Ultra-modular Pathfinder gaming mouse has 2,500+ configurations to satisfy every gamer out there

Finding a gaming mouse that can satisfy your every need is pretty hard. It all boils down to modularity and the level of customization the device offers. The best option that pros vouch for is the Mad Catz’s R.A.T. gaming mouse which comes with tons of options when it comes to customizability.

Orbital Works might have just come close to or even bettered this cult-favorite gaming peripheral. The budding startup founded by a group of engineers has developed the Pathfinder mouse that had arrived with the motive to satisfy every gamer out there. This high-performance gaming mouse comes with loads of options, so that every user is comfortable using it for extended periods.

Designer: Orbital Works

Pathfinder mouse is developed based on hundreds of hand scans and match analysis to make it feel like a second skin, sans any discomfort even after hours of use. According to the makers, this unleashes the true gaming potential and is a breath of fresh air in the peripheral space. The team invested two years in researching the best shape for a FPS mouse and three major grip points were identified when it comes to finger placement. These being the front, center and back along the length of the mouse. That’s why some gamers prefer the sculpted surface for precise control while others go for one having a flat surface for freedom of hand, wrist and finger movement.

The next step in development was to identify the areas where modularity would yield the best results. For this, the team worked with top FPS gamers and aimers. All this while maintaining lightweight aesthetics and design quality. The result is a mouse with over 2,500 possibilities of configuration. The main configurable elements of the device include a spacer to toggle the width and length, a hump adjustment element for comfortable palm contact and finger placement elements on both the left and right side.

For example, the hump-shaped attachments can have a low, medium, or high hump level. These can further be customized with the use of spacers. Makers claim that the modular mouse is rated for 20,000 cycles of changing shapes which is almost three years, 20 times a day. Practically that would make the mouse last for more than five years even with moderate and low cycle of changes every day. Of course, gamers are intrigued by the hardware prowess of any peripheral, hence, Pathfinder comes with Omron optical switches, a 4000Hz wireless receiver, and PixArt’s PAW3395 sensor.

Orbit Works Pathfinder modular mouse is currently in the prototype stage with parts developed using the 3D-printing technique. We can expect the final product to also come with high-grade 3D-printed parts that last for long. According to the pre-order portal, it will weigh just 53-59 grams +2 grams depending on the configuration chosen. Priced at $189, the modular mouse is the next big evolution in your gaming arsenal and we can’t wait to get hands on one. The Pathfinder mouse is slated to ship in late March 2025, and if you already like the idea, now is the time to get one as the pre-order window closes on 15 October.

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Artistic router concept opens like a folding fan based on the Wi-Fi strength

Being stuck at home for months on end has been an eye-opening experience for many people. For some, it revealed how little space we have at home, while others realized how they are ill-equipped to work at home. At the same time, many people have also become more aware of how the tools they use, especially consumer electronics, have aesthetic value that could either uplift their mood or burden their subconscious minds because of their designs. Wi-Fi routers, in particular, come in uninspiring or sometimes menacing designs that we often hide in corners or behind other objects that can actually negatively affect their performance. This router concept design tries to address that and other pain points with a design that turns a boring box into something like an art object that unfurls its beauty like a peacock when the Wi-Fi signal is strong.

Designer: Sunjin Na

Common home routers are simple boxes with one or two antenna rods sticking out from them. More powerful and sophisticated equipment, however, would have multiple antennas that transform the router into something like a robotic sci-fi creature. Unless you actually go for that kind of aesthetic, chances are you’ll be hiding the router from view. But if you’re not careful, that could actually affect the signal that it transmits. Additionally, you wouldn’t have any way of knowing whether the router itself is receiving a good Internet signal without looking at your phone’s Wi-Fi bar or some other app.

Blooming Out is a design concept that fixes those problems by making sure you wouldn’t want to hide the router in the first place. It gives the router a makeover that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It uses the concept of a folding fan that “blooms out” when the Wi-Fi signal is strong but retracts and folds in when it is weak. It’s not a binary state, though as the 29 fans can indicate the signal strength in between.

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The router also has visible antennas, but not in the design you’d normally expect. The three antennas stand together a bit off-center and can be rotated to maximize the spread of the signal. Because of this design, Blooming Out looks more like a peacock fanning out its tail in pride when it’s working in full force.

With this design, the Blooming out router concept becomes more than just a tool. It becomes an aesthetic object that adds visual value to any space, disguising its actual function without compromising its functionality. Of course, there could still be some technical drawbacks with this unconventional design, but it could be something that’s easily resolved with today’s technologies.

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HoloLens 2 discontinuation practically ends Microsoft’s Mixed Reality vision

There was a time, before today’s AI rush, when anyone and everyone seemed to be going all in on eXtended Reality or XR, the umbrella term for AR, VR, and mixed reality all smashed together. Now it seems that Meta and Apple, the latter with its self-branded “spatial computing” platform, are the only big players left in this field. HTC Vive, like its smartphones, has silently gone into the background, and Valve’s SteamVR and Index headset have taken a backseat to the Steam Deck. Now another big name in that is practically calling it quits, regardless of any lingering ties and commitments. Microsoft has reportedly discontinued its remaining mixed reality headset, the HoloLens 2, and in doing so puts the final nail in the coffin of a virtual experience that was already on life support for a long time.

Designer: Microsoft (via UploadVR)

It probably surprises no one that the HoloLens 2 is on its way out. It’s a five-year-old device that sported advanced features no one else had back in 2019 but has been surpassed by modern headsets since then. Without any successor, however, it’s clear that Microsoft has other plans, ones that no longer involved the enterprise, nor the mixed reality experience that it made available to the public.

Microsoft actually announced late last year that its Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) platform was being deprecated, so the writing has been on the wall ever since. This mixed reality platform, launched back in 2017, predated Apple’s visionOS but practically promised the same virtual computing experiences in real-world space. Of course, the technology back then wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to today’s Vision Pro, and Microsoft quickly learned that its HoloLens and WMR aren’t going to fly with consumers who can’t even afford the headset. It has, since then, pivoted to the enterprise market, targeting industrial and field workers, training scenarios, and the like.

According to the report, the HoloLens 2, the current and last iteration of that hardware, has gone out of production, so the moment supplies run out, that will be it for the headset. It will remain supported until December 2027, perhaps to honor Microsoft’s existing enterprise contracts. That said, it hasn’t completely turned its back on extended reality, but its focus will be on the militarization of the technology, which means custom experiences that won’t be available to the public. And that will last for only as long as the US Army is interested in that technology.

Microsoft’s exit from the XR market is perhaps yet another sign of this industry’s ailing health. Although the Apple Vision Pro generated plenty of hype, its prohibitive price tag has made it less of a commercial success. In the meantime, Meta more or less remains at the top and continues to try its luck with new designs that could bring this technology to even more people. Even Microsoft has put its XR eggs in the Quest basket, making its Office suite and Xbox Cloud Gaming available there, which in turn, made its own XR platform really pointless. But with even fewer stakeholders, XR runs the risk of becoming a monoculture where only one company dictates the kind of experiences you’ll have in the Metaverse and beyond.

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Stay Cool Anywhere With the Ultimate Portable Air Duster Fan for Any Adventure

Imagine being in the great outdoors, basking in nature’s beauty, but also sweating profusely and feeling sluggish under the oppressive sun. You might not believe it, but your body definitely feels both days and nights getting hotter. Portable fans are the rage these days, but many of them require you to carry large bottle-sized contraptions that sacrifice your comfort just to beat the heat. That’s where ZERA MAX comes in, a revolutionary portable air duster fan designed to keep you cool and comfortable no matter where your adventures take you. Meticulously crafted to seamlessly combine power, portability, and stunning design, this handheld turbine delivers the wind you need to keep cool and look cool anytime. Whether you’re an avid camper, a dedicated hiker, or someone just looking to conquer the summer heat, the ZERA MAX promises to bring indoor comfort to your outdoor experiences.

Designer: ZERA

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $159 (44% off). Hurry, deal ends soon! Raised over $106,000.

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What sets the ZERA MAX apart at first glance is its sleek, ergonomic, and pocket-sized design. Crafted from aluminum alloy, this fan is lightweight yet incredibly durable, making it an indispensable companion for any outdoor activity. Its modern and minimalist aesthetic is a visual delight, ensuring it doesn’t just function well but looks good doing it. The convenience of its compact build cannot be overstated – you can effortlessly slip it into your backpack, hiking gear, or beach bag, giving you the freedom to carry it wherever you go, unlike other fans that are as large as water bottles. This blend of style and practicality ensures that relief from the heat is always within arm’s reach.

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The relief is delivered by a small yet powerful wind turbine with a top speed of 150,000 rpm. With a simple sliding button, you can customize the speed that you need, whether it’s a gentle breeze for a mellow afternoon or a strong gust to keep the sweltering midday heat at bay. All the information you need is available at a glance on the handle’s digital display, whether it’s battery charge or speed. It’s these thoughtful features that distinguish the ZERA MAX as a versatile tool, perfect for any situation you might find yourself in.

But the ZERA MAX isn’t just a fan – it’s a powerhouse of functionality. Picture this: you’ve just reached your camping spot, and with a quick switch, your fan doubles as an air duster to swiftly blow away dirt from your equipment. It’s a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts who often have to deal with dusty environments and gear. It can also function as a vacuum, an air mattress and ball inflator, an eyeglasses cleaner, and more. All these functions are made possible with a variety of interchangeable nozzles that quickly snap and stay on thanks to a strong rare-earth magnet on the fan’s nose. These features are not just convenient but essential, ensuring your gear stays clean and functional, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure.

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With such a powerful wind turbine in your pocket, the last thing you’d want is for your portable air duster fan to die after just half an hour of use. Thanks to a large 4,000mAh battery in the handle, that’s never a worry and you can enjoy a comfortable breeze for up to 3 hours. And when it does come to juice up the ZERA MAX, its fast USB-C charging makes sure you’ll be up and ready again in no time. It is designed to keep up with your energetic lifestyle, providing uninterrupted comfort throughout your outdoor excursions. With its harmonious fusion of innovative design, exceptional functionality, and versatile adaptability, this handheld wind turbine redefines what a portable fan can be. Whether you’re embracing the outdoors, trying to survive a hot day, setting up a mattress, or simply cleaning your laptop, the ZERA MAX is ready to revolutionize your adventures, wherever the wind blows, especially if the wind isn’t blowing at all.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $159 (44% off). Hurry, deal ends soon! Raised over $106,000.

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Key-bowed hybrid violin and keyboard synthesizer produces pure musical joy

Of the many creative endeavors, music is probably one of the hardest to learn and practice. And of the well-known musical instruments, the violin is one of the hardest to play. But what if you can play the violin or some semblance of the instrument as easily as you could press down keys on a piano? And what if that produced the unique tonal quality of a violin while still hitting all the right notes perfectly? That’s the kind of musical experience that this DIY synthesizer offers, combining two classical instruments in a single form that might leave you confused with one hand playing the keyboard and the other playing the violin.

Designer: Washiyama Giken

Electronic keyboards can try to mimic the sounds of different musical instruments, but they don’t always work. They can’t, for example, reproduce the unique vibrating quality of the violin family, which at the very least would require some physical medium to produce that kind of sound. Conversely, violins are hard to master because you need to also move the bow at a very precise location to hit the right pitch, and that location isn’t marked like on a guitar.

Key-bowed, which is a very creative name, tries to combine the strengths of both the keyboard and the violin with very few of the flaws. It’s actually an idea decades in the making, but it’s finally possible to pull it off thanks to modern technologies and hardware. The synthesizer combines a Roland K-25m keyboard, an Arduino Uno R4 minima controller, and a self-made bowing sensor with a vertical acrylic plate. Of course, the assembly also requires some programming know-how, especially when dealing with sound waves.

Despite the complexity of the build, using the Key-bowed looks pretty simple, at least for the musically inclined. You simply hit the keys with one hand to produce music like on a regular keyboard or piano, and then you use the other hand to move the bow across the acrylic plate as you would with a violin. The vibrations on the plate are detected by the sensor and then transformed into waves that modify the note that’s produced, resulting in a very realistic recreation of a violin sound, with perfect pitch, and without the screeches. You can even pluck the plate and make it sound like you’re really plucking a string.

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Key-bowed is definitely a work of genius that makes playing music both fun and enchanting. It still requires you to have some basic music knowledge, of course, but it makes the execution less daunting, especially if you’ve always dreamed of playing the violin. Of course, there are limits to the music you can play, since you’re technically producing notes with only one hand, and the design is made for those who hold the violin bow with their right hand. Nonetheless, it still creates a captivating experience, and hopefully, it can become a commercial product that will let everyone enjoy that experience as well.

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Top 10 Transparent Tech Gear That Truly Showcase The Minimalist Magic Of See-Through Design

Transparent tech designs seem to be taking the world by storm. They make a powerful yet simple statement by combining functionality with a futuristic and aesthetic appeal. These innovative designs offer users an opportunity to observe and appreciate the innards and intricate mechanisms of their favorite devices. Transparent designs unveil their inner workings to users and buyers, creating an atmosphere of openness and honesty. We’ve curated a collection of stunning and super functional transparent tech designs that are a true celebration of minimalism and clarity. From a transparent Gameboy version to a transparent variant of Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses – these products truly showcase the magic of see-through design.

1. Transparent Game Boy

Designed by LFD Official, this conceptual Game Boy design is an ultra-advanced gaming accessory. It is designed to cater to your indoor and outdoor gaming needs, without any restrictions, allowing you to play on the native small screen or a bigger one. And it is transparent It includes an integrated mini projector, which can be removed and placed to project on any room wall, outdoor tent, or more.

2. Ghost Cipher Special Edition Gamepad

The Ghost Cipher Special Edition gamepad features an intriguing transparent outer shell, which exposes all the innards in their real form while showcasing the working dynamics. The see-through aesthetics are contrasted by a silver interior, grey joysticks, and bronze accents on the triggers and D-pad, creating a futuristic and dynamic appeal. The buttons and Xbox logo are white, adding a sophisticated vibe to the design.

3. Meta Ray-Ban Limited Edition Transparent Wayfarer

Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses are the ultimate combination of fashion and meet – a classic style is elevated with advanced smart features. Recently Ray-Ban and Meta introduced the new Shiny Transparent Wayfarer, which features exposed innards and Clear to Sapphire Transition lenses. This new and improved model truly tests and pushes the boundaries of what smart glasses can look like.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad Transparent Display Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkPad Transparent Display Laptop is the world’s first laptop with a 17.3-inch Micro LED transparent display. It is a concept product that is truly mesmerizing to look at, and you can see the applications windows and their contents very clearly, while still viewing what’s behind the screen. Only some parts of the screen become “opaque” when displaying something, while the rest stays fully transparent!

5. LG SIGNATURE OLED T

LG’s SIGNATURE OLED T is the world’s first wireless transparent 4K OLED TV. The screen gets entirely covered and lit up with vibrant pictures, fluid animations, and ecstatic images, completely concealing what’s behind those parts, while retaining transparency in the areas without images. The TV blends with the background, once you’re done watching, allowing it to merge with your home.

6. Jetstream Loudspeaker

The Jetstream loudspeaker looks more like an art piece than a speaker. It is made using transparent acrylic for the horn, and it is blown up to human-sized proportions. It serves as a distinctive and one-of-a-kind speaker, giving the impression that the drive unit is floating in mid-air. The speaker resembles the sonic boom traces left by a high-speed jet when it is seen from the side, making it a truly unique piece.

7. Harman Kardon Gramophone Mini Speaker Concept

Designed by Wagner Pozebon, this speaker design is the perfect epitome of minimalism, combined with the spirit of the good old gramophone, while also incorporating a modern and contemporary design aesthetic. The versatile wireless speaker features a translucent body that mimics the classic gramophone’s contours. The amplification of the speaker is right on point delivering encapsulating audio from the soundbox.

8. Nothing Bass (1) Speaker

Named the Nothing Bass (1), this portable speaker is designed in Black or White color, making it an excellent conversation starter for a house party. The speaker pairs up with the power of LED lighting, which syncs perfectly to the rhythm of beats, ensuring the device captures everyone’s attention. The speaker’s cone is transparent, protecting the innards from the outside elements. The appeal of the speaker is pretty classy, and it will elevate the vibe of any living room.

9. Apple Clear Series

Named the Apple Clear Series, this concept design recreates popular Apple products with transparent aesthetics, giving them a cool see-through vibe. The AirPods Max Clear are super cool transparent cans with the rear portion of the earcups exposed.  While the AirPods Pro Clear seems to be inspired by Beats, and the Apple Watch Ultra Clear features a transparent shell, and a rubber strap in a see-through material.

10. Transparent Turntable

Stockholm-based Transparent has released a turntable, which is truly quite stunning. It features a transparent tempered glass cover on top of an aluminum body, which has been meticulously crafted. It is available in black and white and equipped with a preinstalled Elliptical Diamond Ortofon OM Stylus 5E which delivers rich and top-notch sound quality. You can replace it with a fancier stylus model as well if you prefer.

The post Top 10 Transparent Tech Gear That Truly Showcase The Minimalist Magic Of See-Through Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Transparent Tech Gear That Truly Showcase The Minimalist Magic Of See-Through Design

Transparent tech designs seem to be taking the world by storm. They make a powerful yet simple statement by combining functionality with a futuristic and aesthetic appeal. These innovative designs offer users an opportunity to observe and appreciate the innards and intricate mechanisms of their favorite devices. Transparent designs unveil their inner workings to users and buyers, creating an atmosphere of openness and honesty. We’ve curated a collection of stunning and super functional transparent tech designs that are a true celebration of minimalism and clarity. From a transparent Gameboy version to a transparent variant of Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses – these products truly showcase the magic of see-through design.

1. Transparent Game Boy

Designed by LFD Official, this conceptual Game Boy design is an ultra-advanced gaming accessory. It is designed to cater to your indoor and outdoor gaming needs, without any restrictions, allowing you to play on the native small screen or a bigger one. And it is transparent It includes an integrated mini projector, which can be removed and placed to project on any room wall, outdoor tent, or more.

2. Ghost Cipher Special Edition Gamepad

The Ghost Cipher Special Edition gamepad features an intriguing transparent outer shell, which exposes all the innards in their real form while showcasing the working dynamics. The see-through aesthetics are contrasted by a silver interior, grey joysticks, and bronze accents on the triggers and D-pad, creating a futuristic and dynamic appeal. The buttons and Xbox logo are white, adding a sophisticated vibe to the design.

3. Meta Ray-Ban Limited Edition Transparent Wayfarer

Ray-Ban’s Meta Wayfarer glasses are the ultimate combination of fashion and meet – a classic style is elevated with advanced smart features. Recently Ray-Ban and Meta introduced the new Shiny Transparent Wayfarer, which features exposed innards and Clear to Sapphire Transition lenses. This new and improved model truly tests and pushes the boundaries of what smart glasses can look like.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad Transparent Display Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkPad Transparent Display Laptop is the world’s first laptop with a 17.3-inch Micro LED transparent display. It is a concept product that is truly mesmerizing to look at, and you can see the applications windows and their contents very clearly, while still viewing what’s behind the screen. Only some parts of the screen become “opaque” when displaying something, while the rest stays fully transparent!

5. LG SIGNATURE OLED T

LG’s SIGNATURE OLED T is the world’s first wireless transparent 4K OLED TV. The screen gets entirely covered and lit up with vibrant pictures, fluid animations, and ecstatic images, completely concealing what’s behind those parts, while retaining transparency in the areas without images. The TV blends with the background, once you’re done watching, allowing it to merge with your home.

6. Jetstream Loudspeaker

The Jetstream loudspeaker looks more like an art piece than a speaker. It is made using transparent acrylic for the horn, and it is blown up to human-sized proportions. It serves as a distinctive and one-of-a-kind speaker, giving the impression that the drive unit is floating in mid-air. The speaker resembles the sonic boom traces left by a high-speed jet when it is seen from the side, making it a truly unique piece.

7. Harman Kardon Gramophone Mini Speaker Concept

Designed by Wagner Pozebon, this speaker design is the perfect epitome of minimalism, combined with the spirit of the good old gramophone, while also incorporating a modern and contemporary design aesthetic. The versatile wireless speaker features a translucent body that mimics the classic gramophone’s contours. The amplification of the speaker is right on point delivering encapsulating audio from the soundbox.

8. Nothing Bass (1) Speaker

Named the Nothing Bass (1), this portable speaker is designed in Black or White color, making it an excellent conversation starter for a house party. The speaker pairs up with the power of LED lighting, which syncs perfectly to the rhythm of beats, ensuring the device captures everyone’s attention. The speaker’s cone is transparent, protecting the innards from the outside elements. The appeal of the speaker is pretty classy, and it will elevate the vibe of any living room.

9. Apple Clear Series

Named the Apple Clear Series, this concept design recreates popular Apple products with transparent aesthetics, giving them a cool see-through vibe. The AirPods Max Clear are super cool transparent cans with the rear portion of the earcups exposed.  While the AirPods Pro Clear seems to be inspired by Beats, and the Apple Watch Ultra Clear features a transparent shell, and a rubber strap in a see-through material.

10. Transparent Turntable

Stockholm-based Transparent has released a turntable, which is truly quite stunning. It features a transparent tempered glass cover on top of an aluminum body, which has been meticulously crafted. It is available in black and white and equipped with a preinstalled Elliptical Diamond Ortofon OM Stylus 5E which delivers rich and top-notch sound quality. You can replace it with a fancier stylus model as well if you prefer.

The post Top 10 Transparent Tech Gear That Truly Showcase The Minimalist Magic Of See-Through Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Custom Balrog and Gandalf Keycaps give your Mechanical Keyboard a LOTR Middle-Age facelift

Few moments in fantasy history are as iconic as Gandalf’s showdown with the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. Now, thanks to a collaboration between Drop and The Lord of the Rings, this epic clash has been immortalized in a way that combines fandom with functionality. The Balrog and Mithrandir Artisan Keycap and Spacebar set offers a chance to bring the magic of Middle-earth to your fingertips, and it’s more than just a collector’s item. It’s a fusion of premium craftsmanship, stunning design, and technical precision that adds a touch of the fantastical to your everyday typing experience.

Designer: Dwarf Factory for Drop

Crafted by Dwarf Factory, each piece is an artisan masterpiece in resin, featuring rich details that evoke the essence of these legendary characters. The Balrog, with its fiery menace and aggressive stance, looks ready to engulf your entire keyboard, while Mithrandir stands resolute, channeling his defiant power just as he did when facing the beast. The level of detail is extraordinary—from the flame-like textures on the Balrog to the serene yet powerful expression of Gandalf, these keycaps are tiny works of art. Available in a 1u size for both characters, and with the Balrog also available as a 6.25u spacebar, these keycaps not only add visual impact but are also fully functional. They integrate smoothly with Cherry MX switches and clones, making them a natural fit for most mechanical keyboards.

The 1u Balrog keycap is nothing short of a fiery masterpiece. Designed to reflect the raw power and menacing presence of Durin’s Bane, it features intricate detailing that brings the dark, fiery creature to life. With its flame-engulfed body and haunting expression, the keycap feels like it’s radiating heat right off your keyboard. The resin material used for the keycap captures the vivid colors of fire, from the burning red to deep molten black, creating a striking visual contrast that mirrors the Balrog’s destructive force. Every angle of this 1u keycap has been meticulously designed to showcase the Balrog’s fearsome nature, making it a perfect choice for those looking to add an element of danger and mystery to their keyboard setup. It fits comfortably on any Cherry MX switch or clone, ensuring that it’s as functional as it is eye-catching.

Mithrandir, or Gandalf, takes center stage in the second 1u keycap, offering a calm but powerful contrast to the Balrog. In this design, Gandalf is depicted in his role as the Grey Pilgrim, holding his staff and ready to face down the ancient evil with the iconic line, “You shall not pass!” The keycap perfectly captures the quiet strength and wisdom that defines the wizard, with intricate detailing in his robes and an expression of calm determination. Crafted in resin, the Mithrandir keycap offers a more subtle aesthetic compared to the fiery Balrog, but its craftsmanship is no less impressive. The muted grey tones and flowing details create a sense of movement, almost as if Gandalf himself is preparing to strike. This keycap serves as a symbol of resilience and courage, and for fans of The Lord of the Rings, it’s a meaningful reminder of Gandalf’s pivotal role in the story.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the 6.25u Balrog spacebar. A true showstopper, this spacebar turns your keyboard into a battleground between the Maiar. Unlike the 1u keycap, the spacebar offers a wider canvas, allowing for even more detail in the Balrog’s fiery design. The flames stretch across the length of the spacebar, creating a dramatic scene that feels like it’s pulled straight from the depths of Moria that comes to life with the backlight switched on. The spacebar also features subtle texturing that mimics the rugged look of stone, further emphasizing the destructive force of the Balrog. With its large profile and vivid design, this spacebar commands attention and becomes the focal point of any keyboard. And, like the other keycaps in the set, it’s compatible with Cherry MX switches, ensuring that your epic setup doesn’t sacrifice functionality for style.

The custom-made keycaps are the perfect combination of nostalgia and utility, seamlessly blending a piece of Tolkien’s world into your everyday life. Whether you’re aligning yourself with the fiery might of the Balrog or the steadfast courage of Mithrandir, these keycaps turn your keyboard into a mini piece of Middle-earth. And with their high-quality resin construction, you can trust that they’re built to last, no matter how epic your typing battles become.

Priced at $49, a notable drop from its original $65, the Balrog and Mithrandir Artisan Keycap and Spacebar set is available for pre-order now, with an estimated shipping date of February 10, 2025.

The post Custom Balrog and Gandalf Keycaps give your Mechanical Keyboard a LOTR Middle-Age facelift first appeared on Yanko Design.

The 10 Best Tech Gadgets Of August 2024

August 2024 brought a whole bunch of innovative gadgets to us – unique designs that merge cutting-edge technology with everyday convenience. These groundbreaking designs intend to elevate our daily productivity, streamline our tedious tasks, and enhance our digital experience. From a Nokia phone concept with a pill-shaped form to a Tri-Fold smartphone from Huawei – we’ve curated a collection of 10 best tech gadgets for you! If you’re a tech lover exploring innovations, or someone who simply wants to elevate their tech gear – these exceptional gadgets will surely impress and inspire you.

1. Nokia Infinity Pro

Named the Nokia Infinity Pro, this unique phone concept features a thin pill-shaped design, which challenges the conventional ‘candy bar’ form factor of smartphones. It looks like an intriguing cross between a foldable clamshell and a smartwatch. It has a curvaceous form which fits snugly in your hand.

Why is it noteworthy?

The screen covers the phone’s front, not simply the rectangular sector. The back of the phone is equipped with two circular mounds, opposite to one another. One mound is essentially a dual-camera system, while the second is a circular display.

What we like

  • The circular display offers access to important controls and notifications even if the phone is placed down

What we dislike

  • Putting the phone face down often could scratch the screen
  • We don’t know which UI elements can be used at the top and bottom of the screen since most platforms are designed for rectangular screens

2. Huawei Tri-Fold Phone

This Tri-Fold smartphone was spotted in the hands of the Huawei CEO, and it may end up becoming a reality. The phone was seen recently, and it is quite a strange one. It is foldable, but unlike typical flip or fold phones, it features three panels with two hinges.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is called the Tri-Fold, and it got quite a bit of coverage and attention on the internet. People have been guessing tech specs and launch dates, and someone even speculated a price of USD 4000. It is essentially a single display zigzagging from the front to the side, forming three screen panels.

What we like

  • It is impressively thin

What we dislike

  • Doesnt seem like there can be a case or screen guard for the phone
  • The phone isn’t available in the market yet, it is currently all speculations

3. Battery-Free Amplifying Speakers

Dubbed the Battery-Free Amplifying Speakers, these one-of-a-kind speakers are portable and battery-free. They are built from metal and are blessed with sleek good looks and amped functionality. They are intended to be a refreshing version of the conventional no-power smartphone speaker.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179

Why is it noteworthy?

They’re made from Duralumin – an aluminum alloy used in aviation and aerospace industries, as it is equipped with vibration-resistant properties. All you need to do is place the smartphone into the speaker and let the sound envelop the room and you.

What we like

  • The speakers are power-free
  • Sleek and minimal good looks

What we dislike

  • They don’t pair well with bulky smartphone covers and cases

4. Transparent Gameboy

Designed by LFD Official, this conceptual Gameboy design is an ultra-advanced gaming accessory. It is designed to cater to your gaming needs both indoors and outdoors, without any restrictions, allowing you to play on the native small screen or a bigger one. And it is transparent!

Why is it noteworthy?

The transparent Gameboy includes an integrated mini projector, which can be removed and placed to project on any room wall, outdoor tent, or more. This projector allows the gameplay output to be switched, letting you play the game on a larger surface whenever you feel like it.

What we like

  • Transparent aesthetics
  • Bigger display with minimal bezels

What we dislike

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

5. Woojer Edge

Say hello to the Woojer Edge, it is designed to provide an immersive experience that lets you feel sound! Irrespective if you’re listening to music, gaming, or watching a movie, Woojer Edge will provide you with the ultimate immersive audio experience. It lets you feel sound like never before with a built-in aptX Low Latency Bluetooth 5.0 and analog headphone amplifier.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Woojer Edge series includes a Strap Edge for gamers, and on-the-go music lovers, and a Vest Edge designed for VR, gaming, audio professionals, and music producers.

What we like

  • Made using high-end breathable fabrics
  • It has powerful and accurate, hi-res haptic feedback

What we dislike

  • The vest can be a bit cumbersome and uncomfortable when users are seated

6. ChopBox

chopbox1

Meet the Chopbox – it is a smart chopping board with a bunch of unique features! It can kill germs on your cooking tools and kitchen space. You can rid your kitchen counter of clutter, and the extra kitchen accessories using this innovative kitchen appliance. Chopbox features a built-in disinfecting UVC light, letting you clean your knives and cutting surfaces.

Why is it noteworthy?

You need to place your knife in between two cutting surfaces and activate the small 254nm UVC light which can clean up to 3 knives in one go. The UVC light is guaranteed to kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria, and it is 100% safe for humans to be around this light.

What we like

  • No negative side effects from the UVC light
  • You can replace the main cutting surface when needed

What we dislike

  • You cannot put it in the dishwasher, as the heat can damage the appliance

7. Omni

Dubbed the “next-generation smart speaker concept”, this is the Omni. Omni is amped with a voice-enabled assistant, and it enables users to employ voice control to handle home appliances with ease and efficiency. The speaker is intended for indoor use only, and it allows you to listen to different music in any room of your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can connect multiple devices in different rooms, and control them using Omni, without moving even a bit. The Omni smart speaker makes every voice command “straightforward and responsive”, allowing you to easily use it.

What we like

  • Lets you connect multiple devices
  • Makes giving commands super easy

What we dislike

  • It is a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product

8. nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version

The nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version – an overclocked version of the flagship chip everyone is currently using. They’ve essentially taken a pretty powerful chipset, and dialed it up to 11, allowing it to give most tasks an additional boost, especially gaming.

Why is it noteworthy?

It has some impressive numbers in benchmark tests, and it can handle tasks with ease, especially mobile games. It also doesn’t get bothered when handling image and video processing in real time.

What we like

  • Unique and quirky design
  • Exceptional camera output

What we dislike

  • There is no wireless charging
  • The phone gets a little too warm during graphic-intensive tasks like gaming

9. JMGO N1 Ultra

Say hello to the JMGO N1 Ultra – the projector that’s designed to be one step closer to perfection. It features modularized laser stacking, quad layered diffuser system, and dynamic light speckle reducer technology. It also has an integrated gimbal design, that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features JMGO’s LSR technology, providing a 96% speckle reduction, which delivers stunning and crisp visuals. You can enjoy an immersive viewing experience that will feel completely natural and comfortable.

What we like

  • Fine-tunes your projection angles accurately
  • Provides an elevated viewing experience from any angle

What we dislike

  • Only connects for Wi-Fi streaming, no Ethernet

10. Superscreen

Say hello to Superscreen – it offers you the benefits and perks of a tablet with the power and convenience of your smartphone. It is an HD display that wirelessly transmits your mobile device, allowing you to see and engage with your smartphone content at a larger scale. It wirelessly upgrades your phone to a full-sized touch-screen display.

Why is it noteworthy?

Superscreen provides you with a new and refreshing way to experience the digital world you usually witness on your phone. It can do everything a tablet can, as well as everything your phone can do in a good-looking form which is also quite affordable.

What we like

  • Scales your content in full HD so nothing gets stretched or blurred
  • It is faster than Wi-Fi in transferring data

What we dislike

  • Your phone screen needs to stay on, draining its battery faster

The post The 10 Best Tech Gadgets Of August 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

VocaEase 360° MagSafe AI Translation Ring Revolutionizes Global Communication

The Internet has made the world a smaller place, but it hasn’t completely taken down the language barriers that divide us. Translation services, both traditional and those now powered by AI try to bridge those gaps, but many of them require fumbling with apps on phones or computers. With more people from around the globe now communicating with each other, whether online or in person, we need a translation tool that isn’t just instant and seamless but also integrates with our modern lifestyles. That’s the value that VocaEase is bringing to the table, offering a slim and compact AI-powered translation device that easily snaps to the back of your phone, translating more than 138 languages with just a press of a button.

Designers: Louis Yan, Roger Law and Linko

Click Here to Buy Now: $79 $139 ($60 off). Hurry, only 8/200 left! Raised over $37,000.

Anyone who has worked with languages will know that supporting 138 languages is no easy feat, especially when it also takes into account regional dialects and local expressions. Thanks to ChatGPT, that’s exactly what VocaEase does, providing the speed and accuracy you need to hold a conversation in another language in real time. Whether you’re making friends in other countries, holding an international business meeting, or simply enjoying videos or music in other lanugages, this comprehensive linguistic tool has all your language bases covered.

VocaEase isn’t just some voice translation gadget, though. It can work in different modes, handle languages in different formats, and meet the needs of anyone dealing with both spoken and written languages. Voice and Video Call translation enables smooth-flowing and natural conversations that are automatically transcribed and translated into subtitles. Cross-App translation covers your social media needs, translating text and voice messages with a super-fast 0.5-second response time. VocaEase can also record and translate meeting transcripts that you can share with other people in the team. And with Dialogue Translation, you don’t even have to press the ring’s button and simply touch the voice button on the screen for that same convenient and speedy translation.

Best of all, you don’t have to bring a bulky and blocky recorder to enjoy all these features. VocaEase comes in the form of a thin magnetic ring that you can stick on the back of phones or even laptops. Constructed using lightweight aluminum alloy, the resilient yet elegant ring can turn 360 degrees to provide your phone with a reliable grip or a stand for watching videos or doing voice calls, maybe in other languages as well. It also boasts an impressive battery life and a 10-minute charge is enough to last up to 30 days on standby.

Say goodbye to the days of manually copying and pasting text between apps or carrying and fumbling with a separate device just for translations. Powered by ChatGPT AI and supporting over 138 languages, this linguistic tool offers fast and accurate translations that keep the conversation flowing. Whether for business, travel, education, or fun, the VocaEase 360° MagSafe AI Translation Ring not only brings people closer together but also delivers a stylish and versatile accessory for your smartphone.

Click Here to Buy Now: $79 $139 ($60 off). Hurry, only 8/200 left! Raised over $37,000.

The post VocaEase 360° MagSafe AI Translation Ring Revolutionizes Global Communication first appeared on Yanko Design.