One of the biggest struggles I have every morning is the constant battle between me and my smartphone’s alarm clock. I set alarms every 30 minutes for a period of 2-3 hours but more often than not, I still hit the snooze button so all my alarms run into each other. I’ve tried putting my phone away from me so I am forced to get up if I want to snooze it but that only results in me being in a horrible mood. But if i want a more convenient way to snooze (and lose), then this new kind of alarm clock may be what I need.
The Self-Snoozing Alarm Clock may become your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you actually look at the snooze button. Instead of having to snooze the device yourself, it actually comes with a hand to snooze itself. It’s a device that uses a fusion of analog and digital and is powered by the Raspberry Pi compact computer module to help you beat the snooze button or actually fall victim to it.
The alarm clock looks like your typical analog clock with its rectangular box but with a digital clock showing on the screen. It is connected to a servo or an actuator that is able to push parts of the device with precision. The mechanism enables this tiny hand to extend from the clock and manually press the snooze button which will then activate the system to keep snoozing until you actually stop it.
If you have an appointment that you need to get to, then this may not be the best alarm clock to have beside you as it will keep you snoozing indefinitely. But it does help you in a sense that you don’t have to be the one to push the snooze button on your phone, although that may not be the best thing if you really think about it.
The reinvention and return of MagSafe were an instant hit! There is a great sense of satisfaction, in my opinion, to have things just stick to your phone. Be it a pair of earphones (maybe that’ll be the next generation of AirPods) or have your phone just conveniently stick to a charging pad – it’s almost like magic. The reintroduction of the MagSafe led to a whole new world of accessories being unleashed. Designers and creatives were racing to create a whole range of products for the repurposed MagSafe. And we’ve been loving every bit of it! From an ingenious new iPhone MagSafe case design to a Gameboy-inspired MagSafe power bank – there’s a MagSafe accessory out there for your every need. And, we’ve curated many products that we truly believe are worth buying and investing in. This army of accessories will truly amp up your Apple experience!
1. UPRO Ostand Case
Winner of the iF Design Award, the UPRO Ostand case gives your iPhone’s MagSafe feature a bunch of super cool upgrades. This includes the ability to make your phone stand, hang, or stay securely in your hands when you click a selfie or scroll through Instagram. Although the UPRO Ostand looks like your everyday average iPhone case, the familiar magnetic ring on the back gives it that innovative upgrade!
2. Oakywood’s MagSafe iPhone Stand/Charger
Oakywood’s MagSafe iPhone Stand/Charger features a simple form factor and dual-shade wood construction. It is quite aesthetic inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian designs, the trend which is fondly known as Japandi. Oakwood’s MagSafe iPhone Stand/Charger is a clean and minimal accessory for your iPhone.
3. Apple MagSafe Grip Stand
This unique Apple MagSafe Grip Stand takes inspiration from the Japanese art of paper folding! You can fold it flat and vice versa without the trouble of assembly and disassembly. The innovative accessory is thin, card-size, and lightweight, and you can swiftly attach it to your phone and slip it into your pocket without the worry of snagging or looking weird in your pocket. The stand won’t dislocate from your phone, even if you jump around!
4. Belkin’s 2-in-1 BoostCharge Pro MagSafe Charger
Belkin’s 2-in-1 BoostCharge Pro MagSafe charger for the iPhone 15 is an interesting mix of contemporary sand or charcoal elements and organic minimalism. It is a compact silicone charging stand marked with soft and round shapes on the charger base, including a new flip-up 15W MagSafe pad, allowing it to merge with any modern space.
5. Shin & Han’s MagSafe Accessory
This innovative MagSafe-compatible accessory is designed to help you get over digital addiction. You can stick the accessory to the back of your smartphone, and it features a real clock with a single-hour hand to keep you aware of the passing time, ensuring you don’t spend too much time on your smartphone. The accessory also doubles up as a holder for your cards and quick cash.
6. Ice Speed Freezemat Magsafe Wireless Charger
Called “Ice Speed Freezemat Magsafe Wireless Charger” this proposed Apple accessory uses a very interesting method to dissipate heat, keeping the innards at optimum temperature while gaming or during fast charging rituals. Built out of aviation-grade cooling material, Ice Speed Freezemat has an interesting cooling mechanism inspired by the way the human body sweats to dissipate heat.
7. HiRise 3 Deluxe
Called the HiRise 3 Deluxe, this MagSafe certified accessory can charge your iPhone at up to 15W, and features an adjustable MagSafe pad that allows a 35-degree angle shift for optimal viewing. The charger has a front-to-back arrangement, which ensures that crucial desk real estate isn’t consumed or wasted.
8. 6-in-1 MagSafe Charger
This is the world’s first Apple-Certified 6-in-1 MagSafe Charger from ESR that is equipped with a GaN semiconductor, and it doesn’t just charge your small Apple devices, but it also delivers up to 100W of power to your MacBook, providing an all-in-one solution for all your modern day charging requirements. It has three dedicated slots for your iPhone, AirPods, and Watch, as well as three output ports for charging your laptop, tablet, and power bank.
9. Side Note
Dubbed Side Note, this compact leather-bound notebook is equipped with an integrated pen and a MagSafe-compatible design that lets you snap it onto your iPhone or onto any magnetic surface. The Side Note allows you to always have an analog notepad by your side, letting you quickly note down ideas and journal.
10. The MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank
Designed by Neo Bie and Leigui Lui for Stylepie, the MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank with its 10000mAh capacity aims to improve the wireless charging and power bank experience for anyone. It features the usual four operation buttons: SELECT, START, A, B, and a d-pad (directional pad). The lower part of the yellow power bank has a cover that slides to work as the stand of the power bank.
Camping isn’t everyone’s forte, but once you get a taste of it, you always feel like indulging in it, especially when the weekend is around the corner. I love dedicating my weekends to camping! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. Although camping does have a few downsides too – I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From a foldable firepit to a flashlight duo with multiple modes– we’ve curated some fun and functional camping designs for you, that promise to make your outdoor adventures smoother and easier.
1. Space Acacia
This innovative modern camping system is called the Space Acacia, and it features a spacious weatherproof tent, a comfy air floor, and a temperature-adjusting canopy to provide protection from the rain and cold.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Acacia tent is chock-full of innovative features, each contributing to its occupants’ comfort and safety. The unconventional hexagonal shape not only provides more space but better stability as well, able to withstand level 8 winds. At the same time, its Oxford 300D material will keep you protected from downpours of up to 2,000mm.
What we like
Takes only 20 minutes to set up
Features PU2000 waterproof coating and a maximum capacity of 4,000lbs
What we dislike
Hefty price tag
2. The ROMR Elite2 Pro Camping Tent
The ROMR Elite2 Pro Camping Tent is an ultra-lightweight shelter that offers durable and reliable protection, regardless of the season you’re experiencing. It is also super easy to use and convenient from every angle.
Why is it noteworthy?
It uses the cutting-edge Dyneema composite material famed for its tear resistance, all-weather reliability, and lightweight fabric. Paired with water-repellent YKK zippers, the tent can protect you and your camping partner from all kinds of environments in any season.
What we like
Restructured as a folding soft-shell tent resembling the size and shape of a hitch-mounted cargo box
What we dislike
There is no option for customization
3. The All-In-One-Grill
Meet the All-In-One-Grill designed to help you with all kinds of cooking ranging from frying to smoking to stewing and grilling. This is the ultimate grill you’ve been looking for!
Why is it noteworthy?
Made by a small family-owned Japanese factory that specializes in sheet metal fabrication, the All-in-One Grill is carefully designed to maximize the limited amount of space available, like small grooves on the grill’s frame that keep the skewers in place. The wooden base that protects tables from the grill’s hot bottom also acts as a lid when the griller has to be stowed away.
What we like
Let’s you cook in seven different ways
Simplifies outdoor cooking
What we dislike
Hardcore grillers may not prefer this design, and would prefer more traditional designs
4. Mouro Lamp
Designed by Patricia Perez for Case Furniture, the Mouro Lamp is a pretty minimalist lamp defined by simple geometric shapes. The playful and portable Mouro Lamp is named after a lighthouse in Perez’s hometown.
Why is it noteworthy?
The lamp is made up of a disc-shaped LED light and a rectangular frame that holds it, while also doubling up as a handle. It has a unique yet simple structure and form that make it super easy to use and carry around.
What we like
Can be rotated 360 degrees
Provides directional illumination
What we dislike
Looks a bit fragile and is easily breakable
5. FireBase
Dubbed the FireBase, this foldable firepit is made using five metal parts that can be slotted into each other like puzzle pieces, saving you from fussing or focusing too much on the equipment, and allowing you to spend more time on preparing the food.
Why is it noteworthy?
The metal bonfire stand embraces a minimalist design where every part and cutout serves a purpose. In addition to the slots for inserting metal pieces like trivets and side plates, there are also holes in the middle that facilitate airflow.
What we like
Minimal and easy to carry form
Easy to disassemble the contraption for more convenient cleaning and carrying
What we dislike
The basic structure of the firepit allows for minimal cooking and no additional cooking techniques, which could be an issue for people who like cooking multiple dishes
6. The Orbe Lamp
French designer Nelson Fossey from Index Office collaborated with Lexon to create the Orbe lamp. Winner of the 2023 Red Dot Design award, the Orbe is a portable torchiere lamp that is designed to illuminate spaces wherever and whenever needed.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Orbe Lamp is inspired by childhood memories of playing the cup-and-ball game and features a detachable magnetic head with an interesting 2-part design that can be easily attached and detached.
What we like
You can easily carry the lamp with you anywhere, and its rotatable head emits a peak output of 100 lumens of light
What we dislike
Not sure if it durable enough to handle the outdoors
7. HOTO Flashlight DUO
Meet the HOTO Flashlight DUO, which is ideal for all camping scenarios. The flashlight is incorporated and integrated with various modes and inclusions to expand the flashlight’s functionality.
Why is it noteworthy?
There’s a retractable magnetic hook, strap, and magnetic base to make sure you are covered for any kind of usability. This gives the user the freedom to go hands-free and focus on the task at hand. You can either stick it to a hanging space or magnetically hook on onto any metal object.
What we like
The simple interface honed by a knob and button makes possible 13 different light combinations
What we dislike
Hefty price tag
8. Rux
Dubbed Rux, this gear container is simple, flexible, and modular. It allows you to hold all your stuff and is also soft-sided allowing you to fold and pack it up when not in use.
Why is it noteworthy?
It has several components that you can easily put together and comes with additional accessories that you can add to it to organize all your gear. It can be a good companion for fishing trips, camping adventures, cross-country road trips, and various events where you need gearboxes.
What we like
Features an easy-access fold
Built using compressed Eva foam
What we dislike
It does seem a bit big and bulky to be carrying around everywhere, could have a more portable design
9. Tentsla
The innovative Tentsla is a tent that fits perfectly into the boot of your Tesla and opens up into a full-fledged tent that can be used alongside the Tesla’s Camp Mode.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to turn your EV into the ultimate camping experience, the Tentsla comes with all the bells and whistles, including a multi-use weather-resistant canopy, mosquito netting, and a pump to help you set up your Tentsla in minutes.
What we like
Features a multi-canopy design that blocks out the sun and keeps it cool
The mushroom table lamp is so minimalist that you will see neither cords nor buttons on its pristine surface. Pressing anywhere on the edge of the lamp’s top turns it on and cycles through its different brightness settings before it turns off again.
What we like
Each press has a soft and comfortable clicking feel to it, so you can get addicted to and enjoy the gesture
What we dislike
Compared to traditional camping light, the diffused light of this lamp may not be bright enough
The BEACN Mix Sound Controller — a basic hardware mixer which provides convenient control over up to four audio inputs/outputs on a connected PC — showed up in August 2021 to critical streamer and podcaster acclaim alongside its slightly bigger, yet far more advanced sibling, the BEACN Mix Create. MMORPG’s Joseph Bradford noted its ease of use and great-feeling controls, though it’s broadly disagreed upon whether or not the baseline BEACN Mix controller is worth its $149 MSRP when placed so close to the Mix Create (which has a $199 MSRP). Meanwhile, both controllers compete against the Elgato Stream Deck ($199.99) in both functionality and price, albeit with a few key design differences; potentially making the BEACN Mix the better choice for regular use.
And now, for those who’ve remained on the fence about buying one or the other, the tables are turning. Drop is currently offering the BEACN Mix Sound Controller at a 33.5% markdown ($99, down from $149). Of course, there’s also the far more comprehensive Razer Stream Controller, but its $269.99 MSRP pushes it outside of the same ballpark while its $149.99 macro-only counterpart, the Razer Stream Controller X, is in a category of its own. For the limited time this offer is active, the BEACN Mix is one of the best — if not the best — dedicated streaming audio mixers you can buy, and its major design advantages over the premium-priced Elgato Stream Deck are significant where accessibility is concerned.
BEACN’s design features two colorways: Dark Blue and White, and they’re both attractive yet functional thanks to the mixer’s four large (and evidently, quite comfortable) knobs and 5-inch full-color display. These are a departure from the Elgato Stream Deck’s much tinier display, function buttons, and knobs, and that’s all possible due to its larger dimensions. Comparing the two side-by-side, the BEACN Mix Sound Controller measures in at 7.4 x 14.3 x 14.2 inches, whereas the Stream Deck is 4.6 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches. Despite the BEACN’s added comfort making it a shoo-in for someone who needs a bigger display and bigger controls, that size difference may be worth considering when determining whether your desk has enough space to fit it.
Still, it’s a plug-and-play mixer with plenty of portability, using USB-C to connect to the streaming PC via a single connection. Once that’s set up, the software seems equally easy to get rolling. Critics are less in love with the mixer’s lack of sophisticated features, however. For example, it lacks the ability to create and control submixes of similar audio signals. That’s not too important when you need something simple in a pinch, and the BEACN Mix is just that — a simple, yet durable and easy-to-configure solution for podcasting and streaming with limited space resources. If that’s you, you’ll want to grab it at its current price before the deal ends, though it’s unclear when that’ll be. Drop’s estimated ship date is December 29, 2023.
I probably haven’t used an eraser for quite some time now since I rarely use pencils to write or draw on my journals. And the few times that I did use a pencil, it already comes with a “built-in” eraser anyway so no need to have a separate one. But if i do find a cute shape for an eraser, I would not hesitate to get one as a souvenir or keepsake.
Designer: Casio
If someone hands you a tiny Casio G-Shock, make sure that it’s an actual watch before you get excited. That’s because the Japanese watch brand is releasing a very realistic albeit smaller version of its famous G-Shock watches to celebrate the watch line’s 40th anniversary. But instead of telling time, these “watchpieces” will be able to erase your mistakes. Well, at least if you used a pencil to write something down.
The erasers are exact replicas of the DW-5600 G-Shock watches and you can get them for free if you buy specific products from Casio. They’re around 60% of the actual sizes of the G-Shock watches and they have detachable bands in case you need a better grip if you’re using the erasers for what they were created to do. But if you just want them as a cute souvenir from your trip to Japan or from your Casio purchase.
Since Japan is known as the land of cute stationery, it’s not really surprising that Casio chose this kind of commemorative piece to celebrate G-Shock’s anniversary. However, you will only be able to get one of these if you order eligible watches from their online store in Japan. The erasers are available in three colors (black, yellow, red) but you will get a random color as your freebie. I’d still take any color but unfortunately I don’t live in Japan so I will just have to stare at these cute erasers.
Gaming keyboards in the 1990s didn’t have all the RGB lighting, macro keys, and other cool (albeit arguably unnecessary) design elements found in many gaming keyboards produced today. If you want to return to simpler times with a retro classic style — without giving up the superior comfort and responsiveness of a modern keyboard — the Drop XDA Versa Keycaps Set is a stylish blast from the past, featuring light gray alpha coloring and a few pastel-colored keys to mix things up.
As long as your keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX switches or clones, you can stick pretty much any compatible keycap set onto your keyboard. You can even mix and match the Drop XDA Versa keys with festive kits like Dwarf Factory’s ArtiSANTA. The former is no different, and depending on your needs, you can get the perfect layout across Drop XDA Versa’s three different kits: the Base, Mini Base, and Novelties kits. At a distance, the Base kit seems fashioned toward full-sized and TKL keyboards whereas the Mini Base kit is made for compact 60% keyboards.
Both the Base and Mini Base kits come with every keycap you’ll need for a complete set, though the Novelties kit expands your color palette with a slew of pastel-colored keycaps with unique functions. Each keycap is “made from durable, dye-sublimated PBT and shaped in the short, uniform, and ultra-navigable XDA profile.”
That means this XDA keycap set is excellent for gamers who want a solid sense of feedback and an overall consistent feel between the keys. These keycaps are made for comfort just as much as they’re made for retro style that’s a bit more low-key than many of the stock keycaps shipping in gaming keyboards these days.
You can buy the Drop XDA Versa Keycap Set for a sizable discount. Right now, the Base kit costs $49 (down from $69), the Mini Base kit $39 (down from $59) and the Novelties kit $29 (down from $35). Given that these make a fantastic stocking stuffer for any PC gamer in your life, you may want to take this opportunity to grab these low-key keycaps before the sale ends.
The rise of remote gaming in the early 2020s introduced the ability to play full-scale console and PC games remotely on mobile devices. Some of that hype may have been a bust when it came to cloud-based services like Google Stadia, which shuttered in January because it simply “hadn’t gained the traction” Google wanted. But at least the trend brought with it a huge boon: really cool controllers that looked great, felt great, and plugged into your phone to control local consoles through apps like the PS Remote App and Xbox Remote Play, or play console-quality games through Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass.
Backbone One, at least the original Backbone One from 2020, set the basis for great smartphone controllers that made gaming on the go far more viable than ever before. Last year, Backbone came out with the PlayStation version of its mobile controller, using a similar button layout and visual style at the excellent DualSense controller. And now there’s a second-gen refresh, complete with a stylish and sleek carrying case that only costs $24.99 on the official Backbone store. Backbone’s newest controller update is exciting (thanks to an improved D-Pad and broader compatibility with devices) but the real star of the show is the brand-new official Backbone carrying case.
The carrying case comes in two, very slick-looking colorways: Black and White. The latter is also the official “PlayStation Edition” carrying case, thanks to its usage of DualSense colors around the exterior chassis. The PlayStation logo is neatly displayed on the upper right corner instead of the usual “Backbone” lettering. This chassis looks both compact and durable, thanks to Backbone’s “firm outer shell and molded interior”. Both case designs come with a bright orange zipper that looks sharp regardless of which colorway you choose.
Backbone One’s official carrying case is going for an MSRP of $24.99, and is rated to be compatible with any existing Backbone One controller for iOS or Android devices. It looks like the controller sits snugly inside the case, and you can even use it with the iPhone adapter installed onto the Backbone controller. Once inside, the carrying case’s foam molding should keep it in one spot, without exposing it to the wear-and-tear often caused by constant shaking and bumping during transport.
Last week, Canon announced a new telephoto-to-super-telephoto lens with the ability to zoom in 4x. This should let anyone take extremely accurate shots from a long distance with little noticeable blur, and it may open new doors for wildlife photographers (who, likely, would prefer to avoid disturbing any natural habitats) working without a tripod. It sounds like hand-holding a Canon EOS R-series full-frame camera equipped with one of these lenses provides comparable image clarity, which is important when you consider tripods are a drag on mobility. The lens making such photography wizardry possible is called the Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM, and — despite its $1,899 MSRP — you’re absolutely going to want one if you plan on capturing fast-moving distant objects, like wildlife or even fast-moving athletes or vehicles.
By default, this 200mm lens has a minimum focus distance of 2.62 ft or 0.8 meters. But that can be extended out to 800mm for much clearer long-distance shots with a minimum distance of 10.83 ft or 3.3 meters. Of course, that’s if you don’t use an extender. Sticking an Extender RF2x on top of a Canon RF200-800mm doubles its focal length even further to 1600mm, potentially making it one of the best super-telephoto lenses around. That’s partially thanks to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which Canon claims provides “enhanced shake reduction for up to 5.5 stops”. When paired with Coordinated IS on the Canon EOS R-Series cameras, these benefits combine for “reliable handheld performance and clearer detail in low-light situations, without having to increase the ISO or decrease the shutter speed.”
Canon’s RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens features a number of weather-proofing features which blend right into its stylish black-and-white matte design. For instance, its white paint is actually meant to work as a countermeasure against excessive heat when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as would be the case when capturing sports footage or when shooting wildlife in an area with a hot climate. The lens mount, focus/control ring, lens function buttons, and other interface pieces are rated for dust-proofing as well. Carrying it around should be a breeze; this lens only weighs 0.55 lbs, making it lightweight compared to other telephoto lenses — which usually weigh somewhere in the 1-3 lb range.
So far, reviews of the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM skew overwhelmingly positive. TechRadar praised the lens for its “unbeatable reach” and “sharp detail especially at its wider end”. Even then, it sounds like the lens’ aperture could use more headroom for lower-light scenes. But that isn’t a huge deal on its own. If you buy one of these, you’re likely going to pair it with one of Canon’s EOS cameras — packed-in with in-body stabilization — and if that’s the case, this lens should be able to capture incredibly detailed photos (even in low-light situations) from afar. According to Canon, the RF200-800mm is shipping out to customers in the United States on December 14.
Over the past years, we’ve seen a lot of “old” things becoming hip again. For young ones who weren’t even born when certain fashion items became popular back then, they found these things to be cool and cute. Even gadgets and devices from the 90s and aughts are enjoying a resurgence, even though the current purpose is much more different than the original. We’re seeing items designed like cassette tapes, vinyl players, and now, even the classic CD player has been repurposed.
Desginer: Coperni
The Parisian designer label Coperni has looked to the aughts for design inspiration for their latest Swipe bag iteration. The CD-PLAYER Swipe bag looks just like the silver metallic CD players that became popular back then when we still had CDs to play our music. But this one won’t be able to bring your old Britney Spears CD to musical life even though the bag does come with wired headphones.
The handbag has the faux CD player as its main body with a metallic plated handle so you can carry it around. There are also realistic looking buttons and a small display to really make it look like the CD player, although what these buttons do remains to be seen. And as mentioned, it comes with wired headphones to complete your retro look. But it also is not clear what the headphones are for.
The bag also has a USB-C-chargeable battery so maybe there is indeed a music component that will be revealed. My main concern though is what can actually fit in the bag since the CD player compartment is pretty small. But those who have been using the iconic Coperni Swipe bags are those that can fit everything they need in tiny purses anyway.
It’s only been a week since Halloween! What’re all these Christmas (and other related holiday decorations) doing on my neighbor’s front lawn? Where did the summer go, for crying out loud? If I have no choice but to accept the season’s greetings, I’ll do it my own way: by replacing a few keycaps on my gaming keyboard with three miniature snow globes containing all the typical Yuletide treasures. That’s the idea behind Dwarf Factory’s latest invention, anyway. These ArtiSANTA keycaps from Dwarf Factory are bright, festive, and adorable — all traits any true gamer would want their gaming keyboard to have, as the weather turns cold and the holiday cheer turns… uh… warm.
The AntiSANTA keycaps are not exactly compatible with every keyboard on the market. At least, it doesn’t seem so, given what’s advertised on their store page. But as long as you have a clicky, tactile, or linear keyboard with Cherry MX switches, you should be alright. You can stick these three keycaps anywhere on your keyboard you’d like, giving it a handmade decorative flair — befitting a festive ornament that looks like it belongs on your tree. Or on your mantle. Or, anywhere else you might stick festive holiday decorations.
These handmade keycaps come in packs of three, and each one is a little bit different. There’s the Yule Tree, the Père Noel (basically, Santa Claus), and Frosty the Snowman. Look closely enough, you’ll see how each piece features a handful of intricate details, like ornamental string lights and miniature holiday gifts. It’s disappointing there are only three per pack, but that’s just because they look so good.
If you’re shopping for the gamer in your life, these are only going for $49 per pack, and that’s a holiday miracle if there ever was one. They’re perfect for stocking stuffers or even just trinkets to have around in a gaming room. Now if only the holidays would get here sooner (so we can get back to that summer weather much sooner).
