Hasta La Ideas

American amp company Fender has teamed up with German audio manufacturer Teufel on the Rockster Cross, a large, loud, wearable Bluetooth speaker.

Like boomboxes of yore, this is meant to be toted around—but slung from one’s shoulder, rather than hoisted on it. There’s an included Fender guitar strap, and the rear side of the speaker has a curve in it to correspond with the human body.

Image: TechTesters

Image: HiFi

The 30-watt speaker features two tweeters, a woofer and two passive radiators. Audio reviewers say the thing can be cranked without suffering the distortion common with other Bluetooth speakers.

It’s got an IPX5 water resistance rating.

The massive battery provides 16 hours of runtime, with the trade-off being that the speaker weighs nearly 9 pounds.

These run $200.

It wasn’t all that long ago that light bulbs looked like this:

Now, this is the state-of-the-art:

That’s the Star Bulb, by Chinese lighting technology company Moonside Design. The linear, illuminated elements you see are the chip-on-board (CoB) LEDs, whereas the square thingies, of which there are 96, are adjustable full-color LEDs.

The idea being that this bulb can put out multiple colors at the same time.

The lights can even be animated. For my tastes, it’s a bit extreme for a domestic environment, but would probably be desirable for event spaces and bars.

Here’s how you adjust the thing:

The pricing is also more in line with a commercial environment: These start out at $37 a pop, with slight discounts available if you purchase in bulk.

Apple AirPods have become an essential gadget for many, providing high-quality audio and seamless integration with Apple devices. However, to enhance your AirPods experience, a range of innovative accessories can add style, functionality, and convenience. We have curated a collection of the top five accessories for Apple AirPods that will elevate your wireless audio experience.

These top five accessories for Apple AirPods offer a blend of style, protection, and functionality that enhances your listening experience. Whether you’re a fan of superhero-themed gadgets, nostalgic designs, or luxurious craftsmanship, there’s an accessory here that caters to your unique tastes and needs.

1. Casetify Iron Man Case

Casetify has collaborated with Marvel to create an Iron Man-themed case for AirPods. This one is a must-have for superhero fans, and it will convert your standard AirPods case into a mini Iron Man helmet. The case is visually eye-catching and also quite functional, equipped with a stand and a carabiner clip for easy attachment.

The case features super cool light-up eyes which are powered by a CR2032 coin battery. The eyes glow in the iconic blue hue when the helmet is closed. The case does not charge your AirPods, but it serves as a unique and interesting way to store them. So whenever you carry your AirPods with you, you’re sure to leave a mark. The Iron Man AirPods case is a collector’s item that brings a touch of Tony Stark’s genius and flair to your everyday tech.

What we like

• Eye-catching design with light-up eyes adds a unique flair.
• Includes a stand and carabiner clip for versatile carrying options.

What we dislike

• Not pocket-friendly due to its bulky design.
• Does not provide charging functionality.

2. AirPods/ AirPods Pro Neck Strap

Called the AirPods/ AirPods Pro Neck Strap, this accessory is practical and yet stylish. It will make sure that you never lose your AirPods ever again. It features beautifully woven ropes which will convert your AirPods into a stylish necklace. You can wear your AirPods around your neck, keeping them near you always.

The neck strap is equipped with a patented magnetic lock that keeps the two buds securely in place when not being used. This ensures that they never fall off or get lost. The strap is available in different colors – Daisy Yellow, Panther Black, and Midnight Blue. You can select the one that perfectly matches your AirPods with your outfit. It combines fashion and functionality, providing peace of mind and a touch of style to your wireless audio experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.

What we like

• Stylish design with a variety of color options.
• A patented magnetic lock keeps AirPods secure and prevents loss.

What we dislike

• May not appeal to those who prefer a minimalist look.

3. elago Pager Case

Designed by Elago, this Pager AirPods Case is a throwback to the 90s, since it looks like a classic pager. The cover is created for the latest AirPods 4, and it is a part of Elago’s nostalgic design series. The case is built from durable silicone, and it provides great impact resistance, ensuring your AirPods are protected from scratches and bumps.

The case features a faux screen that displays Apple’s iconic “Hello” in a retro calculator-style front. It glows in the dark, replicating the backlit displays of old pagers. This feature enhances the nostalgic appeal while ensuring your AirPods are easily accessible in low-light conditions. The Pager AirPods Case comes with a chain and clip, allowing you to attach it securely to your pocket or bag.

What we like

• Nostalgic pager design with glow-in-the-dark features.
• Made from durable, shock-proof silicone for superior protection.

What we dislike

• May not appeal to those unfamiliar with pagers.
• Chain and clip may not suit everyone’s style preferences.

4. The Case

Designed by Mohammed, ‘The Case’ is a luxurious accessory that converts your AirPods into a lovely piece of art. The case is Baroque-inspired and it features intricate floral carvings and an oxidized silver finish. This gives the case a lovely jewel-like appearance. The unique design makes your AirPods case look sophisticated and refined.

The case is only limited to 100 units, and it is a collector’s item. It is outfitted with serial numbers, and the word “Limited Edition” is elegantly etched on its surface. The charging case on the front is complemented by a rotating lock mechanism, adding a touch of elegance and functionality.

What we like

• Luxurious design with intricate floral carvings and oxidized silver finish.
• Limited edition status adds exclusivity and collector’s appeal.

What we dislike

• Limited availability may make it difficult to purchase.
• Higher price point due to its artistic design and craftsmanship.

5. The Nomad 65W AC Adapter

Dubbed the Nomad 65W AC Adapter is a versatile and innovative charging solution designed for Apple users. This device charges multiple devices quickly, and pretty efficiently. The brick has a unique design amped with a wireless charging pad on top. It is compatible with both Apple Watch and AirPods that support wireless charging.

The adapter is portable and compact, making it a perfect accessory for those who travel often. It can charge multiple devices in one go, without cluttering up your home or office. It serves as a practical and functional addition to any tech setup, offering a convenient and efficient way to power your devices.

What we like

• Supports wireless charging for both Apple Watch and AirPods.
• Fast charging capabilities for Apple Watch Series 7 and later.

What we dislike

• Only compatible with devices that support wireless charging.
• May require additional cables for devices that do not support wireless charging.

The post The 5 Best Accessories To Level Up Your AirPods Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

The proliferation of video games has proven that this form of entertainment transcends stereotypical age and gender boundaries. Everyone can play and enjoy games, whether on their computers or on their phones. The problem is that most of these games presume that people have full control over their bodies, particularly their hands.

Accessibility controls do exist, though primarily for the two major console platforms. PC gamers, especially those used to keyboards and mice, are unfortunately left to fend for themselves. This concept design tries to level the playing field, no pun intended, with an input device primarily catering to PC gamers with certain physical handicaps. But like any accessible design, it could even benefit “normal” players as well.

Designer: Shivangee Tilak

Created using Luxion Technology (luxion.com)

Created using Luxion Technology (luxion.com)

It’s definitely encouraging to see a lot of focus being paid to gamer accessibility, but most of the narratives revolve around people with complete hand disabilities. Of course, these can benefit all gamers but designs that cater to temporarily disabled people are rarely covered. IGI, or the Inclusive Gaming Interface, is a design concept that does exactly that, targeting gamers with temporary arm injuries, mild arthritis, stroke survivors, or even those with cerebral palsy. And, yes, it works for non-disabled gamers as well.

The shape of the IGI is probably familiar to PC gamers, taking the form of a one-handed keyboard used by the “pros.” They say the devil is in the details, and that’s definitely the case here. Every aspect of this keyboard is not only made with ergonomics and accessibility in mind but also to allow the customization of that experience to fit the needs of the user.

For example, the height of the keys increases as the row moves further away, making them easier to reach without overstretching, and these can be adjusted using a pin on the side of the keyboard. The thumb unit that has a few shortcut buttons can actually be removed and switched to either side of the device, making it an ambidextrous and modular design. There are also detachable palm and wrist cushions, though some will probably question the ergonomics of those designs.

Almost everything about the IGI keyboard is customizable thanks to its modular design and programmable parts. That’s something not only convenient for regular gamers but also critical for those with special needs. Best of all, you can also theoretically mix and match module designs, though the base unit will have a fixed theme. It’s definitely an interesting concept that doesn’t depart too much from convention, though its actual benefits have yet to be tested in the real world.

The post One-handed keyboard concept is an inclusive tool for gamers with disabilities first appeared on Yanko Design.

British designer Tom Dixon has collaborated with Greek studio A31 Architecture on Aimasia Residence, a villa in Mykonos built around an existing stone wall.

Located in the Elia region, the 850-square-metre home was designed by A31 Architecture, with interiors led by Dixon’s interior design arm Design Research Studio.

Nestled on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, the surrounding rocky landscape informed the teams’ design for Aimasia Residence.

An existing 62-metre-long granite wall formed the “spine” of the home’s layout and influenced the material choices inside.

“What struck us immediately was the geology and rockiness of the island, which informed and inspired a lot of the touches, specifically the integrated bathrooms where we’re using local stone,” Dixon told Dezeen.

“A31 Architecture has inserted the villa into the landscape, and the spine of the building is the dry stone wall, which is actually supporting the building.”

Aimasia Residence has a roof topped with planting that curves out of the sloped site, designed to have a distinct appearance from the boxy white buildings typically found in the region.

“All the buildings in the area are trying to copy something from the past,” said A31 founder Praxitelis Kondylis.

“We didn’t want to be mimical,” he continued. “You have to be inspired by tradition, you don’t have to copy tradition.”

An entrance area, living room, dining room, and kitchen were arranged in an L-shaped layout, separated by partition walls and wrapped with full-height sliding glass doors that open onto an outdoor terrace and infinity pool.

A bedroom and ensuite are located behind the kitchen on the ground floor, and above it is a second bedroom that opens onto a small pool.

Curved elements were introduced in the rounded ends of the granite kitchen island, as well as the built-in showers and the corner of the roof that extends to shade part of the outdoor terrace.

“With these big, square, minimal concrete walls, it’s always nice to bring in a curve,” said Dixon. “Even in a hard material, a curve with an integrated light like in the shower gives you these moments that are slightly less angular.”

Large rocks were suspended over two staircases on the ground floor, leading to a lower level with a wine cellar, gym, steam room, and staff areas.

Three guest bedrooms on the lower floor were built along the existing stone wall, which was left exposed inside, and concrete partition wall headboards were tinted with local soil.

Further down the sloped site is a separate bedroom that branches off the main house, with its own small pool overlooking the hills.

Most of the concrete surfaces at Aimasia Residence were left exposed in the home, including board-marked concrete ceilings.

Dark, fumed oak doors were used for wardrobes and cabinets, and different types of stone were used in the bathrooms.

Furniture pieces by Dixon feature throughout Aimasia Residence, including the sculptural S-Chair and Plyon Chair.

Dixon also used the home as an opportunity to test prototype products and new designs, such as custom disk-shaped lighting over the kitchen island, and sculptures and wall art made from papier mache, metal and wood.

Dixon’s designs were displayed alongside other iconic design pieces, including lamps by Japanese-American designer Isamu Noguchi and Italian designer Achille Castiglioni, and a Camaleonda sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini.

Other interiors by Dixon’s Design Research Studio include a restaurant in Milan that doubles as a furniture showroom and a cocktail lounge in Atlanta, Georgia. A31 Architecture has previously designed a concrete art studio in Greece with an arched roof.

The photography is by Mike Kelley.

Project credits:

Architecture: A31 Architecture
Interior design: Tom Dixon and Design Research Studio
Lighting design: ASlight
Landscape architecture: Archetopo Landscape Architecture
Structural design: Giannis Psarras
MEP design: Tekem Sa Mechanical Electrical and Infrastructure Consulting Engineers
Developer: Orizon Development

The post Local geology informs Mykonos hillside villa by Tom Dixon and A31 Architecture appeared first on Dezeen.