Tag Archives: foldable

Huawei’s Dubai Trio: A Foldable That Disappears, Earbuds That Double Down, and a Router Disguised as a Mountain

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Five years into the foldable smartphone experiment, thinness remains the singular obsession. Huawei just crossed a threshold that reframes the conversation. The Mate X7, unveiled today at the company’s Dubai global launch alongside the FreeClip 2 earbuds and a Wi-Fi 7 mesh router, measures 4.5mm when unfolded. That figure matters less as specification than as experience: the fold becomes incidental to use rather than the defining characteristic of handling.

The Mate X7: Engineering the Fold Away

Huawei traces its foldable lineage to 2019, positioning itself as the category’s original commercializer. Six generations later, the design philosophy has crystallized into something specific and unambiguous: make the fold invisible to daily interaction. Quad-curved edges. A 4.5mm unfolded profile. Under 10mm closed. These dimensions place the Mate X7 closer to conventional smartphone territory than any previous book-style foldable has achieved. The engineering ambition centers not on what the fold enables, but on eliminating what the fold disrupts.

Where previous generations housed cameras in circular modules, the Time-Space Portal introduces flat edges to the protrusion. Huawei weaves between 900 and 1,700 threads into the finish, creating a textile-like visual texture that catches light across micro-patterns. This thread-woven treatment ships exclusively in China. Global variants arrive in standard colorways. The material strategy treats the camera bump as design opportunity rather than engineering compromise, an approach that signals continued investment in tactile differentiation where competitors minimize and apologize.

Both displays run at 2.4K resolution. Adaptive refresh spans 1Hz to 120Hz. The outer screen peaks at 3,000 nits while the inner reaches 2,500 nits, and high-frequency PWM dimming addresses the eye strain concerns that have plagued OLED panels since their adoption. These specifications alone would be unremarkable in any conventional flagship. Achieving them across two flexible panels within a 4.5mm envelope represents the actual engineering story, the quiet difficulty hidden beneath familiar numbers.

Durability targets the foldable’s historical weakness with measurable aggression. Drop resistance improved 100% over the previous generation according to Huawei’s internal testing. Impact resistance matched that improvement. The outer glass uses second-generation crystal armor technology. The inner screen employs a three-layer composite structure including a non-Newtonian fluid layer, material that increases rigidity under sudden impact pressure while remaining flexible during normal operation. Hinge redesign contributes over 100% improvement in bend resistance. IP59 certification covers high-temperature and water-jet resistance when open, with IP8 rating when the device closes.

Camera architecture compresses flagship-grade optics into 26% less volume than equivalent modules. A 50MP main sensor pairs with variable mechanical aperture reaching f/1.49. The 50MP telephoto deploys a vertical periscope structure, a first for the foldable category, achieving 3.5x optical zoom within constrained depth. Light intake improved 127% through these spatial optimizations. Second-generation ultrachroma sensors handle color science while LOPIC technology extends dynamic range for stills and video alike.

Battery capacity reaches 5,300mAh for global markets. The Chinese variant ships at 5,600mAh, the difference attributed to European import regulations that cap certain cell chemistries. Wired charging supports 66W. Wireless reaches 50W. Thermal management relies on an 18% larger vapor chamber paired with graphene-based loop dissipation. Additional antennas distributed around the device edges address connectivity challenges arising when folding reorients internal components relative to cell towers and Wi-Fi access points.

Wi-Fi 7 Mesh: Infrastructure as Object

Router design typically optimizes for invisibility. Mesh systems tuck behind furniture or blend into wall-mounted anonymity. Huawei inverts this assumption entirely. The main unit mimics a mountain range enclosed within a transparent dome. Extender units feature indirect lighting resembling whisky glasses set on a shelf. Touch controls on each surface adjust lighting modes and network settings. The design explicitly treats network infrastructure as decorative object rather than functional necessity demanding concealment.

Technical specifications support the visual ambition without contradiction. Wi-Fi 7 operates with six antennas, three at 2.4GHz frequency. 4K SQAM and Multilink Operation enable simultaneous connections across frequency bands for devices supporting the standard. The main router includes active cooling via internal fan for sustained high-throughput scenarios. Up to two extenders pair with each base unit.

This approach acknowledges domestic reality: mesh routers occupy visible positions in living spaces. Huawei treats that visibility as opportunity for intentional form rather than problem requiring solution.

FreeClip 2: Iteration on a Proven Form

Three million first-generation FreeClip units shipped, establishing category viability that justifies continued investment. Open-ear designs occupy a specific niche: awareness of surroundings traded against audio immersion. The sequel addresses the original’s primary limitations through incremental refinement. Weight dropped 9% to 4.1 grams per earbud. Case dimensions shrank 11% while narrowing 17%. The redesigned Seabridge improves comfort across extended wear sessions where the previous generation began to fatigue.

Dual 11mm diaphragms share a single magnetic circuit, an engineering choice that doubles bass output compared to the previous generation while reducing acoustic ball size by 11%. The architecture trades spatial efficiency for low-frequency presence that open-ear designs historically lacked. Battery life extends to 9 hours per earbud and 38 hours total with case, improvements of one and two hours respectively. IP57 certifies the earbuds while the case carries IP54.

For deeper examination of the FreeClip 2’s material execution and acoustic performance, my full review covers the dual-diaphragm engineering and comfort improvements in detail.

Automatic left/right detection, swipe volume controls, and head gesture support complete the interaction model. Huawei Audio Connect supports iOS and Samsung devices, with no Google Play availability announced. Color options span Denim Blue, Feather Sand White, Modern Black, and Rose Gold.

Market Position

Global launch proceeds December 11, 2025 from Dubai. Pricing remains unannounced. Product configuration suggests premium positioning matching or exceeding the previous generation’s placement.

For the foldable category broadly, the Mate X7’s dimensional achievements demonstrate that thinness progression continues regardless of engineering complexity. The mesh router and FreeClip 2 complete an ecosystem play: smartphone, audio, and home networking under unified design language. Huawei signals capability breadth alongside flagship ambition, using Dubai as statement of global market re-entry after years of constraint.

The post Huawei’s Dubai Trio: A Foldable That Disappears, Earbuds That Double Down, and a Router Disguised as a Mountain first appeared on Yanko Design.

Galaxy Z TriFold Fits a 10-Inch Screen Into a 12.9mm Phone

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Foldables promised to squeeze tablet screens into pocketable phones, but most of them still feel like a compromise. You get one big crease down the middle and an aspect ratio that makes everything look stretched or squashed, depending on what you’re doing. The real challenge isn’t just adding more screen, it’s getting enough space to actually work like a small laptop instead of a phone that got wider and heavier.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold tries to solve that by folding twice instead of once. Open it fully, and you’re holding a 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 3.9 mm thick at its thinnest point, basically three 6.5-inch phone screens laid side by side. Fold it back up, and the whole thing collapses to 12.9 mm thick, which is about as thick as a regular phone in a case, except this one weighs 309 grams and hides a full-sized tablet inside.

Designer: Samsung

The device is aggressively thin when open. It looks like three glass sheets joined by two subtle hinge bumps, thin enough to hold between fingertips without much visual mass. The frame uses Advanced Armor Aluminum for rigidity, the hinge housing is titanium, and the back panel is a ceramic-glass reinforced polymer that resists cracks. The camera bump and hinges interrupt the silhouette slightly, but the overall impression is of a very thin, very dense slab of screen.

Samsung reworked its hinge system into two differently sized Armor FlexHinges with dual-rail structures that let the three panels close with minimal gaps between them. The display stack includes a new shock-absorbing layer and reinforced overcoat designed for a screen that folds twice instead of once. Samsung CT scans flexible circuit boards and uses laser height checks for internal components, unusual quality control steps that suggest the company knows people are worried about reliability with this many moving parts.

The 10-inch QXGA+ main screen behaves like three portrait phones across, giving you room for three apps side by side without everything feeling cramped. Samsung’s examples show an architect running blueprints, notes, and a calculator at once, or a music producer editing audio while browsing references and messaging. The crease is minimized, the panel runs at 1 to 120 Hz adaptive refresh, and brightness hits 1600 nits to make it feel more like a small monitor than a tablet.

Standalone Samsung DeX turns the TriFold into a tiny multi-desktop machine, with up to four virtual workspaces each running five apps simultaneously. Add an external monitor in Extended Mode, and you can drag windows between screens like a laptop setup. Galaxy AI features adapt to the larger canvas too, with Photo Assist, Browsing Assist, and Gemini Live that can summarize pages, edit images side by side, or give design advice when you show it a room and a shopping site at the same time.

For entertainment, the 10-inch screen works well for films, comics, or YouTube with comments running alongside the video. The 6.5-inch cover screen hits 2600 nits and 120 Hz for quick tasks when you don’t want to unfold everything. Vision Booster keeps content readable in bright light, and the minimized crease tries to keep everything smooth, whether you’re indoors or outside.

Inside there’s a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, 16 GB RAM, up to 1 TB storage, and a 200 MP main camera with 3x telephoto and 12 MP ultra-wide. The 5,600 mAh three-cell battery spreads across the panels for balanced weight, charges at 45 W wired or 15 W wireless, and supports reverse wireless charging. The Galaxy Z TriFold launches in Korea on December 12, 2025, with other markets including China, Taiwan, Singapore, the UAE, and the U.S. following after.

The trade-offs are obvious, though. At 309 grams with two hinges, this will feel heavy and complex for anyone who just wants a phone that fits in their pocket and works. Samsung doesn’t mention S Pen support, which seems like a missed opportunity for artists and designers who’d want to use this 10-inch canvas for sketching or illustration in a device that still fits in a bag.

Long-term durability remains an open question, even with IP48 and all the quality control Samsung mentions. But for people who already push their phones into laptop territory and want the biggest possible screen in the smallest possible folded size, the TriFold makes a clear statement about where high-end mobile is heading. It’s excessive, complicated, and not for everyone, but that seems to be the whole point.

The post Galaxy Z TriFold Fits a 10-Inch Screen Into a 12.9mm Phone first appeared on Yanko Design.

Galaxy Z TriFold Fits a 10-Inch Screen Into a 12.9mm Phone

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Foldables promised to squeeze tablet screens into pocketable phones, but most of them still feel like a compromise. You get one big crease down the middle and an aspect ratio that makes everything look stretched or squashed, depending on what you’re doing. The real challenge isn’t just adding more screen, it’s getting enough space to actually work like a small laptop instead of a phone that got wider and heavier.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold tries to solve that by folding twice instead of once. Open it fully, and you’re holding a 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 3.9 mm thick at its thinnest point, basically three 6.5-inch phone screens laid side by side. Fold it back up, and the whole thing collapses to 12.9 mm thick, which is about as thick as a regular phone in a case, except this one weighs 309 grams and hides a full-sized tablet inside.

Designer: Samsung

The device is aggressively thin when open. It looks like three glass sheets joined by two subtle hinge bumps, thin enough to hold between fingertips without much visual mass. The frame uses Advanced Armor Aluminum for rigidity, the hinge housing is titanium, and the back panel is a ceramic-glass reinforced polymer that resists cracks. The camera bump and hinges interrupt the silhouette slightly, but the overall impression is of a very thin, very dense slab of screen.

Samsung reworked its hinge system into two differently sized Armor FlexHinges with dual-rail structures that let the three panels close with minimal gaps between them. The display stack includes a new shock-absorbing layer and reinforced overcoat designed for a screen that folds twice instead of once. Samsung CT scans flexible circuit boards and uses laser height checks for internal components, unusual quality control steps that suggest the company knows people are worried about reliability with this many moving parts.

The 10-inch QXGA+ main screen behaves like three portrait phones across, giving you room for three apps side by side without everything feeling cramped. Samsung’s examples show an architect running blueprints, notes, and a calculator at once, or a music producer editing audio while browsing references and messaging. The crease is minimized, the panel runs at 1 to 120 Hz adaptive refresh, and brightness hits 1600 nits to make it feel more like a small monitor than a tablet.

Standalone Samsung DeX turns the TriFold into a tiny multi-desktop machine, with up to four virtual workspaces each running five apps simultaneously. Add an external monitor in Extended Mode, and you can drag windows between screens like a laptop setup. Galaxy AI features adapt to the larger canvas too, with Photo Assist, Browsing Assist, and Gemini Live that can summarize pages, edit images side by side, or give design advice when you show it a room and a shopping site at the same time.

For entertainment, the 10-inch screen works well for films, comics, or YouTube with comments running alongside the video. The 6.5-inch cover screen hits 2600 nits and 120 Hz for quick tasks when you don’t want to unfold everything. Vision Booster keeps content readable in bright light, and the minimized crease tries to keep everything smooth, whether you’re indoors or outside.

Inside there’s a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, 16 GB RAM, up to 1 TB storage, and a 200 MP main camera with 3x telephoto and 12 MP ultra-wide. The 5,600 mAh three-cell battery spreads across the panels for balanced weight, charges at 45 W wired or 15 W wireless, and supports reverse wireless charging. The Galaxy Z TriFold launches in Korea on December 12, 2025, with other markets including China, Taiwan, Singapore, the UAE, and the U.S. following after.

The trade-offs are obvious, though. At 309 grams with two hinges, this will feel heavy and complex for anyone who just wants a phone that fits in their pocket and works. Samsung doesn’t mention S Pen support, which seems like a missed opportunity for artists and designers who’d want to use this 10-inch canvas for sketching or illustration in a device that still fits in a bag.

Long-term durability remains an open question, even with IP48 and all the quality control Samsung mentions. But for people who already push their phones into laptop territory and want the biggest possible screen in the smallest possible folded size, the TriFold makes a clear statement about where high-end mobile is heading. It’s excessive, complicated, and not for everyone, but that seems to be the whole point.

The post Galaxy Z TriFold Fits a 10-Inch Screen Into a 12.9mm Phone first appeared on Yanko Design.

Huawei Mate 80 Series: Design Language Evolution and the 20GB RAM Flagship

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Huawei just confirmed November 25 as the official launch date for its Mate 80 series, and the company isn’t holding back. Four distinct models, each with its own camera architecture and design identity. The standout? A flagship variant packing 20GB of RAM and an octagon-shaped camera module that breaks from the circular designs dominating the smartphone industry.

Designer: Huawei

This is Huawei’s play for design differentiation in a market where most flagship phones look nearly identical from the back. The Mate 80 lineup spans from the accessible base model through to the RS Ultimate Design, a halo product that signals where Huawei sees premium smartphone design heading.

Four Models, Four Design Approaches

The Mate 80 and Mate 80 Pro share a circular rear camera module housing three sensors, including a periscope telephoto lens. Both phones feature dual front cameras with 3D face unlock technology. It’s a refined, approachable design that builds on Huawei’s established camera bump aesthetic.

The Mate 80 Pro Max steps up with a quad-camera system that includes dual periscope telephoto lenses. That’s two dedicated telephoto sensors for optical zoom flexibility, a configuration that gives photographers multiple focal length options without digital cropping. Dual front cameras maintain consistency across the upper-tier models.

Then there’s the Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design. The octagon-shaped camera module is the immediate visual differentiator, a geometric departure that catches attention without feeling gimmicky. It houses four rear sensors and pairs with dual front cameras, but the design statement is what matters here. Huawei is using the RS Ultimate to establish a distinct visual identity for its most premium offering.

Color Palettes Reflect Market Positioning

Huawei assigned different color families to each tier, reinforcing the hierarchy through material and finish choices.

The Mate 80 and Mate 80 Pro come in Dawn Gold, Obsidian Black, Snowy White, and Spruce Green. These are accessible, versatile colorways that work across different user preferences without pushing too far into statement territory.

The Mate 80 Pro Max gets Polar Night Black, Polar Silver, Polar Day Gold, and Aurora Blue. The naming convention evokes extreme environments and natural phenomena, positioning this model as the performance flagship with colors that suggest technical capability.

The RS Ultimate Design narrows to three options: Dark Black, Pure White, and Hibiscus. That last color, Hibiscus, has generated notable attention in early discussions. It’s a bold, design-forward choice that signals this phone is as much about aesthetic expression as technical specifications.

RAM Leadership: 20GB in the RS Ultimate Design

The Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design ships with 20GB of RAM paired with either 512GB or 1TB of storage. That’s the highest RAM configuration in the entire lineup, positioning this model for users running multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously or future-proofing for increasingly demanding mobile workflows.

The base Mate 80 and Mate 80 Pro offer 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, and 16GB/512GB configurations, with the Pro adding a 16GB/1TB option. The Mate 80 Pro Max comes in 16GB/512GB and 16GB/1TB variants. Huawei structured the RAM progression to create clear performance tiers across the lineup.

Launch Strategy: Pre-Orders and Dual Flagship Debut

Huawei opened pre-orders through its Vmall online store ahead of the November 25 launch event. The company is simultaneously unveiling the Mate X7 foldable, positioning the launch as a comprehensive showcase of its flagship smartphone strategy rather than focusing solely on the traditional slab phone format.

The dual launch suggests Huawei sees both form factors as equally important to its premium positioning. The Mate 80 series represents refinement and camera innovation within the established smartphone template, while the Mate X7 addresses users prioritizing screen real estate and multitasking flexibility.

What This Means for the Flagship Race

The Mate 80 lineup shows Huawei using design variation to create meaningful differentiation within a single product family. Most manufacturers rely primarily on camera count and technical specifications to separate models. Huawei added visual language shifts, particularly with the RS Ultimate’s octagon module, to make the hierarchy immediately apparent.

The dual periscope telephoto system in the Pro Max addresses a real pain point for mobile photographers: the gap between primary wide and telephoto focal lengths. Two periscope lenses allow for more granular zoom options and better image quality across the telephoto range.

Whether these design choices translate into market success remains to be seen when the phones launch November 25. But Huawei is clearly betting that distinctive design, aggressive RAM configurations, and advanced camera architectures can carve out space in the competitive flagship smartphone market.

The post Huawei Mate 80 Series: Design Language Evolution and the 20GB RAM Flagship first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Foldable iPhone Never Actually Folds, and That’s Genius

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Foldable phones promise devices that shrink for portability and expand for productivity, but they consistently run into the same problems. Hinges wear out or develop resistance over time. Screens crease visibly where they bend. The devices end up thicker than standard phones, even when folded. Most foldables also force users to accept awkward seams running through their primary displays, creating visual interruptions that never quite disappear.

Mechanical Pixel’s iPhone Fold concept sidesteps these issues by keeping the phone itself rigid and adding a separate foldable screen to the back. The main iPhone body stays conventional, maintaining the familiar feel and dimensions people expect. A thin, flexible display sits raised on a platform above the rear panel, almost like it was stuck there as an afterthought. When needed, that screen unfolds outward to create a larger, squarish tablet surface.

Designer: Mechanical Pixel

The raised platform is visible when viewing the device from the side, creating a layered appearance that signals something unusual is happening on the back. This isn’t a flush integration where the foldable screen hides seamlessly. The screen clearly sits above the phone’s rear panel, which gives the concept an experimental, modular quality. The camera module remains in its typical position, unaffected by the additional display layer.

Unfolding the screen pulls it away from the phone’s back and opens like a book. The result resembles a small tablet with nearly square proportions rather than the typical elongated phone-to-tablet transformation most foldables offer. The phone’s primary display can continue functioning normally, while the flexible screen adds surface area when tasks require it. The main body never bends or flexes during this process.

This approach solves several foldable phone complaints. Hinge durability becomes less critical because the phone’s structural integrity doesn’t depend on a folding mechanism. Screen creasing affects only the secondary display, leaving the primary screen untouched and pristine. Daily phone use feels identical to a standard iPhone because that’s essentially what it remains when the extra screen stays folded.

New problems emerge with this design. The raised platform adds bulk to the back, making the phone thicker overall and potentially awkward to hold or pocket. Wireless charging might struggle with the raised section interfering with coil alignment. Camera usage in tablet mode is nearly impossible because the unfolded display covers the lenses.

The concept exists as speculation rather than serious product development. Naturally, Apple hasn’t officially endorsed this design, and manufacturing challenges make actual production unlikely. It addresses real durability concerns while introducing new ergonomic and practical challenges. The raised platform aesthetic makes the experimental nature visible rather than hidden, which feels honest about what this design represents as a thought experiment.

The post This Foldable iPhone Never Actually Folds, and That’s Genius first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Chinese Greenhouse Folds Open Into a Community Kitchen

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You know that feeling when you stumble upon something that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about a space? That’s exactly what happened when I discovered this incredible project in Guangzhou, China. Office for Roundtable and JXY Studio have created something that refuses to fit into neat categories, and honestly, that’s what makes it so compelling.

The project is called “Your Greenhouse Is Your Kitchen Is Your Living Room,” and yes, that title is doing exactly what it promises. This isn’t just a clever name. It’s a modular pavilion that literally transforms from a functioning greenhouse into an open pavilion for community gatherings, and it does so in the most satisfying way possible.

Designers: Office for Roundtable and JXY Studio (photography by Leyuan Li)

Picture this: a steel A-frame structure wrapped in polycarbonate panels that can hinge open using tension cables suspended from the top of the frame. When the sides are closed, you have a microclimate perfect for growing potatoes, green peppers, lettuce, bok choi, and various herbs. When you pull those cables and the walls lift up, suddenly you’ve got an airy pavilion ready to host a dinner party or a community workshop.

What I love about this design is how it emerged from a very specific moment in time. Designer Leyuan Li secured a grant from Hong Kong’s Design Trust to explore the small-scale, community-based farming projects that popped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. You remember those, right? When everyone suddenly became obsessed with sourdough starters and backyard gardens because we were all grappling with questions about food security and supply chains.

But instead of just documenting that cultural moment, Li and the teams at Office for Roundtable and JXY Studio decided to create something that pushes the conversation forward. The pavilion, installed at Guangzhou’s Fei Arts museum, is their answer to a bigger question: what if we could challenge the entire system of centralized food production by creating spaces that make growing, cooking, and sharing food feel more accessible and communal?

The technical details are pretty clever too. Those polycarbonate sheets aren’t just randomly placed. The designers carefully positioned gaps between the panels to allow for passive cooling, which is essential in Guangzhou’s subtropical climate. Nobody wants to be stuck in a sweltering greenhouse when they’re trying to tend their herbs or host a gathering. Inside, metal shelving racks hold the vegetables and herbs, creating a practical growing system that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics. The whole structure is lightweight and modular, which means it can be adapted, moved, or reconfigured based on what the community needs.

This flexibility feels important. The design doesn’t dictate how people should use the space. Instead, it offers possibilities. Maybe today it’s a greenhouse where neighbors learn about urban farming techniques. Tomorrow it could transform into an outdoor kitchen where everyone gathers to cook what they’ve grown. Next week, it might become a living room for community conversations about food systems and sustainability.

What Office for Roundtable describes as an “architectural device that amalgamates the roles of a greenhouse, an outdoor kitchen, and a living room” is really about something deeper than just multipurpose design. It’s about reimagining our relationship with food, land, and each other in urban environments.

The truth is we’re increasingly disconnected from where our food comes from so this project offers a refreshingly tangible alternative. It proposes new forms of what the designers call “domesticity and collectivity” by literally breaking down the walls between growing food, preparing it, and gathering around it. The beauty of this installation is that it doesn’t preach or demand. It simply exists as an invitation. Want to grow something? Here’s the space. Want to cook together? The pavilion opens up. Want to talk about how we can build more resilient, community-centered food systems? Pull up a chair.

That’s the kind of design that sticks with you. Not because it’s flashy or complicated, but because it’s thoughtful enough to adapt to real human needs while being bold enough to suggest we might want to rethink some pretty fundamental assumptions about how we live, eat, and come together.

The post This Chinese Greenhouse Folds Open Into a Community Kitchen first appeared on Yanko Design.

DIY ultra-wide Steam Deck DS hybrid trades joysticks for a keyboard and trackpad

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Although hardly the first of its kind, the Nintendo Switch definitely kicked off a handheld gaming renaissance. Now we have mini PCs letting us play all sorts of games on the go and innumerable projects that try to cobble up together their own handheld console. The latter has given rise to many unconventional designs, though most follow the standard combination of buttons and joysticks found on gaming controllers.

One designer, however, went out of his way to do something different thanks to his dislike of joysticks. The result is a unique and rather curious handheld device that combines the clamshell form factor of the Nintendo DS and the guts of a laptop, and then stretches it wide to a rather unusual degree.

Designer: Marcin Plaza

There are a few things quite unconventional about this ultra-wide Steam Deck Nintendo DS hybrid, not just its super-wide form factor. Actually, that shape was a result of the decision to repurpose the usable motherboard of a broken Lenovo laptop, which happened to be roughly 13 inches wide. But unlike another DIY Steam Deck that did the same with a modular Framework laptop motherboard, the “DS Deck” didn’t go the usual joysticks and buttons layout either.

Since the goal was to ditch the joystick and replace it with a more PC-oriented keyboard and trackpad, a new kind of shell design was needed. Long story short, it required looking for a compatible 12.7-inch screen that happened to also be in an ultra-wide aspect ratio. These restrictions and requirements led to a design that followed the footsteps of the clamshell DS, which made for a rather interesting device.

While time and effort were saved in using the laptop motherboard as-is, more time was spent designing a custom circuit board for the non-standard keyboard and button layout. There was plenty of soldering and assembly involved, not to mention repairs of data cables that were accidentally torn off. Suffice it to say, this is a project very few will be able to follow.

Still, the final result is just as interesting and special. The DS Deck is able to run a full operating system like Windows or Linux because it basically uses the same motherboard and battery as the source laptop. Widescreen compatibility with games is a mixed bag, but one can always run two windows side-by-side thanks to the screen size. The custom design definitely needs a lot of work, as it doesn’t take into account safety and heat management, but the fact that it even works is itself already a commendable accomplishment.

The post DIY ultra-wide Steam Deck DS hybrid trades joysticks for a keyboard and trackpad first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold replacement screen from iFixit arrives with a big caveat

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Smartphones today are very complex products, which is why manufacturers have long discouraged or even disallowed owners from opening up theirs just to repair a single part. Most people probably don’t have the skills for that anyway, but the old policies also prevented small third-party businesses from offering more accessible repair services. That has been changing slowly, with more major phone makers finally allowing self-repair to some extent.

Of course, that all hinges on the availability of replacement parts, which isn’t that easy to come by when it comes to official components. Fortunately, the likes of Google have partnered with iFixit to actually sell the most critical parts, opening the doors further to self-repair or third-party services. That includes the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, though the replacement foldable screen might still be beyond most people’s reach.

Designer: Google, iFixit

A foldable phone probably has the most complex design among smartphones today, especially because of its flexible display panel. Unfortunately, that is probably the component that will break faster, which means it will be the one that will get replaced more often. Even more unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive parts of the phone.

The official Pixel 9 Pro Fold replacement screen being sold on iFixit is a prime example of that. Now available for anyone to purchase, the foldable screen alone costs $1,199.99. If it’s your first iFixit self-repair, you might want to buy the screen and a repair kit, setting you back $1,206.99 in total. It’s an eye-watering price tag, especially when you consider that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold itself already costs $1,799.

It doesn’t help that the process for repairing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is, as expected, a bit convoluted and nerve-wracking for novices. Then again, that isn’t too surprising, given the young age of the technology and the rarity of available parts. Most owners probably won’t do the process themselves but iFixit and Google’s partnership will allow small businesses to thrive making repairs for these devices.

Despite those rather large hurdles, it’s still a significant step forward in making smartphones longer-lasting and more sustainable. There will be more options to get the Pixel 9 Pro Fold repaired, even if they’re pricey. It’s definitely a much better situation compared to the past where even opening up a smartphone on your own marks you for some legal trouble.

The post Pixel 9 Pro Fold replacement screen from iFixit arrives with a big caveat first appeared on Yanko Design.

Discover the Tekto F2 Bravo: A Sleek, Durable, and Handsome Tactical Folding Knife

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Are you ready to elevate your gear game? Meet the Tekto F2 Bravo Tactical Folding Knife, a cutting-edge marvel that’s as tough as it is stylish. This knife isn’t just a tool; it’s a statement piece for adventurers and tactical enthusiasts who demand the best in design and performance.

Design isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating a knife that can tackle anything life throws your way. The Tekto F2 Bravo does just that, blending functionality with a sleek aesthetic that stands out from the crowd. With its elegant lines, state-of-the-art features, and thoughtful details, this tactical folding knife is crafted for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Designer: Tekto

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The F2 Bravo is the epitome of minimalist sophistication. Every detail, from the machined pocket clip to the custom titanium accents, speaks to its premium nature. The Forged Ember colorway, now with deeper reds that beautifully contrast with black accents, gives it a rugged yet handsome appearance that speaks to the power it hides within.

The design also features recessed liners, providing a clean appearance and enhancing grip comfort, making it a joy to use. These liners add rigidity to the handles, giving the knife not only style but also incredible functionality. State-of-the-art ceramic ball bearings ensure that the blade deploys with remarkable speed and smoothness. It’s a seamless operation that feels as good as it looks, and the Tekto F2 Bravo is always ready for action as you are.

The state-of-the-art ceramic ball bearing mechanism allows the F2 Bravo to deploy the blade rapidly and smoothly with the utmost ease.

The blade design is a showstopper, engineered for versatility and precision. Crafted from premium D2 steel with a flat grind and a fine edge, the blade is built to last. It offers exceptional edge retention and resists corrosion, ensuring it stays sharp and reliable through every adventure. Whether you’re slicing through rope or preparing a meal at camp, the Tekto F2 Bravo’s blade cuts through tasks with ease.

The F2 Bravo weighs only 2.4oz (68g) and comes in two different handle materials best known for their lightness and extreme durability, Forged Carbon and G10.

Weighing in at just 2.4 ounces (68 grams), the F2 Bravo is the perfect blend of lightweight design and durability. Choose from two exceptional handle materials – Forged Carbon and G10 – renowned for their strength and featherlight feel. This knife is designed for ease of use, whether you’re on an adventure or tackling everyday tasks. Its portability is unmatched, with a folding mechanism that allows for easy carrying without compromising on performance.

With its custom pivot, machined clip, and milled spacer, the F2 Bravo exemplifies a premium, high-end feel that uniquely matches the look and feel of the knife.

The Tekto F2 Bravo isn’t just functional; it’s a work of art. Its custom pivot, machined clip, and milled spacer combine to create a high-end feel that’s as unique as it is luxurious. This knife exudes sophistication, with a look and feel that perfectly match its premium build. Whether you’re drawn to its sleek aesthetics or its cutting-edge features, the F2 Bravo is designed to impress. It’s a statement piece that reflects your discerning taste and appreciation for quality craftsmanship.

Ready to add a touch of elegance to your gear? Discover the F2 Bravo and see why it’s the knife of choice for those who demand the best. The Tekto F2 Bravo Tactical Folding Knife is more than a tool—it’s a testament to modern design and superior engineering. With its premium materials, ergonomic comfort, and exquisite aesthetics, it’s a must-have for anyone who values style and performance.

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The post Discover the Tekto F2 Bravo: A Sleek, Durable, and Handsome Tactical Folding Knife first appeared on Yanko Design.

Foldable e-scooter for last-mile travel within city limits is a futureproof nano mobility solution

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Nano mobility is all about getting from one place to the other (especially in cities) with the minimum footprint to avoid traffic congestion or maneuver your way around tight spots. The idea of personal mobility has kicked off in the last couple of years with rising strain on global city traffic.

Such personal commuters are majorly electric to be in line with the idea of lowering carbon emissions. They can be anything from an e-bike or an electric scooter to something much bigger for more than a couple of people to travel. Slotted somewhere in this domain are the highly practical foldable e-scooters that can fit easily in your car’s boot for ease of portability.

Designer: Eugenio Costa, Edoardo Graci, Nicolò Tallone and Bonshe Design

The portability of a personal commuter is the primary feature that aligns it with the user’s needs. ANT Formica is one practical last-mile travel solution tailored for city life and versatile enough for indoor spaces when not in use. In the folded configuration the e-scooter looks like a high-end CPU mod or powerful new gaming console on the horizon. The wheels, pedals, and steering column retract back into the exterior frame of the scooter, making it an ultra-compact personal vehicle for quick intercity travel.

If one looks closely at the folding mechanism, it is a mechanical treat to watch in action. The whole process takes no more than a minute – both in the opened configuration and the closed one. The ease of use is the king here which most commuters will love. The electric motor resides in the rear section of the e-scooter which can be topped with a quick dart of charge for short trips to the supermarket. The handlebar positioning is fully adjustable and the absence of a saddle means you’ll have complete freedom to scoot around in the city.

The post Foldable e-scooter for last-mile travel within city limits is a futureproof nano mobility solution first appeared on Yanko Design.