Tag Archives: Technology

Tecno’s Future Lens 2023: Impressions on Unveiled Mobile Camera Tech

Posted on by

Tecno just introduced three super cool camera technologies during its Future Lens 2023 event in Shanghai. These innovations are set to change smartphone photography and take it to the next level. The W-shaped Adjustable Physical Aperture, which features a patented artificial cuttlefish lens, is a breakthrough in light management for photography. It effectively eliminates harsh glare, thus resulting in more balanced shots. On the other hand, the Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens is a compact yet powerful innovation that uses voltage-controlled curvature adjustment to enable the camera to adapt lens curvature in real time while maintaining a sleek form factor. Lastly, the Universal Tone multi-skin tone imaging solution uses extensive skin tone spectral data and advanced research methods to offer vibrant and true-to-life portraits and videos. These technologies exemplify TECNO’s commitment to pioneering solutions that improve photographic capabilities and enhance user experience, reflecting a significant step forward in mobile imaging.

Over dinner, sitting next to Laury Longfei Bai, Tecno’s global CMO, provided a deeper insight into Tecno as a company, its vision for the future, and target buyers. Tecno Mobile, a subsidiary of Transsion Holdings, is renowned for its affordable, feature-rich smartphones, primarily targeting emerging markets in Africa and South Asia. The company emphasizes local market needs, offering devices with region-specific features and designs. Known for competitive pricing, Tecno caters to budget-conscious consumers seeking high-quality mobile experiences. The brand has also made notable advancements in smartphone photography, frequently introducing innovative camera technologies in its products.

W-shaped Adjustable Physical Aperture

The W-shaped Adjustable Physical Aperture represents a significant advancement in smartphone photography. This ingenious technology addresses common issues associated with backlight photography, such as overexposure and loss of detail.

At its core, the W-shaped Adjustable Physical Aperture functions differently from the fixed apertures typically found in smartphone cameras. A standard fixed aperture limits the light entering the lens, which can be problematic in varying lighting conditions. In contrast, Tecno’s W-shaped aperture is dynamically adjustable, allowing for more precise control over the light that reaches the camera sensor.

This adjustability is crucial for enhancing photo quality in different lighting scenarios. In bright, backlit environments, narrowing the aperture reduces the amount of light entering the lens, preventing overexposure and preserving detail. Conversely, widening the aperture in low-light conditions allows more light to reach the sensor, improving image brightness and clarity.

The W-shaped design is particularly effective because it offers a broader range of aperture sizes compared to traditional circular apertures. This flexibility ensures that users can capture high-quality images regardless of lighting conditions, making it a versatile tool for amateur and professional photographers.

Moreover, the physical nature of this aperture system marks a departure from software-based solutions commonly used in smartphone photography. While software enhancements can improve image quality, they often cannot fully compensate for the limitations of a fixed aperture. Tecno’s approach, combining hardware innovation with software algorithms, provides a more comprehensive solution.

In practical terms, this technology translates to significantly improved performance in challenging photographic situations. Users can expect sharper, more detailed images when shooting against bright backgrounds, such as sunsets or brightly lit windows. Similarly, in dimly lit environments, the technology helps capture clearer, brighter images without the excessive noise often associated with high ISO settings.

The W-shaped Adjustable Physical Aperture is a testament to Tecno’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone imaging technology. By offering a hardware-based solution to a common photographic challenge, Tecno positions itself as a leader in the field, particularly in emerging markets where smartphone photography is rapidly evolving. This technology enhances the user experience and broadens the creative possibilities available to smartphone photographers.

Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens

Tecno’s Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens represents a groundbreaking advancement in smartphone camera technology. This lens system is designed to enhance macro photography capabilities, allowing users to capture highly detailed close-up images with greater clarity and precision than traditional smartphone cameras.

The innovation lies in the unique use of a liquid lens, a technology that differs significantly from the conventional solid lenses found in most smartphone cameras. The liquid lens can change its shape dynamically, allowing for rapid and precise focusing at varying distances. This adaptability is crucial in capturing high-quality macro images, where focusing accuracy is critical for detailed and sharp results.

One of the primary benefits of the Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens is its compactness. Traditional telephoto lenses, known for their bulkiness, are often challenging to incorporate into the slim form factor of a smartphone. However, the liquid lens technology enables a much more compact design without compromising on the telephoto capabilities. This allows users to enjoy advanced macro photography features in a portable, user-friendly device.

The functionality of the Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens is based on the principle of electrowetting, where an electrical charge is applied to alter the shape of the liquid within the lens. By adjusting the voltage, the curvature of the liquid lens changes, thus modifying the focal length. This process allows for quick and precise adjustments in focus, essential for capturing the tiniest details in macro photography.

Another advantage of this technology is its versatility. The lens can seamlessly switch between telephoto and macro modes, offering users a range of photographic options. This dual functionality enhances the user experience and expands the creative possibilities available to smartphone photographers.

In practical terms, users can expect to capture stunning close-up images with remarkable detail and clarity. The lens’s ability to rapidly adjust focus ensures that even the smallest subjects, such as insects or intricate patterns, are rendered with exceptional sharpness. Additionally, the telephoto capabilities allow for high-quality zoomed-in shots, making it a versatile tool for various photography scenarios.

So, Mr. Bai told me this new technology is coming out soon. He said it won’t be ready for a couple of years, but he did mention that we’ll be able to try it out at the Mobile World Congress in 2025. How cool is that?!

Tecno has committed to innovation in smartphone imaging with the Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens. This advanced lens technology addresses a common limitation in smartphone cameras, mainly macro photography. By integrating this development, Tecno is enhancing the capabilities of its smartphones and establishing itself as a pioneer in the industry, particularly in markets where mobile photography is increasingly popular.

Universal Tone Technology – UT

Tecno’s Universal Tone technology is a revolutionary multi-skin tone imaging technology, a key highlight of their Future Lens 2023 event. It uses the most extensive skin tone spectral data and rigorous research methods, ensuring vibrant, true-to-life portraits and videos. This technology is particularly beneficial for its ability to produce images that accurately and beautifully represent a wide range of skin tones. It addresses a long-standing challenge in photography of rendering diverse skin colors naturally and attractively.

The technology works by combining three computational engines powered by AI. The Multi-Skin Tone Restoration Engine uses a spectral matrix of skin colors, which has been derived from extensive research on chromatic skin colors. This engine adjusts and calibrates skin tones in portraits to make them appear more natural and harmonious. It is essential to avoid the common issue of inaccurately representing skin tones in photography.

Complementing this, the Local-Tuning Engine plays a vital role in ensuring the portrait harmoniously integrates with its surroundings. It reconstructs image tone mapping and uses an adaptive 3D-LUT (Look-Up Table) algorithm. This approach enables the technology to ensure perfect interaction between the human subject and the environment in the photo, and it can be customized per region or country. This localization aspect is significant, as it considers the diverse aesthetic preferences and cultural contexts of different user bases.

The third component, the AI-Powered Computational Portrait Engine, is designed to craft vibrant, personalized portraits. This engine considers Tecno’s localized aesthetic preferences and cultural nuances, ensuring that the portraits it produces are not just technically proficient but also culturally resonant and aesthetically pleasing.

Tecno’s Universal Tone technology thus represents a significant advancement in smartphone photography, particularly in its capacity to handle diverse skin tones with accuracy and sensitivity. By integrating these three sophisticated AI engines, Tecno has created a system that not only enhances the technical quality of images but also respects and celebrates the diversity of its users. This technology demonstrates their commitment to inclusive and user-centric technology development, setting a new standard in smartphone photography.

Final Thoughts

At Tecno’s Future Lens 2023 event in Shanghai, three groundbreaking camera technologies were introduced, impressing media attendees with their potential to revolutionize smartphone photography. The W-shaped Adjustable Physical Aperture, Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens, and Universal Tone technology showcase innovative approaches to light management, lens adaptability, and skin tone representation, signifying a substantial leap in mobile imaging. These advancements, eagerly anticipated for future experiences, highlight their dedication to pioneering photographic capabilities and enhancing user experiences.

The post Tecno’s Future Lens 2023: Impressions on Unveiled Mobile Camera Tech first appeared on Yanko Design.

The world’s first ‘wearable’ pain-killer uses dual-light therapy to boost healing, and is on 40% discount

Posted on by

Kineon’s MOVE+ Pro isn’t your average health wearable. While most wearables track your health, the MOVE+ Pro improves it. Also known as a portable light therapy device, the MOVE+ Pro relieves pain without relying on sprays, pills, or injections. It works non-invasively, using two forms of red light that help circulate oxygen-rich blood within a targeted area to reduce inflammation, heal tissues, relieve chronic pain, and accelerate recovery. “While exercise is good for our health, it can be hard on our bodies,” say the folks at Kineon, who developed the MOVE+ Pro as a safe way to deal with injury, fatigue, and chronic pain. Unlike sprays and ice packs that work on just a surface level, the MOVE+ Pro’s lights travel deep into the skin to boost blood flow, and unlike pills, they can be used without any risks of side effects.

Designer: Kineon Labs

Click Here to Buy Now: $429 $699 (40% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Portable Design – Find fast relief whenever and wherever you feel pain and inflammation.

Light as a form of medicine may sound odd on the face of it, but phototherapy has existed for over a century, with the use of infrared lamps to help the body effectively circulate blood flow. While the technology has largely been expensive and bulky, the MOVE+ Pro condenses it down into a tiny, portable format that is affordable, and can be carried and used wherever you go, whether it’s in bed after a tough day at work, after a grueling session at the gym, post sports, or even during the day to relieve chronic body/joint pain.

Dual Light Technology – Deeper penetration and faster results to joints, muscles, and other tissue through our exclusive dual-light technology.

The way the MOVE+ Pro works is by employing two specific types of light: 650nanometer red LEDs, and 808nanometer infrared lasers. The LED light, visible to the naked eye, works on the surface level, enhancing collagen production, blood circulation, and reducing inflammation. The infrared laser light, although invisible, penetrates deeper, promoting tissue recovery and cell regeneration to treat deep-rooted chronic pain such as osteoarthritis or cartilage damage. This dual approach ensures a comprehensive treatment, addressing both superficial and deep-seated issues. Each of MOVE+ Pro’s modules comes with 8 LEDs and 10 laser diodes to provide the right dosage over a targeted area.

Sniper-like Accuracy – Design allows you to accurately pin-point problem areas for fast and effective relief.

Using the MOVE+ Pro is surprisingly straightforward, with three such modules that can be used independently, or strapped together. It’s all about positioning the devices over the affected area whether it’s around your knees, or on your shoulder, elbows, neck, thigh, stomach, or any other part of your body experiencing pain. A quick 15-minute cycle with the MOVE+ Pro can make a significant difference in alleviating pain and treating injuries, accelerating body recovery – something that diminishes with age.

Safety is, understandably, a primary concern when it comes to any new health device. The MOVE+ Pro, in this regard, is designed to be risk-free, can be used without consulting a medical professional, and is even backed by athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. It’s based on decades of research, is designed to be non-invasive, and doesn’t involve ingesting or applying chemicals on your body (which can have their own side effects)… but more importantly, it’s portable, letting you carry it around wherever you go, and with Kineon’s sizeable 40% discount, it’s highly affordable!

Click Here to Buy Now: $429 $699 (40% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

The post The world’s first ‘wearable’ pain-killer uses dual-light therapy to boost healing, and is on 40% discount first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo’s E-Waste Gets A New Life At The Annual Tech World Event As 3D Printed Furniture

Posted on by

In an era where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of technological innovation, Lenovo, a global technology powerhouse, has taken a bold step towards repurposing electronic waste (e-waste) plastics through a groundbreaking collaboration with Aectual, a leader in industrial 3D printing. The result? 3D-printed furniture, that not only captivates with its design but also carries a powerful message about the possibilities of circularity and responsible consumption.

Designers: Aectual and Lenovo

Lenovo’s annual Tech World event, a hub for discussions on the frontiers of AI, became the stage for a unique fusion of technology and sustainability. Attendees found themselves seated on low, padded stools adorned with red tops reminiscent of Lenovo’s iconic TrackPoint. Little did they know that beneath the comfortable exterior lay a story of transformation – the poufs were crafted from recycled e-waste plastics derived from a mix of devices.

The collaboration between Lenovo and Aectual extends beyond the mere recycling of e-waste plastics. Aectual, a Netherlands-based leader in 3D printing for architecture and interior design, joined forces with Lenovo to bring the concepts of asset recovery and circularity to life. This partnership showcases a commitment to innovation that goes beyond conventional boundaries.

Claudia Contreras, Executive Director of Global Sustainability Services at Lenovo, expressed her excitement about discovering new ways to deliver on Lenovo’s commitment to sustainability. The partnership with Aectual exemplifies an inventive and ambitious approach to repurposing e-waste plastics into 3D-printed event furniture.

Lenovo’s collaboration with Aectual is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing furniture; it is a testament to the company’s dedication to meaningful innovation. Hedwig Heinsman, co-founder, and Creative Director at Aectual emphasized the shared commitment to sustainability, with a focus on giving recovered materials a new life and creating surprising, environmentally friendly products.
Aectual’s 3D printing process prioritizes circularity by allowing the recovery of products after use. The material can be shredded and reused in new 3D-printed products up to seven times. This commitment to circular design aligns seamlessly with Lenovo’s broader sustainability goals.

The poufs at Lenovo Tech World are just a small example of the recycling possibilities enabled by solutions like Lenovo’s Asset Recovery Services (ARS). This end-to-end solution minimizes e-waste through secure device lifecycle management. Since 2005, Lenovo has processed nearly 800 million pounds of Lenovo-owned and customer-returned computer equipment, showcasing a comprehensive approach to responsible e-waste management.

Lenovo and Aectual’s collaboration serves as a beacon for sustainable practices within the tech industry. As the world grapples with the environmental impact of electronic waste, this partnership demonstrates that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. With Lenovo’s commitment to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, this collaboration is a tangible example of the company’s dedication to a greener future.

The 3D-printed furniture showcased at Lenovo Tech World is more than just a comfortable seat; it is a symbol of transformation and innovation. By breathing new life into e-waste plastics, Lenovo and Aectual are paving the way for a future where technology and sustainability coexist harmoniously. As the world continues to seek solutions to the challenges posed by electronic waste, this collaboration sets a precedent for responsible and forward-thinking practices in the tech industry.

The post Lenovo’s E-Waste Gets A New Life At The Annual Tech World Event As 3D Printed Furniture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Must-Have Kitchen Tools Every Aspiring Chef Will Love as Gifts

Posted on by

If you’ve been dipping your toes into the culinary world, and are on a mission to become an accomplished chef who can whip up delicious meals, then you’ve reached the right place. The key to preparing amazing dishes is having a streamlined and efficient cooking process, which can be achieved with the help of the right kitchen appliances and tools. With the perfect kitchen accessories, you can create fantastic meals within no time, and with minimum hassles. And, we’ve curated a collection of unique, innovative, and functional kitchen tools for you. From sheet pan that helps you prepare culinary masterpieces, to a pair of sleek kitchen shears – these are the useful tools you need in your kitchen with you!

1. Cheat Sheets

The Cheat Sheets are ingeniously designed to revolutionize oven cooking. These silicone dividers transform a single baking tray into a versatile multi-compartment cooking surface, enabling the preparation of various dishes simultaneously while maintaining their distinct flavors and cooking requirements.

Click Here to Buy Now: $31

Why is it noteworthy?

These oven-safe, non-stick silicone dividers transform a single sheet pan into a multi-portion culinary canvas, accommodating up to six small or three large portions. Ideal for family meals or weekly meal planning, multiple sets of these dividers offer unparalleled control and efficiency in the kitchen.

What we like

  • Allows cooking multiple dishes simultaneously on one tray
  • Accommodates various portion sizes, suitable for individual or family meals
  • High-quality, food-safe silicone material ensures safety and durability

What we dislike

  • Silicone material tends to attract dust and grease, leading to a sticky surface if not used frequently

2. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors

The Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors are sleek and innovative kitchen shears that let you cut through food in an easy and efficient manner. These scissors make cutting meat and different kinds of food extremely effortless and smooth.

Click Here to Buy Now: $84 $99 (15% off at checkout).

Why is it noteworthy?

The stunning scissors are black in color, and hold an image of power and style, allowing them to occupy an intimidating and impressive position in your kitchen or dining table. You can cut through your steak, veggies, pizza, and more with finesse and functionality.

What we like

  • Equipped with a specially designed curved serrated blade that ensures cutting meat is effortless and safe
  • A multifunctional tool that ensures precise cutting, which is essential for intricate food prep

What we dislike

  • There are no different color options, it is only available in black, which could be boring for some users

3. Iron Frying Plate

Called the Iron Frying Plate, this innovative kitchen design can be used to serve your food or a frying pan with a removable handle. It is a refreshing new way to combine cooking and eating!

Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $69 (10% off at checkout).

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes the Iron Frying Plate super cool is that it combines both a frying pan and a serving plate. It is built using durable materials and offers a functional and sophisticated solution to cooking and serving. It introduces a novel and ingenious cooking method, that supports direct-from-the-pan serving, which could allow aspiring chefs to experiment with different cooking techniques and presentation styles.

What we like

  • The wooden handle can be attached and detached as and when needed

What we dislike

  • The frying plate is made from iron, which makes it heavier than traditional frying pans, which can be tough to handle and store in small kitchens

4. Playful Palm Grater

Dubbed the Playful Palm Grater, this whimsical and playful product is created to add some fun and functionality to your kitchen and dining life. It is designed to fit perfectly into the palm of your hand.

Click Here to Buy Now: $22.50 $25 (10% off at checkout).

Why is it noteworthy?

The Playful Palm Grater is a charming and functional product that resembles a curled piece of paper. It is made from a single aluminum alloy plate and is available in different color options.

What we like

  • Features a unique and minimal form that provides a strong and firm grip
  • Makes a simple act like grating fun and playful, as well as convenient and efficient

What we dislike

  • Since it is quite small in size, it isn’t the best option to grate large amounts of food

5. Kurenai

The stunning Kurenai kitchen knife is the result of storied tradition, craftsmanship, and sleek modern aesthetics. It is a class apart from the typical kitchen knives we find, which can be attributed to the captivating flame pattern along its sharpened edge.

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique flame pattern is a tribute to the knife’s flame-forged origin, as well as the fiery passion and precision that was channeled to create it. The Kurenai features a distinctive octagonal-shaped wooden handle that fits perfectly in the user’s hand, regardless of the size.

What we like

  • Perfectly merges aesthetics, functionality, and craftsmanship

What we dislike

  • It doesn’t have a ribbed knife option to support multiple cutting styles

6. The Russell Hobs Satisfry Air & Grill Multi-Cooker

Dubbed the Russell Hobs Satisfry Air & Grill Multi-Cooker, this innovative kitchen appliance provides seven cooking settings and is a must-have for aspiring chefs. It helps them create delicious and healthy food quickly and efficiently!

Why is it noteworthy?

This multifunctional appliance offers a myriad range of cooking options – ranging from air frying to roasting, and even slow cooking to searing. It can crisp, brown, and bake with the use of little or even no oil.

What we like

  • It works 76% faster as compared to a conventional oven
  • Supports more uniform cooking, so no part of your food is undercooked or overcooked

What we dislike

  • A bulky appliance that will occupy substantial real estate in your kitchen

7. Elizabat

Named the Elizabat, this adorable little bat scissor by OTOTO is designed to add some fun and flavor to your kitchen. The scissor is quite easy to grip on the inside, as well as the outside.

Why is it noteworthy?

This pair of culinary scissors helps you cut, chop, and slice away at veggies and herbs in the kitchen. It features a clever blade design which also serves as a bottle opener, while the gap between the handles serves as a nut-cracker.

What we like

  • Features an ergonomic profile that is quite comfortable to use

What we dislike

  • The scissor looks quite adorable and can be mistaken for a toy, so it needs to be kept away from children

8. The Fellow Tally Pro Studio Edition Coffee Scale

The Fellow Tally Pro Studio Edition coffee scale is an accurate scale to help you prepare the perfect cup of coffee every morning. It simplifies your morning coffee rep routine and transforms it into a seamless process.

Click Here to Buy Now: $148

Why is it noteworthy?

It is equipped with a brew assist mode wherein you just need to select your coffee-to-water ratio, and it guides you until you hit your goal. It is built from premium Studio Edition materials and features a glass-based, metal touchpoints, and an OLED screen.

What we like

  • Offers a weight mode that measures in grams, ounces, pounds, and milliliters of water, as well as a timer mode that shows timer and weight in grams

What we dislike

  • Only available in black color, there aren’t multiple color options

9. Jamonero

A Barcelona-based designer created a solution to accommodate ham stands in your kitchen. Dubbed Jamonero, the folding ham stand is designed to hold your ham while you slice it.

Why is it noteworthy?

When you don’t need Jamonero, you can fold and tuck it away into a drawer to make space for other kitchen accessories. It is an extremely useful kitchen product for when your dining table or kitchen isn’t large enough.

What we like

  • Has an anti-slip feature that keeps the holder and ham in place
  • Easy to clean and maintain

What we dislike

  • Some users may not be comfortable using wood to hold their meat, and there is no alternative material option for them

10. Reencle

This compact, odor-free, and quiet kitchen appliance is called the Reencle and it utilizes your food waste and puts it to good use. It effectively composts and breaks down food waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Click Here to Buy Now: $449

Why is it noteworthy?

Reencle is an at-home solution that effectively and efficiently breaks down food, and transforms it into a rich compost that benefits the planet instead of harming it. The compost can be utilized in gardens, indoor planters, and backyards, or can be disposed of as well.

What we like

  • Doesn’t require any setting up or plumbing
  • Features an odor-proof design that ensures bad aromas never enter your home

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag

The post Top 10 Must-Have Kitchen Tools Every Aspiring Chef Will Love as Gifts first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 3D-Printed Ornaments to Upgrade your Christmas Tree Decoration Game

Posted on by

Instead of decking the halls with boughs of holly, deck them with rolls of filament instead! Sure, that doesn’t sound particularly festive at first thought, but it’ll make much more sense when you see these absolutely gorgeous 3D-printed Christmas ornaments we’ve hand-picked for you. We scoured the internet to find some of the most eye-catching 3D prints that perfectly capture the holiday spirit, from geometric snowflakes to some pretty beautiful-looking baubles. Ditch the boring old store-bought ornaments this year, fire up your 3D printer, and make your own (or rent a 3D printer for cheap). They’re sure to add a touch of individuality to your tree this year, they’ll print in mere hours instead of taking days to deliver, and you’ll definitely have people asking you where you got them!

1. Christmas Tree Ornament Set by Popandsicle

Popandsicle’s Christmas Tree Ornament Set is a brilliant way to give your tree a unique aesthetic that’ll have friends and family wondering where you got those ornaments from. The captivating spiral shape of the ornaments instantly catches your eye – even more so when printed in a metallic-colored or shiny filament. Quite literally putting a ‘twist’ on traditional holiday decorations, this set features a range of designs, each optimized for 3D printing in vase mode (or printing upside down). The collection comes in a set of 6 ornaments that print rather quickly, and are free to download off Prusa’s Printables website.

2. Christmas Village by FiveNights

Less for your treetop and more for the tabletop, this 3D-printed Christmas Village is just a glorious little project with a lot of intricate details that make it a nice challenge for the seasoned printing expert. Designed to look like a cosy hilltop village, the print comes with what presumably looks like a snowcapped terrain with roads, rails, houses, and trees galore. The entire print can be done without supports, says the maker, and you’ve got a hatch at the bottom for inserting an LED lamp or your smartphone flash. Once illuminated from the inside, the village really does come to life as light makes its way through the translucent body of the print and through the doors and windows of all the houses. The print files are available for free from Ultimaker’s Thingiverse website.

3. Baby Yoda Christmas Ornament by Psdwizzard

Nothing shows you have elevated eclectic tastes more than having a Baby Yoda bauble hanging from your Christmas tree. Sure, everyone opts for the spheres, lights, stars, and personal photographs, but there’s just something so perfect about your own personal Grogu dressed as Santa hanging from your tree. This decorated character from the Mandalorian comes with its own Santa robe and hat, is is pictured here holding a decorative orb. Printing it is relatively simple, although you will require supports. The entire thing prints in a single color and needs to be post-processed and painted by hand, which should be a fun activity if you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe, eh? The Baby Yoda Christmas Ornament is available to download for free on the Thingiverse website.

4. Christmas Ball by cunicode

The beauty of these Christmas ornaments from cunicode lies in A. the fact that their complex geometry can only be machine-made using 3D printing, and B. they’re large, eye-catching, but incredibly lightweight, so you can deck your tree with as many of them without them weighing your branches down. “Since 3D Printing costs are driven by volume and material used, I designed the geometry of these balls to use minimum material while keeping maximum strength,” cunicode says. The 3D STL file for the Christmas Ball is available for free on the Thingiverse Website.

5. Deer in the Mountains by jdormer9

Yet another tabletop accessory to bring the holiday spirit, this one gets props for its artistic flair. The Deer in the Mountains print from jdormer9 is an elegant 2D graphic of a deer against white mountains. Artistically, it gets full marks for its uniquely minimalist style, although functionally I would love to have seen a built-in card holder or something that adds a little more value to this piece. However, the beauty of 3D printing is that you can optimize designs to suit your own needs. Heck, add a card-holder at the back, turn the deer’s antlers into a keychain holder, go wild! The Deer in the Mountains 3D file is available for free on the Printables website.

6. Christmas Spiral Teardrop 2023 by Scott McClurg

Scott McClurg, who also goes by his internet moniker ‘dazus’ is a pretty big deal in the 3D-printed ornament space. McClurg’s works combine geometry with tradition, resulting in some of the most hypnotic, kaleidoscopic Christmas decorations your eyes will ever see. The 2023 Christmas Spiral Teardrop is remarkable to look at, especially given that it’s printed using a plastic filament with a silver-gold metallic finish. The ornament’s undulating interweaving surfaces catch light beautifully, creating wonderful contrasts that are further punctuated by the hollow spaces. Things get even more interesting when the ornaments spin, creating a hypnotic motion that’s difficult to look away from! The 2023 Christmas Spiral Teardrop, understandably, is one of the more tricky 3D prints to execute. The ornament needs quite a few supports, McClurg mentions, and there are a few more details to keep in mind while you run this print, which can be found on the Thingiverse website, along with the free 3D file for the ornament.

7. Open Lattice Christmas Bell by Scott McClurg

It was a pretty herculean task zeroing down on just one of McClurg’s ornaments, so here’s another one that we can’t stop admiring. With a similar interwoven hypnotic lattice-esque design like the Christmas Spiral Teardrop, the Open Lattice Christmas Bell is a gorgeous themed ornament that adds gravitas and pizzazz to your tree without adding any weight. Its complex design does present a few challenges while printing, but it’s nothing a seasoned 3D printing enthusiast can’t handle. We recommend using a metallic-finish filament to give the bell some shimmer! The Open Lattice Christmas Bell is free to download on the Thingiverse website.

8. Gimbal Christmas Ornament by Jouni Ahola

Complex 3D prints are great, but what about kinetic ones? This Gimbal Christmas Ornament isn’t the kind you’d just hang on your tree and forget about. With multiple joints, it’s the kind of ornament you’d want to fiddle with, adjusting, readjusting, and fidgeting just because it’s so much visual and tactile fun. Designed to be a single-print design, this marvel from Jouni Ahola prints flat, but can then be flipped around like a Rubik’s cube, or more accurately, a gimbal. Like the rest of the ornaments, this one too is free to download, and can be found on the Thingiverse website.

9. Merry Bird Christmas Ornament by Michiel Cornelissen

Call it an adorable ornament or a metaphor for a certain social media company, this bird-in-a-cage ornament is lightweight and exceedingly charming to look at, even though it’s literally a print of a bird trapped inside a Christmas ornament. It has all the hallmarks of a good 3D printed ornament, with its lightweight, hollow, yet intricate design. The bird is hinged, which means it swings to and fro inside its spherical cage, and although it isn’t available for free like any of the other ornaments, you can directly buy it from the Shapeways website and they’ll print it out and send the ready ornament directly to your doorstep!

10. Trippy Snowflake Kinetic Sculpture by JBV Creative

Less of an ornament and more of a kinetic toy, the Trippy Snowflake Kinetic Sculpture is something you’ll constantly find yourself reaching for, sort of like a snowglobe but more enchanting. The multi-part sculpture features a geared mechanism that causes two snowflakes to rotate in opposite directions when you crank the handle, creating a hypnotic, alluring optical illusion. Perhaps one of the most complex and lengthy builds in this collection, the sculpture has multiple parts and components that need to be printed separately (although if you have a large print bed you can print multiple parts at the same time). Given how detailed and thorough it is, this print isn’t available for free either, and the STL file will cost you $45, but the benefit is that once you buy the file, you can print as many of these as you want! Heck, gift them to friends as stocking stuffers too! You can buy the Trippy Snowflake Kinetic Sculpture 3D file on the JBV Creative website.

The post Top 10 3D-Printed Ornaments to Upgrade your Christmas Tree Decoration Game first appeared on Yanko Design.

This $500 device lets you easily build your own Cloud Server instead of paying Google, Microsoft, or Amazon

Posted on by

Back up your systems, store all your photos, run AI models, host websites, or even have your own free streaming service, the $500 ZimaCube gives you your personal (and secure) cloud server without those pesky monthly subscription fees.

Looking almost like a beefy CPU that sits on your desk, ZimaCube is a NAS (network-attached storage) device that brings cloud computing to your tabletop. Rather than relying on Google, Amazon, Microsoft, or Apple to store all your data remotely (where your data can be accessed by companies, advertisers, governments, or worse… hackers), ZimaCube is your own personal cloud server that stores all your data in the secure confines of your home or office, but still allows you to access it anywhere on the go. Powered by a 10-core 12th-gen Intel processor, the ZimaCube offers up to 64 GB of RAM and has 6 whopping HDD bays for storing up to 120 TB of data. This basically gives you a powerful cloud server that can take backups of all your devices, host websites, run your own personal streaming service using locally downloaded files (goodbye Netflix), or better still, run your own personal AI model or GPT by hooking up an external GPU. In a world plagued by governments snooping on private citizens, and by companies looking to make a quick buck by either charging you monthly fees to store your data or by selling them to advertisers, ZimaCube lets you take back ownership of your private information, whether it’s photos on your smartphone or all the work files on your laptop/desktop.

Designer: IceWhale Technology

Click Here to Buy Now: $499 $699 ($200 off). Hurry, only 717/1000 left! Raised over $1 million.

At its core, the ZimaCube offers a massive storage capacity of up to 164 terabytes, with a unique 6+1 bay design accommodating a mix of six hard disk drives (HDDs) and four solid-state drives (SSDs). This blend ensures ample storage space for large files and speedy access to frequently used data, striking a balance between vast storage and fast performance. This makes it ideal for storing everything from important documents to extensive collections of digital assets like photos and videos, all securely in one place and accessible from anywhere.

ZimaCube provides a centralized hub of up to 164 TB for storing and cataloging all your project files, media assets, and documents. Its unique 6+1 bay design provides extra flexibility by offering HDD, SSHD, and SSD storage options.

Aside from storing backups of your selfies and videos (after all, the ZimaCube is capable of so much more), you additionally have the option of storing work files and data dumps, and directly editing them over the cloud instead of needing to download them to your device. Powering the ZimaCube is a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, ensuring efficient data management, particularly for tasks requiring substantial computing power like video editing. This is complemented by cutting-edge connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 and 2.5GbE networking ports, facilitating rapid data transfer and smooth workflow management. For professionals relying on demanding applications, the ZimaCube’s extensive storage capacity, robust processor, and advanced connectivity make it perfect for content creators and multimedia experts who require a reliable storage solution that can keep pace with their workload.

Files stored on the ZimaCube can be accessed through a multitude of ways, enabling storage, retrieval, sharing, and even collaboration. The ZimaOS provides a clean, intuitive way to manage your data, but it goes above and beyond by also being a one-stop management dashboard for your data stored on DropBox, Google Drive, etc. All your files find a home within the ZimaOS dashboard, so you don’t have to hunt across multiple accounts and devices to find files. The ‘ZSync’ feature synchronizes file versions across all devices (so any edits made to a file update everywhere), and automatic backups take the hassle out of remembering to manually backup all your data. Want to share data with team members, clients, and stakeholders? The ZimaCube’s PeerDrop feature allows you to share files with anyone through an encrypted gateway, bypassing the public cloud entirely. It also supports various tools like Nextcloud and Seafile, allowing you to share and collaborate on files with ease. You can create shared folders, set permissions, and even generate public links. This is a boon for remotely located teams and groups who need to work together on projects, regardless of their geographical locations.

Harness the desktop-class performance of NVIDIA® Quadro® and AMD Radeon™ Pro eGPUs for professional graphics output. With Thunderbolt 4, you can daisy chain up to six external RAID arrays together and get a jaw-dropping 1PB to your ZimaCube.

Going beyond just traditional data storage, you can even run your own private AI models directly on the ZimaCube. PCIe Gen 4 ports and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity allow you to hook up powerful external GPUs to host and run your own AI models like Stable Diffusion without splurging big bucks on a GPU farm or buying GPU credits online. Moreover, the folks behind the ZimaCube also boast the ability to privately run a GPT on your own data, allowing you to effectively ‘chat’ with your own documents to retrieve information, find files, and get an overview on lengthy run-downs without as much as opening them. The AI runs entirely locally and privately, with no data ever leaving your device.

All those technical capabilities sit in the ZimaCube’s black-box-esque design that’s crafted with a predominantly metal construction, providing robustness and efficient heat dissipation. It features a magnetic attachment system for the front-mounted panel and a durable design with multiple ventilation panels, crucial for maintaining optimal temperature​. On the inside, modules plug in with LEGO-like configurability. The ZimaCube lets you customize your own server, adding modules such as a WiFi module, additional interfaces, high-speed drives, and even RAID arrays. It’s not just the hardware that’s customizable – with software options like ZimaOS, TrueNAS, and unRAID, and a community-driven range of apps and plugins, you’ve got digital flexibility too.

The ZimaCube presents two distinct variants tailored to different user needs: the Standard and Pro models. The Standard version is powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N100 processor, a competent choice for general storage and computing needs. It’s like a reliable sedan, efficient for daily tasks. On the other hand, the Pro model shifts gears with the robust 12th Gen i5-1235U core processor, akin to a sports car in the processor world, offering enhanced performance and handling more demanding tasks with ease. Both models champion significant storage capacity and connectivity options, but the Pro model stands out with its higher RAM support and processing power, making it suitable for power users who need that extra bit of computational muscle. The ZimaCube Standard starts at an early-bird price of $499 (VAT-free), while the Pro is similarly discounted with a $900 price tag (the HDDs need to be purchased separately). It ships globally with a 19V 220W power adapter, universal plugs to fit a variety of international power sockets, and a 1-year warranty.

Click Here to Buy Now: $499 $699 ($200 off). Hurry, only 717/1000 left! Raised over $1 million.

The post This $500 device lets you easily build your own Cloud Server instead of paying Google, Microsoft, or Amazon first appeared on Yanko Design.

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

Posted on by

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

Designer: Olga Orel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portable plug-and-play 3D printer lets you print without much complications

Posted on by

3D printing is something that is interesting and useful for a lot of industries although it’s still basically in the early stages. One thing that’s probably stopping people from embracing this technology is that it seems pretty complicated and not user-friendly. Most printers require a certain kind of technical knowledge so those who don’t have this are already ruled out. What if there was a printer that would do away with all that and let “ordinary” users enjoy the joys of 3D printing?

Designer: KOKONI

The KOKONI EC2 is one such printer which will let 3D printing enthusiasts use a plug-and-play kind of entry-level smart 3D printer. Despite its advanced features, it is still pretty accessible enough for children and newbies, not to mention pretty affordable. You don’t even need advanced software skills to be able to print the things you want to print. It has AI-generated design capabilities and there are also over 2000 designs to choose from (and they update it weekly so you’ll get more).

The portable 3D printer actually looks like a toy oven with its compact design and color options (apple green, orange, and white). It has a 720p camera so you will be able to see the printing process and even create time-lapse videos from there. You also get an upgraded printing speed so you’ll be able to print something in under 20 minutes if you’re using the simpler designs. You can connect the printer to the KOKONI 3D app so you don’t need a computer to be able to use it.

I never thought I would consider getting a 3D printer given the complicated nature of most of the machines available in the market. But this one that weighs just 3.2 kg and is 189 x 302 x 231 mm small is something you can consider if you’re looking to complete DIY projects for your home or work. Well, that is, if you have $349 to spare.

The post Portable plug-and-play 3D printer lets you print without much complications first appeared on Yanko Design.

Unitree’s ‘Affordable’ Humanoid Robot Tackles Uneven Terrain Without Tripping

Posted on by

Billed as a much more affordable humanoid robot than others coming to market, Unitree’s H1 Evolution V2.0 humanoid is now available for sale at a cost of just $89,000. I say ‘just’ because most others will cost significantly more. At least not for anything besides immortal life, and even then, I’d try to get the wizard down to $600 or $700.

In the video, the robot demonstrates its ability to autonomously tackle unknown and uneven terrain without falling, thanks to its “LIVOS-MID360 3D LiDAR system and Intel RealSense D435i depth camera for real-time acquisition of high-precision spatial data to achieve panoramic scanning.” But will it be able to dodge a rolled bowling ball? I only ask because I live close to a bowling alley and could access a lot of ammo in the event of a robot uprising.

The H1 Evolution 2.0 weighs in at just over 100 pounds and is advertised as “the world’s first full-sized general purpose humanoid robot that can run in China.” But can it run other places as well? That’s the question. And if it can run in the United States, how fast can it actually run, because I may need to start a cardio regimen if I’m going to survive the robot apocalypse.

[via TechEBlog]

Top 10 Apple Watch Accessories To Give Your Beloved Smartwatch A Super Cool Revamp

Posted on by

Today, the Apple Watch is considered one of the most popular smartwatches globally, and it’s not a surprising fact when you consider the number of people you see walking or jogging on the street with their Apple Watch smartly strapped around their wrists. And, if you’re someone who absolutely cannot do without their Apple Watch, then this collection of innovative and nifty accessories is for you. From NASA-themed Apple Watch bands to bands made from plant-based leather – these super cool accessories are a must-have for Apple Watch lovers.

1. RSTR Case

Designed by Golden Concept, the RSTR Case features a beautiful transparent crystalline design that converts your Apple Watch Ultra into a shimmering jewel that you can wear on your wrist and show off. The case is available in four beautiful colors and is built using 50 meticulously engineered parts. Both the home and action buttons are crafted from stainless steel, making them slightly larger and easier to use.

2. The (Re)Classic Band

The (Re)Classic Band for Apple Watch is a cruelty-free Italian leather-inspired band. The band is made using repurposed mycelium, which is essentially fungal threads that span long distances underground, from which mushrooms blossom and grow out. It is one of the many all-natural resources utilized in the synthesis of Yatay by Coronet.

3. Sandmarc’s Apple Watch Ultra Band

Designed by Sandmarc, this Apple Watch Ultra Band is an Oyster-style that is made from grade-2 titanium. It features the perfect color and finish to match the Apple Watch Ultra. All you need to do is slip the band on, and the extreme smartwatch converts into a luxurious-looking haute timepiece.

4. TimePorter

Twelve South’s TimePorter is the ultimate organizer for your Apple Watch straps. It holds and showcases all your watch straps on an easy-to-access linear shelf, and can transform your Watch Strap collection into a displayable art piece that allows you to flex your straps the way people flex their sneaker collection!

5. Mark_B_Case

Dubbed the innovative Mark_B_Case , this unique design is intended to power your Apple Watch and keep it functioning without missing a beat. The case features a 450mAh battery, which extends your Apple Watch’s utility by three times more. The case is designed to be more than an ordinary Powerbank case and is instead a sleek masterpiece that incorporates your Apple Watch as a case.

6. Hermès Apple Watch Bands

Hermès has launched a variety of roughly 20 leather band variants for the newly released Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. The brand also released a variety of other designs, colors, and materials, which provide a quick and cool update for your wrist. This collection includes four new styles that have been inspired by luxurious textiles.

7. Y24 Apple Watch Cases

This collection of Apple Watch cases is designed by Y24, and it is a price-friendly collection that draws inspiration from the lifestyle of Tokyo. The unique collection perfectly captures the cool vibe of the city, and they’re designed to provide an innovative identity without compromising on or sacrificing Apple’s originality.

8. HiRise 3 Deluxe

Dubbed the HiRise 3 Deluxe, this MagSafe-certified accessory is designed by Twelve South and can charge your iPhone up to 15W. It features a unique and adjustable MagSafe pad, which offers a 35-degree angle shift to support optimal viewing. It favors a front-to-back arrangement, unlike the usual side-by-side layout.

9. NASA-themed Apple Watch Straps

MobyFox’s Apple Watch straps come in seven diverse NASA-approved designs that you can choose from. They come along with 20+ watch faces to match. The straps are built from sweat and UV-resistant silicone, and they feature a large range of graphical elements that surround NASA’s rebranding over the ages.

10. Nomad Sport Band

Nomad released its latest limited-edition glow-in-the-dark Apple Watch Sport Band which features a cool green phosphorescence. It redefines the way you approach intense workouts and everyday styles. The band will be the perfect companion in your athletic and modern journey during the day and night.

The post Top 10 Apple Watch Accessories To Give Your Beloved Smartwatch A Super Cool Revamp first appeared on Yanko Design.