This transforming TV remote to remote controller is the modular design trend future gadgets must have





A cool little controller for cloud gaming and streaming content without the need for a TV remote because the controller is the TV remote and vice versa!

Cloud gaming has changed the complexion of content consumption with Stadia, GeForce Now, Amazon Luna and Microsoft xCloud venturing into the future of entertainment. Even Netflix has jumped the bandwagon and announced that its cloud gaming service integrated into the current portfolio will come out sometime next year. So, one can expect a unified ecosystem of services and accessories to keep users engaged in the loop. Accessories such as controllers and remote controls for the TV.

Even better, how about a 2-in-1 controller that doubles as a remote control for the TV input when you are now going crazy over multiplayer action titles on services like Netflix? We’ve already been awe-struck by the Netflix Necon gaming controller that’s completely inspired by the leading streaming service’s theme with a hint of Nintendo influence. Now, designer, Andrew Chang gives us all reason enough to get excited for a seamless ecosystem of streaming entertainment, high-octane gaming rush and a complete diversification of how accessories for entertainment systems are created.

This is the Olio 2-in-1 modular gadget that acts as a controller and remote for your TV too. The cute little accessory has the basic design of a controller with strategically placed buttons for streaming-centric controls. Things like AI-assistant buttons or the volume toggle and program scanning buttons. The arms of the controller retract back into the middle section when not in use to employ the trigger buttons for customizable controls inputs. And the home and play/pause buttons bang in the middle are very hard to go unnoticed when in the remote configuration as they are masked when in the controller configuration. The minimal design of this 2-in-1 accessory has truly got me excited, how about you?

Designer: Andrew Chang

The post This transforming TV remote to remote controller is the modular design trend future gadgets must have first appeared on Yanko Design.

This smart kettle is an upgrade your kitchen REALLY needs!

That plastic kettle sitting on our kitchen counter probably looks like something from a time capsule compared to all the other appliances that have gotten design makeovers. Finally, it is the kettle’s turn and the B POINT shows it all off. It features a touch interface that instantly gets the appliance up to speed with others and lets the user form a more organic connection with it. The circular display has two rings – the outer ring shows the temperature and the inner ring shows the water level inside. Countdown starts after setting the water temperature and will beep once its ready!

The choice of CMF really elevates the simple appliance into an aesthetic product that you can display proudly on your kitchen counter. The minimal form has metal and wooden details that are evergreen as well as work with all interior settings. The body has a linear shape that is well complemented with the oblong ring that connects the handle which looks like it is almost floating. B POINT is possibly one of the most beautiful kettle designs we’ve seen.

Designer: Andrew Chang

LUMOback smart posture sensor hands-on (video)

Exclusive hands-on with the LUMOback smart posture sensor

We first met Andrew Chang -- one of the co-founders behind LUMOback -- when he approached us at the end of our panel at SXSW and offered to show us his smart posture sensor. He was wearing it right then and demoed it for us on the spot. We were impressed enough to stay in touch. Fast forward four months and the device has launched on Kickstarter and already surpassed its $100,000 funding goal. We recently caught up with Andrew to learn a little more about the device's evolution from mockup to pre-production and to get some hands-on time.

While we didn't get the chance to wear the smart posture sensor ourselves, Andrew gave us a thorough rundown and brought along various iterations of the device which you'll find in the photo gallery below. LUMOback is an 8.5mm thick appliance roughly the size of a credit card that's worn like a belt and rests against your lower back. It's packed with sensors, a vibration motor, an iOS-compatible Bluetooth 4.0 LE radio and a Li-Ion battery which provides about 4 days of operation on a charge. The only visible components are a single capacitive button, an LED and a micro-USB charging port. It's splash resistant and features an adjustable elastic strap.

The hardware may be interesting, but it's the software that really makes LUMOback useful. Paired with an iOS device over Bluetooth, the smart posture sensor monitors if you're running, walking, standing, sitting or laying down. When you're standing or sitting, it knows if you're slouching and optionally alerts you by vibrating. It even measures how much you're slouching and to which side, and knows if you're laying on your stomach, back, left or right side. Best of all, the app logs your posture over time, gives you feedback, and lets you journal how you feel. There's a social networking component as well, and you're able to share some of that information with others.

Andrew and his team are still tweaking the hardware and the software (nothing we saw is finalized yet), but the LUMOback smart posture sensor should cost between $100 and $125 when it ships this fall. Hit the break for our hands on video, and be sure to check out the screenshots gallery below.

Continue reading LUMOback smart posture sensor hands-on (video)

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LUMOback smart posture sensor hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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