CES 2025 felt less like a tech showcase and more like stepping into the future of home living. Amid the glittering displays of flying cars and AI-powered everything, it was Roborock’s understated booth that drew the crowds. Not with flashy gimmicks, but with a vision so tangible you could almost feel your Saturday cleaning routine shrinking into irrelevance. Three flagship products—each redefining what it means to clean smarter, not harder—stood at the heart of their exhibit, ready to turn skeptics into believers.

Roborock’s 2025 lineup doesn’t just represent how far smart home tech has come, but also how human it can feel. From the Saros Z70’s robotic arm meticulously tidying up clutter to the ultra-slim Saros 10 navigating impossibly tight spaces, and the F25 Series turning wet-dry cleaning into an art form, every device seemed designed to solve the little frustrations we’d given up on. These weren’t just cleaning tools; they were partners in the pursuit of an effortlessly maintained home. Each product brought its own story, its own personality to the mix, and together, they painted a picture of a future where cleaning is no longer a chore—it’s just handled.

Designer: Roborock

Roborock Saros Z70: World’s First Vacuum With A Robot Arm Picks Up Clothes, Toys, Etc.

Cleaning might be one of the most mundane parts of life, but Roborock’s Saros Z70 is here to shake that up—literally, with its robotic arm. Yes, a robot vacuum with an arm that unfolds, twists, and reaches to pick up everything from socks to tiny toys. It’s hard not to imagine this as the step we’ve all been waiting for, closing the loop on the age-old challenge of not just vacuuming but tidying.

The OmniGrip arm is the star here, and it’s not shy about stealing the spotlight. With five axes of motion, it approaches cleaning with the finesse of a butler. During its initial run, the Z70 scouts the landscape, tagging small items for retrieval later. By the second pass, it’s lifting, sorting, and cleaning previously inaccessible areas. And no, it’s not blindly grabbing—it’s guided by sensors, cameras, and even an LED, ensuring everything is handled with care and precision.

If the arm wasn’t enough, the Z70 doubles down with some of the smartest navigation we’ve seen. Powered by dual-light 3D ToF sensors and AI-backed RGB cameras, it maps spaces with near-surgical precision. Forget just avoiding obstacles—it actively recognizes them. From cables to tiny crumbs, the Z70 reads the room like a pro. Oh, and with 22,000 Pa of suction at its disposal, nothing gets left behind.

And while the Z70 is out doing its thing, its Multifunctional Dock 4.0 keeps it ready for action. This isn’t your standard “plug it in and wait” setup—it washes mops with hot water, removes them when switching to carpet mode, and smartly estimates how much juice it needs for the next job. Add in the updated Roborock app, which lets you fine-tune everything from suction to mop schedules, and this robot starts feeling less like a machine and more like the ultimate home assistant.

Roborock Saros 10R: Precision Navigation and Powerful Cleaning in a Slim Build

The Roborock Saros 10R reimagines what a robotic vacuum can achieve with intelligent navigation at its core. Its StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 replaces the typical LiDAR towers with a blend of 3D Time-of-Flight sensors and RGB cameras powered by AI. The result? An ultra-precise 3D mapping system that detects up to 108 types of obstacles. From toys to tangled cables, the Saros 10R doesn’t just avoid them—it understands them, making decisions that feel almost human.

Adding to its sharp sense of spatial awareness is VertiBeam Lateral Obstacle Avoidance. By deploying a vertical laser, the Saros 10R gains a new dimension of perception. Imagine it smoothly navigating tight corners or weaving past the messiest cable setups without missing a beat. It’s the kind of tech that feels magical in action, solving everyday cleaning frustrations you didn’t think a robot could handle.

But navigation is only part of the story. With around 20,000 Pa of suction and a dual anti-tangle system, this robot isn’t just tidying up; it’s going to battle against dirt and debris. The DuoDivide Main Brush and FlexiArm Riser Side Brush ensure hair tangles are a thing of the past. Paired with dual spinning mops that lift to prevent dirt streaks, the Saros 10R delivers a spotless finish whether it’s tackling carpets or hardwood floors.

Supporting all this power is the Multifunctional Dock 4.0, a base station that goes above and beyond. It cleans mops with hot water, detaches them when switching modes, and recharges the bot in just 2.5 hours. The enhanced Roborock app takes the experience further, letting you customize routes, suction power, and even cleaning schedules. From precise navigation to spotless floors, the Saros 10R feels less like a machine and more like a cleaning virtuoso.

Roborock Saros 10: Smart, Superior, Sleek Robot Vacuum That Can Clean Hard-to-reach Spaces

Low furniture and tight spaces used to be the final frontier for robot vacuums. The Roborock Saros 10, with its RetractSense Navigation System, has decided that’s no longer the case. By tucking its LiDAR sensor down and slipping effortlessly under low-clearance spots, it maps and cleans places most robots can’t even see. Add a wide-angle view and a knack for precision, and this robot feels like it’s navigating with a sixth sense.

It doesn’t just navigate—it perceives. With Reactive AI 3.0, the Saros 10 combines RGB cameras, structured light, and lateral sensors to detect obstacles with uncanny accuracy. It knows when to veer around that messy pile of cords or dance around irregular furniture legs, all without slowing down. The VertiBeam system? That’s its secret sauce, letting it see vertically and avoid bumps while gliding through complex environments.

Cleaning power is where things get serious. A staggering 22,000 Pa of suction handles carpets, corners, and crevices like a pro. Stains don’t stand a chance against the VibraRise 4.0 mopping system, which uses dual sonic vibrations and edge-specific mop lifts to leave floors gleaming. Hair tangles? Not here, thanks to dual anti-tangle brushes that channel debris straight into the bin without breaking a sweat.

The RockDock Ultra 2.0 ties it all together. It’s not just a charging station—it washes mops with hot water, detaches them when needed, and recharges the robot intelligently. And with Roborock’s app, you’re in control of everything: cleaning routes, schedules, suction levels, and more. The Saros 10 doesn’t just fit into your routine—it makes your home feel effortlessly maintained.

Roborock F25 Series: Smart, Powerful Wet/Dry Cleaning for Every Corner of Your Home

The Roborock F25 Series brings wet and dry cleaning to a whole new level of convenience. With up to 20,000 Pa suction and 450 cleaning strokes per minute, it’s designed to tackle messes in a single sweep. Certified for maternal and infant floor cleaning, its 99.9% bacteria removal rate ensures you can trust it with the dirtiest, stickiest floors. From stains to dust, the F25 is built to leave nothing behind.

It doesn’t stop at cleaning power. Equipped with JawScrapers technology, the F25 prevents hair tangles while delivering a streak-free shine. Shark-tooth blades on the roller handle hair with ease, and a constant-pressure scraper keeps everything spotless. The result? Zero tangles and SGS-certified anti-tangle performance, so maintenance is as effortless as the cleaning itself.

Slim yet sturdy, the F25 maneuvers gracefully with SlideTech 2.0. At just 12.5 cm tall, it glides under furniture and hugs edges with millimeter precision. Whether it’s tilting to reach tight spots or swiveling around obstacles, the dual brushless motors respond instantly, keeping movement smooth. Paired with its compact water tank and 70° swivel design, the F25 is built for tight spaces and tricky corners.

Hygiene is a priority, too, with self-cleaning and drying rollers that use 90°C hot air to finish drying in just five minutes. Smart sensors handle detergent dispensing and adapt to dirt levels in real-time. Voice alerts and app integration make it even easier, giving you updates and customization options at your fingertips. The F25 doesn’t just clean—it makes cleaning smarter, faster, and more intuitive.

The post Roborock Showcases Vacuum with Robotic Arm for Picking Up Laundry, and Many More Innovations at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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!

The post This Game-Changing Wi-Fi Router at CES 2025 has a Connectivity Radius of 9.9 Miles first appeared on Yanko Design.

CES 2025 is an absolute labyrinth of products and companies, which is why smaller events like Pepcom are pefect for getting a brief preview of what stuff to expect on the show floor. Held on the 6th of January, Pepcom pre-empted CES by a day, giving the media a chance to look at new products before CES officially began. The show floor of the ballroom at Caesar’s Palace was filled with hundreds of exhibitors, featuring a lot of regulars and industry veterans like HP, IBM, Sandisk, Anker, etc. But among these companies sat a few unusual newbies that had the most bizarrely unique products one could see.

This roundup is merely to highlight the products that stood at the intersection between crazy and cool. You’re used to seeing new phones with better processors and bigger batteries – that’s the innovation you’ve come to expect – but what I’m about to show you is stuff that usually doesn’t come about too often – from robot vacuums with robotic arms that pick up laundry, to self-rocking cradles, to an AI translator that can clone your voice and make you speak 72 languages. Here’s the crazy + cool stuff we saw at Pepcom today.

Roborock Saros Z70 – A Vacuum with a Robotic Arm

Cleaning up isn’t really complete if all you’re doing is removing dust. Cleaning also means picking up items, rearranging them, and keeping areas rubbish-free – something that Roborock’s latest vacuum does thanks to a built-in robotic arm. The Roborock Saros Z70 feels like a gadget pulled straight from a sci-fi flick, thanks to its OmniGrip robotic arm. This nifty five-axis appendage can grab stray socks, tissues, and other obstacles weighing up to 300 grams, saving your vacuum from a battlefield of household clutter. It uses sensors and an RGB camera to identify and scoop up items, placing them in preset locations—all controlled through the Roborock app. Use it with socks, dirty laundry, or even toys that your kids or pets keep strewn around the place. Never step on a bare LEGO brick again!

The rest of the Saros Z70 is equally impressive. It packs 22,000Pa of suction power, dual spinning mops that detach when not in use, and the brains of StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 for spot-on navigation. Paired with Roborock’s Multifunctional Dock 4.0, it takes care of auto-emptying, charging, and mop washing like a pro. Plus, with support for Matter 1.4 coming in hot, it’s ready to play nice with your smart home setup. Roborock plans to roll this out in June 2025, and really the only thing missing is a cup holder so that this bot can go get me my coffee!

MW75 Neuro – Brain Sensing Headphones

Imagine headphones that not only play your favorite tunes but also keep tabs on your brain’s well-being. Enter the MW75 Neuro, a collaboration between Neurable Inc. and Master & Dynamic. These aren’t your average cans; they’re equipped with Neurable’s brain-computer interface (BCI) tech, featuring electroencephalography (EEG) sensors tucked into the ear pads. This setup lets you monitor your focus levels and cognitive health, all through a user-friendly app. Feeling the midday slump? The MW75 Neuro can nudge you to take a break, aiming to stave off burnout.

Beyond the brainy bits, these headphones don’t skimp on audio quality, staying true to Master & Dynamic’s premium sound reputation. The MW75 Neuro represents a leap toward integrating neurotechnology into everyday gadgets, making it easier to keep an eye on mental well-being. As of September 2024, they’re available for purchase through Neurable’s and Master & Dynamic’s websites.

Vasco Q1 – Translator with AI Voice Cloning feature

We’ve seen a lot of AI translators, but this is the first time I’ve actually had my voice cloned by an AI. The Q1 by Vasco boasts this feature, and as someone who actually tested out this feature, let me mention that it’s scary how impressive it is. This feature allows users to create a synthesized version of their own voice, making translations sound like you in any of the 72 supported languages. It’s the only device on the market with this capability, offering a more natural way to communicate across cultures. Combined with touchless mode and phone call translation, it’s designed to make conversations seamless, whether you’re dialing internationally or chatting in person.

Beyond its star feature, the Q1 is packed with versatile tools like photo translation for signs and books, and text-to-speech capabilities powered by 11 translation engines. A built-in SIM provides connectivity in over 200 countries, with translation happening in under a second when conditions are optimal. The device is set to launch this spring, with pricing expected around $500, making it an intriguing option for frequent travelers or global business pros.

Fight Camp – Punch Trackers and Punching Bag

FightCamp is more than just a punching bag; it’s a comprehensive fitness system that helps you train like a fighter. The platform offers over 3,000 workouts, ranging from boxing and kickboxing routines to strength training, conditioning, and core exercises. You can tailor your experience with options for 4, 6, 8, or 10-round boxing sessions, ensuring workouts fit your schedule and fitness level. And it’s not all about throwing punches—dynamic warm-ups and core exercises are part of the program to help you build the rotational strength needed for powerful strikes.

At the heart of FightCamp’s system are its punch trackers, which monitor the speed and power of your strikes, giving you real-time feedback. These trackers also provide “output scores,” offering insight into your progress. While the trackers don’t directly build your core strength, they reveal where improvement is needed, encouraging you to integrate core and conditioning exercises for better rotation and stronger punches. The rechargeable trackers dock easily and hold their charge through intense sessions, making them seamless companions for consistent training. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, FightCamp turns your living room into a full-on fight gym.

Elvie Rise – A Baby Bassinet that Rocks Back and Forth

Elvie’s latest innovation, the Rise, is a two-in-one smart baby bouncer that effortlessly transforms into a bassinet, aiming to simplify the lives of new parents. Controlled via an intuitive app, the Rise features “SootheLoop” technology, allowing caregivers to record and automate personalized bouncing patterns to comfort their little ones. This seamless transition from bouncer to bassinet ensures that babies can drift into sleep without disturbance, adhering to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ sleep safety guidelines with its firm, flat mattress, and breathable fabrics.

Designed for newborns up to six months or 20 pounds, the Rise offers both manual and automatic bouncing modes, catering to the varying needs of infants. While the $799 price tag positions it at the premium end of the market, its multifunctionality and focus on safety may appeal to parents seeking convenience and some well-deserved peace of mind.

The post Behold The Weirdest Coolest Gadgets at Pepcom during CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Speck’s latest speaker takes the term ‘trance music’ to another level. The only speaker with a built-in infinity mirror, the Gemtones from Speck is supposed to be a speaker that lets you get lost, both visually as well as lost in the music. The team at Speck jokingly refers to it as a “mullet speaker”—business in the front, party in the back. And honestly, the description fits. It’s a bookshelf speaker for your cozy afternoons and a party speaker when the lights go down and the energy ramps up.

This speaker doesn’t beg for attention in the way many party speakers do, which is kind of the point. With its soft gray finish and an earthy leatherette strap, the Gemtones Infinity fits naturally into a living room, blending in like it belongs there. But the mirrored front panel? That’s where things start getting interesting. While it reflects its surroundings in a way that helps it stay low-key in daylight, it doubles as a hidden canvas for an LED light show when the party starts. Flip the speaker into its “infinity” mode, and the lights behind the mirror come alive, bouncing between layers of glass for an otherworldly effect. It’s like your playlist unlocked a portal to another dimension.

Designer: Speck

Speck didn’t stop at cool visuals, either. They packed the Gemtones Infinity with plenty of functionality to back up the theatrics. The speaker comes in three sizes, so whether you’re outfitting a bedroom or filling a backyard, there’s an option for you. Each one is built with two active drivers and a passive radiator tucked into the back, giving the sound a satisfying punch. While the exact wattage wasn’t shared, you can expect this setup to deliver a solid, balanced performance that doesn’t lose its footing when the bass kicks in.

The infinity mirror is easily the icing on this cake. Mostly relegated to DIY craft projects or bachelor-pads, infinity mirrors are exceptionally cool, given how they look like portals into another world. The trick behind them is simple – a two-way mirror and a regular mirror are kept facing each other. Add lights between and they reflect almost endlessly, creating a tunnel or portal. By putting this on a Bluetooth speaker, Speck’s managed to create an audio device that doesn’t just sound incredible, it looks incredible too.

Thanks to True Wireless Stereo (TWS) tech, you can link two speakers of the same size for stereo sound. But if you’re feeling ambitious—or just really want to make an impression—you can pair up to 50 speakers in a mix-and-match setup. Imagine starting with a single speaker on a bookshelf, then adding satellites all over your house or yard. It’s a modular sound system with room to grow.

The companion app lets you work all the features. Not only can you toggle between six different LED light effects, but you also get access to six EQ presets to tweak the sound for whatever you’re listening to. Want bass-heavy EDM one minute and balanced acoustics the next? A few taps, and you’re there. For those who like to micromanage their audio setup, this is the kind of customization that goes a long way.

Battery life clocks in at a respectable 15 hours, which should keep things going long past bedtime. Whether it’s an all-day playlist or a late-night dance session, the Gemtones Infinity isn’t going to bail on you early. It’s practical enough to use every day, but it’s that ability to shift gears when needed that makes it feel special.

Speck has pulled off something clever with the Gemtones Infinity. It combines optical illusions, home decor, and audio into one package that instantly feels very different from anything you’ve seen. The speakers come in 3 sizes, priced starting at $79 going up to $129 for the largest. It’s the closest thing to owning a miniature disco, honestly. Audio, check, trippy lights, check, vibe check.

The post Speck Gemtones Infinity Hands-On at CES 2025: A Speaker + Infinity Mirror That Dazzles and Delivers first appeared on Yanko Design.

CES Unveiled always has a way of surprising you, and this year, one booth kept pulling me back. LiberLive had set up a tiny stage where a performer worked magic on what looked like the lovechild of a guitar and a spaceship: the C1 Stringless Smart Guitar. No fuss, no heavy marketing spiel—just music. And you know what? It worked. The musician performed Creep by Radiohead, Too Sweet by Hozier, among other popular songs without so much as playing an actual chord. This basically meant being able to play ANY song without the practice or effort, in mere seconds.

The C1 immediately flips your expectations of what a guitar should be. Forget strings; this thing has a smooth, button-laden fretboard that lights up like a runway, guiding your fingers to hit the right spots. Strumming? Replaced by a rocker switch that feels oddly satisfying to use. It’s a strange blend of the tactile and the digital, but watching the performer switch effortlessly between chords, it all starts to make sense.

Designer: LiberLive

And that fretboard—it’s genius. The illuminated markers don’t just look cool; they act as a built-in cheat sheet. Whether you’re fumbling through your first chords or shredding onstage, those glowing lights are like a trusted friend whispering, “You got this.” LiberLive has managed to turn something as intimidating as learning guitar into something inviting, even playful.

The sound, though—that’s where the C1 really caught me off guard. It doesn’t just fake it; it delivers an acoustic richness that feels alive. LiberLive’s fancy tech (MicroDAW Sampling Synthesis, if you’re into the jargon) mimics the warmth and depth of a traditional guitar surprisingly well. The onboard speaker setup—20W subwoofer and a 5W tweeter—pumps out clear, full-bodied tones that you’d swear were coming from an actual hollow body. And when you’re playing a larger space, you can plug it into external speakers and go big.

But here’s where things get wild: the LiberLive app. It’s not just some afterthought or glorified tuner. Open it up, and you’ve got access to chord charts that sync with the guitar’s LEDs, a drum machine to keep the rhythm going, and even a bassline generator to fill out your sound. Toss in nearly 100 rhythm styles, and you’ve basically got a band in your back pocket. It’s smart, intuitive, and shockingly fun to mess around with.

And don’t get me started on the portability. The hollow frame doesn’t just look sleek—it folds down. Let that sink in for a second: you can fold this guitar and toss it into its custom carry bag like it’s no big deal. At just over 4 pounds, it’s lighter than the average bowling ball and far easier to carry. Combine that with a battery life of 6 hours on its built-in speakers (or up to 12 if you’re using external ones), and you’ve got an instrument ready for gigs, street performances, or even just long practice sessions.

Now, does it replace the feel of a traditional guitar? Not really. There’s something about the tactile feedback of strings and the subtle imperfections of a strum that the C1 doesn’t replicate. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t need to. It’s carving its own lane, opening up new ways to play and connect with music, especially for those who might find traditional guitars intimidating or impractical.

The crowd at LiberLive’s booth seemed to agree. People weren’t just listening; they were leaning in, snapping photos, and quietly debating whether this was the next big thing in music tech. Watching the performer, I couldn’t shake the thought: this guitar isn’t just about innovation for the sake of it. It’s practical, portable, and genuinely fun.

And as I walked away, I couldn’t help but think: we’ve come a long way from campfire acoustics. But if the future of guitar looks and sounds this good, count me in.

The post LiberLive’s ‘Stringless’ Guitar Turns Anyone Into An Instant Rockstar Performer at CES Unveiled 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

You don’t expect tech conferences to be held at rock climbing centers, but Garmin decided to throw journalists a curveball by introducing their latest watch in its natural habitat. The Instinct 3 series, which launches on January 10th, was unveiled at a Rock Climbing Gym 2 miles off the Vegas Strip. The watch builds on the rugged reputation of its predecessors while introducing features that feel tailor-made for modern adventurers and fitness enthusiasts alike. The result? A smartwatch that blends durability, advanced technology, and user-centric design.

This year’s model pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a workout watch. With a reinforced metal bezel, fresh AMOLED display options, and thoughtful touches like an integrated LED flashlight, the Instinct 3 is ready to handle everything from mountain treks to your daily commute. In fact we were even invited to do a session of indoor rock climbing with the watch on, just to see how effortless it was at tracking all the metrics with ease.

Designer: Garmin

Choose Your Display: AMOLED or Solar

Garmin Instinct 3 with AMOLED Display

For those who like options (and who doesn’t?), Garmin is offering the Instinct 3 in two distinct flavors: AMOLED and solar. Both come in two sizes—45mm and 50mm. The AMOLED models stand out with their crisp visuals, perfect for gym-goers and those who spend a lot of time indoors. The sharp contrast and vibrant colors make everything from notifications to your post-run stats pop. You’d expect a day’s worth of battery life from the watch, but the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED models offer up to 24 days of battery life in smartwatch mode on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over many other AMOLED-equipped smartwatches, where battery life is often a trade-off for the enhanced screen quality.

But don’t overlook the solar models, especially if your life is one long outdoor excursion. With optimal sunlight exposure, these versions promise unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode. That’s right, unlimited. If your workouts involve more trails and fewer treadmills, this could be your ultimate companion. It’s rare to find a watch that caters to both weekend warriors and hardcore adventurers, but the Instinct 3 pulls it off with ease.

Garmin Instinct 3 with Solar Display

Flashlight? On a Watch? Absolutely.

An integrated LED flashlight might sound like a gimmick until you actually need it. Whether you’re rummaging through your bag at a campsite or fumbling for your keys after a late-night run, this feature is a lifesaver. The flashlight is small but powerful enough to handle unexpected moments in the dark.

Beyond practicality, it adds a layer of personality to the watch. Who doesn’t love a wearable that surprises you with its usefulness? And unlike your phone’s flashlight, which usually leaves you juggling items or propping it awkwardly somewhere, this one stays strapped to your wrist, always ready to go.

Built for the Grind

The Instinct 3 is a multitasking beast, with preloaded activity profiles that cater to everything from hiking and biking to climbing and pickleball. Yes, pickleball. It’s clear Garmin wants this watch to be your one-stop fitness tracker, no matter your sport of choice.

What makes it even more impressive is the health and wellness suite baked in. With 24 days of battery life on AMOLED models, you can track your sleep, stress, and energy levels without worrying about charging every night. The solar models take things up a notch, offering an endless power reserve in smartwatch mode if you can catch enough rays. Essentially, you’re getting data around the clock without the hassle of frequent recharges.

Price, Availability, and Final Thoughts

The Garmin Instinct 3 series starts at $399 for the 45mm solar model, climbing to $499 for the 50mm AMOLED version. Limited edition colorways add a touch of flair for those who want their adventure gear to stand out. Mark your calendars—availability kicks off on January 10, 2025.

It’s hard not to admire what Garmin has done here. The Instinct 3 is tough without being clunky, smart without being pretentious, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re scaling a mountain, hitting the gym, or just navigating everyday life, this watch proves it’s got the stamina and smarts to keep up. Oh, and if you ever find yourself telling ghost stories around a campfire, that flashlight might just steal the show.

The post Hands-On with Garmin Instinct 3 at CES 2025: The First AMOLED Smartwatch with 24-day Battery + Flashlight first appeared on Yanko Design.

Picture yourself on a packed train during rush hour, a cacophony of announcements, chatter, and the low hum of the tracks surrounding you. You’re taking an urgent call. You lean in, whispering softly into your headset, barely audible to the person sitting inches away, yet your voice comes through crisp and clear on the other end. It might sound like noise-cancellation on steroids, but it’s possible thanks to an AI-powered headphone that lets you whisper entire conversations while the headphone does the rest, amplifying your voice.

Designer: Skyted

The magic here lies in how Skyted handles sound—yours and everyone else’s. It relies on a highly precise microphone array that can even hear whispers, along with an AI that helps enhance the. Yes, it sounds a bit sci-fi, but it’s surprisingly intuitive in practice. It uses an intelligent microphone built into the front that’s designed to capture even the slightest directional audio, along with a powerful AI algorithm that works hard to amplify your whisper while canceling out pretty much all kinds of external noise. What kind of cancellation are we talking about here? Well, I was in a noisy convention center and the wearer was whispering dialogues 2 feet away from me. I could hear every single word crystal clear.

The result? Privacy, even in the noisiest, most public places. Whether you’re whispering your side of a confidential work call or dictating notes for a project, no one around you will hear more than a faint murmur. And those on the other end of the line? They’ll think you’re calling from a library, even if you’re smack in the middle of a bustling airport terminal.

What really makes this device fascinating is how flexible it is. Skyted feels tailor-made for the remote worker who doesn’t want to be tethered to their home office or the podcaster tired of lugging around recording equipment. It’s also a game-changer for anyone who frequently takes calls in noisy environments—think salespeople, journalists, or even students navigating group projects in crowded cafés. And gamers, too, might finally find a headset that lets them coordinate their next big raid without worrying about leaking every background noise in their room. Heck, I can totally envision a phone with this technology too, so I don’t need to yell when I get a phone call in a noisy environment.

The headset looks unassuming until you actually try it out. I had the chance to demo a unit, with someone wearing it and whispering to me. Without the Skyted, I couldn’t hear a word of what he said. However, as soon as he switched the Skyted headset on, the microphone did a phenomenal job catching his audio and AI-enhancing it to make it crystal-clear. Skyted’s team said that the headphone was just step one, the next step is to build this tech into smartphones so that you can answer calls without people around you hearing what you’re saying.

The design looks admittedly retro, but i’s got a clean, streamlined vibe that is comfortable to wear and gets the job done. It’s lightweight and portable, which is crucial for something you’ll be tossing into your bag between meetings or after a long commute. It’s also designed to stay comfortable for long periods—a feature that’ll matter to anyone who spends hours on calls or gaming marathons.

Surprisingly, the tech has roots in aerospace technology. Developed with support from ONERA and Airbus Développement, it takes inspiration from systems built to handle the relentless noise and acoustics of aircraft cabins. That lineage shows up in how flawlessly it filters sound and isolates voices, even in settings that would make most headsets crumble. It’s the kind of crossover you don’t expect, like Bose, the audio company, also making suspension for vehicles. Or Yamaha, being equally good at making motorbikes and pianos.

Skyted is gearing up for a launch that aims to make this technology broadly available, with a $250 price tag on the headset. Considering its polished performance and the excitement it generated at CES, it feels like a strong contender to shake up the headset market – one that’s in desperate need for innovation.

The post Future of Noise Cancellation at CES 2025: This AI-Powered Mic Headset Can Even Hear You Whisper first appeared on Yanko Design.

If you want a taste of what tech to expect in the new year, there’s no better place to be at than CES. The problem, however, is that CES is massive, and is spread across three large venues. Covering any ground at CES is a major task, which is why events like CES Unveiled are perfect grounds for exploring everything new that the tech world has to offer. CES Unveiled is much smaller than the main event, and gets held usually a day earlier. This is where tech brands and winners of CES awards come to showcase their stuff in a smaller venue before the big show.

We attended CES Unveiled 2025 and while the show was filled with a lot of interesting (and some slightly stale) tech, three things stood out. AI could be found practically in every single corner of Unveiled; Robots are becoming more useful and more prevalent thank to AI; Smart Glasses are also picking up speed thanks to LLMs and AI; and finally, it seems like ages ago that I saw a TV at CES Unveiled because projectors are becoming more and more popular.

AI is Everywhere

SkyTed.io Headset

We’re definitely in an AI bubble because you’ll find AI features everywhere. Sure, AI translators and image recognition is a pretty good way to use AI – but we’re now seeing AI built into products that probably didn’t need it to begin with. LLMs are becoming increasingly popular as a trend as well as a feature, being found in all products from earbuds to massive robots.

It’s difficult to tell whether the AI bubble will burst any time soon, but here’s something worth thinking about – AI is expensive, and companies will probably either A. Pass that expense onto the consumer, or B. Absorb the expense and make up the losses by harvesting data. However, there are areas where AI’s actually pretty impressive, like SkyTed’s headset, which uses a very powerful dual-direction microphone and AI noise-reduction to let you effectively whisper in a crowded room and have your voice seamlessly heard clearly on the other side.

Robots aren’t going anywhere

Enchanted Tools Robot

I have a theory. I’ve attended CES in both Vegas as well as CES Asia in Shanghai, and the main difference between them is the presence of robots. Americans are traditionally very hostile to robots because of pop culture demonizing them, like with Terminator, Transformers, etc. The east, on the other hand, has always seen robots as fun companions or superheroes, and it’s taken decades for the two cultures to come to a consensus – That robots are useful. Potentially scary, but useful.

CES Unveiled had its fair share of robots – some utilitarian, some cute. These robots have been around for ages, but they’re now powered by AI that helps them be more human by interacting with natural language as well as contextual memory.

Meta may have revived the Smart Glass trend

Mustard Smart Glasses

In all honesty, wearing the Meta Ray-Bans 2 to CES was an absolute godsend… but wearing it around exhibitors exhibiting similar glasses was a unique experience. Most people recognized that my specs had cameras in them, but what was truly interesting was to see such ubiquitous tech around. Smart glasses became more and more popular this CES, with specs like heads-up displays, XR displays, and even AI-enabled world-scanning.

Google launched the Google Glass back in 2013, and it’s safe to say that it’s taken nearly 12 years for the technology to truly become something ready for mass acceptance. Smart glasses are here, an they’re thinner and more powerful than ever before.

This Year’s Hot Take: Projectors > Televisions

Aurzen Tri-Fold Projector

Projectors are now at a point where they’re cheap, which honestly was the last frontier that they needed to conquer in their war with televisions. TVs have been the home entertainment standard for too long and I totally think it’s time they were replaced with projectors. Even a budget projector can cast a screen hundreds of inches wide, turning your entire wall into a display. Projectors are smaller than TVs too, which means you can carry them around from one room to another, or even to a backyard or your friend’s house.

We saw some pretty cool projectors including an ultra-short throw one from JMGO, and a palm-sized tri-fold one from Aurzen. My favorite, however, was a projector that could project make-up onto your face in real-time, allowing you to quickly cycle through looks.

CES officially begins on January 7th 2025, and we’re going to bring you the latest tech news from the ground. If you want to attend CES 2025, here’s how you can. Or follow Yanko Design’s CES coverage for more information.

The post AI, Robots, Smart Glasses and Projectors steal the show at CES Unveiled 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

There’s a certain irony in how we treat our gadgets. We spend hours agonizing over which phone to buy, which laptop to upgrade to, or which smartwatch will best track our lives—only to neglect the tools that connect them all. Accessories, often relegated to afterthoughts, are the unsung heroes of tech. When was the last time you REALLY craved a phone case, or a charger, or a dongle? You don’t, because accessories don’t get the love they truly deserve. They organize our chaos, protect our investments, and, when done right, make our devices even better. However, they don’t garner that excitement that a new phone does – a part of that is because they’re not as well-designed as our primary tech devices.

Instead of following the playbook of “functional but forgettable,” Aulumu crafts accessories that feel essential. Think Teenage Engineering, think 8BitDo, think Nothing – they all built tech with a strong focus on great design – something that Aulumu does pretty well too. From multi-device charging stations to cases that elevate your gear’s look and feel, Aulumu isn’t here to fill your cable/dongle drawer—they’re here to refine your digital ecosystem. Let’s dive into three standout offerings and see how they make the mundane remarkable.

Designer: Hou

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M01 4-in-1 Folding Wireless Charging Station

Charging multiple devices can be a frustrating mess of cables, but the M01 Charging Station is a minimalist’s dream. With space for your iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, and an extra device via USB-C, it’s a compact solution for all your daily tech. Its foldable design lets you easily switch between a travel-friendly flat pad and a desktop stand with adjustable angles, and that minimalist steampunk aesthetic trumps any charger we’ve ever seen.

What makes it shine is its MagSafe compatibility, delivering up to 15W of wireless power for iPhones while also supporting fast charging for other devices. The orange night light with adjustable brightness is a subtle but thoughtful touch, perfect for nighttime use without disrupting sleep. Did I mention it looks gorgeous?

Why we recommend it

If your nightstand looks like a tech spaghetti mess, the M01 is your tidy savior. MagSafe compatibility means faster, cleaner charging, and the foldable design is great for travel or tight spaces. The adjustable nightlight? A subtle bonus that’s surprisingly handy. This isn’t your average charger—it’s a thoughtful, space-saving upgrade for your tech routine.

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A09 Geometric Case for AirPods Pro

AirPods cases are practical but rarely stylish. The A09 Geometric Case flips that script with its edgy, polyhedron-inspired design. It doesn’t just look good; it feels great in hand, thanks to an ergonomic build that’s durable yet lightweight. The zinc alloy double-lock clip ensures your AirPods stay secure, even when you’re on the move.

Functionality isn’t sacrificed for aesthetics, though. The case offers wireless charging compatibility and precise cutouts for easy access to your AirPods. Add in a detachable lanyard, and you’ve got a case that’s both practical and striking—a rare combination for protective gear.

Why we recommend it

Most AirPods cases are, let’s be honest, boring. The A09 flips the script with its edgy design and a secure double-lock clip that gives you peace of mind. It’s not just about the looks, though; the build feels durable, and it works seamlessly with wireless chargers. If you’re tired of generic cases, this one’s got both flair and function.

Click Here to Buy Now: $32.39 $35.98 (10% off, use coupon code “Yanko10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

G03 Multi-Tool Magnetic Metal Wallet

Who said wallets can’t multitask? The G03 Multi-Tool Wallet is a slim, MagSafe-compatible cardholder that takes functionality to the next level. Built from aluminum alloy with a carbon fiber cover, it’s tough enough to survive the daily grind while maintaining a lightweight, modern feel. It holds cards, cash, coins, and even an optional AirTag, making it a multifunctional beast. Worried about digital theft? The wallet comes with an RFID-blocking card too, and pairs best with Aulumu’s A16 Aramid Fiber case that gives your iPhone 16 its ultimate sleek protective casing.

Beyond holding up to 12 cards, this wallet features a built-in kickstand for your phone, a bottle opener, and even a mini ruler. It’s a gadget-lover’s dream, doubling as a minimalist everyday carry item and an emergency toolkit. Whether you’re headed to the office or out for an adventure, this wallet has your back—and your pocket.

Why we recommend it

This wallet feels like the Swiss Army knife of MagSafe accessories. Slim enough to stay pocket-friendly, but packed with features like a phone kickstand and bottle opener, it’s perfect for anyone who likes their gear to do double (or triple) duty. The carbon fiber finish adds a premium vibe, making it as tough as it is versatile. Oh, and even though it’s basically a multitool, it’s TSA compliant which is always a nice thing.

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The post Level Up Your Tech Setup in 2025 with Aulumu’s Techno-Minimal Accessories first appeared on Yanko Design.

Workouts can get stale. The same routines, the same moves, and often, the same lack of space to really go all out. Home gyms promise versatility, but can occupy a world of space. Specialist equipment like the Peloton can feel great too, but what’s a Peloton when it isn’t being used? An eyesore. Enter Z-ROPE+, a ropeless battle rope system that feels like it’s been pulled out of some futuristic gym where heavy-duty exercise doesn’t need heavy-duty equipment. The future of tech is wireless, so why not the future of gyms, eh??

Picture this: you’re in your living room, barely enough space to stretch, let alone swing traditional battle ropes. With Z-ROPE+, there’s no sprawl, no ear-splitting thwacks against the floor—just smooth, controlled resistance. It’s all thanks to a multi-level spring system that adjusts the intensity with a simple swap. Light gray for the beginners dipping their toes into fitness, silver for steady lifters looking for a challenge, and dark gray for the beasts who thrive on pushing their limits.

Designer: ZEST UP

Click Here to Buy Now: $159 $199 ($40 off) Hurry, Only 15 Days Left!

Traditional battle ropes demand space—lots of it. They sprawl across the floor, slap against the ground with every move, and quickly turn your living room into an echo chamber. Z-ROPE+ sidesteps all of that. Its compact, ropeless design eliminates the need for sprawling setups, and the silence it offers feels almost luxurious. There’s no thundering soundtrack to your workout, no irritated neighbors, and no competing for gym floor space. And when you consider that this single system replaces multiple resistance tools and cuts down on gym fees, it’s clear you’re not just saving on clutter—you’re saving cash too.

Think of Z-ROPE+ as a chameleon for your fitness routine. Its versatility means you can jump from wave motions to slams, engage your core with lateral pulls, or target endurance with alternating waves. It’s a total-body workout disguised as simple movements. Each resistance level opens the door to new challenges, whether you’re aiming to sculpt your shoulders, strengthen your legs, or put your cardiovascular system through its paces. The weighted springs mimic the effect of a battle rope without the bulk of one. It’s silent, sleek, and gets the job done better than existing ropes – that’s good design by definition.

In just 10 seconds of exercise, Z-ROPE+ consistently outpaces both traditional battle ropes and bodyweight movements across every major muscle group. EMG tests reveal staggering numbers—deltoid activation soaring at 360.8 compared to 206.7 from traditional battle ropes, with similar dominance across biceps, pecs, and forearms. It doesn’t stop at the upper body; even your lats, hamstrings, and quads are fully engaged, making this a workout that doesn’t leave a single muscle behind. Over four times the activation of bodyweight exercise? That’s a flex that speaks for itself.

Move outside, the design flexes its versatility. Group workouts become effortless—no heavy gear to lug, no crowding around limited equipment. The intuitive nature of Z-ROPE+ invites creativity, turning any open space into your personal training ground. It’s this ease that keeps things fresh, leaving little room for boredom.

A gym bag isn’t typically where you’d expect battle ropes to fit, but this isn’t your average setup. Detachable handles and springs shrink the whole system down into something that’s easier to carry than a change of clothes. You can stash it in a corner, toss it in the backseat, or bring it to the park for a quick group workout. Traditional ropes could never.

For those moments when you’re not sure where to start, the Z-ROPE+ app steps in like a personal trainer in your pocket. Packed with guided training videos, it lays out everything from beginner basics to advanced routines. Watching an expert demonstrate the flow of movements helps bridge the gap between uncertainty and confidence, especially if battle ropes are new territory for you. Plus, the app’s structured programs ensure your workouts stay effective and intentional, without veering into guesswork.

Just like dumbbells come in weight categories, the Z-ROPE+ comes in 3 levels – each a carefully calibrated stage of progression/intensity. The light gray level, with its 1 mm coil spacing, invites beginners to explore smooth wave motions without feeling overwhelmed. The silver level steps things up, delivering the classic resistance of the original Z-ROPE with 2 mm spacing—perfect for building strength while keeping things manageable. Then there’s the dark gray level, a beast with 3 mm spacing, designed to push seasoned athletes to their edge. Crafted with durable materials and finished with eco-friendly REACH-verified dyes, each level isn’t just functional but feels purposeful, durable, and distinctly refined.

For $159, the Z-ROPE+ offers a single-intensity spring, but for $256, you can grab all three springs to help your equipment level up as you do. The Z-ROPE+ ships to select countries starting March 2025. Click the link below to see if your country is eligible for shipping.

Click Here to Buy Now: $159 $199 ($40 off) Hurry, Only 15 Days Left!

The post This Ropeless Battle Rope Will Change the Way You Exercise Forever: Meet the Z-ROPE+ first appeared on Yanko Design.