Smart device reminds you to take your meds when you have to

When I was diagnosed with a certain condition a couple of years ago, it also comes with the tedious (and expensive) “habit” of drinking all kinds of medication. While in my head I know I have to drink these meds at certain times of the day, there are still a lot of times that I actually forget. Sure, we can always add reminders on our phones but sometimes we just snooze those reminders. Or that may just be me. But in reality, people still need all kinds of reminders to take their meds.

Designer: Rume Studio

Ownum Pod is a concept for a device that may be the first one with a smart reminder for medication. This isn’t just an app that can give you notifications when it’s time to take your meds. It’s actually a smart device where you can put your medicine bottle in it and then configure the app to give you reminders when to take it. There is a precision scale inside the device so it knows whether or not you took the correct dosage of your pills or tablets.

The pod itself looks like a smartphone or device charger with a space in the middle to put the medicine bottle. It probably has a standard bottle where you can just store your respective medicine in. And if you’re like me that takes several different meds, you can interconnect multiple pods with just one power cable / charging connection. It has a rubber base and is also modular so you can place double or multiple pods together.

The UI and function seems pretty simple based on the product renders, although there wasn’t much explanation or visuals of the connected app. I don’t know if something like this can help discipline someone like me into taking their meds regularly. But having an option like this may be helpful.

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Digital lamp projects sewing patterns onto your table

When fashion designers or clothesmakers use patterns for their creations, they have to print it out and there are a lot of trial and error that can contribute to paper waste. But what if you could do away with that and use digital technology and gadgets to help make the process easier and also save some of the materials that may later be thrown away. Now sewing machine giant Singer and fabric retailer JOANN have come up with a device that can do just that.

Designer: Singer and JOANN

Ditto is the name of their joint venture and the product that can potentially revolutionize sewing is a digital lamp. This device can project the paper patterns that designers, sewists, and seamstresses may need onto a table and help them finalize their samples. They can also easily customize the measurements and even modify the designs without having to waste a lot of paper since everything can just be done digitally without need to print out paper patterns.

The lamp can be placed on your desk or work area and you have a cutting mat underneath it. The fabric that you need to cut is placed on top of the base and the projector places the pattern onto the cloth. You can then modify or directly cut the fabric once you’re satisfied that it’s the right measurement you need. The Ditto website also has hundreds of different designs that you can use and their goal is also to make the industry more inclusive and accessible.

They believe that the Ditto device is actually the first time that paper patterns have evolved since they were first invented in 1860. It’s available for pre-order and will be released by March 1. Pricing is around $79.99 which is a pretty good cost for something that can be really helpful for your business or for your hobby.

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Vibling lets idols and fans connect directly through analog/digital device

Being a celebrity in this digital and social media age is even more difficult in the sense that you constantly have to let your fans and followers know what you’re up to. The line between their public and private lives has become thinner and thinner. Everything that you post is broadcast to the whole world, whether they’re actual fans or just those that want to know what’s happening to you. What if there’s a way for the public to be a little more private and meant only for those who are actually true-blue fans?

Designer: found/Founded

This product concept called Vibling is a limited edition device that can benefit the celebrity and their die-hard fanbase that would like a more personal touch to their interaction with their idol. It is both an analog and a digital device that functions somewhat like a mix between a CD player, a smart speaker, and a walkie-talkie. The celebrity has a device that they can use to communicate with their fans that also have the same device.

There are chips or discs that contain music tracks or maybe some other content if the celebrity is not a singer or musician. The fans will collect these different albums or discs and play them on a device that looks somewhat like a small and colorful humidifier or essential oil diffuser or LED lamp. When they like a particular track or song or content, they can tap the device to send a “light” or signal to their idol. This can be both nice and annoying for the celebrity, especially if a lot of fans constantly tap on the device.

The concept video also shows that the celebrity can send updates and messages to their fans through the device. Possibly, the fans can also send messages to their idol but how this will work without causing much stress and issues is something that the concept did not specify. It’s an interesting and less public way for celebrities to connect with their true fans but how this will actually work is something that has to be detailed.

 

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Mazi can be your little digital diary and companion

Mazi Diary Companion Specs

Journaling is not a lost art yet, and we believe more people would want to dabble in this hobby if only they had more time. Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a diary can be time-consuming, but it offers several benefits. Journaling lets you improve your writing, self-reflect, and stay organized.

Writing in a diary also helps reduce stress because you can express your feelings and frustrations. However, writing takes time, so we only know a few people who write in their journals. If you can’t write in your notebook, you can try blogging. But if you still don’t have enough time, you can try the Mazi.

Designers: Pelin Özbalcı, Sergen Çağlayan (Nest Studio)

Mazi Diary Companion Release

Mazi is a digital journal that allows you to record what you’re doing. There is no need to write down your thoughts on a diary or a blog because you can keep one by simply “talking” to the Mazi. It comes with a compatible app that records what you say. You can easily remember your thoughts and what you’re doing with the product-app duo. The Mazi takes writing to a new level by recording your notes and “writing” them on an app. In a way, it’s like having a friend to talk to.

Mazi Diary Companion Features

Mazi Diary Companion

With the pandemic still in, people are still trying to beat loneliness. Social isolation has been a problem, and even if we’re already at the tail-in of the covid situation, people are still trying to beat their anxieties. We say you can still do everything you want to do to reduce stress as long as you’re not hurting anyone.

We suggest journaling because it allows you to express whatever is inside you. It may be good to verbalize or write down your thoughts. Don’t keep things bottled up inside because you might break down. Mazi can help you in little ways as it can help you ease distress, especially when struggling.

Mazi Diary Companion Sample

Mazi Diary Companion App

Studies have shown people who journal show reduced depression and anxiety symptoms. Mazi can be a friend to you, especially if you’re feeling lonely. No, it won’t talk back to you, but sometimes, all you need is a listening ear. This “ear” will record things you say and keep things for you.

The Mazi simply works like a small recorder—the kind that reporters use before smartphones. You press a button to record, rewind, and hear where you left off. You can also delete or highlight a part. No need to edit on the mobile app as you can edit right on the Mazi with the three touch controls.

Mazi Diary Companion Features

Mazi is a little companion about the size of a palm. It works with an app, so we’re assuming it works over Bluetooth or WiFi. It will just update the app whenever it’s paired with another device. It’s easy to use: simply press a button on the corner to turn it on or start giving commands.

Mazi can be your friend just when your loved ones are nowhere to be found because they are busy. It can keep your secrets like no friend or diary ever can. Every important moment in your life must be recorded. Even if you don’t have a phone with you, you can record things on the Mazi. There’s no forgetting what you have done or what you need to do because of Mazi.

Mazi Diary Companion Concept

Wear the Mazi around your neck with a strap. You can also clip it on a surface or on your shirt to record your thoughts hands-free. Design-wise, the Mazu is made of coral soft-touch plastic, recycled plastic, and white hard plastic. It boasts a white, simple packaging that is very minimalist. The box is secretive—just like the Mazi.

Mazi Diary Companion Journal

Mazi Diary Companion Journal Design

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This Nike-inspired fidget tool + massager is a stress-relief EDC for pro footballers

Football players are shaped to be performance-oriented, however not much is spoken about the toll taken on their mental health; a designer believes a fidget-like device with a massage feature may do the trick.

Fear and anxiety hound us everywhere. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or at a party with friends; you name a situation and you’ll find anxiety is shadowing you. For sportsmen, anxiety is a part of the game, with each player having their own little ritual to help them focus – we have heard about players considering throwing up good luck to even the lucky jersey, personal battles to mitigate stress are fought by everyone.

According to data shared by Professional Footballers’ Association, a huge number of players are now seeking help for mental health issues ranging from performance, competition, to acceptance. Since there is no existing product that addresses the issues governing mental health directly, Breathe, is a device designed specifically to help footballers prevent anxiety.

The handy gadget designed by Varun Anand is a fidget EDC/tool that uses buttons. The oval plastic body features soft foam material on the underside which mimics the shiatsu massage technique. The entire device works as a solution to help the user stay calm and relaxed pre and post-game, improving the player’s overall performance.

Inspired by Nike’s design language and branding, the Breathe also calms the user by delivering positive messages and storing peppermint gums within its cavity. The anxiety kit uses stimuli such as texture, feel, touch and feedback to reduce anxiety and stress, allowing players to focus. Breathe fits ergonomically in the hand and is attached to an anti-slip strap, so a footballer can use it during practice and is easier to store when not in use!

Designer: Varun Anand

Breathe! This handheld meditation-device coaches you to relax through anxious times!

I’ll admit the truth. It’s been 4 days since the election and all I’ve been doing is doomscrolling on Twitter for updates and refreshing the Google result to see how the vote’s been progressing. 2020 hasn’t been kind to our collective mental health, but if there’s one thing we need to take away in these trying times, it is to give ourselves a break and relax so that our minds get the rest they need and deserve. The MindNap is a nifty, portable meditation-assistant that helps guide you through deep breathing and relaxing your mind and body.

The handheld device comes with two metal pads that you place your thumbs on, before entering the meditation session. Sensors under the pads detect and monitor your biosignals, and the device itself vibrates gently to tell you when to inhale and exhale. The MindNap device works in tandem with a smartphone app, which lets you choose from four different meditation settings – creativity, focus, relaxation, and energy. Select the cycle you want to run and the MindNap does the rest, reading your own internal cues like your heart rate, its variability, and your basic metabolic panel (BMP). By understanding your current state, the MindNap devises a custom breathing regimen to get you to your desired state, helping you boost focus, clarity, and creativity, while reducing anxiety and stress. You can use the MindNap to energize yourself too, choosing a breathing pattern that helps increase your blood flow and make you feel more recharged. Available in two colors, the MindNap even comes with its own portable leather-case that lets you carry it around with you… because we all know how valuable our sanity and clarity is in times like these!

Designer: MindNap

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite leaks ahead of tomorrow’s hardware event

Amazon is expected to reveal new devices at its big Alexa hardware event tomorrow. Thanks to a leak, we’re pretty sure a new Fire TV Stick Lite will be one of them. Zatz Not Funny! shared images of the Lite, along with accessories like a new Alexa vo...