Human Mobile Devices, or HMD, is a Finnish white-label manufacturer that started producing Nokia’s phones in 2016. This year they stepped out from the curtain to reveal their own line of smartphones, the HMD Pulse.

Notably, this line of smartphones is designed to be repaired:

“HMD calls it ‘Gen 1 repairability’, empowering owners to replace a damaged display, bent charging port, or a depleted battery, without an engineering degree,” the company writes. “Users can simply pick up a self-repair kit in partnership with iFixit.”

“Our approach spans the whole lifecycle of our devices: We make devices that last; we help keep devices in use for longer; and we harvest recycled materials – then we do it again.”

The phones run Android 14 and are 4G rather than 5G, which goes some way towards explaining the Pulse line’s shockingly low prices. (“Bougie device. Basic price” is the company’s tagline.) The entry-level Pulse is £100 (USD $127), the Pulse + is £130 (USD $166) and the Pulse Pro is £150 (USD $191).

All three models are the same size, 163mm (6.4″) tall, 75mm (3″) wide and 8.55mm (0.3″) thick. What distinguishes the models are the cameras: Front/rear for each model are 8 MP/13 MP, 8 MP/50 MP and 50 MP/50 MP, respectively.

Also, all of those prices can be reduced via trade-ins.

Between the cheap asking price and the ability to self-repair the phones, I imagine these will fly off of the shelves. One place they won’t, however, is in the ‘States; they’re currently unavailable here. That’s a shame, as industry analyst Ben Wood reports nearly half of U.S. customers “would like to have a [post-warranty smartphone] repaired at a reasonable cost rather than replacing it with a new device.”

This is a bad time to be an automotive supplier. Following the pandemic, raw materials costs, labor costs and interest rates have risen. But most of the major automotive manufacturers refuse to absorb these costs and instead squeeze the suppliers. And “despite this, carmakers continue to record rising profits,” writes Foley & Lardner, a law firm that practices in the manufacturing sector. While those rising profits roll in for the carmakers, one supplier after another has gone bankrupt.

This is short-sighted, and dumb. But at least one company is doing the right thing, as revealed in a surprising press release from the German Rubber Industry Association. Association President Michael Klein starts out by detailing the distressing state of affairs: “Fair cooperation [between carmakers and suppliers] has made automobile manufacturing ‘Made in Germany’ so successful and has secured us as a society economically. That can no longer be said today.” While costs rise for suppliers, “we hardly experience any concessions in our delivery obligations to the automobile industry.

“This makes Toyota’s current approach all the more astonishing and significant,” says Klein. While German and French carmakers in the region refuse to absorb rising costs, “Toyota is currently supporting its suppliers with billions in order to enable salary increases and thus develop and protect its own supply chain.” 

Toyota has been absorbing these “justified” price increases since 2022, Klein adds.

“Toyota is now demonstrating impressively that a partnership based on cooperation and fairness is sustainable and economical in the long term. For everyone involved. And the Japanese car manufacturer is actually living up to its own advertising slogan: Nothing is impossible!”

It’s stunning to me that the German manufacturers won’t support their own suppliers in the same manner. Some 99 percent of all German companies are Mittelstand, a/k/a SMEs, according to Germany’s Ministry for Economic Affairs; they’re the backbone of the economy, producing over half of the country’s economic output and providing 60% of the jobs.

I couldn’t find comparable information on how Toyota treats their U.S. suppliers, though the company’s North American arm does say, in a report on their awards program for suppliers, that “We treat each supplier as a partner to produce and deliver world-class vehicles” and that “each Toyota plant helps to sustain a community.” I wonder how long the rest of the big dogs think they can look the other way.

The Sonos Ace is an exceptional pair of over-ear headphones that seamlessly combines superior audio, sophisticated design, and comfort. Crafted with sustainable materials, the Sonos Ace embodies an environmentally friendly ethos without falling short on performance. Its soft memory foam ear cushions and lightweight design make it ideal for long-term use. The headphones offer a vibrant and immersive audio experience, with lossless audio via Bluetooth, top-notch noise cancellation, and a wide dynamic range. The user-friendly interface, characterized by a versatile button arrangement and smooth integration with the Sonos ecosystem, makes the Sonos Ace appealing to sound enthusiasts and everyday listeners.

Designer: Sonos

Aesthetics and Design

The Sonos Ace headphones are built with high-quality materials that balance durability and a premium feel. They use flexible plastics to keep them lightweight, while sturdy metals ensure they’re strong and long-lasting. The ear cushions and headband are covered in vegan leather, giving them a luxurious touch that’s also soft and eco-friendly.

Sonos Ace

When it comes to looks, the Sonos Ace keeps it simple and stylish. They come in two colors, Sonos Black and Soft White, chosen to appeal to a wide range of tastes. The minimalist and sleek design makes these headphones look fabulous regardless of your style. The overall aesthetic is clean and modern, with smooth finishes and a seamless integration of materials. This attention to detail shows the care and thought that went into their design.

Despite their premium build, the Sonos Ace headphones are designed to be portable. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for home or on the go. The Sonos logo and color-coded ear cups enhance the design and contribute to the user-friendly aspect, making it easy to identify the correct way to wear the headphones.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The Sonos Ace prioritizes user comfort, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. Its ergonomic design includes pillowy, soft memory foam ear cushions and a lightweight build, ensuring that the headphones rest gently on your ears and head. This thoughtful construction prevents the development of pressure points, even during long periods of use.

One key feature contributing to the Ace’s comfort is the headband. It has been carefully designed with the right curvature and clamping force to provide a secure fit without being too tight. This ensures that the weight is evenly distributed, preventing any discomfort. The ear cups are also shaped to accommodate various ear sizes and shapes, which further enhances the fit and comfort.

I must confess that I’m usually an in-ear monitor or earbud person, so over-the-ear headphones never really appealed to me—until the Ace. One of the biggest issues I’ve had with other over-the-ear headphones is that they’re often big and bulky. Additionally, most of them have poorly designed ear cups that don’t stay in place, so I constantly have to adjust them as they slide up and down. The Ace fixed both of these issues for me. The overall design is low profile, and the flex is just right, while the ear cups lock in place all day long, no matter what I’m doing.

The replaceable ear cushions, wrapped in vegan leather, add another layer of convenience and sustainability. If the cushions wear out over time, they can be easily swapped out, extending the life of the headphones and maintaining comfort. The Sonos Ace’s ergonomic design makes it perfect for all-day wear, with features that cater to various head shapes and sizes, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without exerting excessive pressure.

Button Layout and Features

The Sonos Ace features a well-thought-out button layout that enhances user experience, making it easy to navigate various functions without needing to look at the controls. On the left ear cup, you’ll find the power button and the USB-C port for charging and connection. This positioning ensures that the essential functions are easily accessible. The headphones also support a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatility in connectivity options. The power button is easy to use, enabling quick power on and off as well as Bluetooth pairing initiation with a long press.

The right ear cup houses the primary controls, designed for ease of use. One of the key features is the Content Key, a mechanical slider. This tactile button allows you to adjust the volume by sliding it up or down, skip tracks by pressing the slider, and manage calls with a simple press. Holding the Content Key enables the seamless switch between the Sonos Ace and other Sonos devices, such as the Arc soundbar. Be sure to go through the setup using the Sonos app. This feature is handy for users who want to effortlessly switch from their headphones to their home sound system.

In addition to the Content Key, the right ear cup has buttons for changing noise cancellation modes. Users can switch between active noise cancellation (ANC) and Aware Mode or turn off noise cancellation entirely. This flexibility allows for a personalized listening experience, whether in a noisy or quiet environment.

The Sonos logo on the right ear cup serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it helps you quickly identify the right side of the headphones. Secondly, the logo’s tactile texture acts as a guide, making it easier for your fingers to locate and operate the buttons without needing to look at them. This thoughtful design detail enhances the overall user experience, especially on the go.

The Sonos Ace’s button layout blends intuitive design and practical functionality. The strategic placement of the power button and USB-C port on the left ear cup, combined with the comprehensive controls on the right ear cup, ensures that users can easily manage their listening experience. Using the Sonos logo as a tactile guide further enhances usability, making these headphones a joy to use. Whether you’re adjusting the volume, switching tracks, or changing noise cancellation modes, the Sonos Ace provides a seamless and intuitive user experience.

Performance of the Sonos Ace

Listening to music with the Sonos Ace headphones is an absolute pleasure. The intricate fingerpicking and solo guitar work in “Hotel California” by the Eagles (Live on MTV, 1994) capture amazing detail. Each pluck of the strings sounds crystal clear, and the natural resonance of the acoustic guitars makes it feel like you’re right there at the performance.

Don Henley’s vocals come through with warmth and precision, allowing you to appreciate the subtle nuances and emotional depth of his performance. Even in more intense moments, the headphones maintain a perfect balance, ensuring that every track element is heard clearly. True to Sonos’ heritage of premium products, every detail is expertly crafted, custom-designed, and tuned by the world’s leading sound experts to give you a listening experience unlike any other.

Clarity in the vocals and instrumental elements shines beautifully in “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. His voice comes through with sharpness and precision, bringing out every detail of his iconic performance. The hi-hat and snare hits are crisp and precise, keeping the groove tight and infectious.

Balanced frequency response is another area where these headphones excel. The intricate piano solo in the middle of “Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet delivers remarkable balance and detail. The saxophone lines are clear and accurate, highlighting the Ace’s ability to handle mid-range tones beautifully. The double bass provides a deep, resonant foundation, showing the Ace’s capability to deliver powerful and controlled bass.

Deep bass management stands out in “Royals” by Lorde. The bass is powerful yet never overwhelming, providing a solid foundation for the track without overshadowing the vocals. Lorde’s clear, upfront vocals come through with exceptional clarity, allowing every nuance of her performance to shine through.

The dynamic range is impressive, handling wide variations in volume and intensity. A perfect track to demonstrate this capability is “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. The dramatic shifts in volume and intensity during the operatic middle section are managed seamlessly. The quiet moments, like the piano and vocal introduction, are equally impressive, reproducing subtle, delicate sections with clarity. The Ace handles dynamic shifts without losing detail, letting you fully experience the emotional highs and lows of the track.

The drum solo towards the end of “Take Five” further highlights the dynamic range. The headphones manage a wide range of volumes and intensities without losing any detail, allowing the listener to appreciate the full spectrum of the performance. The crescendos in the saxophone melody emphasize this capability as the Ace transitions from soft to loud passages smoothly, maintaining clarity and precision throughout.

Instrument separation is another area where the Ace excels. The dual guitar solos towards the end of “Hotel California” are distinct and well-separated. The Ace keeps each instrument clear and defined, letting you focus on individual elements of the performance. The precise reproduction of drum fills throughout the track ensures that the percussion stands out without overpowering the other components.

Exceptional instrument separation also shines in “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1” by Pink Floyd. The expansive soundstage created by the headphones allows the atmospheric guitar echoes in the intro to come to life. The various synth effects are handled beautifully, providing a sense of space that enhances the immersive quality of the song. Sonos Ace’s ported acoustic architecture delivers exceptional depth and an ultra-wide soundstage, remaining incredibly clear.

These headphones deliver a wide and immersive soundstage, making you feel surrounded by the music. This is particularly evident in “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1,” where the atmospheric guitar echoes and various synth effects create a sense of space that enhances the track’s immersive quality. The precise placement of instruments within the soundstage ensures that each element is heard in its intended location, adding to the realism of the listening experience.

In “Take Five,” the soundstage and imaging capabilities shine through. The saxophone, piano, and drums are all positioned clearly within the soundstage, allowing you to appreciate the spatial arrangement of the performance. This accurate imaging provides a more realistic and engaging listening experience, making it easy to visualize the musicians’ positions on stage.

The complex, multi-layered arrangement of “Bohemian Rhapsody” also benefits from the Ace’s excellent soundstage and imaging. Each vocal layer and instrumental part is clearly defined and positioned within the soundstage, making the operatic middle section sound grand and theatrical.

Bass response is another strong point for the Sonos Ace. The deep, driving bass line in “Billie Jean” is delivered with tight control and power, highlighting the Ace’s ability to handle low frequencies without distortion. The bass is punchy and rhythmic, providing a solid foundation for the track without overwhelming the other elements.

“Royals” demonstrates the Ace’s ability to manage deep bass with perfect control and depth. The bass is powerful yet never overwhelming, providing a solid foundation for the track without overshadowing the vocals. This balance ensures that every part of the track is heard as intended, with the bass providing a strong but controlled presence.

Handling strong, iconic bass lines, “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” emphasizes the Ace’s capability. The powerful bass line at the beginning of the track is delivered with precision and depth, showcasing the headphones’ ability to handle low frequencies with power and control. This strong bass response enhances the overall impact of the track, making it more engaging and immersive.

In addition to these classics, the Sonos Ace excels with modern tracks. “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran is a great example. You can immediately feel the bass from the synth and hear the wide strings panning left and right, leaving ample room for the lead vocal to shine through the center of the mix.

“What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish highlights the Ace’s ability to reproduce the clarity of vocals. You can hear the sibilance and breathing in Billie’s performance, demonstrating how effectively just piano and vocals can create a personal, dynamic experience.

For podcasts, “The First Belle” from The Last City illustrates the Ace’s ability to deliver crisp dialogue. The headphones render mid-range frequencies with precision and clarity, ensuring the human voice sounds natural and intelligible.

The immersive experience of Dolby Atmos is evident in “Praise the Lord” by Breland. The distant and spacious guitar sounds and the distinct hand claps on opposite sides of the mix demonstrate Ace’s ability to separate and highlight individual instruments, creating an immersive and detailed listening experience.

Lossless Audio Over Bluetooth and Noise Cancellation

One key feature of the Sonos Ace is its support for lossless audio over Bluetooth, which will be available when the product launches to customers on June 5. This feature utilizes Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound AptX for Lossless, allowing high-fidelity audio streaming from compatible devices. Note that this functionality is unavailable for early reviews but will significantly enhance the listening experience upon release.

The Sonos Ace’s noise cancellation is amazing. The biggest test was doing yard work with a leaf blower blowing air at nearly 200 mph, and I could barely hear a sound. This impressive performance is thanks to the constant monitoring and use of all the mics, ensuring an almost silent experience in noisy environments.

Combining all these elements, the Sonos Ace is an exceptional pair of over-ear headphones. Whether it’s the intricate guitar work of “Hotel California,” the punchy bass of “Billie Jean,” or the dynamic complexity of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Ace delivers an extraordinary listening experience that sets it apart. Everyday listeners, audiophiles, and casual music fans alike will appreciate the thoughtful design, impressive sound quality, and overall performance of these headphones. The sophisticated design of Sonos Ace cradles you in comfort with its pillowy soft memory foam ear cushions and lightweight build, making it perfect for all-day wear.

Sustainability of the Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace impresses with its sound, design, and commitment to being eco-friendly. From the start, these headphones are built with sustainability in mind.

One of the Ace’s notable features is its use of materials. Made with 70% recycled plastic, these headphones help reduce waste. The ear cushions and headband are wrapped in vegan leather, which is still comfy and better for the environment.

The carry case is another win for the environment. Made from 75% recycled polyester from old plastic bottles, it helps reduce the overall environmental impact.

The replaceable ear cushions are a great feature. If the headphones wear out over time, you don’t have to toss the whole thing. Just swap out the cushions, and you’re good to go. This extends the life of the headphones and reduces waste.

The Ace also has an auto-pause feature to conserve battery life. Sensors in each ear cup detect when the headphones are removed, pausing playback automatically. This reduces the frequency of recharging, extending the battery’s lifespan and cutting down on energy use.

Sonos has created a product that balances high-quality audio, exceptional comfort, and eco-friendly design elements. It’s a solid choice for environmentally conscious consumers who don’t want to sacrifice performance for sustainability.

Value and Verdict

At $449, the Sonos Ace offers tremendous value for those seeking high-quality over-ear headphones. Its blend of superior sound quality, comfortable design, and advanced features makes it a strong contender in its price range. Unlike many bulky alternatives, the Ace delivers a low-profile design without compromising durability or performance. Replaceable vegan leather ear cushions and sustainable materials add to its long-term appeal.

From the seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem to the impressive noise cancellation that makes even the loudest leaf blower almost silent, the Ace covers all bases. The intuitive button layout, particularly the Content Key, ensures easy operation whether you’re adjusting the volume, skipping tracks, or switching between devices. With 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature that provides three hours of playback with just a three-minute charge, the Ace is built for extended use. It’s perfect for everyday listeners who want both comfort and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone in the market for top-notch headphones.

The post Sonos Ace Headphones Review: Comfort, Sound Quality, and Sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen Showroom: an elongated tile shape and elegant arched relief pattern distinguish the Hopp tile collection, made by Spanish brand Equipe Cerámicas.

Equipe Cerámicas describes the Hopp tiles as “an irresistibly beautiful product with an elegant and architectural design”.

The tiles have a slim format and come in either a plain surface design or a decor tile with a relief pattern consisting of a slender line that branches into arches at the top and bottom.

Decor tiles are versatile, as they can be used to make a pattern of almost infinite lines or broken up and individualised through the placement of plain tiles.

Hopp tiles are available in a selection of ten colours, with a matt finish that is soft to the touch, according to the brand.

Equipe Cerámicas is part of Tile of Spain, an association of over 100 tile manufacturers. Its tiles can be used to help gain green building certifications such as LEED, BREEAM and VERDE.

Product details:

Product: Hopp
Brand: Equipe Cerámicas
Contact: info@equipeceramicas.com

Material: ceramic
Colours/finishes: White, Grey, Graphite, Sand, Taupe, Golden, Terra, Green, Laurel Green and Blue
Dimensions: 50 x 400 millimetres

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen’s huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Hopp tile collection by Equipe Cerámicas appeared first on Dezeen.

Restaurants, bars, a hotel and more in the flourishing Italian city

Italy may be a nation that celebrates heritage, but Milan continues to break from convention and invest in new experiences for visitors. Whether it’s a fresh take on design, a unique new concept or the smallest detail that makes the biggest difference, the city has seen a boost in hotels, restaurants, bars, installations and exhibitions. The following eight highlights feel fresh in a city that we’re constantly passing through.

Max Brown Missori

It was only ten years ago when the first Max Brown opened in Amsterdam’s canal district; since then, the Circle Collection counts five properties including its latest opening in the Missori neighborhood of Milan, with a sixth set to open in Athens. The hotel itself breathes a dynamic, urban retreat where simple knick-knacks like the pic and mix by the entrance or the Crosley record player and pastel blue Smeg kettle in every room offer an understated sense of comfort. Within the walls, 64 rooms vary in size from tiny to extra large and, together with the common areas, exude a soft, ’70s appeal with retro motifs and colors (mustards, burnt orange, pastels and pop). Take a stroll through the ground floor where a bar, pool table and cosy nooks to whip out your laptop await while you gaze through the contemporary art collection displayed along the wall. With rates starting at 200 euros a night, this hub is a great new option that gives travelers a more affordable, casual and relaxed atmosphere to sojourn. Oh, and furry friends are also most welcome.   

Gloria Osteria

It’s interesting that an Italian restaurant born in London finally debuts in Italy, after the group behind it opens twenty-five outlets across Europe. We’re talking about the Big Mamma hospitality, whose dynamic concept and ingenious interior design have taken European cities by storm. Gloria Osteria, situated in the central Brera district, features two floors of opulent, ’60s-inspired art-deco interiors with gold-framed mirrors, striking Murano chandeliers (which look like gigantic jelly-fish hanging from the ceiling) and upholstered quirky fabric seating all within a joyful, welcoming atmosphere. The menu is an ode to Italian regional recipes augmented with international touches such as the Pici Cacio e Pepe, prepared with a blend of four peppers sourced from Asia. Leave some room for desert as the XXL Citron tarte is a fantastic palette-cleanser with a cloud-like meringue placed upon a lemon tart (sharing is recommended).

NON la solita vineria

This cosy joint is tucked along the quiet backroads of Porta Romana, where an old-school café once stood. When designing the NON la solita vineria wine bar, a retro heritage was maintained and combined with an urban look featuring wrought iron, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and bottles stacked along the walls. It’s from Daniele Rosa and Andrea Vignali, the duo behind the trendy Milanese restaurant MIRO – Osteria del Cinema, who curated the concept alongside sommelier Valentina Bruno. Their idea was to source the uncommon and give voice to lesser known producers both from the drink and the culinary perspective. For example, on the menu you’ll find a Metodo Classico made with Sangiovese, a grape native from Tuscany, grown in the Marche region and turned into this unusual yet wonderful sparkling wine in the small winery Failoni di Staffolo. 

TOW The Odd Wine

TOW The Odd Wine is a great joint for savoring a pre-dinner glass of wine or venturing along for an “apericena,” as Italian’s would say, where food is enough to satiate for dinner. It’s located in Cenisio, a northern Milanese neighborhood that has been experiencing a rise in quirky new openings over the last year. Founded by Andrea Griffini and Andrea Zarra, this venture stems from their deep expertise, extensive experience and shared passion. Their aim is to introduce a unique concept to a city in constant flux, balancing innovation with tradition and excellence. TOW The Odd Wine shines a light on lesser known wineries across Italy coupled with a culinary selection inspired by global flavors, reflecting Milan’s cosmopolitan vibe: expect a blend of Italian, Asian and South American ingredients with a sharing-dish format. 

Nobuya 

A few steps away from the central Cadorna district, chef Niimori Nobuya and entrepreneur Andrea Lin opened Nobuya. Its concept, which travels across all spectrums of the restaurant, aims to bring together Italian and Japanese culture, which represent a fundamental part of the chef’s previous work experience and personal growth. In fact, there are many elements that these two cultures share which you’ll find on the menu including succulent slow-cooked meats, seafood broths, braised and fried ingredients with seasonal, Italian produce. The tonkatsu, a traditional Japanese pork cutlet, has been reinterpreted using capocollo from the Basilicata region; sashimi and tataki are offered with Mazara red shrimp or beef from Piedmont. The design mirrors the concept in which traditional Japanese elements blend with Italian materials creating a delicate, intimate space. 

I Mirador

This spring, one of the coolest rooftops that overlook the city reopened just in time for Milan Design Week. We’re talking about I Mirador of the 21 House of Stories hotel that opened in the Navigli district last autumn, with a skybar that lived a short-but-sweet period before closing for winter. The cocktail menu is designed by their bar manager, Franco “Tucci” Ponti, while chef Andrea Ribaldone curates the snack proposal; a combination served with a fantastic view of the city’s skyline, especially at sunset. 

Oda 

Artist Ece Iyigun recently transformed a simple white space in Porta Venezia into a room known as Oda filled with art and color, seeking to bring together like minded individuals to unleash their creativity over daily ceramic workshops. These are hosted by a number of local, young artists who switch-up their two-hour sessions with breakfast, brunch or aperitif (sometimes in pajamas)! 

Casa Tobago

October saw the opening of Casa Tobago, a spirited restaurant and cocktail bar in the eastern part of the city, close to Porta Romana. It’s a place that thrives in conviviality; where you can pop in for an intimate aperitif, dinner with a group of friends or after-hour cocktails within a dimly-lit, warm environment. The decor is sensual: deep tones, dark woods, red bricks, period-style wallpaper and decadent art that paves the backdrop for a menu that’s both avant-garde and primitive, with a hefty selection of grilled meats. Behind the cocktail selection is mixologist Alberto Corvi whose expertise lies in balancing contrasting flavors such as rum, Campari, pineapple and curry used in the “Curry me on” cocktail.