Tesla is steadily expanding the accessory lineup for the Cybertruck to make even more scenarios for adventure and Overlanding possible. Elon Musk’s company doesn’t seem phased by their recalling of the Cybertruck two times in the last three months. The company has added two new tailgate accessories for the electric pickup truck.
One is a tailgate shield to protect the otherwise robust vehicle from cargo-hauling dents and scratches, while the other is a foldable jumpseat to increase the seating capacity for any use-case scenario. Surprisingly the $100 jumpseat is already out of stock at the Tesla shop, while the $300 tailgate shield is up for grabs.
The tailgate shield is a protection pad that safeguards the truck’s rear from damage when loading or unloading things like metal cargo, snowmobiles, mountain bikes or other hardware. The pad of this accessory is made out of molle webbing to fasten equipment, including the jumpseat. The accessory comes with a combination lock carabiner to fasten other important objects that you don’t want to get lost. This comes in handy for your bikes that don’t fit the truck’s bed and need to be hung a bit outside the truck. Therefore, eliminating any chance of bumping against the rear when the vehicle is in movement.
On the other hand, the jumpseat is a combo of three seats that can be secured to the tailgate of the Cybertruck for comfortable seating when camping or hanging outdoors. This accessory can be attached to the tailgate in a closed configuration and only when required you can unfold it. One can opt for a single or double seat configuration too costing $100 and $200 respectively. It is crafted from a foam covered in Cordura nylon fabric for longevity of use. The jumpseat can be mounted on top of the tailgate pad, making it a useful combination for people who take the vehicle on frequent expeditions.
Taurus, the crime-fighting machine (a modified 1986 LX sedan) from the RoboCop movie was way ahead of its time. Not now though as a new-age RoboCop would demand something like a custom Tesla Cybertruck to take on the bad blood in the city.
This narrative holds merit for the world’s first Tesla Cybertruck police vehicle which will soon hit the streets. If the stainless steel exoskeleton MUV hasn’t already caught your eye, you’ll need to pull over if sirens beam in your rear-view mirror and the Tesla vehicle is right on your tail. Cybertruck is already famed for its futuristic looks, akin to a RoboCop first responder machine, and the robotic persona would catch eyeballs for sure.
This patrol Cybertruck in a fitting skin is the work of UP.FIT which is a subsidiary of Unplugged Performance who have a host of modified Tesla EV versions to brag about. The good news is that the off-roading vehicle is all set to hit the streets later this year as the brand expects loads of orders coming in from the US and other countries that don’t compromise on city security in any way. Inside out the police cruiser vehicle will be fitted with a host of accessories and draped in colorways that beef up its intimidation quotient by quite a stretch. It’ll have sirens, an array of lights, fender-mounted spotlights, a PA system, computer systems, and an upgraded radio. Optional additions for the patrol Cybertruck riding on the 18-inch forged wheels come in the form of a front push bar, Starlink connectivity, and high-performance brakes and tires.
Of course, the interested departments can add a host of their own customizations to make it more potent. According to UP.FIT if there is a keen interest in the vehicle, they can also modify it for military, tactical, and search-and-rescue operations by adding things like prisoner partitions, K9 enclosure and weapons storage compartments. We hope the police skin is a multilayer paint coating on the surface and not just a decal. But the question is whether the Cybertruck will be a reliable chaser in real-life conditions given its rusting issues and stability hiccups. Since we are talking about bystander safety, any driving misjudgments could lead to collateral damage. Will police authorities around the world choose the Cybertruck over a Lexus LC500, Ford Interceptor, Jeep Grand Cherokee or BMW i3? Only time will tell. For now, we’ll enjoy the larger-than-life persona of the Tesla’s MUV.
The internet is littered with videos of children (and even adults) running headfirst into mirrors at those carnival mirror-maze-rooms. Imagine a mirror moving at breakneck speeds with the ability to completely obliterate you to pieces because you didn’t see (or hear) it driving towards you. The Tesla Cybertruck was already termed a death-machine on wheels, and now someone’s taken things to the extreme by giving it a thorough polishing, turning it into a literal ‘murder-mirror’. Here’s why this is such a terrible idea, why it’s dangerous even for other riders, and why it might potentially even be illegal in certain countries.
Designer: Tyson Garvin
This particular project comes from Tyson Garvin, who shared the project on Twitter (also known as X.com) complete with a video of the process. It took about a week and four people total to polish every metal surface of the truck’s exterior, resulting in a finish so glossy it practically looks like a vinyl wrap. However, that’s just extremely buffed and waxed metal, which reflects everything around it. In theory, the Cybertruck looks awesome, practically, though, this might just be more dangerous on the roads than your regular Cybertruck.
We humans detect objects by assigning color and depth to them as we move around. It’s easy to identify a mirror when it’s in an ornate or a defined frame, or if it has specs of dirt on it. Otherwise, it can be difficult to spot a mirror or a pane of glass, which is why sometimes people walk right into well-polished glass doors, or sometimes fall through an open door because they thought there was glass there. The same thing applies with cars on the road. When you’re a pedestrian, you need to be hyper-aware of everything around you. Your mind pays attention to objects, people, sounds, lights, everything while you make a decision to cross a road. Ambulances and police cars have lights for a reason, to make them extra visible, school buses are yellow so that you see them from a distance, so are red fire trucks. When you’ve got something as mirror-finished as a mirror-finish Cybertruck hurtling down the road, chances are your mind will ignore it because it reflects stuff around it, blending in instead of being more visible. Especially if it’s making a turn, you’re less likely to notice it out of the corner of your eye because you don’t perceive a block of color in your periphery. This is terrible for other cars too, as they may not notice you while driving, or while approaching a crossing. The onus is then on the Cybertruck driver to be hyper-vigilant – and I may not speak for you but I don’t put my life in the hands of people who drive Cybertrucks.
In fact, chrome wraps or finishes are outlawed in certain countries like Australia and New Zealand (you can’t register your car if it has a chrome finish) for this exact reason. These countries (especially New Zealand) have lower population levels, and emptier roads, prompting you to drive faster – this dramatically decreases your reaction time with such vehicles, increasing chances of a collision.
The problem doesn’t end there, a mirror-finish car can sometimes blind people because of glare. Imagine driving on a sunny day, and a massive mirror flashes sunlight in your eye, causing you to temporarily lose control of your vehicle. Chrome-finish vehicles can be quite a nuisance during the day, or even at night when headlights bounce right off the body, hitting your eye. Even if the Cybertruck remains parked in a driveway, it could potentially shoot glare right into your eye, creating a moment of temporary blindness that can lead to a disaster.
Finally, and this is just for the truck owner – Tesla spent months (if not years) developing a coating to prevent the Cybertruck from getting rusted (turns out it still might be able to), so polishing the Cybertruck’s matte surface without ensuring you give it a protective coating might just cause your Cybertruck to rust more than others. How this mirror-finish Cybertruck ages is truly something we’ll have to see with time, but I honestly do feel scared for the people who may be around this vehicle, and hope they have much better peripheral vision and situational awareness than most.
After the Cybertruck-compatible camping tents and interesting tracks that can convert the Tesla’s fancy pickup into a snowmobile, it’s now time for the CyberTrailer to shine. A Living Vehicle’s camping solution to tow behind the impressive Cybertruck, the trailer is not only similar by name, in fact, it resembles the Tesla pickup truck in more ways than the angular design inspiration.
The camping trailer by the California-based specialist, Living Vehicle, isn’t really all set to hit the road from the word go, but it is ready to offer glimpses of the near future. The future of completely off-grid camping, where an electric trailer can be your home for an extended time in the wilderness.
The Californian trailer builder has been in the business of developing off-grid luxury experiences for some time now. Whether you talk about the HD 24 or the HD 30, these ultimate campers are built from marine-grade materials making the luxury in the travel trailer possible. If you’re a stark believer, you can expect the similar construction pattern and luxury features of the predecessors to flow into the dramatically enticing CyberTrailer.
Of course, what the CyberTrailer is made from, or what it packs inside, or how much backup its power generators provide, is not outrightly informed by Living Vehicle at the point of writing, but the company has made some interesting revelations. For instance, the travel trailer is designed to promote independent camping in nature far from RV parks and random charging stations.
So, the CyberTrailer is a self-sufficient off-grid home on wheels with its ability to run all the appliances and electronic components through self-generated power from onboard solar panels. When needed, even power back the towing electric vehicle, and generate its own water from thin air, courtesy the water-air generator that can fill up its freshwater tank as you ride.
Embodying the features to reduce range anxiety, while extending off-grid adventure time; the trailer is fashioned to be towed behind a Cybertruck, but it can even be hauled by “F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1-T, or any conventional gas or diesel half-ton truck,” the company informs. At this point, perhaps, this is all that Living Vehicle shares about the CyberTrailer. If that’s good enough for you to bet your buck, you can reserve your model at the company website against a $100 refundable deposit. When it eventually launches, it will retail for upward of $175,000.
Before the release of the Cybertruck (for eager buyers), Tesla was developing an official accessory with Heimplanet to satiate the needs of adventure junkies. Known as the Cybertruck Basecamp Tent, the sleek and stylish add-on would turn the electric truck into a sporty off-grid camping vehicle for nature lovers.
The accessory has finally shipped for people who pre-booked and unfortunately, it looks nothing like the version promised in the 2019 renders and prototype. Just like the Cybertruck’s overblown bubble hype, the Basecamp Tent for the truck bed looks like a gray blob of unfinished and shabby product that’s more like a homeless encampment.
There are a lot of strings attached when we consider the ease of installation as Tesla recommends owners bring the thing to the service center for initial installation of the brackets. Ideally, that should not be the case as one should be able to seamlessly install it on his/her own. A user on the CybertruckOwnersClub forum says that “forcefully popping out the Aeroflap” just feels like a less-than-premium experience. Removing or reinstalling the Aeroflap compromises the waterproofing at the front of the vault. Also, the plastic pieces/clips hooked from the Aeroflap are susceptible to breaking with repeated use.
Strangely the manual lists down the “Tent Mode” – supposed to self-level on a sloped surface – which apparently doesn’t exist right now. So, should we expect some kind of update or add-on fix it? The second-hearted approach in launching this product is evident from the small little gripes. On a positive note, the Roof Peak clips are easy to locate and attach to the roof, as they fit along the triangle section of the truck’s window. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the tent, and once everything is in place, inflate the tent to set up the base for the night. Another advantage is the space under the stowed basecamp to store essentials. Not to mention the lightweight aesthetics and the use of premium materials.
If the price had been reasonable, my perspective would have been different about all the shortcomings in features and the overall design. But shelling out $3,000 for this unfinished accessory that’s a handful while installing and uninstalling, is not at all justified!
We’ve seen the Cybertruck handle off-road tasks with the ease of a machete cutting through soft butter… Whether it’s asphalt, gravel, sand-dunes, or even a shallow riverbed, it seems like Cybertruck drivers have managed to push the electric pickup truck to its limits to have it conquer those surfaces, but what about snow? YouTuber Heavy D Sparks decided to test the truck’s off-road abilities by having it run on one of the trickiest surfaces for any vehicle, snow-capped hills. Except, he wasn’t planning on just taking the Cybertruck as is, no… Heavy D Sparks decided to build the world’s first (and only) Cybertrack – a truck/snowmobile hybrid with treads instead of wheels. Borrowing a Cybertruck from fellow YouTuber Supercar Ron, Heavy D Sparks (also known as Heavy Diesel) decided to give the truck its biggest hardware upgrade ever.
The aim was to outfit the Cybertruck with “hell tracks,” a modification promising unparalleled off-road prowess. This endeavor was not without its hurdles, though; given the Cybertruck’s sheer weight and output, multiple parts and brackets ended up needing reinforcements because of how heavy the truck was. Parts would break, fold like cardboard, or even completely disengage, causing the truck to lose control or stop working entirely.
The truck was sourced from Supercar Ron, who happened to have an early Founder’s Edition of the Cybertruck, and very graciously gifted it to the Diesel Brothers team to modify however they saw fit. The journey of modification was a meticulous process involving the creation of custom parts such as bumpers and the addition of extra batteries in the back to support the massive lights installed on the top and the front courtesy Baja Designs. Finally, the truck got a custom wrap featuring a unique camouflage pattern that mimicked the Cybertruck’s angular design.
Testing the modified vehicle revealed a stark duality of success and challenge. On one hand, the Cybertruck demonstrated enhanced stability and performance, a direct result of the thoughtful modifications. On the other, the project was met with significant mechanical setbacks, including a broken spindle—a clear indicator of the factory parts’ limitations under rigorous testing conditions.
However, when the Cybertrack DID work on snow, Heavy D (who was piloting the vehicle) pointed out that the truck was handling the snow incredibly smoothly. “It feels so stable,” he mentioned. “I would feel totally comfortable loading this thing full of skiers and going to the top of any ski resort around, like the steepest runs.” The truck could comfortably cruise around at 40 to 50mph on snow, although there’s a fair discrepancy between what the speedometer says versus your actual ground speed. The speedometer outputs nearly double of what your actual ground speed is (because of how the treads rotate and how that translates to actual ground movement). It held its own on steep inclines too, but there was a bit of a malfunction right towards the end of the video.
Unexpectedly, the project received an encouraging nod from Tesla, an acknowledgment that perhaps was not anticipated. This support not only underscored Tesla’s openness to seeing its vehicles pushed to new boundaries but also cemented a deeper appreciation for the brand and its leadership, marking a positive shift in perception among the project team.
There’s a Part 2 video coming soon, with probably more repairs and modifications to the Cybertrack. You can follow Heavy D Sparks on YouTube for more.
As multiple users are pointing out on internet forums, the vastly popular pickup truck from Tesla has seemingly met its one foe. While the car can apparently beat pretty much any odds, deflecting bullets and being able to overtake a Porsche 911 while towing another Porsche 911, it does have one rather unfortunate flaw. It catches rust.
Users have begun pointing out that the Cybertruck’s ultra-powerful exterior (which can take on a Tommy gun) can’t withstand inclement weather, causing spots of rust on the surface. Images circulating on the CybertruckOwnersClub website show the exterior exhibiting signs of rust spotting after just 2 days of driving in the rain. California has been experiencing record-breaking torrential rainfall over the past few weeks, and apparently, the bulletproof exterior of the EV wasn’t up to the task. The images show spotting on Sacramento-based truck-owner Max’s Cybertruck.
Image Credits: CybertruckOwnersClub Forum
There is, however, a lot of speculation of whether this is rust, or ‘rail dust’. A lot of cars experience a similar spotting phenomenon when transported by trains. Metal specks from the train wheels fly off while the train’s in motion, landing on horizontal surfaces of the car. These specks then begin rusting, causing a similar spotting on cars.
The problem lies with inconsistency, as not everyone seems to be facing the same problem immediately (given that everyone’s also experiencing different weather). If indeed this is a sign of rusting, only time will tell if that may prove to be a problem for all Cybertrucks in the future. Specifically, it is essential to promptly remove contaminants like oil and acidic substances, including tar and bird droppings, using a solvent that contains alcohol. Following this initial cleaning step, it is advisable to wash the area with either pure water or soap that has been balanced for pH levels. Such cleansing practices are recommended after every long ride (which not many people are keen about since the Cybertruck was touted as an incredibly robust vehicle). Users, however, are recommending NOT using Windex to clean the car, since it contains ammonia that may actually cause or accelerate rusting. Some users have reported signs of success using Bar Keepers Friend.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more information.
At YD, we live by the fundamental belief that there’s nothing more powerful than an idea. Concepts have always enthralled us, because they represent what our future could look like, and that’s where designers come in with their unique skill – imagining this conceptual alternate reality on behalf of all of us. As we come to a grand close to 2023, we look back at some of the concepts that we (and you, surely) loved. These concepts represent some of the most intriguing ideas and visions of the year, like imagining what a proper PlayStation Portable in the modern age would look like, or even the Gen-2 CyberTruck for instance. We’re even crowning one of these concepts as our “Best Concept Design of 2023” for its sheer vision, attention to detail, and the fact that it just ever so slightly made us want to throw money at our screens. Want to know what it was? Want to also see the other concepts that made it to this ‘Best of’ list? Scroll down to find out!
1. MOI3D Gaming Console by Vadim Danilkov (Best Concept Design of 2023)
We loved this console for a few reasons. Aside from the fact that it’s detailed down to the last screw and capacitor (check the video), it’s also a tsunami of absolute nostalgia. The MOI3D is a handheld console concept that’s designed to run any PlayStation CD right back to the 1994 PS One. It comes with all the bells and whistles, starting from a screen on the front and a CD-reader on the bottom to action buttons (including L1/L2 and R1/R2), HDMI out, USB-C charging, a CD tray button, and front-firing speakers. Notably, it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack but more than makes up for it with backward compatibility with games from as long as 30 years ago when the PlayStation first debuted!
Why it’s noteworthy?
The Best Design title doesn’t come easy. We rate our designs on their brief, their output, the level of detail, their originality, and their overall appeal and the MOI3D smashed it out of the park on all levels. The amount of detail is dizzying, and the prospect of being able to play all your favorite PS games on one handheld console is even more exciting!
2. Tesla Cybertruck 2.0 by Dejan Hristov
As the Cybertruck FINALLY begins delivering to customers who first ordered it back in 2019 (if they were ready to pay that tear-jerking new price), we decided it was time to plan for the next big thing. Dejan Hristov’s Cybertruck 2.0 really caught our fancy for its unique design. It was eye-catching and iconic without being polarizing, and still somehow stuck to the Cybertruck’s design language without looking like it was made using origami. The gentle curves do a wonderful job of reflecting light and the world around it, creating the truck’s overall appeal, and if that rear truck bed wasn’t enough storage, this one also sports a frunk that opens like a drawer cabinet!
Why is it noteworthy?
Hristov’s design paints an arguably less polarizing picture of the Cybertruck but retains its overall soul. When Musk made a point that all pickup trucks looked the same, he wasn’t wrong. Hristov carries that torch but creates an EV that looks different without looking ugly.
03. Apple iPhone Ultra by Jimmy Huynh
We all thought Apple would drop an iPhone Ultra this year, but the company delivered something just as good – an iPhone Pro series made from titanium, with USB-C, and an Action button. Sure, it doesn’t look as captivating as this particular concept by Jimmy Huynh, but we love it all the same. As far as this iPhone Ultra concept goes, Huynh retained the Watch Ultra’s aesthetic beautifully, with a gorgeous crown, orange action button, and that nude titanium finish that culminates in those speaker grills at the bottom. Sure, some might find that odd bump on the side unappealing, but we appreciate anything we can rest our fingers against as we hold this phone up.
Why is it noteworthy?
It’s been a hot minute since Apple announced any new iPhone range. The Watch got an Ultra debut last year, but Apple’s stuck to the iPhone, SE, and Pro range for years now. Although some say there wouldn’t be much difference between the Pro and the Ultra, we disagree. The Ultra isn’t a creative-aligned iPhone. It’s an iPhone that’s built like a brick. Incredible sturdiness, game-changing resilience, and the kind of software security that would make it perfect for government officials (perhaps even the ones in the CCP)!
04. Nothing Power Bank by Subhav Menon Srivastava
Last year Nothing created waves with its first transparent-bodied smartphone, and while we got the Nothing Phone (2) this year, we were hoping for a few phone-adjacent accessories. A Nothing Power Bank, for example. This transparent portable charger from the mind of Subhav Menon Srivastava has us drooling because of how gorgeous it looks. While most power banks have nothing more than an Li-ion battery and a PCB, Srivastava makes things interesting with printed elements on the outer glass, and an LED display that shows the battery percentage of the power bank. You’ve also got a whopping 10,000 mAh battery on the inside, and a few LED lights that bring the power bank to life when plugged in.
Why is it noteworthy?
Our readers certainly loved the Nothing Power Bank, with 60,000 views on the concept. That pretty much affirms that there’s public demand for the Nothing Power Bank, so if Carl Pei is reading this…
05. Apple Mac Nano by Le KBM
Sometime in 2022 (or probably earlier) a patent surfaced for an Apple keyboard with its own Mac computer built into it. Given that Apple was developing its own silicone line, at the time this made absolute sense. Fit an entire Mac into a keyboard and you had yourself a makeshift Mac Mini with you! Plug a display in and you were ready to go (maybe you’d need a trackpad or mouse too, but you get my drift). Designer Le KBM decided to build out this vision, creating the Mac Nano concept. The concept features a rejuvenated Magic Keyboard with a touchbar on top and an M-series chip inside, giving it laptop-worthy computing power in the format of a keyboard. Hook an iPad or an iPhone to it and you have yourself a renegade Mac with a touchscreen. What’s not to love?!
Why is it noteworthy?
Conceptually, the Mac Nano seems somewhat strange but then again, the Mac Mini was an odd concept too. Why create a portable Mac when the MacBook Pro was already a thing? Well, the Mac Mini sort of found its own place in the Apple ecosystem, and for people looking for an ‘Air’ version of that, the Mac Nano is the perfect choice! Plus, we haven’t seen a ‘nano’ Apple product in a while!
06. PocketMan P1 Handheld Console by Grzegorz Rozwadowski (Twig Studio)
The PocketMan P1, inspired by Teenage Engineering’s raw, industrial design, boasts a sleek metal-first aesthetic with exposed screws. It features essential controls like a D-pad, action buttons, multiple joysticks, and four shoulder buttons. It also offers a USB-C port, a 3.5mm aux jack, and card readers on both sides for game loading. The black-and-white screen gives it a retro touch, possibly with an option for a color display. While currently a concept, the P1 showcases minimalist metallic design, rejecting the need for excessive ergonomics and RGB lighting in gaming hardware.
Why is it noteworthy?
Aside from that nostalgic handheld form factor, there’s a lot to be appreciated about how wonderfully cyberpunk the PocketManP1 looks. When your eyes aren’t immersed in the game, they’ll probably be admiring every inch of the P1’s metallic design while your hands familiarize themselves with every single button, trigger, and joystick.
07. Note Digital+Analog Desk Accessory by Harshit Sahu
Part digital clock/calendar, part whiteboard, and part pinboard, this Note-taking desk accessory has the best of all worlds. It’s essentially a compact whiteboard that can flip over, doubling your writing space. One side features a dotted grid for diagrams, while the other can be plain or carry the same design. Sticky notes can also find their place on this versatile board. What sets Note apart is the addition of a multi-purpose vertical screen on the left side, displaying the time, calendar, and synced appointments from your phone. It even offers functions like a timer, world clock, and music player.
Why is it noteworthy?
“Paper can be simple, and apps can be quick, but not everyone needs all the commitment that these two different note-taking methods sometimes require,” says our Co-Editor-in-Chief JC Torres. This piece of digital stationery may not be a revolutionary device, but its creative integration of analog and digital concepts makes it a focused and efficient tool for specific needs. It simplifies your workflow without overwhelming you with unnecessary features, ensuring that your productivity remains the top priority.
08. Sony Playstation XPERIA by Santosh Palaniappan
This one’s a classic case of “what could have been”. Designed by Santosh Palaniappan, the PlayStation XPERIA is the perfect hybrid between a smartphone and a gaming device, combining the company’s two successful product lines. Featuring a sliding display that reveals gaming controls underneath, along with a triple-camera setup, it offers versatility beyond gaming. Messaging, internet browsing, selfies, movie watching, and social media game streaming become seamless possibilities. The PlayStation Xperia strikes a balance between smartphone and gaming device aesthetics, combining the functionality of a smartphone with the visual appeal of the PS5. Its white and black design with textured grips and the iconic PlayStation symbol microtexture on the rear exudes elegance. Front-facing speakers enhance the media and gaming experience, and sliding the screen transforms it into a handheld console.
Why is it noteworthy?
With a focus on both gaming and smartphone capabilities, the PlayStation Xperia concept offers a promising vision for Sony’s future product lineup, blending the best of both worlds for tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. It doesn’t compromise on anything a gamer would want in their phone or their handheld console, and let’s be absolutely honest, it looks positively drool-worthy!
09. Ford Mini Bronco by Naoto Kobayashi
Ever seen an off-roader coupe? Well, feast your eyes on the Ford Mini Bronco, a two-door off-roader that we absolutely wish was real. Crafted by designer Naoto Kobayashi, the Ford Mini Bronco boasts a unique design with distinctive pixel-inspired headlights in the front and dynamic taillights at the rear. It’s ideal for a group of two or three adventurers looking to hit the off-road and embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle. This compact EV offers SUV-like excitement without the fuel consumption of larger Ford vehicles. However, it’s important to note that the Ford Mini Bronco is currently just a concept, a vision of what the future of transportation could hold. We can only hope that one day, this remarkable concept will become a reality.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Mini Bronco is a small-format-large-ambitions car that really doesn’t compromise on space or features. The lack of two extra passenger seats means the Mini Bronco has a spacious rear, perfect for storing your outdoor gear. Its short wheelbase and minimal overhangs (on the front and rear) promise enhanced off-road capabilities, and Kobayashi even managed to fit a large-size tent on the top that people can sleep in!
10. Google G Spot Tracking Device by Obi Fidler
Google will help you search for a lot of things, but this is a first! Meet the G Spot, an audacious concept from the mind of Obi Fidler that doubles as Google’s first-ever tracking device. The G Spot is a sleek and compact GPS smart tracker that takes inspiration from Apple’s popular AirTag. This innovative device boasts a conveniently small form factor, making it a breeze to carry around discreetly. What sets it apart is its seamless integration with Google’s robust ecosystem, allowing you to effortlessly track its whereabouts through the Find My Device and Google Maps services… and obviously that name, which I will never tire of saying!
Why is it noteworthy?
This one makes the list just for how much of a belly laugh it gave us as we first saw it online. The entire project is an absolute riot, making fun of what could be Google’s tracking device. Hilariously named the G Spot, this tracking device comes equipped with a tensor chip and a whole lot of double entendres!
It’s frightening to think that it will not be a surprise to all of us if one of these days, we’ll wake up to the fact that our new robot overlords have taken over the planet. We’re seeing advances in robotics that will not make that an impossibility. We’re still far away from robots becoming sentient beings that will enslave us though so for now we can enjoy how these humanoid devices are still being created to help us rather than replace us.
Designer: Tesla
It’s also not a surprise that Elon Musk and Tesla are at the forefront of trying to make these robots better. The latest version of their humanoid robot, the Optimus Gen 2, brings many improvements from their first one, the Bumblebee back in 2022, and the Optimus Gen 1 from just earlier this year. It received a lot of hardware upgrades for this version, specifically the Tesla-designed actuators and sensors that are now more precise and accurate and now has integrated electronics into it. You get articulated toe sections based on human foot geometry so it can walk a bit more naturally.
It now also has a 2-DoF actuated neck so it’s able to move its head in a more human way, which can be amazing or terrifying. Its hands now has 11-DoF and tactile sensing in all of its digits so it will be able to handle eggs and other delicate things without dropping them. It is also now lighter by 10kg and gets a 30% walk speed boost so it can easily move around better than its predecessors, although you can still outrun it if needed. Because of these improvements, it has improved balance and full body control that it can do things like squats.
The Optimus humanoid robot is envisioned to be a helper for humans, taking over some of the monotonous tasks that we would like to escape from. The Gen 2 is still in the prototype phase though and there is no news yet if they will eventually manufacture and sell it. It gives us time to think about whether we will risk an eventual robot uprising just to take away tedious tasks from our every day life.
After what seemed like a long time due, Tesla very recently handed over the first limited production units of the Cybertruck electric pickup. If you are one of the select few to have gotten your hands on the oddly-shaped truck, you have reasons to rejoice. Unplugged Performance, a developer of stylish and high-performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles, has stepped up with a range of Up Invincible accessories for the Cybertruck that intend to improve every aspect, on and off-road – of the pickup’s driving and ownership experience.
The launch of the aftermarket accessories aligns with the Cybertruck’s delivery event last week, and steps up the customization game for the owners to give their purchase an even more exciting outlook. The range of accessories includes lift kits, steel bumpers, armor, carbon fiber panels, LED lights, and more. All of which individually or together (if your pocket allows) would put the already unique Cybertruck into a never-fatomed pickup category.
According to the creator, some of the accessories in the Up Invincible range should be available starting this month, while most of them will only be launched in the first quarter of 2024. Nonetheless, while we are at it, the standard upgrades to tune the Cybertruck’s off-roading capabilities include the 2.5-inch lift kit which enhances the ground clearance to 19.5 inches without affecting the truck’s inherent air suspension and other elements.
Taking the word hardcore to the next level are the 20-inch beadlock wheels and the brake rotors. These are meant for off-roading but are legal for everyday commutes in the Cybertruck. While the lift kit is priced at $9,950, the beadlock wheel and brake rotors would set you back up to $2,290 and $2,390 respectively.
The Up Invincible is not only about enhancing the off-road ability of the already capable Cybertruck. In fact, the range of accessories that make the Cybertruck a road wonder includes steel front bumpers, front and rear carbon fiber fender flares, a front bull bar, and an underbody armor that provides ribbed protection for your truck. Additional excitements to retrofit the Cybertruck are a roof rack and a carbon fiber hood with Kevlar reinforcement that fits atop the steel hood of the standard Tesla truck.
What really makes a statement and adds to the umpteen usability is the Unplugged Performance’s fully enclosed and lockable rail-based bed storage system. The storage drawers here are more secure and have a sizable capacity. These are accessible via the tailgate or can be reached through the hatch doors from the top. This $100 system along with a 50-inch LED light bar gives the Cybertruck more flare and functionality.
The retrofit accessories generally add to the drag of a vehicle. How much will these mentioned accessories, and others in the range, affect that of the Cybertruck is not yet pointed out. But these are the first real upgrades to be available for the Tesla’s ambitious pickup truck after the Basecamp tent that we have discussed this past week since the Cybertruck production models have gone out.
