Diébédo Francis Kéré set to design Las Vegas Museum of Art

Las Vegas Museum of Art by Diébédo Francis Kéré

Plans have been approved to create a downtown art museum designed by Burkinabè architect Diébédo Francis Kéré in Las Vegas, USA.

The city council approved initial plans for the 90,000-square-foot (8,350 square metre) Las Vegas Museum of Art, which is set to be built on a parking lot in the Symphony Park area of Downtown Las Vegas.

First render revealed

As part of the approval process, the trustees of the Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA) revealed the first rendering of the building concept.

Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Kéré, the building will contain two floors of gallery space raised above a lobby and entrance area.

The galleries will overhang the lower floor and shelter the entrance as part of a plan to turn the adjoining square into a “front porch” for the museum.

Design blends “beauty of the desert with local building principles”

According to Kéré the design was informed by both the city and the surrounding desert in Nevada.

“Our design blends the beauty of the desert environment with local building principles and the passion and collaborative spirit of the Las Vegas Museum of Art to create a space where dreams come to life,” said Kéré.

“It is a tremendous honor, and a highlight of my professional journey, to create a space that will bring art and joy to the residents who call Las Vegas home.”

The museum is set to be developed in partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which will lend the institution art and expertise in hosting exhibitions and running programs.

It will be built alongside The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the Discovery Children’s Museum as part of a growing cultural district in Symphony Park. Construction on the project is set to start before February 2027.

Kéré, who founded Kéré Architecture in 2005, was named the winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2022 and in 2023 was listed among Time’s 100 most influential climate leaders.

Recent projects by the studio include a community centre in Uganda and a Kenyan education campus informed by termite mounds.

The image is courtesy of Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA).

The post Diébédo Francis Kéré set to design Las Vegas Museum of Art appeared first on Dezeen.

From Nature to Design: The Journey of a Plant Pod-Inspired Pendant Ligh

When it comes to design inspiration for all sorts of things, nature is one of the most popular sources. From architecture to technology to lifestyle products to product concepts, we see all sorts of designs that take its cue from nature all around us. Lighting fixtures are no exceptions and this project in particular is based on plants and transposed to a pendant light.

Design: Sujeet Kakad

From the name of the project itself, Nature Inspired Pendant Light, you already know where the designer got its inspiration from. It’s a Chinese Lantern like lighting fixture but with a combination of organic curves and the visuals of a plant fruit pod inside a husk. This is an aesthetically pleasing design and the challenge was to produce an actual product that can keep the original idea.

Since this is a pendant light concept, there is an adjustable fitting to hold it in place and it represents the stem of the plant although it’s located at the top. The top cover is made from aluminum sheet base with. Then you have the glass globe with the LED light inside and then steel rods surrounding it. At the bottom of the fixture is a leather cord with tassels to give it another natural looking element.

The final output of this project looks like a combination of a plant pod and a jellyfish which still gives off natural vibes. This is still just a project and a prototype so commercial production doesn’t seem to be in the cards. But it’s an interesting take on the pendant light which is sometimes more industrial or elegant looking than natural.

The post From Nature to Design: The Journey of a Plant Pod-Inspired Pendant Ligh first appeared on Yanko Design.

HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Hands-On at IFA 2024: Honor just Killed Apple’s MacBook Notch in the Best Way

Not only is the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 thinner AND lighter than Apple’s latest MacBook Air, it happens to have more ports, thinner bezels, and a higher screen-to-body ratio. However, the most impressive part about the entire laptop is the visible lack of a notch in the screen, like the one on Apple’s MacBook series. Honor’s solution is equal parts bizarre and clever – a magnetic snap-on camera accessory that docks inside the laptop when you’re not using it.

This rather innovative camera accessory measures a few millimeters and fits right inside the laptop’s body when not in use. However, when you need to attend a video call, the camera module pops right out of the side of the laptop, and magnetically attaches to the top of the laptop screen. The solution circumvents Apple’s notch problem, while also giving you a convenient privacy filter – you can simply pull the camera off to disconnect it.

The MagicBook Art 14’s camera outputs 1080p videos, and uses a powerful set of magnets to automatically connect either to its docking point on the side of the laptop, or the connection hub on the top of the screen. The super-slim camera module doesn’t sport a battery, which means it automatically powers down if disconnected. Pogo-pins on the camera’s base let you instantly connect the module to your laptop. No software, no drivers, no Bluetooth, no configuring… nothing. Snap on, and the camera starts working… snap off, and it is physically disconnected. The only caveat is that you do stand a chance of potentially losing the webcam if you aren’t careful. Honor doesn’t mention if the webcam module is available separately (just in case you lose yours), but it does have incredibly strong magnets, so when it’s attached, you can rest assured that it won’t accidentally fall off.

The snap-to-connect camera feels so simple and intuitive that it makes USB webcams look sluggish. The camera has the form factor of a tiny thumb drive, and includes the camera itself, the pogo-pin connectors, the powerful rare-earth magnets, and a tiny light that glows when the camera’s connected. A notification displays on the laptop screen to tell you whether the camera’s paired properly or not. It’ll even let you know if the camera is stowed in the side of the laptop.

The coolest part, however, is that the camera is reversible – another feature that allows the MagicBook Art 14 to stand out against the MacBook or any other laptop. Flip the camera over and dock it facing the other way, and you have a front-facing camera, perfect for presentations. You can literally flip the camera in the middle of a meeting and the video automatically flips over.

Flip the camera 180 degrees for front-facing video.

The HONOR MagicBook Art 14 is thinner AND lighter than the MacBook Air, while still boasting a larger 14-inch screen. Honor’s CEO pointed out that despite this, it also has a USB-A and HDMI port apart from 2 USB-C ports, outpacing the MacBook Air even in port quantity. The MagicBook Air 14 was announced at IFA 2024, although there’s no official word on price yet.

The post HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Hands-On at IFA 2024: Honor just Killed Apple’s MacBook Notch in the Best Way first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen Agenda features a space-themed Lego set by Pharrell Williams

Over the moon lego set by Pharrell Williams

The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features the Over the Moon Lego set designed by Pharrell Williams. Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.

Danish toymaker Lego collaborated with producer Pharrell Williams to design the space-themed toys.

Titled Over the Moon, the collection, launching on 20 September, will feature Lego’s most extensive range of customizable minifigure skin tones.

High-rise apartments in Thailand
Porsche reveals plans for first residential tower in Asia

This week’s newsletter also featured Porsche’s plans for a residential tower in Asia, the findings from the final report of the long-running public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire and a set of rubbish bins designedfor the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Dezeen Agenda

Dezeen Agenda is a curated newsletter sent every Thursday containing the most important news highlights from Dezeen. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Agenda or subscribe here.

You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features the hottest reader comments and most-debated stories, Dezeen Daily is our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours and Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design. 

The post Dezeen Agenda features a space-themed Lego set by Pharrell Williams appeared first on Dezeen.

AEG Kitchen Range at IFA 2024 Elevates the Culinary Experience with Innovation For All

Being stuck at home for months not only gave birth to the indoor gardening trend, it also helped people rediscover the joys of home cooking. The rise of the domestic chef who’s excited to try out new recipes for themselves or for their families has also given rise to the need for more sophisticated kitchen appliances. At the same time, however, aesthetics has never been more important than it is today, with kitchens finally getting the recognition they deserve as sanctuaries that serve not only food but peace of mind as well. With so many requirements on many levels, it’s no surprise that some brands falter in meeting those needs or choose to focus on just one or two aspects. At IFA 2024 in Berlin, AEG is proudly rising up to the challenge, delivering a new range of kitchen products that deliver not only AI-assisted cooking but also elegant designs that take the cooking experience to the next level.

Designer: AEG

Cook Smarter, Not Harder

AI is everywhere these days, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated feature that requires an entire manual to use. With AEG’s Assisted Cooking, you have smart technologies right under your fingertips, literally, ready to help you with new recipe ideas, the best settings to use for that dish, and even the safest way to preserve the food so you can enjoy it a lot longer. From preparation to cooking to storage even to cleanup, AEG’s new full kitchen line has got you covered with innovation that’s made easy, convenient, and beautiful.

The new AEG 9000 ProAssist with SteamPro Oven, for example, features the AI Taste Assist function that helps you make efficient use of the oven. Simply throw it a recipe and, based on key facets like timing, temperature, and protein type, it will automatically select the most optimal cooking settings. It can even suggest new tasty and nutritious dishes you may have never tried before through the AEG app.

The CookSmart Touch, which is now available on hobs like the new AEG 9000 ProSense Hob, puts all the functions you need under your fingertips. With a simple touch, you can access the new Assisted Cooking function that guides you through each step to complete a dish and even suggests the accessories you’ll need to use. CookSmart Touch also lets you assign pan-frying or boiling to the hob, select different cooking modes, and generally enjoy the cooking process without breaking a sweat.

This intuitive interface is an immense help to novices just discovering the joys of cooking as well pros who want to glide through the process with as little friction as possible. And for the first time, the CookSmart Touch technology provides a seamless experience that spans AEG’s kitchen range, from ovens to hobs to built-in coffee machines. It removes much of the anxiety and uncertainty associated with cooking, adding joy and peace of mind to every meal prep.

Killer Kitchen Style

Even with all the innovative technologies, AEG hasn’t forgotten the most important aspect of its kitchen range: the human element. Designed to look dashing in any kitchen setting, AEG’s kitchen products deliver not only an effortless cooking experience but also a style that suits people’s tastes. The AEG SaphirMatt Induction Hub, for example, brings not only a handsome surface to your kitchen but also durability you can rely on when the cooking does get a bit intense.

This year’s lineup is available in Glossy Black and MattBlack, both standing out with their sleek and luxurious dark hues. Signature metal handles provide not only usability but also visual identity, making AEG designs easily recognizable in any kitchen. It’s not just the appliances either but your food that gets the beauty treatment as well. The AEG 9000 AutoSense Hood’s illumination can really make your dishes pop, adding to their already appetizing aromas. The new AEG Kitchen Range not only makes you feel in total control, it also makes you feel like a culinary master in their natural environment.

Healthy Living, Healthy Planet

Cooking your own food is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting tasty and nutritious meals, but your health doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet’s. Appliances naturally leave a carbon footprint, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it significantly smaller. The new AEG Kitchen Range is not only filled with smart features, it’s also designed to be sustainable and energy efficient without you having to worry about pushing a button to activate some “Eco Mode,” helping you reduce your carbon footprint by as much as 30%.

The AEG 9000 ComfortLift Dishwasher, for example, can save up to 40% energy with some guidance from the QuickSelect with Ecometer function. The AEG 9000 MultiChill 0°C Fridge Freezer not only has better energy efficiency but also has an inner lining that’s made of 70% recycled plastic. The AEG 9000 ProAssist with SteamPro Oven can help save energy with its PreHeat and Residual Heat functions, reducing the amount of electricity needed to keep the food warm.

Selected models in this new Kitchen Range are part of the AEG EcoLine and boast high energy ratings, some of which are even higher than “A” in the EU energy efficiency class. More than just innovative performance and striking design, the new AEG Kitchen Range represents the brand’s no-compromise approach to energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and commitment to a greener tomorrow for all.

Innovation for the Entire Home

The kitchen isn’t the only part of the modern home that AEG is upgrading with its innovative designs. The AEG 9000X AbsoluteCare Pro tumble dryer brings the same care and energy efficiency from the kitchen to the laundry. With the AbsoluteCare feature that uses a heat pump system to dry delicate material like wool and SmartDry that lets you select lower energy settings, this leading-edge machine has earned The Woolmark Company’s Wool Care Green recognition. It also features 3DScan Technology that determines the humidity in down jackets and duvets for the best drying settings that will keep their fluffiness intact.

AEG is also debuting two new cordless cleaners to keep your home not only clean but also safe from harmful materials and organisms invisible to the naked eye. The AEG 6000 Cordless offers not only strong dust pick-up but also hands-free self-cleaning, emptying its 0.5-liter dust bin with just a touch of a button. The AEG 8000 is the brand’s most powerful and most versatile cordless cleaner, with the UltimatePower multi-surface nuzzle and a brushless DC motor that can capture 99% of dust on hard floors. And with the new Automatic Emptying Station, you can get the AEG 8000 ready for another round of cleaning without having to get your own hands dirty.

The post AEG Kitchen Range at IFA 2024 Elevates the Culinary Experience with Innovation For All first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo Brings AI Innovation For All with Intel Lunar Lake and Snapdragon X Plus Laptops

AI is no longer just for swapping faces, erasing unwanted people from photos, or generating images and text that can have you questioning people’s sanity. While those can be fun, they hardly show what the technology is capable of. AI is now becoming part and parcel of the computing experience, optimizing tasks, understanding and summarizing your files, and, of course, answering your questions, but you will need and want hardware that can actually support those functions in an efficient and private manner. At IFA 2024, Lenovo is unveiling a wide range of computers that deliver this kind of power using the next generation of AI processors, helping the brand push toward its goal of leading the AI Devices Era.

Designer: Lenovo

Lenovo Aura Edition: Intel Core Ultra Series 2

Working together with Intel for years, Lenovo launches its new Aura Edition laptops, leveraging the power of AI not just to deliver smarter features but to change the way people use their computers. Smart Modes, for example, can adapt to users’ needs and habits, reducing distractions when they need to work, activating stronger security measures when connecting to public Wi-Fi, or simply reminding them to take breaks at certain intervals. These features are powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 2 processors, delivering improved NPU performance up to 48 TOPS (Tera/Trillion Operations Per Second).

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition offers a business-class design and experience that the ThinkPad brand is famed for. A 14-inch 2.8K OLED Dolby Vision screen delivers crisp and vibrant images, while the 57-watt battery promises almost a full day of use before you need to plug in. In addition to a large Haptic TouchPad, the laptop integrates the iconic three-button TrackPoint for a familiar and comfortable experience that fans have come to expect from this line of pro laptops.

In addition to AI upgrades, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition also steps up its sustainability game, boasting a customer-replaceable battery design, 90% recycled magnesium for the C cover, and the complete absence of plastics from the packaging. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition will be available starting in November with an expected starting price of $1,999.

The 15-inch Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition brings those same Intel-powered AI capabilities to Lenovo’s line of content creation laptops. Designed with creative professionals in mind, the 15-inch 2.8K 120Hz OLED screen and 70Wh battery offer the performance, high-fidelity visuals, and all-day uptime that these discerning users need to get their jobs done anywhere they go. Expected to be available starting this month, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition will start at $1,299.

Versatility and Portability: Snapdragon X Plus

With the Snapdragon X processors, Qualcomm is bringing its battle-tested performance and battery efficiency from smartphones and tablets to Windows PCs. The Snapdragon X Plus further expands that thrust with a selection of Copilot+ laptops and tablets for every user, tier, and budget. With an 8-core chip and a neural processing unit delivering 45 AI TOPS performance, these new Lenovo computers make AI and long battery life accessible to more consumers.

The new ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 with Snapdragon X Plus combines AI chops with a multi-day battery life and a chic, modern design that’s only 16mm thin. It brings AI processing for business applications, on-device AI assistance, and AI-improved camera imaging to on-the-go professionals who need a reliable computer that can survive being away from a wall socket for a day or two. Starting at only $799, the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 offers an affordable option to all the powerful yet pricey AI computers arriving this year, without compromising on the quality of the experience.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 convertible laptop put the Snapdragon X Plus to work in a more familiar setting. Switching between laptop, tent, and tablet modes, the laptop’s 14-inch 16:10 WUXGA OLED touch display delivers the crisp visuals that creative professionals and multimedia enthusiasts require. As a computer made to be carried around, it boasts MIL-STD-810H certification and a metal A-cover to make sure it can keep up with you. Available in October, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14″, 9) will have a starting price of $849, again putting it within easy reach of highly mobile professionals.

The post Lenovo Brings AI Innovation For All with Intel Lunar Lake and Snapdragon X Plus Laptops first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Joystick

Here’s a handsome and inclusive piece of industrial design. Microsoft has unveiled their Xbox Adaptive Joystick, designed for players with limited mobility. It features a single thumbstick, four buttons beneath it and two trigger buttons on the front.

The buttons can be remapped, and the files for different 3D-printable shapes for thumbstick toppers will be made available for download.

While it’s not shown in the photos, production units will reportedly have a threaded insert, so it can be mounted on a tripod, arm or similar.

They’ve also designed the packaging to be easy for those with limited mobility to open:

Microsoft says these will hit the market next year and retail for $30.

This Solar-Powered Tiny Houseboat Lets You Enjoy A Peaceful Life On The Water

Dubbed the Fàng Sōng, this houseboat is designed by Crossboundaries and is powered by a solar panel setup. The houseboat features a clever space-saving interior that draws inspiration from tiny homes. The name is derived from the Chinese word for relaxation. The owners commissioned Crossboundaries to create a home that lets them live near the coast, enabling them to enjoy a peaceful life on the water. The houseboat serves as a comfortable yet tiny abode to live and work in.

Designer: Crossboundaries

“Crossboundaries has re-designed a fully solar-powered motorboat with high-end, tiny-home characteristics that enable it to function as a slow-motion traveling nest,” said the firm. “The five-year-old boat caught Marianne’s eye, its exterior’s resemblance to a bus on the water and the potential for the interior design quickly sparked her interest. With enough space for up to two persons as well as guests, it had the potential to easily become a personal retreat for re-energizing and a cozy getaway to invite friends and family.”

The interior of the houseboat is quite spacious and occupies around 667 sq ft over one floor. The dwelling comfortably floats above water and is amped with generous glazing, most of which is operable. The glazing allows light to stream in through the day and supports ventilation. The interior decor is vibrant and bright with hues of red and yellow. Although the red and yellow maybe too loud and extravagant for some people, so it depends on personal preferance.

Most of the available floor space is occupied by the living room, which includes a big sofa bed, shelving, and a work desk placed in front of a window. The kitchen is also included in this space, and it is well-stocked and designed with an oven, four-burner propane-powered stove, fridge, drink, and a folding dining table that can be put away when not in use. A folding bed can also be fitted over the helm. The whole home is amped with underfloor storage, which is truly quite useful. The home is heated by a pellet stove, which can be controlled via an app. The space also includes a terrace area with seating.

As mentioned the home is solar-powered, but we are unaware of the capacity of the solar panels. The solar panels have been installed on the rooftop and the facade. The firm says that in good weather conditions, the small houseboat can be powered completely by the solar panels, allowing it to cruise for around 31 miles per day.

The post This Solar-Powered Tiny Houseboat Lets You Enjoy A Peaceful Life On The Water first appeared on Yanko Design.

The DJI Neo Is Lightweight, Compact, and Ready to Capture Everyday Moments

The DJI Neo is the company’s lightest and most compact drone, weighing just under 5 ounces (135g). Designed for casual creators, adventurers, and anyone wanting to capture everyday moments, the Neo combines portability and powerful features, making it ideal for those seeking a simple, efficient way to document their experiences. Its compact form factor means it’s easy to carry and use on the go, offering creators a versatile tool for capturing life’s moments.

Designer: DJI

Unlike many drones, the Neo does not require a traditional remote control. Instead, users can take off, fly, and land the drone using a single button. For added convenience, voice commands allow for hands-free operation, making the drone easy to control even in dynamic situations. The drone can be launched and landed directly from the user’s hand, making it highly intuitive for beginners and experienced users. With an 18-minute flight time, the Neo provides ample opportunity to capture spontaneous moments indoors or outdoors, while its compact size means it fits comfortably into any adventure.

The Neo’s camera capabilities ensure high-quality footage in any situation. Equipped with a 12MP camera, the Neo can capture crisp still images, while its ability to shoot 4K stabilized video adds a professional touch to even casual content. Whether documenting a family day at the park or recording an outdoor adventure, the Neo provides the tools to capture sharp, clear footage quickly.

The AI-powered subject tracking feature allows users to focus on their shots without manually adjusting the drone. Whether cycling, skateboarding, or hiking, the Neo’s advanced AI tracking system keeps the user perfectly framed, ensuring smooth, dynamic footage every time. The drone’s six QuickShots modes—Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang—allow users to create cinematic content with just the press of a button. These pre-programmed flight paths and camera angles simplify the creative process, ensuring professional-looking results without the need for advanced piloting skills.

Safety is also a key design focus of the DJI Neo. The drone’s propellers are fully wrapped, protecting it and its surroundings and making it safe indoors and outdoors. The Neo’s 22GB of internal storage allows users to record up to 40 minutes of 4K video at 30fps or 55 minutes at 1080p/60fps. With built-in Wireless QuickTransfer, users can send their footage directly to their smartphones for easy editing and sharing, streamlining the post-production process and eliminating the need for external memory cards or additional cables.

In addition to its camera and safety features, the Neo is equipped with a single-axis mechanical gimbal, ensuring smooth and steady footage even during rapid maneuvers. DJI’s RockSteady and HorizonBalancing technologies further enhance stabilization, reducing shake and ensuring the horizon stays level even in dynamic or fast-moving scenarios. The Neo also uses infrared and monocular vision positioning systems, allowing it to hover steadily and maintain stability in various environments. Users can focus on capturing content, knowing the drone will stay steady without needing constant manual adjustments.

The Neo includes an Automatic Return to Home (RTH) feature for added convenience. This ensures that the drone safely returns to its takeoff point with a single command, providing peace of mind for users who are new to flying drones. Whether capturing footage in open spaces or more challenging environments, the RTH feature ensures the drone’s safe retrieval, adding an extra layer of security to the flying experience.

DJI NEO FPV Control

Charging the Neo is made easy with its Type-C charging port, which allows for quick recharges between flights. For extended use, DJI also offers a Two-Way Charging Hub that can charge up to three batteries simultaneously, reducing downtime and ensuring users can stay in the air longer. The Neo’s flexible design also makes it compatible with the DJI Fly app, traditional remote controllers, DJI Goggles, and RC Motion, giving users a range of options for controlling the drone based on their personal preferences.

The DJI Neo is designed to make aerial content creation accessible to everyone. Its lightweight and compact form, advanced features like AI-powered tracking, QuickShots modes, and high-quality video capture make it a versatile tool for capturing life’s moments. Whether you’re documenting family outings or outdoor adventures or simply looking to add a cinematic touch to your daily experiences, the Neo provides the perfect balance of portability, performance, and ease of use.

The post The DJI Neo Is Lightweight, Compact, and Ready to Capture Everyday Moments first appeared on Yanko Design.

HONOR Magic V3: Thinnest Foldable Phone Showcased with AI-Powered Tablet and Laptop at IFA 2024

At the prestigious IFA 2024 in Berlin, HONOR captivated the tech world with the launch of three innovative products: the HONOR Magic V3 folding phone, the MagicPad 2 tablet, and the MagicBook Art 14 laptop. Each device pushes the boundaries of design and technology, setting new standards in their respective categories. Honor’s latest devices showcase an approach to innovation that feels refreshing – more than just cramming higher-specs into their devices, the company’s working on using AI to make them better (in ways that Apple and Google aren’t), while still managing to design products that are delightful to look at and use. In fact, HONOR’s latest foldable measures even thinner than the iPad Pro when opened flat (the company even issued a snarky apology to Samsung for outshining them). The MagicBook Art 14 laptop one-ups Apple too, with a camera accessory that keeps the bezel notch-free. A lot of these devices go beyond just the spec wars. We’re at a point where companies are actually doing things differently to make their gadgets stand out. Take for instance the HONOR V3 Fold’s ability to detect deepfake audio and video calls. Here’s a look at what HONOR announced today:

HONOR Magic V3: The Pinnacle of Folding Technology

HONOR’s latest foldable smartphone, the Magic V3, represents a significant leap forward in both design and functionality. Measuring an impressive 9.2mm in thickness when folded, and an astonishing 4.35mm when unfolded, the Magic V3 is the slimmest foldable phone on the market. Weighing just 226 grams, it’s also lighter than many conventional smartphones, which makes it both portable and comfortable to hold.

Under the hood, the Magic V3 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ensuring top-tier performance for all tasks, from gaming to multitasking. The phone features a 7.92-inch inner display with a 10:9 aspect ratio and a 6.43-inch outer display. Both screens offer remarkable brightness, with peak brightness reaching up to 1600 nits on the inner display, making it highly readable even in direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and responsive user experience, whether you’re scrolling through apps or watching videos.

HONOR has focused heavily on durability with this release. The phone is constructed using HONOR Aerospace Spatial Fiber, which boasts a tensile strength of 5,800 MPa—100% stronger than steel. This material, combined with a hinge mechanism that is just 2.84mm thin, ensures the Magic V3 can withstand over 500,000 folds, equating to more than 13 years of daily use. The inner screen is protected by Honor Super Amp Inner Screen technology, which significantly enhances impact resistance, while the outer screen is fortified with a Nano Crystal Shield for superior scratch and drop resistance.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Magic V3’s camera capabilities. It is the first HONOR phone to feature a periscope telephoto camera, alongside a 40MP ultra-wide camera. With the industry-first AI-enabled Harcourt portrait mode (developed alongside French photography powerhouse Studio Harcourt), users can capture studio-quality photos with ease. The AI-powered 4K camera is designed for shooting in various conditions, including while the device is hovering, thanks to its innovative folding design. HONOR’s managed to extend that AI ability to phone and video calls too, with the V3 being able to detect audio and video deepfakes, notifying you in case you’re on a fraudulent call.

HONOR MagicPad 2: Redefining the Tablet Experience

Next up is the HONOR MagicPad 2, a tablet that sets new benchmarks in display technology and versatility. The MagicPad 2 features a 12.9-inch OLED display with a 3K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, providing stunning visuals with ultra-high contrast of 1,000,000:1. The display’s 92% screen-to-body ratio, coupled with thin bezels, creates an immersive viewing experience that rivals even the most premium tablets on the market.

Weighing in at just 599 grams and only 5.8mm thick, the MagicPad 2 is incredibly portable, yet durable. The tablet’s back cover is crafted from a new lightweight fiber, reducing weight by 45% while increasing strength by 24%. This results in a device that is both easy to carry and resilient, with SGS certification for bending resistance.

The MagicPad 2 is packed with AI-powered features that enhance productivity and creativity. The tablet’s AI-defocus display technology, which was first seen in HONOR’s flagship phones, is now available on the MagicPad 2, reducing eye strain during prolonged use. Additionally, the device supports dynamic dimming, low blue light, and circadian night display, all designed to protect users’ eyes. If you marveled at the iPad Pro’s new Math Notes upgrade, the MagicPad 2 packs a similar feature, with the ability to recognize handwriting, and solve equations on the fly. Tablets might just become illegal in classrooms!

Audio is another strong suit of the MagicPad 2. With on-device AI enabling spatial audio, the tablet delivers an IMAX Enhanced sound experience, perfect for streaming movies on platforms like Disney+. On the software front, the tablet runs an AI-enabled OS, offering features like Magic Ring for seamless file transfers and Magic Capsule for efficient notification management. For students and professionals, the tablet’s AI-powered voice-to-text conversion and formula recognition features make note-taking and mathematical input more efficient than ever before.

HONOR MagicBook Art 14: A Laptop That Blends Power with Elegance

Rounding out HONOR’s IFA 2024 lineup is the MagicBook Art 14, a laptop that marries cutting-edge performance with a sleek, artistic design. With a thickness of just 1 centimeter and a weight of approximately 1 kilogram, the MagicBook Art 14 is one of the lightest and thinnest laptops available, yet it does not compromise on power or functionality.

The laptop’s 3.1K OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for creative professionals. The 97% screen-to-body ratio, achieved through ultra-thin 2.2mm bezels, provides a nearly edge-to-edge display, enhancing the visual experience.

The MagicBook Art 14 is powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor processor, delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks, whether it’s video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming. The laptop also features six AI-enabled speakers and a spatial audio engine, ensuring crystal-clear sound whether you’re in a video conference or watching a movie.

One of the standout features of the MagicBook Art 14 is also its innovative magnetic camera, which is detachable and easily attaches to the top of the screen when needed. This design not only enhances privacy by allowing users to store the camera away when not in use but also adds a layer of security with its strong magnetic connection and system alerts.

HONOR Watch 5: The Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality

Honor also introduced the HONOR Watch 5 at IFA 2024, a smartwatch designed for both style and functionality. Weighing just 35 grams and measuring 11mm in thickness, it’s exceptionally lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. The watch features a 1.85-inch AMOLED color display with a resolution of 450×390 pixels and 322 PPI, offering a vivid and responsive user experience.

Powered by a silicon-carbon battery with a 480mAh capacity, the HONOR Watch 5 delivers an impressive 15-day battery life, thanks to its Turbo X Smart Power Management system. It’s equipped with essential health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis. The watch also boasts the AccuTrack positioning system, which significantly enhances GPS accuracy for more precise activity tracking.

Beyond health monitoring, the HONOR Watch 5 supports notifications for calls, messages, and apps, ensuring users stay connected. It offers multiple sports modes and 5ATM water resistance, making it suitable for various activities, including swimming. With customizable watch faces and a sleek design, the HONOR Watch 5 is both a practical tool and a stylish accessory, seamlessly integrating into daily life.


As HONOR continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the Watch 5, Magic V3, MagicPad 2, and MagicBook Art 14 exemplify the brand’s commitment to delivering devices that are not only cutting-edge but also designed with the user’s experience at the forefront. With these new releases, HONOR solidifies its position as a leader in the tech industry.

The post HONOR Magic V3: Thinnest Foldable Phone Showcased with AI-Powered Tablet and Laptop at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.