Hasta La Ideas

The height of summer in the Western hemisphere means a lot of beach days, time spent outdoors, and suntanning in the backyard. But it also means pressure on energy sources, especially for towns that have an influx of tourists during this season. This year in particular has been brutal with much of Europe experiencing record-breaking heat which also means a drain on a lot of resources. It’s always welcome when we hear of products and concepts that will help lighten the load and still bring comfort and convenience to its users.

Designer: CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati for Sammontana

Italian desserts brand Sammontana commissioned an innovation firm to come up with an innovative product that will be useful for this season but also sustainable. The Parelio is a solar-powered beach umbrella that is able to harness the power of the sun to create sustainable energy. The lawn and beach accessory can absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity for things like coolers, mini-refrigerators, phone chargers, and even to power machinery.

Instead of the usual beach umbrella design that folds down towards the earth, this one folds upward towards the sun as it absorbs its energy. The inspiration for the design is a combination of origami and the solar systems on NASA spacecraft. On top you get foldable photovoltaic panels that are able to convert the energy into electricity. Don’t worry so much about getting too much sunlight as the top is still able to provide enough shade, which is the primary purpose of beach umbrellas.

It is 2.5 meters high with a diameter of 3.2 meters. The mini-refrigerator attached can keep your drinks and food cold, which is where the dessert brand comes in. One umbrella is powerful enough but if you have a network of them in one area, it can provide electricity for more than just your mini ref. Multiple Parelios can even power an entire establishment so even if you get a lot of visitors, you’re still able to manage your consumption.

The post Solar-powered beach umbrellas can keep your ice cream cold and save the planet first appeared on Yanko Design.

In Troy, New York, Cafe Euphoria models a radical and equitable new business model for the food industry. Operating as a worker-owned cooperative that’s run by a team of eight transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, the cafe currently has a base wage of $18 per hour, which everyone—regardless of position—receives. Once the business breaks even, wages will continue to increase until reaching $32. This system was designed to help in uplifting trans people out of poverty—a situation that almost a third of trans adults are facing according to a 2019 study from UCLA. Like other co-op models, Cafe Euphoria offers an ownership stake of the business for those who have completed 50 working hours, ensuring that all employees have equal say and power. The cafe also considers the customers needs, offering everything on a three-to-one sliding scale, with the third tier being the most expensive for those who self-report making over $62,000. Learn more about the inspiring new business at Civil Eats.

Image courtesy of Cafe Euphoria

Wood movement is the tendency of wood to warp once it’s cut from tree into boards. We covered its impact on design here.

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are now attempting to exploit the wandering quality of wood fibers. “Warping can be an obstacle,” says HU grad student Doron Kam, “but we thought we could try to understand this phenomenon and harness it into a desirable morphing.”

“The team developed an environmentally friendly water-based ink composed of wood-waste microparticles known as ‘wood flour’ mixed with cellulose nanocrystals and xyloglucan, which are natural binders extracted from plants. The researchers then began using the ink in a 3D printer.”

“They recently discovered that the way the ink is laid down, or the ‘pathway,’ dictates the morphing behavior as the moisture content evaporates from the printed piece. For instance, a flat disk printed as a series of concentric circles dries and shrinks to form a saddle-like structure reminiscent of a Pringles® potato chip, and a disk printed as a series of rays emanating from a central point turns into a dome or cone-like structure.”

“The ultimate shape of the object can also be controlled by adjusting print speed, the team found. That’s because shrinkage occurs perpendicular to the wood fibers in the ink, and print speed changes the degree of alignment of those fibers. A slower rate leaves the particles more randomly oriented, so shrinkage occurs in all directions. Faster printing aligns the fibers with one another, so shrinkage is more directional.”

“The scientists learned how to program the print speed and pathway to achieve a variety of final shapes. They found that stacking two rectangular layers that are printed in different orientations yields a helix after drying. In their latest work, they found that they can program the printing pathway, speed and stacking to control the specific direction of shape change, such as whether rectangles twist into a helix that spirals clockwise or counterclockwise.”

“Further refinement will allow the team to combine the saddles, domes, helices and other design motifs to produce objects with complicated final shapes, such as a chair. Ultimately, it could be possible to make wood products that are shipped flat to the end user, which could reduce shipping volume and costs, Kam says. ‘Then, at the destination, the object could warp into the structure you want.’ Eventually, it might be feasible to license the technology for home use so consumers could design and print their own wooden objects with a regular 3D printer, [principal researcher Eran] Sharon says.”

Here’s a look at their process:

If PC gaming isn’t enough to keep you glued to your monitor, Samsung has a 55″ cure with flexible applications. Their forthcoming 55″ Odyssey Ark 4K Quantum Mini-LED Curved Gaming Screen, in addition to being gigantic, has “Multi View” functionality. This means it can appear as one gigantic screen in landscape, or be split into four screens in landscape, or be split into three screens when physically rotated into portrait mode (which they call “cockpit mode”).

To provide control for the screen’s Multi View functions, as well as settings important to gamers (frames per second, refresh rate, HDR, etc.) this Ark Dial controller is included. Bizarrely, it’s solar-powered.

Note that the company says that the optimal viewing distance is “at over 2.6 feet,” i.e. 31.2 inches, which means your existing desk may not suit.

The 55″ Odyssey Ark 4K is currently up for pre-order, with a price of $3,499.

On September 14th, 2021, the iPhone 13 series was launched at Apple’s event. Everyone had major expectations for the latest iPhone family – some were met, some were not.  The iPhone has a smaller notch, bigger battery, better chip, and not too many major changes. Whether you were disappointed or excited by the iPhone, whether you found it compelling or a tad bit boring – there’s always scope to amp up your iPhone with a bunch of exciting accessories! And by accessories, we don’t simply mean the same old covers and cases that we’ve all gotten pretty much accustomed to. Designers have been leveling up their accessories game, creating unique and handy products that will totally elevate your iPhone 13! From a MagSafe camera lens concept that turns your iPhone 13 into a professional mirrorless camera to corner protectors that will give your iPhone all-round protection– these innovative accessories are what your iPhone 13 truly needs!

1. SCIO

Taking inspiration from Sony’s QX10 and QX100 modular camera lenses, SCIO is a mirrorless lens that simply attaches to your iPhone via MagSafe. Snap it on and your smartphone is now a professional shooter capable of much more realistic portrait shots and telephoto images.

Why is it noteworthy?

With a much larger lens and sensor, SCIO’s imaging system is capable of capturing much more light than the iPhone 13’s multiple lenses. This allows for better photos, more detail, higher-resolution low-light shots, and much more accurate bokeh. SCIO’s camera lens uses your iPhone’s display as a viewfinder, and can potentially pull battery power from the iPhone via reverse charging, so you don’t need to separately charge the camera lens.

What we like

• The lens even has a tripod mount, bringing traditional and computational camera experiences even closer

What we dislike

• No complaints!

2. Belkin’s Continuity Camera Accessory

Belkin is working on a new puck that is MagSafe compatible. It attaches to the back of the iPhone and using its support can cling on to the Mac (where the webcam is) to let the iPhone’s rear camera be used as a full-fledged webcam.

Why is it noteworthy?

From how it appears, the Belkin device – in the making – is an all-white circular peripheral that attaches to the iPhone’s back with MagSafe. I’m not sure of the material it’s made from but presume it will be soft silicone so it leaves no scratches on the back of the Mac when it’s mounted. When attached to the Mac at the ideal spot where the webcam features, the Continuity Camera automatically activates to allow the iPhone to be used as the webcam.

What we like

• A great replacement for the 720p webcam on the MacBook

What we dislike

• It’s not available yet!

3. Nothing Phone (1) Cover

No one can deny the out-of-the-box design of Nothing Phone (1) – though there is the obvious iPhone 13 inspiration – the device has to be practical enough as a daily driver. For now, that Glyph interface has got everyone talking positively, and D Brand has even created custom skins for other smartphones to cover them up in the sci-fi futuristic look!

Why is it noteworthy?

This is the coolest way to get that super cool translucent rear without shelling out money for the Nothing Phone (1). The device outfitter pros have created a line-up of cool case covers dubbed “Something” for the major flagships on the market. The attractive skin will be available for devices including the iPhone Pro Max, Pixel 6 Pro, and the Samsung S22 Ultra. Depending on the response for these devices, support for even more handsets is inevitable.

What we like

This is a nice prospect if you want to stick to Apple, Samsung, or Google devices but enjoy Nothing’s unique rear look

What we dislike

No complaints!

4. The G4 Charger

The G4 charger is a wonderful throwback accessory that reminds me of that Elago charger that turned the Apple Watch into the Macintosh. Its design, however, doesn’t seem to have aged the way the Macintosh has. Even by today’s standards, the iMac G4 is an incredibly eye-catching device that you’re sure to be amazed by. The charger condenses that beauty down into a small device that is equally good at drawing your attention to the iPhone that sits on it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The iMac G4, with its debut in 2002, was truly a design icon in that it was nothing like anything else that existed in its time. While the world still struggled with boxy plastic computers, the G4 had this intensely beautiful organic design accentuated with chrome details. It hovered above the rest, thanks to its adjustable stand, paving the way for future iMacs which still to this day retain the detail to maintain the right eye level. Eponymously named the G4, this quirky little charger pays a hat-tip to its 20-year-old predecessor. It sports the same dome-shaped base and chrome-plated stand which sits the MagSafe wireless charging element that lets you snap your iPhone to it. Once the iPhone comfortably nestles in place, it transforms almost into a miniature computer, hovering above the ground in a way that makes its display easy to view as well as to use, by allowing you to tap and swipe away!

What we like

• The dual joint system on the back of the charger lets you angle and position your phone however you please
• A nifty light within its domed front lights up when your phone begins charging

What we dislike

• It isn’t available yet!

5. The Rmour Candy Corner Protector

Drop your phone on the floor, chances are it never falls perfectly flat on the ground. It’s always the corner that takes the first point of impact, sending shock waves to the rest of the phone… so theoretically, protect your phone’s corners and you pretty much end up protecting the entire phone from most damage-causing scenarios. That’s what the Rmour Candy Corner Protector does but in style.

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed to be protective jewelry for your iPhone, the Rmour Candy Corner Protectors come made from 925 silver with a decorative enamel inlay to match your iPhone’s color. Made to fit comfortably on iPhone 12 and newer models, the Rmour Candy Corner Protectors attach to the 4 corners of your iPhone using a strong-yet-non-destructive adhesive tape that keeps them firmly in place.

What we like

• You can show off your iPhone in all its glory, without having it wrapped up in an opaque case

What we dislike

• No complaints!

6. The Orbita modular system

The Orbita modular system is a good example of yet another useful utility of the Magsafe technology – giving the user freedom to extend the personal working space on the desktop or laptop without any hassle.

Why is it noteworthy?

The iPhone 13 becomes the second screen according to the designer Andrea Tortone who developed this modular accessory for MiLi. The Apple device can be oriented in any direction – vertical, horizontal, or anything in between to have a productivity-centered approach. This comes in handy for taking up Zoom calls, answering calls, or glancing over at the pop-up notifications right while you’re working on an important project.

What we like

• Lightweight yet robust form

What we dislike

• No complaints!

7. The HiRise 3

Twelve South’s new HiRise 3 stands out not just because of how tall it is but because of how little space it takes up to charge an iPhone and two of its friends.

Why is it noteworthy?

True to its name, the HiRise 3 takes inspiration from tall buildings that take advantage of vertical space where horizontal space is scarce. It maximizes each and every surface of the vertically-oriented stand, like using the base as a charging pad for compatible AirPods cases. In fact, that base can even be used to charge Android phones capable of wireless charging. And despite how many devices it can hold at the same time, it manages to keep a clean, minimalist appearance that looks beautiful without calling too much attention to itself.

What we like

• It manages to hold your iPhone hanging from a height
• Charges multiple devices in one go

What we dislike

• No complaints!

8. MagStick

Meet MagStick – a selfie stick that also doubles as a tripod with a feature that sets it apart from the rest. With a MagSafe mount, MagStick allows you to instantly snap your iPhone in place and get shooting.

Why is it noteworthy?

When used as a selfie stick, the MagStick extends a whopping 63.5 inches, and in its tripod mode, MagStick allows you to use your iPhone like you would a professional camera. All it takes is two snaps – firstly for the iPhone to snap into place, and secondly for you to snap the shutter button!

What we like

• The telescopic tripod/selfies-stick stretches to well over 5 feet in length
• The MagStick’s 3-axis adjustment system lets you rotate, tilt, and swivel your phone to orient it at just the right angle

What we dislike

• No complaints!

9. The MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank

There are plenty of MagSafe-compatible products, but there are few power banks available. We may have seen a few already but nothing like this MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank with its 10000mAh capacity. Introduced by Neo Bie and Leigui Lui for Stylepie, this thing aims to improve the wireless charging and power bank experience for anyone.

Why is it noteworthy?

The MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank will remind you of an old Gameboy for its shape and design. It features the usual four operation buttons: SELECT, START, A, B, and a d-pad (directional pad). The lower part of the yellow power bank has a cover that slides to work as the stand of the power bank. There is also an LCD screen that shows basic information like date, time, battery level, or charging status.

What we like

• Has a fun Gameboy-inspired aesthetic

What we dislike

• No complaints!

10. The Fjorden

YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who shoots all his videos in 8K on ridiculously expensive RED cameras, alludes to the fact that “the best camera is the one you have on you”, and that’s almost always your smartphone camera. Your smartphone camera’s image processing engine is arguably powerful enough to click photos as well as a DSLR, and the only thing really missing is precision and that hands-on experience… that’s where the Fjorden comes in.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Fjorden turns your iPhone into a hybrid DSLR. It physically snaps onto the back of your iPhone, giving you analog camera controls including a two-stage shutter button, a jog dial, a zoom slider, and even an extra multi-function button you can use to do stuff like trigger the flash. The overall form is comfortably tactile and grippy (and comes with the same texture found on cameras) and orients the buttons in a way that’s intuitive and easy to use (so you don’t have to sprain your thumb to reach the shutter button while holding your phone with the same hand). Moreover, the actual physical buttons allow you to use the camera with gloves on, an understated-yet-impressive upgrade to the iPhone camera experience).

What we like

• Portable and sleek
• Has its own camera app

What we dislike

• No complaints!

The post Top 10 accessories for your iPhone first appeared on Yanko Design.