Tag Archives: Technology

The 10 Best Tech Gadgets Of August 2024

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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.

Top 10 Designs Inspired by Nothing’s Minimalist Aesthetic That We Want To See On The Market

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In today’s world, tech tends to run complex rather than simple, and this is where the brand ‘Nothing’ has been marking its presence, and distinguishing itself. Founded in 2020 by Carl Pei, Nothing has adopted a refreshing design philosophy that focuses on transparency, minimalism, and a seamless user experience. Nothing’s flagship products merge a distinctive aesthetic with innovative functionality, and they are a source of major inspiration for the design and tech community. Conceptual designs centered around Nothing’s approach and philosophy are currently running rampant on the internet, and we’ve curated some of our favorites. We hope to see these concepts as real tangible Nothing products someday!

1. Nothing x AIAIAI Headphones

Called the Nothing x AIAIAI Headphones, this cool concept perfectly represents how two companies’ visions can be combined to create one functional and good-looking product. The headphones incorporate individual details like the AirPods Max, but they also retain the transparent beauty of Nothing. The accessory is built of modular parts that can be replaced and swapped as needed.

2. Nothing Power Bank

Dubbed the Nothing power bank, this handy little gadget is the perfect companion for your jet-setting adventures. It boasts a transparent aesthetic, which showcases the innards in all their glory. The insides are illuminated with little warm-toned LEDs, which provide the design with a futuristic and Cyberpunkish aesthetic, on the inside and out. It is designed to complement the Nothing Phone (2), making it a great fit for Nothing’s growing line of products.

3. Nothing Phone (3)

Designed by AndroidLeo as a visual exercise, the Nothing Phone (3) is a deeper refinement of Nothing’s iconic style. The Glyph interface’s shape has been modified, without compromising on the character. The Glyph has an O-shaped arc, placed around the wireless charging coils, as well as inside them. The camera is equipped with a redesigned LED array and a 3-lens setup, while the phone features an almost clover-meets-fidget-spinner type layout.

4. Nothing CMF Speaker

This conceptual CMF speaker breaks the conventional of a typical portable speaker design, and it merges function and form beautifully. The speaker displays the playback information including Albumart, now playing controls, and track selection buttons on the touchscreen. It has a Bluetooth toggle and volume knob on one side. A frosted cover panel maintains a semi-transparent surface on the innards, while a USB-C charging port is placed on the rear section to ensure visual integrity.

5. Head.Phone (1)

Dubbed Head.Phone (1), these conceptual headphones use the Glyph interface pretty smartly. The Glyph is physically moving, and it can be customized to send cool messages to the on-lookers. It offers a more aggressive appearance, and the texture is pretty cool too. The materials have an impressive color and finish, accentuated by the right detailing in the right places. Transparent design elements have been incorporated, retaining the typical DNA of the brand.

6. Nothing Bass (1)

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.

7. Nothing Sound (1)

Named the Nothing Sound (1), this portable speaker has a fantastic visual design language inspired by Nothing. It has the style that a real Nothing portable speaker would adopt. It is a fashion accessory designed for home and outdoor use, and it is also pretty practical as well. It is designed to be portable, and easy to use, and is a refreshing change from the typical portable speakers we often find on the market.

8. The Nokia N90 x Nothing Concept

This conceptual design gives the outdated Nokia N90 design a whole new makeover. It borrows inspo from Nothing’s iconic translucent glass design and focuses on three important concepts: mechanical precision, the spirit of exploration, and a minimalist design language. The phone adopts a clean and minimal appearance, ensuring the details are focused only on the essentials while ditching the noisy details that were often seen in Nokia’s design language.

9. Nothing Npod (1)

Named the Nothing Npod (1), this resurrected iPod by Shreyansh Onial and Aditya Pandharpure draws inspiration from Apple’s iPod Shuffle, and Nothing’s iconic transparent aesthetic and glyph interaction. The Npod (1) features a signature control panel on the front, while a matching circular glyph interface is placed on the back. This innovative product is the perfect mix of tech and nostalgia and could be a unique undertaking for Nothing.

10. Nothing headset (1)

The Nothing headset (1) concept is designed to deliver high-fidelity audio right to your ears. It has a detachable amplifier to amp the quality as and when needed. You simply need to attach the amplifier to the outside of the headphones, and it instantly elevates your audio experience. You don’t need any steeply-priced AMPs, DACs, or high-fidelity cables.

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Top 10 Innovative Apple Watch Add-Ons: Essential Gear for 2024

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Do you own an Apple Watch? Cause I do, and it is honestly one of the handiest devices I own. 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 the smallest Apple Watch smart charger to a wristband for weight-lifting – these super cool accessories are a must-have for Apple Watch lovers.

1. RSTR Case

Dubbed the RSTR Case, this lovely transparent crystalline case is designed for your Apple Watch. Golden Concept created it, and it transforms your watch into a stunning shimmering jewel to wear and show off on your wrist. The case is available in four colors, and it utilizes 50 meticulously engineered parts. Made from stainless steel, the home and action buttons are quite large, making them pretty accessible.

2. Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition

Named the Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition, this unique power brick was designed for Apple’s smartwatch, and it charges it quite innovatively. The upper section of the brick serves as a wireless charger that can power your Apple Watch and AirPods with cases that support wireless charging. The charger supports fast charging for the Apple Watch Series 7 and later, ensuring you can begin to use your devices in no time.

3. tinyPod

The tinyPod is an innovative little product that covers your Apple Watch in a case, making it look exactly like the iPod. The tinyPod is designed to be a perfect replica of the iPod, transforming your Apple Watch into the iPod’s screen perfectly. You can easily control the smartwatch using an authentic click wheel, although we aren’t sure how it works. But this is a significant detail to consider, as you cannot access the watch’s digital crown in this innovative new form.

4. WITHit Titanium Band

Dubbed the WITHit Titanium Band, this lightweight and customizable band is designed for your Apple Watch. It is made from grade 2 titanium, making it strong, surpassing stainless steel by 30%. At the same time, the watch is also 45% lighter, and it includes easily removable links that don’t need any tools. You can experience a tailored, seamless, and hassle-free fit every time!

5. PROTECHT Wrist Wraps

Say hello to the PROTECHT Wrist Wraps – these are great for lifters with smartwatches. They are designed to provide unparalleled wrist support, and they have been built to seamlessly integrate around your smartwatch. They provide superior wrist support while lifting heavy weights and help lifters track their workout progress. The wrist wraps have a pretty innovative design which provides a secure fit around the smartwatch.

6. Twelve South TimePorter Apple Watch Band Valet

Designed by Twelve South, this TimePorter Apple Watch band valet organizes and displays your favorite bands. It is stylish, and showcases your collection of Apple Watch bands, so you can easily pick the one that matches your outfit. You can easily install and remove it via the included 3M Command Strips. You can place it on walls, closet doors, or even your bedside furniture.

7. The WITHit Stainless Steel D-Link Bracelet

Named the WITHit Stainless Steel D-Link Bracelet, this functional yet elegant bracelet combines the utility of your smartwatch with the sophistication of fine jewelry. It features a beautiful design, which is accentuated by premium electroplated stainless steel with custom lugs and a buckle that transforms your smartwatch into a stylish fashion statement. The buckle is strong and sturdy, keeping your watch safely attached at all times.

8. Maco GO 2

The Maco GO 2 is an innovative Apple Watch charger that eliminates the need for a charging cable completely. It features a simple square shape with the USB-C plug poking out of a corner instead of the middle. This may seem like an insignificant change, but it elevates and improves the experience quite a bit. This allows you to plug the charger anywhere and also ensures the charger won’t be fighting for space with other peripherals plugged into your laptop’s USB-C ports.

9. OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank

You can now easily charge your Apple Watch on the go with the OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger. You can easily set it up anywhere, it can even stand on its end. The 3,000 mAh power bank is equipped with magnets to hold your Apple Watch firmly during charging. You can also convert the watch to Nightstand mode while it is being charged, allowing it to also function as a trust alarm clock. You can also charge another device simultaneously via the included cable.

10. ErgonBand

Meet the ErgonBand, an ergonomic Apple Watch accessory that may look a little funny, but it is quite useful. The band is designed to be a strap, and it resembles those thumb or hand braces typically used by athletes for protection. You can strap the watch into place using clips that have standard lugs and can be placed below the joint of your thumb. This particular location was chosen as you can see the screen without twisting your wrist.

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Juicy Booth lets you have a cathartic, multi-sensory confessional session

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One of the hardest emotions for people to deal with is shame. We are afraid to admit it, confront it, and figure out a way to live with it. The healthiest way would be to talk to someone especially professionals. But if you’re not yet ready to take that step and you’re in London until December, there’s a pretty interesting art installation that may help you have a cathartic experience with your secret shame.

Designer: Annie Frost Nicholson

The Juicy Booth is an installation at the Coal Drops Yard as part of London Design Week which lets people have a 10-minute multi-media confessional session. Created in collaboration with K67 Berlin (a company that restores historical K67 booths) and The Loss Project (a social enterprise that creates spaces for communities to deal with grief and loss), artist Annie Frost Nicholson wanted to have a space for people to release their shame and have a quick healing session through colour, light, and music.

When you enter the booth, a refurbished K67 booth, you’ll see a retro 80’s keyboard where you can type out the thing that you’re currently ashamed of. Your confession will be spelled out on an LED monitor for your eyes only of course (unless you brought someone in with you there). Based on what particular emotion you’re dealing with, the system maps it out with their “carefully conceived colour spectrum”. You then get a light and sound show that will hopefully take you on a cathartic journey.

The whole experience will take you just 10 minutes but hopefully that is enough to start you on a journey to healing. You will also get to scan and access additional resources that can support you after your Juicy Booth session. The installation will be there until December 9 so if you have the chance to visit it and have a mini-confessional session, go ahead and do it.

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Design You Can Feel: ASUS Ceraluminum Blends Technology with Tactile Artistry

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ASUS has long been recognized for its forward-thinking approach to technological innovation. With Ceraluminum, the company shifts focus, moving beyond performance metrics and engaging users on a sensory and emotional level. At the “Design You Can Feel” exhibition during the London Design Festival, ASUS presented this unique material in an artistic context, blending technology, material science, and human-centered design. This exhibition explored how technology doesn’t need to feel cold or distant but can foster emotional engagement and tactile experiences that draw users in.

Designer: ASUS

At the core of this shift is Ceraluminum, a revolutionary material that merges aluminum’s structural benefits with the tactile qualities of ceramic. With its four-year development, this material represents a significant leap forward in the functionality and aesthetics of ASUS’s products. Ceraluminum invites users to touch, explore, and experience their devices in a more intimate, human-centered way. It’s a breakthrough that combines art and technology, reshaping how we engage with our tech.

Ceraluminum: A Material with Presence

Ceraluminum reflects ASUS’s focus on creating materials that enhance functionality while fostering a more personal and tactile user experience. From my interpretation of their design philosophy, ASUS aims to develop materials that resonate emotionally with users, evoking a sense of warmth and connection—without suggesting metaphysical attributes like having a soul. Unlike traditional metals that feel cold and impersonal, Ceraluminum exudes warmth and tactility. It absorbs light and reduces glare while offering a textured, matte finish that invites interaction. Chief Design Officer Mitch Yang elaborated on the significance of this during the panel discussions, emphasizing that the texture and feel of Ceraluminum are key to fostering a deeper connection between users and their devices.

Developed through a unique micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process, Ceraluminum begins as lightweight aluminum and is transformed into a hybrid material through a high-voltage plasma discharge. This creates a ceramic oxide layer that maintains aluminum’s strength and lightness but offers ceramic’s hardness, scratch resistance, and tactile warmth. This unique combination gives ASUS’s devices a distinctive feel and presence, setting them apart from the sea of cold, reflective metal gadgets on the market.

Yang explained further, “Ceraluminum allows us to create devices that don’t just look good but feel meaningful to the touch. It changes how users interact with their technology, inviting them to explore the material with their hands, not just their eyes.”

SUSA: Embodying Calm Technology

At the center of the “Design You Can Feel” exhibition was SUSA, a conceptual AI-powered device designed by London-based Future Facility. This device embodies ASUS’s philosophy of calm technology, where tech is designed to be intuitive, unobtrusive, and calming rather than overstimulating. Encased entirely in Ceraluminum, SUSA represents the potential of this material to facilitate more mindful, tactile interactions with technology.

SUSA’s design is deliberately minimalist. It features a perforated screen that subtly filters its digital display, minimizing distractions while maintaining core functionalities such as photography, navigation, and calls. By encouraging users to engage with the physical object rather than becoming consumed by the screen, SUSA promotes a more intentional relationship with technology.

Leo Leitner, a designer at Future Facility, explained this during the panel discussion, stating, “SUSA is a reflection of how we can rethink the role of digital devices in our lives. By using Ceraluminum, we create a product that feels more natural and calming. It’s about slowing down, encouraging the user to focus on what’s important rather than being overwhelmed by constant notifications.”

Kim Colin, also from Future Facility, expanded on this by adding, “The tactile nature of Ceraluminum allowed us to create a product that feels inviting and grounded. It shifts the focus from what the device can do to how it feels when used. That tactile warmth is crucial to fostering a more mindful, human-centric interaction.”

SUSA is more than a concept. It represents a future where technology is integrated into our lives in ways that promote mental well-being, offering a calming influence rather than a constant source of overstimulation.

Collaborations with Global Designers: Ceraluminum Through the Eyes of Art

The “Design You Can Feel” exhibition also served as a platform for international designers to reinterpret and manipulate Ceraluminum in their own creative ways, showcasing its versatility beyond traditional tech applications. By inviting leading artists and designers to explore the material, ASUS highlighted how Ceraluminum can inspire new forms of user interaction. Each designer’s work emphasized tactile engagement and explored how material science can evoke emotional responses while remaining functional.

Giles Miller Studio (UK) approached Ceraluminum from a design perspective that blurred the lines between industrial application and artistic expression. Miller’s work focused on transforming the surface texture of Ceraluminum, turning it into a canvas for intricate patterns and reliefs. By manipulating its reflective qualities, Miller demonstrated how Ceraluminum could become a material that protects and decorates, elevating everyday technology into something more visually dynamic.

Designer: Giles Miller Studio

The studio used light to reveal hidden details in the material, inviting users to interact with their devices in new ways. Miller explained during the panel that they wanted to capture the subtle shifts in light as users moved their devices, turning a practical surface into an artistic experience. “Ceraluminum gave us the ability to create a surface that changes with the viewer’s movement, transforming the device from an object of utility into something more engaging,” Miller noted. This emphasis on the material’s light-reflecting properties invited deeper emotional engagement, making the device feel more personal.

Natural Material Studio (Denmark) took an organic approach to Ceraluminum, focusing on its ability to mimic natural textures. Their contribution aimed to highlight the material’s matte finish and tactile softness, drawing inspiration from natural elements like stone and sand. By working with Ceraluminum’s porosity, they created objects that felt grounded and familiar, offering a contrast to the typically sleek, hard surfaces of most technology.

Designer: Natural Material Studio

The goal was to craft a sensory experience that reminded users of nature. Their work emphasized the tactile qualities of Ceraluminum, offering an experience that felt like the material had been shaped by natural forces rather than human technology. “We wanted the object to feel as if it had always existed—like a pebble-shaped by the sea,” the studio shared during the exhibit. Their designs provided a sense of calm, reinforcing ASUS’s broader mission to create technology that connects users to the natural world while still harnessing advanced materials.

Nice Workshop (South Korea) explored the application of Ceraluminum in larger-scale objects with their “Aluminium Formwork Series”. Moving away from electronics, they demonstrated how Ceraluminum could be used in furniture design by applying ASUS’s ceramicization process to aluminum forms. This process resulted in furniture pieces with a textured, stone-like finish that invited touch and interaction. Founder Hyunseog Oh said their goal was to make aluminum—a traditionally cold, hard material—feel softer and more approachable.

Designer: Nice Workshop

Their work showed how Ceraluminum’s unique texture could be adapted to everyday objects, making them more inviting and user-friendly. “We wanted people to feel comfortable interacting with furniture in the same way they interact with their devices,” said Oh. This exploration of Ceraluminum’s versatility in non-tech applications expanded the material’s potential, proving it could enhance electronics and the physical spaces we inhabit.

Fernando Laposse (Mexico) brought a sustainability-focused lens to the exhibition, concentrating on how Ceraluminum could be repurposed and recycled to reduce environmental impact. Known for his work with natural fibers, Laposse saw potential in Ceraluminum’s longevity and durability. He explored how the material could be integrated into sustainable design practices, offering a responsible alternative to more wasteful production methods.

Designer: Fernando Laposse

Laposse’s work aligned with ASUS’s vision for creating long-lasting products that reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy. By focusing on Ceraluminum’s recyclability, he highlighted its potential to contribute to sustainable design efforts. “Ceraluminum’s strength and durability mean it can be repurposed, not discarded, ensuring that our devices leave a smaller environmental footprint,” Laposse explained. His approach resonated with ASUS’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrating that high-tech materials and responsible design can coexist.

Studio Furthermore (UK) embraced a more experimental approach, pushing Ceraluminum’s potential beyond the traditional limits of material design. Their contribution focused on the material’s transformation through ceramicization, exploring how different textures and surface treatments could evoke new tactile experiences. By experimenting with forms and patterns, Studio Furthermore demonstrated how Ceraluminum could serve as a medium for creative exploration, where users could discover new ways to interact with their devices.

Designer: Studio Furthermore

The studio’s work underscored how Ceraluminum is durable and capable of provoking emotional and tactile connections. By emphasizing the material’s sensory qualities, they invited users to engage more profoundly and rigorously with their devices. “We wanted to encourage users to touch and feel their devices, not just see them as tools,” the studio remarked. Through their experimental processes, Studio Furthermore showcased how Ceraluminum could foster more profound, more meaningful interactions between users and the objects they use every day.

Final Thoughts: A Sensory Future for Technology and Design

ASUS’s “Design You Can Feel” exhibition and the development of Ceraluminum represent a forward-thinking approach to how technology integrates into our lives. With this material, ASUS bridges the gap between the tactile and the technological, offering users an experience that goes beyond performance to touch the soul of design.

Ceraluminum’s durability, tactile warmth, and matte finish go beyond aesthetic choices; they reshape how we interact with devices moving forward. This material reflects ASUS’s commitment to creating devices that resonate emotionally, offering comfort, engagement, and fostering a deeper connection.

Through collaborations with global designers, ASUS has highlighted the potential of Ceraluminum to transform not just technology but how we live, interact, and engage with the objects around us. As we move forward, Ceraluminum is poised to lead a new design wave that prioritizes emotional resonance, environmental responsibility, and the fusion of art with cutting-edge material science.

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Folder-shaped hard drive concept is a more organized way to store files

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When your desktop or laptop or tablet does not have a large storage or your work involves a lot of large files, external hard drives are life savers. However sometimes they’re just too bulky and heavy to carry around, especially if you work outside or move around a lot. Also, if you’re like me, most likely all the files are just dumped there and you rely on the search button to look for what you need. But you probably don’t need most of the files that are stored there and yet you’re still constantly carrying that big hard drive around.

Designer: Junho Han

The idea for the Folder external hard disk is to have something that is not just all about storage but a more efficient way to carry around your files. It is meant to not have all your files in just one bulky device but to separate them into projects or folders so you can be more efficient in finding and storing your files especially if you’re working on several projects at once. Not much details are indicated in the concept page but you can see in some of the product renders that there’s a 1TB marking although I’m not sure if a tiny item like that can hold that much storage.

The hard drive itself is shaped like a tiny folder that you can hold in the palm of your hand. That’s why it’s hard to imagine how 1TB can fit into that in real life. But the design is pretty cute and if you have several folders hard drives, it’s like you also have several non-digital folders to organize everything into projects. The hard drive circuit board is inserted in a slot under the folder and there’s a USB-C port also so you can connect it to your device.

As a concept, it’s interesting and nice-looking. It’s like carrying around a USB-drive only bigger than the flash disk but definitely smaller than the bulky hard drives. Let’s see if can actually work as an actual product.

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Apple to launch NEW iPad Mini after 3 years, plus M4 MacBook, iMac, and Mac Mini at upcoming October event

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Although Apple just announced latest iterations of the iPhone, Watch, and AirPods, it seems like the company still has new products left to announce. Given that the iPad Pro got the M4 chip earlier this year, it only makes sense that Apple would bring the same flagship chip to their other products. Renowned analyst Mark Gurman announced that Apple has yet another event that’s due for sometime in October. The upcoming October 2024 event is expected to unveil a range of exciting new products, particularly in the Mac and iPad lineup. Among the anticipated announcements are the M4 MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, along with new iterations of the iPad mini (which hasn’t seen an update since 2021) and iPad 11. These product launches continue Apple’s trend of releasing updated models with each passing year, reflecting its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and user experience. This event is expected to mark the debut of the M4 chip series, following last year’s release of the M3-powered devices.

The MacBook Pro is expected to take center stage with updated 14-inch and 16-inch models featuring the new M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. Apple fans are likely to appreciate the continued refinement of performance, even though there are no expected changes to the external design of these laptops. The MacBook Pro last saw a significant redesign in 2021, and rumors suggest that an OLED display and thinner design may not appear until 2026. However, the anticipated internal improvements promise to elevate multitasking, graphics capabilities, and battery efficiency, catering to professionals and creative users alike. These updates should keep the MacBook Pro in contention as one of the most powerful and efficient laptops in the market.

In addition to the MacBook Pro, Apple is also planning to update the iMac with the M4 chip. While there has been speculation about potential design changes, the primary focus for the iMac appears to be performance enhancement. The Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories are also rumored to switch from Lightning to USB-C, aligning with Apple’s gradual transition to USB-C across its product lines. This would provide a more uniform experience for users who own multiple Apple devices, offering a higher degree of flexibility and compatibility across accessories.

The Mac mini is another product expected to benefit from the M4 series, sort of leapfrogging from the M2 chip that it currently has from 2 years ago. The M4 and M4 Pro chips should deliver significant improvements in speed and efficiency. Notably, the Mac mini is rumored to undergo a physical redesign, potentially shrinking to a size closer to that of an Apple TV. This compact redesign is likely to appeal to users looking for a powerful yet space-efficient desktop solution. However, reports suggest that the new Mac mini may forgo USB-A ports, which could stir some debate among users who rely on legacy devices. Given this news, one could assume that the Mac Studio will get a similar M4 upgrade sometime early next year.

The iPad mini is also on the agenda for the October event, with the seventh-generation model expected to feature a faster chip (possibly the A18 that’s inside the flagship iPhones), upgraded cameras, and improved display performance to address the “jelly scrolling” issue that has affected portrait-mode usage. Additionally, the iPad mini is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, making it more future-proof in terms of wireless connectivity. For users seeking a more portable alternative to the full-sized iPad, the iPad mini continues to offer an excellent balance of power and portability. The introduction of new color options will also cater to those who prioritize personalization in their devices.

Lastly, Apple is expected to reveal new lower-end iPads, including the iPad 11 (which hasn’t been updated since 2022). These devices will likely focus on offering accessible entry points into Apple’s ecosystem while maintaining solid performance, making them ideal for education and general productivity purposes.

This October event is shaping up to be an important one for Apple’s computing division, with a strong focus on incremental improvements in performance, user experience, and design efficiency across its product lineup. The introduction of the M4 series will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, while updates to the iPad lineup will maintain Apple’s leadership in the tablet market. It’s just been a week since Apple’s last keynote and the company’s still waiting for consumers to get their hands on the iPhone 16 and Watch 10 devices, so it doesn’t seem like Apple will announce for at least a few weeks. However, if the event’s due for October, we can expect Apple to either announce it formally at the end of the month or silently update devices like they’ve done in the past although the latter seems less likely.

The post Apple to launch NEW iPad Mini after 3 years, plus M4 MacBook, iMac, and Mac Mini at upcoming October event first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Minimalist & Future-Ready Accessories That Could Revolutionize Apple’s Latest Devices

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My Apple devices are some of my most beloved and prized possessions – in the sense that I simply cannot do without them! My MacBook holds all the documents and data I hold holy in my life, whereas my iPhone stores the details of everyone I know. I would truly be lost without my gadgets. As ingenious as Apple products can be, it’s always fun to amp them up with a few exciting accessories, and in turn, create the ultimate productive and streamlined setup for you. These innovative designs will help you amplify your Apple products, offering you boosted functionality and additional perks.

1. Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers

Dubbed the Battery-Free Amplifying Speakers, these innovative speakers are portable and battery-free. It is designed for the iPhone and is intended to be a novel and exciting version of the traditional no-power smartphone speaker. The speaker is made from Duralumin – an aluminum alloy used in aviation and aerospace industries. Besides being functional and portable, the speaker is also sleek, and aesthetically pleasing, making for a great addition to any space.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179

2. Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Station

Designed for the Apple ecosystem of devices, the Qi2-certified 15W MagGo Wireless Charging Station can be folded into an easy-to-carry form, imparting it with ultra-portable aesthetics. The charging ports are all equidistant, and they include a Qi2-certified 15W charger, a 5W Apple-certified Apple Watch charger, and a 5W Qi puck in the middle. The devices can be used to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro at the same time while you travel.

3. AirTag Carabiners

Dubbed the AirTag Carabiners, this elegant and well-designed product is a new and improved replacement for conventional metal carabiners. The sleek and stylish carabiners are precision-made, and they are packaged in a neat and organized body, making sure your keys are always with you. The carabiners feature a portable form, making them pretty easy to carry no matter where you go.

Click Here to Buy Now: $119

4. SHARGE Forged Carbon Fiber Power Bank Series

The SHARGE Forged Carbon Fiber Power Bank series provides high-capacity portable batteries that weigh less than their conventional counterparts. The batteries offer improved ruggedness and survivability, and they’re quite aesthetically pleasing too thanks to their camo-like design. The natural aesthetic is created by utilizing carbon fiber chips. The Power Bank series is available in a regular 10,000mAh CarbonBlade design, and two Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible packs.

5. AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap

This AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap is a great way of ensuring you never lose your precious AirPods! It features a neck strap made from a woven necklace, which keeps your AirPods around your neck at all times. This neck strap perfectly combines fashion, good looks, and practicality to form a unique and clever Apple accessory amped with a patented One-Click Magnetic Lock, which keeps your earbuds in place safely.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.

6. Cardlax AirPods Washer

Say hello to the Cardlax AirPods Washer – an automatic cleaning tool for AirPods. It is a new and innovative way to clean wireless earbuds, especially your AirPods. You can clean your earbuds with complete ease! It features a tailored high-quality, soft brush and built-in sponge which is soaked with an anti-bacterial cleaning solution, ensuring every corner of your wireless earphones is cleaned within two minutes. You can eliminate the tedious and time-consuming tools, and use the Cardlax EBW.

7. The WITHit Stainless Steel D-Link Bracelet

Meet the WITHit Stainless Steel D-Link Bracelet – a stylish and functional bracelet that merges the functionality of your smartwatch with the beauty of fine jewelry. It features a sophisticated design, amped with premium electroplated stainless steel with custom lugs and a buckle that converts your smartwatch into a stylish fashion statement. The buckle is pretty sturdy, ensuring your watch is always safely attached. The band is also universal so it fits most wrists.

8. SnapGrip

Say hello to SnapGrip – pocket-sized portability with next-generation charging. SnapGrip is inspired by the digital camera and showcases a sleek and ergonomic design that is not just super portable, but also quite user-friendly. The magnetic mounting system ensures that setup is easy peasy, and a total breeze, ensuring you can snap on everything effortlessly. This ensures fewer hassles, and issues, allowing you to focus on capturing content and engaging with your audience.

9. AirBox

Dubbed the Airbox, this all-in-one portable wireless charger is sized like a spectacle case, and as you open it, it reveals storage spots, and charging zones for your phone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and an Apple Pencil. The charging pad for your iPhone has a neat non-slip mat and a coil that powers your phone with 10W of power. The AirBox serves more than just a charger, it allows you to carry your tech in a single cohesive unit that can be slid right into your laptop bag.

10. Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition

Named the Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition, this particular power brick is created for Apple’s smartwatch and is designed to charge it in a pretty innovative way. The upper portion of the charger functions as the wireless charger which powers not only the Apple Watch but AirPods with cases that facilitate wireless charging. The power brick can conduct fast charging for the Apple Watch Series 7 and later, so you can start using your devices in no time.

The post Top 10 Minimalist & Future-Ready Accessories That Could Revolutionize Apple’s Latest Devices first appeared on Yanko Design.

7-foot iPhone 15 Pro Max is the world’s largest iPhone and it runs Android

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If Steve Jobs ever knew that YouTube creators would someday run Android on an iPhone and bag a Guinness World Record for it, he probably would have never created an iPhone in the first place. Thankfully there are iPhones – in fact, iPhone 16 lineup is slated for launch today – and we get to see a giant functional replica of the currently top-of-the-line iPhone that measures 6.74 feet tall and weighs roughly 440 pounds.

If you are a DIYer or a tech aficionado there is a slim chance you haven’t heard of Matthew Perks and Arun Maini. The high-profile YouTubers, a.k.a. “DIY Perks” and “Mrwhosetheboss” respectively, have partnered to build a gigantic working replica of an iPhone 15 Pro Max. This humongous iPhone definitely destroys the very idea of a handheld phone, but despite its astounding size, it is immensely functional; which is why it has been adjudged the largest iPhone ever and awarded the official Guinness World Records for the same.

Designers: Arun Maini x Matthew Perks

From the videos about the making and the demonstration of its functionality for the record, I was convinced this is a way more powerful iPhone than Apple would ever make. But the excitement diminished slightly on learning that this Gulliver of iPhones in the Lilliput Island of smartphones runs Android with few tweaks and themed skin to achieve the iPhone appearance and functionality.

Taking nothing away from this highly detailed smartphone build: I’m back and impressed! And why not, this entire thing is built to the tune of $70,000. The construction starts with a massive LG 88-inch LG OLED TV for the touchscreen display, placed inside a specially designed aluminum casing. The hardware inside is no way short of impressive either.

Without going too much into detail, for that you’d enjoy better in the descriptive video above, this big iPhone comes with 128GB of RAM and 4TB of internal storage. The tipple camera array on the back is topped by a 45MP Canon R5 camera, sporting a 28mm lens, and a Sony RX10 Mark 4 to mimic the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto lens. With the details on the screen and in the body matching that off the inspiration iPhone, the largest iPhone can take impressive photos, recording 8K resolution videos, blast music at 50W, send emails, tap-to-pay for purchases, and even play Flappy Bird that iPhones haven’t been able to download in a decade now.

The post 7-foot iPhone 15 Pro Max is the world’s largest iPhone and it runs Android first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 Impressive (And A Little Weird) Tech Devices and Trends We Saw at IFA 2024

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The thing with technology is that oftentimes it’s designed for scenarios that may not necessarily be common. Technology can sometimes be ‘weird’ until it becomes so popular that its weirdness wears out – like seeing enough people on the subway wearing the Apple Vision Pro. Your mind accepts new things as reality after a while, but up until that moment, things seem unique and eye-catching. That’s the beauty of events like IFA, where you’re much more likely to see a flying car than you are in the real world (and to be honest, I did). In fact, here are 5 unique pieces of innovation I spotted at IFA and why they may not be unique for too long. With how rapidly the world is changing, these designs may just become a new normal moving forward… but until then, let’s appreciate them for how ahead of their times they are.

1. Bodyfriend Quantum Robot Massage Chair

Comfort never looked this strange – meet the Quantum from Bodyfriend, a robot massage chair designed to be your personal physiotherapist. The world’s only massage chair with independently moving legs, the Quantum gives you a soothing massage while stretching your limbs and preventing joint stiffness. It’s ideally designed for people with mobility issues (i.e., the elderly), but as an ‘elderly’ 33-year-old, this was heaven-sent for my millennial lower back pain.

The Quantum’s XD-PRO thermal module and Finger Moving Massage Module combine to deliver an impressively lifelike touch. Rather than simply kneading your muscles with broad strokes, the chair makes subtle, carefully measured movements—80 in total, each at 1.25mm intervals. 81 air pockets and heat therapy zones get you up to a toasty 50°C, massaging you at the intensity you choose. Meanwhile, you’re quite literally in the lap of luxury thanks to the Bang & Olufsen audio units packed into the side that caress your mind with soothing audio. You might look a tad bionic while in the chair, but you’ll come out feeling absolutely zen. Don’t get too zen though, the Quantum chair costs a whopping $15,000.

2. EcoFlow Solar-Panel Power Hat

You could be stuck on a desert island with just a phone and this hat, and you’d be good. Behold the EcoFlow Power Hat, a sun-hat with solar panels embedded into the rim. Aside from providing you with shade on an incredibly sunny day, the hat comes with USB-A and USB-C ports, allowing you to juice your devices. It charges a phone in under 4 hours; and the best part, it’s IP65 water resistant too, so you could keep your head shielded and batteries at max capacity even in the rain. The entire hat weighs a mere 13 ounces, folds for easy travel, and comes in 2 sizes, fitting most heads. Say hello to an entire era of ‘wearable’ chargers.

3. Lenovo Auto-Twist AI PC Concept

Center Stage on the MacBook just got shown the stage exit. Instead of having a wide-angle camera that can zoom in on subjects within its frame as you move around, Lenovo’s Auto-Twist AI PC actually has a motorized screen that moves up and down, and rotates 360° to track you. Think laptop screen with its own gimbal. Powered by 3 high-torque DC motors, the screen can practically follow you around as you present on video calls, or even go into laptop or tablet modes with voice commands. When you’re done working after an exhausting day, a voice command lets you shut your laptop screen hands-free… although it isn’t as satisfying as slamming the screen shut in protest or celebration. Does your laptop NEED an AI-powered subject-tracking screen? Don’t bother asking that question because after building phone bracelets and transparent ThinkBooks, there’s really no stopping Lenovo’s bizarre but beautiful R&D team…

4. TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G Phone

You know what’s unique in today’s world? Having a phone that lasts an entire week on a fully charged battery. And no, I’m not talking about that bonkers thick phone from Energizer with an 18,000mAh battery. I’m talking about this sleek number from TCL. Although the company isn’t known for their phones, they’re definitely trailblazers in the display department, which is why all the innovation in this phone lies in its unique display. Meet the TCL Nxtpaper display, a gorgeous screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a matte finish that feels luxurious to the touch. The screen, however, has a secret in the form of a mechanical switch that lets you go from full color into ink paper mode, effectively turning your smartphone into a low-power e-reader of sorts.

The color display magically transitions into a monochrome one with a high contrast you usually see on devices like the Kindle. This does two things – firstly, it makes the phone perfect for reading documents or cutting visual clutter to focus on text… but secondly, it radically increases your phone’s battery life from a day-long to nearly a week-long. In fact, you’ll see the battery life mentioned in clear numbers right on your home screen. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, TCL made the impossible happen!

5. HONOR Magicbook Art 14 (with Magnetic Camera)

We’ve seen laptops try to fight thick bezels in the past. Some have just ditched the webcam entirely (like my Acer ROG Strix G15), others opted for the notch (a la MacBook), while Honor’s always tried to be different. Their previous version of the MagicBook put the camera inside a faux pop-out key in the keyboard… something that later turned out to be less popular because of the weird chin-facing angle. However, Honor’s decided to counter that with an idea that it explains is better. Instead of tucking the camera away inside the keyboard, Honor’s Magicbook Art 14 tucks it underneath the keyboard. Look on the side (near the ports) and you’ll find the camera tucked away inside the chassis. Pop it out and it’ll magnetically snap on top of the screen (where webcams deserve to be), giving you an instant webcam just when you need it. No Bluetooth, no connectivity issues, nothing. The webcam uses magnets to align perfectly, and pogo-pins to transmit video at 1080p. Flip it over and dock it in place and the webcam becomes a front-facing camera, or flip it back for a traditional selfie-style webcam. The webcam doesn’t have any batteries inside (making it super thin and lightweight), which means you can just pull it off the top of your screen when you want privacy. Just don’t lose it, because Honor doesn’t sell the webcam separately.

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