This Brilliant 5-in-1 Laptop Case + Stand will have you throw out every other laptop accessory you own

There’s no other way to describe the Trinity Laptop Sleeve than to use the words ‘sheer genius’. A simple origami-inspired sleeve, the Trinity shapeshifts into 5 different forms, going from a portfolio cover to a vertical stand, a 15° angled dock, a 30° angled dock, or even a handheld carry-case. No hinges, no fancy mechanisms. Just some really great design thinking and flawlessly simple execution.

As a laptop user myself, I have two stands (one with a cooling fan, and another made of metal). I also happen to have a separate laptop sleeve, a laptop bag, and I’m currently on the market for a laptop stand that I can use to stash my laptop vertically on my workplace to cut the visual clutter. I’ve described 5 products in just the last two sentences, all of which exist as separate entities, perform separate roles, and aren’t connected to each other. The folks at SleekStrip very casually changed that. The Trinity is an incredibly simple laptop sleeve that lets you carry, dock, or prop up your laptop. Its patented design is made to hold slim laptops (working with all Apple MacBook models from recent years), protecting it from bumps and scratches while you carry it around either independently or inside a laptop bag. When the time comes to use the laptop, you can either open up the Trinity and dock your laptop vertically (sort of like the Nintendo Switch), or use the Trinity as an angled laptop stand.

Designer: Stella Chang Chien of SleekStrip

Click Here to Buy Now: $63 $80 (21% off). Hurry, only 3/45 left!

The Trinity was made for the minimalist who appreciates a bit of multifunction. You don’t NEED to own a bulky laptop stand along with a separate case, dock, etc. With just clever thinking and a bit of inspiration from the art of origami, it’s entirely possible to build a product that serves all those purposes – and serves them well. The fact that the sleeve has 5 functions in 1 would justifiably have you wonder whether it actually compromises somewhere, but truth be told, it really doesn’t. Each feature, be it the sleeve itself, or the dock, or the stand, is immaculate. When carrying your laptop, the Trinity gives it ample protection. When in vertical dock mode, it has enough space for proper airflow. And when used as an angled stand, the Trinity gives you not one, but TWO angle options (with the second one also providing a wrist-pad to rest your hands while typing).

Constructed with a hard shell exterior, the Trinity sleeve provides robust protection against bumps and scratches. The inner lining, made from soft, anti-slip vegan leather, ensures that the laptop stays secure and scratch-free. Additionally, the sleeve incorporates inner foam bumpers that absorb shocks and facilitate better heat dissipation when the laptop is in vertical stand mode. The outer shell is crafted from premium water-resistant vegan leather, offering a sleek, durable surface that can withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining an elegant appearance.

Embedded magnets allow for seamless transitions between the Trinity’s various modes. These magnets are strategically placed to enable quick and easy adjustments, whether you’re switching to a vertical stand to save desk space or adjusting the tilt for more comfortable typing. This level of convenience, combined with the product’s minimalist aesthetic, makes the Trinity sleeve a compelling choice for those who prioritize both form and function in their workspace.

The Trinity sleeve comes in two sizes – for 13-14 inch and 15-16 inch laptops. The smaller sleeve is offered in three colors — Midnight Black, Pebble Gray, and Slate Blue, while the larger 15-16 inch version is exclusively available in Midnight Black, reinforcing its sleek and professional look. Despite its multifunctional design, the Trinity sleeve remains lightweight and portable, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go professionals who need to maintain a tidy and efficient workspace wherever they are.

Click Here to Buy Now: $63 $80 (21% off). Hurry, only 3/45 left!

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Apple turned the Voice Memos app into a Makeshift Recording Studio for Artists

Just like the company practically redefined the calculator with Math Notes for the iPad Pro, Apple’s turned a humble voice-note app into a blessing for musicians who use it to record samples, hooks, and lyric ideas.

Apple’s latest update to the Voice Memos app is bound to capture the attention of musicians, especially those who often rely on their iPhone for quick recordings of new sparks of inspiration. With iOS 18 and the iPhone 16, Apple has introduced key features that greatly enhance the functionality of this simple recording app, making it a more useful tool for creative professionals. The ability to layer tracks within the Voice Memos app turns the otherwise basic app into a ‘sonic doodle-pad’ for creating layered multitrack compositions. Previously, musicians would have to open a separate digital audio workstation (DAW) to layer vocals and instruments together, which required time and technical know-how. Now, with this update, musicians can record an instrumental track, such as guitar or piano, and then layer vocals over it without leaving the app. This simple feature is particularly useful for singer-songwriters, allowing them to develop ideas more organically without the distraction of switching between apps. Recording two tracks simultaneously may sound limiting for professional production, but for quick idea generation and song structure building, it’s a practical improvement. Musicians can also mix the two tracks within the app, adjusting volume levels to ensure that vocals and instrumentals are well-balanced.

Advanced processing isolates the vocal from the background sound, delivering a clean, professional result without requiring additional apps or headphones. This integration offers a simple, intuitive way for musicians to build multi-layered recordings directly on their phones, a leap forward for on-the-go production. The iPhone 16 lineup also introduces new audio processing technologies powered by Apple’s A18 chip. With this boost in processing power, the devices can handle real-time audio adjustments more efficiently. Apple’s new AI software, Apple Intelligence, plays a role in optimizing the sound recording experience, ensuring every track captured through Voice Memos or other apps benefits from smart noise reduction and dynamic range adjustments. While these features may not be as obvious to casual users, they represent significant improvements for anyone serious about audio quality.

Another helpful addition is transcription, which converts voice recordings into text. For songwriters, this feature can make the creative process smoother by providing a way to quickly view and edit lyrics. Rather than having to manually type out or remember lyrics after a recording session, users can now see their words appear directly in the app. The transcription function is easy to use; after recording, users tap on the three dots next to their recording and choose the “View Transcript” option. They can then make edits to specific sections, replacing only the parts they want to change. This integration of audio and text simplifies the workflow for lyricists, allowing them to focus more on refining their craft and less on the technicalities of documenting ideas.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this feature saw further innovation over the years. Sure, Apple’s added more mics for better recording chops, and a dual-track ability to the voice-notes feature. A year from now, they could turn it into a multitrack app with the ability to cut/edit/loop samples, probably within the app. Given that the iPhone doesn’t have a Logic Pro app, expanding the Voice Memos feature to become a makeshift DAW sounds wonderful. Who knows, they could revamp Garage Band too, allowing you to make entire album demos right on your smartphone. Sounds too good to be true, sure, but who knows what the future holds?!

The new iPhones are set to hit the market on September 20, with prices starting at $799 for the base model and $999 for the Pro. It’s unclear whether the new Voice Memo features will come to older iPhones given the reliance on the A18 chip. Given that Apple Intelligence will be made available to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, one could assume that at least last year’s flagship Pro models should get this new set of app-based features.

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This Retro Open-front CD Player also has an Ambient Lamp, FM Radio, and Bluetooth Speaker

They say history always repeats itself. Vinyls are making a comeback right now, which means in a few years cassettes and CDs will make a resurgence all over again, and when compact discs do enter the mainstream, you’re going to be glad you had this cute CD player from Semetor. Spotted on the floor at IFA 2024, the K8 is a playfully retro CD player that embraces the design aesthetic of European appliances in the 50s. Designed with an open top that allows the CD to sit on its platter like a vinyl on a gramophone, the K8 comes with a few translucent typewriter-inspired buttons that let you control music playback. But wait, it’s 2024, and just being a CD player obviously won’t cut it… which is why the K8 also has an FM radio, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless speaker, and even an ambient lamp built into its adorable design.

Designer: Semetor

The K8 isn’t a cutting-edge CD player… but it’s cute. It has the adorable demeanor of one of lofree‘s older products, with its retro aesthetic that’s brought about by its rounded form and use of pastel shades. What instantly grabs your eye first is the open-top CD player. While most players usually conceal the CD within a casing, this one does not. You see the CD spin as you play music, and the disc’s radial spectral finish looks absolutely gorgeous.

Playback is easy. For running a CD, just hit the CD button on the panel, and use the controls below to play/pause, or skip tracks. A BT/FM button lets you toggle the Bluetooth player or FM radio. Backlights in the button glow to let you know which mode you’re in, and a seven-segment LCD screen on the bottom allows you to see things like track number (for CDs) or radio station (for FM). A gold-plated ‘gear’ on the right side lets you switch on or off the K8.

If all that wasn’t enough, the K8 also packs a warm glow-light for ambient lighting. Hit the button on the top right and a halo around the CD player lights up. It isn’t enough to light a room, but it does bestow a warm wash of golden light in the immediate vicinity, perfect for late-night listening. Pair it with a nice soft jazz CD and you’re absolutely set!

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Nothing CMF speaker gets see-through aesthetics of the big brother in a classic radio-inspired form

Nothing’s story has been nothing short of inspirational considering their ethical intent towards the marketplace and its consumers. Their sub-brand CMF adapts the same values for the lower segment of the market that serves the budget segment of the market.

While we’ve been awed by the Nothing Sound (1) and Nothing Bass (1) concepts – envisioning the see-through aesthetics of what a Nothing branded would be like. Since Nothing and CMF are already a strong force to reckon with for competitors, a portable speaker is something that we cannot count out from Nothing’s scheme of things.

Designer: Abdelrahman Shaapan

Unlike its big brother, CMF by Nothing doesn’t rely on transparent aesthetics to create a unique statement. Rather the brand focuses on core functionality and accessibility for a greater chunk of the market. The phones, watches and earbuds in the line-up have the signature papaya orange influence but nothing that’s see-through actually. In the concept world that is not the limiting factor and this CMF Speaker takes due advantage.

Not only does it break the convention of a portable speaker design but also fuses form with function with maximum conviction. The music accessory has the playback information including Albumart, now playing controls and track selection buttons displayed on the touchscreen, along with the Bluetooth toggle and volume knob on one side. The frosted cover panel on all sides keeps the innards semi-transparent and the USB-C charging port is positioned on the rear to keep visual integrity intact.

The front portion is reserved for the grill that conceals the drivers and the back side also has a Nothing-inspired baseplate on which the driver housing is mounted. Abdelrahman has borrowed the classic radio look for this speaker, and I appreciate this nostalgic element. Even though we will never see a transparent CMF speaker (Nothing Speaker still I’m hopeful), this is a good starting point for a budding audio accessories brand to derive inspiration.

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Nine highlights from Collectible design fair in New York City

Lamp with yellow cover

A bench wrapped in pool noodles and lamps informed by New York’s awnings were among the objects shown at the first US edition of the European design fair Collectible.

Collectible showcases design and was previously held solely in Brussels before founders Clélie Debehault and Liv Vaisber announced a New York City edition.

New York’s fair was held at arts hub WSA in Downtown Manhattan and displayed objects from over 100 international designers and featured local curator Emily Marant as a director, as well as several guest curators.

The work was spread over two floors and organised into different sections. The fair was on the third and fourth floors in WSA’s skyscraper building, with the different booths and exhibitions occupying the whole of the building, which features tile floors and exposed mechanical systems.

A “logical step” for the fair

New York was a logical next step for Collectible given its “dynamic spirit”, according to Debehault and Vaisber.

“We have been wanting to expand Collectible to North America for a while,” they told Dezen. “We looked at many different cities with rich design communities and New York’s dynamic spirit of constant creativity and innovation stood out to us.”

“As we know, New York is never simply one thing, this city is a melting pot of varying cultures, ideas, and influences, thus creating a perfect foundation for creativity to thrive.”

Exhibitions included pieces from local designers and studios such as Dong-Ping Wong, Hannah Bigeleisen and Studio S II and international counterparts including Golem and Max Radford Gallery.

“Combining Europe’s narrative- and material-oriented design evolution with America’s craftsmanship and fluidity across fields such as design, art, and fashion has proved to be a truly compelling mix,” said the founders.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what more the two scenes can learn from one another.”

Read on for nine highlights from the show.


Steel bearing ball bench
The photo is by Matthew Gordon. The top photo is by Manifold.

Move a Little Bit Further by Garza Studio

Mexico-based Garza Studio created a solid aluminium bench topped with a shallow trough of steel bearing balls that support two, thin circular seats.

According to founder Leonardo Garza, the design allows for two people to glide towards and away from one another to represent the “functions” in human relationships.


Table made of mushrooms
The photo is by Simon Leung

The Ephemeral Table by Fefostudio and Kamilla Csegzi

Local design firm Fefostudio and architect Kamilla Csegzi created a large table out of mycelium substrate and other organic waste, including paper and leaves.

A series of holes were carved out of the table’s surface that were used as moulds to form a collection of amber-coloured glassware, which sits in various orientations on top.


Bench
The photo is by Simon Leung. (Bottom right): planter by MUHLY

Lazy Swim Bench by Laura Dominici and Basil Schu

Austrian designer and artist Laura Dominici and Basil Schu collaborated on the Lazy Swim bench, which they made using a stainless steel frame and pool noodles.

The top portion of the frame is the exact proportions used for pool ladder railings, while the bottom half was stretched forward to create a seat.


Table with brushed metal top
The photo is by Simon Leung

Domenica table by Federica Zama

Italian designer Federica Zama created the Domenica table, a small breakfast table topped with stainless steel rods that hold a hard-boiled egg, a vase, a teacup and a saucer.

Zama scorched the stainless steel top with an oxyacetylene torch, warping and colouring the metal with iridescent splotches to create a “colourful, fluttering tablecloth”.


Stacked chaise
The photo is by Matthew Gordon

JoJo Chaise by Dean & Dahl 

The JoJo Chaise by Gabriel and Brooke Anderson of New York studio Dean & Dahl was part of the booth for local gallery Tuleste Factory and consists of four amoeba-like layers of industrial plaster topped with a mohair cushion in ascending shades of purple.

“Drawing inspiration from the fluid, organic contours of the human body, the piece blurs the line between functional furniture and sculptural art,” said the team.


Chrome and fabric chairs
The photo is by Manifold

Palace Stool by Manifold 

Yihan Chen and Fengyi Zhu of New York studio Manifold displayed four pieces of furniture made with stainless steel and aluminium frames topped with soft blue, pink, brown and creme cushions.

For the Palace Stool, the pair created a hand-bent and welded metal frame adorned with small peace and heart symbols and a leather seat to create silhouettes informed by visits to China. 


Decorative columns
The photo is by Peter Favinger

Untitled Column and Don’t Wanna Know by NJ Roseti and Caleb Ferris

In a section curated by San Francisco-based studio Studio Ahead, New York-based designers NJ Roseti and Caleb Ferris created a pair of columns to “present their own interpretation of an architectural column”. 

Roseti’s collumn juxtaposes “ornate, detailed craftsmanship of wood” with contemporary forms, while Ferris represents New York’s energy and mystery with carved maple appliqués, following the designer’s recent return to the city. 


Speakers in red room
The photo is by Matthew Gordon

Speakers by Silence Please

Speaker design studio Silence Please showcased its distinctive speakers, which are amplified with “horns”.

Its main exhibition was “completely analogue” and consisted of a vinyl player and rotary mixer surrounded by two blocks of speakers that deliver “stadium-sized sound” with “very low power”.


Lamp with yellow cover
The photo is by Matthew Gordon

Kite lamp by Tang Badham

Shawn Tang and Sachio Badham of New York studio Tang Badham presented two lamps, each with geometric shades that reference the many awnings found throughout New York’s Chinatown neighbourhood.

Standing waist high, the Kite lamp is made with an aluminium and steel frame with a bright yellow, vinyl covering. Alongside the Pine wall sconce, the pieces reflect a “delicacy and resilience” that the design studio said it tries to imbue throughout its work.

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Hennessey Venom F5-M roadster is the fastest manual transmission roadster that purists will love to drive

If you’ve got The Need for Speed then Hennessey has created the most powerful manual transmission hypercar for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The Texas-based tuner has introduced the Venom F5-M roadster with a manual gearbox that’s gated. For motorheads who get their kick from something extraordinary, the car comes with a stick shift gear. Infact, this is the first ever hypercar by the brand with manual gearshift option.

The performance car is based on the droptop roadster revealed recently, and it gets minor tweaks inside out. All the performance capabilities have been retained for peak acceleration and top speed. The speed monster gets an in-house developed twin turbocharged 6.6-liter Fury V8 engine. The M in the name denotes the 6-speed manual transmission gearbox for a very analog driving experience for die hard racing fans.

Designer: Hennessey

According to John Hennessey, the model is a true manual in every sense since it gets a clutch connected to the transmission via a cable. So, no modern day computer controlled interface for smoother gear shifts, which will please purists who want to feel every little mechanical change of the vehicle. The car can generate 1,817hp and 1,617ft-lbs of torque which is very similar to the automatic version. Considering it can hit speeds of 0-6- mph in just under 3.5 seconds, if you have the driving flair to shift gears at the right time, makes it the fastest manual transmission hypercar you can get hands on.

The subtle differences in performance compared to the USA-made version come in the form of aero elements including the carbon fiber bodywork, front canards, and dorsal fin spanning 55-inch from the roof scoop to the rear deck. This helps in achieving stability at top speeds in excess of 300 mph. To make space for the manual transmission, the interiors have also been tweaked. Theirs is an updated central console with horizontal air vents and a redesigned air conditioning control system. Classic car lovers will love the jet-inspired toggle switches for windows positioned behind the carbon fiber shifter and aluminum shift gate.

Lucky buyers will also get the privilege to choose the custom livery that pairs the exposed carbon fiber elements to the spine. The selection of bespoke colors will be deleted from the Hennessey configurator once chosen. Such is the exclusivity of this hypercar. It’s not surprising that the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster will only be made in 12 examples worldwide. For a passionate car lover who’s got $2,650,000 to spare on his collectibles, this one should be on the bucket list without an iota of doubt.

 

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7-foot iPhone 15 Pro Max is the world’s largest iPhone and it runs Android

If Steve Jobs ever knew that YouTube creators would someday run Android on an iPhone and bag a Guinness World Record for it, he probably would have never created an iPhone in the first place. Thankfully there are iPhones – in fact, iPhone 16 lineup is slated for launch today – and we get to see a giant functional replica of the currently top-of-the-line iPhone that measures 6.74 feet tall and weighs roughly 440 pounds.

If you are a DIYer or a tech aficionado there is a slim chance you haven’t heard of Matthew Perks and Arun Maini. The high-profile YouTubers, a.k.a. “DIY Perks” and “Mrwhosetheboss” respectively, have partnered to build a gigantic working replica of an iPhone 15 Pro Max. This humongous iPhone definitely destroys the very idea of a handheld phone, but despite its astounding size, it is immensely functional; which is why it has been adjudged the largest iPhone ever and awarded the official Guinness World Records for the same.

Designers: Arun Maini x Matthew Perks

From the videos about the making and the demonstration of its functionality for the record, I was convinced this is a way more powerful iPhone than Apple would ever make. But the excitement diminished slightly on learning that this Gulliver of iPhones in the Lilliput Island of smartphones runs Android with few tweaks and themed skin to achieve the iPhone appearance and functionality.

Taking nothing away from this highly detailed smartphone build: I’m back and impressed! And why not, this entire thing is built to the tune of $70,000. The construction starts with a massive LG 88-inch LG OLED TV for the touchscreen display, placed inside a specially designed aluminum casing. The hardware inside is no way short of impressive either.

Without going too much into detail, for that you’d enjoy better in the descriptive video above, this big iPhone comes with 128GB of RAM and 4TB of internal storage. The tipple camera array on the back is topped by a 45MP Canon R5 camera, sporting a 28mm lens, and a Sony RX10 Mark 4 to mimic the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto lens. With the details on the screen and in the body matching that off the inspiration iPhone, the largest iPhone can take impressive photos, recording 8K resolution videos, blast music at 50W, send emails, tap-to-pay for purchases, and even play Flappy Bird that iPhones haven’t been able to download in a decade now.

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Jell-O creates series of inflatable chairs informed by "iconic molds"

Orange chair

American brand Jell-O has released four brightly coloured inflatable chairs designed to incorporate “Y2K nostalgia and modern design”.

Available in red, orange, yellow and green, the plastic chairs’ shape resembles the circular moulds often used to create a Jell-O bundt cake and features a small cup holder for a Jell-O snack.

Orange chair
Jell-O has created furniture based on its moulds

“Jell-O is making a fun and stylish leap into the home decor space,” said the team. “Say hello to The Jelly Collection – a new line of inflatable furniture inspired by the iconic Jell-O molds.”

“The Jelly Collection features smooth, rounded curves, much like the classic Jell-O mold, creating a plush, inviting seat that offers both comfort and style.”

An inflatable orange chair
The Jelly Collection features four different colours of inflatable chairs

The chair has a series of inflatable, rounded units that represent the rounded peaks and valleys of a cake. They wrap around a central seat at different heights to form armrests and a backrest.

A small circular divet was cut into one armrest, “perfectly designed to fit” to fit a single-portion cup of the product.

Red cup holder
The chairs have a cup holder for a gelatin snack

The yellow, green, red and orange colours represent the popular flavours: lemon, lime, strawberry and orange.

Designed for “versatile use” the chairs are intended for leisure and according to the team, combine the “perfect blend of Y2K nostalgia and modern design”.

Jell-O says the decision to create the furniture is based on recent trends in “jelly-inspired” home decor and inflatable furniture among Gen-Z and Millenial consumers.

“With The Jelly Collection, we’re not just celebrating our rich history; we’re bringing it to life for today’s families,” said Kraft Heinz brand manager of desserts Tyler Parker.

Red chair
The chairs are designed to resemble molds used to make Jell-O cakes

“By blending our heritage with a modern twist, we’re inviting consumers to embrace the playful spirit that has made Jell-O a beloved favorite for generations.”

The release follows Jell-O’s “imaginative and playful” rebrand last year.

Other recent inflatable design includes a giant floating pot for a festival in The Hauge and a series of outdoor inflatable benches converted into self-defence devices for protests by Rhode Island studio Pneuhaus.

The photography is by Noah Fecks

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A Thoughtful Trucker Tries to Design a Safer Bike Light

Cyclists can be hard for motorists to see, particularly motorists in larger vehicles. British trucker Jay Singh observed this firsthand, having spent decades driving a hauling truck around the UK. Singh himself eventually took up cycling, and “after one too many close shaves while cycling in London [decided] to invent and design the safest light that can be made, making cyclists visible from all angles.”

The problem, Singh reckoned, is that conventional bike lights are limited in their directionality:

His solution is to spread the light to the sides:

His SeeMe bike light design took five years to prototype, and includes HD cameras both front and rear. Footage is captured on the included SD cards.

I’m not sure this design adequately solves the problem, but I do like the thinking behind it. And particularly that Singh has experience on both sides of the visibility problem. Having spent that much time in a truck, he understands what makes cyclists difficult to see.

The project is up on Kickstarter, with units going for $203 and expected to ship in December. At press time there were 27 days left to pledge in the nearly-funded campaign.

Cat-Friendly Furniture Concepts

These tongue-in-cheek cat-friendly furniture concepts are by Taiwanese furniture designer Jing-Cyuan Tang, a/k/a Sunriu.

Now that cats have come to dominate the internet, I do think these would sell like hotcakes (particularly if the comments on Tang’s Instagram are any indication). There is, however, a niggling UX issue that Tang admits they’ve not yet worked out: “How to clean it after a cat vomits in it.”