Bathtime is one of my favorite times of the day! It’s that duration of the day when I get some peace and quiet from the world, and I can truly pamper and take care of myself. Having a beautifully designed bathroom with thoughtful designs will only amplify this special time of the day. These products can make a huge difference in our everyday bathroom experience. And an excellent addition to your bathroom could be the Orbital Tap by Orbital Systems.
Designed by Swedish company Orbital Systems, this innovative tap system recycles water from the sink for flushing the toilet. Dubbed the Orbital Tap, this one-of-a-kind tap saves 100 percent of the washbasin water and then redirects it to the toilet for flushing, which basically means that clean drinking water isn’t used for flushing. In turn, this tap helps to save water, and this excellent approach offers a return on investment for users on average within a period of five years.
The smart system is quite easy to install, and it is typically wall-mounted. It includes a faucet as well as a control dial with a touchpad located on the sink. Users can control and adjust the flow by turning the dial or utilizing the touchpad. The touchpad allows users to choose from different water temperatures, as well as other settings. The tap is available in a variety of finishes ranging from black and white, to brass, chrome, and brushed stainless steel.
The tap can seamlessly and harmoniosuly integrate with different smart home systems, and it comes in a whole range of presets and customizations. The tap is an ingenious design that helps in saving water and also protects the planet. In the words of Orbital Systems, the tap “does good deeds for the planet, for yourself, and for your economy. ” If you’re looking for a sleek, good-looking, revolutionary and not to mention eco-friendly bathroom fixture, then look no further than the Orbital Tap. It looks great in your bathroom, while also ensuring clean water isn’t wasted in flushing.
The recent years have put gaming under the spotlight, from the hit mobile games like Pokemon GO to innovative consoles like the Nintendo Switch, to the messy adaption of iconic video games into films or TV shows. Of course, this has also given rise to interesting new product designs, especially those riding on the retro trend that’s bringing aesthetics from the past to the present. That said, we can’t always be looking backward trying to relive a so-called “golden age” of design. In order to move forward, we sometimes have to break away from standards and tradition to pave the way for the future. That may sometimes result in unusual designs that may or may not work as intended. This futuristic-looking game controller, for example, aims to simplify the user experience and give the product a more aesthetic flair, but it also raises questions about the usability of the redesign.
The basic design of game controllers has changed little over the decades. Yes, they vary depending on the platform or generation, but the existence of buttons, directional pads (D-pads), joysticks, and triggers has always been a standard. For now, it’s the only way you can express a multitude of actions with a limited number of controls, but it’s hardly the most effective or convenient. Unfortunately, we will have to stick with such conventions for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean we can change how they are implemented.
Moenix is a design concept that tries to simplify the form of the controller, thereby allowing it to take on a completely different aesthetic. It specifically takes inspiration from the design of steering wheels and gearshift which are examples of simple yet powerful user interfaces. Unsurprisingly, the Moenix takes on a shape that’s not unlike the steering wheel of a vehicle but utilizes more organic shapes to give it a less mechanical appearance.
The most striking aspect of the controller’s design, however, is the lack of any visible interfaces. There are only two explicitly mentioned in the design, and both come under your thumb. These are touch-sensitive buttons whose actions can change depending on the game being played. One could act as a trigger in a shooter or as the gas pedal in a racing game, while the other can be mapped to movement or camera controls. Given the shape of the controller, it wouldn’t be surprising if it had motion controls so that you can turn your character or your car just by turning the controller itself.
This concept allows the game controller to take on a simpler and more approachable design, but it seems to come at the price of actually providing enough controls to the player. The dynamic buttons can be changed, but unless it can provide more than 2 or four actions, it will definitely be insufficient for most modern games. Alternatively, it might be possible to include buttons behind each handle, providing the same amount of expressiveness but in a more ergonomic position.
We seem to always be running out of space on our desks. Any free area that we get often quickly becomes occupied by a new thing, a tool, or a book, that we can always justify as necessary. And then there are purely decorative items that, while not serving any practical function, serve to put us in a good mood. Sadly, those reasons don’t remove the fact that they still take up precious space that could have been used for other things. Cutting down on the amount of “stuff” on your desk is one possible solution to this conundrum, but another is to use multi-functional products that serve more than one purpose, like these rather aesthetic bookends that are actually speakers in disguise.
If there are two things that are standard on a modern desk, it would be books and speakers. The former is often essential for work, even if just for appearance’s sake, while the latter is necessary to keep our minds sane with our favorite music and podcasts. They might even be necessary for the video meetings that are becoming more common these days. Naturally, these things will need some space on your desk, so why not combine them in a way that still retains each product’s identity while also bringing a fresh twist to their designs?
The Beat Bookends concept does exactly that by transforming bookends into two parts of a speaker system. Specifically, the triangular shapes that sit on either end of a row of books act not only as stable structures to keep your reading materials upright but also serve as front-firing speakers. Although it probably would have been enough to just have two wireless speakers performing this function, the design concept actually includes one or two more speakers for an even better audio experience.
The bookend speakers are actually just the “satellite” speakers, and a rectangular block serves as the main unit you connect to. This piece can stand in the middle of your row of books to add a bit of variety to the composition, or it can even be placed anywhere else to set up a spatial audio arrangement of sorts. Another rectangular speaker block can even be added to the mix for an even louder and more distributed audio output.
What’s interesting about the Beat Bookends concept is that it isn’t limited to actually being used as bookends only. With a flexible building block concept, you can mix and match pieces and arrange the speakers in different ways, even if you don’t have books to stand on your desk or shelf. You can combine the speakers in more interesting arrangements to provide not only audio but also a bit of decoration on your desk, hitting two birds with a single stone.
Any time I’ve spent with my beloved cats is a core memory for me, and I absolutely love cuddling up with them, or playing random games with them! But in all honesty, I’m running out of ways to keep them busy, amused, and entertained. And you know, if your kitties are bored and restless for too long, they end up knocking down objects out of sheer spite and boredom. And if by any chance you’re pretty much in the same precarious situation as me and are always looking for new ways to keep your pet entertained, productive, and happy, then this collection of pet products promises to come to your rescue! From a modular pet-friendly sofa to a pet-friendly console – these product designs will take good care of your pet, and keep them active and content.
1. Quarter Sofa
Dubbed the Quarter Sofa, this modular and pet-friendly sofa is crafted from wood and fabrics. The sofa includes various modules in the shapes of squares and circles. The modules can be easily assembled and disassembled to build various intriguing and fun configurations.
Why is it noteworthy?
The configurations created can function as a fun and amusing playground for your cats. Your cats can easily move and jump around, and if you have multiple cats they can even play together.
What we like
You can rearrange the different modules to accommodate a variety of people
The hollow spaces can be used to hold and showcase items
What we dislike
If your cat pees or poops in the space, it can be tough to clean and access them
2. Waggin G1
Called the Waggin G1, and designed by Waggin – this unique product is a pet bike trailer and a backpack in one. The trailer is in fact attached to the backpack so it is quite easy to assemble and disassemble, and you can efficiently carry it around with you. The backpack also contains some storage space.
Why is it noteworthy?
The backpack can hold snacks and toys for your pet, or even your items. It can store your laptop, or even some books and notebooks if you need any on your outing.
What we like
You can easily and safely attach the trailer to your bike
What we dislike
It can only accommodate small to medium-sized pets, so you will need to look for another option for your bigger fur buddy
3. PAWaii Wireless Pet Water Fountain
Named the PAWaii Wireless Pet Water Fountain, this unique device keeps your pets hydrated at all times. It provides fresh water to your pets even if you’re home or not. It provides constant access to clean and filtered water, and it has a NSF-certified filter which reduces calcium and magnesium ions.
Why is it noteworthy?
The water fountain is equipped with UV sterilization and it kills any bacteria or microorganisms found in the water. It includes three modes that you can use, and you can use these modes at the same time as well. The modes are – regular mode, manual mode, and inductive mode.
What we like
Equipped with a water-electricity separation design and anti-slip silicone pad
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
4. UTSÅDD Collection
IKEA recently designed their UTSÅDD collection, which is designed to bring joy to felines and dogs, and to their parents as well. The collection includes 29 pieces, which were designed in consultation with veterinarians and pet product specialists. The products were also tested out on the actual users – the doggos and the cattos!
Why is it noteworthy?
The products are machine-washable, durable, dishwasher-safe, and water-repellant. They’re well-designed, and also pretty gentle and safe for pets. The collection includes soft toys for dogs, and a play tunnel for cats, as well as pet bowls, beds, and houses.
What we like
Features a clean and minimalist vibe
The products are not only fun but also useful
What we dislike
Some pieces are a bit expensive
5. Choo Choo Console
Named the Choo Choo console, this furniture design is much more than just a piece of decor, in fact, it can be used as a dedicated little spot for your pets. The design is made using natural materials like cane wedding and wood. It is created to enhance and elevate the connection between cats and humans.
Why is it noteworthy?
The console is a sleek and modern version of a bullet train. It has a hint of contemporary elegance and style to it, while also integrating a sense of efficiency and speed. The designer merged high-speed transportation with the arena of pet-friendly design.
What we like
Serves as a cozy and welcoming space for cats to rest, clean their paws and nails
What we dislike
Seems to be a bulky and space-consuming design that will occupy a lot of space
6. Sphericon Dog Chew Toy
Inspired by the intriguing world of geometry, this unique toy is called the Sphericon Dog Chew Toy. It is the perfect little toy to keep your doggo happy and distracted while adding an element of excitement and freshness to their daily playtime. It helps keep your pet entertained and happy!
Why is it noteworthy?
This chew toy is intended to be something new and novel in the field of canine entertainment. It is a solid object that features a continuous developable surface. And unlike most everyday toys, this sphericon has a distinctive shape that lets it roll around in a fascinating and captivating manner.
What we like
Brings a whole new dimension and element to your dog’s daily playtime
Can adapt to various play environments
What we dislike
It is small in size, so you need to make sure your doggo doesn’t misplace or lose it
7. Triangle Toy
Named the Triangle Toy, this innovative toy is designed to provide entertainment to your furry friends, while also functioning as a work of art. It is a one-of-a-kind pet toy that isn’t simply for playing with, but it can also offer an exciting visual experience which is inspired by nature.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Triangle Toy is designed to be creative and interesting. It is a canvas for the motifs of clouds, the sun, and the mountains. The mountains are represented by the triangular structure, while the rolling ball signifies the gentle flow of the clouds.
What we like
Besides being a creative pet toy, it also looks like a work of art that can enhance any space it is placed in
What we dislike
The toy is currently a concept, so we are unsure how well it will translate into an actual product
8. Dog Hut Desk
If you’re a pet owner, then the best kind of furniture for your home is furniture design that can be used by people and your pet! This creates a living situation that is enjoyable and engaging for pet owners and their pets, instilling and growing an emotional connected between the two. And the Dog Hut Desk is an excellent example of such a furniture design!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Dog Hut Desk is created to be a new nap spot for your doggo. It is a wooden desk design with a metallic U-leg on one end, and a small D-shaped bed for your doggo on the other end. You can work peacefully, while your doggo naps comfortably right beside you, allowing you both to spend some quality time together.
What we like
You can fit in a cushiony mattress on which your dog can lie down and relax
What we dislike
If your doggo is a bit rowdy and naughty, he may distract you while you’re working
9. ORo
Revealed at CES 2024 by Ogmen Robotics, this intelligent and super cool home robot is designed to be the ultimate playmate, guardian, and caretaker for your doggo. It looks like a robot on wheels dedicated to human use, but it in fact takes care of your beloved pet!
Why is it noteworthy?
It offers physical, mental, and emotional stimulation through various playful activities. Called ORo, this neat robot keeps an eye on your dog’s health, and can even discover when they are anxious or uneasy. ORo can also play some calming music to help them relax and destress.
What we like
You can train your dog using ORo through virtual training services and obedience games
What we dislike
We are unsure about how comfy dogs would feel with a robot, they could get aggressive or feel threatened by the presence
10. Clink Clicker
Called the Clink Clicker, this little device is ideal for your doggo’s training regime. It merges the clicking and the treats in one efficient device, so you only need to hold and use one device while conducting your dog’s training. Although it looks like your conventional clicker, it features a sliding mechanism for storing treats to utilize as a reward.
Why is it noteworthy?
Once your doggo’s training is done, you simply need to click the clicker, and your dog will come to you, and you can feed him the treat at once. The little space for the treats is a desiccant compartment keeping the snacks fresh even if you’re outdoors, and it gets kinda hot.
What we like
Makes your training session with your doggo easier and simpler
Saves time on the training process
What we dislike
The clicker is quite small and compact, so you need to make sure you don’t lose it
Whether you set up a home gym or have a gold membership at the fitness center down the street, you can always have a reason to skip the workout. But if you are among those who can skip a beat but not a session with the battle ropes; you would need the Z-Rope! A ropeless battle rope solution without the installation challenges, noise problems, and accessibility restrictions.
We come by hundreds of CrossFit accessories that vouch by their heart to assist you with full-body workout anywhere, any time. The new Z-Rope differs from them at the usability and functionality level. It’s highly portable, lightweight, and is an accessory that would let you indulge in high-intensity training in pin-drop silence. Just mind your breath, grunting, and foots taps, please!
It’s not easy to make space for fitness equipment in your apartment or carry all the routine accessories when you’re traveling for work or leisure. In either case you are deprived of choices and/or either have to settle for less or go without exercise. Z-Rope steps up as a solution worth considering for two reasons: it is a ropeless battle rope that fits conveniently in your backpack (measures 19×1.5 inches and weighs less than 2 pounds), and can let you workout like you would with battle ropes – without disruptive noises, furniture damage, or potential setup costs – at the convenience of the home or wherever your life takes you.
The Z-Rope is thus tailored for small spaces and gym enthusiasts who travel and find it difficult to get gyms with battle ropes in their locality. It enables the user to not only reap the benefits of battle rope workout, but the makers say, it can help them with 13+ workouts, including cardio and strength training at personal convenience. The full-power training with the ropeless battle rope can help, “effectively in building muscle, stamina, and endurance,” the makers note. For reference, 10 minutes of intense workout with the Z-Rope can provide cardiovascular benefits equivalent to an hour of tennis or 2 hours of running.
As for the design; the baton-like Z-Rope is highly durable. A pair features comfortable EVA foam handles attached to elastic springs. This design – without the ropes – mimics the wave movement of traditional battle ropes – operating almost noiselessly, so that you can exercise freely at home or in your hotel room late at night or in the early hours of the day. Like with the traditional battle ropes, the Z-Rope has been tested to not only help users with the strength training of arms and upper body, it also assists in toning the core muscles and provides strength and substance to the lower body through consistent use.
The Z-Rope is perfect for on-the-go workouts but also for compact homes where storing gym equipment becomes a bit of a hassle. Measuring just 19 inches long and weighing 900 grams (1.9 pounds), the Z-Rope unlocks a healthy lifestyle without the size, price, and commitment of a Peloton. The Z-Rope starts at just $144 and begins shipping as soon as May 2024.
You know you’re doing something right when Samsung ends up launching a product to compete with yours, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Apple plans on joining the category too. The smart ring market is seeing an undeniable rise for a bunch of reasons. Smart rings are classy, discreet, and don’t have too many components or requirements. You have ten fingers, so you can easily wear a smart ring along with your engagement ring or accessories (try wearing two watches and see people stare) and you can easily wear the ring while asleep too. Smartwatches walked so smart rings could run, and the latest runner to enter the marathon is the Kuura Ring – a sleek wearable that’s titanium on the outside, and sensors galore on the inside that tracks everything from your sleep to your stress levels and exercises. Like a fitness tracker but sleeker and frankly a little more convenient, the Kuura is yet another nail in the smartwatch coffin, affirming the fact that rings are, in fact, the future of the health wearable industry.
Move Smarter: your walks, runs, cycles and gym sessions and measure your heart rate, and recovery rates to plan your personal fitness goals.
The Kuura Ring looks like any minimalist metal ring, blending right in without necessarily looking tech-forward. A titanium outer shell comes in 3 colors – black, silver, and gold, while the inner surface of the ring is made from hypoallergenic epoxy, which hermetically seals all the electronics inside the ring giving it complete water resistance. The insides are lined with various sensors that can track body metrics from body temperature to heart rate and even blood oxygen, giving the Kuura Ring a wide variety of stats to help interpret different stages of your health. A 17.5mAh battery powers the entire wearable, giving it a solid week’s worth of usage so you don’t need to charge your ring every day like you would most fitness trackers.
Live Smarter: Get a clear picture of your health from over 20 biometric signals, including temperature to stress levels to help you live your best life each day.
The sensors within the Kuura capture your health in a holistic manner, working around the clock to give you stats across a variety of categories. A G-sensor captures movement, a heart-rate light reads your heart rate, HRV, and stress levels, a blood oxygen light does exactly what it says it does, and an infrared light detects when the ring’s worn, switching the wearable off when you take it off. Combined, these sensors are all the Kuura needs to analyze your well-being.
The ring does everything a fitness wearable does and maybe some more. It monitors your health, ensuring your heart rate isn’t too high or too low, captures your steps to see how much you’re moving in the day, uses a variety of stats to check your stress levels, tracks your workouts (ranging from a variety of workout styles), and at the end of the day, tracks your sleep cycle. The lack of a screen on the ring means all the data is sent to Kuura’s own smartphone app (it also means better battery performance) where you can access every single metric laid out in a well-designed UI. The app is your health dashboard, letting you see your progress as well as learn all your rooms for improvement, and even set fitness goals that you can aim for.
Sleep Smarter: Wake up to analysis about your deep sleep, light sleep & REM sleep to optimize your sleep schedules and rise feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
Different sections in the app provide their own detailed metrics. The sleep tracking page gives you a detailed analysis of your sleep across 4 stages – REM, restful sleep, light sleep, and wakefulness. The fitness tracker captures movement (distance and steps), duration of your workout, and even the kilocalories burned. The water-resistance allows you to even go swimming with your Kuura on. Finally, the overall health tracker looks at your heart rate, variability, body temperature, and stress levels to give you a score that helps you understand where you stand in your journey to a healthy life.
Available in 3 different colors, the Kuura Ring comes in 8 sizes that fit men and women of all ages and body types. Earlybird backers can grab the Kuura Ring for just $99, which also includes the ring’s contact-based charging cable, and the free Kuura smartphone app available on iOS and Android.
Google isn’t exactly known for its love of tablets. Android 3.0 Honeycomb was the first version to support large-screen devices, but it was mostly seen as a quick stopgap measure to curb the growing number of tablets modifying an experience that was meant for phones only (looking at you, Samsung and HTC). The release, however, was considered to be so rushed and so bad that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was released half a year later. Google didn’t seem keen to make its own Android tablets either, be it the old Nexus brand or the short-lived Pixel C, but that’s not to say its own fans haven’t been clamoring for an official Google tablet for years. That finally happened nearly a year ago with the Pixel Tablet, which painted this large device as something different from an iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab. Rather than launch a new Pixel Tablet 2 this year, however, Google is apparently making the rather unorthodox move of relaunching the existing model, and it seems like it will be a mixed bag based on what we’re hearing so far.
Designer: Google
Google Pixel Tablet: Design
The most important thing about this “relaunch” is that there is no word on any major internal or external changes to the Google Pixel, and that’s not entirely a bad thing. There are some whispers about a new and darker color option, but that seems unlikely at this point. The Pixel Tablet’s design is largely driven by Google’s vision of what the tablet really is for, which all boils down to a device that’s meant more to stay at home than accompany you wherever you go.
The Google Pixel Tablet’s aesthetics are simple, homey, and a bit traditional. Unlike the flat and sharp edges of the likes of the current Apple iPads, Google’s design has curved sides and a gentler demeanor. It’s not something you’ll flaunt outdoors but will be perfectly at home inside the house. That’s primarily because Google’s purpose for its tablet isn’t on-the-go productivity or entertainment but as pretty much a portable smart display for controlling your smart devices, making video calls, or playing music. The fact that you can only buy the Pixel Tablet with its charging speaker dock pretty much drives home that identity.
This will be the exact same Pixel Tablet that Google is said to be “relaunching” in just two weeks but with a slight twist. The accessories for the tablet are being changed, and this speaker charger will no longer be bundled with the Pixel Tablet by default. Although it’s only the accessory lineup that will change, it also subtly changes the message that the product will be sending. Strangely enough, the design will also remain the same, so it’s not a complete overhaul of its identity either.
Google Pixel Tablet: Specs and Software
We’re unlikely to see any internal changes either, which means we’ll be seeing the same 2022-era specs like a Tensor G2 processor and 8GB of RAM, for starters. Truth be told, the Pixel Tablet hardware was plenty fine for what it was made for and can even support a bit of gaming on the side. Whether that holds true in 2024 and beyond is a bit uncertain, however, especially with Google opening up the device to new use cases that may demand more from the hardware.
What is basically changing is that Google will no longer ship the Pixel Tablet with the Charging Speaker Dock, which has important ramifications as far as pricing goes. More importantly, however, it is rumored to introduce new accessories, namely an official Google stylus as well as a keyboard for the tablet, most likely a keyboard cover like those sold for the Galaxy Tab S9, for example. Unfortunately, there are no leaks on the design that these products will take, but given the design of the official Pixel Tablet Case, we’re expecting something that will match the tablet’s aesthetics as well.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Designer: Samsung
Of course, the Pixel Tablet has had support for a wide range of styluses implementing the USI 2.0 standard as well as the myriad Bluetooth keyboards in the market. But having Google’s official stamp pretty much sends the message that the Pixel Tablet is also good for creativity and productivity, whether it’s making art, scribbling notes, or typing documents. The keyboard case even makes a case (pun intended) for bringing it out of your home and setting up an ad hoc office in a cafe somewhere. The Pixel Tablet’s hardware could still be up to the task, but more resource-hungry apps could hit a wall easily with this configuration.
As for the software, the Pixel Tablet will still be running Android 14 by the time it launches, but we’re expecting to see more AI-related features drop through updates. Circle to Search, in particular, will be easier to do with a stylus, and Google’s NotebookLM AI-powered app will be more useful if you can quickly type with a keyboard. The Google Pixel Tablet will be growing up from being a homebody to a digital nomad, allowing you to enjoy and utilize Google’s services anywhere you go and on a larger screen.
Google Pixel Tablet: Price and Release Date
Google’s new pricing strategy will be a mixed bag. On the one hand, you will finally be able to buy a Pixel Tablet on its own without having the Charging Speaker Base forced on you. Presuming the standalone base still costs $129, then the solo Pixel Tablet could be made available for only $379, hopefully a bit lower. This makes the tablet more accessible, especially for people who have better-sounding speakers anyway.
On the other hand, all accessories will have to be purchased separately, and the price tags might be hard to swallow. According to the rumors, the Pixel stylus and keyboard could amount to around $100 each, setting you back $579 for the complete mobile office package. A total of $699 if you also want a home base at, well, home. Granted, the Apple Pencil is already $120, but that’s normal for an Apple product. One can only hope that these figures are ballpark estimates instead.
As for when all these will drop, signs point to a May 10 “relaunch” for the Pixel Tablet. That’s a pretty odd strategy given that Google I/O 2024 will be taking play on May 14. The only way this will make total sense is if there’s a new Pixel Tablet 2 or even Pixel Tablet Pro being announced there, but that will immediately make the Pixel Tablet relaunch dead on arrival unless the accessories are 100% compatible with the new Google tablet.
Google Pixel Tablet: Final Thoughts
Although it might not launch a new tablet, it’s actually encouraging to hear that Google is continuing to support its only tablet not just with software updates but new accessories as well. These are accessories it could have launched on day one, however, but that would have probably muddled the message it was trying to send. It tried to set the Pixel Tablet apart from the iPads and Galaxy Tabs of the market by focusing on its benefits at home. Now it’s sending a different message, one that says it’s finally safe to go out.
At the same time, however, it does make the Pixel Tablet feel old and stale, which is a bit worrying considering Google’s history with Android tablets. It won’t kill off its tablet line immediately, but not having an immediate successor makes one wonder if Google will simply milk the existing model dry and then call it quits. Then again, Google has also been notorious for killing off successful products after a few generations, so the Pixel Tablet’s fate will always be in the air anyway.
The COALAX LANCER 300 has redefined what it means to be a top-tier travel and photography backpack, seamlessly merging state-of-the-art features with meticulous design enhancements to cater to the modern adventurer and photographer. As a self-proclaimed bag enthusiast, my extensive collection ranges across backpacks, messengers, and travel luggage in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Yet, it wasn’t until I came across the LANCER 300 that I truly appreciated what an exoskeleton with a modular design, complemented by dual multi-angle selfie rocker-arms, could offer—a photographer’s dream for capturing moments effortlessly during rugged travels or in the quiet wilderness.
From the outset, the LANCER 300 impresses with its robust modular exoskeleton, providing unmatched adaptability and resilience. This allows photographers to tailor the compartments to fit a diverse array of equipment, from cameras and lenses to drones, while outdoor adventurers find its flexibility ideal for stowing varying gear like hydration packs and climbing ropes. The integration of dual multi-angle selfie rocker arms elevates its utility, enabling dynamic self-portraits and breathtaking panoramas without halting the journey. These arms, designed to withstand the elements with their waterproof build, cater to a wide range of devices, ensuring no memorable scene goes uncaptured.
Never miss a moment with the selfie-stick arm.
Enhancements in design from recent updates introduce an advanced modular system with increased customization capabilities, allowing even greater precision in configuring storage spaces to fit oversized camera bodies or additional personal gear. An innovative addition is the side flap for quick access to the backpack’s lower segment, which proves invaluable when quick retrieval of equipment is crucial, eliminating the hassle of rummaging through the top layers.
Further developments include a reinforced anti-theft system featuring cut-proof materials and strategically hidden zippers that offer an added layer of security, essential for protecting valuable equipment in high-risk areas. The ergonomic design, too, has seen improvements, with advanced lumbar support and a sophisticated strap adjustment system that enhances comfort and ensures even weight distribution during extended treks.
The bag doesn’t stop there; it incorporates a detachable power station extended by a solar panel, providing a sustainable source of energy to keep devices charged in the most remote locations. The commitment to security is robust, with lockable zippers and discreet compartments providing peace of mind. Practicality is woven into every aspect of its design, from quick-access pockets to dual-access points that allow for the easy retrieval of gear. A newly integrated LED lighting system in the main compartments ensures visibility in low-light conditions, proving indispensable for early morning or late evening shoots.
Constructed from eco-friendly materials, the brand’s commitment to sustainability is clear. It reduces environmental impact while ensuring durability for continuous, rugged use. A built-in weather cover quickly deploys to protect against sudden downpours or dusty trails, securing the backpack’s contents and providing reliability regardless of external conditions.
With each iteration, the LANCER 300 backpack adapts to meet its users’ challenging demands, integrating the latest technology and materials to deliver a more effective, secure, and comfortable experience. It stands as a sophisticated solution for anyone serious about their outdoor and photographic endeavors, blending advanced technology with thoughtful design to create a backpack that is as versatile as it is vital for the modern explorer.
One of the most annoying smells I can think of are clothes that dried indoors and did not get any air circulation. That musty smell can be suffocating, even if the clothes were actually cleaned upon washing. Those living in houses or condo units that do not have proper airing space for wet clothes may be familiar with this smell. But what if you can have a drying rack that not only helps your wet clothes dry but also add a pleasing scent to it even as it’s not actually aired outdoors?
Designer: Seungbin Lee
This is the idea behind Air Blossom, a concept for an air drying rack for those living in single households that don’t have proper air circulation. It lets your clothes dry while getting rid of the musky smell that comes from drying indoors through scent filters that are part of the drying process. Aside from this fragrant innovation, the rack can also turn into a display when not in use. Clothes drying on a rack are not the most aesthetically pleasing sight but afterwards, you can turn the rack into a piece of art in the background of your space.
On the surface, it looks like a folding table when not used for anything. When you unfold it and lock it down, it turns into an air drying rack that can is able to rotate your clothes as they dry. There is a filter on the side where you can put your preferred scent so your clothes will not have that dried inside musty smell. When you fold it up and want to use it as a display, the “blinds” close together to form a photo or a painting. It’s unclear if the image and the scent can be customized or if you have to choose from the different options available.
The photo renders show the air drying rack in different pastel colors so maybe you can choose from the one that can fit your home. As someone who lives alone and barely does any clothes washing but maybe still needs it every once in a while, something like this can come in handy.
When it comes to furniture and accessories, most people probably look for things that are functional rather than just decorative. Of course it would be nice if it can be both but for those that are more concerned about budget and usage, then the former is more important. But there are also products that serve more as decoration or art pieces that also has a secondary function as an actual piece of furniture or accessory that you can use.
The OBJ Collection from the Palais de Tokyo is one of those that are derivative products that look more like art pieces that belong in an actual museum. They were commissioned to present the essence of the modern and contemporary art museum into miniature artwork that can still serve some function if the user so wishes to use them. But their purpose or function are actually “open-ended” so it’s up to the user to use them whichever way they want, therefore making them part of the creative process.
For example, the travertine stairs sees several blocks put together as “stairs” so you can use them as a candle holder, bookends, or whatever else you can use it for. The Zinc container, which is made from actual zinc pipes, can serve as a flower vase, pen holder, or even just as a design for your desk if you’re into the aluminum aesthetic. There are other things in the collection like concrete columns, powder coated rod, and a stainless steel pin, which you can use whichever way you want.
The design company says that there are two levels of reading the objects in the OBJ Collection. The first is to your “memory of the place”, which probably means how you interacted with the artwork in the Palais de Tokyo. The second level is where the function of the object comes in. It would be interesting how they will actually be used by people who buy these artisanal pieces.
