Despite stereotypes of living very sedentary lifestyles, gamers, especially those leaning towards pro levels, tend to have very dexterous fingers that seem to fly across keys or push buttons at superhuman speeds. That’s not exactly surprising, considering every second counts in a game, especially in the more competitive titles. Unfortunately, even the fastest gamer only has two hands with five fingers each, but those aren’t the only limbs available to humans, though. Musicians have long been utilizing their feet not just to tap to the beat but to also control the music they’re playing or add effects and flourish. Gamers are in just as much need of more controls, and this RGB-lit foot pedal from MSI is offering gamers that competitive edge they need to step up their game when their hands are already too busy to make that saving throw.
Pedal controllers aren’t exactly new, but they have mostly been more in use in the music industries, from traditional pedals on keyboards to the more nuanced controllers for MIDI devices, synthesizers, and other audio-creation equipment. Of course, everyone could do with a few more buttons or keys they can press to make their work easier or faster, especially gamers who often find their keyboards or controllers still insufficient to meet their demands. That’s what the MSI Liberator GP10 tries to bring to your setup so you can free your fingers for more important actions.
In a nutshell, this foot switch adds three programmable buttons you can map to almost any action you can think of. Think of having three more buttons on your mouse or three customizable keys on your keyboard, except you don’t need an extra finger to use them. And if three buttons aren’t enough, you can actually hook up as many as four of these footswitches at once, presuming you have the space and mental capacity to add 12 more buttons to your setup.
Unlike their musical cousins, however, you really can only tap the “button” at the bottom of your feet or hit the two side buttons by tilting your feet to the left or to the right. There’s no lever mechanism that you can gradually lower or raise, which would have been useful for actions like increasing or decreasing volume, brush sizes, opacity, and more. After all, the MSI Liberator GP10 isn’t just for gamers, though that’s the primary target audience. Even creators and coders can benefit from having a few extra keys at their disposal.
As usual as having extra buttons might be, it’s probably arguable whether such a controller would actually be comfortable or ergonomic in the long run. People are indeed advised to move their feet once in a while to keep the blood flowing, and MSI promises that the MSI Liberator is designed with ergonomics in mind. That said, the repetitive action that plagues mouse users could result in the same strain injury on your foot if you don’t pay attention and take breaks often, as you should always do anyway.
Almost like clockwork after CES wrapped up, Samsung took the stage to debut all their new products. New Year New Gear, people say… and it seems like Samsung is prepared to equip all Android lovers with their next smartphone – the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra. However, with great phones come great responsibilities, and that means ensuring your cutting-edge smartphone is shielded by some cutting-edge cases, covers, and clear screen protectors. It’s a good thing the folks at TORRAS came well prepared too, especially after a pretty exhaustive CES (where they built a 15-foot clear phone stand case as a part of their booth). Lining up perfectly with Samsung’s Unveiled event, TORRAS has announced two new products – the Diamond Shield Screen Protector with a game-changing 9H on the hardness scale and 3-step easy setup, and their iconic O Stand case, which gives your smartphone its dedicated grip-stand for easier, ergonomic, and hands-free use.
Installation of screen protectors has often been a tedious task, but the Diamond Shield changes this narrative. Designed with a 3-step setup process, it ensures a perfect, bubble-free fit in just 15 seconds. This ease of installation is facilitated by the Tora-Airfree molecular glue technology. This adhesive, paired with the protector’s plastic armature, ensures a seamless application while maintaining the sensitivity and responsiveness of the touchscreen – an essential feature for the interactive experience of the Galaxy S24 series, especially for features like fingerprint scanning and S Pen usage.
The cornerstone of the Diamond Shield’s effectiveness lies in its exceptional hardness, rated at 9H on the Mohs scale. This level of hardness is achieved through the innovative Tora-CRC strengthening process. All that technical jargon aside, the Diamond Shield screen protector’s incredibly high hardness rating means it can easily fend off everything from being dropped on gravel or even having to deal with keys and cables scratching against your phone inside your pocket or laptop bag. The 9H rating makes the Diamond Shield 3x stronger than standard tempered glass, giving your premium smartphone the premium protection it deserves. Beyond protection, the Diamond Shield excels in preserving the visual fidelity of the Galaxy S24 series display. It guarantees 100% color accuracy, ensuring that users experience the screen’s original brilliance without any color deviation. This clarity is complemented by the protector’s ability to allow maximum light transmission, maintaining the display’s vividness and sharpness.
While durability and hardness are often the primary focus for a screen protector, the tactile experience hasn’t been overlooked either. The NanoScale pressure structure combined with the Tora-Silk coating technology provides a smooth, sleek oleophobic surface that repels fingerprints and reduces smudges. This technology ensures that the touch experience is as fluid and responsive as the device’s original screen, a crucial aspect for users who interact with their phones constantly throughout the day.
Alongside the Diamond Shield, TORRAS also unveiled the Galaxy S24 Series’ very own O Stand case. Following last year’s Ipsos report that put TORRAS at the forefront of the burgeoning phone stand trend, the O Stand for the Galaxy S24 is a slim yet protective cover for the phone that comes with its own built-in kickstand. The hollow circular ring is designed for comfortable holding and reducing forearm stress, a blessing for those endless scrolling sessions. Functionality wise, the O Stand doubles as a MagSafe stand and supports your phone in both portrait and landscape modes. Whether you’re video calling, watching a movie, or even using the S Pen remote control on your Samsung S24 Ultra, this stand has you covered.
What makes the O Stand special is its versatility. It supports angles from 0 to 120 degrees, ensuring that you always have the best view. And for those who prefer to keep their tech gear sleek and minimal, the O Stand’s design complements the sophisticated look of the Galaxy S24 series, while measuring a mere 2.5mm in thickness so that the stand folds flush into the phone case, leaving you with nothing except a slick, smooth luxurious surface that doesn’t add any bulk or weight to your new smartphone.
The accessory market for phones and computers is a wide and varied one, with designs that are all over the place and cover almost the entire range of the spectrum. Some try to offer everything, almost including the kitchen sink, resulting in a cornucopia of features and attachments, while others aim for the bare basics to keep things simple yet elegant. Minimalism continues to dominate the design world, and it has also started to grip the tech industry, particularly when it comes to gadgets and accessories. Minimalist design, though sometimes plain-looking, doesn’t exactly mean “boring,” especially when they take inspiration from some of mankind’s creative achievements to give these products an interesting visual and functional spin.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
Some say good things come in threes, and iPhone owners tend to own an Apple Watch and AirPods to complete a functional set. Keeping all three charged has become somewhat of a logistics problem, though thankfully it’s less of a mess now that none of them require charging cables all the time. Apple’s MagSafe technology has opened up a new world of designs, free from the tangles of wires, and it has given birth to a variety of charging docks and stations, including some pretty minimalist ones.
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro really takes minimalism almost to an extreme, being nothing more than a metal post that branches in two, standing on a plain round disc. While there are quite a number of 3-in-1 MagSafe chargers that support a similar combination, Belkin’s design emphasizes keeping a tidy appearance, whether there are devices charging on it or not. The base holds the AirPods case, keeping your desk or shelf clean, while both the iPhone and Apple Watch are held up high for easier visibility.
The charger’s clean and minimalist appearance takes its cue from modern architecture, with well-defined lines and shapes and a simple yet functional design. It distills the whole structure down to its essentials, providing support and a place for your gadgets to call home, without overpowering Apple’s already elegant and stylish aesthetic.
MagSafe Origami Grip Stand
The ancient Japanese art of paper folding has inspired many designs across history, from simple children’s toys to mind-blowing structures even to complex robots. The main pull of origami has always been its ability to change shape from a flat sheet of material like paper to something three-dimensional any moving parts or without removing or adding any part at all. Because of that, something that takes up space can be made to collapse down to almost nothing, like this grip and stand that adds almost no thickness to your iPhone.
Thanks to its creative origami-inspired design, the MagSafe attachment transforms from a flat pad into a triangular shape that can do more than just prop up your phone on a table. It gives your fingers something stable to latch onto, making it perfect for taking selfies with confidence. It can even stick to metal posts, walls, and surfaces thanks to that strong magnetic power.
The best thing about its design is that it doesn’t get in the way when you don’t need it. It simply collapses back down to a flat shape that’s no thicker than the iPhone’s own camera bump. Nothing to snag when you slip it into your pocket and nothing to make it wiggle when placed on a table. It’s beautiful, functional, and as simple as it needs to be, nothing more.
Twelve South BookArc Flex Vertical MacBook Stand
A laptop stand is, more often than not, a horizontal plane meant to hold your laptop while it lies down. Of course, that’s the most common way to use a laptop, but it’s definitely not the only way, especially when you’re using it as a makeshift desktop computer. With the lid always closed and the laptop simply connected to a monitor and other peripherals, having a laptop lying flat or even on a horizontal stand is already a poor use of precious desk space. That’s where a vertical laptop stand comes in hand, and Twelve South just launched what is probably the most minimalist design in that category.
It might look like two simple metal arcs, but that ultra-minimalist design is what makes the BookArc Flex a work of genius. Designed to hold your closed MacBook vertically, it can save you precious desk space when all you really want to do is connect the MacBook to an external screen and some peripherals while it’s running. It keeps all the mess away without sacrificing any functionality, and you can still easily plug in other USB devices because the MacBook is still within reach.
The design is both simple yet elegant, perfectly complementing Apple’s design language with its bent all-metal rods in matte black, matte white, or premium chrome finishes. It is inspired by modern architecture, particularly the Noisette Creek Pedestrian Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina, in more ways than one. While it does owe its form to that bridge, it also takes a few lessons from a bridge’s structure and use of physics, particularly in how the stand uses the MacBook’s own weight to pull in the arcs and secure the laptop. That means that this simple design is also future-proof, supporting any MacBook or even any laptop that’s only an inch thick, making it a beautiful example of how good, simple design can be universal and timeless as well.
The collection of stationery items placed on a desk is what makes it truly shine! The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. And if you’re someone who works better with taking notes and jotting down your plans and ideas, then this collection of note-taking accessories and designs is for you! From a personal whiteboard that lets you take notes anytime anywhere to a levitating pen – these accessories are a must-have for your desk. Happy writing!
1. The Note
Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard allows you to take down notes with complete ease and efficiency. It isn’t just your everyday note take, it has a couple of cool tricks to make your mundane workday fun!
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique whiteboard can be twisted or flipped over, giving you the space to write down your notes. One side features a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other side can be plain or you could have the same design on both sides.
What we like
Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that can be utilized to view the time, appointments, and calendar
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that may be important in some people’s fields of work
2. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Meet the everlasting all-metal pencil, a unique pencil that will end the dreaded cycle of pencil sharpening and dealing with fragile mechanical leads1 This innovative note-taking accessory allows you to keep pace with, and jot down your notes. It lets your creative ideas flow freely and unhindered!
It is made with a special alloy core that is stored in a sleek aluminum body. It offers to provide a writing experience that is smooth, clean, and hassle-free while providing a sturdy and consistent performance.
What we like
Easily erased with regular erases
Ensures a smooth and clean writing experience
What we dislike
There is no replacement tip for the pencil
3. MagBoard Clipboard
The MagBoard Clipboard is a simple and well-designed solution that allows you to easily attach any paper – blank, dotted, grid in 2 sizes so you always have the fresh paper smell when you attach new stationery. You need to lift the magnetic panel and leave your pen inside for the next time a big idea strikes!
It is super easy to organize, and efficient to use. It features a Magnet x Lever mechanism that holds your paper through a busy day while you can easily shuffle your notes as you go!
What we like
Allows you to attach the clipboard to any metal surface
No ring that holds the paper together, so you don’t need to tear paper away when needed
What we dislike
The MagBoard Clipboard only holds a maximum of 30 sheets at a time
4. Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit
This is Grovemade’s newest note-taking kit, and it is designed to be the perfect product to effortlessly capture, process, and store your notes. It is a well-designed and aesthetic kit!
Why is it noteworthy?
Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit is essentially a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, accompanied by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, as well as a vertical organizer that will store your notes until you’re ready to use them – this keeps your workspace neat in the meantime.
What we like
Maintains a clean and tidy work desk, allowing you to complete your important tasks first
What we dislike
Will occupy a lot of precious real estate on your desk
5. XNote
This unique and innovative smart notebook is designed to upgrade the experience of harnessing the power of AI to make the best out of your scribbles and sketches and converting them into summaries, appointments, tasks, and even translation that takes your productivity to the next level.
Why is it noteworthy?
The XNote smart notebook makes use of ChatGPT to merge the absolute joy of writing on paper, and the convenience of digital technology in an intuitive, easy, and seamless manner.
What we like
Detects invisible patterns so that every stroke is accurately sent and mirrored to the app via Bluetooth
What we dislike
Not the best note-taking accessory for those who aren’t comfortable with AI
6. Japanese Paper Memo Block
Dubbed the Japanese paper Memo Block is designed to capture your exciting and itinerant thoughts that may otherwise escape you, if they’re not noted down in the nick of time!
Why is it noteworthy?
This white Japanese paper Memo Block lets you focus on the simple task at hand, allowing you to jot down your thoughts before you get distracted all over again. It has a small footprint, allowing you to put the block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any orientation or position.
What we like
Features a pure black surface that challenges the mind to put forward new thoughts on paper
Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad and doesn’t seem to have any USP or specialty
7. The Scripter
The Scripter sits right on your collar like a brooch while giving you quick access to a virtual assistant that lets you easily turn all your narrations and conversations into text transcripts, so you don’t need to struggle between thinking and typing/writing together.
Why is it noteworthy?
It transforms voices into paragraphs of text without the need for a keyboard, or without having to worry about typos. It works brilliantly across 16 languages. It is ideal for linguists, teachers, authors, and scriptwriters.
What we like
Designed to be a modern journaling tool, allowing people to focus on thinking, and interacting rather than on social cues
What we dislike
It can be inconvenient and uncomfortable to have a device on your collar
8. TP Pen
Coined the TP Pen, this unique writing tool is created to reform the basic everyday writing tool. It is a conceptual design that writes on paper, while also functioning as a marker, ruler, and stand.
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique pen features a “trixagonal” cap that allows it to serve as more than a pen. The shape of the pen is inspired by the New Age geometric pattern called the Flower of Life. This pattern is said to hold answers to the Universe and all living things.
What we like
Multifunctional and innovative design that functions as various stationery items
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so not sure how it will translate into a real tangible product, and how well it would function
9. Levitating Pen 3.0
The Levitating Pen is a grand writing instrument that is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen super easy to hold and use. It provides for a smooth writing experience!
Why is it noteworthy?
You can close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that particular position, allowing you to also interact with the pen!
What we like
Quite easy and smooth to hold and write with
Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster
What we dislike
The pen has smooth edges that may cause it to roll off when kept on a curved surface, so you could lose it
10. Wipe
Called Wipe, this one-of-a-kind innovative whiteboard notebook has an eraser, making it super easy to write, erase, and write over and over!
Why is it noteworthy?
Wipe has a small and personal size that’s a little bit smaller than A4 paper. It is portable in size, allowing you to write on it, take a photo to save, or send it to the cloud. It is a fast and simple device that doesn’t need much preparation just like good old paper!
What we like
Features a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber bands to create a handle that also functions as a pen holder
What we dislike
You’ll need to use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen instead of a permanent marker
Design is an ever-evolving stream, innovation often stems from addressing everyday challenges. The KOI Cloths Hanger PD1 is a testament to this principle, as it sets out to tackle the inconveniences associated with traditional clothes hangers. Recognizing the limitations of bulky and non-portable designs, the KOI Hanger introduces a clean, minimal, and modular approach, redefining the way we organize our wardrobes.
Traditional clothes hangers, while serving their basic purpose, have long been associated with a lack of portability and impractical bulkiness. Recognizing this shortcoming, the creators of KOI set out to redefine the clothes hanger, envisioning a product that not only serves its fundamental purpose but also aligns with the contemporary lifestyle where convenience and versatility are paramount.
The KOI Clothes Hanger emerges from a design brief that prioritizes innovation and user-centricity. Focusing on modularity and portability, the objective was to create a clothes hanger that seamlessly integrates into the lives of individuals who prioritize convenience, versatility, and style in their wardrobe organization. The result is a sleek and minimalistic design that addresses the drawbacks of traditional hangers while introducing a range of features that cater to the modern user.
This hanger boasts a clean and minimalistic aesthetic that aligns with modern design sensibilities. Its modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, promoting hassle-free use. The primary body and head attachment interlock seamlessly through a snaplock mechanism, ensuring a secure and effortless connection between the male and female components. This not only enhances the user experience but also adds a touch of sophistication to the product.
At the heart of this hanger is its innovative snaplock mechanism. The primary body and head attachment fit together with precision, providing a reliable and user-friendly solution for various applications. This mechanism not only ensures a secure connection but also simplifies the process of assembling and disassembling the hanger, offering users a hassle-free experience.
One of the standout features is its universal attachment. Part A’s male component and Part B’s female counterpart ingeniously fit together via the versatile snaplock mechanism. This design not only guarantees a secure connection but also provides users with the flexibility to choose multiple orientation options. The KOI Hanger adapts to diverse needs and configurations, making it a versatile solution for various wardrobe setups.
This Hanger goes beyond conventional expectations by introducing a saree attachment (An Indian traditional garment). This innovative addition allows users to hang a variety of clothes, including shawls, ties, scarves, and more. The saree attachment, with its option for multiple orientations, transforms into an all-in-one component, catering to the diverse wardrobe needs of users.
The KOI Cloths Hanger stands as a testament to the power of innovation in addressing everyday challenges. By reimagining the traditional clothes hanger, KOI has not only created a practical solution but also introduced an element of style and versatility to the realm of wardrobe organization. As we embrace a future where design meets functionality seamlessly, this Hanger sets a new standard for what a clothes hanger can be.
News for all the gamers around who are looking for a mouse upgrade! GravaStar, a renowned name in innovative gaming accessories, has recently introduced two amazing gaming mouse designs that promise to revolutionize the gaming experience. The Mercury M1 Pro and Mercury M2, the latest additions to GravaStar’s lineup, are now available for pre-order, capturing the attention of gamers worldwide with their advanced technology, ergonomic features, and customizable options.
The Mercury M1 Pro stands out with its robust yet lightweight magnesium alloy body, available in two stylish versions: the Silver Mist, equipped with both 1K and 4K dongles and the Gunmetal Gray, featuring a 1K dongle. The gaming mouse boasts a high-precision 26,000 DPI sensor powered by the PAW3395 chip, ensuring unparalleled accuracy in every movement.
The TUROSPEED Wireless Technology embedded in the M1 Pro guarantees a stable and reliable connection, essential for intense gaming sessions. The mouse’s customization options include GLOWSYNC RGB lighting and five programmable buttons, allowing gamers to tailor their experience to their unique preferences.
The Mercury M2 takes a different approach with its distinctive hollowed-out design, reducing the weight to a mere 79 grams. This innovative design not only makes the mouse lighter but also enhances airflow, keeping your hand cool during extended gaming sessions. Like its counterpart, the M2 features a high-accuracy 26,000 DPI sensor, a 1K Hz polling rate, and offers versatile connectivity options, including 2.4G, Bluetooth, and wired connections.
The M2’s adaptability extends to its customizable features, including five LIGHTSYNC RGB modes and programmable buttons. Gamers can seamlessly switch between different modes to match their gaming environment and style.
The Mercury M1 Pro and M2 gaming mice by GravaStar boast an impressive set of specifications tailored to meet the demanding needs of gamers. Crafted with a magnesium alloy construction, these mice combine strength with a lightweight design. The high-precision 26,000 DPI sensor, powered by the PAW3395 chip, ensures unparalleled accuracy in every movement. The incorporation of TUROSPEED Wireless Technology guarantees a stable and reliable connection during intense gaming sessions.
The innovative hollowed-out design of the mice not only reduces weight for enhanced maneuverability but also improves airflow, keeping hands cool during extended gameplay. Operating at a 1K Hz polling rate, these gaming mice provide a responsive and lag-free experience. Beyond their technical prowess, these gaming mice embody the vision of Yong Huang, the creative mind behind GravaStar, who meticulously designed them with a focus on merging performance and aesthetics. Far from being mere peripherals, the Mercury M1 Pro and M2 exemplify GravaStar’s commitment to producing durable, lightweight, and highly customizable gaming devices that resonate with the discerning preferences of gamers.
As gamers eagerly await the release of the Mercury M1 Pro and M2 gaming mice, it’s evident that these devices go beyond being simple tools. They reflect GravaStar’s dedication to enhancing the gaming experience through innovative design and personalization. Whether opting for the sleek Silver Mist or the robust Gunmetal Gray, users are choosing devices poised to elevate their gaming to new heights with precision, comfort, and style.
Power banks might be so common and boring these days, but there was a time when people thought they were more trouble than they were worth. Having to fumble around for a battery pack and cable to quickly plug in a phone may sound like too much of a hassle, so mophie, one of the oldest players in this game, came up with an alternative solution a long, long time ago. The battery case was the answer to that problem, making the iPhone “wear” its extra battery at all times. That design, however, hasn’t been seen for years, making you think battery cases have gone extinct. That was almost the case, pardon the pun, until the recent announcement that the mophie Juice Pack is making a comeback, but apparently only for three out of four iPhone 15 models.
When you first hear about it, battery cases sound like the best of both worlds. You get an extra battery to make sure your phone never runs empty, but you also don’t have to juggle with a separate pack like with a normal power bank. That’s theoretically true until you realize just how much that extra power will cost you in other aspects. Especially when you consider that batteries from five years ago were pretty thick despite having low capacities.
With significant improvements in this area, mophie thought it was time to bring its juice pack back to life, offering a battery case for the current generation of iPhones. The basic concept remains the same, with the battery “hiding” inside the sizable case that wraps around the iPhone like a very thick bumper. Of course, it also functions as a protective case, so that rugged and bulky appearance isn’t without its merits.
Like in previous iterations of the juice pack, there are LED dots on the back to indicate just how much charge the case has left. It also supports passthrough USB-C charging, so you don’t have to worry about having to remove the case just to charge the iPhone itself. That said, given the thickness that the battery adds to the back, it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that it also prevents any sort of MagSafe functionality from working.
The mophie Juice Packs will go for $99.95 for all three iPhone models, though there are different capacities, starting at 2,400 mAh. The iPhone 15 Plus is notably missing from the list, apparently because mophie didn’t want to waste resources on a model that isn’t even selling well. Then again, it remains to be seen how many iPhone users will be willing to bulk up their phones and lose MagSafe compatibility at the same time just for the convenience of not having to plug in a power bank.
There’s a great deal of interest in essential oils and diffusers these days, but some people tend to prefer the distinct scent of incense. Incense sticks are simple and economical ways to enjoy such fragrances, but actually using and managing these very thin sticks can be a bit of a hassle, considering the different parts that could be involved. Some incense holders practice extreme minimalism to the point holding the burning stick is really all that they can do. These tend to try to match the incense’s aesthetic by utilizing wooden materials, but there is no hard rule that it is the only way to design incense holders, as this rather classy design concept tries to prove.
The most basic incense holder design is simply a strip of wood that can hold an incense stick at an angle so that its ashes fall in a single place only (presuming there’s no gust of wind). The shape is a bit concave to make sure that the ashes don’t simply roll or fall off. This simplistic design makes the incense holder itself extremely portable, but then you’d also have to carry around a container for unused sticks as well as a lighter or match for lighting the stick.
In contrast, this design concept incorporates all three elements into a single design that quickly sets itself apart not just in function but also in aesthetics. Instead of wood, the design uses metal, most likely polished aluminum, to give the incense holder a reflective and luxurious appearance. The black top surface is probably some heat-resistant material, but it doesn’t take away anything from the product’s elegant looks. The silver and black colors contrast and complement each other nicely, but there is also room for other color combinations as well.
Just as interesting as its uncommon appearance is how a single product performs three functions. A hidden drawer at the bottom reveals space for holding reserve incense sticks, while a hole opposite the spherical stick holder is actually a lighter. This way, you need to bring one and only one thing with you so that you can enjoy your favorite incense scents anytime, anywhere. It would have been nice, however, if there was also a way to store the ashes temporarily so that you can keep your area clean until you’re ready to throw away those ashes in a proper bin.
It’s 2024, and your phone case should do a LOT more than just protect your phone. The folks at TORRAS believe that too, which is why they’ve been spearheading the ‘phone stand’ movement since as early as 2018. In fact, even renowned global research firm Ipsos has ‘declared’ the phone stand as the next generation of phone cases… and after a 6-year headstart, they’ve labeled TORRAS as the global leader in this domain.
Even though the company has a wide product range, going all the way from phone accessories to neck-worn fans, the phone stand dominated the TORRAS showcase at CES this year (so much so that their booth had a massive phone stand on the front of it too, making it recognizable from a distance). The company launched two new stands this year – the simple yet delightful Lstand, and an improvement on their existing Ostand, now with a rotating ring (called the Ostand R). They also refreshed their neck-worn cooler line with the COOLiFY Cyber, which can now adjust its temperature based on your surroundings, making it the most advanced neck-worn ‘air-conditioner’ on the market!
The Lstand on the left, and the Ostand R on the right.
The Ostand R is an impressive case given its abilities. For starters, the case has a ring on it that folds flat when not in use, but opens up into an angle-locking stand that can be used in landscape and vertical modes (or even as a ring to support your finger as you hold the phone). Moreover, it rotates on its hubless axis, giving you the ability to position the ring wherever you want, all while still managing to support the iPhone’s MagSafe and wireless charging features.
You also (obviously) get the benefits of a case, with a soft bumper frame around the sides and even the camera bump. The edges have an air cushion that gives your phone even more security from bumps or accidental drops. The frosted polycarbonate back is a great way to show off your phone’s color, while the Ostand R’s colors on the TPU rim and the metallic buttons complement your smartphone from top to bottom.
It isn’t easy building a phone case that has its own stand which rotates, while still maintaining a slim profile… but TORRAS lifted the veil on the Ostand R’s design to show the amount of research and innovation that goes into every detail. A specially designed hinge measures a mere 1.2mm (0.04 inches) thick, but can resist tens of thousands of folds, and can even hold its angle like a laptop hinge (while taking the weight of your phone). The hinge is also accompanied by a hubless rotating element that lets the ring orient however you want it to, giving you the kind of freedom you wouldn’t get with other cases.
A quick breakdown of the Ostand R shows all the innovation gone into its features and details
The Lstand, on the other hand, is for people who want a smooth case with nothing on the back. Research from TORRAS’ customer base showed that while the Ostand was a hot favorite, there were some who liked the appeal of the company’s older stands that were either built into the bottom of the phone, or the sides. To cater to these people, TORRAS built the Lstand, a stand case with a fold-out element around the camera lens. The robust ring adds an extra layer of beefed security to your iPhone camera, but pop it open and it transforms into a nifty stand to rest your phone on.
The two stands, while impressive, come backed by an Ipsos paper that puts Torras at the forefront of the upcoming phone stand trend. Ipsos mentions that the rise of digital nomads and of social media has prompted a lot of people to rely on their phone for staying connected, and entertained. Given that phones are now growing bigger, flatter, and heavier, it’s becoming more and more important to shift focus from merely ‘phone cases’ to phone stands that allow people to hold their phones better, and to rest them on surfaces for work, leisure, and everything in between. Phone cases aren’t going anywhere, because people inherently need to have protective accessories for their expensive smart-devices… but more than 52% of people mention that they want their phone cases to have a hands-free feature, while a staggering 59% mention the need to still maintain a minimalist sleek design. The Ostand R and Lstand (along with Torras’ other stands) maintain these considerations, resulting in smartphone accessories that don’t protect the phone… they enhance the phone’s experience too.
When asked about TORRAS, the Ipsos study revealed: “Through continuous innovation and research and development, TORRAS integrated upgraded protection and portability, restoring the design style of bare phones. At the same time, it pioneers a new design of phone case with the combination of kickstand and magnetic suction, which performs excellently and has won many international design awards, patented innovations, and industry honors, leading the development and progress of the kickstand and magnetic suction phone case products.” They added that “TORRAS is the next generation of phone cases.”
The COOLiFY range also saw some changes with the Cyber, TORRAS’ latest neck wearable. Building on the existing line, the COOLiFY Cyber comes with a larger cooling plate and air ducts, creating a bigger impact. The air ducts blow wind (cold or hot) towards the neck and face, while the cooling plates rely on an electric current that passes through a semiconductor to rapidly cool down. With 3 speed settings to choose from, 3 heat/cool plates, and a total of 36 outlets, the COOLiFY Cyber is the equivalent of wearing an air conditioner on your neck.
The COOLiFY Cyber sports an incredibly slick design that can easily be worn around any neck thanks to its flexible horseshoe-shaped design. It’s made to be lightweight, it charges via USB-C, and from personal experience, it feels a lot like wearing an ice or heat pack around your neck – something you’ll probably appreciate in the harsh summers and winters. The neck’s unique location (near the face and connected to the spine) makes it a perfect spot for something like the COOLiFY Cyber, as its cooling/heating effect can be felt all over you (and not just your neck). The COOLiFY Cyber is slated to launch around March, which is when additional details like battery life and pricing will emerge.
TORRAS even partnered with the Dallas Maverick to create special Mavs-branded merchandise for them and their fans
Audiophiles who swear by Sennheiser’s unique audio quality and design have eagerly awaited the next version of the acclaimed earbuds. The waiting is over as the German audio specialist brought the new lineup of headphones and earbuds to CES 2024. These include the upgraded ACCENTUM headphones, MOMENTUM Ture Wireless 4 earbuds and MOMENTUM Sport earbuds.
Each of these newly revealed audio accessories comes with upgrades to the previous versions. Our focus however is centered on the MOMENTUM Sport earbuds. Loaded with their own set of nice features the lifestyle buds are a great option for audio lovers for whom the Beats Fit Pro, Shokz OpenFit, or Jabra Elite 8 Active don’t make the cut.
The new pair of IP55-rated earbuds for active individuals refresh Sennheiser’s line-up with a fitness-focused build. The standout feature of the buds is the heart rate monitor and body temperature sensing capabilities. Sennheiser has managed to fit a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that seamlessly syncs real-time data with apps including Apple Health, Garmin Connect, Strava or Polar Flow. Including the body sensors in a pair of earbuds makes complete sense as the inner ear is the most stable area of the body during physical activity. This ensures consistent biometrics with a temperature accuracy of +/- 0.3 degrees Celsius and heart rate measurements ranging from 30 bpm to 220 bpm.
For sound quality, the MOMENTUM Sport comes with a 10mm transducer to deliver a punchy bass and vivid soundstage. To prevent occlusion effect or pressure in the ears, the earbuds boast an acoustic relief channel. One gripe that runners or active individuals always complain about the sports earbuds is the footstep thunder, body sounds or heavy breathing noises. The earbuds come with ear tips and fins for a secure fit and flaunt a semi-open design for passive transparent mode. There’s also the ANC mode for focus periods and the anti-wind mode for windy outdoor conditions.
The IP54 rated wireless case provides 18 hours of playback on a single full charge and with the 6 hours on the buds themselves, users can expect a full day of listening without a hitch. We believe these could be the values with ANC on and for listening without ANC enabled this can be stretched further. For 10 minutes of charging time, the buds can play for 45 minutes on the fly. Users can tweak the sound profile and toggle other settings via the Smart Control app.
For those who believe in the quality of Sennheiser audio, the Sport earbuds will be available on April 9 for a price tag of $330 in black, green and graphite color options.
