubled from the previous model, giving you up to 32 gigabytes of space.

The Galaxy Watch 7 includes many of the same health features as the Ultra, like the Energy Score and Wellness Tips, helping you stay on top of your health and fitness goals. The watch feels sleek, and its lightweight design makes it easy to wear all day. The buttons are intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall user experience.

Both watches will be available for pre-order starting July 10. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced at $649.99, while the Galaxy Watch 7 starts at $299.99. Each watch offers something unique, whether you need a rugged companion for extreme adventures or a stylish partner for everyday wellness.

Complementary Health Tracking Throughout the Day and Night

Combining the Galaxy Ring with the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Galaxy Watch 7 provides a comprehensive health tracking experience. The ring excels in continuous 24/7 monitoring, especially during sleep, giving vital metrics like sleep analysis, heart rate, and skin temperature. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive, making it perfect for all-day wear.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watches bring more interactive features and on-the-go usability. During the day, the watches can track your workouts with precise bioactive sensors and offer real-time insights and notifications. With its rugged design and extended battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is ideal for outdoor activities and extreme sports. The Galaxy Watch 7, with its stylish and versatile design, fits seamlessly into everyday life, whether you’re working out or attending a meeting.

Together, these wearables create a connected ecosystem that enhances your overall wellness. For instance, you can always wear the ring, ensuring continuous health monitoring while using the watch for more detailed interactions and tracking during your active hours. Samsung recommends wearing the ring on your index or middle finger for optimal readings, making it easy to integrate into your routine.

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s latest wearables offer a new standard in health tracking. The Galaxy Ring, with its advanced AI and comprehensive monitoring, and the Galaxy Watch lineup, with its versatile features and durable designs, provide a holistic approach to wellness. We look forward to testing out these devices. While I don’t typically wear a ring, I’ll do my best to get used to it. Stay tuned for more hands-on insights as we explore their capabilities in detail. For now, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the future of health tracking. For more information and to pre-order these devices, visit Samsung’s official website.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch hands on: A Perfect Pair for Day and Night Health Tracking first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Desk Gear To Achieve Heightened Productivity & A Streamlined Work Routine

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It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!

1. Magic Bar

Dubbed the Magic Bar, this portable Touch Bar can be partnered up and used with any Apple peripheral. The device is sleek, seamless, easy to carry, and pretty similar to the Touch Bar if you consider functionality and features. The design of the Magic Bar is recognizable and intuitive as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Magic Bar can easily aligned horizontally with your keyboard. You can even pair up the Magic Bar with your iPhone, building and creating multiple smart home shortcuts, which can be used for heightened productivity and efficiency.

What we like

  • It can be easily carried in the backpack with your gear

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a real product

2. Levitating Pen 3.0

Named the Levitating Pen, this sleek writing accessory is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which lets you hold it with ease, allowing you to write smoothly. The pen has a 60-degree angle which can be placed in the specially designed stand, and reminds you of a spacecraft floating in the galaxy.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129

Why is it noteworthy?

The pen is quite good-looking, and it can be placed in its magnetized holder, which keeps it floating in position. Give the pen a little twist, and it spins for 20 seconds, allowing you to have a playful experience with it.

What we like

  • Easy and sturdy to hold and use
  • Spinning the pen can be a fun stress-busting activity for you

What we dislike

  • When placed on a curved surface the pen can easily roll off, so you need to keep it aside with care

3. PAL Desk Clock

Named the PAL Desk Clock, this desk accessory is designed to help people work on their desktops, without getting distracted by unwanted objects and mediums. It keeps you updated with the important notifications while eliminating the unnecessary ones. It has a dedicated widget space for the most needed apps.

Why is it noteworthy?

The handy gadget includes five main functions – focus sessions, timekeeping, music playback, and wireless charging. The desk clock also has a calendar and a temperature sensor, as well as a wide display on which you can customize the widgets like weather, music playback, and calendar schedules.

What we like

  • Features a wireless charging pad that can be positioned on the back

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

4. Japanese Drawing Pad

Named the Japanese Drawing Pad, this desk accessory is made of Japanese paper, which is renowned for its premium quality paper. Japanese paper is much loved by artists and designers, and if you wish to incorporate some Japanese paper to your workdesk, you need to purchase the Japanese Drawing Pad.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

You can jot down your thoughts and ideas on this premium-quality pad, without causing any damage to the durable paper fibers. The pad offers you a relaxing and intuitive writing experience.

What we like

  • The paper in the pad is micro-perforated
  • It is available in different colors and sizes, so you need to pick one that suits your needs

What we dislike

  • It may look like an ordinary pad, but the high quality can only be experienced

5. Nemonic Gen 2

Meet the Nemonic Gen 2 – an inkless, thermal and wireless printer that allows you to quickly and efficiently print your notes or even images on Ultra Sticky Notes! Since these notes are ultra-sticky, they won’t fall off with ease, and you can use them to capture important details and thoughts.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can connect the compact little printer to your desktop, and mobile device, so you can print out notes you may have written, drawn, or typed. It can be teamed up with the Microsoft Office apps, Slack, and Zapier too, facilitating heightened productivity.

What we like

  • You can print notes directly, and it includes a de-curl feature too

What we dislike

  • They don’t sell refills individually at this point, which is inconvenient if you run out of the notes

6. MagBoard Clipboard

Meet the MagBoard Clipboard – this unique desk accessory is minimal and flexible and is designed to be a cutting-edge notepad/clipboard hybrid. It utilizes a magnet and lever mechanism which can be used to hold your sheets securely in place. This notepad is great for capturing your ideas and thoughts as they flow freely.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The one-of-a-kind accessory redefines the traditional notepad, and it allows users to tailor and customize their note-taking experience without the typical constraints of a conventional notebook.

What we like

  • It features a lightweight and compact form and can be used both at home or while traveling
  • Magnets and levers hold the papers securely

What we dislike

  • Best used with specific sizes, which may not suit everyone’s needs

7. Painless Key Ring

You can now bid adieu to the issue of traditional key rings, and adopt the Painless Key Ring with its revolutionary wave spring key ring. It draws inspiration from the mechanisms used in the aerospace industry. You have a smooth and seamless way of managing your keys without any of the hassle.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

You can organize your keys using a high-tech and sturdy design which ensures your keys are always accessible. It features a lightweight and compact form, which ensures your keys are always organized and safely with you.

What we like

  • Uses a wave spring technology to easily add and remove keys
  • You don’t have to deal with tight or deformed key rings

What we dislike

  • Since it has an advanced design, it is more pricier

8. Lon:HUB

Called the Lon:HUB, this docking hub offers your desk a cleaner and more concise appearance while providing you with all the outlets and ports that you need. The ports and sockets can be connected under your desk, and also on top of your space. Below the desk, you have 5x 110V AC sockets, 2x HDMI 2 display ports, and 2x arms where you can wrap your cords.

Why is it noteworthy?

The edge of the desk holds the hub which has a 10 Gbps USB-C 100W port, 2x USB-A ports, a SD card slot, and also a wireless charger landing pad.

What we like

  • There is a Pro version available as well, if you need a more powerful unit

What we dislike

  • Only works on tables with flat edges

9. DESKRISK

Named DESKRISK, this collection of unique desk accessories ensures you don’t exhaust yourself while sitting on your desk all day long. It attempts to protect you from the adverse effects of sitting on your desk for long hours and straining your eyes and neck. The collection contains a desk clock.

Why is it noteworthy?

The DESKRISK collection also includes a lamp, reminding you to move with the light source, so you don’t bow down and keep looking at your desk. These unique products encourage you to take a much-needed break from your work and desk, letting your mind and body rest.

What we like

  • Functional and valuable products for people who are at risk due to the nature of their work

What we dislike

  • The magazine rack is designed based on the carpal tunnel syndrome, and we don’t know how it will help users with wrist problems

10. Anywhere-Use Lamp

Dubbed the Anywhere-Use Lamp, this minimal and compact lamp design is a well-designed and clever lighting solution. It has a cute little mushroom-shaped head, and it lets out a soft and relaxing glow which creates a calm and tranquil ambience, allowing users to work and relax in peace.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

The lamp is powered by four AA batteries, and it features a modular design that offers atmospheric enhancement wherever it is placed. The lamp is equipped with six high-color rendering LEDs, and it creates an oasis of peace and relaxation in your home.

What we like

  • Features four brightness levels
  • You can easily disassemble the lamp, and take it anywhere with you

What we dislike

  • The lamp isn’t water-resistant, can be an issue if you carry it outdoors

The post Top 10 Desk Gear To Achieve Heightened Productivity & A Streamlined Work Routine first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nomad 65W AC Adapter has a genius way to charge your Apple Watch and AirPods

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It’s almost a fact of an Apple user’s life that owning one product means owning two or three others or even more. iPhone owners are more likely to own AirPods or even an Apple Watch than any other earbuds or smartwatch brand, which does mean they often need accessories that support all two or three. That’s particularly true when it comes to chargers, which is why many Apple-compatible products come in a 3-in-1 design. Unfortunately, those often come with bulky designs to make space for devices, especially where wireless charging is supported because of the space the charging coils take up. This new 65W AC Power Adapter from Nomad, however, has a rather creative solution to that space problem, especially when you need to quickly charge your Apple Watch or even your AirPods.

Designer: Nomad

With so many people owning more than one electronic device, power adapters that have multiple USB ports are a common sight these days. Even Apple eventually launched a dual USB-C charger, though it ironically doesn’t have enough power to support charging multiple Apple devices at the same time, at least not when you have iPhones and iPads and more. Thankfully, there’s a thriving market for third-party accessories, leaving plenty of room for outside-the-box designs like the new Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition.

As the name says, this particular power brick is designed with Apple’s smartwatch in mind, and it charges it in a rather unique way. The top of the charger is actually a wireless charger that supports not just the Apple Watch but also some AirPods with cases that support wireless charging. For Apple Watch Series 7 and later, it can even do fast charging, so you’ll be off to the races in no time flat.

That’s not the only notable feature that it has, of course. The Nomad 65W AC Adapter features two USB-C ports, each giving the full power output if used on its own, and that’s enough to even charge a MacBook Pro or fast charge a MacBook Air. If used at the same time, however, the top USB-C port indicated with a blue accent will push out 45W of power, leaving the lower port with only 20W.

Best of all, Nomad’s AC charger is nearly half the size of Apple’s official charger thanks to GaN technology. This makes the adapter a great traveling companion, and its creative design will let you easily charge your Apple Watch on a bedside wall socket, no additional charging pads or cables required.

The post Nomad 65W AC Adapter has a genius way to charge your Apple Watch and AirPods first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ultra-sleek Waterdrop X16 RO Purifier brings mineral-rich water with a single touch

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I don’t know about you but I’ve never seen a water filtration system that looks elegant enough to integrate into your house or kitchen’s decor. They’re almost always made of plastic, with a design that can only be described as ‘worthy of being hidden’. That’s why most kitchens come with under-sink compartments for hiding these purification systems, so all you get is clean water through the tap without that hyper-industrial aesthetic of the purifier ruining your kitchen’s design. That’s something the folks at Waterdrop Filter wanted to change – among other things. The first time you lay your eyes on the Waterdrop Filter X series – X16, chances are you won’t even think it’s a purification system – with the sleek aesthetic of probably a high-end PC, the X16 is a state-of-the-art tankless RO water purifier that couples with a touch-sensitive faucet that truly uplifts your kitchen. Place the X16 in a hidden compartment or have it sitting on your countertop, it delivers RO-purified water at a speed of 1600 gallons per day. The water goes through a meticulous 11-stage filtration system, coming out as pristine and tasty as you’d expect from a device that looks this cutting-edge.

Designer: Waterdrop Filter

Click Here to Buy Now: $1199.40 $1999 ($799.60 off, use coupon code “YDreader” to get an additional 5% discount). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Unlike conventional dispensers that rely on pre-filled tanks, the Waterdrop Filter X series – X16 operates on a tankless design. This means it generates purified water on demand, eliminating the need to wait for a bulky dispenser to slowly trickle out water. This helps give it that sleek design that sets it apart from other bulkier purifiers that store up to 10 or 20 liters of water at a time in advance. Water gets purified on demand, and the instant you touch the faucet, water flows at a maximum rate of 1600 gallons per day (that’s fast enough to fill a glass in a mere 2 seconds, or a kettle in 10 seconds). The flow speed can be adjusted too, but the idea of never having to wait with a carafe or jug while it slowly fills up is quite the boon.

Enjoy refreshing mineral water at home

However, water speed isn’t what defines the X16 – it’s the fact that the water goes through a meticulous 11-stage filtration process across 3 different filter modules. This multi-stage approach tackles a wide range of contaminants that may be lurking in your tap water. The heart of the system lies in the 18-layer RO membrane filter. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a technology that forces tap water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively filtering out a wide range of impurities, including Chlorine, Lead, Fluoride, Heavy Metals like arsenic, mercury, and chromium-6, and finally Microscopic Contaminants like bacteria, cysts, etc. RO filtration is considered to be arguably the highest standard in home-based water filtration – but it does have a caveat – for every liter of water filtered, the tankless RO system also ejects contaminated water out of its system, leading to wastage. The X16 tackles that with a 3:1 fresh-to-waste water ratio – which means for every 3 liters of fresh purified water, there’s just 1 liter of impure water that’s disposed at the end of the day – a metric much better than some purifiers that waste up to 50% of water in their purification process.

While the multi-stage filtration process removes a wide range of contaminants, the X16 takes an extra step to ensure water safety. The system also integrates a UV sterilizer that eliminates bacteria and viruses in the dispensed water, providing an extra layer of peace of mind. This is especially beneficial for those with compromised immune systems or concerns about microbial contamination in their water supply. While the filtration happens behind the scenes, what you really end up interfacing with is the X16’s tap – a smart, touch-sensitive faucet that comes with its own color-coded display to let you know that your water is pure and contaminant-free. An intuitive dial on the faucet lets you select the desired water volume, from 1 to 64 ounces, with automatic shutoff once the chosen amount is dispensed. Need to stop dispensing early? Pushing the dial again stops the water flow – it’s so easy even a kid could do it.

A simple glance at the faucet’s display also lets you know the status of each of the three filters – blue indicates a healthy filter life, yellow signifies a filter nearing replacement, and red signals an urgent need for a filter change. This intuitive system ensures optimal performance and prevents potential water quality issues by reminding you to replace filters before they become ineffective.

The result is a design and tech overhaul of how drinking water is filtered and dispensed in your kitchen. Instead of purifiers that you want to hide away, and faucets that can often look archaic, the X16 puts a minimal-futuristic spin on the category, with a sleek-looking purifier that’s worthy of being on your countertop, but if space is a constraint, fits perfectly well in your undersink, occupying a minimal footprint. The faucet echoes the same intuitive, sleek, cutting-edge approach that’s seen in the tankless purifier too. It’s simple and easy to use, giving you fresh water that’s enriched in minerals and has a pH level of 7.5± so you actually enjoy the taste of water too.

Bringing an Apple or Tesla-kind of innovation and disruption to the water dispensing space comes with a price, though. The Waterdrop Filter X series – X16 starts at $1999 for the entire kit (purifier + smart faucet), but you can grab a 35% discount on Prime Day and an additional 5% off using the code YDreader during checkout!

Click Here to Buy Now: $1199.40 $1999 ($799.60 off, use coupon code “YDreader” to get an additional 5% discount). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post Ultra-sleek Waterdrop X16 RO Purifier brings mineral-rich water with a single touch first appeared on Yanko Design.

Orthopedic saddle chair is designed for gaming without a break and backache

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Seating ergonomics are constantly changing as working hours from the desk and individual video gaming sessions grow by the day. From adjustable chairs to those with lumber support and from cushiony backrests to airy ones, the chairs have not just evolved in style, but functionality and construction in a similar breath. To that accord, chairs with saddle-shaped seats are making an uncanny appearance as people who spend longer times in front of their computer screens prefer such stools and chairs above traditional seat types.

This transition is primarily credited to the back pain; which saddle seat configuration helps easily, at least that’s how we have come to believe. I believe back pain is generally because of static sitting; for long hours. It’s the lack of movement more than anyone sitting position that impacts the back. But if you are from the school of thought that believes a seat can make a difference to your backaches, an ergonomic saddle-shape gaming chair, with adjustable features, called the ‘Cross Mantis’ is here to address your woes.

Designer: Fyodor Lazariev and Farukh Imin

The Cross Mantis orthopedic saddle chair is designed for the gaming furniture brand SILIQS. The idea was to design a chair that combines the functionality of an office chair with the comfort and benefits of a saddle seat. Saddle seat, which allows an open hip position offering good leg circulation, erect spine position, and improved balance, is an orthopedically correct fit for the spinal cord, the designers believe.

After various iterations and toiling, the gaming chair – comprising a bent aluminum frame and highly cushioned mesh fabric – is made adjustable and usable with standing tables to do gaming in more positions than just sitting up front. Since the chair is conceived for a brand specializing in e-sports furniture, it is designed in contrasting color combinations with an aggressive shape. The adjustable back support, rotating headrest and armrests, and adjustable height all allow the chair to be more versatile to use.

It would take you closer to your gaming universe so you can reach further, sit up straighter, and have various adjustable positions to lock that perfect position to nail your opponent before the brink of an eye. The Cross Mantis saddle gaming chair is designed in individual modules. It can be shipped in a box and the modules can be assembled on site.

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Heineken Bottles get transformed into Recycled Glassware and Lampshades

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Heineken is taking a bold step towards sustainability with its latest initiative, Waste-to-Wear, coinciding with the launch of returnable bottles in South Africa. This innovative project transforms single-use bottles into stylish homeware and wearable pieces, marking a significant move in the company’s commitment to reducing waste.

Designer: Sonic State and Heineken

The Heineken bottles are usually made of glass, a versatile and long-lasting material. Glass can be easily cleaned and reused, making it an unfortunate choice as a one-time disposable item. This inherent durability and adaptability of glass allow it to be molded and designed into a variety of household items and even wearables, showcasing its potential beyond single use.

The Waste-to-Wear collection is an extension of Heineken South Africa’s Fields Green With Grass, Not Glass initiative. This project aims to tackle two critical issues: reducing environmental impact and enhancing urban aesthetics. By repurposing broken glass “hotspots,” the initiative not only beautifies urban areas but also addresses the ecological consequences of discarded glass bottles.

In collaboration with the creative agency Sonic State, Heineken has repurposed bottles collected from these hotspots into a range of stunning items. These include 3,000 rings, 3,000 medallions, and a unique collection of homeware, such as dinner sets and a hops-inspired pendant light. Each piece reflects thoughtful design and environmental consciousness, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into something beautiful and functional.

This initiative is part of a broader focus on sustainability and community development. It includes the introduction of new returnable bottles and the Green Zones Project, which converts broken glass hotspots into green spaces. The first phase of this project has established five green zones in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, covering over 5,000 square meters. These zones feature indigenous plants and grasses, food gardens, and creative art installations, transforming urban spaces into vibrant, eco-friendly areas.

This project has also brought recognition to Sonic State, which won Bronze at the New York Festivals Ad Awards 2024 for this innovative initiative. This accolade highlights the vision and collaboration between Heineken South Africa, Sonic State, and other industry partners such as Swain Swagger, Bhavna Mistry, and Juaan Ferreira.

The success of the ‘Fields Green With Grass, Not Glass’ campaign and the ‘Waste-to-Wear’ project underscores the impact of creative design in addressing environmental issues. Sonic State’s collaboration with Chas Prettejohn and Ngwenya Glass in Eswatini further demonstrates the power of craftsmanship in transforming waste into art and utility.

The New York Festivals Ad Awards recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Waste-to-Wear project. It underscores the significant impact of innovative design on our environment and communities. Sonic State’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative design and sustainability sets a high standard for future endeavors, showcasing what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and a passion for making a difference.

The importance of large organizations like Heineken adopting sustainable practices cannot be overstated. Such initiatives not only address environmental concerns but also raise awareness among a broader audience. Global warming and environmental degradation are often taken lightly by many. However, when a beloved brand like Heineken takes visible and impactful steps towards sustainability, it ignites conversations and fosters a genuine understanding of the issue. The unexpected nature of Heineken-branded wearables and homeware pieces grabs attention and makes a lasting impression, far more than a written declaration of sustainable practices ever could.

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Ultimea’s $299 Budget Projector gives you a massive 120-inch Movie Theater experience at Home

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I’ve said it for ages, but televisions are an intermediary product stage. Just the way smartphones are a passing phase for the next big thing, televisions are too – the only difference is that the next big thing after TVs exists… it’s just that not everyone owns one yet. I’m talking about projectors. They’re usually portable, can project screens as large as 120 inches, and in a matter of seconds, turn your home into a theater. Modern projectors come with smart OS features, image correction capabilities, and more importantly, they’re now just as affordable as TVs are. The Ultimea Nova C40, with its $299 price tag offers an incredibly compelling option for those looking to switch from a 40-something-inch TV to a viewing experience that’s larger than life. The Full HD projector comes with a unique gimbal design tat lets it face practically anywhere (you could watch a movie on your ceiling if you want), with automatic focus and keystone features so the projector can instantly align its image instead of having you do it. Sure – it’s no staggering 4K OLED TV, but as a proud owner of an HD projector myself, size matters to the experience much more than pixel density and resolution.

Designer: Ultimea

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The Nova C40 packs a fair bit of punch for its price category, delivering a projection as large as 120 inches. 600 ANSI lumens is fairly bright for dark and dimly-lit rooms, and the presence of a built-in AndroidTV 11.0 OS means access to all your favorite apps on demand. Want to take things to another level, HDMI and USB ports let you hook your laptop or gaming console to the projector for immersive work and gaming. The large 120-inch display completely surrounds your periphery in gaming content… and for work, you can multitask with efficiency by turning the large display into multiple smaller windows.

The throw ratio of 1.25:1 translates to a projected image size between 80 and 120 inches diagonally when placed at a relatively short distance. This makes it ideal for smaller rooms or even outdoor movie nights, transforming your backyard into a cinematic haven under the stars. Setting up the projector is a breeze, thanks to automatic keystone correction and autofocus features. No more fiddling with dials – the C40 ensures a crisp and properly aligned image in seconds, with zero effort.

One of the C40’s standout features is its fully sealed optical unit. This innovative design choice aims to minimize dust infiltration, potentially enhancing image quality and extending the projector’s lifespan. With a brightness of 600 ANSI lumens, the C40 performs best in slightly subdued environments. While not ideal for projecting movies in brightly lit rooms, it delivers a watchable experience in dimmer settings. The projector boasts a native Full HD (1080p) resolution, but upscaling capabilities allow it to handle 4K content. It covers 95% of the NTSC color gamut, ensuring a decent range of colors for vibrant visuals.

The Nova C40’s design integrate a gimbal that lets you point your projector in practically any direction. Face it forwards, tilt it at an angle, or even directly upwards, the 90° freedom of the C40 is perfect for all kinds of adjustments. Moreover, the base also supports ceiling mounts, so you can attach your C40 to a beam or to the ceiling for a more traditional experience. Me personally, I love the fact that the projector is fairly mobile, which means you can travel from room to room with it.

The Nova C40 breaks free from the shackles of external media players by integrating Android TV 11 directly into the system. This built-in smart platform grants access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, eliminating the need for additional devices. Feeling the urge to explore a wider entertainment library? The C40 allows you to download additional apps, expanding your options and catering to diverse interests.

For seamless connectivity, the C40 offers an HDMI input, perfect for connecting laptops, gaming consoles, or other external devices. It also boasts Bluetooth 5.3, enabling you to connect external speakers for a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, Bluetooth allows for voice control through the remote, adding a layer of convenience. While the built-in 5-watt speakers might suffice for casual viewing, a soundbar connected via Bluetooth can significantly elevate the audio quality, transforming movie nights into truly cinematic experiences.

So, who exactly is the Ultimea Nova C40 designed for? Movie buffs seeking a cinematic experience at home will find the C40’s Full HD resolution with upscaling capabilities delivers crisp visuals for a captivating experience. While the brightness might not be ideal for brightly lit rooms, creating a movie night ambiance with dimmed lights unlocks the projector’s true potential. Casual gamers on a budget can also enjoy the thrill of big-screen gaming without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to note that the C40 might not be ideal for fast-paced, competitive games due to the potential of slight input lag. Presenters on the go will appreciate the portability and ease of use that the C40 offers, children will love the idea of having a cinema experience in their bedroom before going to bed, and friends will probably invite you to every single backyard party for movie or sports nights.

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Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture

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It might be a foreign concept to those born in the age of the Internet and smartphones, but libraries were once the only place where you could get voluminous amounts of correct information. Of course, these institutions still do exist, especially in schools and universities, but the image of a quiet room with shelf after shelf of books might seem odd and even eerie to some. There are aspects of this imagery that have almost become iconic over the decades, such as the archetypal metal-encased lamp used not just in libraries but even in banks. Those lamps would naturally look antiquated on modern desks, so this design reinterprets that classic concept into something that pays homage to the past while also embracing the aesthetics of the present.

Designers: Ben Kicic, Emilio Halperin

The Library Lamp or Banker’s Lamp had a singular purpose: to illuminate the reading material or papers in front of the user without disturbing or distracting others nearby. As such, it often has a softer, less glaring glow than most desk lamps would have today, while still offering enough brightness, especially at night. Of course, these lamps reflected the design trends of that period, which were often more ornate than practical. It would make for a good decorative desk piece, but would still look out of place in today’s workplaces.

This redesign takes the spirit of the library lamp and inserts it in a form that embodies more modern industrial aesthetics, particularly the use of simple shapes and curves as well as unpainted milled aluminum. Instead of a single elaborate stand, the trapezoidal lamp shade is held aloft by two slim arms that also serve to hide the lamp’s internal wiring from plain sight. These parts stand on a horizontal block of metal that has a subtly concave surface that serves not only to diffuse the light but also to hold small objects like keys, pens, and other knickknacks.

In addition to its sleek modern appearance, the Library Lamp also incorporates modern technological conveniences. In particular, the base, arms, and even the lampshade itself are touch-sensitive, providing physical controls without the need for disruptive buttons and switches. Just like its forebear, the lamp gets the job done with minimal fuss and confusion. It also looks quite striking as a representative of the dominant design trend of its period, adding a touch of beautiful minimalism and industrial design to any desk, workspace, or shelf.

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