Wheelchairs and mobile robots are useful (and sometimes necessary) tools for those who need them but because of the way their wheels are built, there are a lot of limitations as to where they can go. Uneven surfaces and high obstacle areas can sometimes be unaccessible for them. Researchers have been trying to reinvent the wheel so to speak by coming up with a wheel that can adjust to different terrains. This latest one from Korean researchers may just be the most promising.
Designers: Jae-Young Lee, Seongji Han, Munyu Kim, Yong-Sin Seo, Jongwoo Park, Dong Il Park, Chanhun Park, Hyunuk Seo, Joonho Lee, Hwi-Su Kim, Jeongae Bak, Hugo Rodrigue, Jin-Gyun Kim, Joono Cheong, Sung-Hyuk Song
This Variable-stiffness–morphing wheel that they are testing out is actually inspired by the surface tension of a droplet of liquid. The main thing about this experimental wheel is that it is able to ride through uneven terrain and go through obstacles while still keeping what makes a wheel a wheel when driving through flat ground. You’ll have to go back to your physics notes to fully understand but the basic idea is to create an imbalance in the cohesive forces between molecules.
This deformable wheel that they’re developing has a “smart chain structure” which is a chain of blocks outside the wheel that is connected by wire spokes to opposite sides of the central hub. From the demo video that they showed, the wheel is able to deform and adapt to the surface so it could travel over the obstacles it encounters. The two-wheeled wheelchair they used was able to ride through grassy ground with uneven surfaces. There was not video of the four-wheeled vehicle but they said it was able to drive over rocks and large steps.
It’s still early stages in this research so there are things they need to improve on. For example, dust and particles are able to get through to the smart chain blocks so the wheels are easily damaged. And the video of the wheelchair shows there’s an extreme forward tilt to the chair part so it’s not that safe for passengers yet. But this morphing wheel is promising and may eventually be useful for wheelchairs, mobile robots, and other uses.
The name Godox is probably most synonymous with innovative lighting solutions, but the company’s new Cube-S wireless microphone marks a sharp pivot into audio that’s as much about practicality as it is about portability. Debuting today, on August 19, 2024, the Cube-S aims to be the go-to option for creators on the move who need high-quality audio in a tiny, discreet package.
The standout feature? Its size. The Cube-S is genuinely pocketable, measuring just under 9 cm in length, and is roughly the size of a lipstick tube. This level of miniaturization is particularly impressive given that the microphone still manages to pack features like noise reduction, a 300-meter range, and even Apple Find My. With a sleek capsule design, The Cube-S includes everything a content creator or mobile journalist might need: two wireless mics and one plug-in receiver that attaches to a host of supported devices like your smartphone, tablet, action camera, DSLR, etc.
Godox has nailed the design ethos of “less is more” with the Cube-S. The microphone has an understated matte finish, with clean lines and subtle branding. It’s designed to be both portable and inconspicuous, making it ideal for vloggers or interviewers who need to blend in while recording. The form factor is clever, too. Despite its tiny size, it offers secure magnetized attachment options for clothing or surfaces, ensuring it stays put during use. If you want to get creative, there’s even a lanyard attachment that lets you wear the mic around your neck like modern-day jewelry, and stickers in case you want to jazz your tech up. The device is built with a lightweight aluminum body, adding durability without making it heavier.
The Cube-S comes with two thumbnail-sized microphones, along with a receiver that plugs right into the base of your phone (with both USB-C and Lightning variants available). Clip the mics on using their powerful magnetic snaps, fire the Godox MIC app, and you’re ready to start recording. The microphones support 48kHz high-resolution audio capture, delivering crisp, clear sound that stands up to professional standards. The omnidirectional mic capsule does a commendable job of capturing detailed sound while minimizing ambient noise. For those who regularly produce content on the go—whether it’s interviews, vlogs, or field recordings—this level of audio fidelity is a significant advantage.
Even for its tiny size, the mics have built-in noise reduction, activated simply by tapping the button on the mics. Similarly, the receiver module on your phone has a button too, for remotely triggering recording by double-clicking the button. The Cube-S also offers a substantial transmission range of up to 300 meters. This makes it ideal for scenarios where the subject needs to move freely, whether in a wide-angle video shoot or across a large indoor space. Battery life is another highlight, with the mics themselves lasting for 10 hours on a full charge, extendable to 30 hours in conjunction with the capsule-shaped charging case.
One of the strengths of the Cube-S lies in its versatility. The microphone comes with a variety of accessories, including additional magnetic clips and noise shields, making it adaptable to different recording environments. Furthermore, the Godox MIC app offers remote control over key settings such as gain and monitoring, allowing users to fine-tune their audio without constantly interacting with the mic itself.
For those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, Godox has integrated several features that make the Cube-S a seamless fit. It’s fully MFi certified, ensuring reliable performance with iPhones and iPads. Even more intriguing is the inclusion of Apple Find My support—a particularly thoughtful touch given the mic’s small size. Misplacing something this compact is easy, but thanks to this integration, locating the Cube-S is as simple as tracking down your lost AirPods. This feature, however, is limited to the Cube-S Kit 2, which includes 2 mics and 1 receiver along with the charging case.
So who stands to benefit the most from the Cube-S? Essentially, anyone who values a portable, high-quality audio solution without the usual technical overhead. Whether you’re a content creator recording on the fly, a mobile journalist capturing interviews in dynamic environments, or a professional needing a discreet and effective microphone for presentations or streaming, the Cube-S checks all the right boxes. With its official release date set for August 19, 2024, this could quickly become a go-to device for those who need reliability and performance in a compact form factor.
The way we capture videos and view them has constantly been changing and along with that, mobile devices have also been evolving. With the introduction of spatial videos, we see brands like Apple trying to become the pioneer in this new form. Basically, this is a video that lets you view photos and videos as if you were there instead of looking at them with just a single fixed view. It’s a more immersive form of 3D since you’re able to turn your head and see different perspectives.
Designer: Suosi Design
As more people get into spatial videos, we’ll see all kinds of tools that will be able to capture and view videos like these. One concept tool is called VISOO, a spatial video camera that you can to take videos that can later be viewed using devices like Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro. It is not a bulky camera at all as probably one of the things that will be taken into consideration when developing tools for this kind of video is that it’s easy to carry around.
Based on the product renders, VISOO is a pretty light device that you can either carry around or attach to the accompanying glasses. For the handheld option, the cameras will be stored onto the battery case as you shoot your photos and videos. It seems there’s also a tripod where you can attach the case to for times when you need to have it placed on something a little more stable. For the glasses option, the cameras are attached to the hinges so you can move around easily while capturing moments.
Since this is still in the conceptual stage, there’s no information about the quality of photos and videos that it will capture. And with spatial videos still in early days, there’s still a lot to be discovered and explored for brands that are developing tools that can be used to enjoy capturing and viewing them.
Apple appears to be making significant progress in its development of home robotics, according to a report from *Bloomberg’s* Mark Gurman. New details suggest that Apple is working on a tabletop device that sounds like it could change how we manage our homes. This upcoming product, reportedly featuring an iPad-like screen on a robotic arm, seems designed to serve multiple functions—a hub for smart home controls, a video call tool, and a home security monitor. What makes it particularly intriguing is how it seems to balance practical use with thoughtful design, potentially positioning it as a standout in Apple’s lineup.
Designer: Apple
The centerpiece of this new product is its screen, which can tilt and rotate 360 degrees on a slim, robotic arm. This design enhances user interaction significantly. Imagine a FaceTime call where the screen automatically pivots to face you or adjust the screen angle during a meeting with a simple voice command. Such flexibility transforms this device from mere technology into an adaptive companion for your daily life.
Apple appears to focus on creating a home assistant that fits naturally into the living space, both in appearance and function. Running a modified version of iPadOS, this device will be familiar to iPad users but with added features tailored for home use. Voice commands, like “look at me,” could make Siri even more useful, allowing for hands-free control over smart home devices, video calls, and security monitoring with ease.
Design-wise, this home assistant aligns with Apple’s approach of combining simplicity with functionality. The robotic arm, while a key feature, is expected to be sleek and discreet, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any room. It’s easy to imagine this product becoming as central to the home as other Apple products like the HomePod but with a broader range of uses.
In terms of functionality, the device is remarkably versatile. It could be the main control center for smart home devices like lights and thermostats, providing an easy-to-use visual interface. Its ability to rotate and adjust makes it just as valuable in the kitchen for recipes as it would be in the living room for managing your entertainment system. The added security features, such as remote monitoring through the camera, add further practical value, making it a versatile tool for everyday living.
Siri
Apple plans to release this home assistant between 2026 and 2027, with a price tag of about $1,000. This pricing strategy suggests Apple is targeting a premium yet broadly accessible market. By blending familiar technology with new, practical features, Apple appears to be crafting a device that enhances daily living and sets a new standard for home robotics.
This new addition raises an interesting question: is Apple creating a must-have device for our homes, or is it simply a product searching for a place on our countertops? While it’s designed to blend into daily life and make our spaces more connected, one has to wonder if this is the kind of innovation we truly need—or if it’s just another gadget vying for a spot in an already crowded smart home landscape. For Apple, it might be the next step in its push into home robotics, but only time will tell if consumers feel the same way.
Most people assume that it is easy for visually impaired people to learn Braille. But according to those who are learning this system, the learning tools available are not always that intuitive and easy to use. In fact, the more cluttered a device or tool is, the harder it is as it can be overwhelming for those who are trying to learn and navigate it. Fortunately, there are product designers that want to create concepts for better designed tools that will hopefully be turned into actual products.
SMARTIO EDU is a concept for a Braille Education Device that uses minimal tactile noise for both teachers and students that are trying to learn Braille. It is designed to optimize the organization of the information that is at the user’s fingertips. They used soft contours for the surfaces of the device and at the same time used tactile hints to help the user read the information through their fingertips.
The device looks like an instrument and in fact, it is, just not one that produces music. There are buttons on top for the various functions and that can serve as navigational aids. The “subtle cues” is able to tell the user the front and back of the device and also where the key interfaces are located. The device is also designed to work with a companion app that the teacher and student can easily follow and engage with.
The designers would of course have consulted with actual Braille learners to determine if this is something that could work even as it is still a concept. But we don’t see a lot of Braille learning devices in the market so if this does become an actual product, it would be a big help to the community.
Samsung’s snore-tracking feature on its sleep tracker caught me entirely off guard. This handy addition logs the start and end of every snoring session, giving a detailed look at our nighttime habits. To use it, all you need is your Samsung watch, band, or ring and your Samsung device on a stable surface near your head—like a nightstand with the bottom pointed toward you.
Designer: Samsung
I always swore up and down to my family that I didn’t snore. For 50 years, I held firm in my belief, insisting they must have been mistaken. Then, I checked Samsung’s Health app and heard the recording. It was a shocker, to say the least, a humbling moment that made me realize I was wrong all along. Despite sleeping well and rarely having trouble staying asleep, discovering that I snore has made me appreciate the benefits of tracking these nighttime sounds.
Why Track Snoring?
Snoring can indicate health issues like obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts while you sleep. Understanding when and how often you snore can help determine if you need to consult with your doctor. Ignoring snoring could lead to fatigue, heart issues, and other health problems. Samsung’s snore-tracking feature helps catch potential health concerns early.
Sleeping with an anti-snoring mask
With AI, Samsung’s snore-tracking feature could become even more valuable. In the future, AI might analyze snoring patterns to identify trends and suggest when to consult a healthcare professional. You could receive personalized health insights directly on your phone, alerting you to potential issues before they become serious. AI could monitor changes in snoring frequency, duration, intensity, and patterns, offering a comprehensive view of your sleep health.
This technology might even predict when your snoring could worsen, allowing you to make proactive lifestyle changes. Samsung could one day provide actionable health advice, making it easier to manage your sleep health. This would make snore-tracking a crucial part of personal health monitoring.
Enhancing Sleep Quality and Personal Insight
Knowing your snoring patterns can improve your understanding of sleep quality. Snoring can disrupt sleep cycles, leading to feeling less rested and productive. By tracking these disturbances, you can identify triggers like alcohol, sleeping position, or stress and make changes to sleep better.
Samsung’s snore-tracking feature offers more than just numbers. It provides a personal snapshot of your sleep patterns. Whether you’re surprised to learn you snore or confirm what your partner has said, this feature gives you valuable insights into your health.
For me, realizing that I snore has changed my perspective on my sleep health. Knowing what’s happening while I sleep and having the tools to monitor it is reassuring. Samsung’s feature has made me more aware of my nighttime habits and encouraged me to be proactive about my health.
The snore-tracking feature is a valuable addition to the health tech market, offering more than just basic metrics like step counts or heart rate. It provides practical insights into your sleep health, making it useful for anyone interested in better understanding their sleep patterns. As technology evolves, it’s exciting to see how Samsung continues to enhance our well-being through innovations like these.
Samsung Galaxy Ring: My Favorite Sleep Tracker
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is my absolute favorite sleep tracker, especially for anyone who prefers not to wear a watch to bed. It offers comprehensive health tracking with a stylish design and a lightweight feel, making it almost unnoticeable during the night. The ring monitors sleep, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, providing detailed insights through the Samsung Health app. Its water-resistant design makes it safe for swimming and showering.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
However, the ring currently lacks iOS support, and a proper fit is crucial for accurate sensor readings. Despite these minor limitations, the Galaxy Ring blends style, comfort, and advanced health tracking, making it an essential part of my setup along with the Fold6. The Galaxy Ring is a top choice for anyone looking to track their health metrics discreetly and comfortably.
We’re still wrapping up our review of the Samsung Galaxy Fold6, so stay tuned for our full review.
The Keychron K2 HE delivers a customizable, responsive typing experience designed for gamers, programmers, writers, and professionals alike. Its focus on personalization, ergonomic design, and versatile connectivity makes it an appealing option in the magnetic keyboard market. By exploring its features—from magnetic switches to robust build quality—you can see why it might be the perfect addition to your workspace.
The Keychron K2 HE blends aesthetics with functionality through its sleek design and compact 75% layout, which maximizes desk space while retaining essential keys. It comes in multiple editions, featuring modern aluminum frames and elegant wooden accents that add sophistication and warmth.
Each edition is meticulously crafted to ensure visual appeal and robustness for daily use. The standard edition features a durable aluminum frame with a plastic body, while the special editions incorporate wooden elements for a unique tactile experience. Available in both white and black, these models offer personal expression without compromising quality or luxury.
Advanced Customization Features
The Keychron K2 HE empowers users with its extensive customization options, allowing them to tailor the keyboard to their specific needs. The keyboard utilizes Gateron 2.0 magnetic switches, engineered for precision and reliability, offering an actuation range of 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm. This flexibility enables users to optimize performance whether they require quick responses for gaming or deliberate keystrokes for typing, putting them in control of their typing experience.
The adjustable actuation points feature allows users to fine-tune key responsiveness in 0.1 mm increments. The Rapid Trigger feature delivers lightning-fast responses for gamers and empowers professionals to tackle complex tasks with precision. It provides tailored input, enhancing the user’s experience and performance.
With Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS), each key can be mapped to up to four different actions based on the depth of your key press. For instance, a light press might nudge your character forward, while a deeper press propels them into a dash. Releasing the key from the bottom can activate two additional commands, offering a new level of customization and expanded functionality.
Connectivity Options
The Keychron K2 HE offers versatile connectivity options. Its wired USB-C mode provides stability and low latency, ideal for competitive gaming or precision tasks. On the other hand, the 2.4 GHz wireless mode delivers near-wired performance with a 1000 Hz polling rate. This mode is perfect for those who need mobility without sacrificing speed, making it an excellent option for gaming and other tasks.
Bluetooth 5.1 multi-device support enables seamless switching between up to three devices, enhancing productivity in multi-device setups. Users can easily toggle between laptops, tablets, and smartphones, maintaining an efficient and tidy workspace.
Ergonomic Design and User Experience
The Keychron K2 HE prioritizes user comfort through ergonomic features that enhance the typing experience. Rock-steady screw-in stabilizers, pre-lubed and mounted directly onto the PCB, ensure stability and smoothness for larger keys like the space bar, shift, enter, and backspace.
The keyboard’s superior doubleshot PBT keycaps resist wear and tear, maintaining clear legends and a comfortable feel over time. The compact 75% layout saves desk space and promotes natural hand placement, reducing strain and fatigue during extended use.
The Keychron Launcher Web App allows users to personalize their keyboard without installing software. This user-friendly interface simplifies the process of customizing key functions and creating macros and shortcuts. Users can tailor the keyboard layout to their specific workflows or gaming preferences and adjust RGB backlighting for personalized aesthetics and improved visibility in low-light settings.
Is the Keychron K2 HE Right for You?
If you’re looking for a keyboard that offers extensive customization, robust design, and seamless connectivity, the Keychron K2 HE could be an excellent choice. Its innovative features make it adaptable to various gaming, coding, or writing needs. Consider how the K2 HE’s strengths align with your preferences and requirements. Whether it’s the precision of the magnetic switches, the flexibility of the connectivity options, or the ergonomic design, this keyboard aims to enhance your typing experience in a uniquely tailored way.
San Francisco-based design studio Whipsaw has unveiled its latest innovation, the Aescape—a robotic massage system that merges artificial intelligence with cutting-edge robotics to offer a personalized and efficient massage experience. This groundbreaking product is set to redefine the future of massage therapy, addressing both the demands of users and the constraints faced by the massage industry.
The Aescape features metal arms with silicone-covered “hands” that mimic the feel and function of human hands, providing a realistic and soothing massage. The massage table is luxuriously wrapped in vegan faux leather, ensuring comfort and durability. Underneath the headrest lies a user-friendly display, allowing clients to tailor their massage sessions to their specific needs and preferences.
Aescape is engineered to deliver deep-tissue massages with unparalleled precision. The system’s metallic arms are securely attached to the massage table, while silicone pads on the “hands” replicate the natural contours of human hands, enhancing the authenticity of the massage. The innovative design is the brainchild of Aescape founder Eric Litman, who initially created a prototype before collaborating with Whipsaw to develop the final product.
In one of his interviews, Dan Harden, founder of Whipsaw, explained that they were challenged to integrate new technologies, define an all-new physical form factor, explore and create the essence of an Aescape brand through color, material, and finishes, and refine every single design detail. He noted that its appearance had to look very friendly and approachable, especially considering that robotic arms can be intimidating to some. Additionally, it also had to fit all types of user sizes, shapes, and ages.
To cater to diverse body types, the Aescape system uses suspended sensors to perform 3D scans of a user’s body before the massage begins. These sensors are discreetly placed inside light rings to minimize any discomfort or anxiety users might feel about being observed. The collected images and user data are processed through an AI-driven program, which is continuously updated with new data from each massage session. This ensures that every stroke and technique applied by the robot is informed by professional massage therapists and extensive robotic research. The users have a screen below their headrest to even customize their experience and get the most out of it.
The company emphasizes that every stroke the robot is commanded to do has been informed by licensed professional massage therapists, numerous prototype experiments, and years of robotic research. Aescape employs a formidable amount of AI and machine learning technology, enabling it to constantly improve and build its database, which informs its programming.
An Aescape representative mentioned that the machine is designed not to replace human masseuses but to supplement the industry by addressing the shortage of qualified massage therapists. It was stated that Aescape is much more efficient and sustainable than large groups of massage therapists, who often require significant health care due to workplace injuries. Additionally, using robotics reduces commuting-related environmental factors, such as vehicle pollution and energy usage.
The system’s efficiency allows users to enjoy a comprehensive massage in just 30 minutes, fitting seamlessly into busy schedules. With an on-demand booking app, users can easily find and book massage sessions ranging from 15 to 120 minutes, ensuring that personalized care is always within reach.
Before you go out on a limb buying a Galaxy or Oura ring, the RingConn Gen 2 already holds the title for being the thinnest/lightest smart ring. It still manages to also boast of a 2-week-long battery life, the ability to track your health and sleep with AI-powered insights, IP68 water resistance, and here’s the kicker… a subscription-less smartphone app that gives you all your health data without hiding behind a paywall. With not one but TWO design awards under its belt, the RingConn Gen 2 boasts a $209 starting price – less than half of what its competitor’s smart rings go for. Here’s everything the Gen 2 can do…
Lighter than an AirPod, Thinner than a Credit Card
I’ve long proclaimed the superiority of smart rings to smartwatches. They’re ultimately a bunch of sensors hooked together – but the smart ring does offer a much more efficient format. It’s minimalist, can be worn alongside other rings (you can’t wear two watches), and all your data goes to your smartphone so your ring doesn’t need to worry about having its own display. This translates to a MUCH longer battery life, and the absence of a second display to get addicted to or to have inundate you with notifications. Smart rings are almost ALWAYS designed to be entirely waterproof so you can even swim with them, and they usually last a week or more on a full charge, making them vastly more superior to smartwatches.
Weighing between 2-3 grams, the RingConn’s Gen 2 is lighter than a single AirPod (which weighs 4 grams), and with a cross-section that’s 2mm wide, the ring is also about as thin as your average credit card. That lightweight and sleek form factor makes it perfect for wearing all-day every day because chances are within a few hours of slipping it on, you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Meanwhile, the ring will be hard at work, tracking your sleep, fitness/activity, heart rate, body temperature, stress levels, sleep apnea, and even acting as your period calendar (for women wearers).
Comprehensive AI-powered Sleep + Health Tracking
The RingConn Gen 2 does everything any wrist-worn health tracker does, but better. Its upgraded photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors can measure heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood oxygen levels with great accuracy. These sensors are embedded in a design that takes advantage of the finger’s unique anatomy, which allows for MUCH more precise readings compared to wrist-based devices. The temperature sensor gauges your temperature levels as well as fluctuations, pairing it with your heart rate data to get a sense of your stress levels or even if you’re on your period. Combine all three with the accelerometer and the Gen 2 captures all your steps and other physical activity, tracking various sports from running to cycling, soccer, swimming, and a bunch more.
At the end of your day, the ring also tracks your sleep using AI. In 2024, RingConn unveiled its first transformer-based deep learning model for sleep apnea detection – the ring uses this AI-based learning model to identify sleep risk events that could be affecting your health – something other smart rings currently cannot because they haven’t built out such AI models. The more you wear the ring, the more it learns and the more personalized it becomes, getting better at tracking and identifying your quality of sleep and even detecting any drops in blood oxygen caused by apnea events and obstructed breathing (snoring, etc.)
Fitness Insights without a Monthly Subscription
I can’t stress this enough but your health should never be behind a paywall. It really doesn’t make sense to buy a fitness tracker only to then have an app that gates pro-level health tracking metrics behind a subscription model. To that end, the RingConn Gen 2 makes a pretty bold claim of not hiding behind any sort of freemium or premium business model. The RingConn app, available for Android and iOS devices, is free to use, and locally backs up all your health data. This allows you to monitor your health even when your smartphone isn’t connected to the internet. Picture yourself trekking in the wilderness with no cellular service but still being able to track your metrics in real-time.
Your health data is also compatible with leading fitness apps such as Apple Health and Google Health Connect, allowing you to comprehensively track workouts, sports, and all other activities within one singular dashboard. For specific insights, the RingConn app is still your go-to destination… and its sleep-tracking feature gives you a holistic look at your body’s metrics through your entire sleep journey, allowing you to catch any potential concerning events immediately. The app also analyzes data throughout the day to provide a detailed stress index and ratio, helping you gain a clear understanding of your stress levels. Additionally, the RingConn Gen 2 features comprehensive menstrual health tracking right within the app, allowing users to monitor cycles, predict ovulation, and track symptoms for deeper insights into their health patterns.
Sleek Metal Design with 12-day Battery Life
The RingConn sports a hypoallergenic aerospace-grade titanium alloy exterior, while the inside of the ring has a medical-grade epoxy coating that allows the sensors to work accurately when in contact against the skin. Between these two layers lie all the hardware and sensors that power the Gen 2, along with a best-in-class battery. Lasting a stunning 5 more days than even the Galaxy and Oura rings, the RingConn Gen 2 boasts a 12-day battery life. It’s rather impressive considering exactly how small and thin the Gen 2 ring is. When the ring runs low on charge, it comes with its own charging case that begins working the second you slip the ring into its cylindrical platform. A simple 2-hour charge brings the Gen 2 ring’s battery to 100%, lasting nearly 2 weeks… and the case houses its own 500mAh battery so you can charge your ring without necessarily having the case plugged in.
The RingConn Gen 2 boasts a starting price of $209, which includes the ring itself, the charging case, and free global shipping. Upgrading to the $239 package also gives you a clear silicone ring protector and a separate bedside charging dock. The RingConn Gen 2 comes in 3 colors – Future Silver, Royal Gold, and Matte Black, across 9 sizes, ranging from a size #6 to a size #14 depending on your index finger’s diameter.
For the Urwerk and MB&F fans on a budget, the MS1001-Ti does what those brands do best – it challenges the very archetype of a wristwatch on every level… but does so on a $319 price tag.
Take one glance at the MS1001-Ti watch from MECEXP and I guarantee you’ll be compelled to look again and again. The watch’s avant-garde design goes beyond its chiseled shape. Instead of one watch face, it sports two – in the form of linear windows on the left and right, with moving arrows that point at the hours and minutes respectively. The windows are separated by a metal channel that serves as branding, but also provides cover for the watch’s unique backlight, giving the entire timetelling experience a modern facelift. The watch itself boasts a titanium alloy outer casing, complete with sapphire crystals on the front… and on the inside, the entire watch runs on MECEXP’s own self-developed movement, drawing power from a lithium-ion battery that recharges using a contact-point charger like the ones you get with smartwatches. In short, there’s nothing conventional about the MS1001-Ti and that’s precisely what makes it so incredible.
I know it’s an overused metaphor but the MS1001-Ti does share a lot spiritually with the Cybertruck. It challenges existing norms, comes with a uniquely geometric design and a highly durable construction, and runs on a lithium battery. In short, it’s electric on the inside, and unconventionally edgy on the outside. The watch itself sports a machined titanium-alloy body, known for being both hypoallergenic and hyper-durable. The oddly appealing low-poly design puts the watch in a visual class of its own, while its linear time-telling experience instantly turns it into an iconic wristwatch.
The time-telling UX is a masterclass in its own right. The watch doesn’t come with rotating hands or a digital screen. Instead, it uses a screw-based linear flyback movement and a traveling arrow to help tell the time. This unorthodox experience doesn’t require a learning curve – simply put, the hour is indicated on the left, and the minutes on the right. CNC motors operate the rotating screw, which allows the arrow to travel up and down the hour or minute window. It’s an experience that just as satisfying to watch as it is easy to read. Clear, large, 3D numbers on either side make the time easy to read in broad daylight… and if you want some added flair, pressing the crown on the side triggers the watch’s blue backlight, allowing you to read the time at night too.
A lithium-ion battery powers the entire experience bridging the gap between horology and technology. The MS1001-Ti replaces the conventional spring with CNC motors, which utilize digital programming and digital tracking for time calibration. “The complicated mechanical movement of the watch is achieved through algorithmic programming, perfectly integrating modern intelligence with mechanical timekeeping,” say the folks at MECEXP. In short, this timepiece isn’t for traditionalists or purists.
The MS1001-Ti bases itself on the company’s MS1001 design from not too long ago. The upgraded variant now sports a titanium outer shell, making it more durable but simultaneously lighter than its predecessor, weighing a mere 86 grams or 3 ounces, while also boasting a marginally larger dial and display window. The display window is capped with anti-scratch sapphire crystal which also gives the watch up to 30 meters or 3ATM of water resistance. Meanwhile, fluoro rubber straps offer a classic yet sporty aesthetic with the added benefit of being water/weather resistant. The inner 270mAh battery lasts a respectable 35 days on a full charge, and a contact-based charging cable lets you recharge your watch in a jiffy.
Despite its groundbreakingly different design and movement, the MS1001-Ti starts at an affordable $319, which includes a classy packaging box, a charging cable, 2 years of warranty, and free global shipping.
