Apple’s embrace of wireless charging technologies eased one of the most common annoyances for mobile devices: tangled charging cables. With MagSafe and magnetic wireless charging, charger designs have become more varied and interesting, but the technology still pales in comparison to wired charging in terms of speed. Unfortunately, USB cables are still a critical part of modern computing, whether it’s for charging or data transfer, which means that tangled cables, plural, are also a necessary evil. This seemingly futuristic solution may have taken inspiration from the infamous “self-lacing shoes” from the Back to the Future film, but the innovation and convenience that this self-coiling cable offers is far from being just science fiction.
It is the cursed nature of any loose, long, and flexible material to get tangled with itself as well as other similar objects. There is no shortage of cable organizing accessories and designs to alleviate that headache, but these solutions exist outside of the cables themselves, which means they could either get lost or have to be left on your desk. It would definitely be great if these cables could organize themselves or, at the very least, stop getting mixed up with other cables or other things in your bag or pocket.
lūp delivers that kind of feature by using the same technology found in wireless chargers today: magnets. With a flat design, the cable can easily wind itself, creating a compact coil that won’t become loose by jiggling in your bag or pocket. It might sound like a simple solution, but the actual implementation was anything but. Just like with wireless charging, magnetic fields can actually interfere with those electrical charges, especially ones that are carrying data across the wire. lūp, thus, needed to make extra sure that those magnets wouldn’t make the cable pretty useless.
The magnetic cable is already great on its own, but it also behaves well when used with others of its kind. Rather than having cables jumbled and tangled when charging multiple devices, the flat cables can neatly stack on top of each other, making it look like a single thick cable splitting off into two or more plugs. lūp also conveniently stays coiled in your pocket, making it the perfect partner to take with you anywhere. It’s not exactly cheap, though, but the peace of mind that lūp offers might very well be worth that price tag.
Whether you’re working from home or in a commercial office, boosting your productivity is going to be something you’re always focused on. And one way to elevate your productivity is to fill your desk with clever gadgets and well-designed products that help you streamline your work routine, and keep your concentration to a maximum. Adding limited, quality, and innovative products to your desk setup can help you achieve your work and productivity goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and thoughtful gadgets to help you achieve peak productivity. Have a look, happy working!
1. Magic Bar for MacBook
Say hello to the Magic Bar, a portable Touch Bar that pairs up perfectly with any Apple peripheral. The notable device is sleek, seamless, and easy to carry, serving as a portable and functional gadget that is pretty similar to the Touch Bar in terms of form and functionality. The features of the Magic Bar are pretty similar to the Touch Bar as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
It also has a pretty recognizable design that aligns horizontally with your keyboard. You can pair up the Magic Bar with your iPhone, to create and use multiple smart home shortcuts.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry form
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a real product
2. Keychrone K2 HE
Called the Keychron K2 HE, this keyboard is designed for gamers, programmers, writers, and professionals. It offers a personalized and customizable typing experience. The keyboard features an ergonomic design, and supports versatile connectivity, setting it apart from other magnetic keyboards on the market. Its focus on personalization, magnetic switches, and robust quality make it an excellent addition to your workdesk.
It merges aesthetics and functionality to create a sleek and seamless keyboard with a compact 75% layout. The keyboard allows you to maximize desk space while maintaining the important keys. The keyboard is also available in multiple editions, amped with aluminum frames and lovely wooden accents.
What we like
The different keyboards are meticulously crafted to offer a robust and visually appealing experience
What we dislike
Comes with a battery-operated version only
3. Rolling World Clock
Called the Rolling World Clock, this minimal and one-hand device is an excellent purchase if you work globally, and need to interact with different clients in different timezones. Besides being quite functional, the Rolling World Clock is also quite minimal and sleek, making it an aesthetically pleasing addition to your workdesk.
The Rolling World Clock lets you access different timezones using a simple one-handed movement. You can turn and move the clock until you get the city whose time you need to check, this enables the watch hand to adjust to the correct timezone automatically and with ease.
What we like
Eliminates the need to use a screen to check on multiple timezones
Makes time-telling a simple affair
What we dislike
The clock only features 12 set cities, so you will still need to calculate the time zones outside the clock’s interface
4. Snapmaker Artisan Premium
Designed by Snapmaker, the Artisan Premium is a top-notch creating tool. It is a 3-in-1 device that prints, engraves/etches, and CNC machines. It provides a big work area, while still saving up space since a whole bunch of functionalities are packed in one workstation. It has an all-metal design which facilitates factory-grade precision.
Why is it noteworthy?
The device includes an enclosure that holds the dust and provides protection to your eyes from laser damage. It also includes a control unit with a 7″ touchscreen, which lets you handle the machine with complete ease.
What we like
You can plug in any of Snapmaker’s various modules into the modular interface
What we dislike
Hefty price tag which may not be okay with everyone
5. Time Gate
Designed by Divoom, the Time Gate is a desk clock that ensures all your preferred notifications and widgets are placed in one unified interface, helping you work better, and cutting down on distractions. The device includes five separate screen interfaces, and it unifies all your necessary widgets onto one clock interface.
Why is it noteworthy?
The interfaces have been pixelated, and the digital clock has been given an expanded sense of realism, allowing all your essential assistants and dials to be placed in your peripheral view. You can add different widgets like weather updates, calendars, reminders, social media followers, stock market updates, and more.
What we like
The clock interface can be customized via the companion app which allows you to create custom texts and animated graphics
What we dislike
The clock’s form is unique and users may take some time to adjust to it
6. GRAVITUBE
Say hello to GRAVITUBE – a minimal anti-gravity desk gadget. It is a stylish anti-stress gadget amped with a neodymium floating magnet. If you find it difficult to concentrate at work, then you will like this innovative fidget toy. It features an anodized finishing touch, and it helps users calm down, ensuring they concentrate better at work.
Why is it noteworthy?
Fidgeting with the GRAVITUBE helps users calm down, but so does the magnet. Since the magnet is in movement, the field changes, creating a mechanical force that resists and slows down the magnet itself. The flow of the magnet can be observed from the precise 10cm cutout.
What we like
It has a smooth surface and a high-quality body
What we dislike
There are limited color options to choose from
7. Loona
If you need a break from work, and get some rest to heighten your productivity, then we’ve found the perfect companion for your break time – Loona. Meet Loona – the most intelligent Petbot with ChatGPT. Loona is so playful that you may even forget she is a robot.
Why is it noteworthy?
Loona can do almost anything! She’ll welcome you when you come home, follow you around as you walk, and get super happy when you pet her. Loona can also have fun by herself – she scratches, roams your home easily, and even sneezes.
What we like
Gives you a much-need break and distraction from work
What we dislike
She seems a bit fragile, so you need to handle her with care, especially if you own actual pets
8. Yeslamp Evo Adjustable LED Desk Lamp
This is the Yeslamp Evo Adjustable LED Desk Lamp – a 6-axis adjustable large-range LED natural spectrum lamp that meets all your lighting requirements when you’re working on a desk. This innovative lamp provides the perfect light and brightness for all your essential desktop working requirements.
Why is it noteworthy?
What makes the Yeslamp Evo even more unique is that it uses special LED beads that have been integrated with a Color Rendering Index (CRI), which is above 95. It is equipped with a spectrum that is close to the natural daylight, serving as an eye-friendly source of light that lets you read, work, write, and see with ease.
What we like
Retains the authentic color of any object you’re working with
You can complete your tasks better with minimum eye effort
What we dislike
The black body of the lamp does not work for all desk setups.
9. PowerStudio
Called PowerStudio, and designed by AUKEY, this new portable power source was built by listening to the voices of customers who said, “I want a portable power source with a stylish design,” and “I wish there was a portable power source that even beginners can use and that can be used daily!”. Taking these needs into consideration, AUKEY created the PowerStudio.
Why is it noteworthy?
PowerStudio is designed to be compact and lightweight with an aesthetically pleasing and decorative form. It has a retro feel as well, which allows it to harmoniously merge with the different interiors and styles of different homes. It features a round shape and has a handle made from cowhide leather, so its character develops more as you use it.
What we like
Combines functionality and aesthetics to create a product that will look great anywhere in your home
What we dislike
The power capacity may be low for some users
10. Shakerbot
Called the ShakerBot, this fully programmable “Mouse Jiggler” assists you with time-based scheduling, web configuration, and OTA updates. The ShakerBot is designed to be flexible like a standard USB device while functioning as a secondary mouse or a pointing device. You can also use the USB port or an external Wall Wart for power, and connect to a Bluetooth mouse.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ShakerBot is designed to function as a real mouse and a keyboard. It can simulate mouse movements, and inject keyboard keystrokes to ensure your laptop, smartphone or tablet remains awake. You can also add mouse movements to log out, log in, or keep a particular application awake.
What we like
Allows you to inject keystrokes into your device
Supports OTA updates
What we dislike
The device is quite small and compact, so can be misplaced easily
With Apple leading the way, the design of wireless earbuds has almost become monotonous as many manufacturers try to flatter the brand through imitation. There are, of course, a few outliers and there is definitely plenty of room for creativity, especially now that earbuds and earphones have almost become a necessity for anyone who uses a smartphone. Of course, ergonomics and acoustics still play the most important role in designing such audio accessories, but if there was more leeway in those areas, you might be able to come up with something a bit more imaginative, like these buds that resemble a pair of birds tweeting a sweet melody into your years.
Designers: Jinho Choi, Seunghun Jeong
The standard design for earbuds these days, whether they’re wired or wireless, consists of a bulging mass on the end of a short stick. The larger shape is designed to go into the ear canals, tapering at the tip while almost rotund at its base. With some imagination, it almost looks like a pudgy bird, which is what this design concept has made out of the silhouette of the buds. And not just any bird, mind you, but a bird with an astronaut helmet on!
That’s the almost comical picture that AI drew for this design, which works perfectly in this scenario. The tips of the buds can’t be sharp and small like bird heads, so imagining these two birds wearing translucent space helmets gives the design a playful character. These birds sit on top of the branch, represented by the stalk of the earphones, at least when you place them down in a certain way.
What makes this design concept extra fun is that everything revolves around this avian idea, including both the packaging and associated accessories. Rather than just have the buds lying on a desk or dangling from some hook, a special stand mimics a small tree trunk where you can insert the earbuds’s stem, creating the semblance of birds perched on a tree. It would probably be nice if you could also hear audio coming out of the buds while in this arrangement to complete the image, but that would require a more complex audio solution.
The TweetTunes buds concept also includes a specially designed box that’s more circular than boxy. Opening up the packaging reveals two birds sitting inside a nest, or at least the representation of a nest. It’s definitely a subtle but nice touch, with the attention to detail you’d expect from larger companies. There’s still the question of whether such a bird-like shape actually provides both comfort and sufficient sealing, but having adorable earbuds like that on your desk is probably worth just the decorative value, even if you barely use it.
Camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but once you get the taste of it, you do feel like dipping your toes into it time and again. 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. We’ve curated some minimal and functional camping designs for you, that promise to make your outdoor adventures smoother and easier.
1. 8-in-1 EDC Scissor
Named the 8-in-1 EDC Scissor, this handy product is an excellent tool for your outdoor and indoor culinary adventures. The scissors can be pulled apart, creating a set of knives. The tool serves as knives and scissors, while also functioning as a nutcracker, can opener, built-in opener, and fire starter. The tool is versatile and efficient, helping you handle difficult situations.
The scissors can be pulled apart to form two individual halves, each half functions as a knife, or a major collection of multitools. When the two halves are connected, they serve as scissors, while the mid-section can be serrated and used to crack nuts.
What we like
Can be used for indoor and outdoor cooking
Packs a bunch of cool features in one convenient and compact form
What we dislike
It is not the kind of multitool you can carry easily and efficiently in your pocket, needs to be well-packed
2. Jinwook’s Camping Tools
Designed by Lee Jinwook, this collection of camping gear is truly stylish and unique. It features a lovely premium cork finish, allowing you to glamp in complete style and ease. The collection includes a bunch of detailed products – a hammer, a lighter, a table, a light, as well as many other essential camping accessories.
Why is it noteworthy?
The premium camping tools were built using aluminum and cork to create a feeling of sophistication and class while ensuring their functionality and practicality aren’t hampered in the least. The collection of minimal and lightweight camping accessories would make a wonderful addition to your camping kit.
What we like
Classy and premium feel, without hampering the functionality
What we dislike
The camping tools are a concept, so we are unsure how functional they will be as tangible products
3. Slim Fold Dish Rack
Called the Slim Fold Dish Rack – this easy-to-carry and minimal dish rack is the perfect companion on your camping trips. It showcases a patent-pending spring mechanism that can be adjusted. When needed, you can deploy the dish rack and set it up as and when needed. It features an easy-to-assemble and disassemble form.
It is minimal and sturdy and offers plenty of ventilation, which is more than enough space to hold utensils and plates, as well as different kinds of cookware. This product is efficient and functional, and well-suited for outdoor use on long trips.
What we like
The dish rack can be easily set up, maintained, and utilized
Features a convenient flexible collapsible form that makes it quite portable
What we dislike
Since the wires are quite slim, you can only use the rack to hold lightweight and compact utensils
4. Tentsla Tent
Dubbed the Tentsla, this innovative and one-of-a-kind tent can be packed away perfectly into the boot of your Tesla. When you remove the tent and open it, it converts into a full-fledged tent which can be used with the Tesla’s Camp Mode. The unique tent converts your car into a comfortable sleeping and chilling area.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Tentsla is designed to transform your EV into the ultimate camping experience. It is equipped 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
Equipped with a multi-canopy design that blocks out the sun and keeps it cool
The tent can withstand up to 6000mm of water pressure
What we dislike
It is only restricted to the Tesla Model Y
5. Iron Frying Plate
Called the Iron Frying Plate, this one-of-a-kind kitchen appliance is an excellent choice for your outdoor cooking adventures. It helps you prepare healthy and delicious meals quickly and efficiently. The plate not only cooks your meals for you but also serves them. It is equipped with a removable handle.
The Iron Frying Plate serves as a frying pan and a serving plate, functioning as a dual-functional kitchen tool which is pretty unique. With the Iron Frying Plate, you can practice direct-from-the-pan serving. The plate is made from durable materials and is quite long-lasting.
What we like
You can remove the handle, and use the plate as a serving platter too
What we dislike
The plate is made from iron and is quite heavy to use and store
6. Harmony Flame Fireplace
Named the Harmony Flame Fireplace, this lovely brass lamp lets you build a safe fire inside your home, or in the outdoors. You can experience the comfort and joy of an outdoor fire no matter where you are. The lamp uses bioethanol to create a light, spreading warm wherever you place it. The fireplace was made using the same process used to build musical instruments.
The fireplace was designed to elevate and uplift the mood and ambiance of indoor space. It features reflective surfaces that work with the vivid flames to create a play of shadows and lights, forming a decorative piece that is quite aesthetically appealing as well.
What we like
You can enjoy a comforting fire safely in your home, or outdoors
What we dislike
You need to purchase bioethanol frequently, which is expensive and creates fuel dependency
7. Go Camping Hammock 2.0
The Go Camping Hammock 2.0 is designed to be a super comfy hammock, that is perfect for a cozy afternoon nap. You can use the hammock in your backyard, parks, picnics, concerts, or wherever you travel. You can keep the nifty hammock in your car or backpack, ensuring you never miss the chance to have a lovely little hang.
Why is it noteworthy?
The hammock’s new and improved design has been tested by experts, and it has proven to be very comfortable. It features a length of 11′, which allows your body to be completely flattened, cutting down on the uncomfy pressure points, in comparison to shorter hammocks. It also features a 64″ width, which lets you lay at a strong diagonal angle.
What we like
Allows you to rest in the most comfortable position
What we dislike
It is made from nylon which isn’t the best material for your skin
8. GoSun’s Portable Brewer
Say hello to GoSun’s portable brewer! This is the perfect brewer to prepare a delicious cup of coffee of tea for you – from start to finish, no matter where you are. The brewer is an all-in-one cup which can be used anywhere. Equipped with a 130W Heater and an integrated French press, both the components have been fused to build one double insulated mug.
Why is it noteworthy?
The mug is double-insulated, and it brews your drinks for you and also keeps them hot. If you’re craving an instant coffee fix while you’re out camping, then you need not worry, because the GoSun brewer will prepare a hot cup of coffee for you in minutes.
What we like
It has a portable and easy-to-carry design
Features an innovative all-in-one design
What we dislike
Doesnt seem to have different options in size and color
9. Alien
Meet the Alien – a titanium digging tool designed for outdoor camping. The Alien has been defined as a unique and functional men’s jewelry, built from Grade 5 titanium, and designed to be a practical digging tool for when you’re in the outdoors. The tool is built using exceptional craftsmanship and features a distinctive and eye-catching style which is really hard to miss.
Why is it noteworthy?
Alien features a lifelike claw shape which has been created using advanced 3D CNC machining. It is equipped with eight CNC machined surfaces on the front section of the claw, and each surface is highly detailed. It has also been integrated with a fuller, which elevates its three-dimensional and unique appearance.
What we like
Can be worn as a necklace or attached to your keys
What we dislike
It has a unique aesthetic, which may not be preferred by all users
10. Retro Camping Lantern Concept
This conceptual lamp design is retro, and it is designed to make your outdoor camping experience more fun and whimsical. The lamp draws inspiration from ordinary objects. It is created to be a modern and contemporary variant of antiquated lantern designs – like the ones that use kerosene, and those that use candles.
Why is it noteworthy?
The LEDs are hidden in a circular tube at the upper and lower sections of the lamp. The lamp features a cover which is inspired by wide-brimmed hats utilized by ancient swordsmen from East Asian countries. The lighting design is modular in nature, and functions as a ‘candle’, or ‘multiple candles’ placed on top of each other.
What we like
The lantern’s battery can be used to charge other devices
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product
The launch of the Apple Vision Pro sparked renewed interest in extended reality experiences, both those offered by full-blown and heavy headsets as well as those pushed by more straightforward glasses. The latter often rely on your smartphone or a dedicated remote control to navigate through apps projected in front of you, an indirect interaction method made more awkward by the standard design of these devices. Remote controls might be fine for TVs and appliances, but not when you can barely see your own hand. This concept design tries to challenge convention by redesigning the face of a remote, offering a more ergonomic and simpler way to move around mixed reality while wearing those XR glasses.
Designer: Yiqiao Liu
XR or eXtended Reality glasses like the Xreal Air and TCL RayNeo can probably be called the poor man’s Vision Pro. They practically display a virtual monitor in front of you, which may or may not be pinned in an arbitrary location or follow your head around. This allows the glasses to be lighter, cheaper, and less conspicuous, though they do look like overgrown sunglasses. This also makes using the XR platform feel a bit more familiar because they more or less correspond to familiar operating systems like Windows or Android.
Moving around and interacting with objects in this XR space is then a simpler matter as well, and some even use the phone itself as a pointer and remote control, which is difficult to use when your vision is partially obscured by the glasses and all your fingers can feel is a flat and featureless surface. On the other hand, conventional remotes with their numerous buttons and straightforward layout can also be cumbersome to use as well.
The XR Glasses Controller concept takes the minimalist design of something like an Apple TV remote and tilts it at an angle. Visually, this soap-shaped device looks like an unbalanced remote, with the top buttons leaning to the right and the bottom touch dial sliding to the left. It’s not a design that was made just to look different, though it definitely gives it a distinctive appearance.
The theory behind this design is the mobility and limited range of our thumbs when holding a remote. As many smartphone designers already know by now, the thumb holding the remote moves naturally in an arc, and that up-and-down movement can cause more strain. The controls are thus aligned with this arc, making it easy for the user to switch between buttons and touchpad without having to overextend or bend their thumb. Along with the significantly reduced number of buttons, the remote is easier to use as well, though it does limit itself to Android-based XR platforms since those buttons perfectly match Android’s navigation scheme.
Our chaotic and busy lives involve a whole lot of running around, and the right footwear can truly make or break your daily routine. Shoes started off as functional designs meant to protect our feet, and yes we need to pick ones that do exactly that. But, they should also reflect our style statements and represent our personality and our personal fashion sense. After all, don’t they say that you can tell a lot about a man by the state of his shoes? Personally, I love a good pair of sturdy and stylish sneakers, ones that can get me through the day without giving me any shoe bites, and also match my outfits. However, I do know that this isn’t the case with everybody. People have high demands and expectations when it comes to their footwear, hence designers are unleashing all of their creative juices, leaving no stones unturned in making unique, innovative, and ergonomic shoes.
1. The Heinekicks
Iconic Dutch brewing company Heineken paired up with the celebrity sneaker designer Dominic Cambrione or ‘The Shoe Surgeon’ to create the ‘Heinekicks’. These innovative kicks were released alongside the Heineken Silver – a smooth, and easy-to-drink beer brewed for the young generation of drinkers. The limited edition sneakers are filled with beer, or more specifically the soles have been infused with the new Heineken Silver! Heineken’s iconic red, green, and silver colors were retained in the shoes.
2. The M0.0NSHOT
Named the Mo.oNSHOT, these shoes by Allbirds are designed to be the world’s first net carbon shoe. They have a net carbon footprint of net 0.0 kg CO2e, and they feature a minimal all-grey woolly sock-style trainer design with a unique upper made from regenerative wool, as well as a bioplastic midsole. These shoes are one of the most sustainable mass-produced shoes you may have seen till now!
3. The Cloudboom Strike LS
On, a running technology company designed a groundbreaking new sneaker called the Cloudboom Strike LS. The shoe is pretty innovative, and is created to redefine performance, setting a whole new standard for environmental responsibility. It uses a new cutting-edge method which utilizes a robotic arm to spray a single length thermoplastic filament onto the mold, forming a smooth one-piece upper.
4. Synthiesis
Designer Jessica Thies created a pair of conceptual shoes designed to help reduce the shoe industry’s impact on the environment. Called Synthiesis, the shoes are based on Thies’ research into engineered living materials, and it is an element of her thesis at Parsons School of Design. The shoe is experimental, and printed using ink that contains living algae, which can easily absorb carbon dioxide from the surroundings.
5. Disassembly Lab Sneaker
Called the Disassembly Lab footwear, these shoes are cleverly constructed, using easy-to-disassemble parts. The shoes are pretty easy to repair and recycle. The shoe is made up of two different halves – the upper body and the outsole equipped with plugs, which lets you wind a piece of rubber band around. The rubber band connects the two halves together, creating a flexible product even during movement.
6. Samsung Shortcut Sneaker
Named the Samsung Shortcut Sneaker, these sneakers are truly crazy and innovative. They are designed to be a phone remote control, and you can control the phone by simply shuffling your feet, or moving your feet in a not too awkward manner to carry out some simple actions on your smartphone. The shoes are equipped with two sensors in the soles, and they keep track of their positions relative to each other.
7. The Ultimas
Designed by the outdoor equipment brand Cub Cadet, these limited edition shoes are called the Ultimate Lawn Mowing Shoes or the Ultimas. The shoes are black and yellow, and designed to complement the Ultima Series lawn mower which were released earlier by the brand, and are created for those who want to wear a pair of cool and functional kicks while mowing their lawns! It is a niche product, but pretty unique.
8. Growing Shoes
Designed by Moa Lövinder, these innovative shoes are designed to grow with children aged 2-3 years old. They are a sustainable solution to the issue of children constantly outgrowing their shoes, and the shoes then going to waste. The adaptable shoes are simple yet pretty clever, they are based on the principles of circular design economy. The shoes can be adjusted to three varied sizes, allowing them to be used much longer than typical footwear.
9. The Simpson Stan Smith Sneakers
Adidas brought back the Simpsons to its popular Stan Smith sneakers! The sneakers form a symbiotic fusion that transcends fashion trends. The shoes are embellished with Marge’s husband Homer, and one of Homer’s popular scenes has been integrated onto the shoes – where he slowly moves back into the bush. This scene is pretty popular amongst meme enthusiasts from all over the world!
10. Next-Gen Moc & Mule
The Hydro Moc & Mule are excellent shoes if you like hiking and other outdoorsy stuff, and the Next Gen versions of these innovative-looking shoes are pretty design-led, while also being super sturdy. The EVA foam cage can resist water, while keeping your feet protected and safe. The design is future-facing, with aesthetics, quality protection, and comfort all being highly considered and paid attention to.
We’ve heard of wearable ACs, but a wearable fridge is definitely uncharted territory.
Say hello to the Litheli FrozenPack, a backpack that ISN’T made for carrying clothes or tech. Instead, it’s designed to carry food and beverages… specifically the chilled kind. Modeled on the shape and size of a wearable backpack, this refrigerator has a 16-liter capacity for carrying drinks or food, a battery pack that chills your food down to -20°C (-4°F) for up to 6 hours, and an insulated design that keeps food chilled for another 4 hours with the power unplugged. The FrozenPack is compact enough to travel in cars with you while tailgating, or even on your back if you’re hiking to a campsite or to a place where cars can’t reach. You can either power it directly for hours via a power cable, or opt for the On-The-Go kit which equips you with two swappable battery packs… and no, it isn’t like those insulated beer coolers – it’s quite literally a wireless, wearable refrigerator capable of chilling drinks and preserving frozen food.
I’m not a person built for the outdoors. I do love the outdoors, but mankind developed indoors for a reason. Life indoors is comfortable. You’ve got a roof over your head, you’ve got WiFi, television for watching movies and shows, and a fridge full of snacks to eat. You don’t get all those comforts outdoors… or rather, you didn’t until now. The Litheli FrozenPack brings the final frontier of indoor comfort to the outdoors. With an incredibly high capacity-to-volume ratio (which means more storage in a smaller form factor), the FrozenPack is compact and lightweight enough that you can strap it on your shoulders like a regular backpack. In fact, it looks like a backpack in every regard, with adjustable straps, pockets, pouches, and mesh holders for extra supplies… but its pièce de résistance is revealed when you open the backpack’s lid to find yourself with what’s essentially 16 liters of fridge-space.
The storage space is perfectly optimized for carrying your drinks or food efficiently. The FrozenPack can snugly fit 10 large beverage cans along with 9 bottles in its cooler compartment, or even store multiple packs of canned food. If you’re looking to stash ice cream, the fridge’s adjustable temperature setting lets you crank the cooling down enough to store ice cream or frozen food. The FrozenPack’s temperature can be configured using a control panel on the front that also houses a display that tells you the fridge’s inner temperature as well as its battery level. The fridge’s temperature can be micro-adjusted between a range of -4°F to 68°F, allowing you to change settings based on the kind of stuff you’re storing within the FrozenPack. This eventually also affects the fridge’s run time, with the highest running time being an impressive 8 hours on Eco Mode. The small size means cooling happens much faster too, allowing the Litheli FrozenPack to go from regular to chilled in just 15 minutes, and with an operating noise level of below 35dB, the FrozenPack is even quieter than your conventional kitchen fridge.
Powering your adventures is the U20 IPS SUPER BATTERY, a one-stop solution for the Litheli ecosystem. With a revolutionary design that allows it to exist outside the fridge instead of built into it, the 74Wh battery pack can be removed on demand or swapped out for a fresh one, allowing you to keep your fridge running for longer. This powerful battery unit delivers north of 6 hours of chilling and even doubles as a power bank for your other electronic devices, keeping you connected on and off the grid. If and when the battery runs out, the fridge still holds its temperature for a solid 4 hours, thanks to a thin yet incredibly efficient TPU840 fabric exterior, along with a PU and EPE inner lining that perfectly insulates your food without adding bulk to the design.
But the true test for any outdoor fridge lies in its ability to withstand the elements. The Litheli FrozenPack tackles bumpy roads with ease. Advanced sensor technology ensures tilt protection, allowing it to operate normally even at inclines of up to 40°. Plus, anti-shock functionality minimizes spills and keeps your food secure – even on the roughest terrains. While carrying the fridge on your back, padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap ensure the FrozenPack stays on comfortably, and add-on brackets let you easily attach the fridge to your car or motorbike/scooter while on the go too.
The Litheli FrozenPack’s design is perfectly suited for travel, with straps, flaps, and pouches galore that make it ruthlessly functional while still being fairly weatherproof. Each FrozenPack Standard Kit comes with a power cable for wired use, although if you want to experience the power of the battery-powered FrozenPack, upgrading to the On-The-Go kit gives you two swappable battery modules (along with that power cable), effectively allowing you to double your fridge’s run-time while outdoors!
Samsung’s snore-tracking feature on its sleep tracker caught me entirely off guard. This handy addition logs the start and end of every snoring session, giving a detailed look at our nighttime habits. To use it, all you need is your Samsung watch, band, or ring and your Samsung device on a stable surface near your head—like a nightstand with the bottom pointed toward you.
Designer: Samsung
I always swore up and down to my family that I didn’t snore. For 50 years, I held firm in my belief, insisting they must have been mistaken. Then, I checked Samsung’s Health app and heard the recording. It was a shocker, to say the least, a humbling moment that made me realize I was wrong all along. Despite sleeping well and rarely having trouble staying asleep, discovering that I snore has made me appreciate the benefits of tracking these nighttime sounds.
Why Track Snoring?
Snoring can indicate health issues like obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts while you sleep. Understanding when and how often you snore can help determine if you need to consult with your doctor. Ignoring snoring could lead to fatigue, heart issues, and other health problems. Samsung’s snore-tracking feature helps catch potential health concerns early.
Sleeping with an anti-snoring mask
With AI, Samsung’s snore-tracking feature could become even more valuable. In the future, AI might analyze snoring patterns to identify trends and suggest when to consult a healthcare professional. You could receive personalized health insights directly on your phone, alerting you to potential issues before they become serious. AI could monitor changes in snoring frequency, duration, intensity, and patterns, offering a comprehensive view of your sleep health.
This technology might even predict when your snoring could worsen, allowing you to make proactive lifestyle changes. Samsung could one day provide actionable health advice, making it easier to manage your sleep health. This would make snore-tracking a crucial part of personal health monitoring.
Enhancing Sleep Quality and Personal Insight
Knowing your snoring patterns can improve your understanding of sleep quality. Snoring can disrupt sleep cycles, leading to feeling less rested and productive. By tracking these disturbances, you can identify triggers like alcohol, sleeping position, or stress and make changes to sleep better.
Samsung’s snore-tracking feature offers more than just numbers. It provides a personal snapshot of your sleep patterns. Whether you’re surprised to learn you snore or confirm what your partner has said, this feature gives you valuable insights into your health.
For me, realizing that I snore has changed my perspective on my sleep health. Knowing what’s happening while I sleep and having the tools to monitor it is reassuring. Samsung’s feature has made me more aware of my nighttime habits and encouraged me to be proactive about my health.
The snore-tracking feature is a valuable addition to the health tech market, offering more than just basic metrics like step counts or heart rate. It provides practical insights into your sleep health, making it useful for anyone interested in better understanding their sleep patterns. As technology evolves, it’s exciting to see how Samsung continues to enhance our well-being through innovations like these.
Samsung Galaxy Ring: My Favorite Sleep Tracker
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is my absolute favorite sleep tracker, especially for anyone who prefers not to wear a watch to bed. It offers comprehensive health tracking with a stylish design and a lightweight feel, making it almost unnoticeable during the night. The ring monitors sleep, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, providing detailed insights through the Samsung Health app. Its water-resistant design makes it safe for swimming and showering.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
However, the ring currently lacks iOS support, and a proper fit is crucial for accurate sensor readings. Despite these minor limitations, the Galaxy Ring blends style, comfort, and advanced health tracking, making it an essential part of my setup along with the Fold6. The Galaxy Ring is a top choice for anyone looking to track their health metrics discreetly and comfortably.
We’re still wrapping up our review of the Samsung Galaxy Fold6, so stay tuned for our full review.
Climate comfort can dramatically affect our daily lives, especially when we find ourselves in environments where the temperature is beyond our control. How often have you wished for a bit of a breeze in a stuffy office or during a hot outdoor event? The value of portable, personal cooling solutions becomes apparent in these situations. Let’s explore the capabilities and design of Printworks’ “Fantastic” portable fan, priced at $79 plus shipping, and determine whether its features justify the investment for on-demand cooling anywhere you go.
Designer: Printworks
Fantastic, Wood Beige
As a frequent traveler, both for work and pleasure, I’ve endured my share of discomfort during hot, sticky situations that many can relate to. Whether it’s being stuck on a plane during a tarmac delay with no air conditioning, relaxing under the scorching sun at a beach, lounging by the pool, enjoying a dinner outdoors, or enduring a sweltering day while watching your kids compete in their tennis match—each scenario underlines the need for a reliable portable fan. These experiences are not uncommon, especially in locations where central air conditioning is not a given. With this context, one might consider whether $79 is a reasonable price for a reprieve from the heat.
The “Fantastic” portable fan by Printworks offers an intriguing blend of style and functionality, merging classic materials with modern design elements. Using ABS and PP plastics ensures durability and lightweight handling, while the beech wood frame adds a touch of natural elegance, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and making it a stylish addition to any room.
Fantastic, Wood Blue
The choice of colors, including the newly introduced Wood Beige and Wood Blue, offers a subtle yet sophisticated palette that complements contemporary decor. These colors, especially the Wood Beige, imbue the device with a minimalist, organic feel that can harmonize with various interior designs without overpowering them. Wood Blue, on the other hand, adds a cooler, more serene vibe, aligning well with modern, tech-oriented spaces.
Fantastic: Cerise, Green, Wood and Petroleum
The fan’s design, which features a compact and circular form with a distinctive, concentric pattern on the grille, enhances airflow and contributes significantly to its visual identity. This pattern catches the eye and effectively diffuses air, ensuring functionality complements the aesthetic, seamlessly integrating both elements. With a 360-degree rotation capability, you can direct the breeze precisely where you need it, providing a refreshing escape on hot summer days like never before.
Fantastic, Cerise $69
At just 0.9 pounds and with dimensions of 7.87 inches all around and only 2.6 inches deep, the “Fantastic” fan fits easily into any travel bag or backpack. Its compact, lightweight build is perfect for taking along on any trip, whether your daily commute or a weekend adventure. Made from tough materials yet light in structure, this fan holds up well on the road, adding no extra weight to your load. Whether you’re gearing up for a business meeting, a family getaway, or just a day in the park, you can toss the “Fantastic” fan into your bag and go. It’s ready to kick in with a cool breeze whenever you need a break from the heat, making it a practical addition to your travel essentials.
At $79, this fan offers performance and quiet operation and also serves as a decorative piece. This blend of practicality and visual appeal makes it worthwhile to enhance personal space with a functional accessory that serves an aesthetic purpose. Select from Beige or Dusty Blue to match your style and enjoy its tailored cooling experience.
Laptops are designed to be used as complete, standalone portable computers that don’t need to connect to any external device to use. At least until you run out of battery and have to plug into a wall socket. That said, the design of laptops isn’t exactly great at ergonomics, whether it’s the cramped and flat keyboard or the centrally-positioned touchpad. That’s why some people still opt for at least a regular mouse, but those aren’t exactly portable especially the more common, bulky designs. This mouse design concept, however, prioritizes portability and compactness over anything else, and it takes a page out of the design of today’s foldable clamshell phones to pull off a rather intriguing yet also questionable design.
Designer: Antoine Brieux (NAK Studio)
Foldable computer mice do exist, but they’re really stretching the definition of the word. Perhaps the biggest example is Microsoft’s Arc Wireless mouse, which is basically just a flat box that you “fold” into a curve to use. It’s more than bending than actual folding, but that’s for a very good reason that we’ll see later.
In stark contrast, this “Emergency Foldable Mouse” really does fold in half, not unlike the phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. In its “deactivated” form, it’s more like a square compact or pocket mirror, though its flat edges and sharp corners clearly mark it as some sort of gadget or tool. When closed like this, the mouse automatically turns off and then turns on again the moment you open it.
Unlike a foldable phone, however, this mouse doesn’t unfold completely flat and instead stays at a fixed obtuse angle. After all, this is a mouse and it would be difficult to use it if it laid completely flat on a desk. That said, even that configuration isn’t comfortable, as users of Microsoft’s own foldable mice will attest to. Yes, your hand arcs over the mouse for a more ergonomic hold, but unlike the gentle curve of the Foldable Arc Wireless, you have two edges potentially biting into your skin. Even the designer admits that the design is clearly not for ergonomics but for the object itself.
Admittedly, it carries an aesthetic that will probably appeal to many computer users, especially collectors. The clear plastic version will definitely catch people’s attention, but even an opaque aluminum object with such an angular bend will pique anyone’s curiosity. If anything, the Emergency Foldable Mouse challenges the standard mouse design with an eye toward portability, an area that isn’t as widely explored as ergonomic mouse designs.
