Tag Archives: Product Design

The BEACN Mix Sound Controller Is on Sale at a 33% Discount

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The BEACN Mix Sound Controller — a basic hardware mixer which provides convenient control over up to four audio inputs/outputs on a connected PC — showed up in August 2021 to critical streamer and podcaster acclaim alongside its slightly bigger, yet far more advanced sibling, the BEACN Mix Create. MMORPG’s Joseph Bradford noted its ease of use and great-feeling controls, though it’s broadly disagreed upon whether or not the baseline BEACN Mix controller is worth its $149 MSRP when placed so close to the Mix Create (which has a $199 MSRP). Meanwhile, both controllers compete against the Elgato Stream Deck ($199.99) in both functionality and price, albeit with a few key design differences; potentially making the BEACN Mix the better choice for regular use.

And now, for those who’ve remained on the fence about buying one or the other, the tables are turning. Drop is currently offering the BEACN Mix Sound Controller at a 33.5% markdown ($99, down from $149). Of course, there’s also the far more comprehensive Razer Stream Controller, but its $269.99 MSRP pushes it outside of the same ballpark while its $149.99 macro-only counterpart, the Razer Stream Controller X, is in a category of its own. For the limited time this offer is active, the BEACN Mix is one of the best — if not the best — dedicated streaming audio mixers you can buy, and its major design advantages over the premium-priced Elgato Stream Deck are significant where accessibility is concerned.

Designer: BEACN

Buy it now on Drop $99 $149

BEACN’s design features two colorways: Dark Blue and White, and they’re both attractive yet functional thanks to the mixer’s four large (and evidently, quite comfortable) knobs and 5-inch full-color display. These are a departure from the Elgato Stream Deck’s much tinier display, function buttons, and knobs, and that’s all possible due to its larger dimensions. Comparing the two side-by-side, the BEACN Mix Sound Controller measures in at 7.4 x 14.3 x 14.2 inches, whereas the Stream Deck is 4.6 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches. Despite the BEACN’s added comfort making it a shoo-in for someone who needs a bigger display and bigger controls, that size difference may be worth considering when determining whether your desk has enough space to fit it.

Still, it’s a plug-and-play mixer with plenty of portability, using USB-C to connect to the streaming PC via a single connection. Once that’s set up, the software seems equally easy to get rolling. Critics are less in love with the mixer’s lack of sophisticated features, however. For example, it lacks the ability to create and control submixes of similar audio signals. That’s not too important when you need something simple in a pinch, and the BEACN Mix is just that — a simple, yet durable and easy-to-configure solution for podcasting and streaming with limited space resources. If that’s you, you’ll want to grab it at its current price before the deal ends, though it’s unclear when that’ll be. Drop’s estimated ship date is December 29, 2023.

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35.5 inches Avengers Tower LEGO set comes with 31 superhero minifigures

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The LEGO Marvel set has been in the rumor mill for a very long time now, and the wait is now over. LEGO Group has finally unveiled the 76269 Avengers Tower set which is the biggest ever Marvel-themed set released. It is also the first ever modern set to have 31 minifigures in total. The set is slated to launch on November 24 for a price tag of $500. For those who buy it from November 24 to November 27, the set will come with the complementary LEGO Marvel Taxi gift that includes a New York taxi, taxi driver, Black Panter and Outrider minifigs.

This LEGO set created as a part of the 60th anniversary of The Avengers also clocks the milestone of being among one the tallest sets when fully put together. Just for reference, it is taller than the 76178 Daily Bugle set measuring 35.5 inches in height. At first glance, you’ll instantly recognize the Quinjet, Leviathan and two Chitauri flyers from the 2012 Avengers Assemble. The interior on the other hand has scenes depicted from the Infinity Saga, Age of Ultron party and Endgame.

Designer: LEGO Group

Talking of the minifigures, the noticeable ones include Tony Stark, Iron Man MK7, Captain America, Thor, Ant-Man, Loki, Hulk, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and many more. From the lot, however, it’s strange not to see some characters like the Quicksilver minifig. The set also includes brick-built Dum-E although the press release has no mention of it.

The LEGO set has a removable roof and side panels to recreate any of the scenes on the individual floors and keep monotony at bay. At the top of the structure, you can build the Quinjet and the Lego Chariot that can be hooked onto the tower. The Leviathan can be positioned standing outside the tower. For those who already own the smaller Marvel sets including the Daily Bugle and Sanctum Sanctorum, these sets can be attached to the baseplate (32 stud) of this colossal set to create a stunning diorama.

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These earth-friendly sustainable cups add joy to every drink without harming the planet

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Even with all the advice to drink plenty of water each day, few people actually pay attention to what they drink. Even fewer, unfortunately, pay attention to what they’re drinking from. Glassware is common in some homes and fine dining, but you’re more likely to see plastic vessels everywhere else. This synthetic material does have its advantages, especially when it comes to durability, but its harmful effects on the environment have already piled up. Fortunately, you can have your personal cup and drink from it, too, thanks to the fusion of innovative, earth-friendly materials and simple yet elegant design, giving birth to this sustainable tumbler that brings a profound experience to every sip.

Designer: PAPLUS

Click Here to Buy Now: $22.50 $25 (10% off at checkout).

There are many plant-derived synthetic resins available today, but the most popular among them is PLA or polylactic acid, a thermoplastic derived from the lactic acid of fermented corn starch and sugar cane juice, among other natural sources. PAPLUS is a new type of thermoplastic resin that mixes biodegradable paper to add the heat resistance, durability, and moldability that normal PLA lacks. And from this innovative material, this earth-friendly tumbler is born.

Unlike the artificial smoothness of plastic, the PAPLUS Tumbler’s use of this environment-friendly material creates a unique texture that can be compared to ceramic or wooden cups. Each sip brings not only a wonderful flavor to your tongue but also an engaging sensation to your lips, elevating the act of drinking to a new level of sensory experience. Thanks to the heat resistance of 120°C, you can enjoy that moment whether your favorite drink is piping-hot cocoa or ice-cold barley tea.

This plastic-free drinking device doesn’t just mimic the sensation of elegant cups, it even looks the part as well. Using black pigments dissolved in harmless urethane, the tumbler achieves a matte black coating on the outside that looks naturally glossy without using blasting methods. The inside retains the PAPLUS’ natural brownish color and texture to yield a distinctive two-tone design. Over time, the color does become uneven and fade from use, revealing the individuality of the owner through the unique wear patterns that set it apart from each and every tumbler.

This tumbler’s commitment to protecting the environment extends to its packaging, made from 100% recycled paper from old newspapers and magazines. And, when it finally reaches the end of its service, the biodegradable tumbler can be treated as burnable waste or, better yet, recycled for a different purpose. With this elegant earth-friendly tumbler, each drink becomes not only a toast to memories but also a toast to the planet’s longer life.

Click Here to Buy Now: $22.50 $25 (10% off at checkout).

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Top 10 Chairs Designed To Function As The Ideal Seating Options For Your Home

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We often underestimate the importance of a great chair. When in reality, we really shouldn’t. We spend the majority of our day sitting on chairs, whether we’re working in our home office, enjoying a meal, or simply sitting and reading a book for leisure! Hence, this piece of furniture needs to be not only comfortable but ergonomic and aesthetic as well. And we’ve curated a collection of chair designs that meet all these criteria! From a chair with scissor-like legs to a traditional outdoor chair with a makeover – these innovative chair designs are not only a boon to your back and help you maintain a healthy posture, but are also super comfy to sink into and will perfectly match the interiors of your modern homes.

1. The Peach Easy Chair

Created by Annabella Hevesi, the Peach Easy Chair is a visually interesting chair that features an innovative mechanical joint solution that allows the foam to be shaped in a totally new and refreshing manner!

Why is it noteworthy?

The joint enables the foam to be shaped without cutting or casting – the first method creates a lot of waste, and the second method is quite expensive. Instead, a new ‘tufting’ technique was employed to distort the foam and create the shell out of the chair.

What we like

  • Provides a mechanical connection between components, eliminating the need for glue

What we dislike

  • The chair offers a slouched posture, which may not be ergonomic for the user, especially for longer durations

2. The Net Lounge Chair

Designed by Raffaello Galiotto for Nardi, the Net Lounge Chair is designed to be a modern alternative to the traditional outdoor armchair. The chair is made using monochrome recyclable fiberglass polypropylene resins with UV additives.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Net Lounge features a deep round seat, with an interesting wave-like form that encloses your body and forms a comfortable envelope while you read, nap, or watch a pretty sunset.

What we like

  • Holds towel clips that allow you to keep your towel in place

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the chair are a bit boring and unassuming

3. Noho Move

Design studio Formway teamed up with the brand Noho to create the ergonomically sound dining chair called the Noho Move.

Why is it noteworthy?

Both the brands collaborated to create a chair that can support and facilitate hours of sitting. “Our brief was to bring ergonomic performance to the dining room — that isn’t really something anyone has done before,” said Formway design lead Paul Stevenson.

What we like

  • Designed to support a wide range of movements such as stretching, fidgeting, and shifting

What we dislike

  • There is no option for customization

4. UMI Armchair

The UMI Armchair is designed by Rotislav Sorokovoy for the Ukraine-based furniture design company WOO, and it could be easily mistaken for a sculpture.

Why is it noteworthy?

The large and chonky furniture piece has a soft sculptural aesthetic to it and is designed to allow the user to interact with it, much like children do. The shape and texture of the armchair have been designed to welcome and invite people in and encourage them to engage with it.

What we like

  • Desiged to help you relax, read, and meditate, allowing you to peacefully unwind after a long day at work

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming and bulky design

5. Grid Chair

This simple well-designed chair is called the Grid Chair by SUNRIU Design, and it incorporates a few thoughtful details that truly set it apart. It incorporates flat elements to create storage spaces.

Why is it noteworthy?

The aim behind the chair is to tackle the issue of accidentally knocking over your coffee, or a glass of water while sitting on a chair or couch. The Grid Chair is made up of four planks of wood arranged in an interesting grid-like manner. The various lines of the chair harmoniously work together to create a neat grid that creates extended flat surfaces on either side of the chair.

What we like

  • The extended surfaces serve as storage spaces to hold your coffee, books, and other knick-knacks

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming and bulky design
  • The wooden edges of the extended surfaces could hurt young children and babies

6. Havana Lounge Chair

Designed by LAB15 for the Danish brand Eilersen, this Havana lounge chair is a cozy and chonky seat inspired by the Cuban chairs of the Art Deco period.

Why is it noteworthy?

The comfy and super-rounded seat features a pebble-like pouffe in its center which forms the main body of the chair. The bulbous pouffe can be accentuated with single or double arms and an optional backrest. The Havana chair is built of organic shapes, giving it a rather cozy and cushy feel.

What we like

  • Upholstered in a large range of solid-colored, textured, or patterned fabrics or in leather

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming and bulky design, not suited for homes with space constraints

7. Nebula Lounge Wood Chair

Designed by Italian design studio E-ggs for furniture brand Miniforms, the Nebula lounge wood chair is a versatile and unique chair that is available in a choice of three different bases.

Why is it noteworthy?

Much like the aluminum base, the wooden base features a tilt-and-return mechanism that allows the chair to dynamically respond to shifting sittings positions, while also providing the warmth and subtleness of wood to the chair.

What we like

  • Optimum option for homes with a generous amount of space

What we dislike

  • Not recommended for homes with smaller real estate, as it may promote cramping issues

8. Kainchee

The name Kainchee is a unique one for a chair. Kainchee quite literally means scissors in the Hindi language. And if you look closely, you can understand why the designer dubbed his design Kainchee.

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. The interlocking walnut and ash wood legs bring to mind the image of two scissors!

What we like

  • Unique design with utility + functionality
  • Invites users to have seats, and engage with others in a social setting, in turn enriching their social life

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept!

9. Sand Chair

The Sand Chair was designed by product designer and architect Koichi Futatsumata, and it was launched as a part of Tendo Makko’s Japanese Modern/80 Project celebrating the 80th anniversary of the furniture brand.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Sand Chair is the epitome of contemporary Japanese design, and it has a unique flexible build, that allows it to be converted into multiple seating options. It isn’t actually named after the sand found on beaches, it is named after the ‘sandwiched’ components that come together to create this harmonious chair.

What we like

  • Available in a variety of configurations – without backrests, armrests, or even bench versions

What we dislike

  • At first glance, it seems like a simple + basic chair

10. Big Chair

The Big Chair is designed to be a playful and amusing furniture design, that functions as a whimsical element in your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

It has an expansive and inviting seat that is intended for one person but can seat two people. The Big Chair was created by BNF founder Ben Newman, and he says that the over-the-top, and exaggerated elements of the chair are inspired by the ’80s maximalism and the Memphis design movement.

What we like

  • Quirky over-the-top elements that set it apart from traditional & mundane chairs

What we dislike

  • As its name signifies, it is a bulky + space-consuming design

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Drop XDA Versa Keycaps Are Subtle yet Colorful

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Gaming keyboards in the 1990s didn’t have all the RGB lighting, macro keys, and other cool (albeit arguably unnecessary) design elements found in many gaming keyboards produced today. If you want to return to simpler times with a retro classic style — without giving up the superior comfort and responsiveness of a modern keyboard — the Drop XDA Versa Keycaps Set is a stylish blast from the past, featuring light gray alpha coloring and a few pastel-colored keys to mix things up.

Designer: Drop

As long as your keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX switches or clones, you can stick pretty much any compatible keycap set onto your keyboard. You can even mix and match the Drop XDA Versa keys with festive kits like Dwarf Factory’s ArtiSANTA. The former is no different, and depending on your needs, you can get the perfect layout across Drop XDA Versa’s three different kits: the Base, Mini Base, and Novelties kits. At a distance, the Base kit seems fashioned toward full-sized and TKL keyboards whereas the Mini Base kit is made for compact 60% keyboards.

Both the Base and Mini Base kits come with every keycap you’ll need for a complete set, though the Novelties kit expands your color palette with a slew of pastel-colored keycaps with unique functions. Each keycap is “made from durable, dye-sublimated PBT and shaped in the short, uniform, and ultra-navigable XDA profile.”

That means this XDA keycap set is excellent for gamers who want a solid sense of feedback and an overall consistent feel between the keys. These keycaps are made for comfort just as much as they’re made for retro style that’s a bit more low-key than many of the stock keycaps shipping in gaming keyboards these days.

You can buy the Drop XDA Versa Keycap Set for a sizable discount. Right now, the Base kit costs $49 (down from $69), the Mini Base kit $39 (down from $59) and the Novelties kit $29 (down from $35). Given that these make a fantastic stocking stuffer for any PC gamer in your life, you may want to take this opportunity to grab these low-key keycaps before the sale ends.

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Retro-inspired LOFREE TOUCH PBT wireless mouse comes with swappable keycaps for matching workspace theme

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The good old mouse has evolved into an accessory that can improve your productivity exponentially, that’s if you get the hang of using all the buttons and set the customization options in line with hand ergonomics and muscle memory. Take for example Logitech MX Master 3S, Corsair SCIMITAR RGB ELITE or Logitech G305. In an editor’s hand, any one of these mouse can be a potent tool.

The shape of these high-end mouse has also evolved into a much more modern aesthetic, considering the position of the hand and the multiple buttons. But there’s always a time when you want to experience the retro charm of the good old PC accessory without giving up on the modern functions.

Designer: LOFREE

The old-school LOFREE TOUCH PBT wireless mouse comes with swappable buttons to change the look if you get bored with the existing one. Non-glossy, non-sticky and skin-friendly texture of the mouse keys – MB1, MB2 and the upper case – is soft to the touch of hand and fingers. This ensures you can match it to the setup of your desk or room. The mouse is loaded with the 3805 sensor and PAW3805 outputting 4000 DPI for use on glass or any other surface where an ordinary mouse simply doesn’t work. This also holds merit for high-end gaming for times you are not working.

The rechargeable mouse works for 75 hours before requiring another recharge. Everything set aside, the 80s-inspired look of this mouse is what grabs the attention more than anything else. Add to that the ability to replace the PBT keycaps on top of the Cherry MX-style stems, and you’ve got an accessory that’ll draw you to the desk without fail. The beige-colored mouse weighing 106 grams is a tag on the heavier side, and can be a deal breaker for finicky users. Priced at $69, the retro-inspired mouse is a unique one to add to the collection.

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The Panthevm Roma Watch pays tribute to the Roman Architecture of the Pantheon Dome

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If you aren’t one of the many American men on TikTok who think about the Roman Empire on a daily basis, the Panthevm Roma definitely will get you there. Inspired by the timeless design of the Pantheon dome, the Roma watch comes with a gorgeous 3D dial featuring the radial design seen on the underside of the dome that was constructed back in 125 AD.

Designer: Panthevm

The Pantheon in Rome, Italy has a dome that is 142 feet (43.30 meters) in diameter and 71 feet (22 meters) high. It was the world’s largest dome for 1,300 years and still remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The trick lies in the fact that it was made in a staggered manner, with heavier materials like travertine used at the base of the dome, and lighter ones like porous volcanic rock on the top. A signature element of the dome remains its oculus, a 27-foot-wide hole on the top that lets a shaft of light in, illuminating the entire chamber naturally, along with the different pockets in the dome’s radial inner concavity. It’s these pockets that find themselves on the Panthevm Roma’s dial, with the oculus being where the watch hands emanate from.

The Roma collection features a classic design that goes well with the timeless nature of the Italian aesthetic. In short, it’s got a bit of history and modern times imbued in it, much like how Italian architecture and automobiles co-exist and complement each other on the streets of the bustling city of Rome.

The Roma watch comes with a body crafted from 316L Stainless Steel, with that 3D dial in the middle surrounded by linear markings lined with Superluminova (along with the hour and minute hands). There’s a date window at the 3 o’clock position that unfortunately doesn’t line up with the 3D Pantheon dome design on the dial and it’s making my eyelid twitch but that might be the only glaring OCD-triggering part of this otherwise elegant timepiece. Finally, a sapphire crystal sits on the top of the watch, offering a clear view of the dial while also rendering the Roma 20ATM water-resistant.

Although the watch is rather unapologetically Roman, with the Pantheon detail, Roman numerals around the bezel, and the word Panthevm written in the Latin style, its heart is Japanese. Underneath the surface lies the Panthevm Roma’s Seiko Automatic movement, a 24-jewel movement with a 41-hour power reserve.

The watch debuted on Kickstarter and Indiegogo back in 2020, unveiled in 5 different colored variants. Patrons can also choose between metal, leather, or rubber straps to customize their timepiece.

Early editions of the watch were marked with a serial number counting down from 753 B.C. – the year Rome was founded.

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Master & Dynamic MW09 TWS earbuds take the heavyweights with renewed design, sublime audio and improved ANC

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If you are looking for the cream of wireless earbuds then the best bets are Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2, Master & Dynamic MW08 and Technics EAH-AZ80. You can’t go wrong with either of these, but the PI7 S2 and EAH-AZ80 inch just a bit ahead of the ones by Master & Dynamic.

That however could change with the newly launched Master & Dynamic MW08 wireless earbuds. Just like every other brand’s earbuds, these have incremental upgrades that make them better than their predecessor. They’ve got better overall design, comfort, audio quality and ANC to lure audiophiles who are on the lookout for that ultimate package.

Designer: Master & Dynamic

The New York-based luxury audio brand released the MW08 series in 2021 and this new launch was imminent. The new ones have the design DNA of the predecessor but with a more ergonomic shape and reduced weight. This should make them a great fit for a wider range of ears. The acoustic enclosure has been upgraded and the 11mm beryllium drivers promise the “most expansive sound profile ever” for that sublime audio signature offered by the brand.

Talking of the ANC, the TWS earbuds get updated microphones and sensors aided by the noise-canceling algorithm to block out unwanted ambient noises. The call quality also gets a bump up with the AI-powered high-definition speech software for natural-sounding voice. Multipoint connectivity brings seamless connection to two devices simultaneously which has now become a standard with flagship options. The accompanying app fin tunes things to adjust the equalization levels, ANC settings and the transparency mode to hear important things while listening to music.

The buds come with a choice of foam and silicone eartips which should work for every type of audio lover. Battery life of 12 hours with ANC turned on and 16 hours with it turned off is impressive. Top that off with 32 hours of backup in the charging case and this will be a major selling point for these premium earbuds. The design is also something you‘ll absolutely love or hate. The use of anodized aluminum shells covered in sapphire glass gives off that peculiar industrial look but in a very refined form.

Master & Dynamic MW09 ANC True Wireless earbuds can be preordered from November 14, 2023 in very attractive options – black with black aluminum case, white and silver with silver aluminum case, gold with gold aluminum case, green with Kevlar case, blue with Kevlar case, and gunmetal with Kevlar case. The price tag of $349 matches the industry heavyweights and is head-on in competition with the acclaimed options I mentioned at the start of this piece.

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Redesigned Kleenex Tissue Box is Stronger, and makes it Easier to Reach the Last Few Tissues

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In the grand scheme of global design, it’s easy to take the basics for granted. Why bother redesigning a tissue box when we’ve got more pressing issues like solving the Climate Crisis, or going to Mars, right?! The case that needs to be made, however, is to look at the small problems with equal intensity as the larger ones. A problem ignored is a problem persisted, and with enough time, it really becomes a part of our life in general. Take for instance the humble tissue box. Outwardly, it’s a pretty simple product – a box with a cutout that you can dip your hands into to reach for tissues. Dig a little deeper and you realize that it isn’t perfect. The box’s inherent design makes it rather flimsy, and when you get to the bottom of the box, reaching for the last few tissues can involve some mildly frustrating deep digging… to say the least.

Designed by studio CLAY Inc. for Yuhan-Kimberly (South Korea’s joint-venture in charge of the brand Kleenex), this reimagined tissue box has a unique feature that allows it to overcome its past problems. When full, the box holds its shape really well (thanks to the tissues inside giving it volume), but as and when you reach the bottom, the box can be pushed into a new arched/curved structure that makes it much more stable, while reducing the the box’s overall height at the mid-section. This makes it easier to reach the bottom of the box without having the entire structure collapsing on you. The new box design is elegant, clever, and eco-friendly too, with the use of bamboo recycled paper in its construction. Moreover, it uses no ink (helping save cost while enhance recyclability) but rather comes with a simple Kleenex logo embossed on the side. The box is easy to use from start to finish, and once done, can easily be recycled or composted without any material impact on the environment.

The redesigned Kleenex Facial Tissue Box is a Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

Designer: CLAY Inc. for Yuhan-Kimberly, South Korea

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