Saramonic BlinkMe B2 Wireless Mic Review: A Creator’s Dream Partner

PROS:


  • Clear and crisp audio in almost any scenario

  • Magnetic attachments allow more freedom where to use the transmitters

  • Eye-catching touch screens allow for showing brand logos in addition to recording information

  • Supports both real-time streaming and on-board recording

CONS:


  • Extra strong magnets can easily pinch the skin if not careful

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Magnetic attachments and customizable touch screens add incredible value to an already excellent wireless microphone.

With plenty of focus being lavished on cameras, optics, and image sensors, you’d almost think that all we have on our heads are eyes. While the visual quality of content is definitely important, it’s also easy to demonstrate how poor or even no audio can completely ruin an experience. Audio recording equipment, particularly microphones, sometimes comes as an afterthought, a decision that filmmakers and creators often immediately regret. Finding the right mic can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re forced to choose between small lavaliers with discrete designs but barely passable recording and large mics with studio quality but distracting sizes. The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 promises to save you from that dilemma with the promise of a small yet distinctive design and unbeatable audio recording, so we naturally had to put it through the test to see how it measures up to real-world use.

Designer: Saramonic

Aesthetics

If you were expecting a small clip or some small rectangular box, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that it isn’t the case at all. The entire Saramonic BlinkMe B2 system comes in a rather unique package that is closer to some hi-tech gadget than what you’d normally see in wireless microphones. When joined together, the three parts look like a short square box with two smaller discs at the top and the bottom. You’ll probably be too focused on production to actually appreciate how distinctive the BlinkMe B2 looks, but it definitely puts the product a level higher than its peers.

The wireless mic’s personality, however, really shines the moment you use it, particularly when you separate these three pieces. You’ll immediately discover that they aren’t held down by flimsy locking mechanisms that get in the way but only by the sheer power of very strong magnets. These make it easy to remove the transmitters from the receiver base while still holding them securely when not in use or when charging. Once you pull off the transmitters, however, you immediately see the most visible feature that makes the BlinkMe B2 extra special.

Both transmitters have circular touch screens covering their faces, making them look like smartwatches without straps. In fact, you operate them exactly like smartwatches, swiping and tapping through controls and options. There are, of course, also physical buttons on the side that, unsurprisingly, might also remind you of smartwatch buttons. This is more than just an embellishment, though. While it’s definitely dandy to see the mic’s gain levels from a distance as you record an interview, its real value shines when you realize that you can actually customize what’s shown on the screen.

In essence, you can upload your studio’s logo or any other graphic (that fits a circle area) from the Saramonic mobile app to the transmitters and have it always on display while shooting. Considering how conspicuous this disc-shaped mic will be on your chest, it’s a great opportunity to do some subtle advertising. Conversely, that also means that the BlinkMe B2 transmitter will always be visible, though not everyone will actually realize that it’s a mic and presume it’s just some sort of fancy LCD badge.

Ergonomics

Saramonic’s use of magnets and touch screens isn’t just for show. They actually make the BlinkMe B2 one of the easiest wireless microphones to use. Need to start recording almost immediately? Simply pop off the transmitters. Need to charge one of the little pucks? Just have them snap back onto the top of the receiver. And since the transmitters can record audio on their own, you don’t even have to worry if you accidentally left the cables that would connect the receiver to a camera. It’s as simple as that.

Operating the three pieces themselves is a piece of cake thanks to the touch screens, though there are also physical buttons for the most important actions you need to have quick access to. What actions would those be? Actually, you get to decide that since you can customize what each button does through the Saramonic mobile app. The distinctive yellow button on the transmitters, however, has a single function, and that’s to toggle Noise Reduction on or off. That color might seem garish, but you won’t miss it even in a dark environment.

The magnets on the transmitters aren’t just a one-trick pony. Thanks to this design, you can easily stick the transmitters anywhere on a shirt, not just the edges. The package comes with four magnetic attachments that let you sandwich clothing between these two discs, though there’s also a magnetic clip in case you do need to go old school. You can even stick it to doors, posts, and any other metallic surface if you want to keep it out of the way. One word of caution, though. The magnets are so strong that you risk pinching the skin of your finger or, worse, certain body parts if you’re not careful how you connect two pieces together.

For all its ease of use, this magnet-based design does have one drawback. To charge the transmitters, you have to attach them to the receiver, which functions as the charging station. You can’t charge them independently using some accessory, so you’ll probably want to keep tabs on their battery levels. Given how the receiver is usually mounted on top of a camera, it also means you can charge only one transmitter at a time. Then again, if you do need to charge both, you’ve probably stopped recording anyway.

Performance

If we stopped at the BlinkMe B2’s unique aesthetic, people would simply pass it off as a pretty face. Fortunately, that is definitely not the case, because Saramonic’s smartest wireless definitely punches above its weight. You get clear and usable audio recordings even when there’s some busy activity around you, as we ourselves experienced on the hectic CES 2024 floor.

Even more impressive is that neither the signal nor the quality actually drops from a distance, even with some obstacle between the transmitter and the receiver, making it an excellent tool for sports or action footage. With the transmitter’s built-in recording functionality and 8GB of storage each, you don’t even have to worry when the stream does get cut off. As a bonus, the transmitter also has a “Safety Track” that’s recording at -6dB that’s meant to buffer against clipping and distortion, ensuring you will always have usable audio no matter the condition.

With wireless mics, battery life becomes just as important as audio quality, and fortunately, the BlinkMe B2 doesn’t skimp in that area either. Of course, Saramonic’s advertised 24 hours for the receiver and 8 hours for the transmitter are a tad too generous, but even hitting 22 hours and 6 hours, respectively is already quite an accomplishment. They charge fast, too, so you can be up and running for an additional hour with just a few minutes charge.

As mentioned earlier, controlling all the pieces of the BlinkMe B2 system is as easy as pie thanks to the sensitive touch screen. The transmitters, in particular, operate almost like smartwatches, with a swipe from the top revealing quick toggles and a swipe from the bottom going back to the main screen. The only slight complication is the smaller screen on the receiver, which is better used for displaying information rather than controlling the device. All in all, the BlinkMe B2 offers an unbeatable experience, not just in the quality of audio it produces but especially in the unique features it offers.

Sustainability

Saramonic introduced many features in the BlinkMe B2 that you won’t find in other wireless microphone systems, and thankfully, they’re all useful and essential to delivering an excellent audio recording experience. Unfortunately, that also makes the design of the device a little bit more complicated, which also means that repairs are going to require more specialized skills and components.

Although a wireless mic such as this is expected to be able to weather different environments, the presence of screens actually puts their durability at more risk. And the use of plastics and less eco-friendly materials are present all around, though not surprising considering it’s still the status quo in consumer electronics. Hopefully, the day will come when Saramonic puts sustainability as a major bullet point on its marketing material, allowing creators to make great content while also feeling good about their positive impact on the planet’s future.

Value

The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 is hardly a cheap kit, setting you back at about $249. There are definitely more accessible streaming mics in the market right now, with some of the popular ones just under $200. That said, those also have plenty of flaws of their own, like taking the form of a traditional mic that you need to place on a table. If you need something that can go the distance, literally, there are few that can outdo the BlinkMe B2.

The audio clarity and volume are just impressive, especially considering how crazy it always is at CES in Las Vegas. The fact that it can deliver more than just decent recordings at great distances is a huge boon for those who want to record more dramatic footage from a safe distance. Magnets make using and placing the transmitter easier and more hassle-free, and the ability to turn these recording devices into advertisements is definitely a great help for creators and studios. Even better, that price includes an entire kit, from four magnetic attachments to two magnetic clips to even a handy carrying case that lets you bring your precious equipment with security and convenience.

Verdict

It’s almost too easy to take the importance of quality audio for granted until that dreaded moment when you realize you barely recorded anything intelligible. Reliable audio that you can use is even more critical for those moments that will never come to pass again, including interviews you might not be able to retake. It’s in those moments that you’ll wish you had an audio recorder you could also rely on, just like your camera or smartphone.

The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 smart wireless microphone system is definitely ready to step up to the challenge. It breaks away from mic design conventions to deliver a product that has just enough tech to deliver convenience and a unique aesthetic without overburdening the user with inessential details and options. It’s powerful, a little bit quirky, and, most importantly, reliable, delivering quality audio recordings even in the most trying conditions. Yes, it’s also a bit pricey, but it’s an investment that will pay for itself throughout the coming years of creating high-quality audiovisual content.

The post Saramonic BlinkMe B2 Wireless Mic Review: A Creator’s Dream Partner first appeared on Yanko Design.

Note and Sketch Anytime, Anywhere with this Magnetic-binding Clipboard

Productivity systems like GTD and the Bullet Journal have made paper notebooks all the rage again. But while it’s inspiring to see so many creative designs for notebooks and stationery, these can also get in the way when you just need to write or sketch something down. Bound notebooks might not have the right combination of grids and lines that you need, or they might have too many or too few pages. Ring binders let you add, remove, and move pages, but the rings tend to get in the way, and the holes lead to tears and unaesthetic pages. You could always make a DIY notebook combining just the sheets and designs that you need, but keeping them together can also be a hassle. If all these sound familiar to you, here’s how this simple yet ingenious clipboard removes the friction when it’s time to take notes while also letting you design your notebook your way.

Designer: Hirock Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $39 $45 (13% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Gather the Paper You Need and Want

Rather than limiting yourself to the type and number of pages a notebook comes with, this clipboard lets you mix and match any kind of paper that fits inside it. An A4 jacket, for example, can hold A4 paper or A3 paper folded in half, while the A5 version can use A5 and A4 sheets in the same way. You can use unmarked blank paper, grid paper, dotted sheets, printed designs, or anything you want or need to give your thoughts a physical form.

You can really use any paper that you can write on, even those with printed text on the back. This is an excellent way to make use of those discarded sheets before they’re dumped into the bin. Even perforated or loose leaf paper with holes is fair game because they can easily be hidden inside the jacket’s “margin.”

Clip Paper Easily in Any Order

Unlike typical binders, this clipboard uses a clever Magnet x Lever mechanism to hold those loose sheets together while still letting you easily remove them as needed. Simply pushing down on the edge lifts up the clip, releasing the paper and allowing you to add or remove sheets in a snap. The clip can hold up to 30 sheets of paper, but it can secure even a single sheet if that’s all that you have left.

This deceptively simple design gives you absolute freedom in how you arrange your notes. You can always put a blank page at the top of the stack, ready to meet the tip of your pen or pencil at a moment’s notice, or you can order them according to topic or a specific flow of thought. Or you can just leave them as-is and none will be the wiser.

Take Notes Anywhere

This ultra-minimalist paper notebook isn’t just easy to organize, it’s also super easy to use. Simply lift the flip tab to open the notebook and you’re good to go. You can even leave your pen inside so that it’s ready the next time inspiration strikes. The same strong magnets that keep the sheets of paper together also keep the cover from accidentally opening and exposing your precious scribbles. The jacket’s rigid hardcover and flexible angle make it trivial to fold it around and hold it in one hand, allowing you to take notes even while standing up.

Best of all, both the inside and outside of the jacket are waterproof and you can easily wipe any drops that fall on it. This gives you the flexibility to not just take notes anywhere but also take your notes everywhere. You can even put it up on a metallic surface or whiteboard thanks to its magnetic clip. Time to ditch those pretty but inflexible notebooks and embrace the freedom that this magnetic, loose paper jacket can bring to your creativity and productivity.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39 $45 (13% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

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This distinctive, asymmetrical monitor will hold up your phone while charging it

Our reliance on smartphones these days means that we have another screen to pay attention to even when we’re already focused on the computer monitor in front of us. Productivity gurus naturally discourage anything that would distract us from the work at hand, but they don’t always consider cases where the smartphone is actually an integral part of that work. Rather than fighting the flow, some designs have instead embraced this kind of multi-screen setup, creating a special nook on our desks for smartphones. This rather lopsided monitor is one such example, keeping your mobile companion charged while also holding it up, putting it at a more comfortable eye level to stop you from bending and craning your neck so often.

Designer: Nex Computers

It’s not uncommon to keep our phones on our desks, presuming office policies don’t bar you from having them out in the open. Disregarding real distractions from social media and incessant but unnecessary notifications, some people do need to keep tabs on their mobile devices for some information or communication, without having those apps clutter their work screen. At the same time, however, most of these people probably don’t want to leave work with a nearly empty battery because they forgot to top up the work while using it at work.

The NexMonitor addresses both use cases in a way that’s both more ergonomic and also a little more stylish. Rather than just a simple stand that props up the phone off the side of your workspace, the monitor actually holds up the smartphone at the same height as the screen itself. That saves you from having to look down and away from your monitor, minimizing the time it takes to glance at the phone. At the same time, it helps reduce potential neck strain and injury from repeatedly switching between a monitor at eye level and a phone closer to the desk’s surface.

The monitor holds the phone up almost by magic, but of course, it’s all about magnets. That clearly marks it for MagSafe-compatible phones, which are primarily recent iPhones, though the company also says that Android phones are welcome to the party. Presuming they support magnetic wireless charging. And yes, the NexMonitor also charges the phone while it’s up there, so it’s pretty much a vertical magnetic wireless charging pad attached to the side of a monitor.

The NexMonitor’s design is quite intriguing in how it doesn’t go for visual balance, though it is definitely stable in its construction. The “stem” of the monitor is off to the right side, nearer to the phone than in the middle. Even the stand itself isn’t centered, which could potentially stress out some people because of its asymmetrical composition. That stand is designed to match the size and the color of Apple’s Mac Mini and the new Mac Studio, but any other mini PC can also find a home there, even if it clashes with the brushed metal look. The NexMonitor was announced back in 2022 but has yet to become available for purchase, which unfortunately leaves plenty of opportunities for other monitor makers to put out something similar, presuming there’s actually a good market for such an ergonomic yet unusual design.

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This minimalist snap binding clipboard lets you effortlessly use your favorite paper everywhere

We are living in an increasingly digital world, with computers, smartphones, and the Web governing most of our lives. That hasn’t made paper extinct, however, and it has, in fact, rekindled a passion for “old-fashioned” analog ways of giving thoughts more visible form. There is an overabundance of paper products today for that purpose, many of which unsurprisingly try to lock you into a single brand or kind of notebook. Nothing, however, can be simpler than using loose paper, especially the type that you’ve grown fond of. It is, however, too easy to lose loose sheets of paper, which is why this deceptively simple yet talented clipboard also makes it easy to keep those pieces of paper together with a single push.

Designer: Hirock Design Office

Click Here to Buy Now: $44 $49 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Clipboards have been around for more than a century, and they obviously got their name from the central piece that makes them work. That clip hasn’t changed much over the course of history, and its often bulky form makes the clipboard less than ideal for anything other than sitting on your desk or sticking to a wall. That leaves few other options for carrying sheets of paper around, and folders with binders and clips also add unnecessary bulk to what should really be a thin sheath to hold these pieces of paper.

Just like its namesake that wraps tightly around your body, the Paper Jacket leaves no space except for paper. Even the “clip” that holds the paper in place barely adds any height, and this height is filled up by the cover that also clips into place when closed. Despite that, you never risk your paper falling off or flying away, all thanks to the thin yet powerful bar of magnet that keeps everything together.

Simply pressing down the edge of the board opens the clip effortlessly to release the paper or to add more. Whether it’s just a single sheet or a maximum of 30, the strong neodymium magnets will hold the paper securely. Thirty sheets of paper might sound a bit limiting, especially if you’re in the zone, but it keeps things simple and tidy. Plus, you can easily swap out written sheets for clean ones when you need to.

The strip of magnet does more than just hold the paper down, though. It also keeps the hard cover in place, whether closed or flipped back, making sure it doesn’t get in the way of your writing. It can also hold pens or stack on top of other magnetic clipboards. It’s even strong enough to stick to a whiteboard! It almost makes the paper jacket multifunctional, leaving you with fewer excuses not to bring your favorite sheets of paper along.

Despite its thin and light appearance, the board and the cover are hard enough not only to protect your paper but also to write on them while standing up and holding the board with one hand. You can also flip the board upside-down and have it stand on its cover, quickly turning it into a reading stand. And, of course, it offers nearly limitless freedom on what paper to use, how you want to write on them, and how many to bring along with you. With this sleek and effortless clipboard, you’re just one cover flip away from putting down your thoughts for posterity and productivity.

Click Here to Buy Now: $44 $49 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

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Faux leather desk mat keeps cables in order using magnets

With computers and mobile devices becoming an important part of our work or school lives, it is almost inevitable that cables will snake their way onto desks, twisting and tangling into a sordid mess. As if keeping desks tidy wasn’t already difficult, cable management adds another layer of complexity to that chore. There are desks that offer one solution or another, and those often rely on fixed and inflexible designs. Accessories do give a bit more freedom, but it’s often an all-or-nothing affair that bundles all those cables together in one place. This magnet-powered system, on the other hand, lets you decide where you want to keep those cables, and its beautiful PU leather base also protects your desk from scratches and spills.

Designer: Function 101

Even before computers started living on our desks, desk mats have been providing a combination of protection and decoration for sometimes plain or damaged tables. With our lives becoming a tad more complicated, these desk accessories have also started evolving to go beyond the call of duty, offering additional functionality ranging from temporary paper storage to even wireless charging.

Function 101’s Desk Mat Pro is part of this new breed, though you might not be able to tell at first glance. The PU Pebble Leather gives it an elegant and stylish character, and it would already fulfill its purpose just by itself, making your desk look more appealing while also keeping damaging liquids and sharp objects from ruining your desk. In reality, however, it serves as a base for a rather creative cable management system, thanks to a metal-infused inner layer that provides something for magnetic objects to stick to.

The heart of this cable management system is really the Cable Block XL, a minimalist cube with a cutout that lets you easily slide in any cable. Powerful neodymium magnets make it stay in place and prevent cables from dragging the blocks away. You can place the blocks anywhere you want or need them on the Desk Mat Pro or even on a bare metal desk. You can even combine blocks in a row to keep all the cables in one area or have them individually in different places for better space efficiency. You have complete freedom in how you want to design your cable management system and still look good, whatever you end up with.

Being a magnet-based system also opens the Desk Mat Pro to more than just blocks. There is, for example, an upcoming “coaster” that can fit an Apple MagSafe charger for iPhones, removing the need for a tall cube if all you really need is a low puck. It could also accommodate other magnetic accessories and decorations, ensuring that these don’t get accidentally knocked around and cause a domino effect that ends up spilling your drink. Then again, that’s what the Desk Mat Pro is also for anyway.

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Titanium Magnetic Screwdriver puts all the bits you need right in your pocket

Nothing breaks momentum more than starting a task only to realize you don’t have the proper tool at hand. That’s even more frustrating when you’re dealing with screws, which can be one of a dozen or so types. Even if you’re the type to carry around tools in your pocket or bag, carrying around even half a dozen screwdrivers is pretty much out of the question unless you work as a handyman. Fortunately, there is now a class of screwdrivers ingeniously designed to fit in your Everyday Carry or even in your pocket. Most of these, however, still doesn’t cover the wide range of screws in use, but this 9-in-1 magnetic screwdriver makes sure you always have the most important ones in your pocket, ready to let you do your magic whenever and wherever your skills are needed.

Designer: Vans Z. H. Lan

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $139 (50% off). Hurry, only 10/65 left!

Screwdrivers are perhaps the most frustrating tools to have in your arsenal. There are just too many types of screws to have a “one size fits all” design, and physics requires that their handles be wide enough to produce a decent amount of torque. That makes it almost impossible to have one that could fit in a small pouch, let alone your tight jeans pocket. Not unless you have a creative design like the M-20 Titanium Magnetic Screwdriver that lets you carry not just one, not even just two, but nine bits that can take care of the most common repair and crafting tasks.

Uncompromising Durability with Pure Titanium – The M-20 offers superior titanium engineering and rock-solid level of strength and revolutionary resistance to corrosion.

9-Bits-in-1 – Nine bits that are magnetically secured to the tool itself, providing a hassle-free and easy-to-use solution to using your tool.

At first glance, the M-20 looks nothing like a screwdriver and more like a robust carrying case for screwdriver bits. In some sense, that is also correct, as the uniquely shaped tool has slots for up to nine bits, holding them in place using very strong magnets. That means they won’t get loose and get lost even if you quickly slip the M-20 into your pocket. Those same strong magnets can hold a bit at the edge or side of the screwdriver, giving you a firm and precise grip when turning the handle to tighten or loosen screws.

Carry Convenience in your Pocket – Easily carry it in your pocket, put it in your car or attach it to your keys using the built-in bucket hoop.

Make Precision Easy – A strong magnetic mechanism makes the M-20 easier to hold onto screws, while its smaller profile makes it easier to work within tight spaces.

Handy Bottle Opener – M-20 makes it easy to crack open your favorite brew.

The M-20 screwdriver’s distinctive body is made from titanium, making it lightweight yet also durable and resilient against corrosion. The bits themselves are constructed from high-quality German S2 tool steel alloy, promising a tool that will last for years of use. The M-20 is also a multifunctional tool, with markings for inches and centimeters, as well as a bottle opener that’s perfect for cooling off after a hard day’s work.

For the sweet price of $69, you get a multifunctional titanium tool and nine durable S2 tool steel alloy bits that you can take with you anywhere, whether it’s in your EDC, your pocket, or even hanging on your keychain, ready to jump into action in no time flat. Whether you’re making quick repairs or doing precision work on delicate parts, the M-20 Titanium Magnetic Screwdriver will be your trusted partner that gets the job done quickly and efficiently, and it looks great for showing off, too.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $139 (50% off). Hurry, only 10/65 left!

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Telescoping Magnetic Pick Up Tool


The Magnetic Pickup Tool with a Telescoping Stick is a handy tool that can be used in a variety of situations. It is a must-have for anyone who needs to pick up small metal objects without bending down or reaching into tight spaces. This tool is perfect for mechanics, electricians, proctologists, plumbers, and anyone else who needs to reach into hard-to-reach places.

The magnetic pickup tool is a long, thin rod with a strong magnet at the end. The rod is made of durable aluminum and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver. The telescoping feature allows the rod to extend from 10 inches to 32 inches, making it perfect for reaching into tight spaces or high places. The magnet at the end is strong enough to pick up small metal objects such as screws, nails, and even keys (but not the key to your heart, that’s made of steel).

Lost your keys or phone or other useless junk under the seat of your car or in the crack? No problem, with the magnetic pickup tool, you can easily retrieve the keys from under the car seat or from the floor of the car. Just click buy, wait a day or two for it to arrive and boom, now you can go somewhere, thanks for waiting.

The magnetic pickup tool is also great for retrieving lost jewelry. If you drop a ring or earring in a hard-to-reach place, you can use the tool to retrieve it without having to dig through a pile of debris.

The Magnetic Pickup Tool with a Telescoping Stick is a versatile and handy tool that can be used in a variety of situations. Whether you’re a mechanic, electrician, plumber, or just someone who needs to reach into hard-to-reach places, this tool is a must-have. It is lightweight, durable, and easy to use. Plus, it can make retrieving lost items a lot more fun.

Telescoping Magnetic Pick Up Tool

Meta.Zen playset lets adults calmly build their own miniature tranquil garden

There are different objects and places that have been associated with feelings of peace and calmness, but one of the most iconic ones that span cultures and nations is the carefully designed minimalist Zen garden. Just seeing one, even in a picture, is enough to trigger mental images of peaceful meditation, whether by simply sitting on a spot or raking around sand. Of course, not everyone has space for a real Zen garden at home, and miniature kits can get problematic to maintain because of their use of real sand and, sometimes, real plants. If you’re fine with just the symbolic representations of the principles of Zen, then this sustainable playset for grownups not only gives you the creative freedom to design the Zen garden of your dreams, it even becomes a meditative practice in itself.

Designer: ILSA Yumeng Li and Zongheng Sun (PEAR & MULBERRY)

Puzzle toys and playsets have existed for decades, even centuries, and while the majority of these are designed for younger audiences, there are a few that require a more experienced mind to enjoy. Sometimes a puzzle could be too complicated, or a set might have intricate parts. Some kids might still have a bit of fun with this innovative playset, but it will be adults that will benefit from it the most because it evokes emotions and thoughts that only a stressed adult would be able to appreciate.

Meta.Zen, in a nutshell, lets you put together a Zen garden of your own design. You can make it as simple or as complicated as it can be, limited only by the number of pieces you have at hand. The hexagonal base pieces magnetically attach to one another, making them simple to use even for those with physical handicaps. The magnets are strong enough so that you can even stick the finished garden to a wall to serve as a calming piece of decoration. And since there’s no sand or plants involved, there’s no mess either.

It’s more than just a simple playset, though, and each and every piece is carefully designed with the same meticulous attention to detail that Zen gardeners use. The almost random ridges and valleys of the base tiles can be combined and connected in multiple ways, creating millions of Zen patterns that you can change as your heart desires. The pebbles, stone lamps, and structures that you can place on top also magnetically attach to the intersection of tiles, making it effortless to create any arrangement you could think of. More than just the final result, the process of putting together this playset can become a calming and meditative activity of its own.

And, of course, Meta.Zen also gives peace of mind that your serenity doesn’t come at the cost of the planet’s life. The parts are used using biodegradable PLA based on walnut wood, while only natural fibers like algae and bamboo are used to give the pieces their earthy colors. Each piece is designed to let you see and feel elements of nature on a smaller scale, giving you the freedom to take not only the playset but also your Zen bubble with you wherever you go.

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This super-thin MagSafe power bank has a trick to keep your iPhone standing

Although it was terribly late to the wireless charging party, Apple managed to one-up everyone else by adding something that it already had a lot of experience with. Adding magnets to the equation sounds almost trivial, but it’s a small change that made the technology not only more convenient but also more flexible. Now there are dozens of magnetic wireless charging accessories, including those certified for Apple’s MagSafe branding, that take advantage of this development. Unsurprisingly, some are better designed than others, especially when it comes to both appearance and usability. This power bank concept, for example, is designed not only to keep your phone alive before you reach home but also to keep it standing so you can watch your favorite videos in comfort.

Designer: Eli Lan

Power banks are old news, of course, but they have always carried with them some level of inconvenience in exchange for their portable batteries. Most require you to wrestle with cables to charge your phone, making it difficult to use the phone at the same time. Others do come in cases that enclose the device, but it’s an all-or-nothing situation with these. Magnetic wireless charging thankfully mitigates some of those problems, leaving enough room for innovation and creativity in design.

This STRICKERS concept, for example, utilizes an ultra-thin power bank that magnetically attaches to the back of a phone, most likely an iPhone. Current technologies do allow such a small pack to have a 10,000mAh battery capacity so that it won’t add too much bulk to your phone’s back. It could actually be thicker in reality, but at least you don’t have to stick it to the phone if you’re not using it, unlike bulky battery cases.

What makes STRICKERS really special, however, is the sheet of bendable silicone material that turns the power bank into a smartphone stand. Most accessories of this kind utilize awkward rings or kickstands, but this design allows the stand to stay flat and stay out of the way when you don’t need it. And since the power bank uses magnets, it is possible to use the stand in both vertical and horizontal positions, breaking the mold of limited phone stands.

Despite this mix of convenient features, the power bank remains visually simple. The power bank’s form itself is almost like a mirror of the iPhone’s current design, while the silicone stand brings not only a contrasting material but also a better grip compared to slippery glass or metal. The design also leaves plenty of room for different colorways to match available iPhone options. This sadly remains in the realm of ideas, though, but it’s a shining example of the kind of designs that are now possible, all thanks to the addition of a few small magnets.

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Magnetic Levitating UFO Bluetooth Speaker


This is for sure one of the coolest speakers we’ve seen. It’s literally floating. Or least the top half is. If you can bet the bottom part to float too, call us, we’ve got a proposal for ya, probably not that illegal. This Levitating Bluetooth Speaker uses the magical and mysterious power of magnets (how do they work?) to make the speaker float in mid-air. Meanwhile it can also spin around like an alien carousel full of little aliens riding cows around in a circle. Why do aliens like cows so much anyway?

So the speaker, yeah, the speaker connects to your phone or whatnot (probably your phone though) via bluetooth and pumps out that bassy bass with 5W audio drivers. Feel the earth move under your feet, because this speaker won’t feel the earth at all since it’s floating. There is a rechargeable battery in there since we’ve yet to develop anything better. Perhaps some actual aliens could help us out a bit on that front? Please? We’ll give you more cows.

This speaker looks pretty sleek, and has a modern look with it’s glowing light. It’s an instant party, just like aliens like to do. Party with cows. You can also just use the UFO top part on it’s own with the base, but what fun would that be?

Magnetic Levitating UFO Bluetooth Speaker