Tag Archives: Product Design

Top 10 De-Stress Gifts for a Calmer Everyday Life and Mindfulness

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Look, I know life can get hectic and work can be super exhausting. Our schedules are quite taxing, and it can take a veritable toll on us, especially on our mental health. Taking care of our well-being has never been more essential, considering how troubling life can get. As much as we tend to pay attention to our physical well-being, it’s time to do the same for our mental health. However, it can be a task to remove some time from your day to actually focus on your well-being, hence having a couple of products to help you seal the deal is always a boon! These are the essentials you need to achieve a mindful and relaxed lifestyle. From a stress-free aroma diffuser to a night lamp that improves your circadian cycle, these are the products you need to relax and unwind.

1. Buda Ball

The Buda Ball is a uniquely designed stress-relief tool that levitates and rotates using magnetic levitation technology. It serves as a visual reminder to stay present and mindful.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ball’s horizontal and vertical levitation creates a soothing, hypnotic visual experience, aiming to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

What we like

  • Unique levitating design that’s visually captivating
  • Enhances relaxation and mindfulness with its hypnotic movement
  • Minimalistic and modern aesthetics suitable for various spaces

What we dislike

  • Requires a stable, uninterrupted power supply for levitation

2. Japanese Lantern Candle

Designed to resemble a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this Japanese lantern candle features a unique pillar shape and is the perfect item to pamper yourself with on the days you need some de-stressing.

Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $69 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Holiday Sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Japanese lantern candle provides a contemporary take on an otherwise iconic Japanese design. It features a minimal design, enabling it to merge with modern living spaces, and offers a tranquil and relaxing glow. The calming influence of candlelight and the tranquility of Japanese design merge to build a mindful ambiance.

What we like

  • Made using a patented non-melting wax which imparts the candle with a beautiful translucency
  • Created with detailed craftsmanship

What we dislike

  • There is a risk of fire hazard, considering it is a candle, so it should be used with caution around children and pets

3. Battery-free Aroma Diffuser

This battery-free aroma diffuser is designed to let you take a relaxing breath, without the environment being harmed in any manner. You can harness the power of a single candle with this minimal and serene aroma diffuser which makes use of simple physics and science.

Click Here to Buy Now: $212 $249 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Holiday Sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The battery-free aroma diffuser uses something as simple as scent to create a relaxing and peaceful environment. It showcases a smooth return to simplicity and natural elements in the mindfulness experience.

What we like

  • Has a compact and comfortable size that is easy to use
  • Encourages an eco-friendly ethos

4. MOTION ZERO

MOTION ZERO brings the zen-like tranquility and peace of Japanese gardens to your workdesk. It is designed to be a functional art piece that is compact and tiny enough to perfectly fit on your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is built from metal and features a ripped base, three chrome ball bearings, and a shimmering chrome egg. MOTION ZERO tactfully engages your fingers, eyes, and mind, helping you to de-stress and calm down, while also enabling you to focus more and boost your productivity and memory.

What we like

  • Allows you to reach a meditative state without hyper-conventional techniques

What we dislike

  • Will not appeal to those who prefer a more hands-on or natural environment for their meditative activities

5. Harmony Fireplace

A bioethanol brass fireplace that combines modern aesthetics with eco-friendly functionality. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, it represents a chic and sustainable choice for those seeking the warmth of a real fire without the environmental impact.

Click Here to Buy Now: $203 $239 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Holiday Sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

Offers a clean, eco-conscious way to enjoy the charm of a real fire.

What we like

  • Contemporary brass design that complements modern interiors
  • Use of bioethanol, aligning with environmental sensibilities
  • Versatility for indoor and outdoor settings
  • The tranquil ambiance created by the flickering flame

What we dislike

  • Heat output is less robust compared to traditional fireplaces
  • Bioethanol, while eco-friendly, can be costly

6. Terrarium Incense Burners

The Terrarium collection revamps how an incense holder looks, and how it can also be used as a decorative item. The incense burners feature a unique sculpted design and are made of blackish concrete.

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique design guides the smoke from the backflow incense cones, making it quite an unusual incense cone, where the plume moves downwards rather than upwards. It comes in three designs, inspired by mountains, trees, and volcanic lakes.

What we like

  • The incense burners feature miniature eco-systems within them, which are inspired by nature

What we dislike

  • They are larger than the typical incense burners and could be difficult to position in your home

7. ASMR Zen Ball

Dubbed the ASMR Zen Ball, this little product fuses natural and engineered elements to provide a calming and sensory experience to users.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $99 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Holiday Sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The ASMR Zen Ball is made from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, allowing the device to double up as a fidget toy while providing an interactive manner to engage and connect with the natural energy of the earth.

What we like

  • Functions as a fidget toy, while also providing utility for sensory stimulation and aromatherapy when used with essential oils
    Encourages relaxation and mental focus

What we dislike

  • Although it is intended to be placed on a work desk, besides sensory benefits, it has no practical application on a desk

8. Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set

Dubbed the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, this relaxation-inducing design not only recreates the smells but also the overall experience of a memorable and captivating outdoor fire.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $99 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Holiday Sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The mini hardwood is collected from branches that would otherwise have been thrown away, and they give off a comforting smoky smell when they are burnt on the stainless steel miniature oven. You simply need to add a few drops of the essential oils extracted from Mt.Hakusan trees, and you’ve got an amazing and authentic outdoor scent,

What we like

  • By adding a piece of solid fuel, you can utilize the stove as a cooking or heating tool

What we dislike

  • Not as straightforward as conventional diffusers

9. BIOS SkyView Wellness Lamp

If you’re someone who doesn’t often get a good night’s sleep and finds themselves feeling sleepy and groggy through the day, then the BIOS SkyView wellness table lamp is the ultimate product for you!

Why is it noteworthy?

This minimal home accessory provides an array of health benefits such as increased alertness, and boosted mood. It promotes a good night’s sleep while strengthening your circadian rhythm and allowing you to feel energized.

What we like

  • Helps you wake up feeling refreshed and alter
  • Utilizes violet-blue light to create calmness to support deep sleep

What we dislike

  • Will occupy a substantial amount of real estate on your bedside table

10. Stress-free Aroma Diffuser

The pretty Stress-free Aroma Diffuser is all you need to sit back and relax, while you’re breathing in an amazing mix of aromatic blends selected to soothe your mind and bring you some peace.

Click Here to Buy Now: $127 $149 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Holiday Sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The diffuser creates its own gentle breeze, allowing the aroma to softly and evenly disperse wherever you’re sitting, with a porcelain filter soaking up the oil to provide a long-lasting experience.

What we like

  • The polished base provides an intriguing contrast to the organic-looking porcelain disc, creating a sophisticated decoration piece
  • Handcrafted porcelain filter from Hida, Japan
  • Intuitive operation with a battery-powered fan

What we dislike

  • The size of the diffuser limits its effectiveness in very large rooms

The post Top 10 De-Stress Gifts for a Calmer Everyday Life and Mindfulness first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Eames Lounge Chair gets reinvented as a dual-tone skateboard with a similar iconic aesthetic

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Even outside the design world, the Eames Lounge Chair remains an absolute furniture icon. Designed in 1956 by Ray and Charles Eames, the chair’s aesthetic was defined by its use of bent plywood paneling and plush leather cushioning, resulting in a multi-part seat that looked as interesting as it was comfortable. In an audacious blend of design heritage and contemporary street culture, Globe Skateboards has unveiled a stunning homage to Charles and Ray Eames, revered icons of mid-century modern furniture design. This unique collaboration marries the adventurous spirit of skateboarding with the timeless elegance of Eames’ design principles, resulting in a collection that’s both a nod to the past and a ride into the future.

Designers: Globe Brand & Eames Office

Globe’s skateboards intricately mirror the materials and aesthetics of the iconic lounge chair and ottoman. The series includes a 30-inch cruiser in white ash wood, a 32-inch cruiser hewn from walnut, and a 38-inch longboard carved out of black oak. Each skateboard is a tribute to the Eames’ pioneering spirit, capturing the essence of their design legacy. The attention to detail is meticulous, with elements like the paint dip and laser-etched finish on the wood veneer of the skateboards precisely emulating the Eames Lounge Chairs and Ottoman.

Eames Lounge 30-inch Cruiser in Ash Wood and White

Eames Lounge 38-inch Longboard

The core of this venture is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, a staple of 20th-century design. Renowned for its innovative use of molded plywood and premium veneers, the Lounge Chair reimagined the classic 19th-century English club chair into a modern marvel. Its distinct form and replaceable components have allowed it to transcend generations, standing as a symbol of enduring design.

Close-up of the 32-inch Walnut Cruiser against the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

The homage doesn’t stop at mere visual replication. Globe’s collaboration with the Eames Office can be seen in the smaller details too, such as custom-embedded metal Eames Office + Globe badges and Eames logo deck bolts, enriching the skateboards. Even the underside of the boards feature a laser-carved Eames Office logo, a subtle yet significant mark of this unique partnership.

The skateboards come packaged in heavyweight canvas board bags that double as carry-all totes, signaling Globe’s commitment to practicality and style. Although the walnut cruiser has already sold out, indicating the collection’s popularity, other models, including the Eames La Chaise Box Set, remain available for enthusiasts and collectors.

The post The Eames Lounge Chair gets reinvented as a dual-tone skateboard with a similar iconic aesthetic first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 Must-Have Wooden Furniture Designs That Deserve To Be In Your Home

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Wood is one of the most preferred materials of choice for furniture designers for ages galore. Wood is a sturdy, functional, and minimal material that adds a sense of zen and style to any living space. It instantly elevates a space, while adding some warm to it. It’s a minimal material that holds a strong personality without any additional frills and tassels. I truly believe a well-crafted piece of wooden furniture can add a magical touch to even the simplest of living spaces. Minimal, clean, and almost always soothing, beautifully designed wooden furniture helps add the ultimate finishing touch to a room, and we’ve curated a few of our favorites for you!

1. Tokyo

Dubbed Tokyo, this ingenious multifunctional design doubles up as a shoe rack and a bench. It combines two furniture pieces into one individual furniture design.

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes Tokyo unique and special is its side leg, which gently and seamlessly curves, subtly embracing the cushion to create a top tray for daily essentials. This functions as a neat spot to store your souvenirs and other knick knacks.

What we like

  • Features a bottom shelf which also serves as a nifty storage space
  • Multifunctional furniture design

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional it will be in reality

2. Snowhouse Sofa

Named the Snowhouse Sofa, this intriguing furniture design is for pets and humans alike, and it is what a wooden sofa would look like if it experienced some snowfall, and was coated with it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The wood is covered with cushy white cushions to give the idyllic impression of fallen snow. The edges are rounded, adding a depth of softness to the furniture piece. The ends of the sofa are hollow, with nifty little spaces to store books, magazines, and other miscellaneous items.

What we like

  • The area on top serves as a passage for your cats
  • Integrated with smart storage space

What we dislike

  • The Snowhouse Sofa is currently a concept, so we don’t know how the actual product will turn out to be

3. The Soul Sculpture Bench

Designed by Madrid-based designer Verónica Mar for Les Ateliers Courbet, the Soul Sculpture Bench is a minimalist bench that has a spiritual sensitivity, and is designed to balance and ground the energy of the space it is placed into.

Why is it noteworthy?

Inspired by the recurring spiral patterns that are often seen and found in the universe, in the various galaxies, in the intricate DNA chains, and in the dynamic water currents.

What we like

  • Creates a cohesive connection between nature and design

What we dislike

  • Bulky and space-consuming design

4. Kainchee

Named Kainchee, this innovative chair design looks like a pair of scissors and does full justice to its name.

Why is it noteworthy?

The chair does look like two pairs of scissors, from the bottom half at least. The star feature of the chair is its intertwining and geometrically intriguing form. A band of walnut wood forms the seat of the chair, while subtly interlocking with the ash wood to form the legs of the chair.

What we like

  • It has a unique form and design philosophy which allows it to stand apart from other furniture pieces

What we dislike

  • There are no options for customization

5. The Rook Stool

Named the Rook Stool, this interesting stool design is inspired by pieces of chess and has a lot of similarities to them as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

The designer drew references from the shapes of decorative wooden chess pieces for the Rook Stool. The stool utilizes simple elements that have been placed at unusual but intriguing angles and intersections to create a sculptural appeal.

What we like

  • Inspired and influenced by chess pieces
  • Available in three types of solid wood

What we dislike

  • It doesn’t seem like a comfortable seating option to sit for hours on end

The post Top 5 Must-Have Wooden Furniture Designs That Deserve To Be In Your Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

OnePlus 12 design is inspired by high-end watch-making craftsmanship

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The OnePlus 12 has officially been announced, at least in China, and it matches almost everything that has been leaked previously. No, there is no wood grain model or case, but there is indeed a marble-like green variant on the table. Truth be told, there isn’t anything surprising or new with the OnePlus 12, at least in terms of overall design. It looks exactly like the OnePlus 11 before it, which ties in with the company’s less aggressive branding strategy. That’s not to say they’re exactly the same, of course, and OnePlus is trying to focus on the design story of the phone this time around. In particular, it’s homing in on how the OnePlus 12’s camera was inspired by the same creative and manufacturing processes used to make luxury timepieces as if these two product categories shared a common ancestor.

Designer: OnePlus

To be fair, manufacturers have thankfully started to pay as much attention to materials, colors, and aesthetics as watch-makers do for upscale timepieces. Of course, most of the conventions and practices don’t cleanly transfer between these two worlds, but there are definitely lessons that can be learned from both sides of the fence. Coincidentally, the OnePlus 12 does have one part that lends itself perfectly to that same watch-making expertise thanks to its circular camera bump that does look like a watch to some extent.

OnePlus spares no effort to illustrate how the OnePlus 12’s camera design takes a few pages from luxury watches, like using the same high-end machined aluminum casing for the camera island as well as the plate on top of the cameras. It also uses special laser engraving for the markings on the outer area of the plate, while utilizing a polishing process with micron-level precision for the semi-circular island to achieve an elegant appearance. This is then topped by a circular Gorilla Glass cover, completing the picture of a watch-like camera.

Of course, that story will probably be lost on most buyers who haven’t heard of it, but the OnePlus 12 is undoubtedly quite stunning even without that backstory. Unfortunately, the phone’s color options are rather unremarkable, except for the “emerald green” colorway that looks more like a slab of marble than a gem. The phone does have a classic appeal to it, with its curved back and equally curved screen, though that might also be just a kind way of saying “old”.

The OnePlus 12 is one of the first to carry the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, positioning it as a premium 2024 flagship. Despite appearances, it only has three cameras, a stacked 50MP main shooter, a 64MP telephoto camera with 3x lossless zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide with a 14mm equivalent lens. The other unnamed circle is pretty much a 3D ToF (Time-of-Flight) depth camera. Although now officially available in China, international markets will have to wait until next month to get their hands on the OnePlus 12 and its watch-inspired camera design.

The post OnePlus 12 design is inspired by high-end watch-making craftsmanship first appeared on Yanko Design.

This pen-sized electric screwdriver can output up to 10 kgf.cm of torque, making DIY a breeze

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The three ideological aspects behind every portable multi-tool probably are versatility, performance, and user experience. Take one facet out and you’re left with little or no sense to carry the product in your tool bag, irrespective of whether you’re a professional or a self-taught DIYer. If there is someone who understands this better than the other tool-set builders, it’s Arrowmax… Well into its fourth essential portable tool, Arrowmax delivers the M1 Pro, an electric screwdriver, primarily with precision and intuition as its basis. It also comes with five-level controllable torque taking out the elbow-grease you’d require with a manual screwdriver, and the unintuitive power of most electric screwdrivers that require a learning curve. The M1 Pro’s beauty is that you don’t need a learning curve. The motor activates as you grip and turn the driver, automatically rotating clockwise or counterclockwise to open/tighten any screw you need to contend with.

Designers: Liu Yin, Rex Tseung, Yuan Shi Teng

Click Here to Buy Now: $59 $89 (34% off). Hurry, only 140/300 left! Raised over $160,000.

Settings are automatically saved to the screwdriver, allowing it to resume in the last used mode even after being switched off.

The M1 Pro’s design sees a few significant upgrades over its previous models – something that hasn’t happened in a while. For starters, it arrives with a new handle design and touch-sensitive interface, which for many takers would transcend traditional experiential boundaries. Switch buttons near the head offer seamless screw fastening and removal with just a simple touch, while an OLED screen displays dynamic icons and battery power status when charging. The main stake of the inventive screwdriver is the enclosed package of 60 extended S2 steel bits it comes packed with. These various length bit bars and extended rods magnetically snap to or detach from the screwdriver head, enhancing the M1 Pro’s application range manifold and making it a versatile companion for a design project you wish to undertake.

Cutting-edge oval design for improved grip and control

The M1 Pro trades the usual screwdriver handle design for an ergonomic oval body – made from aluminum alloy – improving grip and control. The tool’s compact size permits a precise distribution of weight to reduce hand fatigue during prolonged usage. M1 Pro doesn’t just stop at versatility; it takes performance to a new level with a revamped circuit board, a powerful motor, and control software to meticulously execute touch and motion-activated controls, providing a seamless and efficient user experience.

One of the standout performance features of the M1 Pro still is its ability to function within five-torque modes: the first is A (Auto) mode, where torque is decided by manual or gesture control feature and the other four torque levels range between 1 – 10 kgf.cm. The screwdriver also comes with integrated shadowless LED lights that illuminate the work area, allowing you to even operate in low-light situations without needing someone to hold a torch. The multiple torque modes and shadowless lights have remained one of Arrowmax’s most prized features, so it’s no surprise that they make it to their latest flagship.

It’s not all manual doing here. You can control the torque settings wirelessly with the M1 Pro’s mobile app, available on Google Play, Apple App Store, and Arrowmax. For added smartness in the process, Arrowmax has equipped the M1 Pro with a proprietary Smart Motion Control system (SMC), which allows the screwdriver to be gesture-controlled by the direction you twist your wrist. The motor automatically adjusts torque and direction based on the angle of your hand rotation. Using the app, however, you can customize torque settings for each of the modes, and enjoy the convenience of automatic saving as well. The screwdriver saves the settings you’re working in to resume in the last used mode even after being switched off. And since Arrowmax understands that its tool will be required and should adapt to every situation equally, it can transition to manual mode when electric mode lacks sufficient power, and you continue working without losing a second.

M1 Pro is equipped with fast Type-C charging

The M1 Pro’s effectiveness of the torque and its performance are governed by the built-in 600mAh LiPo battery. This gives the screwdriver a working time of 90 minutes. To put that into perspective, the M1 Pro should be able to tighten or loosen over 900 screws on a single charge. Charging is handled by a Type-C fast charging cable that juices the unit fully in 100 minutes. The tool has a rubber back cover to help with battery replacement without any professional assistance.

M1 Angle Screw – precision at a new angle

The resourcefulness of the M1 Pro really takes a prominent twist with the interesting M1 Angle Screw you get with the M1 Pro Plus edition. Crafted from CNC-machined 7075 aerospace-grade aluminum and featuring steel gears, the special Angle Screw attachment is designed to negotiate tight spaces and challenging angles with ease of maneuvering and working on screws in upright and straightforward positions. The whole Arrowmax M1 Pro package is delivered in an aluminum storage box, again CNC-machined for durability and sheer precision. The M1 Pro box organizes bits efficiently with a magnetic compartment inside so you can remove and snap them back seamlessly during an efficient operation or a creative endeavor.

This versatile tool provides exceptional performance and precision for a wide range of tasks

The M1 Pro also comes with a standard M1 variant, which has the same number of drill bits, the same 10 kgf.cm torque output, torque modes, and battery capacity. The only features it lacks are the Smart Motion Control system (that lets the screwdriver automatically identify torque and rotating direction with your wrist movements), Bluetooth control, and a capacitive-touch display. The touchscreen display gets replaced with a button-operated interface and a smaller screen, like the ones seen in Arrowmax’s previous devices. The M1 starts at a respectable $59 discounted price, while the M1 Pro boasts a price tag of $89 (36% off its original $139 price). Both the M1 and M1 Pro ship globally, making them perfect a perfect addition, nay upgrade, to your existing DIY toolkit!

Click Here to Buy Now: $59 $89 (34% off). Hurry, only 145/300 left! Raised over $160,000.

The post This pen-sized electric screwdriver can output up to 10 kgf.cm of torque, making DIY a breeze first appeared on Yanko Design.

Minimalist Utility Knife with built-in Scale is every Stationery Lover’s Dream EDC

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The Utility Knife gets major props for how simple and sophisticated it looks, but how it cleverly masks functional details into its minimalist design. Styled like your everyday paper cutter, the knife comes with a gorgeous all-metal body, coupled with a textured knob that lets you deploy and lock the blade. The metal handle is weighted and grippy enough for a comfortable, accident-free cutting experience, and also hides within it a slick metal scale that you can detach and use independently to either cut/draw straight lines or measure linear distances.

Click Here to Buy Now: $67 $79 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Holiday Sale ends in 24 hours!

OLFA Snap Knife – Using the wide blade from OLFA, it’s easier to perform the cutting, slicing and trimming with top safety and solid control.

The Utility Knife sports a CNC-machined metal body that’s 8mm thick, and long enough to hold your standard OLFA blade. The CNC-machined handle ensures a kind of perfection you wouldn’t get from most paper cutters made of plastic. The blade’s enclosure and opening are all machined to absolute perfection, allowing the blade to slide through with zero difficulty and be operated without any of that wobble you’d find in imperfectly manufactured plastic-handled cutters.

A metal slider knob controls the blade itself. Rotate the slider to tighten or loosen the blade, before sliding it in or out. The experience is satisfyingly smooth thanks to the metal-on-metal interaction, giving you a cutter that feels vastly more enjoyable to use than something you’d use in school as a kid.

The knife’s opening sports a 45° chamfered edge that allows the blade to safely exit through, making it visible so you don’t end up hurting yourself. The 45° slant also allows you to use the knife to open boxes easily while resting it on that surface, so you don’t risk cutting too deep into the box and damaging what’s inside.

However, the story doesn’t end there! The knife’s back surface is designed to be magnetic, making it easy to stick onto magnetic boards, fridges, and metal cupboards, but more notably, it’s the docking point for the Utility Knife’s companion – its metal scale. The scale snaps satisfyingly into place, docking onto the knife so it’s always conveniently within reach.

15° Curvature Ruler – Prevent your finger from being cut when cutting and you’ll be able to pick it up easily from any surface.

Blade Snapper – Snap off the blade with the special design in the tip of the ruler.

Its all-metal design means you can use it alongside the knife to cut straight lines (without worrying of damage as you would with a plastic or wooden scale). The scale comes with both imperial and metric measurements, and has a slightly tilted edge that makes it easy to grip and lift off flat surfaces. Finally, a slit in the top of the scale serves as a blade-breaker, allowing you to snap off blunt parts of the OLFA blade to reveal a fresh sharper edge.

Together, the knife and scale make a surprisingly handy combo. Although designed for stationery-adjacent use, the knife serves EDC-based roles rather well too, and the scale is perfect for tiny measurements on the fly. The fact that the Utility Knife uses OLFA blades means you’ve always got a sharp edge at hand, and you don’t need to worry about manually sharpening blades like you would with regular EDC. The only thing missing is a nice lanyard hole or a leather carrying strap, but hey, maybe I’m being pedantic…

Click Here to Buy Now: $67 $79 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Holiday Sale ends in 24 hours!

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This Multi-Lens Camera Shoots Digital 3D Pictures and Captures GIFs

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For hundreds of years, photographs have been the dominant way of capturing memories. Whether of historic events or family gatherings, it’s almost a ritual to take out a camera and snap a picture, freezing a memory in time… but there’s one thing these pictures seem to miss – depth. In fact, Apple addressed this exact shortfall when they announced Spatial videos on their Vision Pro device (and even the latest iPhone 15 Pro), but there’s really no need to spend upwards of $3000 to capture memories more immersively. Multi-lens cameras with 3D shooting capabilities have existed for a while now (the Nishika N8000 or the Kodak Stereo Camera come to mind), but the Moment 3D Camera reinvents and reinvigorates the category. While previous cameras shot 3D images on film, the Moment 3D Camera does it digitally, relying on a linear array of 4 lenses that simultaneously take photographs to capture parallax, which our brain perceives as depth.

Designer: Olga Orel

Simply put, the Moment camera freezes a moment in time, capturing 4 different angles to make it look more immersive, and frankly a lot more cooler than a regular photograph. A series of 38mm lenses work in tandem to take photos at the exact same time, which are then presented on the camera’s viewfinder display. The images are showcased as GIF files,panning from left to right to create a trippy sense of depth. Bet your Polaroid can’t do that…

“I discovered old cameras such as Nishika N8000 and Nimslo from the 1980s made by various companies with the same idea of stereography. They were quadrascopic (four lenses) cameras designed to produce four half-frame images from a click of the shutters. Lenticular prints could be made from the negatives,” says Olga Orel, the designer behind the Moment 3D Camera. “Unfortunately, the demand for these products was low due to people losing interest while waiting for the prints, which could take weeks and by some accounts, months to return to the consumer. You have to understand, these cameras were introduced BEFORE we knew anything about GIFs or JPEG files!”

Designed to look and function like a regular camera, the Moment’s multi-lens system gives you a new way to shoot photos without really having to learn anything. Point, look into the viewfinder, and hit the shutter button and the camera does the rest. A viewfinder lets you compose your shot, although there’s also a touchscreen display you can look at. The camera has zoom functionality, a flash, and the ability to toggle between modes, letting you choose whether you’re shooting humans, sceneries, or even macro shots of objects up-close.

Notably, images get captured in a vertical portrait orientation only. The photos you capture are displayed on a vertical touchscreen interface where you can crop and edit media, as well as view photos/GIFs clicked previously. You can even set timers for selfies, and a tripod mount on the bottom proves exceptionally handy when you want to click photos hands-free.

Images get saved onto an SD card, although you can directly hook your Moment 3D camera to an external display through its HDMI port too. Moreover, a USB-C port lets you connect your camera to devices like your laptop, tablet, or phone, and even lets you charge your camera too. Meanwhile, like any handheld shooter, the Moment 3D Camera has a removable battery on its base that you can hot-swap like most photographers would, giving you the ability to freely and confidently shoot 3D images and GIFs as you would regular photos!

The post This Multi-Lens Camera Shoots Digital 3D Pictures and Captures GIFs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Next-gen Logitech G Astro A50 X headphones boast HDMI passthrough switching between gaming consoles and PC audio/video

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Gone are the days when passionate gamers used to swear by only a single gaming console. In fact, in the current age is not uncommon to find gamers have a multi-console setup to keep them covered for all the gaming frenzy the tech world has to offer. If you are from this camp then switching your headphones to connect to the PlayStation or Xbox seamlessly is still a craving.

That’s about to change with the Logitech G Astro A50 X Lightspeed wireless gaming headset designed for this very purpose. Unlike Bluetooth multipoint connection available on most flagship headphones, this one employs HDMI connection routed to a base station to do the seamless switching of audio and video to the TV right from the headset with the touch of a button.

Designer: Logitech

The high-resolution audio headphones designed on the original A50 are the fifth generation of the popular Astro A50 console gaming headsets. That no-nonsense switching between PS5, Xbox series X|S and PC is attributed to the in-house Logitech PLAYSYNC technology. The headphones are as good as they get when it comes to satisfying demanding audiophiles and gamers. The 40mm PRO-G Graphene Driver and 24-bit LIGHTSPEED Wireless technology deliver crisp audio performance that’ll make you hear every minute detail.

This flagship gaming headset with an impressive 24-hour battery life (on a single charge) boasts super comfort with an open-back design that promises long hours of gaming without breaking a sweat. The hub of the headphones is the base station that supports 4K 120Hz HDR, VRR and ALLM. Players can mix the game chat and in-game audio to the preferred levels with the on-ear controls and adjustable sidetone. The headphone base also supports multi-connection Bluetooth so that you can take up calls, listen to music, or attend Discord chats without even moving a muscle.

Logitech is also mindful of the environment, hence it gets Carbon Neutral certification too. The A50 X’s body is made out of 35% post-consumer recycled plastic and the paper packaging is sourced from FSC-certified forests. For $350 the headphones are value for money given it’s also a 3-in-1 HDMI 2.1 switcher with wireless audio output and Bluetooth input. You can pre-order them right away in  Black or White finishes with shipping promised by the end of this month.

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I didn’t know how desperately I needed a Knock Box for my Espresso Machine

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Diving into the world of coffee is a slippery slope because it’s a never-ending void of products and processes that can improve your brew. The last time I checked, people were recommending using a frozen metal ball in the espresso pouring process to help preserve more delicate flavor profiles. The point is, coffee aficionados will stop at nothing to make sure they’re brewing the best coffee possible… and for the most part, the products they use are absolutely unnecessary (I’m looking at you, coffee needle distributors), but the second I lay my eyes on the Olympus Knock Box, I knew there was something different about it. Designed as a practical addition to your coffee brewing setup, the Olympus Knock Box is a two-part accessory that serves as a tamping station as well as a bin for your coffee after it’s been brewed. Made from molded cork, powder-coated steel, and silicone, the Olympus helps you brew your coffee efficiently (and cleanly too). The tamping station lets you quickly tamp your portafilter, while the knock box itself lets you whack out that puck of coffee after it’s been brewed and extracted. Unlike extracting your espresso over a frozen metal orb, the Olympus Knock Box is just one of those devices that makes the brewing process more convenient, cleaner, and just more effective, whether you’re a home-brewer or a barista at an artisanal cafe.

Designer: Bron Davis

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $125 (20% off). Hurry, only 7/70 left!

Knock Boxes have been around for a while, but haven’t really gained much prominence and I think it’s time we change that. Having a knock box with your coffee machine is just about as sensible as wearing an apron while cooking. Just like you wouldn’t want to get your clothes dirty while making food, you wouldn’t want to have your counter or floor a mess while you’re tamping your coffee or knocking the espresso puck out into a bin after extraction. The Olympus provides a nifty station for you to do both activities, keeping your kitchen clean while looking like an elegant little container worthy of adorning your countertop.

Olympus’ knock box design does away with the traditional knock bar, instead utilizing a central rubber silicone pad. This way you can empty out your portafilter with just one clean mess-free hit – perfect for the home coffee bar (that might be doubling as a counter).

The Olympus has a gorgeously simple-looking design that relies on a winning combination of minimalism and a brown/black color palette. The Olympus’ base is made from a molded cork composite that uses micro-granules of cork bound with a natural binding agent that’s nature-friendly, toxin-free, and has zero plastics. It has the appeal of engineered wood, which goes rather well with the black components that sit on top. Nested into this cork base is the powder-coated steel bin that holds as many as 6 espresso pucks in its receptacle.

Once filled, you can merely empty the bin into your trash or add it to your compost pile or kitchen garden. Finally, upon the steel tray sits the Olympus’ tamping station, made out of stiff-yet-flexible silicone. The station has a unique design that accepts portafilters of various sizes, ranging from 51mm to as big as 58mm. The filter snugly fits in, getting secured by a set of silicone fins that prevent it from slipping as you firmly tamp your coffee grounds. Once you’re done, the rim of the tamping station is the perfect point to knock your filter, causing the puck of coffee to fall out in the bin. The silicone is stiff enough to provide a reliable knock without any loud clacking sound.

Designed for homes and tiny hideout cafes, the Olympus has a compact form factor that occupies a mere 6.75″x5.6″ rectangle on your countertop (with a 4″ vertical). Although our hearts are overwhelmingly set on the brown and black variant, there’s another one with a brown base and a white tray and tamping station (although you’ll probably notice dirt faster on it). For coffee enthusiasts looking to own a perfect knock box, the Olympus starts at a 20% discounted price of $99 and ships globally starting Jan-Feb 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $125 (20% off). Hurry, only 7/70 left!

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This smart adjustable lectern is all-in-one audio-visual solution for least distraction in teacher-pupil communication

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Lecterns have come of age over the years from sturdy wooden contraptions to those that are embedded with smart systems or foldable for storage convenience. One aspect, for me, that remains overly inert is the design. It has become sleeker with time and more materials have been incorporated into their construction. However, they have only solved one direct function and have been little impactful in minimizing user distraction.

This is what TZEN Studio intends to rectify with the design idea of a smart adjustable lectern. Conceived with the simple idea of trying to make a lectern an effective tool of communication between teachers and students, this adjustable option incorporates a handful of conveniences. Some may be overly obvious some are nifty and user-friendly.

Designer: TZEN Studio

You’d not be wrong in guessing the smart adjustable lectern turns up with a host of audio-visual arrangements. It does that making it suitable for classrooms in schools and colleges. Given that a range of smart lecterns with multimedia integrations has made it to the fore, this guy had to do something more to complete it. To that accord, it comes with a colorful, modernistic, and robust design – incorporating more than an interactive system – to make two-way interaction between teacher and students more productive and less distractive.

The adjustment option of the lectern allows the teacher to adjust on the fly to their height, or to use it standing behind or on the side of it. For the latter, it comes with an extracting platform on the right to keep a book or a document. The nice combination of black and white with a hint of orange makes the lectern a vibrant element in the new-age classroom, while the multimedia interaction adds to the convenience of an interactive class.

For this, the lectern is integrated with a computer and a keyboard, which is different from other options with touchscreen displays only. On the right of this installation is a touchscreen tablet, and right below you have a speaker for two-way communication. The essential microphone protrudes from the front and is highly adjustable. What catches the eye is the bottle/glass holder on the bottom left. Generally, a teacher has to walk out from in front of the lectern to fetch a glass of water leading to a break in momentum. This adjustable lectern puts it right there in front so there is the least distraction.

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