Gadgets - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:43:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Turn your old Pixel 6 Pro into a handheld laptop with this DIY case https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/08/turn-your-old-pixel-6-pro-into-a-handheld-laptop-with-this-diy-case/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=turn-your-old-pixel-6-pro-into-a-handheld-laptop-with-this-diy-case Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:50:12 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=527580

Turn your old Pixel 6 Pro into a handheld laptop with this DIY case

We often hear about how smartphones today are almost as powerful as low-power laptops, but that’s only talking about their potential. In practice, it’s not...
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We often hear about how smartphones today are almost as powerful as low-power laptops, but that’s only talking about their potential. In practice, it’s not that convenient to use a smartphone as a regular computer, and not just because of the mobile operating system they’re running. The very form factor of the phone, which is basically all screen, isn’t conducive for anything but the most limited of interaction gestures, forcing people to peck away at a screen to type anything of significant length.

Of course, there are technologies that allow a smartphone to function as a laptop or even a desktop with the right peripherals, such as Samsung’s DeX or Motorola’s Ready For, but those aren’t always portable and take away the phone’s handheld charm. Short of having a BlackBerry-like QWERTY keyboard, your only recourse for such unconventional use cases would be an equally unconventional accessory, like this 3D printed case that transforms one such smartphone into a handheld laptop or, in more dramatic terms, an actually functional pocket cyberdeck.

Designer: Jeff Zimmerman (TypingCat)

Those familiar with “ancient” devices like the HP Jornada 720 or the Nokia Communicator will probably know how these were too far ahead of their time. They tickled the imagination with their full-length QWERTY keyboard that made them look like miniature laptops, but they fell completely short of expectations because of the modest hardware and paltry software capabilities of their times. Now we have phones that can even run Windows XP in a virtual machine, taking us a bit closer to that fantasy.

Sadly, no manufacturer today will design and sell such a handheld device anymore, so it’s up to makers and tinkerers to come up with their own solutions. This 3D printed case for the Pixel 6 Pro, for example, not only gives the phone some protection but also adds a hinged section for a Bluetooth keyboard. Call it a handheld laptop or pocket cyberdeck, the design offers the potential to let you type faster, presuming thumb-typing with a physical keyboard is your thing. Alternatively, you can also type on it like a laptop, albeit with a more cramped hand position.

Given how it’s designed specifically for the Pixel 6 Pro, it won’t work with other phones without some major modification. That said, the 2021 Google flagship has plenty of muscle to show even today, and running some Linux desktop distribution is certainly within the realm of possibility. Whether you should just because you could is a different question, of course, but this design at least gives owners a new use for this smartphone that may have already been replaced by a newer model.

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This Game-Changing Wi-Fi Router at CES 2025 has a Connectivity Radius of 9.9 Miles https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/08/this-game-changing-wi-fi-router-at-ces-2025-has-a-connectivity-radius-of-9-9-miles/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-game-changing-wi-fi-router-at-ces-2025-has-a-connectivity-radius-of-9-9-miles Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:41:42 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=528034

This Game-Changing Wi-Fi Router at CES 2025 has a Connectivity Radius of 9.9 Miles

With the Wi-Fi HaLow’s 9.9 mile range, you could connect to your home Wi-Fi at work, at the grocery store, and even inside your car...
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With the Wi-Fi HaLow’s 9.9 mile range, you could connect to your home Wi-Fi at work, at the grocery store, and even inside your car throughout your ride.

Wi-Fi is probably the most important part of any piece of technology today. It helps devices connect, communicate, update, and be cutting-edge… but the problem with Wi-Fi is that it’s a high-frequency radio wave – that means it doesn’t travel far, and it can’t penetrate walls. It’s why we recommend placing Wi-Fi routers strategically at home so that you get seamless connectivity, but there’s a company hoping to make Wi-Fi so powerful, it passes through walls and can even connect devices nearly 10 miles apart. The Wi-Fi HaLow, developed by Morse Micro, is an upcoming technology that the company hopes will become a part of every device in the future… so that bad internet connectivity is a thing of the past.

Designer: Morse Micro

Without getting into the specifics (because I have no technical background), the Wi-Fi HaLow router (shown above) promises to make internet connectivity seamless over massive distances. It relies on Sub-GHz frequency waves that travel long distances (like AM and FM radio) to transmit internet connectivity, so you could potentially use your home Wi-Fi router within a 10-mile radius of your house.

Morse Micro, the company behind the tech, hopes that this Wi-Fi capability will coexist with current 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi bands. These existing bands are great for low-latency internet connectivity, but add HaLow to the mix and you get long-distance connectivity too, giving you the best of all worlds. Sub-GHz Wi-Fi won’t ever be as fast as 5GHz Wi-Fi (HaLow has max speeds of 32.5 MB/s), although those speeds are perfect for most everyday tasks like checking email, browsing the internet, or even for IoT devices to communicate with each other.

Sadly, the router isn’t something you can currently just plug into your home. While it does broadcast long-distance Wi-Fi, most devices like your phones, laptops, and smart home tech aren’t equipped to read that frequency band just yet… but Morse Micro is hoping to influence tech companies to adapt their hardware for the future so that instead of dual-band radio antennas, every device will have a tri-band radio antenna for 2.4, 5, and Sub GHz connectivity.

For now, Morse Micro’s working to deploy HaLows in commercial setups like Amazon warehouses (where robots can communicate seamlessly with each other over long distances), along with other industries like security and telecom. Potentially, this technology isn’t too far off. Imagine your lawnmower robot being able to easily connect to your home Wi-Fi without an intermediary hub, or your pool cleaning robot doing the same even if your pool is more than 20-30 meters from your home router.

The devices shown here are engineering samples. Morse Micro is sharing chipsets, dongles, and routers with engineers interested in building the tech into their existing stacks, so that potentially in the future your home Wi-Fi could also be your work Wi-Fi or your car Wi-Fi. And instead of asking your friend to share the Wi-Fi password when you’re at their place, you can just continue using your home Wi-Fi just fine!

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Acer Levels Up Mobile Gaming at CES 2025 with New Nitro V Laptops and Blaze Handhelds https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/06/acer-levels-up-mobile-gaming-at-ces-2025-with-new-nitro-v-laptops-and-blaze-handhelds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=acer-levels-up-mobile-gaming-at-ces-2025-with-new-nitro-v-laptops-and-blaze-handhelds Mon, 06 Jan 2025 19:46:43 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=527829

Acer Levels Up Mobile Gaming at CES 2025 with New Nitro V Laptops and Blaze Handhelds

PC gaming used to mean being glued to your chair and desk at home, but times have quickly changed for the past years. In addition...
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PC gaming used to mean being glued to your chair and desk at home, but times have quickly changed for the past years. In addition to gaming laptops that are becoming more powerful while retaining their portable designs, we’re now also seeing a flood of handheld gaming PCs that truly make that dream of portable gaming come true for many PC gamers. And we’re just seeing the start of this PC gaming revolution, with more designs and variety to come!

At CES 2025, Acer is giving an appetizer of those innovations which include an 11-inch handheld with detachable controllers, a foldable phone controller, and a new line of gaming laptops to cater to a diverse range of gamers, needs, and budgets. Of course, with that much power and AI-enhanced features, these mobile computers are also ready to empower designers, artists, and creators to bring their work to life on the go.

Designer: Acer

Acer Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 Handheld Gaming Devices

With an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and Radeon 780M graphics, the new Nitro Blaze handhelds are capable of handling many demanding games and applications without tying gamers down to a single spot. The fast 144Hz WQXGA displays, paired with Radeon Super Resolution and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution technologies, deliver crisp graphics and vibrant visuals even with a lower resolution setting. Peripherals are also no problem with two USB Type-C ports (4 and 3.2) as well as Bluetooth 5.3. The 8-inch Nitro Blaze 8 and 11-inch Blaze 11 deliver everything a PC gamer can want to enjoy their favorite titles on the go and more!

The Acer Nitro Blaze 11 is particularly interesting because of its extra-large screen, which is almost a mini laptop in size. With detachable controllers, it practically becomes a tablet that can do more than just play games. It even has a 5MP front camera for video streaming and video calls. It’s practically a mobile all-in-one computer that lets you bring your entertainment and work with you anywhere you go. The Acer Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11 will land in North America in Q2 with an SRP of $899 and $1,099, respectively.

Acer Nitro V AI Gaming Laptops

Acer’s Nitro family of laptops has always been a popular choice for users who need an all-around portable PC that’s capable not only of gaming but serious work as well. With the new Nitro V line, Acer is expanding its roster with laptops that have AI built in their very core. Powered by Intel Core 200H series or AMD Ryzen AI processors and coming with display sizes ranging from 14 to 17 inches, these laptops cover a variety of combinations to address the needs of an equally varied audience.

Of course, all members of the Nitro V series boast AI chops that not only improve the gaming experience but also accelerate productivity. Whether it’s using Cocreater in MS Paint for prompt-based image creations or PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice for professional video meetings, the Acer Nitro V gaming laptops promise to handle any task you throw at them with aplomb.

Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller

Mobile gaming traditionally referred to gaming on smartphones but now encompasses handheld PCs as well. Of course, Acer hasn’t forgotten the OG of on-the-go gamers and is launching a controller made especially for smartphones and designed with a unique twist. Or rather, a unique fold.

The Nitro Mobile Controller features a foldable design that makes it easy to put away and shove into your bag when you’re done with a quick round of Fortnite or Mobile Legends. Its adjustable design can also accommodate screen sizes of up to 8.3 inches, which covers most foldable phones as well. The USB-C port provides a reliable connection and 18W pass-through fast charging promises worry-free extended gameplay. The Acer Nitro Mobile Controller goes on sale this quarter for $69.99.

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AI-powered keyboard and mouse slides and retracts so you won’t have to move your hands https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/06/ai-powered-keyboard-and-mouse-slides-and-retracts-so-you-wont-have-to-move-your-hands/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ai-powered-keyboard-and-mouse-slides-and-retracts-so-you-wont-have-to-move-your-hands Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:20:06 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=527698

AI-powered keyboard and mouse slides and retracts so you won’t have to move your hands

Even with the ubiquity of touch screens, most of use still use keyboards and mice as the primary way to interact with computers, both desktops...
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Even with the ubiquity of touch screens, most of use still use keyboards and mice as the primary way to interact with computers, both desktops and even laptops. As common as these devices might be, they weren’t initially designed decades ago with ergonomics in mind. Of course, we now have ergonomic keyboards and ergonomic mice, but that only solves half of the problem.

The other half is that our hands keep dancing back and forth between the keyboard, mouse, and sometimes a separate numeric keypad, which also causes strain. In an effort to solve this lingering issue, this “automatic keyboard and mouse” machine tries to keep your hands in the same position as much as possible by sliding in and out to switch between keyboards, numpad, and mouse, with some help from AI, of course.

Designer: AutoKeybo

Imagine having a desk where, instead of your hand flying sideways between the keyboard and your mouse, those peripherals move on their own and slide under your hands when you need them. And imagine having that happen automatically, without having to manually press a button that will break your flow. Autonomous keyboards and mice are, of course, still in the realm of science fiction, but apparently, we already have the next best thing: an AI-powered tray.

AutoKeybo is hard to describe in words, but once you see it in action, it immediately makes sense while also looking astonishingly odd. At first glance, you see what looks like a giant contraption with a split ergonomic keyboard at the top and a large box for your wrist rest. Once you start typing, however, you will see the magic of a device that will hopefully save your hands, wrists, and shoulders from serious and permanent injury.

The device has a total of four trays in pairs, one stacked on top of the other. The bottom trays house a mouse and a numeric keypad while the top pair holds two halves of the split keyboard. The top trays slide in to give you access to the mouse and numpad below so you won’t have to move your hands away just to reach them. They then slide back out to let you return to your typing without missing a beat. They can even move independently of each other, so you can slide only one tray to access the mouse or numpad quickly without losing access to some of the letters.

All of these happen automatically, or at least without pushing a button. Using AI and a built-in camera, AutoKeybo can detect hand gestures, in this case, splaying out your fingers, to trigger the switching mechanism. To make this possible, this device has a built-in Linux computer that you can actually use as a standalone computer, complete with an HDMI port and USB-C ports. It’s definitely an intriguing design, though it still remains to be seen whether the theory actually holds well in practice.

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Belkin Stage PowerGrip MagSafe power bank turns your iPhone into an analog camera https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/06/belkin-stage-powergrip-magsafe-power-bank-turns-your-iphone-into-an-analog-camera/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=belkin-stage-powergrip-magsafe-power-bank-turns-your-iphone-into-an-analog-camera Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:40:35 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=527644

Belkin Stage PowerGrip MagSafe power bank turns your iPhone into an analog camera

The iPhone has long been a favorite among content creators, thanks to its cutting-edge camera technology and the ability to capture cinematic-quality videos. This makes...
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The iPhone has long been a favorite among content creators, thanks to its cutting-edge camera technology and the ability to capture cinematic-quality videos. This makes it a powerful tool for photographers and videographers who seek both convenience and high performance in their mobile devices. Recognizing this potential, Belkin is stepping in to enhance the iPhone’s capabilities with a new accessory that promises to transform the device into an analog-style shooter. This innovative gadget features an ergonomic grip and a dedicated shutter button, providing users with a tactile photography experience reminiscent of traditional cameras.

The new accessory, aptly named the Stage PowerGrip, is tailored for Apple enthusiasts who appreciate both style and functionality. It features a certified MagSafe-compatible magnetic clip-on mechanism that ensures a snug and secure fit on the iPhone. This design innovation allows users to attach and detach the accessory with ease, providing flexibility in various shooting scenarios. The Stage PowerGrip is specifically crafted for the iPhone 16 setup, integrating seamlessly with the latest Camera Control button introduced with this year’s Apple smartphone.

Designer: Belkin

Belkin introduced this exciting accessory at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where it showcased a range of other intriguing products. These include the BoostCharge Compact USB-C Charger, designed for fast and efficient charging on the go; the BoostCharge Power Bank, which offers extended battery life for multiple devices; the Soundform Isolate over-ear headphones, providing immersive audio quality; and the Soundform Anywhere earbuds, which deliver convenience and superior sound for users on the move.

In terms of aesthetics, the Stage PowerGrip is set to arrive in May and will be available in a palette of vibrant colors, including powder blue, sandbox, fresh yellow, pepper, and lavender. These options cater to diverse tastes, allowing users to personalize their devices while maintaining a sleek and modern appearance. Although the exact pricing has yet to be announced, Belkin has hinted at keeping the cost below $80, making it an affordable enhancement for iPhone users.

Functionality is at the core of the Stage PowerGrip’s design. The Bluetooth-enabled accessory emulates the classic feel of a point-and-shoot camera, complete with a shutter button positioned on top for easy access. A small integrated screen offers users the ability to explore various shooting options, enhancing the overall photography experience. Additionally, the Stage PowerGrip doubles as a 10,000 mAh wireless power bank, equipped with a 7.5W magnetic charging option. This feature ensures that the iPhone Pro Max remains charged throughout the day, catering to the demands of active users who rely heavily on their devices.

For those who prefer traditional charging methods, the Stage PowerGrip includes a USB-C cable, providing an alternative to wireless charging. Furthermore, the accessory functions as a sturdy stand, keeping the iPhone in landscape orientation. This is particularly useful for shooting timed photos or for binge-watching content, as it offers stability and convenience.

The Stage PowerGrip is a versatile accessory that proves invaluable for anyone who enjoys mobile photography or videography. Its ergonomic design not only enhances the shooting experience by reducing camera shake but also provides superior handling for creative endeavors. The added benefit of a built-in power bank means users can forego carrying a separate charging device, streamlining their equipment and making it a practical choice for on-the-go creators.

In an age where mobile is ruling content consumption, Belkin’s Stage PowerGrip is set to become an essential tool for iPhone users seeking to elevate their content creation capabilities. By combining traditional camera features with modern technology, it offers a unique and enhanced user experience. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, this accessory is designed to meet your needs, offering both style and substance in a compact, user-friendly package.

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Rechargeable AA battery has a built-in USB-C port for easier charging https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/04/rechargeable-aa-battery-has-a-built-in-usb-c-port-for-easier-charging/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rechargeable-aa-battery-has-a-built-in-usb-c-port-for-easier-charging Sat, 04 Jan 2025 23:30:54 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=527318

Rechargeable AA battery has a built-in USB-C port for easier charging

While many electronic devices today have built-in rechargeable batteries, many people still find it more convenient to use replaceable “dry cell” batteries or their equivalent....
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While many electronic devices today have built-in rechargeable batteries, many people still find it more convenient to use replaceable “dry cell” batteries or their equivalent. It might be easier to swap out dead batteries with new ones than to scramble for a charger, and you can still use rechargeable AA and AAA batteries to get the best of both worlds. Their convenience, however, starts to break down when it comes to their chargers, most of which are bulky, uninspiring, and ironically inconvenient.

Flashlight manufacturer Nitecore has a rather intriguing solution to rechargeable AA batteries by cramming the charging components right inside the battery. This makes it possible to directly charge them using the same USB cable for your phones or earbuds case, offering convenience and speed without the hassle of having to bring around a large charging box.

Designer: Nitecore

Traditional rechargeable NiMH or alkaline AA batteries require a separate product to charge them. These chargers usually come in a boxy form that can accommodate two or four batteries at the same time. It’s a straightforward and practical design, but not one that’s suited for today’s user behaviors and expectations. With almost everything going the USB-C route, some have come to expect batteries like these to be charged just as easily.

The Nitecore NH2400 AA batteries try to meet those expectations by having a USB-C port at the very top of their cylinders. That means you can charge the batteries directly and don’t have to be at the mercy of yet another device. In fact, these batteries can only be charged that way, though few will probably miss the old ways of doing things. A four-battery pack comes with a quadruple whip cable just for that very purpose, a significant change from a chunky charging box.

There are a few caveats to this almost ideal design, though none of them sound like huge deal-breakers. Although rated with a 2400mAh capacity and an output of 1.5V that’s higher than conventional 1.2V batteries, they’re estimated to last only an average of 500 cycles. Despite being rechargeable, they’re not compatible with 14500 round batteries that are, conversely, also incompatible with AA battery slots anyway. In exchange, the use of lithium-ion materials makes these batteries safer than your typical alkalines and are less prone to leaking and corrosion.

The Nitecore NH2400 batteries do sound quite desirable, though their design might still be a little too novel to be as reliable as more conventional rechargeable AA batteries. Only time will tell if this will be the future of such batteries, but at $25 a pack, it makes a tempting alternative that’s not only more convenient but also a little bit more sustainable than both regular AA batteries and built-in rechargeable batteries.

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Massager brings comfort and de-stressing to your abdomen https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/04/massager-brings-comfort-and-de-stressing-to-your-abdomen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=massager-brings-comfort-and-de-stressing-to-your-abdomen Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:15:13 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=527207

Massager brings comfort and de-stressing to your abdomen

When it’s that time of the month or when I’m just so stressed (which can also be both at the same time), one of my...
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When it’s that time of the month or when I’m just so stressed (which can also be both at the same time), one of my constant wishes is to get a massage. But of course, it’s not the best time to have one especially if you’re experiencing dysmenorrhea. A comfortable, relaxing massage would be pretty helpful during those times, even if it’s not an actual, proper massage.

Designer: Bebop Design

The AM1 massager is an abdominal massager that is meant to be more comfortable rather than just functional. In fact, it was designed to be somehow part of the furniture, like you would leave a cushion lying around on your couch or on your bed. And when you’re using it, it is meant to be like you’re hugging a cushion to your tummy and you’re being massaged at the same time.

It can also look like a VR headset except that it will be wrapped around your abdomen rather than your head. It follows the body line with smooth silhouette. It has a fabric in the front which brings the comfortable feeling even as the vibration of the massage feature of the device is shaking you up.

There isn”t other information about this massager, like what features it may have and also other specifications. But as it is, and because of my aforementioned issues during certain times of the month, it’s something I might want to own someday especially if it is as comfortable and destressing as it promises.

The post Massager brings comfort and de-stressing to your abdomen first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Handheld vacuum concept doubles as mood lighting and an ikebana vase for your desk https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/02/handheld-vacuum-concept-doubles-as-mood-lighting-and-an-ikebana-vase-for-your-desk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=handheld-vacuum-concept-doubles-as-mood-lighting-and-an-ikebana-vase-for-your-desk Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:20:07 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=527037

Handheld vacuum concept doubles as mood lighting and an ikebana vase for your desk

Small living spaces don’t just have a problem with furniture but also with fitting small objects on or around those furniture. That’s why multi-functional or...
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Small living spaces don’t just have a problem with furniture but also with fitting small objects on or around those furniture. That’s why multi-functional or modular products are quite popular among people living in small apartments or single-person households, allowing them to combine multiple functions in the space of a single physical object. Not all combinations make sense, though, but it might just be a matter of making an appealing composition or selling the idea.

This odd yet pleasing concept design, for example, might look like a decorative object, but it is actually a handheld vacuum cleaner in disguise. Actually, it’s a discreet mood lamp to adorn your desk and create the ambiance you want. Actually, it can also be a makeshift Ikebana vase that holds a single, delicate flower stem. Actually, it’s all three, and it pulls off this rather unusual mishmash of functions without losing sight of its true purpose: bringing value to the owner’s life even in such a small space.

Designer: Seunghyeon Kim (Focus Studio)

A vacuum cleaner is not something you’d immediately associate with having an aesthetic charm, yet the Budding design concept really tries to bridge those two incongruent ideas using some nature-inspired explorations. Like a sprout that curves as it grows, this design object also curls and rises from its base in an elegant and smooth manner. That alone gives it some decorative value, but its worth extends to its practical uses.

That vertical part of the tube is supposed to be a handheld vacuum cleaner, not unlike those rather basic and cheap simulacra you’d see in online shops. This hides such a technical and utilitarian product in plain sight, though how obvious it is as a vacuum cleaner will probably depend on how well you’ll be able to clean it after each use. The concept is also designed to make it easy to take the cylindrical vacuum cleaner apart to replace its filter when needed.

The base of the object serves as a fixed front-facing mood light, whose gentle glow is supposed to, well, set the mood. It’s not strong enough to provide any kind of serious illumination, nor is its low angle conducive for that purpose. The design doesn’t indicate if the light’s hue or intensity can be changed, as some people might not always appreciate a warm yellowish glow.

Although it’s not a formal vase of any sort, Budding’s curved form makes it possible to prop up a single flower stem to some artistic effect. It’s a fitting image to the design’s sprout metaphor, though its minimalist aesthetic does limit the kind of flowers that go perfectly with it. Even without this aspect, however, having two functions hiding inside a decorative object is more than enough to endear it to people living in small spaces with simpler needs and simple tastes.

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Stop Killing Your Laptop Battery: This Tiny $49 Device Keeps Your Laptop Battery Healthy for Longer https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/01/01/stop-killing-your-laptop-battery-this-tiny-49-device-keeps-your-laptop-battery-healthy-for-longer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stop-killing-your-laptop-battery-this-tiny-49-device-keeps-your-laptop-battery-healthy-for-longer Thu, 02 Jan 2025 02:45:06 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=526929

Stop Killing Your Laptop Battery: This Tiny $49 Device Keeps Your Laptop Battery Healthy for Longer

 Remember the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fires? The images of scorched devices and charred luggage were enough to put battery safety in the spotlight...
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Remember the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fires? The images of scorched devices and charred luggage were enough to put battery safety in the spotlight like never before. It wasn’t just a cautionary tale for manufacturers; it was a wake-up call for all of us who casually leave our devices plugged in, trusting everything will work as it should. Lithium-ion batteries are miraculous, sure, but they’re also temperamental when pushed to their limits. From overheating hoverboards to old smartphones that just don’t last more than 5 hours on a full battery, the pattern is clear: how we charge matters more than we like to admit.

That’s where Chargie steps in, offering a simple, elegant solution to a problem we often ignore. This little device plugs into your laptop’s charger, quietly regulating how and when your battery charges. With the help of its companion app, it stops overcharging in its tracks and helps reduce the wear and tear that shortens battery life. You know how your old smartphone now needs to be charged twice or sometimes even thrice a day? Chargie prevents that from happening to your laptop.

Designer: Ovidiu Sandru

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You might be thinking, “Does my laptop really need this?” Well, let’s talk about that. Lithium-ion batteries, the lifeblood of almost every laptop, don’t do well with extremes. Keep your device plugged in 24/7, and you’re essentially running a marathon at a sprint pace. The result? Diminished capacity over time. Chargie steps in like the unsung hero it is, giving you control over how and when your battery charges.

Picture this unassuming little device, barely bigger than a USB stick, that plugs right into your charger setup. It’s not flashy—no blinking lights or over-engineered aesthetics. But behind that minimalist exterior lies some clever, simple tech like a hardware limiter and a Bluetooth Low Energy chip. Paired with its app, Chargie lets you cap your battery’s charge at, say, 80%, or schedule charging windows to sync with your day. No more boiling your battery overnight just because you forgot to unplug it.

The tech behind Chargie is impressive without being overwhelming. It supports up to 100W of power, so it’s perfect for everything from a feather-light Chromebook to a powerhouse gaming laptop. And it works across major platforms like Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. No proprietary nonsense, no weird compatibility issues—it’s tech that just gets it. There’s also a subtle satisfaction in seeing something so small and simple handle such an annoying problem so effectively.

But what I love most is how Chargie reframes how we think about our gadgets. Laptops aren’t disposable, but we often treat them that way. Every time a battery wears out and needs replacing, it’s not just annoying—it’s expensive and wasteful. Chargie isn’t going to single-handedly save the planet, but by helping your battery last longer, it reduces the number of batteries ending up in landfills… or worse, batteries puffing or blowing up because of overcharging.

The Chargie was first launched for smartphones in 2019, and after selling over 50,000 units, designer (and ethical hacker) Ovidiu Sandru received a lot of feedback about how the Chargie would be perfect for larger battery devices like laptops. In essence, the laptop variant of the Chargie works almost exactly like its smartphone variant. The device itself broadly has a hardware limiter and a BLE chip. The app on the laptop tells the Chargie what percentage your device battery is at (via real-time Bluetooth communication), and when it hits the desired level, the hardware limiter cuts power to the laptop.

The app is simple, intuitive, and practically foolproof, which means anyone can use it. Available for macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS, it turns the sometimes abstract concept of battery health into a user-friendly experience. You can tweak the charge rate to reduce heat (another silent battery killer), and the app keeps everything running in the background once your preferences are set. It’s a kind of “set it and forget it” solution that feels like it was built for busy lives. No micromanaging required, no steep learning curve—just an app that works as promised.

At under $50, Chargie doesn’t try to overstay its welcome in your wallet. It’s reasonably priced, especially considering the money it might save you down the road in battery replacements—or worse, an entirely new laptop. The device works by being an intermediary between your laptop and the power source. It’s perfect if your laptop charges via USB-C (then you can simply plug the laptop charger into the Chargie, and then connect the Chargie to your device), but just in case you’re running an older machine, Chargie ships with adapters for barrel-connector laptops like HP and Dell.

If you’re someone who loves a good gadget that makes life a little easier—or if you’re tired of your laptop battery betraying you when you need it most—Chargie might just be your new best friend. It’s small, smart, and doesn’t demand much from you, which is probably more than we can say for most of the tech in our lives. At the very least, it’s one less excuse for your battery woes. At best, it’s a tiny miracle worker sliding quietly into your life.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49 (Global Shipping) Hurry! Only 8 Days Left!

The post Stop Killing Your Laptop Battery: This Tiny $49 Device Keeps Your Laptop Battery Healthy for Longer first appeared on Yanko Design.

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10-in-1 USB-C Hub with Shortcut Keys and Knob is the Ultimate Combo of Power, Ports, and Productivity https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/12/27/10-in-1-usb-c-hub-with-shortcut-keys-and-knob-is-the-ultimate-combo-of-power-ports-and-productivity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-in-1-usb-c-hub-with-shortcut-keys-and-knob-is-the-ultimate-combo-of-power-ports-and-productivity Sat, 28 Dec 2024 02:45:39 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=526482

10-in-1 USB-C Hub with Shortcut Keys and Knob is the Ultimate Combo of Power, Ports, and Productivity

Picture the average multi-device setup. A laptop, a foldable mouse, maybe a monitor, and a dock for charging your phone/smartwatch/earbuds. As fairly simple as this...
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Picture the average multi-device setup. A laptop, a foldable mouse, maybe a monitor, and a dock for charging your phone/smartwatch/earbuds. As fairly simple as this sounds, it involves multiple products and multiple wires connecting them. The more devices, the more wires, and the more the promise of productivity without actual productivity. Dongles were born to solve this problem by streamlining cables, but the HubKey does more than most dongles can. The 10-in-1 compact device not only houses multiple ports – it comes with its own control panel too, letting you quickly access functions/controls through four intuitive buttons and one satisfyingly large rotary knob.

Think of it as your personal command station, set to tackle the daily juggle of multiple tasks and devices. Rather than fumbling with random adapters, you have a 10-in-1 hub that supports 4K@60Hz, 100W fast charging, Ethernet, SD/TF card reading, and more. But the real kicker is its built-in buttons and knob. These let you lock screens, snap screenshots, or tweak volume in seconds, keeping your workflow smooth and intuitive.

Designer: HubKey

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $140 (51% off) Hurry! Only 300 Units Left!

At first glance, the HubKey might seem like yet another dongle, but it quickly reveals a more thoughtful edge. By grouping ports and user commands in one solid package, it reduces desktop chaos. Gone are the days of rummaging for a single adapter or wrestling with on-screen controls. A simple press locks your computer, a knob twist tunes audio, a port gives you ethernet access, another controls your 4K display, and a slot lets you quickly draw media from an SD card. It’s a synergy that actually fulfils the promise of productivity by giving you crucial tools and features in one singular hub.

Those five shortcut keys instantly elevate the experience. Maybe you’re the type who takes endless screenshots for design references, or you love toggling your display off for quick breaks. Each key is there to save precious seconds – one for locking your machine, one for toggling your monitor, another for quick screenshots, and a fourth button for RGB backlighting. Meanwhile, the knob delivers a tactile sense of control seldom found in standard hubs. Rather than pausing to hunt down software sliders, you can stay focused, adjusting volume or lighting with intuitive fluidity. Setting up the HubKey feels like removing friction from your workflow because there’s no need for special drivers or fussy software.

Alongside these controls, the 4K@60Hz HDMI port shines for visual tasks and entertainment alike. Designers get crisp details for pixel-perfect edits, while film buffs see vibrant imagery. There’s also a 1000Mbps Ethernet jack, ensuring stable internet for big downloads or glitch-free video calls. Add in the SD/TF card slots, and photographers or content creators benefit immensely from the HubKey, giving them a dedicated dongle for juggling media between cameras, drones, action-cams, and editing machines like a laptop or desktop.

For those who crave speed, the 100W PD charging port zaps your laptop back to life in record time. No more lugging an extra charger. USB 3.0 ports deliver up to 5Gbps, letting you transfer files in seconds. You can run resource-heavy processes on your device or game on a Steam Deck without worrying about battery depletion. Gamers, remote workers, and creative pros all benefit from the HubKey’s high-performance approach. Oh, and there’s even a 3.5mm audio input for gaming or teleconferencing headsets!

Despite its robust features, the HubKey remains compact. It nestles easily in a laptop bag, making it a lifeline for digital nomads who bounce between coworking spaces or coffee shops. The aluminum alloy housing dissipates heat and endures travel, while a neon LED strip adds a dash of personality. Whether you’re into a cyberpunk glow or a more neutral tone, this accent brings a spark of creativity to your environment – serving gamers, designers, and video-editing professionals alike.

For privacy buffs, a dedicated screen-lock shortcut offers quick protection in crowded environments. You can duck away from your laptop without fretting over prying eyes. The Mac versus Windows nuance is straightforward: short presses for Windows, longer presses for Mac. It’s another illustration of how HubKey caters to varying workflows. No matter the platform, these features encourage a fluid approach to computing, banishing friction and keeping inspiration front and center.

Behind every feature lies a story of testing, revising, and collaborating with real users. The developers explored different port layouts, adjusted button sensitivity, and refined the overall weight to accommodate on-the-go workers. Photographers wanted rapid SD reads, gamers demanded reliable LAN stability, and designers favored crisp external displays… all of which eventually led to the genesis of the HubKey.

The HubKey ships globally and starts at $69 for early bird backers, with the product finally costing $140 when it hits retail shelves. It’s designed to work seamlessly with both Windows and Mac devices, although while Windows users can simply tap the buttons to toggle their functions, Mac users will have to long-press the button instead. That’s a fairly small trade-off, if you ask me, also considering the fact that the HubKey is Steam Deck-compatible too, making it perfect for pretty much everything from regular work to leisure, gaming, video-editing, graphic design, photography, or any other form of multitasking that requires quick-access controls and multiple high-performance ports.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $140 (51% off) Hurry! Only 300 Units Left!

The post 10-in-1 USB-C Hub with Shortcut Keys and Knob is the Ultimate Combo of Power, Ports, and Productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

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