Tag Archives: accessories

Shiftcam Workflow Sling finally gives smartphone photographers their own bag

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You might chuckle or even roll your eyes at the so-called social media “influencers,” but it’s actually a lucrative (not to mention addictive) industry. That’s not even considering the new breed of photographers that rely only on their smartphones, plus some specialized lenses, to jump immediately into the middle of an action and not miss a beat by having to take out a bulky DSLR. But despite the popularity of smartphone photography, this market also feels a little underserved judging by the lack of basic accessories like something as simple yet as important as a camera bag. Now the wait is finally over and mobile shutterbugs can now enjoy the freedom and versatility that a dedicated smartphone camera bag offers thanks to Shiftcam’s new Workflow Sling, the first hyperfocused camera bag designed just for smartphone photography.

Designer: Shiftcam

The reason why some people prefer to capture photos and record videos using a smartphone is the near-instant action and versatility. You almost always have your smartphone with you, whether in your hand or in your pocket, and you can immediately edit and share those photos on social media. In fact, you can livestream directly from your phone, something that’s not easily done with a digital camera. But as your smartphone photography skills get better, you start to need and use more advanced accessories that you can’t easily fit in your pocket. That’s what a camera bag is for, and the Workflow Sling brings that same convenience to smartphones at long last.

It’s more than just a regular sling bag, mind you, because every corner and every feature was designed for people who use their smartphones as cameras. There’s a dedicated “Action Pocket” in the central compartment that makes sure your smartphone is in your hand in a split second. There are also dedicated pockets to keep your smartphone lenses safe and within reach, like the ones you might be purchasing from Shiftcam itself. There’s also plenty of room for all sorts of smartphone photography tools, from a tripod to a drone to even a water bottle to keep you hydrated during your adventures.

The Workflow Sling, however, does more than just hold your phone and its accessories. There’s an innovative MagSafe clip that lets you attach your phone to the strap and on your chest for a dramatic first-person view or in front of the bag, turning it into a makeshift stand. These features clearly mark this accessory as a product that was designed from the ground up to cater to smartphone shutterbugs, delivering the functionality and features that finally put them on the same playing field as the pros with their bulkier, heavier, and more expensive equipment.

The post Shiftcam Workflow Sling finally gives smartphone photographers their own bag first appeared on Yanko Design.

Moft Invisible Phone Tripod hands-on at CES 2024: A phone tripod as thin as two credit cards

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If there’s anything we’ve come to expect from Moft, it’s the ability to combine design and origami together to make some of the slimmest-yet-most-enduring stands for phones, tablets, and even laptops. Moft’s stands are so thin that they’re practically invisible… but fold them open and you’ve got something that’s so robust and functional it’s honestly surprising.

We came down to Moft’s stand at CES to check out their latest product – the Invisible Phone Stand. As ardent fans of the Moft Z (the world’s thinnest laptop stand) and the Moft X (a shape-shifting slim phone stand with a built-in wallet), we wanted to check out what else they were building, only to set eyes on the ‘Invisible Phone Tripod’ – a highly versatile and adjustable tripod that sits at a mere 0.27 inches thick when folded back into your phone.

Designer: Moft

Designed to be no thicker than two credit cards sandwiched together, the stand sits flat against the back of your phone. Open it up, however, and you’ve got yourself a perfectly stable tripod that can be angle-adjusted and even switched between landscape or portrait modes thanks to the inclusion of MagSafe. The secret lies entirely in a blend of origami-inspired design and some clever material choices and engineering to create a stand so seamless and so slim, it’s there when you need it, and invisible when you don’t.

One of the standout features of the MOFT tripod stand is its versatility, offering three distinct modes with adjustable angles. These include Floating Mode, which raises your phone to a height of 8 inches and offers various angles such as Video Call Angle, Showcase Angle, Theatre Angle, Browsing Angle, and Macro Photography Angle. Then there’s Stand Mode and Vlogging Mode, catering to different content creation and viewing needs.

The folding procedure takes just a few seconds

Despite its multifunctionality, the tripod stand boasts a compact design, measuring 3.82.50.27 inches and weighing just 2.9 oz. It’s crafted from MOVAS™ Vegan Leather, magnets, metal sheets, fiberglass, and PC, ensuring both durability and a premium feel​. The MOVAS™-E vegan leather used in the stand is designed to resist yellowing, boasting impressive UV and dirt resistance compared to regular leather. The material retains its vibrant color over time through a unique dyeing process, although it’s advised to avoid strong chemicals and to clean any stains immediately for optimal maintenance.

Its origami-inspired structure provides a stable triangular base, and it has been tested to support a weight of up to 17.6 oz, which is more than twice the weight of an iPhone 14 Pro Max. The hinge is made from manganese steel, which remains solid even after 5,000 open-close cycles, ensuring longevity. Paired with the MOVAS leather, the entire product is durable inside and out, and won’t show signs of ageing even with constant everyday use.

Priced at $39.99, this tripod stand is not only compatible with MagSafe for iPhone 12 and newer models but also offers universal compatibility for various phone models, including Android, through the inclusion of a MOFT Metal Ring. This ring is suitable for non-silicone cases made from PC, TPU, or aluminum, ensuring a wide range of devices can benefit from this accessory.

The post Moft Invisible Phone Tripod hands-on at CES 2024: A phone tripod as thin as two credit cards first appeared on Yanko Design.

JBL Launches The Live 3 Series Of Touchscreen Earbuds For Personalized Audio Experience

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JBL, a renowned name in audio technology, has made a splash at CES 2024 with the introduction of its latest generation of wireless earbuds, the Live 3 series. Comprising three distinct models – Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3, and Live Flex 3 – this lineup is designed to cater to diverse user preferences while offering a seamless and personalized audio experience. Let’s delve into the key features of these earbuds, showcased in a sleek touchscreen charging case.

Designer: JBL

One of the standout features of the Live 3 series is the inclusion of a 1.45-inch LED touch display on the charging case, a technology first introduced in JBL’s Tour Pro 2. This touchscreen functionality allows users to manage calls, view texts, control music playback, and even receive social media alerts directly from the case. Ideal for situations where users prefer not to handle their phones with sweaty hands like in the gym or when you’re out for a run, this innovative addition brings a new level of convenience to the earbud experience.

The Live 3 series introduces three unique models, each finely tuned to suit different preferences and situations. Let’s dive into what each has to offer:

First, the Live Buds 3:
Its sporting a classic bud-style design with a comfy fit. You get a solid 10 hours of playtime outside the case with ANC (active noise cancellation) off, plus an extra 30 hours of juice from the case. Perfect for those who want a laid-back, immersive audio experience.

Then, we have the Live Beam 3:
It’s JBL’s answer to AirPods Pro 2. These closed-type stick earbuds feature a noise-isolating design, giving you 12 hours of playtime with ANC off and an additional 36 hours of charge from the case. It’s all about that premium audio experience.

Lastly, the Live Flex 3:
It’s the open-type stick headphones for the AirPods 3 enthusiasts. Offering 10 hours of playtime with ANC off and an extra 40 hours from the case, these are designed for those who appreciate an open design and longer battery life.

Here’s the cool part; all of them share some awesome features. Think IP55 (for Buds and Beam) and IP54 (for Flex) dust and water resistance, Smart Charging Case tech with a 1.45-inch LED touch display, Hi-Res Audio, JBL Signature Sound, Bluetooth 5.3 support with LE Audio (via OTA update) for multipoint connectivity, and compatibility with top-notch Android phones like Google Pixel 7/8 and Samsung Galaxy S23.

This lineup isn’t just about earbuds; it’s about tailoring your audio experience to fit your style. So, whether you’re into classic buds, Pro-level sound, or an AirPods vibe, the Live 3 series has you covered.

All three models of the JBL Live 3 series are priced at $199.95 and are expected to hit stores later this summer. They will be available in black and silver, these earbuds aim to deliver a premium audio experience for users with diverse preferences and lifestyles. As the market eagerly awaits their arrival, JBL’s Live 3 series promises to redefine the standards of wireless earbuds in 2024.

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Lenovo Unveils a Legion of Gaming Ecosystem at CES 2024

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In a significant expansion of its gaming hardware offerings, Lenovo has unveiled an extensive new gaming ecosystem at CES 2024, anchored by its latest PC lineup that includes advanced AI technologies and a pioneering thermal solution. The announcement highlights the Lenovo Legion 7i and Lenovo Legion 5i laptops, along with a full suite of gaming devices, software, and services designed to empower gamers under the new mantra ‘Reach Your Impossible.’

The newly debuted products, compatible with Microsoft Windows 11, are a comprehensive blend of power, thermal efficiency, cutting-edge graphics, AI-driven enhancements, and customizable options. This array allows gamers to construct their ultimate gaming setup. Central to the portfolio are the 9th generation Lenovo Legion 16-inch gaming laptops and towers, which cater to a range of gaming needs:

  • For Balanced Gaming and Work: The Lenovo Legion 7i, Lenovo Legion 5i, and Lenovo Legion Slim 5 are tailored for gamers who demand a machine capable of handling intense gaming sessions and demanding STEM applications.
  • For Uncompromised Performance: The Lenovo Legion 9i is the go-to choice for those prioritizing peak gaming and content creation experiences.

  • For Ultimate FPS and Style: The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i target gamers seeking top-tier frame rates, aesthetics, and screen quality.
  • For Desktop Power: The Legion Tower 7i and Legion Tower 5i are designed for those who require the robust power of a high-end gaming tower PC.

Expanding the ecosystem are the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9, Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9I, Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9, and Lenovo LOQ15AHP9 laptops, along with the Lenovo LOQ Tower 17IRR9, aimed at gamers climbing the competitive leaderboards. New accessories like the Lenovo Legion M410 Wireless RGB Gaming Mouse, Legion K510 Pro Mini Keyboard, and the Lenovo AvatarMaster PC software app enhance the gaming experience.

The cornerstone of this lineup is Lenovo’s proprietary hardware AI chips, the LA AI chips, which debuted at last year’s CES. This year, they return with enhanced capabilities, enabling Lenovo Legion and Lenovo LOQ laptops to reach new heights in FPS, power efficiency, and overall performance.

The Lenovo Legion 9i: A Peak of Gaming Innovation.

Continuing its tradition of pushing boundaries in gaming technology, the Legion 9i is a gaming laptop that redefines the user experience through advanced AI integration and powerful hardware. The upgraded LA3-P AI chip is at the heart, introducing the groundbreaking Scenario Detection feature. This technology dynamically adjusts the power distribution between the CPU and GPU, optimizing performance based on the user’s current activity. This intelligent power management is complemented by Smart FPS, a feature that analyzes the FPS output in games, balancing power usage between hardware components to maximize FPS.

Another highlight is the Lighting Audio Sync capability, enabled by the Lenovo LA3-P AI chip. This feature synchronizes the laptop’s RGB lighting with the audio output, creating an immersive gaming atmosphere. Additionally, Legion Aurora Sync uses AI to harmonize on-screen visuals with the keyboard and environmental RGB lighting.

Gamers also have access to Smart Control, allowing them to swiftly toggle between various preset power profiles, including a customizable mode. These settings, including fan speed and thermal modes, are easily managed through the Lenovo Vantage interface, giving gamers complete control to tailor their gaming experience.

The latest laptop model boasts top-tier hardware specifications, including the latest Intel Core Gen i9-14900HX CPU and a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. The laptop sports a 3.2K 16:10 165Hz VRR Mini-LED PureSight display and supports up to 64GB of 5600Mhz DDR5 Memory and up to 2TB of Gen4 PCIe storage. It’s powered by a robust 99.99Whr battery, while the 230W TDP is efficiently managed by the LA3-P AI chip, ensuring optimal power distribution.

The design of the Legion 9i is equally impressive, with a TrueStrike keyboard that offers per-key RGB and 1.5mm key travel and a unique forged carbon top cover that gives each laptop a distinctive look. Weighing in at just 2.5kg (5.51 lbs.), it is as portable as it is powerful.

The Lenovo Legion 9i gaming laptop is designed to fit perfectly into the Lenovo Legion 16″ Functional Gaming Backpack, making it ideal for gamers who are always on the go. You can complete your ultimate gaming setup by pairing it with other Lenovo Legion peripherals like the Y34wz-30 Gaming Monitor, M600s Qi Wireless Gaming Mouse, and Lenovo Legion H600 Wireless Gaming Headset. These peripherals are already available in select markets to complete the ultimate gaming ecosystem for the Legion 9i.

Lenovo Legion Series: The Ultimate All-In-One Gaming Solutions

Gamers require devices that can effortlessly handle demanding AAA games and processor-intensive applications. The Lenovo Legion series, which includes the Lenovo Legion 7i, Lenovo Legion 5i, and Lenovo Legion Slim 5, is designed to meet these diverse needs. These laptops offer a powerful yet portable solution for gamers needing a high-performance device to handle demanding tasks.

Lenovo Legion 7i and 5i: Power and Portability Combined

  • AI-Enhanced Performance: Both models feature Lenovo’s LA AI chips. The Legion 7i has enhanced AI capabilities, including Scenario Detection, Smart FPS increases, and Smart Control, all accessible through Lenovo Vantage for optimal performance customization. The Legion 5i also includes Smart Control, allowing seamless power profile adjustments.

  • High-End Hardware: The Legion 7i and 5i are equipped with up to the latest Intel Core i9 14900HX processors, while the Legion Slim 5 features AMD Ryzen™ 8040 Series processors. All models come with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, integrating NVIDIA’s RTX AI upscaling and Max-Q technology.
  • Memory and Storage: Each laptop offers up to 32GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM and up to 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage.
  • Innovative Features: The new Copilot key on the Lenovo Legion 7i keyboard offers easy access to everyday AI assistance.

Enhanced User Experience and Design

  • Connectivity and Keyboard: The Lenovo Legion 7i supports up to Wi-Fi 7 and features a TrueStrike keyboard with per-key RGB and 1.5mm key travel. The Legion 5i and Slim 5 come with Wi-Fi 6E and TrueStrike keyboards with up to 4-zone RGB.

  • New Thermal Solution: The “Coldfront: Hyper” thermal technology in the Legion 7i and 5i optimizes heat exchange, leading to higher frame rates and cooler keyboard temperatures even under heavy loads.

Display Innovations

  • PureSight Displays: Each model offers color-calibrated PureSight displays. The Legion 7i has options for a 3.2K or WQXGA display with high refresh rates, while the Legion 5i and Slim 5 feature WQXGA displays with eSports Display software for enhanced gaming visuals.

Portability and Peripheral Compatibility

  • Backpack and Home Setup: The Lenovo Legion series and Slim 5 laptops fit in the Lenovo Legion Active Gaming Backpack for mobility. They can be set up at home with the Lenovo Legion Y27h-30 Gaming Monitor, Legion M410 Wireless RGB Gaming Mouse, and Lenovo Legion K510 Pro Mini Keyboard for a comprehensive gaming experience.

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: A Desktop Powerhouse

For those who prefer a stationary gaming setup, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is a formidable choice. It can be configured with up to 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900F processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPUs, and up to 32GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM. Its 26L chassis houses an 850W 90% PSU and up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage, making it a compact yet powerful gaming machine.

Specialized Gaming with the Lenovo Legion Pro Series and Legion Tower 7i

The Lenovo Legion Pro Series and Legion Tower 7i are designed for competitive gamers seeking the upper edge. These devices boast top-of-the-line processors, advanced thermals, and Lenovo AI chips to maintain peak performance. The TrueStrike keyboards on the Pro series laptops feature customizable lighting and keycaps for a tailored gaming experience.

Be ‘You’ with AvatarMaster

Select Lenovo Legion systems, including the Legion 7i and 5i, now come with the AI-powered AvatarMaster app. This innovative software enables users to create and animate a 3D digital avatar, enhancing the streaming and collaboration experience.

Step into Gaming with Lenovo LOQ The Lenovo LOQ lineup, ideal for beginners, includes laptops and towers with various CPU and GPU options. The hyperchamber thermal technology and Lenovo LA1 AI chip enhance performance, while display options and peripheral compatibility cater to all gaming preferences.

Comprehensive Gaming Ecosystem Every Lenovo gaming device is equipped with Windows 11, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and Lenovo’s Legion Arena app. Additionally, Nahimic by SteelSeries audio technology enhances communication during gameplay. Lenovo Legion devices also offer Legion Ultimate Support, while LOQ devices come with Lenovo’s Premium Care for comprehensive assistance and support.

The post Lenovo Unveils a Legion of Gaming Ecosystem at CES 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

DON’T buy Apple’s MagSafe Wallet… This one is MUCH better and it’s half the price

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I’ve always believed that tech giants are great at making devices… not accessories. You’re much better off buying an iPhone case from Spigen, hubs from Satechi, and charging gear from Anker rather than directly from Apple, Google, or Samsung. Third-party designers and makers usually take creativity and innovation much more seriously than the large companies driven by profit, which is why I’d never recommend buying a MagSafe wallet from Apple. The DuoFlip, on the other hand, is exactly the same size but is vastly better in comparison. It too holds two cards, but with a unique flippable mechanism that lets you make a card of your choice face outwards. This is great for easy-access, but also makes the DuoFlip perfect for tapping on POS devices and RFID readers without needing to take the card out of your wallet. The two cards sit in individual pockets, separated by an RFID-blocking liner. That means only the card that’s facing outside gets tapped during payments or access approval. Moreover, one of the card slots comes with a clear window, making it perfect for storing ID cards. Plus, if all that wasn’t enough to convince you, the flipping mechanism can also be used as a kickstand, giving you the ability to prop-up your phone in landscape or in portrait modes.

Designer: Stella Chang Chien of SleekStrip

Click Here to Buy Now: $28 $40 (30% off). Hurry, only 18/200 left!

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Sure, the DuoFlip presents a great alternative to Apple’s MagSafe Wallet, but take it out of Apple’s shadow and you see that it’s a pretty nifty design on its own too. It solves the problem of needing to dig around in your pockets or bag for cards, and eliminates the need for a second card to hang around your neck if your workplace demands it. The two cards slide right into the DuoFlip which snaps satisfyingly onto the back of your MagSafe-capable iPhone (or any phone with the MagSafe sticker).

Flipping between cards is easy to the point of being addictive. The magnets inside the DuoFlip offer just the right amount of resistance that allows you to flip sides in under a second. The two sides have their distinct advantages. One is completely opaque, making it perfect for payment cards, while the other one comes with a clear window that’s well-suited for ID cards. Place your cards in and you’re ready to go. The card that’s facing outwards can be used to tap on terminals, whether they’re for making payments or for registering access/entry. A liner in the middle blocks the hidden card from being read, so there’s never an accidental tap of the wrong card.

Moreover, flip the ‘flap’ halfway and it doubles as a nifty stand for your phone. Sure, it won’t rival an actual stand or tripod, but it’s honestly a perfect easter egg for the wallet, giving it a great added feature that everyone’s sure to love… and people with Apple MagSafe wallets are sure to miss…

The DuoFlip has a sleek, slim design, which means it’s easy to slide into your pocket along with your phone. However, if you’d like to have the wallet more accessible, the folks at SleekStrip also designed a lanyard that attaches to the DuoFlip, letting you wear it around your neck like your standard lanyard ID. Keep the windowed card facing outwards for ease-of-use, but the second you step out for a meal or a quick coffee, flip to the payment card to make quick tap payments.

The adjustable-length lanyard can be used with the DuoFlip wallet, or even your phone thanks to a quick attachment that sandwiches itself between your phone and case. Although I probably wouldn’t want to wear my phone around my neck, that’s an option available to people who want their smart devices to be even more accessible than being right in their pockets or as crossbody.

Each DuoFlip wallet comes crafted from vegan leather, with a plastic back that houses the wallet’s N52 rare-earth magnets in the MagSafe array. A proprietary 6-layer anti-interference partition sits between both cards, allowing for accurate tapping every time, and the wallet’s flipping mechanism is tested to last over 100,000 flips (that’s 27 years worth of flips if you flip 10 times every day).

The wallet comes in black, brown, and gray color variants, and starts at a discounted $28… that’s less than half the price of Apple’s $59 MagSafe Wallet.

Click Here to Buy Now: $28 $40 (30% off). Hurry, only 18/200 left!

The post DON’T buy Apple’s MagSafe Wallet… This one is MUCH better and it’s half the price first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pad & Quill leather accessories for Apple products live on in new brand

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The design and especially the price of Apple’s devices easily mark these products as luxurious goods. Thus it’s not that unusual for owners to be overprotective of their expensive investments, covering them up with protective cases that sometimes trade style for protection. Fortunately, there is a class of accessories that actually add even more class to these devices, particularly through the use of luxurious materials like leather. For more than a decade, the name “Pad & Quill” became synonymous with these leather accessories, offering elegant protection for Apple’s premium products, but it, unfortunately, had to file for bankruptcy last year. The name might be gone, but its legacy now lives on in a new brand from the same founder, continuing the practice of delivering high-end leather products to match your equally high-end iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.

Designer: Brian Holmes

Nothing says stylish luxury better than leather. There will always be arguments regarding the way it’s sourced and produced, but there’s little debate that the material is immediately associated with premium products. Some smartphones even try to ride on that trend by slapping some vegan leather on their backs, but the real deal is harder to pull off unless it’s on an accessory.

Pad & Quill is a name that Apple fans have looked to when it comes to those leather accessories, but due to the recent pandemic, the business had to close down a few months ago. That’s not to say there’s no longer a market for premium leather Apple accessories, just that the brand folded due to circumstances. Thankfully, P&Q’s founder isn’t calling it quits and has started a new endeavor with a new name but with the same mission.

Burton Goods will continue the legacy of offering high-quality leather cases for Apple’s latest products. It isn’t just about using leather, though, and the brand is promoting its precision craftsmanship, attention to detail, and practical functionality alongside the material. Of course, these accessories also serve to protect your precious Apple devices while also being durable products themselves.

At the moment, Burton Goods’ selection of products is limited to Apple’s latest models, from the iPhone to the iPad Pro to the MacBook Pro to even the Apple Watch. There are also plans to include leather bags that will bring these all together, but the exact timeline for their appearance has yet to be revealed. The revival of Pad & Quill’s spirit does also resurrects the question of the sustainability of genuine leather, and it might be a good opportunity for this niche market to reassess that aspect of luxury for the sake of future generations.

The post Pad & Quill leather accessories for Apple products live on in new brand first appeared on Yanko Design.

Clicks QWERTY keyboard iPhone case brings back the joy of typing

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Remember the days when you could swiftly type a long response on your phone in just seconds? Even if you didn’t own a BlackBerry, our amazing human brains managed to evolve to adapt to the esoteric T9 input, resulting in a flurry of thumbs hammering out text at mind-blowing speeds. Just like with pen and paper, there are benefits to having physical keys to type with, including muscle memory, accuracy, and sheer satisfaction. Those are the joys that this new case is trying to bring to the iPhone by snapping on a full yet tiny QWERTY keyboard that gives creators the power to turn text into stories, quickly and accurately.

Designers: Michael Fisher and Kevin Michaluk

Although the BlackBerry is now a footnote in history, there was a time when it was the de facto standard of productivity. It’s a bit ironic that its most iconic feature is all but a memory today when text is even more critical in mobile life. From notes to todos to captions to messages, we type plenty of text on our touchscreen smartphones, which painfully drives home the fact that these smooth, flat surfaces have terrible ergonomics and haptics for such an activity. There have been a few attempts at resurrecting the BlackBerry or at least bringing the physical QWERTY keyboard to smartphones, but Clicks is trying to differentiate itself by projecting a fun and creative character that’s more in line with today’s creators.

For one, the cases distance themselves from the drab and serious styles of business-minded BlackBerry clones by embracing colors and curves, whether it’s the yellow Bumblebee or even the gray London Sky. Perhaps to avoid any litigation like its forebears, Clicks adopts circular keys with some spacing in between, giving the keyboard a more whimsical appearance. Regardless of the design, the Clicks QWERTY case has the same mission as all other QWERTY cases before it, bringing a familiar sensation to upgrade the typing experience. Best of all, the keyboard no longer eats up half your screen, leaving room for more content.

Using the case itself is as simple as pie. You slide the iPhone in from the top, carefully align the Lightning or USB-C connector, and snap the top on. The case doesn’t have a battery of its own, which makes it lighter and cheaper, so it draws power from the iPhone itself. It does support pass-through charging so you don’t have to remove the case just to charge the iPhone. The one drawback of its simple design is that MagSafe accessories won’t stick to it, but you can still enjoy wireless charging on a flat horizontal surface.

The Clicks QWERTY keyboard case is compatible only with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models, though their availability won’t happen all at the same time. The $139 price tag is going to be debatable, especially for those who aren’t yet convinced of the advantages of having a physical keyboard at the cost of making a tall phone even taller. But for creators who find themselves always pecking at their phone’s screen, this quirky accessory is a done deal.

The post Clicks QWERTY keyboard iPhone case brings back the joy of typing first appeared on Yanko Design.

Space-inspired everyday products prepare us for a zero-gravity future

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Many people these days dream about living on other planets or at least inside orbiting space stations, but few actually consider how very different life would be outside the Earth’s gravity. Of course, Hollywood tends to romanticize a lot of everyday life, but as astronauts will testify, living in space, even if just to reach the Moon or Mars, is no walk in the park. Even the simplest activities like drinking water can be awkward and disorienting in zero-g, at least if you consider using Earth-bound objects to do so. That’s why this trio of designs tries to reimagine some of the most mundane products we use in daily life and transform them into objects that are ready for our space-faring future.

Designers: Subin Kim, Jagyeong Baek, Jaeyeon Lee

Most of us understand that without gravity, things tend not to stay down, but few actually envision the ramifications of that fact. Products designed on Earth naturally presume an amount of stability, and the way they are handled or controlled is limited in the same manner. For example, a lot of everyday things only have handles on one side or work in a single direction, a presumption that doesn’t make much sense or even becomes counterproductive when the objects are floating in space.

Spatio is a collection of these everyday objects that have been redesigned with zero gravity in mind. Or to put it more simply, it doesn’t make presumptions on where and how it will function, making it work both on Earth, on Mars, or in the International Space Station. Aqua, for example, is a water bottle that replaces a traditional cup that has a single handle on one side only. In contrast, this bottle has four extrusions in cardinal directions that act as handles and a cover that lets you drink by sucking rather than sipping from the lip of a mug.

Sonus is a wireless speaker that really defies the traditional design of speakers. Inspired by the moon’s spherical shape, each of the “craters” on its surface pops up a tiny omnidirectional speaker when pressed. The more units that pop out, the louder it gets, acting is an unconventional form of volume control. The important difference is that you don’t have to shift or move the speaker to one side or the other just to reach those controls.

And then there’s Lumia, a star-shaped flashlight that can shine in any direction. Simply turning the central wheel switches the direction of the light so that it works regardless of how you’re holding it. While these products were designed with space living in mind, it’s not difficult to imagine them working just as well on Terra Firma, proving that truly accessible design benefits everyone everywhere, even if they’re living in outer space.

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JLab JBuds ANC 3 wireless earbuds land with a very tempting offer

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True Wireless Stereo or TWS earbuds have become a staple in a world without headphone jacks. Almost every brand, from smartphone manufacturers to audio equipment experts, has a pair or two or even more. They come in all shapes, sizes, features, and prices, but few can really be called striking the perfect balance between those factors. Right at the cusp of CES 2024, JLab is attempting to take a stab at this crowded market with its third-gen JBuds ANC, packing quite a bevy of desirable features in a compact and discreet design, while also dangling a price tag that sounds almost too good to be true.

Designer: JLab

One of the biggest problems with wireless buds is their dismal battery life due to their diminutive sizes. Yes, they come with charging cases that more than double the battery life, but that requires a bit of downtime while waiting for the buds to juice up. The JBuds ANC 3, however, boasts a whopping 9 hours on a single charge, 42 hours in total if you take into account the charging case. With its eponymous ANC feature enabled, the buds’ 7-hour uptime (34 hours with the case) is still pretty impressive.

Battery life isn’t the only perk that the JBuds ANC third-gen brings to your ears. Working in the opposite direction from its active noise cancellation, the buds feature a “Be Aware” mode that lets just enough ambient sounds into your ear so that you can navigate and work safely in public. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity so that you can connect to up to two devices and seamlessly switch between the two as needed, perfect when you need to take a call on your phone while using a paired laptop. You can also customize your listening experience completely through the JLab app, letting you fine-tune the audio quality to your liking.

Despite all these features, the JBuds ANC 3 still manages to come in a small package that disappears into the background. Even the charging case is only a little larger than a USB flash drive despite its massive battery inside. That case also has a built-in USB-C charging cable so you won’t have to fret over losing cables when you need them the most. And with an IP55 dust and water protection rating, the buds are guaranteed to be your faithful companion, come rain or shine.

All these features might sound almost common, but the $59.99 price tag that comes with them certainly isn’t. It makes the JLab JBuds ANC 3 enticing not only in terms of specs and design but also in accessibility, allowing almost anyone to enjoy hours of listening without having to break the bank.

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Apple Vision Pro first accessory might be a protective cover

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If you’re one of those that are excited for the upcoming mixed reality headset from Apple called Vision Pro, you’ll be pleased to know that they have won 70 more design patents that may be used as official accessories. With the headset set to make its debut in early 2024, those who will be early adapters are also looking at what else they can add to enhance the experience of using it. And if you like protecting your gadgets, they may be releasing an official cover for it too.

Designer: Apple

One of the patents that Apple has reportedly won is a cover for their upcoming “spatial computing” device. It uses a soft-touch woven fabric material and is designed to fit in with the device design-wise so that it won’t be too bulky or too out of place. The main function is for it to protect the most vulnerable parts of the gear. It will help you avoid scratches and debris in the front and sides of your headset but it also leaves the back part and the Light Seal clear so it won’t interfere with your viewing and computing experience.

The cover will be able to make sure the EyeSight display will be protected while not hindering the user from actually seeing what needs to be seen. There is also a tab on the left side which will make it easy to remove it in case you don’t need the cover while using the headset. Based on some product renders, the cover does seem to be integrated well into the Vision Pro and maybe even making it cooler.

We can expect a slew of accessories for the upcoming Apple device that should make AR and VR more accessible and usable for the average person. Whether they’re “official” ones from Apple or from popular third-party accessory brands like CASETiFY, expect to be flooded with these add-ons even before you decide whether you’re getting a Vision Pro or not.

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