The popularity of the Mac mini has made small desktop computers quite the fad. Especially with small components getting more powerful, it’s now possible to have a decent desktop experience in a small box. What isn’t possible, however, is enjoying the same range and variety of ports available on towers, at least not without some outside help.
Docks for mini PCs aren’t new, but the Mac mini does present some very particular design challenges. How do you make a dock that isn’t just functional but also just as aesthetic as the Mac mini itself? That’s the puzzle that this new dock for the latest Apple mini computer tries to solve using a large number of ports, a hidden SSD enclosure, and a rather peculiar appearance.
The Mac mini has always been designed to be discreet and subtle so it could be hidden from view while it does its job. Lately, however, the trend has been to actually show off the beautiful minimalism of these small boxes, though that also meant exposing hubs and docks that extend the modest port selection of the mini computer. Rather than those conventional long bars, hubs made specifically for the Mac mini are designed to sit beneath the computer, blending in as if part of Apple’s design itself.
RayCue’s hub and stand for the newest Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro follow that trend, adopting the same silver colorway as the Mac mini itself as well as its length and width. It sits below the Mac mini, leaving a slight gap in between for better airflow. A rather interesting design choice, however, is the raised fins radiating from the center of the dock, perhaps acting as passive cooling for the small yet powerful computer.
The RayCue Mac mini M4 dock expands the port selection with 10 different connectivity options, including an additional HDMI port for a dual display setup that doesn’t sacrifice a Thunderbolt port. Just like the Mac mini itself, it’s designed to have the most often accessed ports in the front, leaving the more “stationary” ones on the back.
Another trend in this product category is using the spacious dock for additional storage. The RayCue dock and stand supports a variety of M.2 NVMe SSD sizes up to 4TB in capacity, almost double the maximum Mac mini configuration available. Stylish and functional, it’s a perfect complement to the elegant Mac mini M4, one that will, however, cost you $99 without a $20 pre-order discount.
Unleash the potential of your workspace with the CASA Hub Stand Ultra, winner of the Red Dot Design Award 2024—a uniquely designed accessory that redefines how you work, stream, and create. With its award-winning engineering and sleek, multifunctional design, the CASA Hub Stand Ultra transforms any desk setup into a powerhouse of productivity and creativity. Imagine a stand that holds your devices and integrates seamlessly with them, offering a smooth, ergonomic experience whether you’re working, video chatting, or enjoying entertainment. This stand is built to inspire, improve comfort, and help you do more with less effort.
The CASA Hub Stand Ultra “stands out” with its meticulously engineered design that combines aesthetics and function. The perforated aluminum stand plate is an essential feature, designed for effective heat dissipation, ensuring your laptop stays cool even during extended sessions. This thoughtful design improves performance and helps extend your device’s lifespan. Equipped with the patented Intelligent Magnetic System (iMS), this stand is designed to blend with your devices effortlessly—be it a MacBook, iPad, or smartphone. Forget ordinary; this stand brings magnetic integration to a new level, delivering an unmatched blend of convenience and functionality.
The CASA Hub Stand Ultra features an intelligent magnetic phone mount, keeping your workspace organized while making your phone easily accessible for notifications or calls. It’s an all-in-one solution for data transfer, charging, and video playback with a versatile 6-port USB-C magnetic hub. The magnetic hub can be removed effortlessly, making it a flexible companion whether you’re working from your home office or on the go. With ports including USB-C PD charging, HDMI 4K @60Hz, USB-A, and RJ-45, it’s capable of covering any setup you need without missing a beat.
Designed for versatility, the CASA Hub Stand Ultra features a height adjustment range from 2.1 inches to 16.5 inches (53 mm to 420 mm), making it suitable for sitting and standing. The seamless rotary axle allows smooth adjustments for ergonomic comfort, while the 360° rotating base offers effortless screen sharing. The stand can hold up to a 13.2 lb laptop, including 17-inch models, and ensures strength and stability.
Thoughtfully crafted with extended silicone pads lining the base and surface, the stand ensures secure, non-slip use for your devices. It’s not just functional; its all-aluminum build exudes a premium feel while keeping a sleek and lightweight profile—tailored especially for MacBook users. The CASA Hub Stand Ultra delivers on every front, combining the aesthetics of minimalist design with the performance required for modern hybrid workflows.
Its innovative iMS (Intelligent Management System) and rotatable design set the CASA Hub Stand Ultra apart. The iMS ensures seamless power delivery and connectivity, making multitasking effortless. The 360-degree rotatable base allows you to adjust your device’s orientation easily, providing flexibility and ergonomic comfort unmatched by conventional stands. This combination of smart technology and user-focused design makes it a standout choice for those looking to upgrade their workspace.
Kautokeino is located in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, and suffers from extremely cold temperatures that can hit – 45 °C. Snøhetta was commissioned to build a brand-new cultural and education hub in this difficult location. A lot of thinking and attention to detail went into building this sturdy wooden structure which is supposed to be 90% self-sufficient in heating and cooling. Named, this building was constructed in collaboration with Joar Nango and 70°N arkitektur. The word ‘Čoarvemátta’ is derived from the Sami words for horn and root, which are the strongest parts of the reindeer’s antler. The hub is inspired by the local Sami culture and will be hosting the Sami National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sami High School and Reindeer Herding School.
The structure occupies around 77,500 sq ft and is constructed mainly from wood. It features an impressive 53,000-sq-ft sloping roof that slowly moves towards the ground. The exterior was built using the slate from a previous school which has been demolished. The hub has a branching shape which creates surreal outdoor spaces. The south-facing space functions as the main entrance, and is protected by the dipping roof. The interior is equipped with theater and school areas, as well as a cool skylight inspired by a traditional Sami smoke hole. The interior is subtle yet beautiful, letting the natural beauty of the wood truly shine. The interior is also amped with traditional art by respected Sami artists. These pieces add hints of red and blue to the space, livening it up.
“The building is 90% self-sufficient in energy to heating and cooling thanks to 40 geowells drilled about 250 meters [820 ft] into the ground,” said Snøhetta. “The wells supply two heat pumps that both heat and cool the building, while exchangers for the energy wells dump surplus heat back again. On the coldest winter days, the system is supplemented with an electric boiler.”
The Čoarvemátta is in complete accordance with the requirements of the Passive House Standard – a strict green building standard that needs a high level of insulation and air-tightness. The hub also utilizes geothermal heating. The landscaping around the Čoarvemátta has been kept natural since Sami culture does not include creating parks and urban spaces. The soil that was removed from the site has been preserved, stored, and returned, ensuring the safety of the seed stocks.
To say that I have a messy desk is an understatement. Aside from the various books, office supplies, and knick-knacks that I have lying around, one of the things that make it pretty messy are all my cords connectors, and sockets. I work with multiple devices so I need all kinds of charging and connecting tools, therefore adding to the clutter on my desk. If ever I one day decide to have a cleaner and more minimalist desk, then I definitely need one of these docking hubs to make my work and home office life a bit more organized.
Designer: Lon
The Lon:HUB is one such docking hub that can give your desk a cleaner appearance and at the same time provide you with all the outlets and ports that you need. The ports and sockets are attached under your desk and on top of your space, you have some of the ports that you would need. Underneath, you have 5x 110V AC sockets, 2x HDMI 2 display ports, and 2x arms where you can wrap your cords around so you don’t get a spaghetti-like mess. On the edge of your desk, the hub has a 10 Gbps USB-C 100W port, 2x USB-A ports, an SD card slot, and it even has a wireless charger landing pad.
The hub also comes with a proprietary high-speed PCB with 100W PD and medical-grade power unit. It will also be available in several color options. We’re seeing orange, yellow, and a dark blue/grayish one if you prefer muted colors. If you want a more powerful unit, there will be a Pro version available which has a Thunderbolt 4 port, 2x HDMI 2.1 and 2x DisplayPort 1.4 ports,, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet card, 2x 10Gbps USB-C and 6x 10Gbps USB-A ports, a UHS-II SD-Card slot, QI2 wireless charger pad, and a 100W PD. It will also have a full aluminium casing.
The price tag hasn’t been officially revealed yet but it looks they’re planning to go for $199 which is a pretty good price tag for a dock. Design-wise the Lon:HUB is pretty minimalist and that is the point as something intricately designed may add to your desk’s clutter. I may not be leaving my maximalist style anytime soon but removing the cord and socket clutter may be the first step I’ll take and this dock would be a good start.
As a huge fan of science fiction content, from books to movies to TV shows, I am excited to see which things from what I’ve read and seen will come true one of these days. And with the advances in technology, a lot of them are not far-fetched ideas anymore. There are some things that may be scary or at least creepy but it’s still pretty interesting to see what we’ll see next which we thought were just works of science fiction before.
German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom recently unveiled the Concept T project which is a collection of advanced technology and gadget concepts that will show consumers what may be the future of communications. Concept View is a home hub with a twist: it has a 3D holographic AI-equipped virtual assistant called Emma to guide you through things like video calls and other digital world activities. It looks like a cross between a crystal ball and the Palantirs from Lord of the Rings but instead of showing you what the future holds, it will show you the future of technology.
A Wi-Fi router isn’t the sexiest gadget out there but Concept Level definitely makes it more interesting. It is a re-configurable router that is made up of different interchangeable, modular elements. The set includes a display unit, Wi-Fi sensing element, mesh repeater, and computational module for Web 3 use cases. The elements are designed using different geometric forms so it looks like you have interesting mini sculptures rather than an actual router.
Concept Buddy is your own personal robot at home, similar to the ones you see in malls and airports. It’s an AI-based digital assistant companion that is able to communicate through the “emotion and information display”. It is able to give reminders like taking medication and household chores and can also assist in calls, online shopping, and other tasks you may need assistance. It can even warn you of potential hazards and contact emergency services if needed. It is able to adapt to your routine and will only “come alive” when it is engaged with.
Ever wanted to connect half a dozen things to your 2-port laptop? Or how about charging multiple devices at the same time without getting trapped in a tangle of cables? Do your neck and wrists ache whenever you use your laptop for hours on end? As powerful as our computers and smartphones might be, they don’t always have all the features you might want, at least not out of the box. Fortunately, there is a very large market for accessories and gadgets that provide these missing pieces, offering so many options that it can get overwhelming and confusing at times. To help you make better and smarter choices, we’ve gathered 10 of the best gadgets available that provide not only added value but clean and attractive designs that are sure to upgrade your Apple devices.
1. CASA Hub Stand Pro USB-C 6-in-1 Laptop Stand Hub
Laptops trade comfort for portability and are probably one of the biggest causes of computer-related injuries. Even disregarding the position of the keyboard, the laptop screen is never at a proper ergonomic height. The CASA Hub Stand Pro helps you keep a good posture without sacrificing your productivity, raising the laptop to a comfortable eye level. The adjustable height and 360-degree rotating base make it easy to switch viewing angles or share your screen, while a detachable 6-in-1 hub handles cable management whether you’re on your desk or on the go.
The CASA Hub Stand Pro adjustable laptop stand and its detachable multi-functional hub provide comfort, convenience, and flexibility in a sleek and space-efficient design.
What we like
Ergonomic adjustable height with a 360-degree rotating base
Detachable 6-in-1 USB-C hub includes 1000Mbps Ethernet and 4K HDMI ports
Sleek, durable, and thoughtful design
What we dislike
Portable but large size
2. Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station
It’s not uncommon for people these days to own a smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds, especially when they’re from Apple. That, unfortunately, means having to juggle at least three chargers, especially when you want to charge them at the same time. With the Mag 3 Foldable Charging Station, however, you really need only one, whether you’re charging just a single device or all three. Best of all, it folds up quite nicely so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, especially when you’re not using it.
The Mag 3 can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, and then fold into a compact form to save space or carry with you anywhere.
What we like
Charge iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods at the same time with MagSafe tech
Compact, pocket-sized form when folded
What we dislike
Doesn’t open completely flat
3. iKlips C Lightning/USB-C Flash Drive
Even with Apple now fully embracing the USB-C standard, there are still plenty of devices out there using the company’s Lightning technology. With the iKlips C Flash Drive, you don’t have to sweat the details of what storage solution to use for which device and effortless switch between all of them using the same flash drive. And with the free iKlips mobile app, you can enjoy convenient features like automatic backups while charging or recording 4K videos directly onto the flash drive to save space on your iPhone.
The ultra-slim iKlips flash drive lets you easily share files between all kinds of devices, whether using Lightning or USB-C, and offers added features through the free iKlips app for iPhones and iPads.
What we like
Supports both Apple Lightning and USB-C devices
Auto-backup and direct video recording via iKlips app
What we dislike
Silicone cover is awkward and easy to lose
4. CASA Hub Pro Max 13-in-1 USB-C Hub
Super-slim laptops might look great, but their thin profiles come at the expense of some functionality. A very limited number of ports, most of them USB-C, cover just the basics but leave you hanging when you need more options. The CASA Hub Pro Max pulls out all the stops when it comes to connectivity, offering even a VGA port! Best of all, you only need a single USB-C Gen2 connection to your laptop for both data and power, simplifying cable management even further.
CASA Hub Pro Max offers all the connectivity options you’ll ever need in a single hub that requires a single USB-C cable to use.
What we like
13 connectivity ports including VGA, Ethernet, and data card readers
Supports up to 3 external displays
Sleek design, can be used as a laptop stand
What we dislike
Only works with USB-C Gen2 and requires 100W PD3.0 power input
5. Mag 4 GaN 30W 4-in-1 Power Charging Station
3-in-1 wireless chargers have now become more common, but many of these tend to sacrifice power output for the sake of convenience. The Mag 4 GaN charging station, in contrast, uses the latest charging technologies to deliver 30W of total power while still supporting simultaneous charging. In fact, it offers more ways to charge devices with its 20W USB-C and 18W USB-A outputs.
The Mag 4 offers the ultimate multi-device charging solution in a compact package and a distinctive adjustable angle design.
What we like
Supports wired and wireless charging, including 20W USB-C and 18W USB-A
Magnetic snap-on with adjustable angles lets you view your phone while charging
Utilizes GaN technology for fast and safe charging
What we dislike
Requires custom charging cable
6. EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver
Headphone jacks might be gone from smartphones, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. Unfortunately, it does mean that your only pair of wireless earbuds is pretty much useless for devices and sources that don’t support Bluetooth, like airline entertainment systems or older media players. With the ADAM elements EVE II, you don’t have to worry about your privacy, allowing you to connect wireless earphones and speakers to just about anything that has a headphone jack. Never miss out on in-flight entertainment ever again with the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver.
EVE II is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized gadget that lets you connect various devices with a headphone jack to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
What we like
Dual foldable 3.5mm AUX plugs compatible with a variety of sources, including airline entertainment systems
Can pair with up to 2 Bluetooth earbuds at the same time
Easily switch between transmitter and receiver modes with a single button
What we dislike
Boxy shape might block nearby ports (ships with a 3.5mm adapter cable to address this problem)
7. OMNIA CX2 Magnetic Charging Car Mount
The majority of wireless chargers in the market presume that you’re either at home, in the office, or sitting down somewhere. The need to charge, however, can strike anywhere, even while you’re in a car. Of course, car chargers have existed for decades, but MagSafe car chargers still seem to be in their growing days. The OMNIA CX2 tries to prove that this design has finally matured, offering a simple yet elegant way to keep your phone topped up while navigating roads or listening to relaxing tunes.
The OMNIA CX2 Magnetic Car Mount offers a simple, safe, and stylish way to charge your phone on the go.
What we like
Built-in LED light increases visibility in the dark
360-degree head and metal telescopic hook offers stable, one-hand use
What we dislike
A bit bulky yet offers stable installation
8. OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Wireless charging stations are quite useful, but they only cover a small subset of things that you might need to charge. If you’re a lover of Apple’s gadgets, you’re likely to have more than just three types of devices. With the OMNIA Q5, you can expand that set to include an iPad and an Apple Pencil to cover all your bases. What’s even more interesting is that you can even remove the wireless charging pad and use it independently or put it to the side for a more spacious arrangement.
The OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station welcomes iPad and Apple pencils to the fray, letting you charge all your Apple devices at the same time.
What we like
Modular phone charging pad can be used separately
Single power cable to charge 5 devices simultaneously, including an iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, iPad up to 12.9 inches, and Apple Watch
What we dislike
Apple Watch charging pad can’t be folded down when not in use
9. OMNIA M3+ Magnetic 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Who says that wireless chargers all need to be rectangular or circular? The OMNIA M3+ definitely says it doesn’t have to be the case, especially with the likes of Apple MagSafe technology. Adopting a design similar to a tree branch or jewelry holder, this distinctive wireless charger holds your iPhone and Apple Watch up in the air, almost like magic.
The OMNIA M3+ eschews conventional wireless charger designs to deliver a product that is as beautiful as it is functional.
What we like
Unique stylish design
Qi Wireless Charging Base supports different wireless earbuds brands
What we dislike
Charging base doesn’t match the overall chrome-plated aesthetic
10. CASA Hub S USB-C 5-in-1 SSD Hub
USB-C hubs have become more common these days, but that doesn’t mean we’ve run out of ways to innovate on their designs and features. These gadgets are great for connecting laptops and phones to external devices, but they can also carry other functions to maximize the space they occupy. The CASA Hub S is an innovative twist on that design, integrating SSD storage so that it can function not just as a hub but as an external drive as well, which can be especially useful for Time Machine and iPhone 15 backups.
