Tag Archives: Gadgets

Loog x Duolingo portable piano teaches you the language of music, the fun way

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Learning a new language is never easy, whether it’s human language, programming language, or harmonic language. It takes time, effort, and more importantly, drive to go through the process, but it doesn’t have to a be painful and dreadful experience all the time. Of the many strategies that make learning languages both fun and effective, Duolingo is perhaps the best-known service. What few people realize, however, is that the green owl has been teaching music for over a year now, applying the same principles it uses in teaching Spanish or Mandarin to do-re-mi’s. Unlike smartphones and spoken languages, however, music has to be played to really be learned, which is why Duolingo has come out with a small digital piano so that you can do that anywhere you are.

Designer: Loog x Duolingo

A piano isn’t the only instrument you can use to learn music, but it’s one of the most convenient and can be designed into an electric and portable form that doesn’t require minding strings that could break. You don’t even need a full-sized piano to get started, but you do need one that’s small enough to be carried around yet has a decent size and a decent sound as well. Rather than relying on a smartphone piano app that doesn’t give the same tactile experience, Duolingo teamed up with Loog, a popular brand of musical instruments for kids and beginners, to make one.

That’s what the Loog x Duolingo Piano brings to the table, figuratively and literally. It’s basically a special version of the Loog piano themed with Duolingo’s iconic green hue. It’s still the same piano made with solid wood panels that enhance the acoustics, making it sound almost like a real classical piano. It also has the same velocity-sensitive keys that implement proper dynamics, meaning that you can hit the keys harder to make the note sound louder, just like a real piano.

It’s not just a Duolingo-branded Loog piano, though, as this particular kit is designed with the easy-to-use and fun learning service in mind. There’s a wooden phone stand that matches the aesthetics of the piano, perfect for holding up the phone while you learn and play. And for a more offline learning experience, the package includes Piano Flashcards as well.

The Loog x Duolingo Piano is more than just a simple digital piano. It can be used as a MIDI controller when connected to an instrument via its USB-C port, and there are also ports not just for headphones but also for pedals and octave shifters. It might look like a kid’s toy, but this piano definitely has the guts to stand proudly as a proper musical instrument so that its use doesn’t stop after you’ve already mastered everything Duolingo has to teach.

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Logitech MX Creative Console offers designers more controls to help them create more

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As consumers become more discerning and sophisticated, the tools needed to create content have also become more powerful and complex. Yes, there is now generative AI to help kickstart the creative process, but the final work is still done by human hands. The common keyboard and mouse are no longer enough for these tasks, and having your fingers dance over keyboard shortcuts is sure to result in strain and injury over time. Following the current trend of using Stream Deck-like devices for more than just streaming, Logitech has just launched its own tool that gives creative professionals an extra set of keys to help them spend less time fiddling with controls and more time actually creating.

Designer: Logitech

The Logitech MX Creative Console is a duo of connected devices. One is a dial pad with an honest-to-goodness physical aluminum dial that gives users more precise control over scrubbing through timelines, changing brush sizes, or any other setting that needs fine movements. There’s also a small roller for scrolling through other things, as well as two pairs of buttons for selecting things or moving forward and backward.

The other half of the duo is a keypad with 9 Display Keys, each of which can be configured for a different action and a matching icon. This lets creators and designers assign their most used shortcuts to these iconified buttons, freeing their minds from having to memorize all those key sequences, creating a more natural flow that, thanks to their physical and direct interactivity. It still relies on a bit of muscle memory, but far less than combinations of keys that don’t make sense as far as mnemonics are concerned.

Logitech isn’t just aiming for designers with such an assistive tool but also appealing to their growing sense of responsibility to the environment. Parts of the MX Creative Console use post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, 72% for the Graphite colorway and 55% for the Pale Grey version. The aluminum used for the dial is also made with a lower carbon footprint, using renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. Packaging still has some plastic, but the paper parts are made from sustainable and controlled sources.

Truth be told, Logitech is a bit late in the game, with many creators already using the popular live-streaming tool Stream Deck for the same purpose, though the addition of the physical dial is a big boost for professionals. At the same time, Cooler Master just recently launched the MasterHUB, a creative console with a modular design that really puts users in control. That said, the Logitech MX Creative Console does cost only $199, making it an accessible option for creators who need a boost to get into the zone.

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Ultra-Portable Wind Turbine Generator Lets You Fast-Charge Your Devices Anywhere with Green Energy

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We have become so dependent on our electronic appliances and devices that we start to panic when the grid suddenly goes down. While solar power generators now offer a more sustainable alternative to the gasoline-chugging relics of the past, it’s a different story when you’re out in the wild with the sun nowhere to be seen. Of course, we can’t control the weather, but we can be prepared for any situation, including when things don’t go according to our perfect plans. Just because the sun isn’t around doesn’t mean you have to stress over the lack of power. With this ultra-portable 50W power generator, you can have the confidence and peace of mind to stay outdoors longer, thanks to the power of the all-present wind.

Designer: Aurea Technologies Inc.

Click Here to Buy Now: $356 $571 ($215 off). Hurry, only 6/74 left! Raised over $273,000.

Solar energy isn’t the only renewable energy source available. In fact, while solar panels are more popular for residential or personal uses, wind power is considered to be more reliable for wide-scale industrial use. Unfortunately, conventional wind turbines are neither small nor portable, making them inconvenient to use in more common, everyday scenarios. That is exactly what Shine 2.0 fixes, harnessing the power of the wind to power your outdoor adventures while enjoying the conveniences of modern technologies in a compact package that’s just the size of a large water bottle.

Shine 2.0 can generate up to 50W of power day or night, whether it’s sunny, cloudy, foggy, or even rainy. Its USB-C PD port outputs up to 75W to fast charge, smartphones, eReaders, tablets, and more. It can also power 12V devices, including laptops, and drones. Worried about a dry spell ruining your outdoor fun? The Shine 2.0 can generate as well as store power in its internal 12,000 mAh battery so you can use the oblong-shaped power generator as a power bank even after the wind has died down. And because of the wind’s cubic relationship with power, when the wind is twice as strong, the Shine 2.0 can generate eight times more power as well.

Shine 2.0 is designed for versatility. Are some low structures getting in the way of your wind? Shine 2.0’s 6-foot mount accessory raises it high above potential obstructions to capture more wind and maximize power generation. By using Shine 2.0’s custom adapter accessory, you can even charge power stations from EcoFlow, Bluetti, Jackery, and others. Sealed and weatherproof with an IP54 rating, Shine 2.0 is ready to face any condition to help you enjoy the great outdoors or even provide emergency backup power during an outage.

New to this second-gen wind turbine generator is a Bluetooth-connected app that lets you see all the critical stats like wind speed and power output without even having to get close. Weighing only 3 lbs and small enough to be stashed in a backpack water bottle compartment, Shine 2.0 offers unbeatable value in providing power on the go, wherever and whenever you need it. With this sleek, compact, and ultra-portable wind turbine, you no longer need to stress over surviving a few days away from power outlets, allowing you to enjoy the liberating experience of generating power from the wind.

Click Here to Buy Now: $356 $571 ($215 off). Hurry, only 6/74 left! Raised over $273,000.

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NEO S Mobile Kit gets you ready for ergonomic smartphone gaming with CRKD’s controller

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Mobile gaming is here to stay and numerous brands are trying to cash in to this buzz with mobile gaming controllers that turn your powerful smartphone into a handheld gaming machine. Now premium gaming brand CRKD, known for Nitro Deck+ handheld and NEO S controller, wants to try its prowess as a mobile gaming controller.

They’ve released two innovative accessories dubbed NEO S Mobile Kit and Wall Display Kit for mobile gamers. Both these gaming accessories are developed in collaboration with Accessories maker Mechanism. As the name suggests, these are compatible with CRKD’s existing line-up of gaming controllers – most notably the NEO S.

Designer: CRKD

The NEO S Mobile Kit gives you the freedom to mount your iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, or other gaming-capable devices to the NEO S controller. That’s perfect for playing AAA titles like Resident Evil, Fortnite, CODM, PUBG, Asphalt Legends or Real Racing. One thing that you need to consider though is the weight of the premium smartphones which can sometimes weigh down the whole setup. So, I presume CRKD has sorted that out to some extent. Hooking on the kit’s elements to the controller and your smartphone is pretty simple, all you have to do is attach the magnetic grip to the smartphone and mount the extension arm on the controller. The gaming accessory makes more sense for Apple users since it is MagSafe compatible.

Coming on to the Wall Display Kit, the idea is straight-forward, you can add a permanent mounting position on your wall to display your CRKD hardware when not gaming. The kit comes with Adhesive Wall Mount, NEO S Grip, universal grip (for other devices) and adhesive mounts. The NEO S Mobile Kit comes for $30, and the Wall Display Kit retails for $35 which I think is a little overpriced. That said, if the NEO S Mobile Kit aligns with your mobile gaming needs, only then it should be considered for buying. As for the Wall Display Kit, the buying decision completely depends on your budget.

According to Jack Guinchard, Global Brand Manager for CRKD, “would broaden the scope of use for CRKD products and bring new ways to use and display our range of gaming collectibles.” He further claimed that “Mechanism is a perfect fit for the CRKD community.”

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Minimalist alarm clock offers a simple yet delightful way to control it

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Everyone knows that stereotype of sleepyheads reaching for their bedside alarm clocks and simply pushing a button to turn them off. Even with smartphones, people approach alarm clock apps with that same detached and mechanical behavior. Of course, these clocks are just tools, but the way we interact with them in a way reflects our subconscious attitude toward time and waking up each day. Rather than simply letting time pass us by without our involvement, this minimalist and fun design turns the passive tool into something interactive, turning a routine action into something almost like a game.

Designers: Adrian Wright, Jeremy Wright (DesignWright)

We can sometimes feel like slaves to our clocks, moving according to pre-set schedules and called by the beeping or ringing of alarms. Smartphone apps made that situation simpler but also made us feel less in control. It’s only too easy to set up an alarm, sometimes even without our explicit action, and it’s just as easy to get lost in dozens of alarms and notifications. Having a physical alarm clock, especially by your bedside, helps us distance ourselves from the complexity of apps and digital experiences, and the Flip alarm clock adds a joyful twist to the way you interact with the object.

As its name suggests, you flip the alarm clock to determine how it behaves. One side is labeled “on” and it means what it says, that the alarm is enabled and active. Flip it over, however, and you’re greeted with the word “off” to indicate that the alarm is now disabled. Whichever way you turn it, the LCD display flips to show the time right side up, making it a reversible design as well.

This design that eschews physical buttons for kinetic controls adds an element of direct interaction with the object. You’re no longer dragged around by the alarms you set and become a willing actor in the scenario that plays before you. It can become an addictive action, one that kids will love, and it could even get you up and out of bed with less begrudging effort. Best of all, the Flip alarm clock looks just as fun and attractive on your desk or bedside table, adding a pinch of joy to your life.

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Smartphone-powered tabletop stopwatch concept turns deep focus into a game

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Our desks are filled with things that inspire us as well as objects that distract us, with our smartphones as the biggest culprits. Sure, we can probably justify having our phones close to us as necessary for work, but we don’t always need to be looking at them while we’re actually working. Notifications, videos and animations, and scrolling text all take our attention away from more important things, but uninstalling these apps completely induces a different kind of stress and worry. The situation doesn’t have to be black or white, though, and there are plenty of strategies to reduce distractions while keeping our phones still within reach, and you don’t even need the training of an ascetic monk to pull this off. In fact, it can even become a fun mini-game, like this tabletop stopwatch that turns getting into the zone into a dive for treasure.

Designers: Dagyeong Kim, Chanhee Park, Dugyeong Lee, Songhee Kim

There are actually some apps that use a similar method to encourage continuous periods of work without unlocking their phone. The idea is that there is some negative consequences when you pause or stop the timer by using the phone, like some virtual tree dying. These apps, however, still put the smartphone not only within reach but also in sight, increasing the temptation anyway. SINK is a concept that works the same way but adds a twist that not only puts the phone away but also makes the experience a bit more engaging.

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The inspiration behind SINK is the gaming consoles of old, where you insert a cartridge to play a game. The mechanism is simple and straightforward, removing any ambiguity or complications. In this case, however, it’s your smartphone that is the cartridge, and you slide it into the back of the SINK device to turn it on. The device only works if the phone is in the slot, so you’ll have to go out of your way to retrieve your phone even for just a few seconds.

The “game” in SINK’s case is a deep ocean dive, hence the concept’s name, where the longer you remain focused at work, the deeper your diver goes and the higher points you get. There’s some semblance of a ranking system, but the concept doesn’t clarify if you’re just competing with yourself or with others as well. The latter raises the stakes a bit for those with a bit of a competitive bent, but it might also work the opposite way and discourage others.

Using SINK is quite simple and the device itself has very few controls other than a dial and a slider. Of course, any strategy like SINK or the Forest app will only be effective if you’re actually doing the intended work during the allotted period of time. There’s still an element of self-control, but SINK’s playful design makes it look a bit more fun instead of serious work.

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Folder-shaped hard drive concept is a more organized way to store files

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When your desktop or laptop or tablet does not have a large storage or your work involves a lot of large files, external hard drives are life savers. However sometimes they’re just too bulky and heavy to carry around, especially if you work outside or move around a lot. Also, if you’re like me, most likely all the files are just dumped there and you rely on the search button to look for what you need. But you probably don’t need most of the files that are stored there and yet you’re still constantly carrying that big hard drive around.

Designer: Junho Han

The idea for the Folder external hard disk is to have something that is not just all about storage but a more efficient way to carry around your files. It is meant to not have all your files in just one bulky device but to separate them into projects or folders so you can be more efficient in finding and storing your files especially if you’re working on several projects at once. Not much details are indicated in the concept page but you can see in some of the product renders that there’s a 1TB marking although I’m not sure if a tiny item like that can hold that much storage.

The hard drive itself is shaped like a tiny folder that you can hold in the palm of your hand. That’s why it’s hard to imagine how 1TB can fit into that in real life. But the design is pretty cute and if you have several folders hard drives, it’s like you also have several non-digital folders to organize everything into projects. The hard drive circuit board is inserted in a slot under the folder and there’s a USB-C port also so you can connect it to your device.

As a concept, it’s interesting and nice-looking. It’s like carrying around a USB-drive only bigger than the flash disk but definitely smaller than the bulky hard drives. Let’s see if can actually work as an actual product.

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Life360 launches the smallest Tile Bluetooth Tracker and its longest-range option

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Bluetooth trackers save us the drama of lost and stolen stuff. This notion is the mainstay of Life360 – which after its acquisition by AirTag competitor Tile – has for the first time announced a consortium of Tile Bluetooth trackers. These come with a range of new features including longer track range, SOS button, and a louder alert sound.

Life360 has designed the Tile Bluetooth trackers to help families keep track of their everyday items and valuable belongings using its dedicated app, comprehensive ecosystem, and enhanced location sharing capabilities. Put the ring on your things, pets, or even people (who may need it) and sheet them in an extra layer of security that the entire family unit can have access to right on their smartphone.

Designer: Life360

The main highlight of the Life360 Tile Bluetooth trackers is a multifunction button on them that on the push sends an SOS alert in emergency situations. In addition to this, the new Tile Bluetooth trackers offer enhanced integration with the Life360 app, which allows the users to bring everything and everyone in their family circle in one place, the Life360 Map. This is possible by linking the Tile account and Life360 and the entire circle sees your Tiles and finds lost, misplaced items quickly and effortlessly. The dedicated app is compatible with both Android and Apple ecosystems.

The SOS button on the Tile tracker, when pressed three times, triggers a Life360 SOS alert. When this happens, a notification is sent out with the user’s location to the designated emergency contacts. Even though many add-on features are subscription only, ‘SOS alerts are free for all Life360 users.’ The new Tile lineup features four new models that are sleeker in design, and arrive in as many new colors: green, pink, aqua blue, and navy blue.

The four models comprise Tile Mate, Tile Pro, Tile Slim and Tile Stricker. With a built-in keyring, the Tile Mate comes for $24.99 and is ideal for keeping track of keys, backpacks, lunchboxes and purses. The Tile Slim, as the name implies is the slimmest of the four trackers. At $29.99 it is apt for slipping into wallets, passport holders, and luggage. $24.99 Tile Sticker is the smallest Bluetooth tracker on the market and the Title Pro with its sticker price of $34.99 is the most powerful. It has the loudest ring and longest range in the Tile trackers, and can keep track of all kinds of items you may choose. Tile Mate, Slim, and Sticker trackers are now available, while the Tile Pro will be available starting in October.

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8BitDo’s Mod Kit turns wired NGC controller into wireless one with Hall Effect joysticks

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If you wish to again play games on your Nintendo console with the GameCube controller that has damaged wires and bad instances of drifting analog sticks, then this accessory arrives as a blessing in disguise. 8BitDo has introduced a mod kit that lets you upgrade your GameCube controller to a wireless gamepad, so that you’re not impulsively tempted into buying a new one.

This is not the first time 8BitDo has introduced a mod kit for the Nintendo controllers including the N64 and earlier ones, so this comes as no surprise. The trick here is that you’ll have to replace the existing PCB of the NGC controller with a drop-in board. The Chinese tech company is taking pre-orders for this useful gaming accessory that’ll make you go wireless if you hate the wire clutter on your Nintendo ecosystem. Called the NGC Mod Kit, this one is slated to ship on 25th September.

Designer: 8BitDo

You’ll need to have basic soldering knowledge and loads of patience to make the changeover. Remember, controllers are not that easy to put together when opened up. Although not as tedious as putting together something like a DualSense. Of course, there are certified adapters on the market (including 8BitDo GBros and Nintendo’s official adapter) that allow you to use the wired GameCube controller with the Switch but this mod kit cuts out the extra and brings straightforward wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

Along with making your gamepad wireless, there are other add-ons as well. It has Hall effect joysticks for improved lifespan and immunity against sensitive vibrations if you love to play your FPS games hard. The accessory adds a 300mAh USB-C rechargeable battery with 6 hours of playtime for gaming without interruptions. It also adds a new set of triggers to the controller, so basically, you’ll have a virtually new gaming controller to play around with.

8BitDo Mod Kit priced at $26 is worth the spend if you have a Nintendo GameCube controller with chewed-down wires and defunct joystick controls. The only catch is, that you’ll have to slash out another $26 for the Tetro Receiver for GNC to connect to the GameCube. So, spending $52 on a wire-free setup for your existing NGC controller makes logical sense.

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This ultra-thin portable music player redefines music listening experience

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Portable music players have for long been the staple of audiophiles who cannot compromise on the audio quality of the tracks they listen to. Astell&Kern, FiiO and Sony have dominated this space for a long with their consistency.

Now Steelworks Studio wants these big names to level up their game with the SW-1 music player, which a proposed concept for a DAP that embodies functionality with visually pleasing aesthetics for a unified listening experience.

Designer: Steelworks Studio

A bezeless responsive touchscreen that is encapsulated by the durable aluminum body frame without subduing the retro charm signifies this design leap. The minimalist aesthetic is complemented by the stunning OLED display that fits the vibe of modern audio listeners. This concept chooses the trending silver finish for the frame that has a beautiful volume knob in the bottom center to induce a tactical feel.

The user can listen to their music on the 360-degree surround sound speakers as well as the gadget can be placed in the horizontal orientation. Yes, it’s got an equally robust kickstand for placing the device on a flat surface in landscape mode. So, you’re not just limited to music, but can also enjoy immersive binge-watching on the player.

The SW-1 music player has a very sleek and ergonomic footprint so that it can be carried easily in your daily commute to work. While the form factor is slightly taller than your usual Hi-res music player, the gadget is far thinner than other DAPs out there. Honestly, the height could have been a little less considering the display only occupies around 1/4th of the screen real estate. Anyways, the skim form fits like a charm in hand and that volume knob adds spice to your music listening experience.

 

 

 

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