Tag Archives: accessories

Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch hands on: A Perfect Pair for Day and Night Health Tracking

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Samsung has unveiled its latest wearables, offering plenty to be excited about. The Galaxy Ring and the new Galaxy Watch lineup, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7, are packed with features designed to keep you healthy and connected, whether you’re an extreme sports enthusiast or simply looking to improve your daily wellness.

Designer: Samsung

Galaxy Ring: A New Standard in Health Wearables

Samsung’s Galaxy Ring marks a significant advancement in wearable technology. With its unique concave design, this ring ensures comfortable and consistent 24/7 monitoring, even while you sleep. It weighs only 3 grams and’s incredibly lightweight and perfect for all-day wear. Available in nine sizes and three finishes—titanium black, titanium silver, and glossy titanium gold—the Galaxy Ring combines style with functionality.

The ring’s sensors track vital metrics, including sleep analysis, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and snoring. All this information syncs with Samsung’s Health app, available on any Android phone, making it easy to view your progress.

One standout feature is the Energy Score, which measures seven health metrics related to sleep, activity, and heart rate daily. Wellness Tips offers personalized advice based on your health data, acting like a personal coach for exercise, sleep, stress, and hydration. This level of detail helps you make informed decisions about your health.

Designed for durability and style, the Galaxy Ring is scratch-resistant thanks to its aerospace-grade titanium-grade 5 finish. It’s also water-resistant up to 330 feet, making it versatile for swimming, diving, or everyday wear. The multifunction case, featuring LED scenario lighting, adds to the ring’s appeal and functionality. When opened, it provides a welcome light and a battery indicator and starts pairing mode with a long press.

Connectivity is a big part of the Galaxy Ring’s appeal. It integrates seamlessly with other Galaxy devices, ensuring a connected ecosystem. With Samsung Find, you can quickly locate the ring if misplaced, as it lights up in red and green. The ring also allows gesture-based smartphone control, such as double pinching to snap a picture or snooze an alarm.

Battery life is optimized by turning off some sensors alongside other Galaxy devices, extending the ring’s operational time. Real-time alerts for high or low heart rates, auto workout detection, cycle tracking based on skin temperature, and inactive alerts are practical features designed to enhance the user experience and health management.

The Galaxy Ring is $399.99, and pre-orders start on July 10. This price includes access to all the advanced health and wellness data discussed, with no additional subscription required.

Galaxy Watch Ultra: For the Adventurous

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is built for those who push their limits. Whether diving deep underwater or hiking rugged trails, this watch is designed to withstand the most challenging conditions. It’s water-resistant up to 330 feet and meets U.S. military standards for durability. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, it’s both rugged and lightweight.

Jeffrey Kim, senior product manager at Samsung, introduced the watch, highlighting its first-ever 3-nanometer processor. This means smoother performance and longer battery life. It also has a dual GPS that ensures accuracy even in the city’s densest areas. The watch’s enhanced bioactive sensors deliver precise heart rate measurements during your most intense workouts.

Battery life is impressive, and there are options to extend it even further. Turn on exercise power-saving mode, and you can track your heart rate and use low-power GPS for up to 48 hours. Need more? The standard power-saving mode can keep the watch running for up to 100 hours.

Health and fitness tracking is where the Galaxy Watch Ultra shines. It features an Energy Score to give you a daily snapshot of your health based on sleep, activity, and heart rate metrics. Plus, it offers personalized wellness tips. The watch even tracks your sleep and can alert you if it detects signs of sleep apnea.

The design isn’t just about durability. It’s stylish, too. The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in three colors: titanium gray, titanium white, and titanium silver. You can choose from various bands, like the quick-dry Marine band, the breathable Trail band, and the stylish Peak band, perfect for workouts or a night out. The watch feels sleek, and despite its size, it’s surprisingly lightweight. This makes wearing it comfortable throughout the day, whether hitting the gym or attending a meeting.

One cool feature is the quick button. Just tap it to start or pause your workout, complete a lap, or begin a new interval. Hold it for five seconds, emitting an 85-decibel sound for emergencies. The watch also helps with notifications, offering context-aware replies for quick responses in messaging apps like Google Messenger and WhatsApp.

Changing the straps is a breeze. The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s strap can be removed by clicking two buttons, making it easy to switch between styles depending on your activity or mood.

Galaxy Watch 7: Versatile and Stylish

The Galaxy Watch 7 is designed for everyone. It combines the familiar Galaxy Watch design with new AI enhancements to provide detailed health insights. Available in two sizes, large and small, it offers a range of stylish colors: green and silver for the large and green and cream for the small.

The watch bands are also versatile. You’ve got the sporty, quick-dry material for active days, a comfortable fabric band for everyday wear, and a leather band that looks great in any setting. The storage capacity has doubled from the previous model, giving you up to 32 gigabytes of space.

The Galaxy Watch 7 includes many of the same health features as the Ultra, like the Energy Score and Wellness Tips, helping you stay on top of your health and fitness goals. The watch feels sleek, and its lightweight design makes it easy to wear all day. The buttons are intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall user experience.

Both watches will be available for pre-order starting July 10. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced at $649.99, while the Galaxy Watch 7 starts at $299.99. Each watch offers something unique, whether you need a rugged companion for extreme adventures or a stylish partner for everyday wellness.

Complementary Health Tracking Throughout the Day and Night

Combining the Galaxy Ring with the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Galaxy Watch 7 provides a comprehensive health tracking experience. The ring excels in continuous 24/7 monitoring, especially during sleep, giving vital metrics like sleep analysis, heart rate, and skin temperature. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive, making it perfect for all-day wear.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watches bring more interactive features and on-the-go usability. During the day, the watches can track your workouts with precise bioactive sensors and offer real-time insights and notifications. With its rugged design and extended battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is ideal for outdoor activities and extreme sports. The Galaxy Watch 7, with its stylish and versatile design, fits seamlessly into everyday life, whether you’re working out or attending a meeting.

Together, these wearables create a connected ecosystem that enhances your overall wellness. For instance, you can always wear the ring, ensuring continuous health monitoring while using the watch for more detailed interactions and tracking during your active hours. Samsung recommends wearing the ring on your index or middle finger for optimal readings, making it easy to integrate into your routine.

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s latest wearables offer a new standard in health tracking. The Galaxy Ring, with its advanced AI and comprehensive monitoring, and the Galaxy Watch lineup, with its versatile features and durable designs, provide a holistic approach to wellness. We look forward to testing out these devices. While I don’t typically wear a ring, I’ll do my best to get used to it. Stay tuned for more hands-on insights as we explore their capabilities in detail. For now, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the future of health tracking. For more information and to pre-order these devices, visit Samsung’s official website.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch hands on: A Perfect Pair for Day and Night Health Tracking first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Desk Gear To Achieve Heightened Productivity & A Streamlined Work Routine

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It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!

1. Magic Bar

Dubbed the Magic Bar, this portable Touch Bar can be partnered up and used with any Apple peripheral. The device is sleek, seamless, easy to carry, and pretty similar to the Touch Bar if you consider functionality and features. The design of the Magic Bar is recognizable and intuitive as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Magic Bar can easily aligned horizontally with your keyboard. You can even pair up the Magic Bar with your iPhone, building and creating multiple smart home shortcuts, which can be used for heightened productivity and efficiency.

What we like

  • It can be easily carried in the backpack with your gear

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a real product

2. Levitating Pen 3.0

Named the Levitating Pen, this sleek writing accessory is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which lets you hold it with ease, allowing you to write smoothly. The pen has a 60-degree angle which can be placed in the specially designed stand, and reminds you of a spacecraft floating in the galaxy.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129

Why is it noteworthy?

The pen is quite good-looking, and it can be placed in its magnetized holder, which keeps it floating in position. Give the pen a little twist, and it spins for 20 seconds, allowing you to have a playful experience with it.

What we like

  • Easy and sturdy to hold and use
  • Spinning the pen can be a fun stress-busting activity for you

What we dislike

  • When placed on a curved surface the pen can easily roll off, so you need to keep it aside with care

3. PAL Desk Clock

Named the PAL Desk Clock, this desk accessory is designed to help people work on their desktops, without getting distracted by unwanted objects and mediums. It keeps you updated with the important notifications while eliminating the unnecessary ones. It has a dedicated widget space for the most needed apps.

Why is it noteworthy?

The handy gadget includes five main functions – focus sessions, timekeeping, music playback, and wireless charging. The desk clock also has a calendar and a temperature sensor, as well as a wide display on which you can customize the widgets like weather, music playback, and calendar schedules.

What we like

  • Features a wireless charging pad that can be positioned on the back

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

4. Japanese Drawing Pad

Named the Japanese Drawing Pad, this desk accessory is made of Japanese paper, which is renowned for its premium quality paper. Japanese paper is much loved by artists and designers, and if you wish to incorporate some Japanese paper to your workdesk, you need to purchase the Japanese Drawing Pad.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

You can jot down your thoughts and ideas on this premium-quality pad, without causing any damage to the durable paper fibers. The pad offers you a relaxing and intuitive writing experience.

What we like

  • The paper in the pad is micro-perforated
  • It is available in different colors and sizes, so you need to pick one that suits your needs

What we dislike

  • It may look like an ordinary pad, but the high quality can only be experienced

5. Nemonic Gen 2

Meet the Nemonic Gen 2 – an inkless, thermal and wireless printer that allows you to quickly and efficiently print your notes or even images on Ultra Sticky Notes! Since these notes are ultra-sticky, they won’t fall off with ease, and you can use them to capture important details and thoughts.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can connect the compact little printer to your desktop, and mobile device, so you can print out notes you may have written, drawn, or typed. It can be teamed up with the Microsoft Office apps, Slack, and Zapier too, facilitating heightened productivity.

What we like

  • You can print notes directly, and it includes a de-curl feature too

What we dislike

  • They don’t sell refills individually at this point, which is inconvenient if you run out of the notes

6. MagBoard Clipboard

Meet the MagBoard Clipboard – this unique desk accessory is minimal and flexible and is designed to be a cutting-edge notepad/clipboard hybrid. It utilizes a magnet and lever mechanism which can be used to hold your sheets securely in place. This notepad is great for capturing your ideas and thoughts as they flow freely.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The one-of-a-kind accessory redefines the traditional notepad, and it allows users to tailor and customize their note-taking experience without the typical constraints of a conventional notebook.

What we like

  • It features a lightweight and compact form and can be used both at home or while traveling
  • Magnets and levers hold the papers securely

What we dislike

  • Best used with specific sizes, which may not suit everyone’s needs

7. Painless Key Ring

You can now bid adieu to the issue of traditional key rings, and adopt the Painless Key Ring with its revolutionary wave spring key ring. It draws inspiration from the mechanisms used in the aerospace industry. You have a smooth and seamless way of managing your keys without any of the hassle.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

You can organize your keys using a high-tech and sturdy design which ensures your keys are always accessible. It features a lightweight and compact form, which ensures your keys are always organized and safely with you.

What we like

  • Uses a wave spring technology to easily add and remove keys
  • You don’t have to deal with tight or deformed key rings

What we dislike

  • Since it has an advanced design, it is more pricier

8. Lon:HUB

Called the Lon:HUB, this docking hub offers your desk a cleaner and more concise appearance while providing you with all the outlets and ports that you need. The ports and sockets can be connected under your desk, and also on top of your space. Below the desk, you have 5x 110V AC sockets, 2x HDMI 2 display ports, and 2x arms where you can wrap your cords.

Why is it noteworthy?

The edge of the desk holds the hub which has a 10 Gbps USB-C 100W port, 2x USB-A ports, a SD card slot, and also a wireless charger landing pad.

What we like

  • There is a Pro version available as well, if you need a more powerful unit

What we dislike

  • Only works on tables with flat edges

9. DESKRISK

Named DESKRISK, this collection of unique desk accessories ensures you don’t exhaust yourself while sitting on your desk all day long. It attempts to protect you from the adverse effects of sitting on your desk for long hours and straining your eyes and neck. The collection contains a desk clock.

Why is it noteworthy?

The DESKRISK collection also includes a lamp, reminding you to move with the light source, so you don’t bow down and keep looking at your desk. These unique products encourage you to take a much-needed break from your work and desk, letting your mind and body rest.

What we like

  • Functional and valuable products for people who are at risk due to the nature of their work

What we dislike

  • The magazine rack is designed based on the carpal tunnel syndrome, and we don’t know how it will help users with wrist problems

10. Anywhere-Use Lamp

Dubbed the Anywhere-Use Lamp, this minimal and compact lamp design is a well-designed and clever lighting solution. It has a cute little mushroom-shaped head, and it lets out a soft and relaxing glow which creates a calm and tranquil ambience, allowing users to work and relax in peace.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

The lamp is powered by four AA batteries, and it features a modular design that offers atmospheric enhancement wherever it is placed. The lamp is equipped with six high-color rendering LEDs, and it creates an oasis of peace and relaxation in your home.

What we like

  • Features four brightness levels
  • You can easily disassemble the lamp, and take it anywhere with you

What we dislike

  • The lamp isn’t water-resistant, can be an issue if you carry it outdoors

The post Top 10 Desk Gear To Achieve Heightened Productivity & A Streamlined Work Routine first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nomad 65W AC Adapter has a genius way to charge your Apple Watch and AirPods

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It’s almost a fact of an Apple user’s life that owning one product means owning two or three others or even more. iPhone owners are more likely to own AirPods or even an Apple Watch than any other earbuds or smartwatch brand, which does mean they often need accessories that support all two or three. That’s particularly true when it comes to chargers, which is why many Apple-compatible products come in a 3-in-1 design. Unfortunately, those often come with bulky designs to make space for devices, especially where wireless charging is supported because of the space the charging coils take up. This new 65W AC Power Adapter from Nomad, however, has a rather creative solution to that space problem, especially when you need to quickly charge your Apple Watch or even your AirPods.

Designer: Nomad

With so many people owning more than one electronic device, power adapters that have multiple USB ports are a common sight these days. Even Apple eventually launched a dual USB-C charger, though it ironically doesn’t have enough power to support charging multiple Apple devices at the same time, at least not when you have iPhones and iPads and more. Thankfully, there’s a thriving market for third-party accessories, leaving plenty of room for outside-the-box designs like the new Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition.

As the name says, this particular power brick is designed with Apple’s smartwatch in mind, and it charges it in a rather unique way. The top of the charger is actually a wireless charger that supports not just the Apple Watch but also some AirPods with cases that support wireless charging. For Apple Watch Series 7 and later, it can even do fast charging, so you’ll be off to the races in no time flat.

That’s not the only notable feature that it has, of course. The Nomad 65W AC Adapter features two USB-C ports, each giving the full power output if used on its own, and that’s enough to even charge a MacBook Pro or fast charge a MacBook Air. If used at the same time, however, the top USB-C port indicated with a blue accent will push out 45W of power, leaving the lower port with only 20W.

Best of all, Nomad’s AC charger is nearly half the size of Apple’s official charger thanks to GaN technology. This makes the adapter a great traveling companion, and its creative design will let you easily charge your Apple Watch on a bedside wall socket, no additional charging pads or cables required.

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Concrete made from food waste can be edible

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When I hear the word “edible concrete”, the visual that comes to my mind is straight out of a horror or dystopian story: people gnawing at walls because they have nothing more to eat. But of course that’s just my overactive imagination. It’s of course a recent development in construction innovation from scientists at University of Tokyo to make concrete from food waste.

Designer: University of Tokyo

The scientists have been looking to create concrete made from organic materials like coffee grounds, banana peels, Chinese cabbage, and orange skins. These materials are dried and compressed and then mixed with water and seasonings. Afterwards, they’re compressed in a high-temperature mold to create concrete material.

In this early stage of their experiment, they discovered that the material is actually able to avoid bending better than actual concrete and is three times stronger. It can also resist rot, fungi, and insects which is of course important for concrete aside from the bending strength. It is also edible, although that is probably not the most delicious or nutritious thing to consume.

With concrete being the highest-consumed product (aside from water) but also accounting for billions of tons of carbon dioxide release and food loss and waste accounting for a third of all food for human consumption, it would be a big help if this eventually becomes a fully-developed product. Even if it won’t be used for building construction, maybe there are other applications for concrete made from food-waste material.

The post Concrete made from food waste can be edible first appeared on Yanko Design.

Enhance Your Apple iPhone Experience: Top 10 MagSafe Products Of 2024

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Do you love MagSafe-compatible products as much as I do?! 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 a MagSafe flashlight to a Cyberpunk-themed charging station – 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. M-Con

The M-Con is inspired by sliders like the PSP Go or, closer to home, the Xperia Play. It is removable like most smartphone controllers today, but it utilizes MagSafe technology to attach it to the iPhone’s back securely. You can always have it attached, or separate the two pieces to place them into your pockets with ease. The design has another USP too – the controller portion and the MagSafe plate can also be separated, and the plate can be used as a stand for the iPhone. You can use the controller as you would, and you can play with the phone even when it is standing on the table.

2. The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

 The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has a unique cyberpunk-like aesthetic which truly sets this charger aside. It doesn’t feature a straightforward row of circles, instead, it alternates their arrangement to create a visually appealing composition that instantly grabs attention. The colors alternate as well, as the white Apple Watch pad is surrounded by black circles for the iPhone and AirPods case. The charging station features the conventional text, lines, and visible screws you’d find in such a tech-centric design language.

3. WUBEN E1

Dubbed the WUBEN E1, this MagSafe flashlight has 300 lumens of brightness and is 6 times more powerful than your smartphone flashlight. It is ideal for vlogging, selfies, outdoor trips, emergencies, and even reading. You can snap the WUBEN E1 onto the back of your phone, allowing it to function as a compact ring light whenever you need it. You don’t need to resort to your phone’s poor flashlight. Even when you’re not using the WUBEN E1 as a ring light, you can prop your phone against it at any angle.

 4. TORRAS MiniMag

Meet the TORRAS MiniMag – a compact MagSafe power bank that you can snap onto the back of your phone, giving it an instant and much-needed battery boost. The power bank is the size of a credit card, and it features a thickness of 0.3 inches. The MiniMag’s compact size and MagSafe compatibility allow it to seamlessly attach to your iPhone, powering it with an extra 5000mAh battery, allowing you to go about your day without the stress of your phone dying down any second.

5. Pandaer 35W Wireless Power Bank

Meet Meizu’s latest Pandaer 35W wireless power bank! The Pandaer 35W features a 10,000mAh capacity and provides multiple charges for almost all smartphones. What makes the product stand out is that it features an integrated magnetic ring, which works perfectly with Meizu’s Pandaer magnetic ecosystem, as well as other MagSafe devices. This ensures effortless and seamless charging, and you can snap your phone onto the power bank, and relax as it receives a battery boost to last the whole weekend!

6. G4 Charger

Dubbed the G4 Charger, this cool accessory reminds you of the Elago charger which converted the Apple Watch into a Macintosh. The charger features a sleek and compact form, which pulls attention to the iPhone placed on it. It is equipped with a dual joint system on the back, and you can position and angle your phone however you like using this joint. It includes a handy light inside the domed front which lights up when your phone starts charging.

7. The Native Union Profile Fox Cases

Created by Native Union and Maison Kitsuńe, these beautiful covers are made from premium Italian leather, and they’re the perfect case for your iPhone. The covers have drop protections, lips around the screen, and a camera bump. It also features a set of magnets that can be used to reinforce the attachment of the companion MagSafe wallet that can be utilized to store at least two cards. The covers are great to look at and use.

8. STRICKERS

Called STRICKERS, this ultra-thin power bank is a conceptual design that you can magnetically attach to the back of your smartphone, most likely an iPhone. The small pack is able to hold a 10,000 mAh battery capacity, so it doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the back of your smartphone. The power bank is equipped with a sheet of bendable silicone material which converts the phone into a smartphone stand.

9. The Elago WS M5 Charging Stand

Meet Elago’s WS M5 Charging Stand! The nifty little product is designed to be a whimsical yet functional MagSafe charger, and it looks like the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP. The charger serves as a stable stand to charge as well as hold your iPhone. It features a fixed 30-degree angle which is great for watching movies or videos, or even to make use of the IOS Standby Mode at night. It also includes helpful back support, ensuring the charger doesn’t fall down.

10. Apple MagSafe Origami Grip Stand

Meet the Apple MagSafe Origami Grip Stand – this MagSafe stand is truly a unique one, and the Japanese art of paper folding inspires it. You can fold the stand flat, hence ensuring you don’t need to waste time assembling and disassembling it. It is a one-of-a-kind accessory that is quite thin and lightweight and has the size of a credit card. The stand is easy to attach to your phone, and can be easily stored in your pocket as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45.00

The post Enhance Your Apple iPhone Experience: Top 10 MagSafe Products Of 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Crystal Fragment turns everything you see into 8-bit Pixel Art, and it’s FASCINATING

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There is no denying that modern graphic resolutions have reached unachievable heights. Yet, there are many with an emotional connect to pixelated style: an art form that rekindles memories of early computers and video game graphics. If you’re one of them, who rejoices the blurring the lines between analog and digital, you can (when available) lay hands on the Pixel Mirror that creates an inverted pixel image of what’s behind it.

The wearable Pixel Mirror, developed by Hakusi Katei aka Monoli, a Japanese material designer and Ph.D. in engineering, is a crystal that reduces the resolution of what’s behind it – regardless of distance and movement – leaving you with a pixel art of what you are looking at.

Designer: Monoli

Made from light-colored transparent crystal in forest green, gray, and colorless variant, the Pixel Mirror is designed for use in bright environments. While for some of us, it’s only a gimmicky wearable (more on the aspect later) it might have real utility for artists and painters, who can leverage from the immediate, readable fat swatches of the scene behind the prism you’re looking through.

The Pixel Mirror measures 16mm x 16mm x 10mm, which means it’s small enough to be worn as a pendant in a necklace. Monoli’s series of wearable and handheld prisms are all handmade, and because of the nature of polishing natural stones, they are not perfect square “pixels”. They are handmade to suit the condition of the available stone.

After the Pixel Mirror, Monoli now has the Pixel Window in works, which as the artist puts it, “the lens minecrafts scenery without electricity.”  Pixel Mirror is on sale in Japan for ¥ 19,800 (roughly $120). If you’re outside of Japan, you’ll want to keep an eye on Monoli’s tweets for information on international availability.

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One-of-a-Kind Design Casio x UNO Watch: Classic Timekeeping Meets Iconic Card Game Fun

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Casio has partnered with UNO to create a one-of-a-kind timepiece that merges the nostalgia of both brands. This collaboration brings together the vintage A168 watch with the playful and colorful elements of the iconic card game UNO. The result is a watch that’s both a stylish accessory and a tribute to a beloved game that has entertained families and friends for decades.

Designer: Casio x UNO

Known for its reliable and affordable watches and the classic card game that has been a household staple since 1971, both brands emerged in the 1970s and have since built a loyal global following. This collaboration celebrates the enduring popularity of these two brands by integrating the playful spirit of the card game with the timeless design and functionality of the watch.

UNO collaboration model Vintage: A168WEUC-1A

Created by Merle Robbins in 1971, the card game has become one of the most popular worldwide. The game is simple yet engaging, where players match cards by color or number, aiming to be the first to play all their cards. The game’s excitement is amplified by special cards like the Wild Card, which allows players to change the current color, adding an element of strategy and unpredictability. Over the years, the game has evolved with various themed editions and special rules, but its core appeal remains unchanged: bringing people together through fun and friendly competition.

Watch face design with classic UNO motif

This watch collaboration captures attention with its incorporation of vibrant and iconic colors. The face is adorned with the distinctive hues of the Wild Card—red, blue, yellow, and green. These colors are strategically placed around the digital display, creating a visually engaging and nostalgic look. The case is finished in gunmetal gray ion plating, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. The black ion-plated stainless steel band complements the case, adding a touch of sophistication to the playful design.

EL backlight

One of the most captivating elements is the electroluminescent (EL) backlight. It reveals the word “Wild” across the LCD display when activated. This feature enhances visibility in low-light conditions and brings an interactive element to the design, echoing the excitement of drawing a Wild Card during a game.

Whimsical touch in case back engraving

Turning the watch over, the attention to detail continues. The case back is engraved with the game logo and a playful arrangement of the 1, 6, and 8 cards—corresponding to the model number. This hidden touch adds an element of surprise and delight, much like discovering a special card in the deck.

Back engraving

The technical features are equally impressive. The case size measures 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6 mm and weighs 49 grams. The case and bezel are made of resin with chrome plating, while the band is stainless steel with an adjustable clasp for a comfortable fit. The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Band clasp engraved in UNO card pattern

It boasts an impressive battery life of approximately seven years, powered by a CR2016 battery. The watch face is protected by resin glass, ensuring durability, and the black ion-plated band is both stylish and resilient. It features a 1/100-second stopwatch with a measuring capacity of up to 59’59.99″ and various modes, including elapsed time, split time, and 1st- and 2nd-place times.

It is equipped with a daily alarm and hourly time signal to keep you punctual. The electroluminescent backlight illuminates the display in blue, enhancing visibility. An auto-calendar function ensures accurate date-keeping, accounting for leap years. The watch maintains an accuracy of ±30 seconds per month and supports both 12-hour and 24-hour formats, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, PM, date, and day.

Special packaging

This unique watch comes in co-branded packaging, highlighting the collaboration while embracing sustainability. The packaging features the four iconic card colors and is made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. This collaborative watch is more than just a timepiece; it celebrates two iconic brands from the 1970s. It combines the nostalgia and fun of the card game with the reliable and stylish design of the watch, creating a unique and functional accessory that appeals to both watch enthusiasts and fans of the classic card game. Priced at $99.95, this special edition watch is available now online.

The post One-of-a-Kind Design Casio x UNO Watch: Classic Timekeeping Meets Iconic Card Game Fun first appeared on Yanko Design.

One-of-a-Kind Design Casio x UNO Watch: Classic Timekeeping Meets Iconic Card Game Fun

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Casio has partnered with UNO to create a one-of-a-kind timepiece that merges the nostalgia of both brands. This collaboration brings together the vintage A168 watch with the playful and colorful elements of the iconic card game UNO. The result is a watch that’s both a stylish accessory and a tribute to a beloved game that has entertained families and friends for decades.

Designer: Casio x UNO

Known for its reliable and affordable watches and the classic card game that has been a household staple since 1971, both brands emerged in the 1970s and have since built a loyal global following. This collaboration celebrates the enduring popularity of these two brands by integrating the playful spirit of the card game with the timeless design and functionality of the watch.

UNO collaboration model Vintage: A168WEUC-1A

Created by Merle Robbins in 1971, the card game has become one of the most popular worldwide. The game is simple yet engaging, where players match cards by color or number, aiming to be the first to play all their cards. The game’s excitement is amplified by special cards like the Wild Card, which allows players to change the current color, adding an element of strategy and unpredictability. Over the years, the game has evolved with various themed editions and special rules, but its core appeal remains unchanged: bringing people together through fun and friendly competition.

Watch face design with classic UNO motif

This watch collaboration captures attention with its incorporation of vibrant and iconic colors. The face is adorned with the distinctive hues of the Wild Card—red, blue, yellow, and green. These colors are strategically placed around the digital display, creating a visually engaging and nostalgic look. The case is finished in gunmetal gray ion plating, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. The black ion-plated stainless steel band complements the case, adding a touch of sophistication to the playful design.

EL backlight

One of the most captivating elements is the electroluminescent (EL) backlight. It reveals the word “Wild” across the LCD display when activated. This feature enhances visibility in low-light conditions and brings an interactive element to the design, echoing the excitement of drawing a Wild Card during a game.

Whimsical touch in case back engraving

Turning the watch over, the attention to detail continues. The case back is engraved with the game logo and a playful arrangement of the 1, 6, and 8 cards—corresponding to the model number. This hidden touch adds an element of surprise and delight, much like discovering a special card in the deck.

Back engraving

The technical features are equally impressive. The case size measures 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6 mm and weighs 49 grams. The case and bezel are made of resin with chrome plating, while the band is stainless steel with an adjustable clasp for a comfortable fit. The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Band clasp engraved in UNO card pattern

It boasts an impressive battery life of approximately seven years, powered by a CR2016 battery. The watch face is protected by resin glass, ensuring durability, and the black ion-plated band is both stylish and resilient. It features a 1/100-second stopwatch with a measuring capacity of up to 59’59.99″ and various modes, including elapsed time, split time, and 1st- and 2nd-place times.

It is equipped with a daily alarm and hourly time signal to keep you punctual. The electroluminescent backlight illuminates the display in blue, enhancing visibility. An auto-calendar function ensures accurate date-keeping, accounting for leap years. The watch maintains an accuracy of ±30 seconds per month and supports both 12-hour and 24-hour formats, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, PM, date, and day.

Special packaging

This unique watch comes in co-branded packaging, highlighting the collaboration while embracing sustainability. The packaging features the four iconic card colors and is made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. This collaborative watch is more than just a timepiece; it celebrates two iconic brands from the 1970s. It combines the nostalgia and fun of the card game with the reliable and stylish design of the watch, creating a unique and functional accessory that appeals to both watch enthusiasts and fans of the classic card game. Priced at $99.95, this special edition watch is available now online.

The post One-of-a-Kind Design Casio x UNO Watch: Classic Timekeeping Meets Iconic Card Game Fun first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Essential Home Decor Accents For A Modern And Cozy Living Space

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While decorating our homes, we always focus on the furniture we place in them or on the interior decor style we prefer, but focusing on home decor accents is equally important. These little decorative items can truly uplift the aesthetic appeal of a space, adding a personalized touch that will resonate with you and your visitors. A well-selected set of home decor accents can truly set the perfect tone for your home, and if they’re minimal and super-functional, well they tick all the boxes then! We’ve put together a collection of functional, nifty, and visually pleasing home decor accents that you need to check out!

1. Pop-up Book Vase Edition 4

Called the Pop-up Book Vase, this pretty vase holds and displays your flowers in a lovely, fairytale-ish style. As you open the cover, a 3D cutout of the vase is revealed, and it beautifully displays your elegant floral arrangement. You can even flip the age to unveil a different vase design, so you can have a fresh presentation whenever you want.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The book can be turned upside down to get lovely views from another angle. The book vase is quite simple but still, an interesting way to make your everyday flowers truly stand out, bringing a pop of personality to your living space. Start your home decor adventure with this ingenious pop-up book vase.

What we like

  • Amped with three pretty pop-up vase designs
  • It is made from 100% natural pulp with a water-resistant coating

What we dislike

  • The vase seems a bit tough to clean, and there seem to be no clear instructions on how to do so

2. CD Jacket Player

Meet the CD Jacket Player – a unique design that allows you to relive priceless moments with CDs, while also appreciating the album art that comes along with it. The CD Jacket Player stores your classic audio CDS, while also enhancing their aesthetic appeal by seamlessly including their accompanying jackets.

Click Here to Buy Now: $159

Why is it noteworthy?

The CD Jakcet Player showcases the CD jacket art, and it can be wall-mounted as well, serving as a decorative element in your home. You can proudly show off your favorite album art, while also adding an interesting and visually appealing decorative item to your living space.

What we like

  • Perfect design for music lovers, allows them to add an aesthetically pleasing musical element to their home

What we dislike

  • It can be a bit redundant for people who prefer using digital music streaming platforms

3. IKEA JETSTRÖM

Designed by IKEA, the new JESTRÖM is a single-piece lighting panel in the form of a 30cm x 30cm square. However, it is not a simple square but features rounded corners and curved edges, which softens the harshness you may perceive from straight edges and inorganic forms. The lamp design has plenty of smart lighting features, and the white light can be shifted to warmer to set the mood.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can even set different colors to complement a particular theme. You can control these settings from the IKEA Home mobile app, and sync the lamp with other IKEA smart lights via the DIRIGERA hub, allowing you to create your own unique concert of lighting designs.

What we like

  • Economically priced for a large smart LED panel

What we dislike

  • Only one color is available for the diffuser cover
  • There is a dedicated remote for it, but you need to purchase it separately, which increases costs

4. Invisible Shoehorn

Dubbed the Invisible Shoehorn, this innovative product will save your back and your socks as it harmoniously vanishes into the background once you’re done using it. It has a long stainless steel body that will prevent tears and snags in socks and stockings. It has a transparent and minimal form which is easy on the eye and on the interior style of your home.

Click Here to Buy Now: $299

Why is it noteworthy?

The Invisible Shoehorn is pretty unique as it artfully disappears into the background when it is not being utilized. It is equipped with a transparent stand, and the two elements partner up to form an interesting and visually appealing decoration for your home. The Invisible Shoehorn has both practical use, as well as decorative value.

What we like

  • Functional design with decorative appeal
  • Easily disappears into the background when not being used

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag which may be beyond someone’s price range

5. Oakywood MagSafe Collection

This is the Oakwood MagSafe collection, and it uses Apple MagSafe charges to support actual charging function, while also offering visually appealing aesthetics. The collection includes products with solid and multi-functional bases which keep your iPhone and Apple Watch in place, while also adding some minimalist design ethos to your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.

What we like

  • The charger they accommodate can be removed and used separately
  • Reduces e-waste in the long run

What we dislike

  • The accessories do not come with an Apple MagSafe charger

7. Moon Rock Clock

If you share a love for the Moon and outer space, then you can welcome them both into your home with the Moon Rock Clock! The Moon Rock Clock is minimalist, yet quite striking, allowing you to embark on space travel fantasies within your own home. The clock is built from specially polished stainless steel and has. circular shape which perfectly represents the moon.

Click Here to Buy Now: $325

Why is it noteworthy?

The various numbers wane and wax about much like the moon, and the clock serves as a reminder to you, urging you to live life with an adventurous spirit, like the rocket ship moving around the moon. It features a moon travel-inspired aesthetic which is a gentle nudge to follow your dreams.

What we like

  • The printed numbers seem to float and vanish around the moon

What we dislike

  • A large and bulky product that will occupy substantial space on your desk or table

8. Gramophone Lamp

Named the Gramophone Lamp, this pretty and subtle home decoration design utilizes vinyl as material, featuring a retro and minimalistic aesthetic. It features a curved base that reminds you of the stands for an Apple monitor and is amped with a single aluminum stand that slopes at the back. The vinyl serves as the main light source.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Gramophone lamp also has a trackpad-like surface that holds the controls, and you can use it to switch the ambient lighting on and off, to increase and reduce the brightness. It has a polycarbonate diffuser disk which is considered the “star”, and it magnifies the light owing to its translucent quality.

What we like

  • Amped with a 4000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery that you can use for up to 24 hours even when not plugged in

What we dislike

  • Seems like a desk lamp, but not really well-suited to be used as one

9. Modular Flower Tubes

Dubbed the Modular Flower Tubes, these pretty little tubes are an incredible alternative to the typical old vases we all tend to use. The container is made from metal and wood, delivering flexible creativity to the users, and allowing them to build their own flower arrangements according to their own tastes and requirements.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

The Modular Flower Tubes are equipped with thin copper pipes that can be arranged in different positions and patterns, in turn creating lovely floral displays. Users can develop different patinas with time, elevating the aesthetic sense and value to the vase. The base is wooden, and hence quite sturdy, offering stability and durability to the product.

What we like

  • Offers users creative liberation, letting them create their own personalized arrangements

What we dislike

  • The unique patinas that develop over the tube need to be maintained well, and not everyone may like them

10. Tray & Incense Holder

Designed by Songpa-gu in collaboration with the Seoul Design Foundation, this beautiful tray and incense holder represents the beauty of the Hangseong period of the Baekje Dynasty’s cultural legacy, as well as the aroma of tradition. The tray and holder perfectly complement all kinds of interior decor styles, while displaying the Baekjeasty’s beautiful art and cultural elements.

Why is it noteworthy?

The white finishes of the product create a zen and minimal aesthetic, which is pleasing to the eye, and also calming to the mind. The neutral colors elevate one’s mood, while also helping you to focus better, and complete tasks with more concentration and precision.

What we like

  • Create a cozy, calming and soothing ambiance at home

What we dislike

  • It features a wavy design which limits the type of items it can hold, hence impacting usability

The post Top 10 Essential Home Decor Accents For A Modern And Cozy Living Space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smartphone enclosure concept helps develop good relaxation habits

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As powerful and as useful as our smartphones might be, they can also be stumbling blocks not only for productivity but also for mental health. Incessant notifications and the fear of missing out (FOMO) add to the stress and anxiety of the modern world. Of course, ditching your smartphone is no longer an option these days, which is why several designs try to meet the problem halfway, many utilizing minimalist interfaces or drab gray screens to limit our smartphone interaction. Those, however, only solve one part of the problem, leaving many people still unused to taking breaks or relaxing. This concept design for a smartphone accessory tries to do exactly that, keeping your phone safely away from your reach while also helping you get into the habit of taking good breaks from time to time.

Designer: Jeongmin Ham

The most basic strategy people use to avoid distractions from their phones is to put it away, either at a distance or inside a drawer, creating some friction or obstacle to getting the phone instantly. While it can be an effective strategy for some, it’s also a missed opportunity for the smartphone to do something, well, smart. Short of using it as a timer, which can also lead to temptations, it can perhaps be utilized for some other function while keeping its normal distracting features at bay.

FIKA is a concept design for an accessory that does exactly that, keeping your smartphone from distracting you but also putting it to good use in training you to take breaks and use those breaks wisely. It is pretty much a cage or enclosure where you put the phone in, blocking complete use of the device except for a small circular window to a part of the screen. This is the only place where you’ll be able to see the phone’s guidance on how to take a break properly, somewhat like guided meditation apps that have become quite popular these days.

The idea for FIKA is to not just simply put your phone away to avoid distractions but also to develop good habits of taking breaks. And while different people take breaks differently, not everyone has an idea of how to do so properly, so FIKA can suggest certain actions like breathing exercises. Over time, the reminders and the case might not even be needed anymore, as you would have developed the habit and willpower to do it on your own.

The concept design sadly leaves a lot of questions unanswered, like how one will be prevented from just fishing out the phone without some locking mechanism. It also doesn’t mention how the circular window actually works, whether it is just a hole that leaves a part of the phone’s screen exposed or if it’s a touch-sensitive surface that “passes” touches through to the phone inside. Still, the core idea is interesting enough to warrant further thought, especially in an age where people’s mental and physical health has been in decline due to smartphones and overworking.

The post Smartphone enclosure concept helps develop good relaxation habits first appeared on Yanko Design.