Hasta La Ideas

One of the worst days to announce or tease a new product is April 1st. Most people already presume that the majority of “news” going out that day is a hoax, especially if it’s about something outlandish or unbelievable. Then again, it might also be the best time to get as much attention, even if it means being doubted until the product actually lands on store shelves. That’s the kind of situation that ASUS’ Republic of Gamers created when it teased one of the weirdest-looking yet also most interesting portable power stations to grace the industry, only to reveal that, no, it is no April Fool’s joke. But is this Mjolnir-lookalike worthy to be wielded by gamers and enthusiasts or is it just a dastardly plot by Loki to have a laugh at everyone’s expense?

Designer: ASUS ROG

Myeu-muh? What’s a Myeu-muh?

Even if you’re not a comics or movie buff, you’re most likely to already be familiar with the icons of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe given the media over-saturation. This is especially true for the most popular icons and their paraphernalia, such as Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s mask, and Thor’s hammer. That hammer has a formal name, even in the original Norse mythology, though few will probably be able to utter Mjolnir’s properly unless they watched the first Thor film. It’s MYOL-neer or MYOL-nur, by the way. You’re welcome.

That hammer is the subject of today’s speculation. On the 1st of April, probably one of the trickster god Loki’s favorite days, ASUS’ gaming brand teased and then announced Mjolnir, not as a weapon but as an electrifying computer accessory. It’s a power station that indeed resembled the movie prop to some extent, with a large rectangular box whose sides tapers a bit, and a rod extending from the body acting as a handle. ROG was quick to point out that it’s a real thing, not a hoax, but that in itself could be the joke. But maybe it would have been better if it remained hidden from mortal hands.

What We Know So Far

To be fair, there’s not much we know other than what ROG itself has revealed, but there’s quite a bit already available. The most important is that this power station can be charged using solar energy, drawing power from the sun instead of lightning. How it does that, however, is still anyone’s guess. The teaser showed a dark rectangle on the station’s front that could be a tilting solar panel, though that would be too small to supply the power that this large box needs and was probably just a placeholder graphic.

On the front, you will see an assortment of ports typically found on power stations. There are four AC outlets, two full-sized USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. There’s an LCD display above these ports that shows important information about the input, output, and remaining battery capacity. Noticeably missing here, however, are DC and car charging ports, which hints that this power station might not have outdoor adventures in mind.

The teaser also mentions that the ROG Mjolnir can illuminate your path with the light it summons, but it unsurprisingly doesn’t say how. That panel on the back could be a very bright flood light, but the better theory is that the handle itself is some sort of lighting component. Either the handle lights up or, more likely, it’s a removable flashlight, which is a better design for a part that would otherwise simply be a cosmetic detail that gets in the way.

Cracks in the Hammer

There’s no denying that the ROG Mjolnir has an interesting design, one that will appeal to a large segment of the market, especially the brand’s gaming audience. Its upturned hammer shape sets it apart from other portable power stations, if the ROG branding doesn’t already make sure of that. The bigger question, however, is whether that design is actually good for the product’s usability or hinders it.

That handle is going to be the biggest point of contention, with a tall rod sticking out from the top of the box. If it acts as a removable flashlight, then it’s not as big of an issue. But if it’s permanently fixed in that position, it will become a problem when storing or moving the power station. It’s not like you can carry the Mjolnir using its handle for real. But if that handle were removable, it also introduces a different kind of problem, one of durability and reliability. There’ll be a hole where the handle connects to the body, which means an opportunity for dust and liquid to get into the sensitive electronics. Definitely not a smart design.

It doesn’t look like the power station is designed for easy carrying either. Depending on how much battery it’s packing inside, this power station can end up being a bit heavy to carry with one hand without a handle. You’d have to hold it with both hands, but there doesn’t seem to be any grips to make that convenient. Admittedly, it doesn’t look too big beside a smartphone, but that’s just a render that might not reflect the product’s actual size.

True Power

There’s admittedly not much we know about the ROG Mjolnir Solar Power Station yet, including its specs, its price, and whether it’s really an actual product or ROG has just been pulling our leg and chuckling at the buzz going around their vaporware. Then again, it’s a pretty niche design as far as a power station is concerned, anyway, and there are plenty of other options in the market, albeit with less sensational aesthetics.

When it comes to solar portable power stations, the BLUETTI AC2A comes with all the bells and whistles, including proven product quality and durability. There are only two AC outlets, yes, but it makes up for it with a wider variety of input and output ports. You will need to plug in a solar panel, but that might also be the case for the ROG Mjolnir anyway. The BLUETTI AC2A is indeed designed more for outdoor use, though it can be an emergency backup for computers at home as well. As far as we know, the ROG Mjolnir is primarily designed to serve gamers’ needs, with rather questionable outdoor survivability.

Designer: BLUETTI

Is the ROG Mjolnir Power Station going to sell? It will probably have a few fans, especially those who will readily throw money at cool-looking and unique designs. It is going to be a practical and usable product? It’s definitely too early to say, and ROG might still end up surprising us, or completely disappointing us with the harsh reality of a month-long joke. Either way, we don’t expect the ROG Mjolnir to be a ground-breaking new design beyond its unique aesthetics, and if you’re looking for truly gamer-ready power solutions, you don’t have to wait for the truth to be revealed.

The post ASUS ROG Mjolnir solar power station is shockingly real, but is it worthy? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Promotion: a sleek “hood-in-hob” extractor fan, designed as an alternative to an overhead device, is among the minimalist kitchen products created by Swedish brand Asko.

Know for creating understated cooking appliances informed by Scandinavian minimalism, Asko recently unveiled the Elevate “hood-in-hob”, which combines an automatic tower extractor fan and an advanced induction hob.

When activated, the tower automatically rises from the centre of the hob, providing a clutter-free alternative to an obstructive overhead appliance.

The extraction tower includes five different extraction levels as well as automatic and manual clean air functions. According to the brand it has “superior, near-silent performance”.

“What really lifts Elevate above the rest is its user-friendly design,” continued the brand.

“By removing the extractor from the wall or ceiling, Elevate lets you view the kitchen from a completely new perspective – a blank canvas where anything is possible.”

Elevate has been developed using the latest induction cooking technology, featuring the Celsius Cooking system.

A series of add-ons are available – such as a smart pan, pot and a thermometer, which communicate via Bluetooth and work to ensure that food on the hob is cooked at the right heat for the optimal time.

“Home chefs can finally – and confidently – say goodbye to undercooking, overcooking or overboiling,” said Asko.

Described as a “personal sommelier”, Wine Climate Cabinets is Asko’s smart solution to a traditional wine cellar.

Available in four different variants, the vibration-free cabinets are controlled by smart technology, which optimises the light conditions, UV light protection and humidity monitoring of the wine they store.

The contents of the black-hued cabinets can be managed using an interface connected to a camera, an app and a “Vivino” database.

The company calls its ASKO DW60 “the world’s most reliable and responsible dishwasher”.

The steel model uses UV light to eliminate 99.9 per cent of bacteria, fungi and viruses on crockery, according to the brand. 

With a loading height of up to 58 centimetres, the dishwater has “the world’s tallest loading-height and the largest loading capacity”, explained Asko.

ASKO DW60 can accommodate 17 place settings that can be cleaned and dried, while users can also stay connected to their dishwasher via the Connect Life app – the same technology used by the Wine Climate Cabinets.

The brand has also designed a freestanding refrigerator characterised by the same fluid design features as the rest of its products.

Asko’s fridge was created to store more food for longer and reduce waste as a result of its automatic humidity control function.

A cooling system, called Cool Flow+, ensures that the fridge’s temperature is rapidly restored even after opening and closing the door.

There is also the option to separately control the temperature of individual drawers – adding “unbeatable flexibility” to the model.

“This is a fully automated process that prevents fruits and vegetables from drying or decaying,” said the brand.

The fridge’s freezer compartment can also be converted into a fridge, depending on the user’s preferences.

Finished in either stainless steel, white or black steel, the product was created to be flexible around different interior settings.

“Our products are made to save energy, reduce emissions and increase recycling and reuse,” concluded the brand.

“Asko kitchen appliances are made with a better future in mind.”

For more information on Asko, visit its website here.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Asko as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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This Tove Lounge Chair was designed by Arnold Madsen and Henry Schübell*, a 20th-century Danish design duo.

Produced in the 1950s and ’60s, it’s finely designed and made, with a well-balanced blend of curves and straight lines. The frame is Oak and the sculpted armrests are made of Teak, and the transitions between the two have been beautifully done. The armrests flow gracefully into the front legs, and are joined to the rear legs via wedged tenon.

Looking at the underside, you can see this piece has been repaired at some point. The telltale is the screws that attach to the seat. The pair of larger slotted screws are undoubtedly the originals; the smaller Pozi-head screws are practically swimming in the original countersinks.

Below is a rare variant of the Tove chair with a mechanical feature. From the left side and the rear, it looks like an ordinary Tove…

…but from the right you’ll spot this lever with a knob.

This variant incorporated a sprung reclining mechanism. It provided eight different angles of recline.

It’s hard to spot in the photos above, but in the shots below, you can see that this reclining version of the chair does not have the wedged-tenon joinery where the armrest meets the rear legs.

There was a companion footstool that could also be tilted.

Looking at the underside of this specific chair, it also appears to have been repaired; while it’s possible that the clunkily-integrated piano hinge was used, the support pieces look to be stained, and I have a hard time believing a manufacturer would go to the trouble of staining unseen pieces, in a different color no less. My guess is the repairer had these pieces on hand.

*Note: The Tove was designed by Arnold Madsen and Henry Schübell. On numerous vintage sites I’ve seen it attributed to Ib Madsen and Acton Schübell, which is incorrect.

Ib Madsen was Arnold’s son, and the two did eventually go into business together–years after the Tove design was introduced. Henry Schübell had sons named Flemming and Preben, and Flemming eventually worked for his father, but there’s no Acton that I can find a record of. So I’m not sure where the “Acton” attribution comes from…unless it’s Danish for “Hank?” (Flemming, who was still alive as of 2021, is known as Flemming.)

Kick Scooters are all the trend these days! They are easy to ride, compact, and also pretty approachable! Weaving through traffic is super easy with them, letting you finally bid adieu to traffic jams. And since they’re usually electric, then you’re also automatically cutting down on fossil-fuel consumption, and being a major support to planet Earth, if you choose to ride them. In an ode to scooters and their immense functionality, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty scooter designs that seem to be slowly taking over the automotive industry.

1. Electric Stand Bike

Named the Electric Stand Bike, this unique design is a personal commuter that is an excellent fit for the city skirts, as well as the outskirts. You can ride about in complete style, without adversely impacting the environment. It is an electric-powered machine with big front wheels and a single rear one to offer maximum control. The front wheels are much larger than the rear wheel – almost triple the size. The rear wheel has its independent dual suspension system which handles bumps with ease.

2. Electric Mobility Bicycle

Designed by YU ID, this electric bicycle has Cake bike-inspired aesthetics, and it takes personal commuting to a whole new level. Since it is a modular ride, it becomes an excellent fit for different kinds of users. You can use the bicycle as a scooter, a Cake bike, or an electric ride. It is inspired by everyday gadgets, and it has a unique sleek form that does not compromise on its robust aesthetics in the least.

3. City Wander’s Foldable Kick Scooter

City Wander designed an old-fashioned scooter with four wheels, instead of the typical two. It is quite easy to drive and doesn’t require much training to operate it. It is designed to be portable, and space-efficient, and you can easily fold it down, and pull it along like a flattened scooter. It also features a nifty storage compartment to hold your stuff in the front. But you need to keep in mind that it holds something before you fold the handle down.

4. Popup Scooter

Meet the Popup Scooter – a two-wheeled electric bicycle that can be transformed into a kick scooter, or the other way round! The transformative design allows the rider to pick a configuration that suits his or her riding needs. The cycle is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder that allows it to move smoothly and swiftly. The mechanism can lift an adult person, so lifting and lowering the rider’s body shouldn’t be an issue at all.

5. Avci’s Scooter Concept

Designed by Fatih Avic, this e-scooter concept is intended for city residents and features a swivel front wheel, smartphone holder, and a handy space to store your belongings. It has a lightweight design and slim nature which makes it a fast and convenient choice. The swivel front wheel and hook for storing items like groceries make it an innovative and refreshing automotive design. It also has an area to hold your smartphone, letting you easily follow GPS.

6. Zipper Electric Scooter

Say hello to the Zipper electric scooter – which is easy, efficient, and convenient to ride. When not in use, you can fold the scooter down, and store it away. It has a 500W motor which can take it up to a top speed of 20 mph, and can even push it up inclined roads with a 25-degree slope. The scooter can support riders weighing up to 125 kg, so it can hold most people. It has a maximum range of 16 miles on a single charge, which powers up the 10Ah battery for four hours.

7. Supersonic Kick Scooter

Dubbed the Supersonic Kick-Scooter, this unique-looking kickscooter features an organic plant-inspired structure. It can haul an adult weight of 110kg with ease and without any fuss. Aluminum was used in the openwork construction of the scooter, keeping the weight down. It is a three-wheeled contraption that can be folded down when not in use, or when you need to put it away. You just need to push the lever by the side of the front wheels.

8. e-Tron Scooter

Inspired by Audi, Daekwang Kim designed the e-Tron scooter. The e-scooter features the cool metallic finish we typically see in Audi models, partnered up with a smooth glacier-gray coating for the scooter’s exterior deck and bar. The deck has a black, non-slip, rubber-treaded grip which ensures that your feet are firmly planted at all times. The accelerating buttons are located on the handlebar, with a smooth silicone grip to provide steady balance.

9. Mjotim

Designed by Yifeeling Design Lab, the Mjotim is a unique scooter to meet the technological standards of today, while drawing inspiration from the charm and beauty of the earlier forms of motorized scooters. Mjotim has the typical form and structure of a scooter, and it is meant to be ridden while standing up. The motor is encased inside, and the gear information is outside the steering column. It is equipped with two handlebars for steering.

10. Smacircle

The Smacircle scooter is designed to address the “last kilometer” problem of crowded cities. The scooter is designed to cover the distance between the subway stop, and your destination. Usually, there is a one or two-kilometer distance between your destination and each subway stop, and Smacircle helps you commute through that distance. You can fold down the scooter when you’re in the subway, and then unfold it and zoom out once you’ve reached your subway stop.

The post 10 Best Sleek Kick Scooters To Commute Through Your City In Style & Speed first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dutch architecture studio Cloud and designer Sabine Marcelis have created scenography for a lounge promoting the design and culture of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, during Milan design week.

Located within a library in Milan’s Brera neighbourhood, the lounge’s main space has a massive seating area with a table at its centre created by French design studio Hall Haus. The studio also created ambient sounds that play constantly from speakers that were covered in fabric to blend into the earthy hues of the space.

Marcelis and life partner Paul Cournet, who runs architecture studio Cloud, topped the space with a massive overhead cylinder with a soft light that occasionally changes colour.

The form of the light was chosen to mimic those found in AlUla, which face downward to limit light pollution in the area, according to Marcelis.

Alongside the sofa are a series of sculptural chairs by French designer Leo Orta and lamps by India-based Studio Raw Material, all of which were created during a design residency held at AlUla.

“We’ve tried to transform this space into something that does justice to the [residency] projects but also gives you a feeling of what AlUla is like,” Marcelis told Dezeen.

“What’s nice for the designers in residency was that they got into the local culture.”

Also included in the space was a massive steel screen created by Bahraini design studio Bahraini Danish. Outside, in the entry courtyard, Saudi Arabian designer Leen Ajlan created a series of wooden platforms with benches, based on the set-up of Saudi folk games.

At the back of the space was a selection of collectible design pieces, curated by Samer Yamani. Each piece utilised materials taken directly from AlUla, such as a couch dyed with local pigments and a lamp created with stacked and embroidered water pouches designed by Zahrah Alghamdi.

Also in the curatorial section were planters made of 3D-printed bioplastics created with materials from fruit husks and designed by TechnoCrafts.

In the surrounding rooms leading off from the main lounge, tables with the raw materials used to created the pieces were displayed to shown as were infographics relating the material with the history of AlUla.

AlUla is a city in the Medina Province of Saudi Arabia, which is located near a series of rock dwellings and tombs that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Earlier this year the Design Space AlUla gallery opened in the city with an opening exhibition that presented 10 recent projects from the region.

Also under development in AlUla are a cave hotel by French architect Jean Nouvel and a Bedouin-inspired tent resort by French architecture studio AW2.

The photography is courtesy of Design Space AlUla 2024.

Design Space AlUla is open from 15 to 21 April at Mediateca Santa Teresa during Milan design week. See our Milan design week 2024 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.

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