Tag Archives: limited edition

Realme GT Neo 3 Naruto Edition Hands-on: Design Ninja Moves

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You might not be a Naruto or anime fan, but you still have to give Realme mad props for its manufacturing trick.

Smartphones have become so important to our daily lives that they are pretty much extensions and expressions of ourselves. Sometimes, you can tell a lot about a person based on the phone they’re using, especially if the devices are adorned with accessories or decals showing off their preferences. There are plenty of ways to customize a smartphone, and there’s an almost endless supply of cases and themes catering to different fandoms, but there’s still something to be said when a phone maker officially creates a special edition for a specific franchise, especially when that manufacturer bends over backward to create that special design, just like what Realme did for the Limited Naruto Edition of the GT Neo 3.

Designer: Realme

Realme is a brand that was born out of the desire to tap a younger market than most smartphone companies do. That focus is reflected in Realme’s business model and, of course, its designs. Realme phones often get editions themed around activities and brands that a more youthful audience gravitates towards. And there is perhaps nothing more “youthful” (despite embracing fans of all ages) than one of the most popular anime characters in recent memory, the ironically boisterous ninja Naruto.

It would have probably been easier, simpler, and cheaper for Realme to just throw in a custom case specially themed around Naruto, alongside themes and accessories designed the same way. In fact, Realme does have that, though some, like the customized GT Neo 3 case and a Power Bank 3 Pro Naruto Edition, are sold separately. The large and rather hefty 160W SuperDART charger that ships with this Naruto Edition phone do have the character’s iconic flaming orange color as its main hue. The USB-C cable, on the other hand, is predominantly black but does have orange bands on each end. Even the SIM tray ejector pin is designed to match the theme.

Realme, however, went the extra mile and gave the GT Neo 3 phone itself a Naruto makeover, inside and, most especially, outside. You might immediately be taken by the phone’s rear design, sporting that same fiery orange and black motif that the shinobi (Japanese for “ninja”) wore during his Shippuden era. The camera area even looks like the standard headband for ninjas hailing from Naruto’s hometown of Konohagakure, completing the semblance of a “Naruto Phone.”

What makes this Naruto Edition particularly intriguing is the design and manufacturing process that went into producing that design. Rather than simply painting over or under the matte glass back, Realme employed a painstaking and costly process that allowed them to have different textures and colors on the same single piece of glass. The orange and black areas of the case are easy enough to tell apart, but the Uzumaki clan’s crest in the middle is also part of that same whole piece. More impressive, perhaps, is that metallic section that does feel almost like metal and is even a fingerprint magnet like the real thing. They even used micro 3D patterns to create the illusion of rivets on the metal plate.

This is definitely more than what you might expect, even from a company like Realme that has been putting unique and unorthodox designs on the back of its phones. It also shows its attention even to the minutest details that may escape most people’s notice. The matte black area, for example, features three glossy stripes on each side, symbolizing Naruto’s distinctive facial feature.” You can even feel the difference between the two areas as if those stripes were engraved into the phone’s back and coated with a different material. Fortunately, most of the phone’s back has a matte texture for better grip, but those who still find it slippery can use the clear gel case included in the box.

As for the hardware, the Realme GT Neo 3 is quite on par with many flagships launched early this year. The 6.7-inch Full HD+ display is bright and colorful, making it the perfect canvas to show off Naruto-themed wallpapers and icons. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 5G processor and 12GB of RAM (expandable up to 7GB) handle mobile games without breaking a sweat. The phone’s superpower, much like Naruto’s Rasengan, is its super-fast 150W charging capability. And in line with that theme, the phone plays a custom lock screen animation when it’s being charged (using that UltraDart brick), which also happens to be a five-element Rasengan.

Sadly, the special manufacturing process used to create that striking design is also part of the reason why this has to be a limited edition phone. Realme says that only 5,000 units (shadow clones) of the GT Neo 3 Naruto Edition are being sold, and all of them are in China only. It is definitely worthy of a Naruto fan’s attention, especially when they learn how much work Realme put into delivering something that isn’t just a faithful tribute to the character but also one that pushes the limits of phone designs.

The post Realme GT Neo 3 Naruto Edition Hands-on: Design Ninja Moves first appeared on Yanko Design.

Limited Edition Sneakers with Detachable Mullets: Party in the Back!

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Because there’s a market for absolutely everything, including sneakers with detachable mullets, Volley of Australia is releasing the $85 Heritage High Mullet Edition, a sports sneaker with detachable Velcro mullets on the heel of each shoe. I can already see myself dragging those mullets through the mud, then sticking them in my own hair because I’m a wild animal.

And as if the shoes themselves weren’t enough to elicit an automatic purchase response, 100% of profits from sales will go towards Mullets for Mental Health, which raises money for mental health research. Cool shoes and a good cause – it’s a win/win!

I just bought two pairs: one to wear and one to keep mint in the box because these are obviously going to be a collector’s item one day. Or – and this has happened to me before – worth even less as time goes on. I’m a terrible investor. I may not have bought any Bitcoin when it was just pennies, but I do have a storage unit full of knock-off Beanie Babies I can’t seem to get rid of.

[via Pedestrian]

Technics launches a 50th-anniversary edition of their legendary SL-1200 turntable

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Technics launches a 50th-anniversary edition of their iconic SL-1200 turntable, available in seven colors.

Known around the world as the best turntable you can get for under a grand, the Technics SL-1200 is a series of direct-drive turntables. While many professional DJs consider the Technics SL-1200 to be their go-to turntable, the technical build of this line of turntables appeals to audiophiles too, who only use the turntable for at-home listening. The series of turntables offer exceptional sound quality as a result of precise motors and absorbent isolation, today Technics releases its 50th-anniversary model.

Designer: Technics

Operating the whole show, the SL-1200 turntable’s main feature is its direct-drive motor, which offers dynamic accuracy when playing records. Since its introduction in the 1970s, the sound quality and accuracy have “further evolved with the SL-1200/1210MK7, and achieved even higher sound quality as the Coreless Direct Drive Motor.” The tonearm is also specific to Technics equipment, the SL-1200 features an S-shaped tonearm, which is unique to Technics audio gear. Moving in its own distinct arc, the S-shaped tonearm reproduces music with high fidelity tracking performance without stylus skipping.

In addition to the SL-1200 turntable’s unique tonearm and direct-drive motor, each insulator foot on the 50th-anniversary edition consists of an internal spring and rubber cushion material to shut out any reverberating vibrations. Integrated pitch controls also help set the Technics SL-1200 apart from other turntables. As the designers note, “Pitch control on the SL-1200 was originally utilized for the precise adjustment of rotation speed. Club DJs began using this function to match the pitch between two tracks to achieve a smooth transition. This technique led to the explosive popularity of the SL-1200 worldwide.”

While the designers at Technics haven’t changed the new model too much when compared to the first model, there was never a need–the SL-1200 has always been about the “pursuit for pure audio performance.” Technics goes on to explain, “The vibration-absorbing cabinet and insulators suppress undesirable noise, while the gimbal suspension tonearm provides high tracking performance for high-fidelity sound reproduction.”

The post Technics launches a 50th-anniversary edition of their legendary SL-1200 turntable first appeared on Yanko Design.

Supermarine MM01 Hyper Jet Ski looks like it was designed to fly instead

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There is a great deal of fuss over all-electric vehicles today, but most of those have been focused on vehicles with wheels rolling on land. Electric aircraft is still in the age of their infancy, and you barely even hear about aquatic modes of travel switching to more sustainable sources of power. There are, of course, attempts at designing electric boats and jet skis, but the upcoming Supermarine MM01 might be the most ambitious one of all, both in handsome looks and in luxurious price.

Designers: Germain and Léopold Bouvet

Jet skis aren’t exactly your typical mode of transportation over water. They’re good for crossing short distances, hopping from island to island, but they’re often associated more with sports and sometimes dangerous thrills where speed is the name of the game. It isn’t by accident, then, that this Supermarine MM01 by Bouvet Frères Marine is being branded as a hyper jet ski in line with hypercars on land.

The futuristic-looking aquatic vehicle will be powered by a 300hp electric motor generating 220kw of power. In theory, this would allow the jet ski to blast through waters at a top speed of 75 mph, and the company advertises an “autonomy” of 2 hours tops. It’s powered by electricity rather than fuel, of course, which almost makes it sound like a more sustainable option. But if you thought electric vehicles were more expensive than their gasoline-chugging counterparts, then the Supermarine MM01 easily outclasses those by a nautical mile.

This “hyper jet ski” is ultimately a luxury vehicle if its appearance wasn’t already a dead giveaway. It’s a sporty vehicle, as its rip-roaring specs suggest, but it’s also described as a “lifestyle machine” designed with ergonomics and style in mind. Leather upholstered front trunk, a touch screen for navigation, and a carbon Kevlar monocoque frame all point to something that’s designed for more affluent customers. There’s even a dedicated champagne holder under the two-seater saddle if you still have any doubts.

Interestingly, the form of the Supermarine MM01 seems to take its cue not from luxury cars but futuristic hovercrafts. Although its speed hopefully won’t make you fly out of the water, the jet ski’s aerodynamic design is more similar to sci-fi flying vehicles than your typical water speedsters. And if you add wheels, it wouldn’t look out of place over land either. Coincidentally, its designers have earned their reputation building cars, which is why you can get some amphibious vibes from this electric jet ski.

Perhaps the biggest telltale sign of this vehicle’s luxury DNA is in the number of jet skis that the company will produce. Only 30 Supermarine MM01’s will be made, at least in its first run, split between white “Mother of Pearl” and black edition colors. The designers are well aware that these luxury machines will have a high asking price, but they aren’t as concerned about profitability as they are in creating something that symbolizes a passion for aesthetics and creative freedom.

The post Supermarine MM01 Hyper Jet Ski looks like it was designed to fly instead first appeared on Yanko Design.

This indestructible, limited-edition survival kit includes 72 EDC camping essentials to keep you outdoor ready!

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The limited-edition Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit from VSSL features 72 EDC camping essentials that range from a set of navigational tools to a mini first aid kit, so you’ll always be prepared to rough it in the woods.

When done right, camping is able to tap into our survival instinct to keep us warm and help us sleep soundly through the night. The importance of gaining skills like navigation and how to start your own fire cannot be understated when it comes to off-grid or solitary camping. Refining your own survival skills will always come in handy, but if you’re not there yet, survival kits like those from VSSL will bring you into the morning in the meantime. Re-launching their Camp Supplies Kit in bright Searcher Orange, VSSL packs in every EDC item you might need while roughin’ it in the woods.

Made from waterproof, military-grade aluminum, the Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit stores all the tools and starter kits you need in an indestructible vessel. Consolidated into canisters the size of hockey pucks, the Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit comes loaded with more than ten mini survival packs that carry everything from navigational tools to fishing supplies. Portable by design, VSSL’s Supplies Kit comes with a lid that doubles as a Suunto Compass, which is also considered one of the most trusted navigational tools on the market and carries the rest of the supply kits inside.

Developed for off-grid camping, the Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit comes complete with canisters that include a fire starter, mini first-aid pack, a rope and razor kit, fishing supplies pack, a beeswax candle, wire saw, water bag, adventure tape, a bamboo cloth, a miscellaneous canister that comes with a whistle, can opener, sewing kit, and gear ties, and finally a 200 lumens 4-mode flashlight.

In total, the Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit comes equipped with 72 camp essentials so you’ll always be prepared for your next camping trip. Designed to be portable and impact-resistant, the Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit comes pre-packed with camping supplies so you’ll even save some space and time when gearing up for your trip.

Designer: VSSL

Click Here to Buy Now!

The Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit doubles as a 200 lumens 4-mode flashlight.

The handheld vessel comes with 72 essential camping kits.

The Searcher Orange Camp Supplies Kit is as portable as a handheld flashlight. 

Mastercard’s Priceless Mask is a sound reactive wearable with LED lights for the Gen-Z!

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It was not long ago when the clothes and shoes were the clear reflections of your personality. Add to that another accessory absolutely necessary in current times when safety is second to none. Yes, face masks have become an extension to one’s personality with the safety and style quotient attached as 17 percent of the Gen Z and millennial crowd choose unique designs matching their outfit. Understandably 14 percent of the younger generation also believes that the face masks they sport reflect their true self.

Taking this opportunity to create something stylish to pep up people’s lives, Mastercard has come up with the idea of a limited edition face mask which resonates with the sound of music or any ambient sound in the environment. Mastercard is the headline sponsor of The BRIT Awards 2021 for the 23rd year in a row, and they’ve decided to design the face mask in close quarters with CuteCircuit (wearable technology pioneers) based on research which suggests, 38 percent of UK adults actually want a tech element incorporate in their first line of safety. Another finding is that 65 percent of these individuals want to see transparent masks for those hard of hearing, and 39 percent want a color code system to indicate the time for replacing a mask. “Face masks have become a feature of our everyday lives and maybe for some time to come. By implementing interactive technology into face masks, Mastercard has made the exciting step of marrying music and technology to bring fans closer to music and each other,” says Agnes Woolrich, the Head of Marketing and Communications, UK and Ireland, Mastercard

Mastercard chose Jack Whitehall to try out the new features of this unique face mask. Not surprisingly – the English comedian, presenter, actor, and writer was utterly impressed with what Mastercard and CuteCircuit have created. He said, “The limited-edition masks are a huge step up from the average face mask; I love the way that the lights flash and react to music and even my voice.” The mask gives people another way to connect with others in social settings like in a shopping mall or public transit. The tech here is courtesy of the 8×8 micro-LED light array, which comes to life in 64 pixels arrangement whenever music is played or surrounding ambient sounds are detected. These lights are rechargeable, and you can switch them on at will with the touch of a button.

Bringing together the passions for music, fashion, and technology – the limited edition face masks are everything one would want in their modern accessories. The Mastercard face mask will be available via Priceless on 20th May, and if you already love the idea, mark your calendars!  

Designer: Mastercard and CuteCircuit

Click Here to Buy!

 

1989 Batmobile desk clock is the perfect side kick to your geeky desk setup

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Luxury Swiss Watchmakers have baffled us time and again with their craft of clock-making and the signature mechanical movement. Not only they enchant us with technical prowess but the design aesthetics are also jaw-dropping. This 1989 Batmobile desk clock by newbie Swiss brand Kross Studio, is a good example of that fact. The timepiece is an intricate scaled replica of the iconic Batmobile featured in Tim Burton’s Batman movie, starring Michael Keaton who played the caped crusader alongside Jack Nicholson as the Joker. The Swiss brand dedicated to crafting collectible objects, joined forces with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to bring the desk clock to life, and boy is it impressive or what!

Engineering to perfection, every single detail of the clock, right from the inside to the outside is commendable. The mechanical movement runs along the length of the car, beginning from the air intake right through to the exhaust. Attention to detail can be assessed from the fact that the 1989 Batmobile clock comprises 512 components. 115 are solely for the bodywork while 397 of them are dedicated to the in-house mechanical manual-winding movement visible through the smoked windows of the replica. The exterior is crafted out of black aluminum composite having an aeronautical grade scratch protection coating. It even has moving wheels for those boring times when you need to pass time!

The hand-built 1989 Batmobile clock has horizontal cylinders to display the hours and minutes through bat-like cowl decals. The front turbine of the car gives a peek of the vertical regulator, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. For the nerds, the clock runs at a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour (3Hz) giving it a power reserve of 30 days. The cutest bit of the desk clock is the satin-finished (with mirror-polishing) Batman-shaped key to wind up your next favorite desk accessory via the afterburner nozzle. The clock is only going to be available in limited edition 100 units for a staggering price tag of $29,900. Enough to buy an Audi A3, but then collectors don’t care about the money if the thing they are buying is as rare as this 1989 Batmobile clock!

Designer: Kross Studio

The Bentley Blower resurrected after nine decades took over 40,000 hours to make!

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Last year Bentley made the exciting announcement of resurrecting the most iconic cars from Bentley’s history – Sir Tim Birkin’s 1929 supercharged 4½-litre “Blower”, as continuation models. One year henceforth, and the first example of the Blower is rolling out of the production lines after almost nine decades. The prototype test car will reflect the integrity of the classic model that has been brought to life after 40,000 hours of design and build process. Dubbed the Car Zero, this test model has been handcrafted from 1,857 individual bespoke parts. To achieve the exact configuration of the original Blower, Bentley disassembled the #2 Team Car (chassis number HB 3403, engine SM 3902, and registration UU 5872), one of the brand’s most valuable vehicle to date. Then the expert team painstakingly took laser scans of the frame and components to create the digital CAD model. Then the artisans took over to craft the Car Zero, one part at a time using the traditional techniques.

Every single component was built to the exact specification right down to the millimeter detail. Be it the aluminum pistons, four valves of the cylinder, magnesium crankcase, or the overhead camshaft. Now that the Car Zero is complete it is going to go through a rigorous schedule of testing, including the 4,971 miles of track testing and 21,748 miles in the real world – that’s also going to evaluate the top speed of the nostalgic four-wheeler. Team Bentley is going to replicate the famous Mille Miglia and Perkin to Paris rallies. After taking the car for a test ride, Pyms Lane, Bentley’s chief, Adrian Hallmark, said: “Today was a truly remarkable day, not just as a milestone in the Blower Continuation Series project, but also for Bentley Motors. To drive the first new Blower in 90 years was a privilege, and the quality of the car would make Sir Tim Birkin himself proud. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and I’m pleased to report that the car drives just as beautifully as our original Team Car.”

The only changes in this new model will be pertaining to modern safety standards. Once the testing is full-proofed for the performance and durability of the classic car, the 12 planned customers will receive delivery of this rare model. Yes, that’s right, the car has already been booked for these clients who have specified their custom changes to the interiors, as they eagerly wait for the delivery of their Bentley Blower. Just imagine the Blower riding the city roads, they’ll call out for attention more than any supercar out there!

Designer: Bentley

Novation and Aphex Twin’s limited-edition Bass Station II embraces the weird

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Novation’s Bass Station II is considered a modern classic in the synth world. And, the company deserves a lot of credit for constantly issuing updates and expanding its feature set. In fact, even though the core three-oscillator analog sound engine i...

Aston Martin’s V12 roofless speedster is a sleek siren calling out to all thrill seekers!

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Post cancellation of the Geneva International Motor Show 2020, the Aston Martin V12 showed its gorgeous face at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire in March. The lightweight two-seater speedster is designed by the “Q by Aston Martin” bespoke division, who took the car from the blueprint stage to reality in just 12 months. Now the car inspired by the CC100 Speedster Concept and 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1 from the marque’s grand past will be parked in the dealerships as early as the first quarter of next year. The car will only be made in 88 limited edition units with each one costing a mind-bending $950,000 – so it’s going to be a rare affair to spot one the roads!

The front of the Aston Martin V12 stamps the authority of road presence in every aspect, right from its headlights and the intimidating grille to the nostrils on the hood and well creased sporty design language flowing to the sides which features 21-inch forged center-locking wheels. The rear compliments those aesthetics very well with the spoiler that protrudes out of the taillights, demanding special attention. The car sports broadened shoulders and stylish twin humps and spine separating the driver and the co-rider. The Skyfall Silver livery designed in collaboration with Boeing is inspired by fighter jets and is aptly contrasted with the satin black on the exhaust tips, vent grilles, and vanes. To keep the total weight down without compromising the aesthetics, the design team has infused satin chrome structural carbon fiber and aluminum inserts.

The heart of this machine is the 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 that churns out 710 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. This sublime power translates to an impressive 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of electronically limited 186 mph – if that doesn’t give you’re the adrenaline rush of driving on the open roads, we are afraid nothing will! Matt Becker, Aston Martin’s chief engineer, said, “For raw, driving thrills the V12 Speedster is unparalleled, the fully open element of the car adding a new dimension to the experience.” He believes that “driving doesn’t get any purer than this” thanks to the engaging driving experience with the power of twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 at your command.

Designer: Aston Martin