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Are Low-Top Basketball Shoes Good for Teenagers?

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Caption: Basketball players sitting on a bench, wearing both high-top and low-cut basketball shoes.

As basketball evolves, so does the design of footwear aimed at maximizing performance and safety. This article explores the intricacies of low-top basketball shoes, examining their safety, technological advancements, stylish colorways, and current models. It also considers the social dynamics and personal expression crucial for teenagers when choosing their basketball shoes.

The Shift in Basketball Footwear

Basketball shoes have shifted from traditional high-tops to the increasingly popular low-top designs. Extensive research suggests that with proper design and technology, low-top shoes can offer adequate support and safety, challenging the belief that high-tops are inherently better for ankle protection. Leading brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are at the forefront, innovating to suit all playing styles and needs.

Low-top shoes appeal not just for their performance capabilities. For teenagers, these shoes also represent a style statement and a connection to their favorite basketball players. This blend of form and function makes low-tops particularly appealing to young people, merging on-court benefits with off-court style.

Are Low-Top Shoes Good for Basketball?

Mobility and Speed: Low-top shoes are typically lighter than high-tops, allowing players to move quickly and freely on the court. This can be particularly advantageous for guards or players whose game depends on speed and agility.

Ankle Flexibility: Low-top shoes do not restrict the ankle, providing a greater range of motion. This benefits players who need to change direction quickly and rely on their ability to maneuver swiftly.

Ankle Support: The primary concern with low-top shoes has been the perceived lack of ankle support, potentially increasing the risk of injuries. However, modern low-top basketball shoes often use advanced technologies to stabilize the foot and provide protection in other ways, including enhanced midsole cushioning, secure lacing systems, and innovative designs that offer stability without the bulkiness of high-tops.

Personal Preference and Comfort: Choosing between low-top and high-top basketball shoes is often a matter of personal preference. Some players find low-top shoes more comfortable and perform better in them due to their lighter weight and greater freedom of movement.

Parents often worry about the safety of low-top basketball shoes, particularly regarding ankle support. However, current research and product testing have shown that these concerns can be mitigated with the right features. Platforms highlight the exceptional stability and traction of these models, crucial for preventing slips and enhancing performance during gameplay. Research indicates there’s no significant difference in the rate of ankle injuries between low-tops and high-tops, suggesting that low-tops can be just as safe for basketball. Consequently, a player’s choice of shoes should be guided by personal comfort, playing style, and advice from coaches or medical professionals.

Technological Innovations Across Brands

For teen athletes, the performance of their basketball shoes is often equated with their on-court confidence. Shoes that are part of the latest trend or endorsed by popular athletes can significantly boost this feeling. Thus, when these shoes are also backed by positive safety reviews, it reassures both parents and young athletes that style does not compromise safety.

Image: Fastpass.cn – Air Force 1 deconstructed

Best Low-Top Nike Basketball Shoes

Finding the perfect low-top basketball shoe is crucial, whether you’re playing in a local league or the NBA Finals. Low-tops need the right mix of support, comfort, cushioning, and traction to keep up with the dynamic nature of the game.

LeBron XXI Basketball Shoes

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: These players need excellent support and stability, even in low-top designs. Nike’s Air Zoom technology provides lasting performance and comfort. The Nike Air Zoom G.T. Run, for instance, stacks a React footbed on top of a React midsole and Zoom Air in the forefoot, offering shock absorption and a responsive feel. The Jordan “Why Not?” line, featuring low-top designs, includes two stacked Zoom Air units in the forefoot for responsive cushioning, enhancing speed and stability.

Nike Air Zoom Gt Cut 2 Tb Shoes Men’s

Guards: Guards require shoes with high levels of grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Nike Cosmic line, featuring Air Zoom Strobel units partially made from recycled materials, provides efficient acceleration. The Nike Air Zoom low-tops are designed for players who excel at creating and closing space, offering stability and control with minimal ground contact.

All-Around Players: Modern basketball blurs the lines between positions, requiring shoes that offer balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. Nike LeBron low-top shoes combine speed and power with a full-length Zoom Air unit and Max Air in the heel. The Zoom Freak line, designed for versatile play, includes a TPU plate for lateral mobility and Zoom Air units for explosive moves. Nike KD low-top shoes feature durable uppers with minimal material for a broken-in feel and full-length Zoom Air cushioning for dynamic movement. Nike PG low-tops provide agility and support, with a full-length Air Zoom unit connected to the upper for prolonged freshness.

Nike KD17 Basketball Shoes

Basketball Shoe Structure

Understanding the key components of a low-top basketball shoe can help in choosing the right pair. There are three main parts to consider: the upper, midsole, and outsole.

Upper: The upper part of the shoe provides some ankle support, especially during quick cuts and multidirectional moves. Low-tops allow for greater agility and speed, suitable for guards and small forwards. Models like the Nike Cosmic line include additional closure systems for extra security.

Midsole: This part provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. Look for midsoles with flexible yet sturdy materials that absorb impact effectively. Some low-top models feature external TPU pieces for added stability during lateral moves.

Outsole: The outsole offers traction and grip, crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding slips. Flat, wide outsoles with grooves and ridges provide optimal multidirectional traction.

Best Low-Top Adidas Basketball Shoes for Your Playing Style

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: Even in low-top designs, forwards and centers need stability and support. The Dame 8 EXTPLY, for instance, features a dynamic Bounce Pro midsole for elevated stability and lightweight cushioning. Its internal sock construction and TPU propulsion plate ensure that your feet are locked down, providing confidence and agility during practice and games.

DAME 8 EXTPLY BASKETBALL SHOES

Guards: Guards require shoes with excellent grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Trae 3, designed with peak performance in mind, features composite foam in the midsole for explosive power. The asymmetrical Torsion Bar enhances stability, and the high-abrasion outsole, developed using biometric data, ensures excellent grip and support for quick direction changes.

adidas Harden Vol. 6

All-Around Players: In today’s versatile game, players need shoes that provide balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. The Adidas Harden Vol. 6 offers a blend of speed and stability, featuring a full-length Boost midsole for impact absorption and energy return. The Exhibit Select CP Mid provides a springy Bounce midsole and gore straps for a snug, locked-in feel, catering to players who perform across multiple positions.

Key Features of Adidas Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Upper: The upper part of a low-top basketball shoe provides some ankle support while allowing for greater agility and speed. The Exhibit Select CP Mid, for example, includes 3-Stripes gore straps that wrap around the foot, offering a secure fit from the first lace-up to the final whistle. The internal sock construction of the Dame 8 EXTPLY also ensures a comfortable and locked-down feel.

Midsole: The midsole provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. Look for midsoles with flexible yet sturdy materials that absorb impact effectively. The Trae 3’s composite foam midsole and TPU propulsion plate offer explosive power and stability, perfect for high-impact moves.

Outsole: The outsole is crucial for traction and grip, helping maintain balance and avoid slips. The ripple-style outsole of the Exhibit Select provides excellent traction, enabling quick bursts of speed and sharp cuts. The Trae 3’s high-abrasion outsole, developed with biometric data, ensures reliable grip and support.

Best Low-Top Under Armour Basketball Shoes

Grade School UA Jet ’23 Basketball Shoes

Finding the perfect low-top basketball shoe is crucial for maximizing your performance on the court. Under Armour offers a range of low-top basketball shoes designed to enhance support, comfort, cushioning, and traction.

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: Even in low-top designs, forwards and centers need stability and support. The UA Spawn 3, for example, features a unique anatomical design with layers of flexible, lightweight material to enhance movement and provide support. The Micro G foam midsole offers responsive cushioning for powerful moves and jumps.

Under Armour Men’s Spawn 3 Basketball Shoe

Guards: Guards require shoes with excellent grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Curry Flow 9, designed with Stephen Curry’s input, features a UA Flow outsole that provides grippy traction and a lightweight feel. The Warp upper material delivers a locked-in fit for agile movements.

All-Around Players: In today’s versatile game, players need shoes that provide balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. The Under Armour HOVR Havoc 4 offers a full-length HOVR midsole for energy return and cushioning. The TPU shank provides lateral stability, and the durable outsole ensures excellent grip for all types of movements.

Key Features of Under Armour Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Upper: The upper part of a low-top basketball shoe provides some ankle support while allowing for greater agility and speed. The Curry Flow 9’s Warp upper material offers a secure, comfortable fit.

Midsole: This part provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. The HOVR Havoc 4’s full-length HOVR midsole offers energy return and impact protection.

Outsole: The outsole is crucial for traction and grip, helping maintain balance and avoid slips. The UA Flow outsole in the Curry Flow 9 provides excellent traction and lightweight performance.

When High-Tops Are Better

Hight-top basketball shoes

Ankle Support for Young Players: High-tops may offer better ankle support for young players who are still developing their coordination and strength. This additional support can help prevent ankle sprains and provide extra stability during quick direction changes and jumps.

Protective Cushioning: High-tops often come with more extensive cushioning, which can protect against stress fractures and other injuries. This is particularly beneficial for kids who might play on hard surfaces or engage in high-impact activities.

Peace of Mind for Parents: For parents concerned about ankle injuries, high-tops can offer reassurance due to their traditional design that encases and supports the ankle more comprehensively.

When Low-Tops Are Better

Low-top basketball shoes

Enhanced Mobility: For positions requiring speed and agility, low-tops provide enhanced mobility and quicker response times. This makes them ideal for guards and players who rely heavily on fast movements and sharp cuts.

Lightweight Comfort: Low-tops are generally lighter, reducing fatigue over long periods. This is particularly advantageous for young players who may play for extended periods during practice or games.

Personal Style and Expression: Low-tops often come in a wider variety of styles and colors, allowing young athletes to express their personal style on and off the court. This can boost confidence and encourage a greater sense of individuality.

Selecting the Right Basketball Shoes: Balancing Personal Expression and Functionality

Choosing the right basketball shoes is a nuanced decision that balances personal expression through colorways and practical functionality for optimal performance. Colorways in basketball shoes allow athletes to express personal style, team identity, and even personal branding. Recognizing this, brands offer vibrant and eye-catching options to cater to young athletes’ desire to stand out or align with their role models.

However, the decision extends beyond color and style. Ensuring a proper fit is crucial to maximizing the functionality of the shoe’s safety and performance features while ensuring comfort during play. Athletes and their parents should consult coaches, utilize fitting guides, and review current models to find shoes that meet both performance standards and aesthetic preferences. This comprehensive approach helps in selecting footwear that supports the physical demands of basketball while satisfying personal style, enabling young players to perform at their best and express individuality on the court.

Expanding Our Coverage on Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Yanko Design is committed to covering the dynamic world of low-top basketball shoes in greater detail in future articles. We aim to delve deeper into each brand’s specific technologies and individual shoe offerings. Our future content will provide focused reviews and comparative analyses of specific brands and standout models, highlighting both the functional benefits and aesthetic appeal of each shoe.

We will spotlight industry giants like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, covering both classic designs and the latest releases. Additionally, we’ll introduce emerging brands making significant strides with innovative technologies and designs, potentially offering unique benefits not found in more established brands.

Stay tuned for insightful content that merges detailed product information with style trends, helping young athletes and their supporters navigate the extensive options available, ensuring informed decisions that enhance both performance and personal expression on the basketball court.

The post Are Low-Top Basketball Shoes Good for Teenagers? first appeared on Yanko Design.

What Makes a Watch Design Timeless Over 70 Years

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Rolex: first Datejust 1945

Wristwatches have gone through many changes over the past 70 years, but some designs have stayed popular through it all. What’s the secret to a watch that never goes out of style? It’s a blend of simplicity, versatility, quality craftsmanship, innovation, and a nod to history. Let’s dive into how brands like Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Casio, and Swatch have kept their designs timeless.

1950s: The Golden Age of Elegance

The 1950s were all about elegance. After the war, people craved refined accessories. Watches from this era were clean and simple. The Rolex Datejust, introduced in 1945, became notable in the 1950s with its straightforward dial and comfortable Jubilee bracelet. Its 36mm case size was just right—not too big, not too small.

Rolex: Datejust

Introduced in 1948, the Omega Seamaster quickly rose to prominence and became a favorite among watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. Its design, balancing robustness and elegance, ensured its suitability for various occasions. Whether for a casual outing or a formal event, the Seamaster proved to be a versatile accessory. Its case was crafted from durable stainless steel, enhancing the watch’s practicality for everyday wear. Additionally, the watch was equipped with waterproof features, emphasizing Omega’s commitment to functionality without compromising design. Its sleek and refined look made it both practical and stylish.

Another impressive timepiece from this era is the Patek Philippe Calatrava. This watch stands out because of its minimalist design, characterized by a clean and uncluttered dial with simple hour markers. Its slim case enhances its refined and subtle aesthetic. The craftsmanship that goes into this piece is top-notch, with every detail meticulously executed. The Calatrava, with its understated elegance, has set a high bar for future designs in the watchmaking industry.

1960s: The Rise of Versatility

The 1960s marked an era of change and acceleration in lifestyle, necessitating timepieces that could keep up with the pace. The Rolex Submariner emerged as a symbol of both adventure and style. Its easy-to-read dial, rotating bezel, and superior water resistance make it an attractive timepiece for adventurers. It was designed to perform optimally underwater and also held its own in formal settings, making it a versatile accessory.

This era also saw the rise of the Omega Speedmaster, famously known as the “Moonwatch,” after it was worn during the Apollo moon landings. The Omega Speedmaster was chosen for its functionality and precision. Its tachymeter bezel allowed for the accurate measurement of speed, a feature integral for both astronauts and car enthusiasts. Its chronograph functions made it a perfect blend of style and functionality.

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch, 1965

The Rolex Daytona, first introduced in 1963, became synonymous with auto racing. Named after the famous Daytona International Speedway, the watch was designed to meet the needs of professional race car drivers. The Daytona’s chronograph function, coupled with a tachymeter bezel, allowed drivers to measure average speeds up to 400 kilometers or miles per hour. The watch featured a distinctive dial layout with three sub-dials and was initially available in both stainless steel and gold. Its robust design and high-performance movement made it a favorite among motorsport enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239
Photo: Courtesy Sotheby’s

Introduced in 1963, the Heuer Carrera appealed to race car drivers and professionals alike. The watch stood out for its chronograph function and bold, easy-to-read dial. These attributes allowed users to keep accurate time while adding a fashionable touch to their ensemble. The success of the Heuer Carrera underscored the idea that form and function can coexist in a well-designed timepiece.

1970s: Breaking the Mold

The 1970s was a transformative decade that shattered pre-existing norms. The quartz revolution introduced cutting-edge technology into watchmaking, leading to more audacious designs. The Seiko Astron, the world’s first quartz watch, offered remarkable accuracy and affordability, setting a new industry standard for precision.

Seiko Quartz-Astron 35SQ

During the same period, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak emerged in 1972, shaking up conventional luxury watch design with its distinct octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. Designed by Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak’s stainless steel case and bold design were revolutionary at a time when luxury watches were typically crafted from precious metals. The Royal Oak’s bold design and unconventional material choice set a new standard in watchmaking.

Audemars Piguet 1972 Royal Oak 5402ST

Rolex introduced the Explorer II in 1971. With its 24-hour bezel and robust construction, it was also specifically crafted for adventurers. The Explorer II catered to the growing trend of sports and adventure watches, blending functionality with rugged good looks.

1980s: Digital and Classic Converge

The 1980s saw a blend of digital sophistication and traditional aesthetics in watch design. Casio introduced the G-Shock line, bringing tough, functional watches that appealed to active people. The G-Shock’s shock resistance and multifunctional digital displays set a new standard in watch design. These watches were designed to withstand extreme conditions, making them a favorite among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

At the same time, classic designs like the Patek Philippe Calatrava remained popular for their simple, elegant looks. The Calatrava’s timeless design continued to attract those who appreciated traditional watchmaking.

TAG Heuer made a splash with the Formula 1, introduced in 1986. This watch combined sporty looks with quartz technology, appealing to a younger audience and cementing TAG Heuer’s reputation in motorsports.

1990s: Return to Heritage

The 1990s marked a return to heritage within horology. Watchmakers began reissuing classic models with contemporary updates, blending the old with the new. One such model was the Omega Speedmaster Professional, linked to the Apollo moon landings. Its practical and functional design ensured its continued relevance.

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso 18k 1990s

The 1990s also saw the resurgence of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, a model originally designed in the 1930s. Known for its unique reversible case, the Reverso became a symbol of timeless elegance and innovative design. The reissued models combined vintage charm with modern precision.

Another model that gained iconic status during this period was the Rolex GMT-Master II. Introduced in 1983, it came into its own in the ’90s. Its dual-time-zone function was a boon for frequent travelers. Moreover, its robust design meant it could withstand the rigors of international travel, making it a trusted travel companion.

The Rolex Daytona, first introduced in 1963, also saw renewed popularity in the 1990s. Its association with auto racing and robust chronograph function made it a standout model. Its design, featuring a tachymeter bezel and high-performance movement, appealed to both collectors and motorsport enthusiasts.

2000s: Embracing Boldness

In the early 21st century, the trend in watches shifted towards larger models. Brands like Panerai and Hublot embraced large cases for individuals who wanted their timepieces to stand out. Panerai’s designs, rooted in military diving, featured oversized dials and bold numerals, making them highly legible and stylish.

In 2005, Hublot launched its Big Bang series, marked by its large cases and innovative use of materials like rubber and ceramic. The Big Bang series offered a refreshing change from traditional watch designs, appealing to watch enthusiasts seeking something different.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore first launched in 1993 but gained prominence in the 2000s. It expanded the original Royal Oak design with larger cases and more rugged features. This bold approach to watch design appealed to a new generation of watch lovers seeking a statement piece.

2010s: Balance and Innovation

The 2010s marked a shift towards balanced designs. Watch sizes typically ranged from 38mm to 42mm, catering to a broader audience. The Swatch Sistem51 won over watch enthusiasts with its unique approach to automatic watch production, featuring a construction of just 51 parts and a fully automated manufacturing process.

In 2012, the Tudor Black Bay reappeared, drawing on elements from Tudor’s iconic dive watches of the 1950s and 1960s. The Black Bay blended vintage design cues with modern materials and technology, resulting in a timepiece recognized as a classic.

In 2018, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M was reintroduced with updates like ceramic materials and a modernized movement while preserving the iconic design elements.

2020s: Comfort, Versatility, and Sustainability

Today, the focus is on comfort, versatility, and sustainability. Watchmakers are incorporating recycled materials and adopting eco-friendly processes without compromising design. The Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch collaboration blends the iconic look of the Omega Speedmaster with Swatch’s innovative materials.

The Oris Aquis Date Upcycle features a dial made from recycled ocean plastic, emphasizing sustainability and giving each watch a unique look.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual, refreshed in 2020 with vibrant dial colors, combines classic design with modern aesthetics. Its simplicity and robustness, enhanced with new color options, make it versatile and stylish.

ROLEX: TURQUOISE BLUE DIAL – Named ‘Celebration’

Conclusion

What makes a watch timeless? It’s a blend of simplicity, versatility, quality craftsmanship, innovation, and a touch of history. Watches like the Rolex Datejust, Omega Speedmaster, and Swatch Sistem51 show how these elements combine to withstand time. Versatility is vital, as a timeless watch should look good in both a boardroom and on a beach. The Rolex Submariner exemplifies this with its dual role as both a tool watch and a dress watch.

Quality craftsmanship is fundamental, with the use of premium materials and meticulous attention to detail elevating a watch. The Patek Philippe Calatrava and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak demonstrate that quality renders a watch truly timeless. Innovation also keeps the watch industry lively, from the quartz revolution to the integration of new materials and digital features. Staying ahead in technology without compromising the core design is crucial.

A connection to heritage endows a watch with historical significance, with vintage reissues and designs influenced by a brand’s archives reminding us of the traditions that have shaped watchmaking. These elements have characterized the most iconic watches for the past 70 years. While trends may change, these principles ensure a watch’s appeal to generations. Whether it’s a vintage reissue, a modern classic, or a bold new design, a timeless watch stands the test of time and trends.

OMEGA: Seamaster models of 1948

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the history of timeless watch designs. I truly appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm for Wristwatch Wednesday. If you’re new to this column, welcome!

The post What Makes a Watch Design Timeless Over 70 Years first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 Quirky Phone Designs That Actually Make Sense

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Smartphones today seem to look very similar, varying only in the shape of the camera bump and the color of their backs. Sometimes, the materials might be different, too, but the same large-sized “candy bar” form factor has become the standard for all the smartphones currently in the market. There was a time, however, when companies were a bit more daring, experimenting with phone designs and features in an attempt to stand out from the crowd. That did lead to some rather eccentric and sometimes even ridiculous designs that make us question the sanity of the minds behind them. But there are times when those odd designs of the past actually have important relevance today. Here are five such phone design oddities that we wished existed or still exist, and some alternatives in case you may have been smitten by their quirky appearance.

Designer: Google, Motorola

Undying Handset: Project Ara

Google’s Project Ara inspired the idea of a modular smartphone whose components you can easily swap to upgrade or repair parts. In theory, this would make the phone last forever, or at least as long as the base is intact and parts continue to be manufactured for it. In practice, it was a very ambitious endeavor that could neither meet expectations nor present a viable business model that wouldn’t bankrupt manufacturers. In the end, that sustainable and immortal smartphone remained just a dream, at least in that idealistic and perfect form.

Alternative: Fairphone 5

Designer: Fairphone

Fortunately, a part of that dream is actually possible and even sustainable in more ways than one. Although you can’t hot swap components on the fly, the Fairphone 5 at least offers a way for owners to change important parts of the phone, like batteries or even cameras, to keep them running almost forever. There are some limitations, of course, but if all you want is a phone that will last you for almost a decade instead of just two years, this self-repairable design pretty much has that in the bag.

Mobile Shutterbug: Nokia N90

One of the biggest uses for smartphones today next to social media is taking photos and videos. In the days even before the term “smartphone” was coined, even the most advanced handsets from the likes of Nokia could barely hold a candle to point-and-click cameras. That’s why the quirky Nokia N90 was prophetic and way ahead of its time, envisioning a day when smartphones would be used like camcorders, though with a bit more awkwardness due to their inflexible designs.

Alternative: Nokia x Nothing Concept

Designer: Viet Doan Duc

While clamshell phones are back in season thanks to foldable screens, the folding and twisting design of the original Nokia N90 remains a distant memory. This concept tries to answer the question of “what if?” and mixes two famed brands’ design languages to craft what could be the perfect camera phone. It makes you feel like a pro photographer or cinematographer, holding up your phone not with shame but with pride, capturing not only the moment but also people’s attention in a good way.

Pocket Book: YotaPhone Dual-Screen Phone

Designer: YotaDevices

E Ink devices are becoming more popular these days, especially after the addition of features like stylus support and color. These displays are easy on the eyes and the battery, allowing the screen to show the same thing for days without requiring a recharge. A few years back, a small company tried to bring those benefits to the smartphone in the oddest way, by putting an E Ink screen on its back. Although it can be used for reading e-books on the go, its main purpose was to have a battery-saving always-on display that is a bit more dynamic and useful than typical AOD implementations.

Alternative: Onyx BOOX Palma

Designer: BOOX

That said, a phone-sized Android device with an E Ink display might be an even more efficient design, which is what the Onyx BOOX Palma is offering. Technically, it’s an e-book reader that’s the size of a regular phone and actually runs Android, which is the standard for BOOX’s devices. This means it has access to the same apps you have on your regular phone, but without color. You also don’t have cellular connectivity via a SIM card, which might be a deal-breaker for a phone but a great deal for distraction-free reading and mobility.

Productive Minimalism: Minimal Phone

Designer: The Minimal Company

BlackBerry might have joined the likes of Nokia and LG as just parts of the annals of mobile history, but its squarish shape and QWERTY keyboard are forever etched in the consciousness of even the least tech-savvy person on the planet. Many have tried to recreate that magic, but this rather elegant yet odd phone puts a twist to it. It combines the iconic BlackBerry design with an E Ink screen and a minimalist aesthetic, promising distraction-free productivity by actually limiting what you can do on the device. It can even make it easier to actually reply to or post on social media, though the drab grayscale screen is probably going to make that a little less enjoyable anyway.

Alternative: Clicks QWERTY Case

Designer: Clicks

The idea of a BlackBerry-like experience might tickle the fancy of smartphone users, but none of them will be willing to ditch their powerful, colorful, and highly functional smartphones. Clicks is a case that tries to bring the best of both worlds, and it’s practically just a case that slides onto an iPhone to provide that tactile typing experience. You won’t have to give up your favorite apps, especially the ones you need to actually be productive, but the burden of being disciplined and ignoring distractions is now on you instead.

Shapeshifting Multitasker: Astro Slide 5G

Designer: Planet Computers

A phone that opens like a mini typewriter has actually been around since the days of the Nokia Communicator and its kin, but that design proved to be more complicated than they’re worth. After playing with that same design, PlanetComputing shifted to a slider that still provides that typing experience while retaining the exact same functions as a phone. Unfortunately, such a mechanism proved to be just as clunky and unreliable, and the software platform didn’t exactly lend itself well to a landscape screen.

Alternative: Any Foldable Phone

Designer: OPPO

These days, you don’t have to rely on a physical qwerty keyboard to have that same mini laptop experience. With foldable phones now more common, you can tap away on a more flexible on-screen keyboard when the device is only half-folded. At the same time, however, you have both phone and tablet functionality in your hands. Admittedly, the design is far from perfect, and we’re still waiting for more affordable foldables coming in the very near future.

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These are 6 Best Everyday Shoes for Busy Moms: Comfortable All-Day Wear

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With so much to do, finding the right pair of everyday shoes that are comfortable to wear all day, every day, can be quite the challenge, perhaps even more daunting than swaddling a 3-day-old newborn. With so much to do, comfort is essential. Whether it’s standing in the kitchen preparing meals, walking around the grocery store, or chasing after little ones at the park, moms need shoes that provide all-day comfort and support. The last thing they need is to be slowed down by sore feet or uncomfortable footwear.

Moms, with their unwavering dedication to their families, deserve nothing but the best. From managing household chores to shuttling kids to various activities, moms navigate parenthood with boundless energy and love. To support them in their daily endeavors, we’ve carefully selected six pairs of shoes, highly rated and tested, to provide the comfort and support they deserve. Busy moms need shoes that can keep up with their crazy lives! With roles ranging from caretaker to chauffeur to professional multitasker, moms need footwear that seamlessly transitions from casual to formal settings. Whether dashing to the store or attending impromptu meetings, versatile shoes are a lifeline for moms on the go. Additionally, durability is crucial, ensuring shoes withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear. From spills to scuffs, moms need footwear that endures the demands of their hectic schedules. Lastly, style is not to be overlooked. While comfort and durability are vital, moms also seek shoes that reflect their personal style and boost their confidence as they navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Best Shoes to Wear, Stand, and Walk All Day in 2024

HOKA Clifton 9

The Hoka Clifton 9 offers a significant upgrade in comfort and design, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long periods on their feet or cover great distances. With an increased stack height for better underfoot protection and a lighter build than its predecessor, this shoe is tailored for both sustained comfort and improved performance. It’s particularly suitable for walking and running, providing ample room with wide-size options available.

Designer: HOKA

Key advantages of the HOKA Clifton 9 include:

  • Versatile comfort and stability make it ideal for a variety of running distances and daily wear. Known for its cushioned feel, the Clifton 9 builds on the success of its predecessors by incorporating a more responsive and comfortable midsole.
  • Enhanced features include a new midsole with increased stack height for better cushioning and a new breathable mesh knit upper, enhancing both comfort and performance.
  • Lightweight and responsive remains the same despite additional cushioning, the Clifton 9 is lighter than the Clifton 8, enhancing its appeal as a shoe that doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness or comfort for the sake of lightness.

HOKA Clifton 9

  • Fit and comfort kicks in quickly after the initial wear, where the upper quickly adapts to provide a more comfortable fit. The inclusion of a gusseted tongue helps secure the foot and enhances overall support.
  • Durability and design stays true to its reputation for durability, paired with a stylish design that appeals to both seasoned runners and casual wearers. Its build quality ensures it can handle daily mileage with ease.

HOKA Clifton 9

Brooks Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoes

The Brooks Ghost 15 excels as a dependable, cushioned trainer ideal for everyday running. Its updates emphasize both performance and environmental responsibility, appealing to a broad spectrum of runners. Whether for short jogs or longer training sessions, the Ghost 15 delivers consistent comfort and support, solidifying its status as a favored choice among both new and seasoned runners. If you’re in the market for a reliable and sustainable running shoe, the Ghost 15 is a compelling option, offering good value for its price point.

Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoes

Designer: Brooks

Key advantages of the Brooks Ghost 15 include:

  • Enhanced cushioning features the new DNA LOFT v2 cushioning in the midsole, which is lighter and softer, providing superior comfort for all-day wear.
  • Breathable support air mesh upper ensures breathability and comfort, reinforced with 3D Fit Print for structured support throughout the day.
  • Smooth transitions are equipped with a Segmented Crash Pad on the outsole for smooth, seamless transitions from heel to toe, which is ideal for prolonged standing or walking.
  • Eco-conscious materials composed of 71% recycled materials in the tongue and 89% in the vamp mesh, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious users.

  • Wide fit options available in a variety of widths (Men’s 2E, 4E / Women’s D), ensuring a comfortable fit for a broader range of foot sizes.
  • Reflective details strips of reflective material enhance visibility, adding an element of safety for those wearing the shoes from dawn till dusk.
  • Durable design built to withstand up to approximately 400 miles of wear, making it a durable option for daily use.

Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoes

Nike Motiva

The Nike Motiva sets a new benchmark for walking shoes with its innovative features and superior comfort. Its unique rocker, combined with plush cushioning and a robust build, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile walking shoe that transitions smoothly into light jogging. The Motiva’s supportive and spacious design ensures comfort and performance throughout the day, making it an excellent choice for dynamic individuals.

Nike Motiva

Designer: Nike

Key advantages of the Nike Motiva walking shoes include:

  • Innovative rocker design stands out with its pronounced rocker design, enhancing natural walking motion and promoting fluid transitions from heel to toe, which is perfect for extended wear.
  • Exceptional cushioning is made with an exceptionally soft sole, offering luxurious cushioning that provides comfort with every step you take.
  • Durable and breathable upper part of the shoe’s designed to resist wear and tear while maintaining breathability, ensuring long-lasting comfort and durability.

  • Wide and stable base is constructed with a broad base that provides stability for both walking and occasional jogging, adapting effortlessly to a variety of daily activities.
  • Robust grip outsole is made for durability and excellent traction, making the Motiva reliable on different terrains, including urban concrete.
  • Generous fit breaks from the typical Nike mold with a wider and more forgiving fit, making it suitable for individuals with broader feet.

Nike Motiva

On Cloud 5

The On Cloud 5 is a notable choice in the lifestyle category, providing a mix of comfort, style, and sustainability. It’s a versatile shoe that easily goes from casual wear to light running, supported by On’s unique cloud technology for top-notch comfort. Whether for work or leisure, the On Cloud 5 promises to keep you moving comfortably with its soft cushioning and stylish design, showing why it remains a popular choice year after year.

On Cloud 5

Designer: On Cloud

Key advantages of the On Cloud 5 include:

  • Versatile design celebrated for its versatility, the On Cloud 5 effortlessly adapts from a casual lifestyle sneaker to a light running shoe. Its intelligent speed lacing system ensures a snug fit, making it easy to slip on and off, which is ideal for an active, on-the-go lifestyle.
  • Superior comfort thanks to the latest generation of On’s cloud technology, the On Cloud 5 provides exceptional comfort and cushioning. This shoe is designed to support and enhance your natural gait, making it perfect for all-day wear, from morning commutes to evening jogs.
  • Stylish and functional feature a sleek, urban aesthetic that fits well with any wardrobe. It combines Swiss design flair with practical features like a breathable and protective engineered mesh upper.

On Cloud 5

  • Sustainable construction because the On Cloud 5 incorporates 44% recycled materials in its design, making it an environmentally friendly choice for eco-conscious consumers.
  • Enhanced durability thanks to a durable outsole that provides reliable traction and stability on various surfaces, making it a dependable choice for daily wear.

On Cloud 5

HOKA Transport

The Hoka Transport is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile shoe that can handle daily wear, casual outings, and light hikes. It offers the perfect blend of lifestyle appeal and performance with its protective features, comfort, and a strong focus on sustainability. Whether you’re walking around town, hitting gentle trails, or simply looking for a comfortable and stylish shoe that doesn’t scream “running,” the Transport is designed to meet a variety of needs. Its thoughtful design and durable construction make it a smart investment for those seeking both comfort and style in their daily footwear.

Designer: HOKA

Key advantages of the Hoka Transport include:

  • Versatile design is marketed as a crossover shoe, blending daily wear, lifestyle, and light hiking capabilities. It is designed to bring the typical Hoka comfort into a package that’s less focused on running, making it a great choice for those who want comfort without the running shoe aesthetic.
  • Comfort and support thanks to its extreme comfort, the Transport provides just the right amount of cushioning without being too soft, which helps conserve energy even after a full day on your feet. The shoe’s design incorporates a toe guard and a strong focus on sustainability, including a midsole made from 30% sugarcane EVA and a Vibram® N-OIL outsole with 90% petrol-free components.
  • Durable and protective material constructed from rip-stop Cordura and featuring a low-profile but grippy Vibram outsole, the Transport is built to last and is suitable for various settings, from city streets to light trails.

  • Ease of use includes elastic laces, along with a regular lace option, and a pull tab at the back, which makes the shoe easy to slip on and off, providing convenience for the wearer.
  • Reflective and Eco-Friendly material includes 360-degree reflective details for enhanced visibility and is made from materials that emphasize Hoka’s commitment to sustainability.

HOKA Transport

Nike Air Zoom Structure 25

The Nike Structure 25 revitalizes its series with advanced stability and a dynamic, responsive feel. This shoe is an excellent choice for moms who need dependable footwear capable of keeping pace with their busy lifestyles. It combines enhanced comfort and targeted support, ideal for extended daily wear, whether it’s running errands, chasing kids at the park, or a casual jog. The shoe’s classic yet updated design integrates seamlessly with both athletic and casual attire, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. The Structure 25’s durability and thoughtful design ensure long-lasting performance and comfort, embodying a perfect balance between traditional reliability and modern innovation.

Nike Air Zoom Structure 25

Designer: Nike

Key advantages of the Nike Air Zoom Structure 25 include:

  • Versatile stability characterizes the Nike Structure 25, which has transitioned from a traditional stability shoe into one that balances stable, neutral, and mild stability features. Engineered for daily mileage, it provides a firmer and more responsive ride, complemented by a classic lugged outsole and enhanced guidance features.
  • Comfort and fit deliver a snug-to-normal fit characteristic of Nike’s designs, offering a slightly retro aesthetic. It features a classic fit that comfortably accommodates a wide range of foot shapes. Enhanced support is provided through strategic design elements such as a heel clip and a substantial midfoot sidewall.

Nike Air Zoom Structure 25

  • Durable and supportive material made from durable materials and designed for long-term use, the Structure 25 features a robust outsole that offers good traction and durability across various terrains.
  • Enhanced features for stability thanks to a heel clip and firmer ride to guide the foot without being intrusive, suitable for runners who appreciate a blend of traditional and modern stability mechanics.
  • Weight and Responsiveness are due to a slight reduction in weight from previous versions. While remaining on the heavier side, this design choice emphasizes durability over speed. This design choice makes it ideal for daily training and extended wear rather than quick-paced activities.

Nike Air Zoom Structure 25

The post These are 6 Best Everyday Shoes for Busy Moms: Comfortable All-Day Wear first appeared on Yanko Design.

Windows on ARM success can drive PC design innovation

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Despite the power that smartphones and tablets have these days, PCs and their Mac equivalents remain the workhorses of the modern world. Not only do they have more power, they also offer more flexibility thanks to decades of research, development, and innovation. Market analysts, however, have long been pointing to the demise of the PC market, especially desktops, and there has indeed been a great deal of stagnation not only in hardware but even in product designs. It’s not that there haven’t been any improvements, just that designs have become predictable and even sometimes forgettable. You can’t, after all, change the design formula too much unless you also drastically change the internals as well. That’s the kind of burst in innovation that awaits the PC market, both laptops and even desktops, if running Windows on the same hardware as smartphones and tablets finally becomes reliable and productive.

Designer: Qualcomm

Rough Start: Microsoft Surface

It’s not like the combination of Windows and ARM-based processors, the same silicon that powers mobile devices, hasn’t been done before, but almost all past attempts have come up short of expectations. Disregarding the antiquated Windows CE and Windows Phone variants, Microsoft has time and again tried to bring the benefits of phones and tablets to PCs without much success. One of the first ones in recent memory is the smaller Microsoft Surface. Although the Surface Pro has become something of an icon today, its base model didn’t enjoy the same level of fame, attention, and sales.

Microsoft Surface RT

Designer: Microsoft

The Surface RT and Surface 2 both ran on ARM-based NVIDIA Tegra processors that were normally quite capable on Android tablets. Even those, however, couldn’t bear the weight of Windows, even the watered-down Windows RT version. To add insult to injury, the apps available for that platform were a dismal number which didn’t include the software that people needed to use on Windows. Thus, these first attempts at Windows on ARM were considered to be abject failures, but surprisingly, Microsoft didn’t give up completely.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Fast-forward to today, there have been numerous attempts to improve the situation, both from the hardware and the software side. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 now has a version that runs an even more powerful ARM Qualcomm processor, and the Microsoft Store has quite a selection of popular apps. There are also some emulation solutions for running “normal” Windows software on ARM laptops and tablets, but that’s not exactly a panacea. All these sound like too much effort for what seems like a niche design, but it’s an effort that could yield a bountiful harvest if it succeeds.

Faster, Slimmer, Cooler

Qualcomm announced last month its new Snapdragon X Plus and Elite processors, and while the “Snapdragon” name is popular for smartphones and tablets, the “X” chips are earmarked for use in Windows computers instead, particularly laptops. Qualcomm boasts numbers that would make the likes of Intel and AMD worry, though it’s also aiming squarely for Apple’s M series processors. That’s definitely a tall order, especially with the launch of the new Apple M4 chip, but if theory proves to be even remotely near the mark, it will be a huge win for the Windows market and PCs in general.

Designer: Qualcomm

The new Snapdragon X Plus and Elite unsurprisingly boast about being able to do heavy-duty generative AI work, something that would require a lot of processing power that is traditionally only available on “regular” laptops and desktops. What would set it apart, however, is how it delivers that performance with lower battery consumption, heat, and space compared to equivalent Intel and AMD processors. It’s too early to say if Qualcomm will be able to deliver those promises, but it’s definitely a big leap compared to previous generations.

ARM-based processors like those from Qualcomm and MediaTek have been used in mobile devices precisely because of these traits. They can keep the product compact without impacting performance, something that laptop makers aim for every year. More importantly, however, these small form factors open the doors to less conventional designs, paving the way for dual-screen, foldable, or rollable PCs that don’t sacrifice their power for the sake of their novel appearance and features.

Thinking Outside the Box

The very first benefit of Windows successfully and smoothly running on ARM devices would be thinner laptops with longer battery lives. It can’t be understated how significant that will be for creatives, especially those who will rely a lot on that generative AI that everyone’s talking about these days. But even if you do much of your designs manually, the idea that you can bring your work anywhere without breaking your back and stay unplugged for more than half a day is going to appeal to a lot of people

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i

Designer: Lenovo

Once that has become the norm, however, it will be time to explore the possibilities that thinner, more compact, or smaller devices can bring. Imagine those handheld gaming PCs becoming thinner and smaller, almost down to tablet or even phone sizes. Admittedly, being able to play just about any PC game is going to be tricky today, but that’s not going to be the case in the future.

And then there are the current novelties like laptops with two screens or foldable displays, designs that have to sacrifice performance for the sake of super thin bodies. It hasn’t arrived yet, but a rollable screen might even become a thing for computers. In other words, Windows on ARM would enable all these forms beyond desktop towers and laptops to become possible without sacrificing too much performance. We seem to be heading in that direction already, but hardware is only half the battle.

Uphill Battle

No matter how powerful ARM chips are, enough to smoothly run Windows, all of that will fall on deaf ears if Windows on ARM isn’t able to support as much as 80% of regular Windows software, including games and especially content creation tools. That was what killed the Surface RT and Surface 2, after all, and things have improved considerably but not yet to most PC users’ satisfaction. One of the available solutions right now is emulation, like making the software or game think it’s running on an Intel/AMD computer, but that incurs penalties in performance.

AYANEO Flip DS

AYANEO Slide

Designer: AYANEO

There are also obstacles to be overcome on the hardware side. As strange as it might sound, PCs are a somewhat open ecosystem when it comes to the variety of things you can plug into a computer and have them working automatically. You lose some of that with Windows on ARM because of compatibility issues, and that might prevent less popular but heavily used peripherals from working, at least not at first. Unfortunately, that might be a huge deal breaker, especially for those who have already invested in devices for their workflow.

Designer: Qualcomm

Final Thoughts

Qualcomm’s announcement of the Snapdragon X Plus and Elite tried to preempt Apple’s new M4 chip and iPad Pros. Apple’s venture into the ARM world is both a boon and a bane for the likes of Qualcomm as it demonstrates what’s possible. But even Apple has remained within the boundaries of traditional devices like a tablet and a laptop. Not surprising for a company that is very meticulous and careful about the design of its products.

Designer: Apple

The Windows world, however, is a bit more daring thanks to the diversity of people involved. Unconventional and sometimes impractical designs pop up once in a while, but they’re all hampered by the limitations of hardware that’s commonly available for PCs. Windows on ARM isn’t new and it still has a long way to go to confidently match what Intel, AMD, and now Apple are selling, but stakeholders in the PC industry should probably consider rallying behind this if they want to breathe new life into the stagnating PC market.

Designer: Samsung

The post Windows on ARM success can drive PC design innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

5 Tips On How To Decorate A Rented Home

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Decorating a rented home presents a unique set of challenges. Unlike homeowners, renters often face restrictions when it comes to making large or permanent changes to their living spaces. These could be from landlords, from buildings with really rigid homeowner associations, from nosy neighbors, or even from annoying co-living flatmates. However, this doesn’t mean that rented homes have to lack personal flair or style. With some clever and considerate decorating strategies, you can transform a rental into a warm and inviting space that feels fully your own. Here are five tips to help you decorate your rented home effectively, without risking your security deposit.

1. Understand Your Lease Agreement

Before embarking on your decorating journey, the first step is to thoroughly understand your lease agreement. Most rental agreements have clauses that limit the kind of modifications you can make. It’s important to know what is allowed and what isn’t. For example, some leases will allow painting, provided you repaint the walls back to their original color when moving out, while others might prohibit changing the wall color altogether.

If you’re unsure, have a conversation with your landlord or landlady. Express your desire to make the space feel more like home and discuss any specific alterations you’re considering. Sometimes, they may approve changes if they believe it could increase the property’s appeal or value. Documenting these permissions can prevent misunderstandings later on too, so always have stuff in writing, whether it’s an email or a text chain.

2. Invest in Removable Solutions

When you can’t make permanent changes, removable options become your best friends. Products like peel-and-stick wallpaper have revolutionized rental decorating by providing an easy way to add vibrant patterns and colors without damaging the underlying wall. Similarly, adhesive hooks and strips (like 3M Command strips) can hang artworks and photos without leaving holes that might upset your landlord.

An excellent example of such adaptability is the use of temporary backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms. Brands like Smart Tiles offer a range of styles that mimic the look of real tiles and can be peeled off when it’s time to move out. This approach allows renters to embrace bold designs and personal style without compromising the integrity of the rental property.

Removable designs also allow you to take stuff that belongs to you when you’re shifting. Investing in a beautiful wallpaper will hurt when you have to leave the wallpaper behind. Painting your landlord’s credenza or armoire may make it look beautiful, but it can’t be taken with you. Pick and choose the renovations you want to do so that you don’t feel the guilt of leaving stuff behind when you move out.

3. Opt for Flexible Furniture Choices

Choosing the right furniture can make all the difference in a rental. Opt for pieces that are versatile and can adapt to different spaces. For instance, modular sofas can be reconfigured to fit various living room layouts, while extendable dining tables can accommodate guests when needed and be compacted for daily use.

Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes to save space and money. A storage ottoman, for instance, can act as a seat, a footrest, and a place to store linens or seasonal clothing. Similarly, a daybed can be used as a sofa during the day and a guest bed at night. These choices not only maximize functionality but also ease the transition from one rental to another.

4. Maximize Lighting Without Rewiring

Lighting is a crucial element of home décor that can significantly affect the ambiance of a space. Since most rental agreements prohibit changes to fixtures, renters must find non-permanent ways to illuminate their homes. Floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights can dramatically change the mood of a room without the need for permanent fixtures (we recommend checking out Gantri‘s unique 3D-printed lights). Even mirrors can help spaces look well-lit, and much bigger than they already are. Consider the strategic placement of mirrors to amplify natural light. Positioning a large mirror opposite a window can double the light in a room, making it feel larger and more open. Such setups are especially beneficial in smaller apartments or areas with limited natural light.

5. Add Personal Touches with Accessories

Finally, personalize your space with accessories. Soft furnishings like throw pillows, curtains, and area rugs can add color, texture, and warmth to a rental home. They are also easily replaceable and can be taken with you to your next home.

Art is another great way to express individuality. Instead of nailing frames to the wall, consider leaning artwork against it or using picture ledges. Plants are also excellent for adding vibrancy and life to your décor. They not only beautify your space but improve air quality too.

In decorating a rented home, the goal is to create a space that reflects your personality and style without infringing on the terms of your lease. With these tips, you can achieve a personalized home that can evolve with your tastes, all while maintaining a good landlord/tenant relationship. Decorating your rented space smartly and stylishly proves that even temporary accommodations can feel like a true home. So go ahead, infuse your rental with charm and character, and make it a place you love to come back to every day. After all, home is where the heart is, right??

The post 5 Tips On How To Decorate A Rented Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Beyond Telling Time: How the Apple Watch Redefines Modern Wearables

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Apple Watch Ultra 2 + iPhone 15 Pro

Welcome to Wristwatch Wednesday, my weekly column on Yanko Design, where I delve into the captivating world of watches. If you’re new to our publication and have noticed a plethora of Apple-related articles, rest assured, our editorial team casts a wide net, covering a diverse range of design-focused products. Our reviews and feature articles span across technology, sneakers, home appliances, everyday carry items, and so much more.

Designer: Apple

This inaugural column seems only fitting to kick off our discussions with the world’s best-selling watch – the Apple Watch. According to a report from AppleWorld.Today, since its launch in 2015, Apple has sold an estimated 229.3 million Apple Watches. Note that these sales figures are estimates and have not been confirmed by Apple. By any standard, a product that surpasses 100 million units in sales—a milestone Apple reached several years ago—can justifiably be called the world’s top-selling watch.

However, my intent with this column goes beyond discussing sales figures. Instead, I aim to explore the design and features of these watches that have captivated the likes of celebrities, Formula 1 drivers, and even esteemed figures like Mr. Wonder from Shark Tank. The reasons for strapping on this wrist-sized computer vary. For instance, my wife primarily uses her Apple Watch to keep track of time and notifications. Despite having cellular service activated, I’ve rarely seen her initiate a call. Yet, there have been instances where her iPhone was misplaced, and the watch served as her only means to take incoming calls. A feature that my kids and I, and yes, even my wife, have found incredibly useful is the ability to ping the iPhone when it’s misplaced.

Before delving deeper, let’s briefly discuss the specs and design of the Apple Watch. In my experience, the Apple Watch performs flawlessly without any noticeable hiccups or performance issues. As for the design, its iconic squarish shape may not appeal to everyone, but it’s something users have come to accept. Personally, I don’t have a preference one way or the other. However, I must say I appreciate the ruggedness of the Watch Ultra, which I still wear. I haven’t seen a compelling reason to upgrade to the Watch Ultra 2, especially when the regular versions in aluminum or stainless steel are also available. The fact that Apple managed to incorporate materials like titanium and sapphire crystal, along with a plethora of features, into this tech marvel, all at a reasonable price point, continues to astound me. That being said, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, each exceptional in its own right, showcase unique design attributes and features catering to diverse user requirements.

The Apple Watch Series 9 exudes a chic, versatile aesthetic, making it an ideal accessory for everyday wear. Its finishes include aluminum and stainless steel, with a color palette that offers Pink, Midnight, and Starlight for the aluminum cases and traditional Gold and Graphite for stainless steel. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 prioritizes durability and outdoor utility, embodied in an aerospace-grade titanium case that highlights its hard-wearing nature and premium appeal for more extreme conditions.

The size and weight of both models reflect their respective design principles. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, larger and heavier at 49mm in height and 61.4 grams, is designed to withstand outdoor activities. The Apple Watch Series 9, meanwhile, presents a more compact profile with heights of 45mm and 41mm and lighter weights starting from 31.9 grams for the smallest aluminum model, providing a less intrusive presence for day-to-day use.

When it comes to features, both models are built with the S9 SiP, a 64-bit dual-core processor, underlining Apple’s dedication to high performance across its products. However, the Ultra 2 takes a step ahead with specialized features such as a depth gauge, a water temperature sensor, and an enhanced always-on retina display with brightness up to 3000 nits, providing superior visibility in outdoor settings compared to the 2000 nits of the Series 9.

Both models offer a broad spectrum of health and wellness features, including heart rate monitoring and ECG. However, the Ultra 2 broadens its scope to outdoor sports and adventures with additional sensors and activity profiles. This includes in-depth support for diving, precision GPS for explorers, and durability enhancements such as improved water resistance up to 100 meters and dust resistance, making it more resilient against harsh environments compared to the more lifestyle-focused Series 9.

Battery life is another differentiating factor; the Ultra 2 offers up to 36 hours of regular usage and an impressive 72 hours in Low Power Mode, a substantial improvement from the 18 hours offered by the Series 9. This aligns with the Ultra 2’s design for prolonged activities and expeditions where charging might be infrequent.

All in all, while both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 share core technologies and a commitment to health tracking, the Ultra 2 targets users who require robustness and expanded functionalities in challenging environments, whereas the Series 9 caters to everyday users with its stylish design and enough tech to meet routine health and connectivity needs.

For someone like me, who often travels for work (such as working out of our office in Japan or on a photography junket in Iceland with Olympus), having reliable connectivity is vital. Both Apple Watch models provide cellular options, ensuring constant contact with family or emergency services, wherever your work or adventures take you. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in remote locations or during unforeseen situations.

The safety features in both watches, including Emergency SOS and international emergency calling, become crucial in such situations. For example, if you’re photographing the northern lights in a remote icy landscape in Iceland and encounter a dangerous situation, the Apple Watch enables you to call for help swiftly. Similarly, when navigating through the busy streets of Tokyo, these features ensure you’re never truly isolated, even in an unfamiliar urban environment.

For families, these watches offer more than just communication. For elderly parents, the fall detection feature can alert you if they have a severe fall, triggering an SOS if they are unresponsive. This reassures you that help can be solicited even when they’re alone.

For young children, the Apple Watch can serve as an efficient tracking device. If your kids are walking to school or attending a playdate, the GPS functionality combined with cellular connectivity allows you to check their location at any time. It’s like having an extra pair of eyes, ensuring their safety when they are out of sight. With the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s enhanced durability and the Series 9’s streamlined comfort, there’s a suitable option for every family member based on their needs and lifestyle.

The Crash Detection feature of the Ultra 2 is especially advantageous for users across different age groups, from young children to the elderly. For example, if a child is involved in a school bus accident, the watch is capable of detecting the severe crash and automatically initiates contact with emergency services. Similarly, it provides reassurance for elderly drivers, as the watch can detect if they’ve been in a severe car accident and automatically call for help. Speaking from personal experience, having spent a decade test-driving cars for SlashGear in remote locations such as on the side of the Alps or the challenging driving conditions in Peru, having this feature offers me a sense of security. I’m reassured knowing that in an unexpected event, I have a better chance of receiving help promptly, thanks to the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s Crash Detection feature.

My passion for watch collection began with the brand Panerai, largely due to its simple mechanism for swapping out the bracelet or watch strap. It’s a feature that led me to spend more on the straps than the watch itself. My experience with the Apple Watch is similar. Its clever design enables a quick strap change with just one button push, making it suitable for various activities or occasions, which enhances its appeal. Since the introduction of the Watch Ultra, I’ve invested more in straps than the watch itself. Interestingly, I’ve found my ultimate favorite – the 45mm cypress solo loop. To me, it’s akin to donning a tailored Italian wool suit. My fondness for the green strap has led me to stockpile size 7 for winter and size 8 for summer. The watch and strap together create an uninterrupted loop when on my wrist. The convenience of putting on and taking off the watch is comparable to slipping on a bracelet. The beauty of the Apple Watch is its versatility; you could purchase a variety of straps to cater to your taste or simply choose one strap that fulfills all your needs.

Before wrapping up this lengthy article, I’d like to shift focus to the health functionalities that are particularly significant to me. Sleep tracking is paramount due to my inconsistent sleep schedule, often caused by collaborating with colleagues across different time zones. Having the ability to track multiple time zones simultaneously is nothing short of amazing. Therefore, having the Apple Watch track my total sleep duration and, more importantly, the quality of each minute I spend resting provides invaluable insights into whether I’m getting sufficient rest.

Monitoring my heart rate and heart rate variability are also vital aspects of my health tracking routine. These metrics can provide insight into my overall cardiovascular health and my body’s response to stress and recovery.

Interestingly, one feature that I find surprisingly useful is the activity reminder. I often become so engrossed in my work that hours fly by without me taking a moment to stand up and move around. While it may seem mundane or obvious, the reminder to get up and take a short walk is incredibly important. It helps break up periods of prolonged sitting, which can contribute to various health problems.

It’s true that the Apple Watch won’t last an eternity like a Rolex or even a $50 Casio; Apple has packed enough features and future-proof the watch to allow you a sufficient length of time, which, in my opinion, yields a pretty good ROI. The need to upgrade or buy a new watch every year, two or three years, isn’t necessary unless you decide you want to change things up. As for me, I wear the Watch Ultra 90% of the time while my Rolex Pepsi gets around 5% wrist time, and yes, I do give my wrist a rest from wearing nothing.

If you enjoy this column, you’re invited to return every Wednesday at 10:20AM PDT for my weekly Wrist Watch Wednesday feature. If there are topics you’d like me to cover or watches you’d like to see reviewed on Yanko Design, you can find me on X: @Nguyen or threads.net: @vincentnguyen.

The post Beyond Telling Time: How the Apple Watch Redefines Modern Wearables first appeared on Yanko Design.

The new Apple Pencil Pro is a death-sentence for Wacom

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Wacom was once an industry leader in the sketching tablet PC market. However, it’s no match for the deadly combo of the new iPad Pro M4 and the Apple Pencil Pro. Announced at the iPad keynote yesterday, the new Pencil Pro packs features so unique, it makes regular capacitive styluses look like tools from the Stone Age. The new Pencil Pro has a new squeeze gesture to activate quick menus, can track rotation to have objects and brushes rotate in real-time (known as barrel roll), and even has a haptic motor for feedback – while still packing features from previous models like the hover feature, pressure and tilt sensitivity, and low-latency. If all that wasn’t enough, the Pencil Pro even has Find My support, allowing you to locate your stylus if it ever gets lost. The Wacom Pro Pen 3 on the other hand, has buttons.

Styluses have existed for decades at this point, and if you asked anyone ten years back which was the most well-designed stylus and tablet combo for creatives, the answer would invariably be something from Wacom’s lineup. The company had three options back in the day, the budget Wacom Bamboo, the mid-range Wacom Intuos, and the flagship Wacom Cintiq. Apart from the Cintiq, none of the other tablets had screens – they were just massive trackpads that you could only draw on with styluses. The Cintiq was the closest thing to an iPad – it had a screen, allowed multi-touch gestures, and came with controls galore… the only problem was that it didn’t work independently, it needed to be tethered to a desktop or laptop to work. The Cintiq, along with the Intuos and Bamboo, came with a stylus that featured a pressure and tilt-sensitive tip, along with programable buttons that let you undo or redo tasks, and a stylus tip on the back of the pen also that activated the eraser, mimicking how most pencils come with erasers on their reverse tip. The styluses also operated without batteries, allowing for hours of sketching without needing to charge the pen periodically.

The Wacom Cintiq Pro is anywhere between 5-8 times thicker than the 2024 iPad Pro

Cut to yesterday when Apple dropped the iPad Pro M4 and the comparison is incredibly stark. For starters, whenever anyone asks me whether they should buy an iPad or a Wacom, the answer is almost always the former… because when you’re not sketching on the Wacom, it’s useless, but when you’re not sketching on the iPad, it’s still an iPad. The difference seems even greater with the new iPad Pro being Apple’s thinnest device yet at just 5.1mm thick, while the 16-inch Wacom Cintiq is a whopping 25mm thick – 5 times thicker than its competitor. Cut to the larger 22-inch Cintiq and it’s a staggering 40mm thick, or the equivalent of 8 iPad Pros stacked one on top of the other.

However, a hardware comparison between a trillion-dollar electronics giant and Wacom, that’s valued at just half a billion dollars doesn’t seem fair. What does seem fair, however, is to just look at one singular product to see how far Apple’s outpaced its competition – the humble stylus. Wacom played a critical role in perfecting its EMR stylus technology, which was game-changing a decade or so ago. The pens ran without batteries, could sense pressure and tilt with stunning accuracy, and an eraser on the rear, becoming the creative industry’s go-to for digital sketching. When Apple debuted the Pencil, it had the same features except without any buttons. The Pencil 2, on the other hand, got a tap feature that let you swap between brush and eraser, and a unique charging mechanism that allowed you to charge your stylus simply by snapping it to the side of an iPad (it subsequently also got a hover function with newer iPad models). Apple’s newly announced Pencil Pro, which dropped yesterday, however, is an entirely different beast.

The new Pencil Pro has the hover function, lets you squeeze to activate a quick menu, and even supports barrel rolls that allow you to rotate brushes or objects simply by rotating your stylus. In true Apple fashion, it doesn’t have any buttons on it, but you can still tap to alternate between brush and eraser, and you even get a brush preview when your stylus is near the screen, letting you know how your brush is oriented. If all that wasn’t enough, the new Pencil Pro even packs Apple’s Find My feature, letting you locate a lost pencil through your iPad or iPhone.

The Pencil Pro can be squeezed to activate a quick menu

A great stylus on the iPad Pro, which already comes with an industry-leading chip, laptop-grade performance, a brilliant camera setup and LiDAR sensor, and an app store, basically makes the iPad or Wacom question moot. The only true advantage Wacom’s tablets have at this point is that they’re bigger than iPads, starting at 16 inches and maxing out at 27 inches diagonally. They also cost MUCH more than the iPad Pros, with the Cintiq Pro 16″ starting at $1599, and the Cintiq Pro 27″ having an eye-watering $3499 price tag. That’s Vision Pro territory for a sketching tablet.

The haptic motor gives you feedback when you squeeze the Pencil Pro

There still is a market for Wacom products. They’re massive, preferred by the hardcore animation and visual industries, and are platform-agnostic, which means you can easily run Windows or Linux programs on them, which most power users will appreciate over being limited to the iPadOS. But for the most part, the iPad Pro and Pencil Pro are so far ahead of their competition at this point, that they’ve made Wacom’s tablets (an already niche creative-focused gadget) even more niche… almost to the point of obscure.

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Foldable iPhone Needs to Happen: 5 Reasons Why Foldable Phones are Here to Stay

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Apple just announced what might be the biggest upgrade to the iPad line since the iPad Pro was introduced in 2015. In addition to switching to an OLED panel, with all the benefits that it entails, as well as gaining a new Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad Pro is possibly one of if not the thinnest tablets in the market, especially for its 13-inch size. But while Apple’s new tablets are definitely worthy of attention, the company’s fans are still holding their breath for a foldable iPhone. Rumors claim that could be coming in two years, but it could also be canned at the last minute, just like the AirPower wireless charging mat if the design and performance don’t meet the meticulous company’s standards. Then again, some probably consider foldable devices as a passing fad, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Apple should launch a foldable phone sooner rather than later because these devices aren’t going away, and here are the reasons why.

Designer: Semin Jun

1. Content is Still King

Chances are, you’re using your phone less for calls and more for content, which does include activities like instant messaging and chatting. The screen is the most important part of the device because it is the part that we see and use the most. Content is the primary reason for having a smartphone, whether it’s for consuming content or sometimes even creating it, so any technology that lets people enjoy more content or gives them more ways to enjoy content is always a winner. Is it any wonder, then, why phablets or phones with large screens are now the norm, despite how much Apple ridiculed its size at first?

Foldable devices solve this in two ways. Large foldable phones in the style of the Google Pixel Fold offer an experience similar to a mini iPad mini that you can still shove in your pocket and use as a regular phone to some extent. In theory, it delivers the best of both worlds, with a screen that can contain as much content as possible while still in a portable format.

Conversely, clamshell-style foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series strike the problem from the opposite end. It provides a screen experience that’s exactly like a normal large phone but lets you conveniently cram the device in very small purses and pockets. It still prizes the role of content but delivers it in a design that doesn’t get in your way because of its size.

2. Falling Prices

One of the reasons why people avoid foldable phones and why they see them as luxurious fads is because of their rather mind-blowing prices. Yes, it’s expected that novel technologies and designs would cost more at the start, but foldable phones have been around for almost half a decade now, and yet most still cost a premium flagship and a half. Fortunately, things are changing for the better, even if slowly.

Designer: nubia

As the technologies and components become more common, the cost of their production will start to decrease as well. Given that there’s still plenty of room for newer designs that will involve more costs, high-end foldable phones won’t be going away any time soon. At the same time, however, that still leaves the door wide open for options on the lower rung of the price ladder. The new nubia Flip 5G, for example, is currently the most affordable among the relatively cheaper clamshell foldables. Sure, it does cut corners in a few aspects, but that is also proof that you can have “mid-tier” foldable phones in this market.

There’s definitely a great deal of interest in a cheaper book-style foldable, and that might be coming this year if not from Samsung then from its growing number of rivals. Admittedly, it might take another year before more affordable foldables become more common, but it’s something that will happen sooner rather than later.

3. Design Refinement

Even after five years, the foldable phone design is still relatively young. Given how it strays so far from normal phones, it’s not surprising that perfection still feels so far away. In other words, there’s still much to be done, and smartphone makers continue to push the boundaries, refusing to settle for the status quo. In a way, it’s a matter of pride for these brands, as well as refusing to admit defeat after investing so heavily in foldable designs.

Images courtesy of AppleInsider

Foldable phones are getting thinner to the point that a folded phone no longer feels like you have two regular phones stacked together. At the same time, others are cramming more powerful and larger cameras into these ultra-thin devices, trying to get them on the same playing field as any other flagship model. While standard smartphone designs seem to have settled down after many tumultuous years, things are just heating up for foldables. There’s still a lot to be explored, and we’re far from reaching the peak.

4. Stylish Trendsetters

Smartphones have graduated from being technological products that only tech-savvy people can truly appreciate to lifestyle items that reflect the owner’s design tastes and personal preferences. Smartphone expressiveness is becoming an important factor in how people choose devices these days, from the design of the cameras to the overall style of the phone itself. That’s part of the reason why “flip” foldable phones are reported to be outselling their larger cousins, precisely because they bring back that classy image of flip phones from decades ago.

Designer: Honor

Yes, you can dress up your regular phone slab as much as you want, but the way you open and close a foldable phone is going to be fashionable for quite a while. And you can also dress them up as much as you want, and may even offer more customization options and creativity with the styles of cases and accessories used. Everything you can do on standard phones, you can also do with foldables but with more pizzazz and a “wow!” factor.

There’s also the aspect of offering more customization options inside as well. The foldable screen is a bigger canvas you can play on, and some external Cover Screens can get creative with their designs as well. It’s a new playground for designers and creative users who want to truly make their smartphones an extension of themselves.

5. Innovation Has Just Begun

Foldable phones are just the start, however, because they are the most accessible and easiest to comprehend. Once the idea of foldable screens has become cemented in people’s minds, it will be easier to introduce newer designs that can provide even better solutions. The current foldable designs are far from perfect, but they’re paving the way for future foldable devices.

Designer: Samsung

We’re already seeing that in the PC market with the introduction of foldable laptops, but we don’t need to go that far for proof. Samsung has already shown off working prototypes of tri-fold devices that turn the phone into a larger, and more conventional tablet design. We’ll see other foldable technologies unfold (no pun intended) in the future as well, including a phone that folds both ways. And don’t forget those rollable screens that offer an alternative answer to the same screen size problem.

Apple is rumored to unveil a foldable laptop next year, with a foldable iPhone following in 2026. Honestly, the order should probably be reversed, given how MacBook owners are more meticulous about how new designs affect functionality, sometimes negatively. Either way, Apple really needs to jump on this train soon, not just because it’s trending but because it can have a significant impact in driving innovation in this space forward by leaps and bounds.

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The Apple Vision Pro is already playing a critical role in the Automotive, Filmmaking, and Healthcare industry

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Who knew that Porsche would become the Vision Pro’s most valuable customer?!

Addressing people for the first time since the Vision Pro went on sale in March, Tim Cook decided to give viewers an update of the Vision Pro’s success during this year’s iPad keynote. Although it isn’t clear exactly how many spatial headsets the company sold so far, although the Vision Pro is surely finding its footing in certain industries beyond just the average movie-watching and multi-screen workspace scenarios that Apple sold us on back at WWDC last year when the headset was first announced.

Cook mentioned that the Vision Pro is already becoming a crucial part of Porsche’s showroom experience, with the automotive giant investing heavily in building spatial experience centers around the Vision Pro and their cars. Prospective buyers can wear the Vision Pro to easily and quickly see all the car’s color options in virtual reality instead of looking at images or swatches in a catalog. The Vision Pro’s incredibly high resolution displays help customers experience the car in ways that were never though possible, allowing Porsche to provide a new dimension to their showroom’s UX in ways that other car companies cannot. Additionally, the headset also enables track experiences, and can also be used to train service technicians, harnessing the true power of Spatial Computing. Quite like the Apple Watch eventually settled into becoming a healthcare device, even though the company originally wanted it to be a fashion-tech wearable, the Vision Pro is only now finding its footing months after its announcement and delivery.

What’s remarkable is that Apple’s Vision Pro managed to breach the filmmaking industry and the healthcare industry just months after being delivered – something that Meta hasn’t really spoken at length about when it comes to their devices, and something that Microsoft’s own Hololens has taken years to achieve (at least in the healthcare and military research industries). Cook spoke about Dr. Tommy Korn, using the Vision Pro to improve surgical eye care through simulations and visualizations, while director Jon M. Chu was using the Vision Pro to oversee the entire post-production process for his upcoming film Wicked.

While entertainment and healthcare seemed like sure shot areas where the Vision Pro would create some form of procedural disruption, seeing Porsche invest so heavily in reinventing their showroom and technical training domains by relying on Vision Pros is fascinating. It’s been just over 2 months since the first Vision Pro was delivered to customers, so one can only wait and see what updates Apple provides us with over the next few months. The 2024 WWDC will mark the first anniversary of the headset’s announcement, and maybe we’ll get a few more upgrades to the device’s software as well as some updates on its industrywide acceptance. Hopefully even a price drop, perhaps? Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking!

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