Tired of interacting in virtual reality with joysticks and buttons? A glove could be a good alternative to a controller. However, not many effective solutions have emerged, partly because playing with gloves can be challenging due to sweat and the limited number of games designed for wearable peripherals. The UDCAP VR Glove for SteamVR aims to change that when it exits its crowdfunding campaign and becomes widely available.

The UDCAP VR Glove by Udexreal from China isn’t just another wearable controller; it’s touted as the next-generation VR input device that allows users to interact with natural hand gestures. This claim, along with the glove’s compatibility with all current and future SteamVR games and its ability to pair effortlessly with VRChat avatars right out of the box, could pose a threat to traditional VR controllers.

Designer: UdexReal

Click Here to Buy Now: $499 $699 (29% off). Raised over $248,000. Hurry, backed by 309 backers already!

Whether you’re feeling the intensity of a game on SteamVR or expressing yourself in VRChat with hand gestures, the UDCAP glove offers complete precision and limitless flexibility. Traditional VR controllers limit natural interaction, but these VR gloves provide a natural way to interact in the virtual environment with data transmission speeds of up to 120Hz. According to the company, a pair of gloves work on a 2.4G wireless connection with a dongle for data transmission, which has under 10ms latency within a 10-meter radius.

Crafted from lycra, the 45g VR gloves are embedded with sensors made from a patented polymer material that helps collect and transmit data simultaneously. They combine precision motion capture with integrated control modules that detect and relay the subtlest hand movements. Each UDCAP VR glove is embedded with 11 sensors capable of tracking 15 different finger joints and 21 joint angles to record the most precise hand movements, relaying smooth and stable gestures in VR.

The glove controls are fully customizable, allowing users to fine-tune their experiences to match any avatar. In-game movements are controlled by thumb-controllable joysticks and AB buttons on the index finger. Their positions are adjustable and topped with rubber cushioning for long-term use. The flexibility is combined with real-time tactile feedback to enhance gameplay. As mentioned, playing or interacting in VR with gloves can get sweaty and uncomfortable.

Udexreal has addressed this problem by making the gloves breathable and comfortable. Users can easily lift a glass, type, or use a smartphone while wearing the UDCAP gloves. The electronic components can be detached and the gloves can be washed by hand in lukewarm water. If you’re convinced this can be your next VR controller, the gloves are available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter. A super early bird rebate can get you a pair for just $499.

Click Here to Buy Now: $499 $699 (29% off). Raised over $248,000. Hurry, backed by 309 backers already!

The post Perfect for SteamVR and VRChat: Experience Next-Gen VR with UDCAP Glove first appeared on Yanko Design.

OBSBOT continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital content creation with its latest addition, the Meet 2. This compact yet powerful webcam is designed for those who demand high-quality video and seamless functionality in their daily activities. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer, a creative content producer, or a professional navigating the challenges of remote work, this device is built to meet your needs. It combines cutting-edge features with top-tier performance, all within a sleek design that fits effortlessly into any workspace.

Designer: OBSBOT

Design That Fits Your Style and Offers Clear Visuals

OBSBOT Meet 2 Cloud White

Combining minimalism with functionality, the OBSBOT Meet 2 easily fits into any setup. It comes in three distinct colors—Cloud White, Space Grey, and Aurora Green—allowing you to match it with your style.

Weighing just 40.5g, it’s light and unobtrusive yet packed with features that help you create high-quality content. This device combines style with practical features, delivering professional-grade performance in a compact design.

OBSBOT Meet 2 weighs 40.5g

Visuals are captured with Ultra HD 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, ensuring every detail stands out. Whether you’re streaming a game, recording a tutorial, or joining a virtual meeting, the clarity and sharpness of your video will be noticeable. The advanced Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and 4x digital zoom ensure you can highlight key details without compromising image quality, turning your content into an engaging experience.

AI-Powered Framing and Low-Light Performance

Smart AI technology keeps you in the center of the frame, even when you’re moving around. During live streams or video calls, the AI automatically adjusts to keep you perfectly positioned, freeing you from constantly adjusting your camera. This is particularly useful in fast-paced situations where staying focused on your task is crucial.

With this webcam, low-light settings won’t compromise video quality. Its larger 1/2″ CMOS sensor and F/1.8 aperture work together to produce bright, clear images even when lighting is less than ideal. Paired with HDR technology to balance exposure, your video remains sharp and polished, whether it’s day or night.

Clear Audio That Complements the Visuals

While visuals are essential, clear audio plays an equally important role. The dual omnidirectional microphones, equipped with Noise Reduction and Auto Gain Control, capture your voice naturally and filter out background noise. This ensures that your voice remains clear and easy to understand whether you’re streaming, recording, or in a meeting. The microphones are designed to pick up sound from different angles, giving you the flexibility to move around while still delivering high-quality audio.

Beyond just technical specs, this webcam’s audio capabilities contribute to a more immersive experience for your audience. Whether you’re offering commentary during a game or presenting a topic in a virtual meeting, the natural and crisp sound keeps listeners engaged. Clear audio ensures that everyone is heard in collaborative settings, creating a more effective communication environment. This level of audio quality helps bridge the gap between virtual and in-person interactions, making it an essential tool for effective communication.

Versatile for Different Uses

This webcam is versatile enough to be useful in many different scenarios. Gamers will appreciate the 4K resolution and AI Auto Framing features, which make streams more dynamic and engaging. The camera’s ability to maintain focus on you, even during intense moments, enhances the overall viewing experience, making your streams more captivating.

For content creators, it proves to be an invaluable asset. Whether you’re recording tutorials, demos, or reviews, the high-quality visuals and intelligent framing give your content a polished, professional look. The freedom to move around without losing focus allows for more dynamic videos, reducing the hassle of constant camera adjustments.

For professionals, this webcam is a reliable tool for virtual meetings, webinars, and presentations. Its ability to perform well in low light and ensure balanced exposure means you’re always seen clearly, even in challenging environments. The high-quality microphones also ensure your voice is heard, which is critical for effective communication in remote work settings.

Time to Think About Your Setup

With the growing importance of online interactions, the need for high-quality webcams is on the rise. This device meets the need for advanced technology with a simple, user-friendly design. Compact, powerful, and affordable, it’s a valuable addition to any setup.

Whether you’re enhancing your gaming streams, improving your content creation, or elevating your virtual communications, the OBSBOT Meet 2 is designed to help you upgrade your digital presence. Consider how it could fit into your workflow and help you achieve better results.

The post The OBSBOT Meet 2 is the Perfect Compact Solution for Streaming, Content Creators, and Professionals first appeared on Yanko Design.

Chicago-based studio Wheeler Kearns Architects has created a wood-wrapped lake house with three separate structures whose design was informed “by the natural beauty and tranquillity” of Lake Michigan.

Completed in August 2022, the Meadow Lane Retreat is a multi-structure house on a wooded site in Michigan.

“By using natural materials and optimising the home’s orientation and layout, we aimed to harmonise the architecture with its environment, creating a space that is both restorative and timeless, ” Wheeler Kearns Architects principal Jon Heinert told Dezeen.

The house is separated into three blocks – the main house and entertainment block that measure 8927 square (830 square metres) and a detached garage building – that maximise privacy, views of the lake and natural light.

The two spaces are set perpendicular to the lake.

The main house – which includes the kitchen and dining room as well as two lounge spaces on the ground floor and the large primary suite above – is located on the southwestern side of the property and screens the guest house from view upon entry.

The entertainment space includes a den, recreation room, and gym and doubles as a guest house with four private suites that are entirely separate from the shared areas of the home.

In addition to forming a garden courtyard on the northeast side of the property, the blocks are sited to restore a natural stormwater ravine on the 2.55-acre property in Lakeside, Michigan.

Integrated into a bridged driveway, the ravine captures stormwater from neighbouring properties and redirects into the base of a lakefront bluff.

Excess rainwater is absorbed into permeable aggregate paving and planted roofs that serve as a pollinator source for bees.

“Natural native materials define the architectural palette, fostering a timeless connection with nature,” the team said, noting the durable species.

Selected to echo the surrounding woodlands, the ground floor is wrapped in Accoya tongue-and-groove siding stained dark and milled into narrow vertical slats to serve as a textured reference to tree trucks.

In contrast, the second floor is clad in short, interlocking domestic black locust boards that weather with a silver finish.

“At the entry, the cantilevered black locust upper level reveals a slatted white oak ceiling that extends into the living spaces,” the team said.

The whole house is set on a stereotomic limestone wall base that connects the interiors to the pool terrace through floor-to-ceiling glass openings with mitred glass corners that extend views outward in multiple directions.

“The focal point of Meadow Lane’s design is its deep connection to nature, achieved through the home’s staggered configuration, natural materials, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass openings,” the team said.

“These elements create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing sunlight to flood each room and enhancing harmony with the ever-changing surrounding vista.”

Recently, Wheeler Kearns has completed a multipurpose greenhouse with internal wood-clad living rooms for an organic farm in southwestern Michigan, an art-filled penthouse with a library wall in Chicago and a lake house with a cluster of wood-clad buildings with zig-zagging gables, also on Lake Michigan.

The photography is by Steve Hall.

Project credits:

Architect: Wheeler Kearns Architects; Jon Heinert, Emily Ray, Laura Cochran
General Contractor: Bulley & Andrews
Structural Engineer: Enspect Engineering
Landscape Architect: Hoerr Schaudt
MEP Engineer: Building Engineering Systems
Lighting Design: Lux Populi

The post Wheeler Kearns wraps Michigan lake house with two tones of wood appeared first on Dezeen.

If you haven’t noticed it yet, AI is taking over, but not in the nefarious Skynet sense. You can hear about it everywhere and, to be fair, it is actually everywhere, even when you don’t see it, let alone be aware of its existence. It’s coming to consumer devices, even when you’re not that interested in AI image generation and photo effects. To be fair, AI can do plenty to improve the computing experience, from optimizing performance to organizing our mess of data to make sense of all the notes and photos that we have taken over the years. To support that kind of AI in computers, however, you need a capable processor to handle that load, and ASUS collaborated with Intel to power this new generation of mobile computers with the latest Intel Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake chips to cover a wide range of laptops that cater to an equally varied range of users.

Designer: ASUS

ASUS Zenbook S 14 with Ceraluminum

Revealed last June at Computex 2024, the ASUS Zenbook S 14 offers not only AI prowess but, perhaps more importantly, an exquisite design that’s made to last. The new Ceraluminum material, an amalgamation of ceramic and aluminum, combines the durability of metal with the elegance and texture of glass, delivering a graceful aesthetic that belies the power inside. This attention to detail carries over to the cooling system that includes a geometric grille design composed of no less than 2,715 vents. Only 2.6 lbs light and 0.47 inches (11.9mm) thin, the Zenbook S 14 offers a delightful mobile experience that doesn’t compromise on power either.

That power is delivered by the new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, promising 47 TOPS of neural processing performance to drive those AI features, whether it’s cleaning up audio for conference calls or adding effects to video interactions. Windows’ CoPilot+ key is also there, ready to generate images, create detailed summaries, and more with just the push of a button. The laptop’s 72Wh battery and a full range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 support, allow users to take their work anywhere they go without having to worry too much about running to the nearest power outlet.

ASUS Vivobook S 14

Embracing minimalism and simplicity, the ASUS Vivobook S 14 delivers that same Intel Lunar Lake performance in a sleek and unassuming design. With a weight of 2.85 lbs and a 0.55-inch profile, this mobile computer offers a stylish companion for all your work and entertainment needs, wherever life takes you. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V and its 47 NPU TOPS performance, you also have the full range of AI features available at your fingertips.

Quality of life features for the Vivobook S 14 include a gorgeous 14-inch 16:10 OLED display and Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos speakers, a good number of I/O options, including a microSD card reader, and a large touchpad to complement an RGB backlit keyboard. A 75Wh battery promises hours of use on the go, while USB-C charging offers the flexibility to charge even when away from power outlets.

ASUS Vivobook 14/16 Flip

If flexibility is the name of the game, then the new 14-inch and 16-inch ASUS Vivobook Flip notebooks will satisfy your needs. A 360-degree hinge converts the laptop into a tablet or display, depending on the circumstances, and support for the optional ASUS Pen 2.0 helps those creative juices flow more naturally. Of course, it is also powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, giving it AI chops you can take with you anywhere.

The ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406), which is now available from ASUS’s online store, will also be available for pre-order from Best Buy starting 6th September with a starting price tag of $1,399.99. The ASUS Vivobook S 14 (Q423) has a starting price of $999.99 and will be up for pre-order from Best Buy on 5th September, with other configurations following in Q4 this year. Also launching in Q4 are the ASUS Vivobook 14 Flip and Vivobook 16 Flip, with details to be disclosed closer to their availability.

The post ASUS Zenbook S 14 with Ceraluminum lead Ubiquitous AI push with Intel Core Ultra 200V first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen School Shows: a spa that integrates natural materials including stone and mineral plaster is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Drexel University.

Also included is an education centre for agriculture in Puerto Rico and a music venue situated by the Trinity River in Dallas, USA.

Drexel University

Institution: Drexel University
School: Department of Architecture, Design and Urbanism
Courses: BArch, BS Interior Design, MS Interior Architecture and MS Design Research
Tutors: William Mangold, Dee Nicholas, Andrew Phillips and Frances Temple-West

School statement:

“Drexel University offers the nation’s top programs for experiential learning with dedicated co-op work experiences and a mission of civic engagement.

“The Department of Architecture, Design and Urbanism includes undergraduate programs in architecture and interior design and graduate programs in interior architecture, design research and urban strategy.

“Work from our programs explores qualities of place and considers that our lives are constantly shaped by the spaces we inhabit.

“At all scales, we respond to the form, light and materials of the world around us and we actively engage our social and natural environments.

“Through research and design interventions, our work enhances our lives and promotes community.”

Architecture as Séance: A Dialogue Across Time by Lauren Tennenbaum

“Architecture embodies both history and visions of the future.

“The way we inhabit old buildings then can be a form of seance: a dialogue with the ghosts of our past to grapple with history and take agency in constructing heritage.

“Utilising Philadelphia’s landmark brutalist Roundhouse building – former home of the Philadelphia Police Department – this thesis explores how design can amplify or subvert experiences of place and history, enabling us to reimagine our relationship with the past as an active conversation, always in progress.”

Student: Lauren Tennenbaum
Course: MS Interior Architecture
Tutor: William Mangold

The Mix: Adapting to Gentrification Through Community Place-Making by Ananya Vijayendra

“This thesis project focuses on addressing socio-economic disparities in the Chelsea neighbourhood of New York City through strategic design interventions.

“Unlike typical gentrification that causes physical displacement, Chelsea is experiencing ’emotional displacement’ where long-term residents feel out of place amid rapid development.

“The project creates ‘third spaces’ – community-oriented areas separate from home and work that facilitate social interaction between different socio-economic groups.”

Student: Ananya Vijayendra
Course: MS Interior Architecture
Tutor: Sarah Lippmann

Temple at Tiffany’s: Finding Meaning in Contemporary Material Culture by Nihitha Sreenath

“Temple at Tiffany’s is a set of interior interventions that explore our complicated relationship with material culture.

“The project examines our aspirations of luxury and questions widely accepted symbols of status and appearances.

“Tiffany’s is a symbol of prestige that operates through mechanisms of reification, fetishisation and phantasmagoria to construct meaning and produce objects that embody wealth and power.

“The interventions within the flagship Tiffany’s store on fifth Avenue in New York City engage with the tension inherent in these mechanisms of status – we adore these luxury objects, yet they perpetuate stark inequalities.”

Student: Nihitha Sreenath
Course: MS Interior Architecture
Tutor: William Mangold

The Connemera Greens: Kylemore Abby Hospitality Project by Jules Pipinos

“Transforming an old Irish castle into a destination hospitality venue is a vital step in cultural preservation, offering a unique blend of history and modern luxury.

“This initiative not only safeguards the architectural heritage of the castle but also breathes new life into its storied halls, making them accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

“By incorporating live music, several bars and lounges, the project creates a vibrant social hub that celebrates Irish culture and traditions.”

Student: Jules Pipinos
Course: BS Interior Design
Tutor: Karen Pelzer

Agricultural Education Center in Puerto Rico by Almudena Munoz Ferran

“This agriculture education centre located in Puerto Rico will house volunteers in an immersive education program who want to learn how to work and cultivate their own land.

“The program will give them the necessary tools to create their farm or garden in Puerto Rico or wherever they choose to do so.

“The building will also serve as a community space, offering neighbours a place to meet, shop for fresh produce and take an array of classes, including on topics related to home gardens.

“The project is meant to address the lack of agricultural production in Puerto Rico in a holistic and vibrant way.”

Student: Almudena Munoz Ferran
Course: BS Interior Design
Tutor: Marie Mastrobattista

Museum for History and Cultural Expression by Adelyn Winger

“This thesis explores recent controversies surrounding ethnographic museums and the decolonisation of art, with the goal of designing a space that is culturally sensitive and can pioneer a new age of museums.

“This space will combine classical elements with modern technology to create a 21st-century museum that paves the way for the future of education and curation, whilst attracting people from various cultural backgrounds to come together and learn.

“The space will function as an educational and community space for users to have a cup of coffee and write or sketch.”

Student: Adelyn Winger
Course: BS Interior Design
Tutor: Frances Temple-West

Footprints of Urban Heritage, Revitalising Kembang Jepun by Anjelica Soesanto

“Once a vibrant place where my grandparents fell in love, Kembang Jepun now suffers from a declining population, making it an unfavourable and unsafe area.

“My thesis suggests rejuvenating this historic street by honouring its urban heritage and attracting people to live, work and socialise there again.

“I propose a design inspired by vernacular Indonesian architecture for the heart of Kembang Jepun that includes mixed-use buildings and street amenities tailored to residents and visitors, creating ‘third places’ at multiple scales that serve as anchors of community life.”

Student: Anjelica Soesanto
Course: BArch
Tutor: Kelly Vresilovic

Reshaping the Trinity: The Dual Performance of Critical Infrastructure by Rachel Sasson

“The project considers the dual ability of the Trinity River to function as both essential stormwater infrastructure and a vibrant public space.

“The floodway, an expansive landscape between two levees, has historically divided Dallas communities both physically and socially.

“The proposed redesign integrates ecological strategies to manage water, with features including a dynamic stage for outdoor music, house ticketing, vending and other support programmes.”

Student: Rachel Sasson
Course: BArch
Tutor: Joanne Aitken

Beyond Birth: Crafting Supportive Postpartum Environments by Teagan Robinson

“There are three million pregnant women in the United States each year, and many feel like candy wrappers: packaging to be discarded after use.

“American apathy towards the female experience after birth is reflected in our lack of standardised postpartum care.

“This has contributed to one of the highest maternal death rates in the developed world, with more than half occurring after birth – according to the World Health Organisation, many of these deaths are preventable with proper postpartum care.

“This thesis explores the role of interior design in providing this crucial support, aiming to improve outcomes for both mothers and infants.”

Student: Teagan Robinson
Course: MS Interior Architecture
Tutor: Jihyun Song

Reflective Effect: Materiality Impact on Embodied Cognition in Experience Design by Banan Baeesa

“This thesis explores the relationship between humans and the environment by combining reflective materials and immersive design.

“Reflective surfaces can transform spaces and their symbolic and illusionary aspects blur the traditional boundaries between internal and external characteristics.

“It can bridge the gap between the occupants and the surrounding space and is a spatial phenomenon that allows people to observe themselves in their surroundings.

“Reflective materials in interior spaces create engaging and immersive user experiences by taking advantage of our embodied cognition, and these materials aid in the physical body’s complete immersion in its environment.”

Student: Banan Baeesa
Course: MS Interior Architecture
Tutor: Telsa Love

Nature Connection: Integrating Nature into Sensory Design by Chi-Ying Lin

“This thesis explores the integration of sensory and natural design elements within a spa environment to enhance mental wellbeing and create a transformative experience.

“The design utilises visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile stimuli to craft a holistic experience that is aesthetically pleasing and promotes relaxation and ease.

“The use of natural materials such as wood, stone and mineral plasters, along with strategic placement of plants and water features, aims to replicate the calming effects of the natural world.”

Student: Chi-Ying Lin
Course: MS Interior Architecture
Tutor: Lisa Patusky

Entwine – Elementary Education Interwoven with Nature by Yael Asman

“Entwine is a fun elementary school that I would have loved to send my kids to.

“When working on this project, I aimed to create a design that is a plethora of engaging experiences related to the natural environment.

“This is conceived as architecture that is dynamic and multifaceted at some locations and peaceful and harmonious at others; however, the principal idea of the design is employing the natural environment as a tool to inspire natural curiosity and motivation of independent learning.”

Student: Yael Asman
Course: BArch
Tutor: Kelly Vresilovic

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Drexel University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Drexel University spotlights twelve architecture and design student projects appeared first on Dezeen.