3D modeling device concept imagines what it’s like to create 3D with 2D tools

Posted on 03/01/2024 by JC Torres

We live in a three-dimensional world, but we see the digital world through flat computer screens. That’s why 2D input devices like mice, trackballs, and pens are fine for most creative work that is made to be seen in 2D anyway. With the increase in 3D objects in mixed reality spaces, however, these tools are no longer sufficient and can even become painful to use. Our hands are used to manipulating real-world three-dimensional objects, but our computer tools are confined to the 2D space, making them inefficient and counterintuitive. For the new age of 3D, we need newer and better tools designed specifically for those needs, and this concept imagines a new device designed from the ground up to offer a better way to create those 3D models that will populate the virtual worlds of the future.

Designer: Jayesh Gaikwad

You might brush the Deco MX off as a glorified trackball, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. After all, a trackball is still just like a mouse that moves a cursor on a 2D screen. You can use that cursor to move and rotate a 3D object, but it’s a clumsy and awkward gesture that doesn’t map what we have in our mind when we want to turn those 3D objects living inside our flat displays. That’s what that ball in the corner of the Deco MX is for, letting you rotate an object more naturally in all three axes, making it easier to see the 3D model from all angles.

The rest of the device is made to give easier access to the tools that a designer needs when building those 3D models. There are programmable buttons to set your own shortcuts within the app, as well as dials to switch tools quickly. The central dial is, in fact, the biggest control on the Deco MX, and it gives access to the most common building and editing tools in a program. You can change which tools those are to suit your workflow, of course.

What makes the Deco MX extra interesting is the amount of screen on it. There’s one that arcs to the side, showing a history of actions you’ve taken so far. The central dial also has a screen underneath that changes depending on the tools you’ve set to be your favorite ones. There’s also a small circular screen to the side that shows you the currently selected tool without having to squint your eyes too hard.

While this 3D modeling device offers an innovative interface, the software we use today still presumes a 2D input device like a mouse or a stylus. Deco MX still can’t replace that and is instead designed to supplement it, perhaps taking the place of a large and cumbersome keyboard. Admittedly, the existence of screens on the device might actually make it harder to actually produce, but the concept has enough strong points that manufacturers should consider, especially as we journey deeper into mixed reality worlds.

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Love Hultén brick-inspired sound sculpture uses a bonsai tree to create sounds

Posted on 03/01/2024 by JC Torres

With the prevalence of electronic devices like smartphones and smart speakers, you might think that sound and music can only come from these objects. Of course, they are more medium than source, and there are plenty of things that generate audible audio waves even without the help of man-made contraptions. Nature, for example, has plenty of mystifying sounds that almost border on being musical, but there are also hidden ways that natural objects can produce sounds with a little help from technology. Using biological data and a bit of scientific creativity, one can even hear the “music” that plants make, such as this rather unique “sound sculpture” that makes a small bonsai tree sing its heart out in alien-like tones.

Designer: Love Hultén

To be clear, plants don’t make music, no matter how enchanting that concept might be. What artists, musicians, and designers are doing is to gather the subtle electrical signals generated by chemical changes in plants and interpret them as a series of tones generated by a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) device that hardly resembles a pleasing harmony. That said, even that straightforward process is enough to capture one’s curiosity and inspire a sense of wonder, even if it won’t win any music awards.

Tegel is one such artistic exploration in the translation of biological signals into audible sounds utilizing the popular bonsai tree. The choice of plant is almost poetic, given how this family of diminutive plants is often associated with meditation, calmness, and Zen. Ironically, the tones and beeps that are produced by this sound sculpture are hardly relaxing and are more like EDM for parties.

The small tree is housed inside a tall glass dome and is connected to an audio synthesizer via wires clipped onto its leaves. The plant acts more like a series of resistors rather than an actual sound source, and the sound sculpture incorporates dials to fine-tune the sound that comes out of it. There’s even a MIDI keyboard so that the user can add their own input to the mix.

What makes Tegel really special isn’t the process but the form that it comes in. Love Hultén has created quite a few of these contraptions that transform biodata into sound, but those really look the part of machines. In contrast, this sound sculpture is as much art as it is technology, inspired by the brick creations of Danish sculptor Per Kirkeby. It makes the bonsai tree a part of a miniaturized brick garden, creating a visual contrast of organic life and man-made structures working together to produce something akin to a miracle, that of pulling music out of a silent tree.

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Does your Power Bank also have a built-in SSD with 4 Terabytes of Storage? This one does…

Posted on 02/01/2024 by Sarang Sheth

Have you ever seen a power bank that A. folds in half, B. comes with two wireless charging coils, and C. has a built-in SSD to take backups of photos on your phone and store other data? No? Well, neither had I until I first saw the ANX Duo. Clearly, the ANX Team looked at the power bank and realized it had so much more potential because just putting a lithium-ion battery inside a brick-shaped device is so yesterday. Designed to do much more than charge your phone, the ANX Duo has a foldable-phone-shaped avatar. It folds in half when not in use, opening up into a charging ‘mat’ that can simultaneously wirelessly charge two devices together. A total of 6 USB-C ports on the side let you connect more devices to the ANX Duo, while a 16,000mAh battery on the inside reliably juices all your devices. When your battery woes end and your storage woes begin, the ANX Duo’s built-in SSD (which starts at 128 gigabytes and goes all the way up to a cool 4 terabytes) lets you store all your photos and videos locally, saving on those pesky cloud subscriptions and their monthly fees.

Designer: The ANX Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 ~~$99~~ (30% Off) Hurry, only 48 hours left!

Calling the ANX Duo a power bank is almost a muscle reflex at this point, but in all honesty, this device is MUCH more than just that. It charges batteries (both wirelessly as well as in wired formats), acts as a pass-through charging hub for multiple devices, stores/manages data from your smartphone, and even doubles as a card reader that wirelessly transmits files to your phone from memory cards. It also folds open when in use, and shuts to a compact pocket-friendly form factor during travel.

While most power banks are brick-shaped given the interior layout of Li-ion batteries, the ANX Duo takes on a unique bifold-like design, almost like a folding smartphone. Fold it open and you’re greeted with two wireless charging coils offering a maximum output of 15W per coil. If you want more power, however, a wired connection to one of the many USB-C ports gives you a maximum output of 60W, helping you fast-charge your phones when you’re in a bit of a hurry. The ANX Duo’s 16,000mAh overall battery holds enough power to juice all your devices, from the larger tablets and handheld gaming consoles to phones, wearables, and even the smallest TWS earbuds.

Even though it looks like a folding smartphone, its 6 USB-C ports should convince you of the fact that you’re dealing with something entirely different. The 6 ports, combined with the two wireless coils, let you simultaneously juice multiple devices at the same time… but the ANX Duo has another trick up its sleeve. Connect it to a power source using one of the USB-C ports and it enters what its creators call a “Desk Hub Mode”. In this mode, the ANX Duo goes from being a power bank to being a multi-device hub, managing power delivery to its five other USB-C ports and two wireless coils. When plugged in, the ANX Duo effectively lets you charge 7 devices at the same time, managing the energy requirements of each device right through one power source while ALSO charging itself. This pass-through charging feature means you can use your ANX Duo and a single power outlet to recharge ALL your portable gadgets at the same time… a feature you probably wouldn’t expect from any power bank on the market.

When you’re not charging devices, the ANX Duo serves as an external drive for storing and managing data. Plug your ANX Duo into your phone, tablet, or laptop and you can switch into OTG mode to access the Duo’s built-in M.2 NVMe SSD. The folks at ANX offer storage capacities ranging from a conservative 128GB all the way to a whopping 4TB. That means you can store large files, take device backups, and dump all your phone’s photos and videos directly onto your so-called ‘power bank’. A smartphone app lets you manage your ANX Duo’s data, allowing you to sort through files, transfer them to and from your phone, and even wirelessly access and transfer media from memory cards by plugging them directly into the ANX Duo. Superfast read/write speeds of 1050mbps/950mbps allow you to transfer files much faster than you would through the cloud. Plus, since the data is stored locally on your ANX Duo, you don’t need an internet connection, you don’t need to shell out subscription fees, and more importantly, your files are safe from being snooped on or breached by bad actors, governments, or large companies.

The ANX Duo measures a cool 5.3″ x 2.9″ (135mm x 75mm) in length and width when folded, boasting an overall thickness of just 0.7 inches (19mm). Open it up and you’re provided with a sizeable charging mat that’s now 5.9 inches wide (152mm) and a mere 0.35 inches thick (9mm). The entire device’s enclosure is made from aluminum along with ABS + PC polymer for durability as well as heat management, and the ANX Duo weighs a paltry 9.2 ounces (263 grams), making it perfect for travel. The multi-functional gadget starts at a discounted $69 which gets you the 128GB variant, although you can upgrade to 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB (which is still a steal at just $219). Each ANX Duo begins shipping as early as February 2024, and comes with a 1-year warranty on the power bank, and a 3-year warranty on the SSD.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 ~~$99~~ (30% Off) Hurry, only 48 hours left!

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Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition

Posted on 29/12/2023 by Sarang Sheth

For that extremely small subset of people who thought the Logitech G502 X Plus gaming mouse wasn’t perfect enough, the company’s managed to outdo itself with an even better version of its wildly popular wireless mouse. Now sporting the graphics of the Millenium Falcon from the Star Wars franchise, this new edition of the X Plus gaming mouse will be difficult to look away from. It’s also much more responsive, has a gorgeous tactile feel, and can functionally equip you with all the tools you need to demolish your sworn foes… in a game, obviously.

Designer: Logitech

Click Here to Buy Now

It’s difficult to talk about the X Plus’ features without highlighting the new variant’s design. I’d say the edgy aesthetic of a gaming mouse lends itself rather naturally to a sci-fi spaceship, but this one really takes the cake. The top fascia comes with a white and gray color scheme, punctuated with red accents and a pattern that echoes the iconic Millennium Falcon. Underneath, a hidden rebellion logo sits above the Hero 25K sensor, offering sub-micron accuracy and zero smoothing, filter, or acceleration – as precise and reliable as a Jedi’s lightsaber.

Logitech hasn’t overlooked the ambiance, either. The G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition features 8-zone RGB lighting, capable of displaying a full spectrum of colors with custom Millennium Falcon-inspired animations. These animations, alongside the option for media-driven effects and advanced personalization, are accessible through the Logitech G Hub software. The LIGHTSYNC RGB not only adds a dynamic aesthetic to your gaming setup but also includes power-saving play detection to ensure efficiency.

At its core, the G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition is a high-performance tool designed for the elite gamer. With a range of 100 – 25,600 dpi and a 400 IPS max speed, it promises precision and responsiveness that would make even Han Solo envious. The integration of Logitech’s first Lightforce hybrid optical-mechanical switches means users get the best of both worlds: the swift actuation of optical switches combined with the tactile satisfaction of mechanical ones.

The mouse also includes 13 programmable controls, allowing users to customize their gaming experience fully. For those long gaming sessions, the battery life stands robust, offering 120 hours of constant motion (37 hours with RGB on), ensuring that the only breaks taken are voluntary.

The mouse pairs with computers using Logitech’s pro-grade Lightspeed protocol (a hat-tip to the space-warping lightspeed travel system seen in the Star Wars movies). Designed to work without wires, the Lightspeed system is tournament-tested, with a response time that’s a whopping 68% faster than Logitech’s previous protocols.

To complete the intergalactic experience, Logitech offers the Return of the Jedi Collection XL gaming mouse pads. Whether you choose the Battle of Endor or Darth Vader version, your desk will transform into a battleground of epic proportions.

Priced at $159.99, the Millenium Falcon-edition mouse is a premium offering for those looking to add a piece of the galaxy to their gaming setup… and for an additional $59.99 each, the themed mouse pads can further elevate your space.

Click Here to Buy Now

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Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition

Posted on 29/12/2023 by Sarang Sheth

Designer: Logitech

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition first appeared on Yanko Design.

Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition

Posted on 29/12/2023 by Sarang Sheth

Designer: Logitech

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition first appeared on Yanko Design.

Minimalist Pomodoro timer promises distraction-free productivity

Posted on 26/12/2023 by JC Torres

There are plenty of productivity techniques floating around the Internet, but one of the most popular ones has actually been around even before the Web as we know now came to be. Named after a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, the Pomodoro technique is so simple that it’s too easy to brush it off as trivial, but its effectiveness has also been known for decades. Of course, that has also led to plenty of apps and gadgets that embrace the hype while forgetting the spirit and actually induce stress and distractions rather than productivity. Fortunately, there are better and more creative ways to design a Pomodoro timer, like this minimalist beauty that allows you to enjoy the simple benefits of the technique without having to rely on a clunky analog timer, especially one that looks like an awkward tomato on your desk.

Designer: Gary Peng

The Pomodoro technique is extremely simple and takes advantage of the fact that the human brain can only concentrate on a single thing for a short period of time. In theory, you do that single thing for 25 minutes and then take a break for 5 minutes before repeating the process. Because it’s that simple, you really don’t need complicated tools other than a timer, whether it’s a mechanical kitchen timer or a smartphone app, both of which come with their pros and cons. That kitchen timer can look odd on your desk and a mobile app risks distracting you with other things on your device.

POD is a tool that combines the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience of an electronic device in a simple yet attractive form. It’s nothing more than a small white puck that has five very discreet dot lights on top arranged in an arc. There is no control other than pushing the puck down like a button, which is what starts the countdown.

Each dot of light represents either five or one minutes, depending on the mode. When you’re in “work” mode, the lights count down to 25 minutes in total, while “break” mode is the usual five-minute period of rest. The POD is also minimally distracting, using only flashing lights to get your attention rather than sounds or vibrations. This means you can easily use it in environments where you need to be very quiet, like in a library.

The POD also relies on trusty CR2032 batteries that you can easily replace, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice for a long time. Its minimalist charm will make it look at home on any desk, table, or shelf, and doesn’t induce the same tension and stress the same way that a ticking kitchen timer would.

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Minimalist alarm clock and speaker can help kids manage time without screens

Posted on 25/12/2023 by Ida Torres

There are parents who would like to wean their children every once in a while from screens because they believe that it may be rotting their brain or something. But even these parents will sometimes have to admit that they still need technology to manage their children’s lives or to teach them things like productivity and time management. So product developers are coming up with non-screen devices to help parents and kids navigate life.

Designer: Pupupula

The Little House Alarm Clock is one such device that has a pretty basic display but still utilizes technology to help children manage their time and schedule properly. It’s basically a smart speaker with a built-in intelligent voice assistant to help the kids (and maybe adults) out. The display will only show the time, date, temperature, humidity, as well as the time of the next alarm set, which means the next upcoming schedule.

The design is that of a tiny house that should look at home whether in the kid’s room or in your living room. It has a light source but it is underneath the outer shell to give off a softer look to its orange nightlight. There are only two buttons to make it simple: a red chimney and a blue mute button. They complement the minimalist design with its white body color. You can also adjust the backlight for the screen by pressing the chimney or through the app.

The alarm clock has four different customized nature themed alarm sounds that match the animation that will show up on the display. There is also a Sleep Mode which will dim the lights and will turn off the mic so that everyone can really rest. The voice assistant when active can set reminders, play music, tell stories, and other tasks that don’t need a screen for your kids. It seems like an interesting device to have if you still want technology to help you out but not necessarily your smartphone or tablet.

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Explore Instagram in a refreshing interface with this retro-modern gadget

Posted on 24/12/2023 by Gaurav Sood

For those who just can’t resist scrolling their Instagram feed, a standalone gadget is the way to go. The easy accessibility to carry it along in your pocket and access anytime. This is the Retro Instagram Gadget that carries the charm of the classic 90s designs with a definitive element of the old television and a semblance of retro gaming console shapes.

But don’t let the looks fool you as the concept gadget is fitted with state-of-the-art technology to enjoy Instagram on your terms. Loaded with the latest wireless and Bluetooth configuration, the gadget lets you upload your favorite photos and videos on the fly.

Designer: Edwar Banquet

The accessory makes complete sense for someone who’s using Instagram for content creation or taking advantage of business avenues in the online space. The ability to update the latest from your kitty without having the distractions of phone calls or messages from other apps is the high point here. Casual users can also simplify their Instagram checking rituals with this lifestyle accessory. There are dedicated buttons for interacting with your followers, scrolling the feed, typing in your responses on comments, or simply sharing content with buddies.

The long-lasting battery on this one can last for days, so even if you are constrained by charging issues during travels or busy office hours, the Retro Instagram Gadget doesn’t disrupt your updating schedule. The nostalgic element of this accessory makes you want to appreciate the finer things in life and the tactile button input further enhances the usage experience.

Using this standalone gadget makes sense for people who use Instagram extensively. For those who use other social media platforms as well, they are better off with their multi-tasking bundle of joy – yes your smartphone!

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The DJI FPV2 ‘hybrid’ drone can race as well as take aerial photos with its Hasselblad camera system

Posted on 22/12/2023 by Sarang Sheth

After years of developing some of the world’s leading aerial drones, DJI debuted the Avata last year, their first-ever ‘FPV’ racing drone… and that got designer Kim Seung-cheol asking – Why must there be separate drones for aerial photography and first-person racing? Why can’t one drone successfully do both? To that end, the DJI FPV2 does the unthinkable by being the world’s first ‘hybrid’ drone capable of FPV racing as well as stabilized aerial photo and videography, thanks to its clever design that borrows the best from both worlds.

Designer: Kim Seung-cheol

The FPV2 drone doesn’t have a radically different design, but rather relies on a few tweaks to its appearance and control system to give it the power of rapid directional flight as well as controlled hovering for stable videography. It relies on a leaning propeller format that’s ideal for FPV-style racing drones. The propellers are located at a slant and positioned diagonally, making the drone look like it’s bending forward. This is perfect for allowing the drone to lunge ahead as it takes off, giving it a significant advantage when racing with other drones or when trying to reach high speeds. However, for aerial photography and videography, the drone simply leans backwards, allowing the propellers to now be parallel to the ground. The gimbal-mounted camera makes up for this while in aerial photography mode.

As an obvious upgrade to its Avata and Mini lines, the FPV2 has a new dual-lens camera system powered by Hasselblad (a partnership continuing from their collaboration on the Mavic 3). Quite similar to the Air 3 drone, the FPV2 has a dual-lens gimbal-mounted camera that can look in all directions for filming sceneries, focusing on subjects, and racing. This doesn’t include the multiple cameras located around its periphery for tracking its environment, avoiding objects, and navigating routes.

A large, easily replaceable battery powers the FPV2, allowing you to quickly hot-swap modules to keep your FPV2 running without downtime for charging. The battery’s mass and its rear location help it counterbalance the drone’s forward-leaning stance, or rather the inverse. The drone races forward with a raised back, preventing the battery pack from dragging it down or influencing its course.

To accompany the drone, Kim Seung Cheol also designed a new set of MR goggles and a controller handle. The compact goggles come with their own pass-through cameras, and sport flip-out antennas for better signal during flight (especially FPV racing). A cushioned headrest with a built-in battery keeps the equilibrium of the headset while also ensuring you can wear it for longer hours without feeling any strain.

Given the immersive nature of the MR headset, the FPV2 also comes with its own RC Motion 2-inspired handheld control that you can intuitively use to maneuver your drone while in flight. The single handheld controller has a gyroscope that detects when it’s being tilted forward or backward, translating that into instructions for the drone to follow. A trigger lets you accelerate, while a joystick gives you more precise control. A large button on the front marked M lets you alternate between racing and aerial modes.

What really gives the FPV2 its edge is the case it comes in, which doubles as a massive battery pack for the drone, controller, and MR headset. Think TWS earbud charging case but bigger and better. Designed to hold your gear when not in use, the carrying case also juices your device batteries while giving you a battery status indicator in the bottom right corner, so you know which particular gizmo needs a recharge.

What the DJI FPV2 proposes isn’t too radical. Some drones are built for racing, others for stabilized content creation… so why not build a drone that can do both? It’s not like the hardware is massively different between the two drone types, and as far as the overall design goes, I’m sure both functions can be achieved within a specially tuned form factor. Maybe DJI is working on something like this, it’s difficult to tell. The company hasn’t debuted a Gen-2 of its Avata FPV drone, so we’re due for an updated racing drone from the consumer/professional-grade UAV manufacturer.