Hasta La Ideas

Technology brand Leafypod has unveiled an AI-powered smart planter at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Made from durable plastic materials, the LeafyPod aims to address what the brand identifies as the four main causes of plant death: soil moisture, light, temperature, and humidity.

“The materials were chosen specifically for their resistance to water exposure and ability to maintain structural integrity over time”, Cleo Song, co-founder of LeafyPod, told Dezeen.

The device has sensors that detect light, humidity, and temperature and relay the data to the LeafyPod app.

“Our AI-powered watering system automatically adapts to each plant’s specific needs by monitoring environmental conditions and adjusting the watering schedule accordingly, ensuring optimal care regardless of the plant variety”, Song said.

The LeafyPod app works alongside the plant, learning its routine over time and automatically adjusting the watering schedule for optimised care.

“The planter’s clean, minimalistic design in classic white conceals its sophisticated technology – including multiple environmental sensors and watering systems”, Song continued.

Users can recharge the device, while a built-in water reservoir ensures the plants stay hydrated, even during extended trips.

“The app sends timely notifications for all maintenance needs, from water refills to filter cleaning or replacement”, Song said.

“The cordless design with USB charging capability further simplifies the user experience”.

The gadget can be voice-controlled by integrating it with smart devices like Alexa and Google Assistant.

The device features a dual-filter system, with a reusable filter on the pump that can be cleaned and a replaceable filter at the bottom of the transparent inner pot.

The LeafyPod also has an adaptive watering system that adjusts based on plant type and real-time environmental data.

“We designed the water tank to require refilling only once every two weeks to a month, optimizing water usage while maintaining plant health”, Song said.

“The system’s AI-driven approach helps prevent both overwatering and under-watering by continuously monitoring soil conditions and adjusting water delivery accordingly.”

Other devices showcased at this year’s CES fair include the Hormometer hormone testing kit and a solar-powered car.

The post LeafyPod unveils AI-powered self-watering smart planter at CES appeared first on Dezeen.

Foster + Partners recently designed a pair of attractive and eye-catching towers connected by an exclusive penthouse swimming pool at the top. This makes these towers truly exceptional and one-of-a-kind. Called “Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place”, the two skyscrapers will be built in Business Bay, near the upcoming Bugatti Residences. They will feature an equal height of 590 feet.

The towers’ design is animated by the addition of protruding balconies and pools, which Foster + Partners envisions as creating a visual effect reminiscent of cascading water. The orientation of the buildings is strategically planned to offer optimal views of the Burj Khalifa, the current tallest building in the world. However, the Burj Khalifa may soon lose its title, as the even taller JEC Tower is currently under construction in Saudi Arabia.

Designer: Foster + Partners

The skyscrapers will accommodate one large and spacious residence on each floor. The uppermost level will include an “ultra penthouse” suite that will generously spread over the two towers. This suite will be linked by the impressive sky pool. The pool will not be exposed to the elements, it will be protected by a bridge-like structure. Since Dubai has a pretty harsh climate, this enclosed plan is for the best. The unique pool is the star element of the project, showcasing something that we don’t typically see. Dubai is known for its majestic skyscrapers and towers, but the addition of this sky swimming pool truly allows this project to stand apart from the crowd.

The lower floors of the development will be a hub of luxury and leisure, featuring lush greenery and tranquil water features that create an inviting atmosphere. Residents and guests will have access to private dining spaces, offering exclusive culinary experiences, as well as a state-of-the-art gym for fitness enthusiasts. Multiple swimming pools will provide ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Retail units will be integrated into this section, creating a vibrant shopping experience.

The Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place, is a prestigious and luxurious project being developed by Sankari Properties in collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts. Specific details regarding the completion date and pricing of the residences have yet to be announced, but it is quite evident that the homes are targetted towards the high-end market. They arent designed to be budget-friendly starter homes, but are premium and sophisticated living spaces for buyers seeking elegance and exclusivity.

The post An Impressive Sky Pool Links Two Dubai Towers, Creating A Distinctive Project In The Skyscraper City first appeared on Yanko Design.

Noise-canceling headphones have long been synonymous with premium pricing, where features like ANC are reserved for those willing to part with a significant chunk of their paycheck. But Belkin, a brand better known for practical chargers and laptop accessories, has decided to disrupt this norm. They’ve entered the audio scene with the Soundform Isolate, a pair of headphones that challenge the idea that quality must always come at a cost. We met Belkin at IFA where they showcased the Soundform Isolate – the company spoke about how entering a new industry as an established brand was difficult – so the best way to disrupt the space was to disrupt pricing.

Belkin has been a trusted name in tech accessories for years, but with the Soundform Isolate, they’re stepping into the competitive world of noise-canceling headphones. Priced at just $60, these headphones aim to provide the essentials of active noise cancellation (ANC) without the sticker shock of high-end models. What’s the catch? Well, there really isn’t one, given that Belkin’s primary aim is to establish its name in the audio space. The headphones are well-designed, work exactly as advertised, have an impressive battery, and a price tag that should really make you wonder why the hell Apple charges upwards of $400 for a pair of ANC headphones.

Designer: Belkin

Right away, the Soundform Isolate stands out for its clean, no-frills vibe. Offered in understated shades of sand or black, it folds up neatly—a traveler’s delight. The CloudCushion earcups, aptly named, feel like a soft retreat for your ears, especially if you’ve endured stiff or uncomfortable headsets in the past. Comfort here is an integral part of the design DNA, making long hours of wear remarkably pleasant.

Battery life? Let’s just say it goes the distance. Flip on ANC, and you’re set for 40 hours—ample time for marathon workdays or that endless backlog of podcasts. Turn off ANC, and the battery stretches to an astonishing 60 hours. That’s endurance that punches well above its price. A handy transparency mode is also in the mix, keeping you connected to your surroundings without fumbling to take the headphones off.

Whether you’re fielding work calls or jumping into a Netflix binge, it’s all handled with ease thanks to Bluetooth 5.4, which ensuring smooth pairing and Multipoint letting you toggle between two devices seamlessly. Controls include a smart balance of touch gestures and good old physical buttons, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best.

For those who still enjoy the occasional wired experience, the Soundform Isolate has a few tricks (or wires) up its sleeve. It ships with both a USB-C to USB-C cable for digital audio and charging, and a trusty 3.5mm analog cable. If that wasn’t enough of a pleasant surprise for a $60 headphone, the device also comes with a built-in relaxation track of ocean waves. It’s an unexpected but delightful feature, perfect for a quick mental escape in the middle of a chaotic day.

With the Soundform Isolate, it’s clear that Belkin’s goal was to strike a balance between affordability and functionality. These headphones won’t wow hardcore audiophiles, but that’s not the point. Instead, they provide a straightforward, comfortable, and feature-rich experience that caters to everyday users. Whether you’re diving into your favorite playlist, catching up on podcasts, or simply enjoying some peace and quiet, the Soundform Isolate delivers a solid performance without overcomplicating things. And at the same price as an Uber to the airport, this headphone is definitely a no-nonsense recommendation.

The post Buying your first ANC Headphones? The $60 Belkin Soundform Isolate is the Perfect Entry-point Pick first appeared on Yanko Design.

Many of our electronics today rely on batteries, from laptops to phones to smart home appliances to even cars. It’s almost ironic, then, that these critical batteries are also one of the most dangerous things we keep near our bodies, not to mention a hazard to the health of the planet as well. From the way they are made to the unsustainable metals and chemicals they contain, batteries, by nature, seem opposed to life itself.

Green energy like solar and wind can go only as far as recharging batteries, but we still need these volatile objects to power devices directly. This innovative battery, however, attempts to reinvent batteries from the ground up to provide true sustainable power to the point that they can even be broken down as compost. Even more intriguing, they’re made of materials you’d least expect to find in batteries: paper and water.

Designer: Flint

Technically speaking, the batteries aren’t made of the same kind of paper you write on or read from. It actually uses cellulose as the structural backbone and separator of the battery, an abundant material derived from plants and also used in paper, hence the name. As for water, it’s used as the foundation for the electrolytes that actually carry the electrical flow between the zinc-based anode and the manganese-based cathode, both of which are non-reactive, safe, and commonly found everywhere.

This unusual composition for a battery yields many benefits beyond simply being made of sustainable materials. For one, the battery has unbelievable resilience and can still output power even when cut in half, let alone not explode in your pocket when punctured. It’s also impervious to fire since it uses water-based electrolytes. This practically removes the need for those fancy but complicated and expensive cooling systems in phones and laptops, presuming they get used in those devices. The batteries can also be folded and bent safely, finally realizing the dream of flexible batteries.

The Flint Paper Batteries are advertised to have the same performance in terms of output and longevity as typical toxic rechargeable batteries. And yes, they’re rechargeable as well. They won’t live forever, though, and when they’ve finally lost their charge for good, simply removing the vacuum-sealed casing starts the natural degradation process that breaks them down into harmless components.

It all sounds idyllic but the technology is not completely ready for mass consumption just yet. One of the biggest hurdles that still needs to be overcome is mass production, and Flint’s creators are planning on using currently existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes in order to minimize production and adoption costs. When that happens, we could finally take a major step forward in running not only on green power but also on safe and recyclable batteries as well.

The post Rechargeable paper batteries promise safe, flexible, and compostable power first appeared on Yanko Design.

Los Angeles building professionals have developed lists including architects, contractors, and engineers interested in providing their services towards rebuilding and relocation efforts in the wake of wildfires spreading across the city.

Design public relations firm Nelson Daly, architect Rachel Shillander and interior designer Adam Hunter are among those in the Los Angeles design community organising resources to aid in evacuation and rebuilding efforts.

Over 12,000 structures in the city have been collectively lost to the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst and Auto fire, with high-velocity Santa winds threatening to spread the flames further.

In response, Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass recently issued the Return and Rebuild executive order, which reportedly will push past bureaucratic red tape to expedite rebuilding efforts.

Simultaneously, a number of building professionals are organising aid efforts where they can, with some focused on providing resources for homeowners looking to navigate building a home for the first time when safe.

“It’s a process that unfolds day by day as we understand how policymakers will revise permitting and codes to help people get back into their homes,” Los Angeles architect Populous Joanna Grant told Dezeen.

“Many of these people would not likely engage with an architect in their lifetimes, as they may be in generational housing, wholly unfamiliar with the design process. We want to make this process as easy and streamlined for them as possible and provide oversight so that they can feel at ease that their needs in such a time of need are taken care of.”

Providing services for those displaced by fires

Together with Meara Daly of the public relations firm Nelson Daly, Grant is compiling a developing master list of volunteer architects, designers, consultants and others interested in offering services.

The list of professionals, which Grant and Daly are also vetting for credentials, will be available on a website called Design for LA.

Among the signatories are members of local and national architecture studios such as LOHA, GLUCK+, NBBJ and HOK.

“We want to develop a website, produce pamphlets, and conduct community workshops to help the members of the community understand what the process of rebuilding will be like,” said Grant.

The pair’s effort will also include an ADU resource guide.

Other architects are following suit, such as Ròhme Architects, which offers free services including consultations, site visits and fire resilience strategies for home builders.

Rachel Shillander of LA LLand is compiling resources, one of which is a Rebuild LA Architecture Slack channel with over 200 people collaborating to “pool resources” to “help rebuild our community and support each other in the process”, according to Shillander.

Other efforts within the community include providing resources for those displaced by the fires, including the non-profit LA Can Do recently launched by interior designer Adam Hunter.

The non-profit collects donated “furniture, homewares, and linens” for those affected.

“It’s about helping people rebuild their lives and restore hope for the future,” said Hunter.

Close to 90,000 people in the city are under evacuation orders according to NBC Los Angeles, while the New York Times reports many evacuees are shoring up in hotels, shelters, relatives’ houses, or cars.

Frustrated with irresponsible development practices, LA designers and critics have called for rethinking the typical cycles of rebuilding after disaster, while several landmarks have been lost to the fires in addition to thousands of homes.

The post LA architects and designers form aid groups to make rebuilding “as streamlined as possible” appeared first on Dezeen.