Gadgets - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Sun, 02 Jun 2024 15:45:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Ultimate 140W GaN Travel Adapter gives you Power to Charge All Your Devices Anywhere You Go https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/02/ultimate-140w-gan-travel-adapter-gives-you-power-to-charge-all-your-devices-anywhere-you-go/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ultimate-140w-gan-travel-adapter-gives-you-power-to-charge-all-your-devices-anywhere-you-go Mon, 03 Jun 2024 01:45:49 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492713

Ultimate 140W GaN Travel Adapter gives you Power to Charge All Your Devices Anywhere You Go

 It’s 2024, and if you’re still carrying multiple plugs, charging cables, and a travel adapter every time you visit a different country, you’re living...
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It’s 2024, and if you’re still carrying multiple plugs, charging cables, and a travel adapter every time you visit a different country, you’re living an incomplete life. Chargers have evolved over the years, charging bricks have become slimmer and more powerful, and something as simple as the SWIFT PRO can technically charge your phone, tablet, laptop, handheld gaming device, and AirPods together at the same time, anywhere in the world. The world’s only travel adapter running on 4th-gen GaN technology, the SWIFT PRO offers a staggering 140W of power that can charge multiple devices at the same time. That amount of power is enough to even fast-charge all your devices together, so you’re never waiting hours to get your iPad or smartphone fully charged. Moreover, it works internationally, and is the same size as your regular travel adapter, eliminating the need to travel with multiple charging bricks… or even work from home with a cluttered power strip and multiple plugs and wires strewn across your desk.

Designer: iBlockCube Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $103 (34% off) Hurry! Only 13 of 105 left.

The iBlockCube SWIFT PRO may look like your average travel adapter, but it’s also an all-in-one charging solution. Designed with a multi-plug framework that lets it work with different socket types across multiple countries, the SWIFT PRO slides right into your backpack or travel bag, going everywhere you go. In fact, it’s good enough to use at home too, helping you charge multiple devices together. Like any traditional travel adapter, it has switches on the side that let you deploy the plug type depending on what country you are in. It has a universal AC outlet too, allowing you to plug in appliances, chargers, or other devices, but look to its bottom and you’ll see three USB-C ports for connecting devices and gadgets directly to the SWIFT PRO. A USB-A port on the side gives you the ability to hook yet another device, allowing you to plug a total of 5 gadgets at the same time.

The reason the SWIFT PRO can handle 5 concurrent gadgets is thanks to 4th gen GaN technology. A replacement for silicon carbide, GaN has much better power efficiency as a semiconductor material, helping deliver energy without heat loss. This means more powerful, and thinner charging blocks. The SWIFT PRO has an overall output of 140W, which makes it powerful enough to simultaneously fast-charge your laptop, phone, AND a tablet – something that clunky chargers couldn’t do 10 years ago.

This effectively translates to being able to travel light. All you need is the SWIFT PRO along with a few cables for your devices. The plug on the front can be used for a hairdryer or charging your electric razor while traveling, while the USB-C and USB-A ports on the bottom and sides can effectively juice your laptop, phone, tablet, and AirPods or Watch all together. Two of the USB-C ports can output up to 140W, letting you divert full power to a single laptop, while a third USB-C port caps at 20W, and the USB-A port caps at 18W. Plug multiple devices in and the SWIFT PRO automatically adjusts power delivery to each device, ensuring that all your gadgets get the right amount of fast-charging capacity. The charger will also intuitively cap the power to match your device’s highest charging requirements, protecting your gadgets from damage.

The AC outlet on the front outputs 1000W at 100V and 2500W at 250V, complying with global standards. The 140W gets distributed between the USB ports. The SWIFT PRO is perfect for charging all your gadgets, whether it’s the traditional laptop, tablet, phone, watch, and TWS earbuds, or even a drone, camera, handheld gaming device, hairdryer, or electric razor. A 10A dual-fuse keeps your devices safe from surges, and the GaN semiconductor doesn’t heat up as much as silicon carbide, ensuring efficient power delivery.

The SWIFT PRO comes in 3 color options, white, black, and tinted transparent. The travel adapter measures 3.5 inches tall, 1.9 inches wide, 2.1 inches deep, making it small enough to easily travel with. Each SWIFT PRO also ships with a small travel pouch for your adapter, and a lanyard cable that opens up to transform into a USB-C to USB-C charging cable just in case you end up running short! The SWIFT PRO is priced at a discounted $68 and ships globally starting July 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $103 (34% off) Hurry! Only 13 of 105 left.

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Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard for Minimalists on the Go https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/02/keychron-b1-pro-ultra-thin-wireless-keyboard-for-minimalists-on-the-go/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=keychron-b1-pro-ultra-thin-wireless-keyboard-for-minimalists-on-the-go Sun, 02 Jun 2024 20:45:53 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492725

Keychron B1 Pro: Ultra-Thin Wireless Keyboard for Minimalists on the Go

It may not have the mechanical joy that the Lofree EDGE offered as the world’s slimmest mechanical keyboard, but the Keychron B1 Pro does offer...
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It may not have the mechanical joy that the Lofree EDGE offered as the world’s slimmest mechanical keyboard, but the Keychron B1 Pro does offer an incredibly slim design that’s portable enough to slide right into your backpack. Boasting a minimal aesthetic bundled within a portable design, the B1 Pro is an ultra-slim wireless keyboard that comes with a whopping 1200 battery life and a rather commendable $39.99 price tag.

Designer: Keychron

The B1 Pro deviates from Keychron’s usual mechanical keyboards by opting for scissor-switch keys, similar to those found on laptops. This design keeps the profile incredibly thin, measuring just 5.2mm at the front and reaching a maximum height of 14.5mm. It’s incredibly lightweight too, at only 425g, making it a perfect companion for tossing in your bag and working from anywhere.

Despite its slim profile, the B1 Pro doesn’t compromise on performance. With a 1000Hz polling rate on the 2.4GHz wireless connection, you can expect smooth and responsive typing. It also offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly pair it with multiple devices. This is also accompanied by a battery life of a staggering 1200 hours on a single charge. Translated to real-world use, that translates to roughly 8 months of typing for 5 hours a day – a near elimination of charging woes.

The keyboard has a Mac layout while remaining functional with Windows and Linux. It even features the same multimedia and function key functions as Apple keyboards, providing a familiar experience for Mac users with the added benefit of a more comfortable typing experience thanks to the scissor-switch keys. For added comfort during extended typing sessions, the B1 Pro features a 3.2-degree tilt angle and concave keycaps designed to improve accuracy. It even comes with a dedicated emoji shortcut key and a protective silicone keycap cover for increased durability.

The B1 Pro supports ZMK firmware, allowing users to program keys, macros, and shortcuts directly through a web interface. This eliminates the need for complex software installations and provides a user-friendly way to tailor the keyboard to your specific needs.

At an affordable price point of $39.99, the Keychron B1 Pro offers a compelling combination of portability, functionality, and battery life. Whether you’re a minimalist on the go, a student juggling classes, or someone who simply prefers a low-profile keyboard, the B1 Pro is definitely worth considering.

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Handheld printer and scanner concept sticks to tried and true methods of document handling https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/01/handheld-printer-and-scanner-concept-sticks-to-tried-and-true-methods-of-document-handling/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=handheld-printer-and-scanner-concept-sticks-to-tried-and-true-methods-of-document-handling Sat, 01 Jun 2024 20:45:29 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492635

Handheld printer and scanner concept sticks to tried and true methods of document handling

We live in a world filled with apps, multimedia content, and digital data, but there are and will always be things written on printed on...
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We live in a world filled with apps, multimedia content, and digital data, but there are and will always be things written on printed on paper. Official documents are still printed, receipts are still physical, and some people still prefer writing on notebooks and notepads. The gap between physical and digital isn’t that easy to bridge for people who want or even need to have the best of both worlds, even though there are, ironically, a handful of products claiming to offer the perfect solution. As some say, there is no perfect answer, but the best one might actually be the simplest and most straightforward. This concept device, for example, offers what looks like a traditional printer and scanner combo, except it’s something that you can easily store and take from your bag whenever and wherever you need it.

Designer: John Branca

There are quite a few product designs these days that try to unify physical and digital documents, from notebooks and pens that can record your handwriting to smartphone apps that can convert printed or even handwritten text into digital ones. The former doesn’t exactly work for digitizing what’s already printed, while the latter puts the burden on the person taking a perfect photo of the paper. These solutions also don’t work in the reverse, like turning digital files into their physical form, especially when you’re out of the office or not at home.

Scribe is a concept design that combines two things that already exist today, a portable printer and a portable scanner. In a nutshell, it shrinks 2-in-1 printer and scanner combos into a compact design that you can even carry in your hand if necessary. It has an industrial-inspired aesthetic that moves away from the predominant minimalist style, making it distinctive and memorable. It also has a large touch display that makes operating the device simple and intuitive without having to fumble on your computer or phone.

The device uses a feed-type mechanism where a piece of paper slides through the box to get printed or scanned. This does have the limitation of accommodating certain paper sizes only, though that will most likely be the most common use case for scanning receipts and printing out notes. That said, you won’t be able to scan any bound material like notebooks and books, so forget about taking this to the library. Due to size constraints, there’s also only room for a single black inkjet cartridge. ZINK technology might be more compact, but that also requires using special, non-standard paper.

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Scribe is definitely an interesting break from all the app-based, smartphone-centric solutions out there, though it still raises the question of whether it’s more convenient or not. Then again, you can’t print from your phone either, so if you’re going to bring a portable printer with you, might as well have something that can also scan those documents as well.

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Cyberpunk device is actually a functional 4-in-1 charger for Apple devices https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/30/cyberpunk-device-is-actually-a-functional-4-in-1-charger-for-apple-devices/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cyberpunk-device-is-actually-a-functional-4-in-1-charger-for-apple-devices Thu, 30 May 2024 15:20:54 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492443

Cyberpunk device is actually a functional 4-in-1 charger for Apple devices

There are plenty of wireless chargers now in the market, many of which are designed for iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. And just like the...
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There are plenty of wireless chargers now in the market, many of which are designed for iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. And just like the Apple devices they support, the majority of these have designs that try to match the minimalist aesthetics of Apple’s products. There’s no argument that they’re appealing and even beautiful, but sometimes the uniformity of design can be a bit boring and unsatisfying. There’s always room for variety, and thankfully, some accessory makers are indeed taking up the challenge without going overboard. This design, for example, still manages to adopt a clean look even while adopting a more cyberpunk or sci-fi style that puts a new flavor to the typical charging pad.

Designer: Aulumu

It’s common for Apple-compatible wireless chargers these days to support all three devices. After all, it’s highly likely that an iPhone owner would have the other two accessories and would want to charge all three at the same time. The conventional design is to either have a flat surface for these devices or to have one raised and angled platform to have the iPhone charge at a more usable angle. The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station’s foldable design supports both modes, but that’s not exactly the most interesting thing about it.

What makes it special is its style, particularly the cyberpunk-like aesthetic it adopts. Rather than a straightforward row of circles for the wireless charging contacts, it alternates their arrangement to have a more visually interesting composition. The colors also alternate, with the white Apple Watch pad flanked by the black circles for the iPhone and AirPods case. It has the typical lines, text, and visible screws you’d find in this technology-centric design language, clearly separating it from the crop of wireless chargers.

Another interesting and uncommon detail is an LED light encased in what looks like a miniature vacuum tube bulb. It functions as a desk night light with three different levels of brightness, though not bright enough to be your only source of light. It gives the charging station a retro-futuristic image that you’d often find in cyberpunk designs.

In terms of functionality, Aulumu M01 even goes beyond your typical 3-in-1 charger by supporting the iPad as well, though you’ll have to connect that using a USB-C cable. The cyberpunk design definitely won’t sit well with everyone, but it offers a breath of fresh air for those who’re already tired of looking at minimalist designs everywhere they turn.

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Logitech Debuts Wave Keys for Mac: Ergonomic Keyboard for Apple Enthusiasts https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/30/logitech-debuts-wave-keys-for-mac-ergonomic-keyboard-for-apple-enthusiasts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=logitech-debuts-wave-keys-for-mac-ergonomic-keyboard-for-apple-enthusiasts Thu, 30 May 2024 07:01:18 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492198

Logitech Debuts Wave Keys for Mac: Ergonomic Keyboard for Apple Enthusiasts

In an exciting announcement today, Logitech expanded its “Designed for Mac” lineup with the introduction of the Wave Keys for Mac, an ergonomic keyboard crafted...
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In an exciting announcement today, Logitech expanded its “Designed for Mac” lineup with the introduction of the Wave Keys for Mac, an ergonomic keyboard crafted to provide comfort and enhance productivity for Mac users. This launch, set to coincide with the release of other Mac-centric peripherals in Logitech’s portfolio, underscores the company’s commitment to creating seamless, user-friendly experiences within the Apple ecosystem.

Designer: Logitech

Ergonomics Meets Mac-Specific Design

The Wave Keys for Mac stands out as Logitech’s first ergonomic keyboard specifically designed for the Mac, adapted from the Wave Keys that launched at the end of last year. Emphasizing comfort and usability, it features a signature wave shape that ensures a natural typing posture. This wavy design positions the hands, wrists, and forearms in an optimal manner, reducing strain and promoting comfortable typing throughout the day.

A key highlight of the Wave Keys for Mac is its cushioned palm rest, which comprises three layers: memory foam, high-density foam, and a knitted fabric covering. This thoughtful design offers 57% more wrist support compared to traditional Logitech keyboards without palm rests, making it an ideal choice for prolonged use.

Compact and Versatile

The compact layout of the Wave Keys for Mac is not only space-saving but also strategically designed to promote a more natural shoulder position while using a mouse. This makes it a practical addition to any desk setup, particularly for those who prioritize ergonomics without compromising on functionality.

Further enhancing its appeal, the keyboard includes easy-to-use +4° tilt legs, allowing users to adjust the keyboard’s angle to their preference for maximum comfort.

Seamless Integration and Personalization

Logitech’s commitment to enhancing user experience is evident in the Wave Keys for Mac’s seamless integration with macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices. Users can connect up to three Apple devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly with the tap of a button. This multi-device capability is complemented by the Logi Options+ app, which enables users to personalize their keyboard shortcuts and optimize their workflow.

The Wave Keys for Mac also boasts an impressive battery life, capable of lasting up to three years on the included AAA batteries, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring consistent performance.

Sustainable Design

In line with Logitech’s dedication to sustainability, the Wave Keys for Mac is made with 48% post-consumer recycled plastic, excluding the plastic in the printed wiring assembly, receiver, and packaging. This eco-friendly approach aligns with Logitech’s broader initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of its products and promote environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.

This launch is part of a broader initiative by Logitech to cater to the needs of Mac users. Alongside the Wave Keys for Mac, Logitech is also introducing other products such as the MX Keys S for Mac, MX Keys S Combo for Mac, MX Anywhere 3S for Mac, and MX Keys Mini for Mac. These additions are designed to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and ensure ergonomic comfort for Mac users.

Delphine Donné, Vice President and General Manager of Personal Workspace Solutions at Logitech, highlighted the company’s focus on integrating user-centric solutions with the Apple ecosystem while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. “With a focus on optimizing workflow, productivity, and comfort, our Designed for Mac portfolio empowers Apple users to unleash their creative potential and enjoy day-long comfort at the desk without sacrificing Mac compatibility and look,” said Donné.

The Wave Keys for Mac will be available for purchase in May 2024 at a price of $59.99.

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8BitDo Unveils Retro-Style Mechanical Numpad With Built-In Calculator Functionality https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/29/8bitdo-unveils-retro-style-mechanical-numpad-with-built-in-calculator-functionality/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8bitdo-unveils-retro-style-mechanical-numpad-with-built-in-calculator-functionality Wed, 29 May 2024 20:45:07 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492146

8BitDo Unveils Retro-Style Mechanical Numpad With Built-In Calculator Functionality

Following the release of last year’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard, 8bitdo decided to give the keyboard the one good thing it was missing – a gorgeous...
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Following the release of last year’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard, 8bitdo decided to give the keyboard the one good thing it was missing – a gorgeous numpad. Inspired by the retro aesthetic of tech from the 80s and 90s, the Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad exists as an independent peripheral device that can either pair up with its companion keyboard, or be used independently like an old-school calculator. A red and black seven-segment display on the top feels like retro-perfection to the eyes, and those clacky keys are sure to get your fingers crunching numbers every day because of how wonderfully tactile they are.

Designer: 8bitdo

Click Here to Pre-Order

The Numpad comes in four delightful flavors, ahem colors, each inspired by iconic gaming systems: the M edition, the Famicom edition, the C64 model, and the N edition reminiscent of the NES. These draw inspiration from the design language of those classic consoles, offering a delightful dose of retro charm for your desk setup. The M Edition is the only one to sport a black and white display, while all the others have a black-red screen that is literal eye-candy.

Beyond aesthetics, the Numpad boasts functionality in the form of two modes: a standard calculator mode with an integrated display and a PC numpad mode for entering numbers on your computer. This versatility allows it to seamlessly switch between basic calculations and data entry tasks. Buttons on the top let you alternate between modes and even explore connectivity options.

For connectivity, the Numpad offers a variety of options. It includes a USB cable, Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless freedom, and a 2.4GHz USB adapter for a lag-free connection. The rechargeable 1000mAh Li-on battery offers a solid 160 hours of use on a single charge, ensuring it can keep up with your workflow.

The Numpad’s quality matches 8bitdo’s high standards, featuring dye-PBT or double-shot ABS keycaps (depending on the edition) for a comfortable typing experience. It utilizes Kalih Box White V2 switches, known for their satisfying tactility and durability. Additionally, the hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch customization to personalize your typing feel.

A dongle at the bottom allows easy 2.4Ghz pairing with any laptop or desktop

Priced at $44.99 and available for pre-order now, the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad is a niche product, but one that caters to a specific audience. It injects a shot of retro charm into your workspace while offering a functional and well-built numpad experience. Besides, if you’ve got a keyboard with a layout that’s either 80% or smaller, chances are you’ll need a numpad to match – this one’s perfect to complement your mechanical setup or your retro sensibilities. I also appreciate the fact that you’ll never have to open your phone’s calculator app again.

Click Here to Pre-Order

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Paper clip-shaped device concept helps develop habits by tracking activities https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/29/paper-clip-shaped-device-concept-helps-develop-habits-by-tracking-activities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=paper-clip-shaped-device-concept-helps-develop-habits-by-tracking-activities Wed, 29 May 2024 15:20:40 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492203

Paper clip-shaped device concept helps develop habits by tracking activities

We have all these fancy hi-tech trackers today that monitor our health and our activities, ranging from simple fitness trackers to complex smartwatches. While these...
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We have all these fancy hi-tech trackers today that monitor our health and our activities, ranging from simple fitness trackers to complex smartwatches. While these activities might be important on their own, they’re often made in some context like forming good habits. Unfortunately, these devices and their connected apps often simply log physical activities and states and file them under the category of healthy living. Trackers don’t take into account activities like reading a book, drinking water regularly, and things that a smartwatch can’t really monitor. That’s what this tracker design concept is trying to address, and it takes its inspiration from one of the most common things we attach to other objects: the classic paper clip.

Designer: Andrea Mangone

Although it does have “paper” on its name, we often see a paper clip attached to other objects, even those thick enough to bend the metal clip. The tool serves not only to put two things together but, more often than not, as a reminder to do something at a later time. Likewise, this activity tracker that takes the form of a large paper clip serves as a reminder to do the activity related to the object they’re attached to, and it actually tracks whether you did that or not automatically.

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Named after a popular daily journaling app, the DAY ONE tracker combines the functionality of physical activity trackers with the behavior-forming features of habit-tracking apps in a simple yet pleasing design. In essence, you set one such clip-like tracker on a base accessory that’s connected to a smartphone, assign that tracker to a particular habit you want to build, and then attach it to the physical object associated with the habit, like running shoes, a book, or a water bottle. Whenever you pick up and use one of these items, their activity will be detected and registered on the app, sort of like checking a box to indicate that you’ve done that habit for the day.

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The trick to ONE DAY is to clip it to objects that you use for that habit. This is where the paper clip design comes in handy as it allows the tracker to be attached to almost anything, regardless of the thickness. If it’s thin like a paper or a page of a book, you can simply slip it in like a regular paper clip. For something thicker like a tablet or a yoga mat, you use its longer side to attach to the object’s edge. Or you can simply hook it to a carabiner or loop, though that seems to also risk having it move around and drop accidentally.

DAY ONE is an interesting idea for giving more relevant contexts to activity trackers, making them relevant beyond exercise and physical activities. It still requires the person to exercise some willpower to actually put those into action, but the clips at least serve as a very visible reminder of what they need to pick up to develop the habit. That said, the paper clip design is a bit too bulky for something that might need to squeeze into tight spaces, and it could end up getting dislodged and lost somewhere along the way.

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Mobile drawing tablet looks like a toy but is actually well-designed https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/29/mobile-drawing-tablet-looks-like-a-toy-but-is-actually-well-designed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mobile-drawing-tablet-looks-like-a-toy-but-is-actually-well-designed Wed, 29 May 2024 13:20:26 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=492160

Mobile drawing tablet looks like a toy but is actually well-designed

When it comes to drawing tablets for making digital art and designs, Wacom is most likely the household name since it has the lion’s share...
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When it comes to drawing tablets for making digital art and designs, Wacom is most likely the household name since it has the lion’s share of the market. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s the only game in town, nor that it has all the answers to all the problems in this field. There are definitely plenty of opportunities for different designs, especially those that cater to specific or even niche cases. Most of the drawing tablets in the market, for example, are designed to be used with computers like desktops or laptops, but smartphones are becoming just as powerful as these, opening the doors for creating art on the go. This small and portable drawing tablet aims to solve that with a “mobile-first” design, and though it might look like a toy for beginners, it actually has some well-thought-out details that put it above its Wacom counterparts.

Designer: Mai qianzhao for UGEE

The majority of paper that we write and draw on are vertical. Computer monitors, on the other hand, are horizontal, so the tools we use to draw on computers need to follow that layout. In contrast, smartphones are also vertical by design, creating an inconsistency between a tall screen and a wide drawing tablet. This can be “fixed” by turning the phone horizontally or tweaking a setting on the tablet, but these fixes are inelegant and unpolished at best. The UGEE Q6 sets itself apart with a design that caters primarily to this very small use case but still works pretty well with regular desktops and laptops.

Unlike almost all drawing tablets, the default mode for this mobile drawing tablet is vertical, mirroring the orientation of the phone itself. However, it actually supports a few modes where the active drawing area of the tablet can be set to match the aspect ratio and orientation of the device it’s connected to, which includes very slim phones, tablets, and regular computers. The UGEE Q6 also embraces a very small and portable size that makes it easy to take it with you anywhere and connect to your phone for an impromptu sketching session.

Unlike the minimalist trend that seems to also be gripping drawing tablet designs, this beginner-friendly device doesn’t even try to hide its large, tactile buttons, making it easier for users to hit them without looking. The row of buttons can be placed on either the right or left side, supporting the user’s handedness, or even on top when connecting to a desktop or laptop. One rather interesting small detail about these buttons is that they are visually grouped in pairs, because most of the actions assigned to them are also related pairs, whether it’s undoing and redoing, painting and erasing, zooming in and out, or rotating clockwise and counter-clockwise. It doesn’t technically change their functionality, but it’s a good visual hint nonetheless.

The UGEE Q6 is also one of the very few drawing tablets that can also store its own USB cable, making it easily portable. The cable is still detachable, so you’re free to use any other if you need a longer one, for example. Again, it’s a small detail that actually has a big impact on how the design is truly made for portability and mobile use. It may look like a kid’s device, but it’s definitely ready for some serious art and design work.

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Singing Bottle concept rewards kids when they take their pills https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/28/singing-bottle-concept-rewards-kids-when-they-take-their-pills/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=singing-bottle-concept-rewards-kids-when-they-take-their-pills Tue, 28 May 2024 10:45:04 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=491987

Singing Bottle concept rewards kids when they take their pills

According to my friends who are already parents, one of the most difficult things to get their young kids to do is to drink medicine....
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According to my friends who are already parents, one of the most difficult things to get their young kids to do is to drink medicine. Aside from the fact that most of the pills actually taste bad and may be too big for their little throats, it’s also hard to convince them to do something if they don’t really understand why they need to do so. Some actually use rewards just to get the kids to take their meds but there should be better ways to get through this every time they need to do it.

Designer: Fengrui Wang

The Singing Bottle is a concept for a different kind of pill packaging and dispenser for kids ages 6-10 to help them take their meds a bit more easily. It is shaped like those ship in a bottle things that your dad or uncle probably displayed. But instead of a ship, you get personalized pills and a corresponding paper card strip with an NFC tag attached which is the secret to getting the kids to get the pills down. The dispenser also has a built-in speaker in which the cards, which contain music and stories, can be played.

The idea is that parents need to purchase the first pack of 14-21 personalized pills from the pharmacy and the dispenser. Turn the handle to dispense the first pill, separate the card strip and then insert it into the NFC reader. The first card is actually inspiring words to get the kids to take the pill and explain why they need to do so. Every two days, a new strip is unlocked and this can be a story or a piece of music to serve as their “reward” for taking the pill.

This is a pretty interesting way to encourage children to take their much needed medicine. This concept will work with Dozer, a start-up that specializes in 3D medicine printing which is able tp provide personalized medicine which should be less expensive and maybe also makes the taste a bit better, since that’s one of the major reasons why kids don’t want to take their pills.

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SpaceX Exosuit Concept Helps Astronauts Retain Muscle Mass in Space using Resistance Training https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/05/27/spacex-exosuit-concept-helps-astronauts-retain-muscle-mass-in-space-using-resistance-training/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spacex-exosuit-concept-helps-astronauts-retain-muscle-mass-in-space-using-resistance-training Mon, 27 May 2024 20:45:09 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=491840

SpaceX Exosuit Concept Helps Astronauts Retain Muscle Mass in Space using Resistance Training

You can see up to 20% of muscle loss in just 11 days of being in space. Astronauts have to exercise nearly two and a...
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You can see up to 20% of muscle loss in just 11 days of being in space. Astronauts have to exercise nearly two and a half hours each and every day to prevent muscular atrophy. Sounds pretty scary, doesn’t it? Exposure to zero gravity causes muscle fibers to shrink, making astronauts much weaker and less coordinated. Whoever thought that the lack of gravity could affect our health THIS much??

Designed to help astronauts stay fit through regular movements, the Cosmofit Exosuit was imagined for astronauts making their way to the moon with SpaceX’s upcoming mission that aims to set up a lunar base to replace the ISS in 2030. Created by Minwoo Lee, a student at Hongik University, the Cosmofit is designed to be worn indoors, and uses resistance-based training to turn simple activities like walking or reaching out for something into a micro-workout. Astronauts therefore exert more to perform basic activities, and can retain their muscle mass while in a zero gravity environment.

Designer: Minwoo Lee

The Cosmofit bodysuit is made of two distinct parts – the suit itself, and the mechanical augmentations that attach onto the back and around your waist, or the ‘exo’ part of the suit. The suit features electrode pads laid out around different muscle groups, providing electrical stimulation to different muscles in the body to keep them active and healthy, while also helping with muscle recovery after stressful workouts. By providing electrical pulses, the suit can help rebuild muscle tissue and help with recuperation.

Meanwhile, the exoskeleton on the outside uses a series of motors to provide mechanical resistance to help you exert more pressure while moving around. This turns regular activities into mini workouts (sort of like jogging or exercising with weights strapped to your ankles) that prevent muscles from atrophying or growing weak.

The EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) suit can be worn for long periods of time, with the exoskeleton only strapped on for certain hours in the day. There’s even a potential for the exoskeleton to track vitals and fitness levels through activity, giving astronauts a comprehensive look at how healthy they are. Two and a half hours of exercise a day sounds like quite a task… turning just daily movements into a fitness regimen sounds like a much easier way to stay healthy in zero gravity, doesn’t it??

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