Apple’s MagSafe magnetic wireless charging technology has literally changed the face of charging accessories. Freed from the shackles of multiple cables, manufacturers have come up with creative designs that marry aesthetics and functionality in ways not possible before. And yes, there are even portable MagSafe chargers that let you bring that convenience anywhere you go. This category is still a bit young, and there haven’t been that many designs apart from foldable squares or small cubes. The latest entry from Twelve South, however, pushes the envelope of portable wireless chargers with a rather cute design that adds some unexpected functionality that you’ll come to appreciate, even if you can’t charge three devices all at once.
The Twelve South Butterfly is hardly what you’d expect to be a charger of any sort with its elegant circular design. Made from durable anodized aluminum on the outside, the Butterfly looks more like an accessory designed for MacBooks rather than a charger. Open up the two halves of the circle and you’re greeted with vegan leather material that’s meant to both add class to the product but also protect the devices you’ll be placing on top of them. These two halves are joined by a stylish leather strap to complete the rather posh picture that it paints.
Each half, of course, hides a wireless charger inside. One side can charge compatible iPhones with 15W power as well as AirPods with wireless charging cases. The other half holds a 5W Apple Watch Charger that can be flipped up to let you see the watch even while it’s charging. This Watch charger can also juice up the AirPods Pro 2nd gen so that you can charge it and an iPhone at the same time. Yes, this design’s biggest flaw is that it can only charge two devices simultaneously, though that might not be such a problem for most people.
The Twelve South Butterfly, however, has another secret feature. If you fold the halves in the opposite direction and make the outer covers touch, you can use the charger as a makeshift stand as well. This lets you activate the iPhone’s Standby mode or the Apple Watch’s Nightstand Mode without having to use a different accessory. Of course, you can also use this method to prop up the iPhone for watching videos and whatnot even if you won’t be charging it.
Twelve South packs a 30W power adapter in the box for good measure, but you can also use power banks for the ultimate portable charging experience. There’s a braided 1-meter USB-C cable that matches the charger’s elegant looks while also providing durability. The Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger sells for $129.99 and definitely carries a design that matches that price tag.
After a long and tiring day at work, I really don’t have the energy to deal with complicated and cumbersome kitchen appliances. I need appliances that are quick, efficient, or to be more accurate…Smart! Smart kitchen appliances are a boon in today’s day and age, they do most of the work for you. All you need to do is adjust a few settings on the touchscreen or swipe through a few options on your smartphone – and most of your kitchen chores are done for you. And, we’ve curated a few of our favorite smart kitchen accessories for you that we believe deserve a spot in your kitchen. These innovative accessories are the ingenious sidekicks you need on your cooking adventures!
1. Hoto Kitchen Scale
Designed by Lu Zheng, Hoto is a smart kitchen scale that integrates the perks of smart technology such as accompanied social media channels and interactive control panels.
The smart kitchen scale is minimally designed and features stainless steel controls, and a polished reflective sheen. It doesn’t include a whole bunch of controls and buttons, and in fact, consolidates every control into one interactive knob.
What we like
Sleek and smart design with one knob operating it
Allows Hoto users to share recipes using the accompanying social media app
What we dislike
Since it allows users to keep track of how much they’re consuming, it could promote an unhealthy lifestyle if not used in a balanced manner
2. BORA x BO Flex Oven
The BORA x BO flex oven is intended to be the ultimate dream smart oven, that automates many parts of the cooking process for you, allowing you to pay more attention to preparing the dish.
Why is it noteworthy?
Cooking is a complicated and multi-step process that can take up a lot of your time, and can often feel overwhelming. The BORA x BO smart steam oven makes the cooking process easier, and more streamlined, taking care of many of the parts that you may have taken for granted.
What we like
Features an animated grid right on the screen
You can control all the operations via a bright 19-inch touch display on top
What we dislike
The BORA x BO flex oven is a massive kitchen appliance and will occupy a substantial amount of space in your kitchen
3. Suvie Kitchen Robot
Meet Suvie – a smart WiFi-enabled countertop multi-zone cooker and refrigerator that transforms four individual meal components – raw proteins, dry starches, fresh veggies, and chef-designed sauces into one delicious restaurant-quality meal.
Suvie is designed for those people who want healthy meals made from fresh ingredients but don’t have the time to cook them. Suvie is combined with optional meal kits, providing fresh healthy meals for working parents and busy professionals.
What we like
Comes with a fully customizable Suvie Smart Meals delivery service
Requires minimal clean-up
What we dislike
Serves 2-4 adults, so not the best appliance to cater to a dinner party or provide meals for a larger family
4. Super Smart Fridge
The Super Smart Fridge by Rocco co-founders Alyse Borkan and Sam Naparstek is a compact and stylish refrigerator that looks more like a furniture piece than a modern kitchen appliance!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Super Smart Fridge is a mix between a small fridge and a dedicated wine fridge. The good-looking fridge features a modern and contemporary design, which includes a smart exterior paired with a fluted glass door.
What we like
Effortlessly merges with the rest of the home decor and furniture in the room, so you can place it in your living room as well
What we dislike
Looks more suited to hold wine bottles than food items or containers, so not the most versatile appliance
5. TOKIT Omni Cook
Dubbed the TOKIT Omni Cook, this all-in-one kitchen appliance is the ultimate kitchen assistant you’ve been looking for. It makes meal prep, faster and more efficient, and with an element of fun involved!
Why is it noteworthy?
It is equipped with innovative technology, an automated cooking process, and step-by-step digital recipes, which makes cooking up delicious dishes super easy and simple. It has 11+ built-in culinary modes and can function as 21 cooking appliances.
What we like
Features an integrated 7-inch touchscreen display, allowing you to customize and tweak your preferences
Compact design that occupies minimum space
What we dislike
The numerous culinary modes and functionalities can make the appliance a bit difficult to use and operate
Today, the Apple Watch is considered one of the most popular smartwatches globally, and it’s not a surprising fact when you consider the number of people you see walking or jogging on the street with their Apple Watch smartly strapped around their wrists. And, if you’re someone who absolutely cannot do without their Apple Watch, then this collection of innovative and nifty accessories is for you. From NASA-themed Apple Watch bands to bands made from plant-based leather – these super cool accessories are a must-have for Apple Watch lovers.
1. RSTR Case
Designed by Golden Concept, the RSTR Case features a beautiful transparent crystalline design that converts your Apple Watch Ultra into a shimmering jewel that you can wear on your wrist and show off. The case is available in four beautiful colors and is built using 50 meticulously engineered parts. Both the home and action buttons are crafted from stainless steel, making them slightly larger and easier to use.
2. The (Re)Classic Band
The (Re)Classic Band for Apple Watch is a cruelty-free Italian leather-inspired band. The band is made using repurposed mycelium, which is essentially fungal threads that span long distances underground, from which mushrooms blossom and grow out. It is one of the many all-natural resources utilized in the synthesis of Yatay by Coronet.
3. Sandmarc’s Apple Watch Ultra Band
Designed by Sandmarc, this Apple Watch Ultra Band is an Oyster-style that is made from grade-2 titanium. It features the perfect color and finish to match the Apple Watch Ultra. All you need to do is slip the band on, and the extreme smartwatch converts into a luxurious-looking haute timepiece.
4. TimePorter
Twelve South’s TimePorter is the ultimate organizer for your Apple Watch straps. It holds and showcases all your watch straps on an easy-to-access linear shelf, and can transform your Watch Strap collection into a displayable art piece that allows you to flex your straps the way people flex their sneaker collection!
5. Mark_B_Case
Dubbed the innovative Mark_B_Case , this unique design is intended to power your Apple Watch and keep it functioning without missing a beat. The case features a 450mAh battery, which extends your Apple Watch’s utility by three times more. The case is designed to be more than an ordinary Powerbank case and is instead a sleek masterpiece that incorporates your Apple Watch as a case.
6. Hermès Apple Watch Bands
Hermès has launched a variety of roughly 20 leather band variants for the newly released Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. The brand also released a variety of other designs, colors, and materials, which provide a quick and cool update for your wrist. This collection includes four new styles that have been inspired by luxurious textiles.
7. Y24 Apple Watch Cases
This collection of Apple Watch cases is designed by Y24, and it is a price-friendly collection that draws inspiration from the lifestyle of Tokyo. The unique collection perfectly captures the cool vibe of the city, and they’re designed to provide an innovative identity without compromising on or sacrificing Apple’s originality.
8. HiRise 3 Deluxe
Dubbed the HiRise 3 Deluxe, this MagSafe-certified accessory is designed by Twelve South and can charge your iPhone up to 15W. It features a unique and adjustable MagSafe pad, which offers a 35-degree angle shift to support optimal viewing. It favors a front-to-back arrangement, unlike the usual side-by-side layout.
9. NASA-themed Apple Watch Straps
MobyFox’s Apple Watch straps come in seven diverse NASA-approved designs that you can choose from. They come along with 20+ watch faces to match. The straps are built from sweat and UV-resistant silicone, and they feature a large range of graphical elements that surround NASA’s rebranding over the ages.
10. Nomad Sport Band
Nomad released its latest limited-edition glow-in-the-dark Apple Watch Sport Band which features a cool green phosphorescence. It redefines the way you approach intense workouts and everyday styles. The band will be the perfect companion in your athletic and modern journey during the day and night.
Once frowned upon as a sign of being disconnected from your surroundings, TWS or truly wireless stereo earbuds have now become the norm for smartphone users. They do bring quite a few benefits, like freedom from the tangle of cables, though they also become prone to getting lost easily. They also open up a lot of opportunities as far as design goes, particularly when it comes to brand collaborations. After all, it’s only too easy to slap colors and logos onto these earbuds’ charging cases. A bit more interesting, however, are designs that embrace less conventional shapes or materials, like these cases for Samsung’s line of Galaxy Buds that come in the form of iconic monster-catching balls from the popular Pokemon franchise.
To be clear, these Poke Balls don’t replace the charging cases that Samsung earbuds use. In Pokemon parlance, the original earbuds case would be the Pokemon that would live inside the ball when not in active use. Instead, the charging cases go inside these balls, which solves both the problems of compatibility. In fact, these Poke Balls are compatible with the entire range of Galaxy earbuds, including the Galaxy Buds Live, Buds Pro, Buds 2, Buds 2 Pro, and the recent Buds FE.
As for the Poke Ball designs, what’s being made available in Europe, particularly in Spain, are the purple Masterball, the blue Greatball, and the Yellow Ultraball. A bit ironically, the classic red and white Poke Ball is not available, which would have been a design that would have immediately identified the spheres as Poke Balls rather than just some random toy. That was actually the first design that was launched, so it might make its way to other countries at some other point in time.
This, after all, isn’t the first time that Samsung and The Pokemon Company collaborated on Pokemon-themed accessories and devices. What makes this particular set of Poke Balls, however, is that it’s a part of a range of eco-friendly accessories that use recycled materials rather than virgin plastic. Whether these make their way to other markets, only time will tell.
As endearing as these designs might be to Pokemon fans, there are a few practical drawbacks that interested buyers must be aware of. First is that the earbuds will no longer be easily pocketable when in the Poke Balls because unlike in the animated show, these don’t shrink to tinier sizes. The second is that the balls themselves don’t have built-in batteries or ways to charge the cases inside, which means you’ll have to take out the charging case if you need to top it off.
A lot of “vintage” gadgets and devices are back but not everything is in their original iteration. Not all of these are still working per se since there’s a reason why they became outdated but that doesn’t mean they can’t come back in one form or another. A lot of these older gadgets are now being retrofitted as design concepts. So if you see someone walking around with a Game Boy attached to their phone, that’s not really an actual Game Boy.
Designer: elago
The latest addition to elago’s Nintendo themed Apple accessories is the Game Boy MagSafe wallet, which is exactly what its name says. It’s a magnetic wallet that you can snap on to the back of your MagSafe iPhone (from the 12, 13, 14, and 15 series) where you can store up to two cards. It has RFID blocking material so yur cards will not be affected by electromagnetic waves.
What makes this silicone magnetic wallet unique is that its design is inspired by Nintendo’s Game Boy which will bring on the nostalgic feels for anyone who has played this classic gaming console at one time or another. From the display to the red buttons to the D-pad to the start and select buttons, it has captured the exact design and vibes of the typical Game Boy that we used to know and love.
Since it’s actually a wallet for your two cards, it has a button that will help push the cards out. And since you also have to hold both the phone and attached Game Boy Magsafe wallet, there’s a groove near the bottom so you’ll have a good ergonomic grip. It’s now available for purchase at just $19, if you want to make your iPhone look cooler.
If you’re someone who loves traveling and indulges in it as a full-fledged affair, then you know how important it is to have the right set of travel accessories with you. And the accessory decision that you need to pay the most attention to first and foremost is – the correct choice of suitcase. A suitcase forms the foundation of your travel gear, and you base everything else around it. And, the travel brand Mono is pretty great at designing excellent suitcases. The name Monos is inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Mono no aware’, and it is centered around the feelings one has regarding the fleeting and delicate nature of a particular moment.
Monos’ luggage is designed to be fun, whimsical, and yet functional. They have a diverse range of suitcases including the Monos x Magnolia Bakery collaboration with the popular NYC-based Magnolia Bakery. The pieces in the collection are cupcake-inspired and with a colorful and whimsical aesthetic that instantly makes you want to grab them. They also have a sophisticated Terrazzo which is a limited edition and involves a hard shell luggage option that looks very much like Terrazzo. They have other limited edition pieces as well such as – Terracotta, Sage Green, Purple Icing, and Banana Pudding.
The Monos’ carry-on and check-in bags feature aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shells that are equipped with 360° spinner wheels. The inside of every case is lined with an anti-microbial lining which is built from 100% recycled polyester, and is further adorned with ultra-microfiber vegan leather detailings. The suitcases are amped with TSA-approved combination locks, dual Y-shaped compression straps, and dividers, accentuated with YKK reverse coil zippers, and a flexible telescopic handle with four different height settings.
And to make things even more interesting, Monos also has the Carry-On Pro, and Carry-On Pro Plus models which essentially upgraded hard cases with an additional built-in and fold-out compartment that is a great space to store your laptop. You can also use this space to accommodate a tablet, jacket, sweater, or travel shoes – while providing you with easy access to pull them out whenever needed.
As someone who lives in a tropical weather country, having heavy duty blankets for indoors and outdoors isn’t really a priority. Even when I’m in an airconditioned room, I rarely use blankets as I’m not used to it. But when I was able to visit New Zealand during their winter season, I finally understood the need to have a good piece of blanket during those cold, dreary nights. What if you could get a “state-of-the-art” blanket that can also be worn as a sort of coat outdoors and is made from recycled materials?
The Reconnect Puffy Blanket is the brand’s most technical blanket as it has a 2-layer waterproof hardshell to protect you from extreme weather conditions, Houdini-branded hardware, French seams, and an ultra-soft-to-touch finish. The hardshell is rated at 20,000mm H20 with a breathability of 15,000 g/m2/24h so it can protect you from heavy rain and wet snow in case you’re going outside with your blanket. It is made with 200g hollow-fiber insulationand with the Houdini C9 Ripstop so the blanket is comfortable and breathable and of course is durable so it should last you longer than most blankets.
Another great feature of this blanket is that it is sustainable and has 100% circularity. It is made from post-consumer recycled and recycled materials. They say that 1 blanket produced is equivalent to 66 plastic bottles that have been removed from landfills. If you’re going outdoors in really cold weather for some reason, the Reconnect Puffy Blanket has a Double-snap Cape Clip feature so you can turn it into a hands-free wearable that can act like a coat.
Of course a blanket that can act like coat is not the most fashionable of winter wear but being posh is probably not your first concern when you’re out in cold weather. If it’s comfort and protection from the elements that you’re looking for, the Reconnect Puffy Blanket seems to be a great option to keep you warm during those cold winter nights. The price tag of $200 seems pretty reasonable for something that has all these features.
The lines that separate the physical world and the digital realm continue to blur every day. Augmented reality is putting digital artifacts like windows and buttons, while platforms like the metaverse are bringing bits of the real, physical world into a virtual space in a seamless way. None of these happen by magic, of course, and someone still has to do the work of creating these striking digital objects. Making them from scratch using 3D modelers is definitely possible but also a lot of work, especially if you’re trying to aim for realism or when you need to 3D print a replacement part for a machine or a car. 3D scanners are the tools of the trade for these tasks, and there are 10 of the best products that will get you on your way to making believable, accurate, and precise 3D models of physical objects for all your creative endeavors.
1. Revopoint MINI 3D Scanner Dual-Axis Turntable Combo
If you find yourself always 3D modeling small objects like jewelry, miniature models, or ancient artifacts, then the Revopoint MINI 3D scanner has got your back. Providing single-frame precision of up to 0.02mm and a resolution of up to 0.05mm, this handheld scanner is perfect for working with small objects where accuracy and detail are critical. With an industrial-grade blue light, it can capture detailed scans of objects as small as 10 x 10 x 10 mm in size, making short work of the tiniest targets.
Click Here to Buy Now: $721$974 (Total of $253 off with coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!
Why is it Noteworthy?
The Revopoint MINI blue light 3D scanner makes it trivial to capture small objects and is the perfect tool for jewelry design, miniature models, reverse engineering parts, scientific research, and any other task where high-precision models are needed.
What we like
Designed for accurate, precise, and detailed scans of small objects down to 10 x 10 x 10 mm in size
Portable design makes it easy to set up shop anywhere
Combo includes dual-axis turntable and markers
What we dislike
A bit pricey (but the bundle includes many accessories)
2. Revopoint INSPIRE 3D Scanner
Being able to turn real-world objects into 3D models is perhaps every creator’s dream, and with the cost-effective Revopoint INSPIRE, those dreams can now come true without breaking your wallet. Despite its accessible price tag, the lightweight 3D scanner offers nearly the same features are larger and more expensive hardware, such as single-frame precision up to 0.1mm and high-speed scans up to 18fps. It can even connect with Android and iOS for truly portable workflows.
Click Here to Buy Now: $356$458 (Total of $102 off with coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!
Why is it Noteworthy?
The Revopoint INSPIRE 3D scanner bundles powerful features into a user-friendly and cost-effective package that will appeal to both hobbyists and pros alike.
What we like
Affordable price tag makes 3D scanning accessible to anyone
Portable and lightweight design allows creators to take their tools anywhere
Basic package includes a mini turntable
What we dislike
Not much to say
3. Revopoint RANGE 3D Scanner Premium Package
Not everything you want to scan will be in a small or even medium size, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank for an expensive and complicated studio rig. With the Revopoint RANGE 3D scanner, creating digital models of large objects is no sweat at all. With an infrared light projector that supports a distance of up to 800mm and a single-frame precision of up to 0.1mm, you can easily scan furniture, bodies, and even cars and still be able to hold the scanner in your hand.
Click Here to Buy Now: $889$1199 (Total of $310 off with coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!
Why is it Noteworthy?
The Revopoint RANGE 3D Scanner makes it easy to create 3D models from large objects without having to sacrifice portability and ease of use.
What we like
Portable handheld design makes it easy to work when and where creativity strikes
Can scan objects as large as 360mm x 650mm @ 600mm from a distance of up to 800mm with accuracy, precision, and high detail
Premium package includes a large turntable, a power bank, and a remote
What we dislike
A bit pricey (but the bundle includes many accessories)
4. Revopoint POP 3 Handheld 3D Scanner Advanced Edition
Say goodbye to bulky setups and get ready to start working anywhere. With the Revopoint POP 3 handheld 3D scanner, getting accurate and precise digital versions of real-world objects won’t be a burdensome chore. It boasts an Auxiliary IR that enhances tracking performance in Maker Mode, while White LEDs make the digital model colors more vibrant. Plus, touch-sensitive buttons on the camera itself remove the need for external devices, making the whole workflow more seamless and convenient.
Click Here to Buy Now: $605$769 (Total of $164 off with coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!
Why is it Noteworthy?
The Revopoint POP 3 Handheld 3D Scanner’s portable design and powerful yet easy-to-use features make 3D scanning accessible to everyone.
What we like
Portable design makes it easy to start working anytime, anywhere
Single-frame precision of up to 0.05mm at up to 18fps for fast and correct 3D models
Advanced Edition includes everything you need such as a dual-axis turntable and a power bank
What we dislike
A bit pricey (but the bundle includes many accessories)
5. Revopoint Handheld Stabilizer for 3D Scanners
Handheld 3D scanners truly revolutionize the industry, allowing almost anyone to do creative work when inspiration strikes. Not everyone, however, has steady hands, which is where a stabilizer comes in. Designed for Revopoint’s portable 3D scanners, this Handheld Stabilizer lets you work without having to worry about shaky hands, getting accurate, detailed, and clear scans each and every time.
Compatible with all Revopoint 3D scanners, this Handheld Stabilizer lets you spend more time scanning and less time worrying about shaky hands.
What we like
Built-in rechargeable 4000mAh battery delivers a 6-hour operating time
Compatible with all Revopoint 3D scanners
What we dislike
Stabilizes on 2 axes only
6. Revopoint Dual-Axis Turntable
Just because you have a handheld 3D scanner doesn’t mean you always have to hold it in your hand to use it. Sometimes, going around the object isn’t the best way to get the best scans, which is actually true even for very small objects. On the flip side, turning the object manually yourself is also a lot of work with a lot of room for error. With the Revopoint Dual-Axis Turntable, you can prop up both the object as well as the 3D scanner for a steadier and more consistent rotation that will let you get all the details you need without having to rely on your shaky hands.
The Revopoint Dual-Axis Turntable can rotate at a 30-degree tilt to make sure you can capture all the angles you need for an accurate 3D scan.
What we like
Supports 360-degree rotation, clockwise or counterclockwise, and up to 30 degrees tilt
Has markers for accurate scanning
What we dislike
Can only be controlled via Bluetooth using Revo Scan or Revo Assistant (app for iOS or Android)
7. Revopoint Power Bank Mobile Kit
It’s easy to use handheld 3D scanners anywhere, given their portable and lightweight designs, but they’re still electronic devices that do need power to be used. The Revopoint Power Bank provides the juice you need to do your work, wherever you are. You can even easily swap out batteries so you can get up and running again before your creative ideas fly away.
The Revopoint Mobile Kit provides the power you need to minimize your downtime and keep on scanning.
What we like
Rechargeable 4,000mAh battery offers enough power for hours of work
Designed to work with all Revopoint 3D scanners
What we dislike
Rather plain design
8. Revopoint Large Turntable
With a handheld 3D scanner, you might think that you will always need to go around the target to scan it. That’s not always easy, however, and sometimes even error-prone. With the Revopoint Large Turntable, you create more efficient workflows by having the object turn around instead. And with a maximum load of 200kg, you can put almost anything that can fit on the turntable, including a human person!
The Revopoint Large Turntable enables more efficient and time-effective workflows by having the object steadily turn around rather than having you move around it.
What we like
Can support loads of up to 200kg
What we dislike
A bit heavy at 7kg
9. Revopoint Markers for 3D Scanning
While handheld 3D scanners have definitely made it so much easier to scan almost any object, not all objects in the physical world are actually that easy to scan. Objects with completely smooth and featureless surfaces, such as cups or cars, can be more difficult to scan. The Revopoint Markers for 3D scanning easily solves this problem by adding visual points for the scanner to track more easily. With a specially designed adhesive foil, applying and removing these markers are as easy as pie and won’t cause damage to the object.
The Revopoint Markers for 3D scanning instantly turn stubborn, featureless surfaces into scanner-friendly textures for more accurate models.
What we like
Easy to apply and remove without damaging the object
Single pack includes 500 markers
What we dislike
Not reusable
10. Scanning Spray
Scanning physical objects might sound easy, but not all real-world things lend themselves well to this process. Objects with reflective or transparent surfaces are especially tricky because of how they can interfere with the scanner’s optics. The Scanning Spray deftly transforms the glossiest surface into a textured easy-to-scan surface. Best of all, it doesn’t leave permanent marks and doesn’t do any damage to the object.
Although smartphone manufacturers design their phones to be durable and resilient, a lot of owners still fret over the safety of their expensive purchases. Phone cases are a dime a dozen, but while that might be good for variety and choice, it’s terrible for the planet. These accessories are almost all made from some form of plastic or another, and they get discarded left and right the moment they become discolored or damaged. Very few manufacturers pay close attention to this aspect because of how protective cases have to be made cheap and plenty. Fortunately, there is a number that does take that responsibility quite seriously, producing this revolutionary iPhone case that you can plant in the soil after it has reached its end of life to watch it grow into new life as plants and flowers.
There’s no rule that phone cases have to be made from plastic or plastic-like materials, they just happen to be cheap, durable, and long-lasting. They’re not immortal, of course, and once cases break or get discolored over time, they’re completely useless and have to be thrown out. That’s not even considering perfectly usable cases that are disposed of simply because they are no longer attractive or match the owner’s interests. Some manufacturers do have programs for recycling the plastics in these cases to make new cases, but iGreen Gadgets actually has an even more creative use for these discarded accessories.
For starters, the case is 100% compostable, so it will decay and dissolve into the earth when buried. The material is based on cornstarch, a very common biodegradable substance that’s also used in many plastic alternatives. Even the powder used to produce colors is also naturally based. Despite its completely biodegradable nature, the cases still provide the necessary protection your iPhone needs to survive accidents and avoid an early retirement in landfills.
The difference from other bioplastic cases is that each iGreen Cover case contains living seeds protected by a special water-soluble film inside the cover. Once the case has served its purpose, you simply have to plant it in a pot at a 30-degree angle with the inside of the cover facing up. You cover it with soil while leaving the upper half of the case exposed, water it, and expose it to sunlight, and within a few weeks, you will be able to witness your phone case transforming into plants.
Different case colors hold different kinds of seeds. Green will grow basil, yellow for daisies, and light blue for Forget-me-nots. The case itself, specifically the cornstarch, contains everything the seeds need to survive inside the case and then grow once planted. The plants that grow won’t be that practical. The flowers are mostly decorative, though basil can probably be used for cooking. Still, it’s a rather ingenious and creative way to reuse a product that’s often discarded mindlessly, turning a planet-killer into a plant-grower.
Working from home might no longer be a buzzword these days, but sitting down anywhere with your laptop has always been a thing even before 2020. That is also why there will always be a thriving market for accessories that help make working anywhere more pleasant, even if you don’t have all the comforts and conveniences that your office or home desk may offer. But if you can’t be at your desk, why not bring your desk with you? That’s the proposition that this slim and minimalist laptop sleeve tries to make, allowing you to set up your personal working zone anywhere while also letting your phone and earbuds charge as you type your way to productivity.
No matter how durable laptops may be, you are undoubtedly tempting fate if you don’t put some protection around it before you stash it in your bag or carry it in your hand. That’s especially true for laptops with elegant covers and finishes that will undoubtedly get scratched one way or another. A laptop sleeve is a simple yet effective solution to that problem, but it serves no function other than to take up space once you’ve started using the laptop.
NEXA is a laptop sleeve that offers value beyond just protecting your laptop, although it also does that well with multiple layers of protection for those heart-stopping accidental drops and bumps. Even with that kind of durability, however, the sleeve remains slim and sleek, sporting a vegan leather outer skin that gives it a stylish character even when it’s doing nothing. You might even be tempted to just carry your laptop by hand instead of putting it inside your bag, just to flaunt the beautiful sleeve that holds it.
NEXA’s function, however, doesn’t stop there. Once the laptop is out of the sleeve, you can rest it on the table and put your laptop on it, transforming it into a stylish desk mat not unlike what you might have on your desk. Not only does it give added protection to your laptop’s bottom, it also helps demarcate your working area, which is especially useful in public spaces. And whether you’re at your desk or outside, you can still use the sleeve in some manner, functioning as a large mouse pad for buttery smooth movement.
That’s not the end of its bag of tricks, though. The flap discreetly hides two wireless chargers, a 15W MagSafe-compatible one for phones and a 5W charger for earbuds like the Apple AirPods. All of these features come at no expense to the product’s simple and lightweight design, making the NEXA laptop sleeve a dream for laptop users who always find themselves settling down in coffee shops and public places to get work done.
