This Game-Changing Wi-Fi Router at CES 2025 has a Connectivity Radius of 9.9 Miles

With the Wi-Fi HaLow’s 9.9 mile range, you could connect to your home Wi-Fi at work, at the grocery store, and even inside your car throughout your ride.

Wi-Fi is probably the most important part of any piece of technology today. It helps devices connect, communicate, update, and be cutting-edge… but the problem with Wi-Fi is that it’s a high-frequency radio wave – that means it doesn’t travel far, and it can’t penetrate walls. It’s why we recommend placing Wi-Fi routers strategically at home so that you get seamless connectivity, but there’s a company hoping to make Wi-Fi so powerful, it passes through walls and can even connect devices nearly 10 miles apart. The Wi-Fi HaLow, developed by Morse Micro, is an upcoming technology that the company hopes will become a part of every device in the future… so that bad internet connectivity is a thing of the past.

Designer: Morse Micro

Without getting into the specifics (because I have no technical background), the Wi-Fi HaLow router (shown above) promises to make internet connectivity seamless over massive distances. It relies on Sub-GHz frequency waves that travel long distances (like AM and FM radio) to transmit internet connectivity, so you could potentially use your home Wi-Fi router within a 10-mile radius of your house.

Morse Micro, the company behind the tech, hopes that this Wi-Fi capability will coexist with current 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi bands. These existing bands are great for low-latency internet connectivity, but add HaLow to the mix and you get long-distance connectivity too, giving you the best of all worlds. Sub-GHz Wi-Fi won’t ever be as fast as 5GHz Wi-Fi (HaLow has max speeds of 32.5 MB/s), although those speeds are perfect for most everyday tasks like checking email, browsing the internet, or even for IoT devices to communicate with each other.

Sadly, the router isn’t something you can currently just plug into your home. While it does broadcast long-distance Wi-Fi, most devices like your phones, laptops, and smart home tech aren’t equipped to read that frequency band just yet… but Morse Micro is hoping to influence tech companies to adapt their hardware for the future so that instead of dual-band radio antennas, every device will have a tri-band radio antenna for 2.4, 5, and Sub GHz connectivity.

For now, Morse Micro’s working to deploy HaLows in commercial setups like Amazon warehouses (where robots can communicate seamlessly with each other over long distances), along with other industries like security and telecom. Potentially, this technology isn’t too far off. Imagine your lawnmower robot being able to easily connect to your home Wi-Fi without an intermediary hub, or your pool cleaning robot doing the same even if your pool is more than 20-30 meters from your home router.

The devices shown here are engineering samples. Morse Micro is sharing chipsets, dongles, and routers with engineers interested in building the tech into their existing stacks, so that potentially in the future your home Wi-Fi could also be your work Wi-Fi or your car Wi-Fi. And instead of asking your friend to share the Wi-Fi password when you’re at their place, you can just continue using your home Wi-Fi just fine!

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Yukai Engineering unveils tiny cat robot that blows on hot food and drinks

Nékojita FuFu by Yukai Engineering

Japanese robotics startup Yukai Engineering has debuted a portable cat-shaped robot that blows air to cool down hot food and beverages at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Named Nékojita FuFu, the robot is aimed at people with heat-sensitive tongues, a condition that an online survey in Japan revealed affects nearly 47 per cent of its population.

The robot derives its name from the Japanese term néko-jita meaning cat tongue – a phrase used to describe people who have a low tolerance for hot food.

Mug Nékojita FuFu by Yukai Engineering
Yukai Engineering has unveiled a cat-shaped robot that cools hot drinks and food

The second part of the name, FuFu, is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound made when blowing air to cool down food.

Nékojita FuFu operates with an internal fan unit powered by a rechargeable battery and uses a specially developed algorithm, the “Fu-ing System”, to mimic human breath.

Switching between various blowing modes, such as the full-force “I’ve Got This!” and gentler “Not Gonna Spill” modes, the robot randomises its blowing strength and rhythm to ensure a personalised cooling experience while effectively reducing temperatures.

Plate Nékojita FuFu by Yukai Engineering
Nékojita FuFu operates with an internal fan that has various blowing modes

Unlike traditional heat-reducing mugs, the robot is a standalone device that can be attached to any dishware with a straight edge, making it versatile and compatible with various bowls, cups and mugs.

It can cool hot water from 88 to 71 degrees Celsius in three minutes and to 66 degrees Celsius in five minutes.

Created during Yukai Engineering‘s 2024 internal Make-a-Thon, Nékojita FuFu was inspired by a personal story from the company’s chief marketing officer Tsubasa Tominaga.

Tominaga identified the need for the product while recalling his struggle with cooling hot baby food for his son, which often left him breathless and dizzy.

“We created Nékojita FuFu as a little personal meal partner, so you can solve your ‘néko-jita’ problem anywhere, anytime,” said Tominaga.

“The robot doesn’t just help you enjoy hot coffee. It can make it easier for seniors to down hot soup and reduce parents’ chores by helping kids eat with less help.”

Nékojita FuFu by Yukai Engineering
The robot is compatible with any dishware with a straight edge

The company plans to launch Nékojita FuFu in Japan in mid-2025 following a crowdfunding campaign.

Yukai Engineering is a Tokyo-based startup known for its innovative robot designs. The company has received several awards, including the CES 2023 Innovation Award for its BOCCO emo Platform, which enables Japan’s utility companies and businesses to provide smart living services.

Other recent robotics featured on Dezeen include a pair of walking chairs by Brooklyn artist Michael Candy and a “friendly” robot for domestic and commercial environments by Fuseproject.

The photography is courtesy of Yukai Engineering.

CES 2025 takes place at various locations in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January 2025. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

The post Yukai Engineering unveils tiny cat robot that blows on hot food and drinks appeared first on Dezeen.

Mechanical bike turns into e-bike "in a number of seconds" with CLIP device

CLIP e-bike converter attached to regular bike

CLIP is a portable e-motor device that allows users to alternate between a regular mechanical bike and an electric bike without any tools.

Founded in 2018 by Som Ray and Clem De Alcala in Brooklyn, New York, CLIP aims to overcome the constraints of e-bikes and existing e-bike conversion kits.

Front bike wheel with CLIP attachment
CLIP is a portable e-motor that transforms a regular bike into an e-bike without any tools

According to the company, CLIP is the “world’s first no tools plug and play solution to upgrade a regular bike into an e-bike”.

Unlike existing e-bike conversion kits, the format doesn’t require the user to make any alterations to their bike before attaching it.

Person riding blue bike with CLIP attachment
The attachment doesn’t require users to modify their existing bike before use

“The idea was born from my own need – while living in Brooklyn I bought a bike to commute to work, but it became a pain because of a long uphill gradient,” CLIP co-founder Son Ray told Dezeen.

“An obvious solution was to get an e-bike, but I’d already invested in my own bike and loved it, and an e-bike is a whole magnitude more expensive,” he said.

Person riding bike uphill with CLIP device
It was created to overcome the pitfalls of conventional e-bikes or conversion kits

“I looked at e-bike conversion kits, but they are often painfully complex to set up,” said Ray.

“If you get a Swytch or something similar you have to remove your front wheel and put a new one in, wire it up and put the battery in – and essentially end up with an e-bike”.

“What I really wanted was the flexibility to easily move between analogue and e-bike,” Ray explained.

Arms of CLIP device around front wheel clamp
The attachment is fitted onto the front tyre of the bike

Designed as a solution for the urban commuter, the result is a 4kg device which, according to the company, can be attached to almost any bike “in a number of seconds” and can fit inside a backpack.

Comprised of aluminium and fireproof nylon with lithium-ion batteries, CLIP provides pedal assist for up to 12 miles, allows for speeds of up to 15 miles per hour and can be recharged in under 60 minutes.

Lever opening CLIP bike attachment
A lever which opens the arms of the device also functions as a handle

Users pull a lever to open the arms of the device, which can then be fitted onto the front fork of the bike around the tyre – once correctly aligned, users pull down on the clamp to secure the attachment. It can be detached by pulling up the lever to release the clamps.

“We wanted to keep the user experience simple, so the part used to release the clamps also becomes the handle,” said Ray.

CLIP e-motor attached to front wheel of bike
A friction drive motor powers the bike via a roller that rotates the wheel

A motor drives a roller on the main body of the CLIP, which powers the bike’s front wheel through friction drive.

“Mechanically it’s not anything new – the first motorcycle that was ever conceived was based on the same principle of a roller driving the front wheel,” said Ray.

“It’s essentially a small gear driving a larger gear,” he added. “We took that same principle and made it transportable”.

Bluetooth controller with red and white button
Users press a red button to activate the motor and kickstart the e-bike function

To activate the motor, users press and hold a red button on a wireless bluetooth controller attached to the bike’s handlebar via a rubber loop.

A small white button on the same controller can be pressed for regenerative braking, allowing riders to recharge the battery while cycling downhill and extending the range. This remote component was designed to slot into the main dock for recharging and storage.

CLIP device stored on desk beside person working
The device weighs 4kg and can be fully recharged in under an hour

When not in use, CLIP was designed to be compact enough to be easily carried around and stored in the workplace.

Ray described the design as “architectural and minimal in its form”. “We wanted it to be a product that can sit on your desk next to your laptop and look like it’s part of the same ecosystem,” he said.

Another consideration behind the design was to create a product with a lower environmental impact compared to a conventional e-bike.

“In terms of the sustainability aspects of it, CLIP produces a fraction of the waste and 1/50th of the logistics impact of a typical e-bike,” said Ray.

“We can essentially ship 30 CLIPS for the same volume of that of one e-bike,” stated Ray.

Other stories about bikes recently featured on Dezeen include an underwater bicycle park created in Amsterdam and a two-in-one bicycle by Lemmo that is both analogue and electric.

Photography is courtesy of CLIP.

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Kennon adds 1,182 solar panels to facade of Melbourne office building

550 Spencer by Kennon

Architecture studio Kennon has completed the 550 Spencer office building in Australia, forming the “first building in the country” to be powered on-site by a solar facade system.

Located in Melbourne, the office building is defined by pleated glass facades that sit atop a brick base.

Seeking to challenge current approaches to energy use in buildings, Kennon integrated 1,182 solar panels into the building’s transparent facades – effectively reducing its annual carbon emissions by 70-tonnes.

Exterior view of 550 Spencer office building in Australia
Kennon has completed an office building in Melbourne

Drawing on advanced European glazing tools, Kennon worked with both local and international experts to create 550 Spencer’s intricate system.

“550 Spencer is the first building in the country to use its façade as a system for capturing on-site solar energy,” the studio said.

“By harnessing the power of sunlight, this development challenges traditional approaches to energy use, offering a glimpse of sustainable architecture where innovation and aesthetics can coexisting and unite.”

Close up of office building in Melbourne by Kennon
The pleated facade is made up of 1,182 solar panels

Other energy-saving strategies featured in the design include the use of solid solar panels on the north-facing facade to capture sunlight, while clear glass panels were used on the southern facade to reduce heat gain.

This strategy intends to create a comfortable environment inside the building, where decorative details include tiled floors and pleated wooden walls reminiscent of the facades.

A rooftop garden tops the structure and hosts built-in seating space wrapped by vegetation.

“With 1,182 solar panels mounted to the façade, space is created for a rooftop garden, giving occupants a green space to enjoy, inviting connection and community,” the studio said.

Interior view of 550 Spencer by Kennon
Clear panels reduce solar gain on the southern facade

The studio hopes that the building will give rise to more sustainable, energy-efficient structures.

“550 Spencer Street stands as a reflection of what we can achieve collectively when design, technology and sustainability unite,” the studio said.

“It reminds us that architecture can be more than a shelter or structure, it can be a living testament to our responsibility to the planet,” it added. “It shapes a future that meets the evolving needs of society while inspiring and guiding generations to come.”

Rooftop garden at office building in Melbourne by Kennon
A rooftop garden tops the building

Other recently completed projects that adopt sustainable approaches include a group of off-grid holiday homes in Finland and a lake-side retreat made predominantly of recycled steel in Mexico.

Dezeen also previously rounded up ten buildings that incorporate solar panels in creative ways, featuring Google’s undulating Bay View campus built from 50,000 solar panels in the US.

The photography is by Tom Ross.

The post Kennon adds 1,182 solar panels to facade of Melbourne office building appeared first on Dezeen.

Zaha Hadid's Bergisel Ski Jump was the most significant building of 2002

Zaha Hadid's Bergisel Ski Jump

The next instalment in our 21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings series looks at Zaha Hadid‘s Bergisel Ski Jump, which was the turning point in Hadid’s career.

Although it’s hard to imagine now, at the beginning of the century Hadid was still called a “paper architect”, known primarily for her drawings and numerous striking, but unrealised, schemes.

Towering above Innsbruck in Austria, the Bergisel Ski Jump marked a turning point for Hadid as her first major completed project, clearly demonstrating that her ambitious designs could be built.

Zaha Hadid's Bergisel Ski Jump
Zaha Hadid’s Bergisel Ski Jump was her first completed major building. Photo via Shutterstock

Hadid’s studio, Zaha Hadid Architects, won the international competition to replace the ageing ski jump in Innsbruck in December 1999. It was the latest in a series of high-profile competitions won by the studio.

Hadid first gained global attention when she won the competition to design The Peak private club in the hills of Kowloon, Hong Kong, in 1983.

Although the project didn’t end up being built, it in part led to her inclusion in the seminal Deconstructivist Architecture exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in 1988, where she featured alongside Frank GehryRem KoolhaasDaniel LibeskindPeter Eisenman and Coop Himmelb(l)au.

Zaha Hadid's Bergisel Ski Jump
The ski jump replaced a historic structure

The studio went on to design several small-scale projects, including a restaurant in Singapore and a private fire station for the Vitra furniture factory in Weil am Rhein, as well as the first Serpentine pavilion. Hadid also won another high-profile competition in 1990 to design an opera house in Cardiff, but this project was also later abandoned.

The result was that almost two decades after winning The Peak competition, the studio had still not completed any major projects.

It is the architectural incarnation of the sensations experienced by the ski-jumpers Lilli Hollein in Domus

That would change in Innsbruck, where a ski jump had stood on the Bergisel hill since 1926. Although the jump was updated in the 1960s – ahead of the town hosting the Winter Olympics in 1964 – by the 1990s it no longer met international standards.

This prompted the Austrian Ski Federation to organise a competition to design a replacement, which, along with a launch ramp for the jump, would also contain a cafe and viewpoint. It also wanted to create a landmark for the city.

“The challenge here was to integrate a new, initially alien element – the cafe and sundeck – into a given [ski jump] formula,” Hadid told Building magazine at the time. “The result is a rather unusual silhouette on Bergisel.”

Bergisel Ski Jump in Austria
The structure combines a ski jump with a cafe and viewpoint

Described by the studio as “a combination of a tower and a bridge”, the structure is 50 metres high and 90 metres long. It has two distinct elements – a tower topped with athletes facilities and a cafe, and the ski jump itself.

The sections are supported by a seven-metre-by-seven-metre-square tower that contains two lifts along with stairs for skiers to reach the jump and visitors to reach the cafe.

Very few buildings can stand up to the Alps without retreating into modesty Joseph Giovannini

Wrapped entirely in stainless steel, the three-storey block has athletes’ facilities on its lowest floor, a cafe with 360-degree views above and an outdoor viewing platform on its top floor.

The distinctive ski jump seemed to achieve the impossible of both standing out and sitting harmoniously with the impressive surrounding landscape.

Bergisel Ski Jump
The structure overlooks the city of Innsbruck. Photo via Shutterstock

Critics praised the project, which was shortlisted for a Mies van der Rohe Award in 2003.

“It is the architectural incarnation of the sensations experienced by the ski-jumpers,” wrote Lilli Hollein in Italian architecture magazine Domus at the time.

“In a region where almost everyone has a strong relationship with sport and with the natural landscape, it has become a new symbol of the evolving Tyrolean identity.”

Later it was described as “dynamic and lyrical” by architectural critic Joseph Giovannini in an essay to mark Hadid winning the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004.

“Very few buildings can stand up to the Alps without retreating into modesty, but Zaha Hadid’s dynamic and lyrical Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck, Austria, completed in 2002, confronts the surrounding mountains with an equivalent architectural majesty,” wrote Giovannini.

Ski jump in Austria
The structure has the swooping forms that Hadid later became famous for

Following the opening of the ski jump, the studio completed a series of major projects in quick succession, securing Hadid’s reputation as a creator of actual buildings.

The Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati, Ohio, opened in 2003, was her first major cultural building and was followed in 2005 by the Ordrupgaard Museum extension, BMW Central Building and Phaeno Science Center.

As Dezeen founder Marcus Fairs wrote in UK magazine Building at the time, the Bergisel Ski Jump marked the “end of an era for Hadid”.

Did we get it right? Was Bergisel Ski Jump by Zaha Hadid the most significant building completed in 2002? Let us know in the comments. We will be running a poll once all 25 buildings are revealed to determine the most significant building of the 21st century so far.

Zaha Hadid's Bergisel Ski Jump

This article is part of Dezeen’s 21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings series, which looks at the most significant architecture of the 21st century so far. For the series, we have selected the most influential building from each of the first 25 years of the century.

The illustration is by Jack Bedford and photography is by Hélène Binet, unless stated.


21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings

2000: Tate Modern by Herzog & de Meuron
2001: Gando Primary School by Diébédo Francis Kéré
2002: Bergisel Ski Jump by Zaha Hadid

This list will be updated as the series progresses.

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Magic Mushroom Brooch

This lovely mushroom brooch is made by hand with glass beads in India. A collaboration with the talented duo at Deepa Gurnami, the long stem of the mushroom is colorfully adorned with the beads, which fade into a beautiful yellow.

Mistovia designs duo of Polish holiday homes to complement mountainous surroundings

Plener Istebna by Mistovia

Polish studio Mistovia has paired plywood, walnut and graphite accents with a mishmash of vintage furniture in Plener Istebna – a pair of gabled cottages in the Silesian Beskids mountains.

The two-storey holiday homes sit side-by-side in Istebna village, with slatted wooden facades and shingled roofs that nod to the region’s vernacular buildings.

Plener Istebna by Mistovia
Plener Istebna is a pair of gabled holiday homes

Created by architect Justyna Boduch to accommodate up to nine people each, the 70-square-metre cottages feature identical layouts but subtly different interior designs by Katowice-based Mistovia.

The first home, Terracotta, owes its name to the sandy-hued ceramic flooring and burnt orange upholstery found in its open-plan living space.

Terracotta cottage by Mistovia
One of the cottages is called Terracotta for its sandy-hued flooring

A circular walnut table defines the kitchen and dining area, which includes locally sourced stools with traditional decorations and a feature wall clad with Ukrainian stove tiles.

“The heart of each cottage is undoubtedly the living space,” said Mistovia founder Marcin Czopek.

Veiny graphite flooring and a plywood staircase
Stone cottage is accented by veiny graphite flooring

Stone, the second cottage, is accented by veiny graphite flooring in the kitchen and living area, chosen to mimic the speckled appearance of marble.

“This provides a solid background for the furniture,” Czopek told Dezeen. “Warmth is created through abundant wood.”

Stone cottage by Mistovia
Both homes include chunky plywood staircases

Mistovia chose a selection of vintage pieces to furnish Stone, including an oval timber dining table and a low-slung 1970s Danish armchair that once formed part of a modular sofa.

“The furniture comes from various decades and sources,” explained Czopek. “Fitting for the Polish-Czech-Slovak borderland, many pieces have Czechoslovakian roots.”

Swirly plywood ceiling
The private rooms echo their respective living spaces

Both holiday homes feature chunky plywood staircases that connect their ground floors with private spaces upstairs. In the Stone cottage, plywood was also used to clad the ceiling of the living space.

“The wood pleasantly contrasts with raw concrete and clay plaster walls with added straw chaff,” said Czopek.

The living spaces across the two cottages are also united by sleek stainless steel kitchen cabinetry, cone-shaped pendant lights and floor-to-ceiling glazing that connects each interior to a terrace with views of the surrounding Silesian Beskids mountains.

Upstairs, the private rooms were designed to echo their respective living spaces with tiled, glass and wooden details and colourful soft furnishings.

Bathroom with tiled accents
Mistovia is known for its residential projects

Mistovia specialises in residential interiors and has quickly cemented a reputation for bringing together unusual materials, as seen in an eclectic Warsaw apartment that Czopek and his team renovated for an art director and her pet dachshund.

Last November, the studio took home the title of emerging interior designer of the year at the 2024 Dezeen Awards.

The photography is by Oni Studio

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Top 10 Desk Essentials To Add Some Aesthetic Functionality To Your Workflow

In the fast-paced world of modern work, efficiency and aesthetics can often seem at odds. However, with the right tools, you can achieve a workspace that is not only highly functional but also visually appealing. We have curated a collection of ten innovative products that bring both aesthetic charm and practical utility to your workflow.

These unique and efficient products exemplify how aesthetic design can be seamlessly integrated with functionality to enhance your workflow. Working with a design website, I have seen the impact of a well-designed gadget or stationery can have on your space – both aesthetically and functionally. A good design can inspire you, motivate you and set a benchmark for yourself that helps you stay aligned with your goals. Even the latest CES 2025 robots, especially Mirumi, would find a space on my desk as an anti-anxiety pal. Whether you’re a creative professional, a digital nomad, or someone who values organization and efficiency, these tools offer innovative solutions to elevate your workspace.

1. KNOB Numpad

The KNOB Numpad is a conceptual design that transforms the traditional numeric keypad into a versatile control tool. Designed with the sleek aesthetics reminiscent of Teenage Engineering, this numpad goes beyond simple number entry. It includes knobs, dials, and sliders that enhance the user experience, especially for tasks like video editing and digital design.

It features a modular and wireless design and allows you to customize your workspace by attaching and detaching components as needed. This flexibility, combined with its ambidextrous usability, makes it an attractive addition to any desk setup.

Why is it noteworthy?

The KNOB Numpad showcases an innovative approach to input devices. By incorporating physical controls like knobs and sliders, it offers a more tactile and intuitive way to interact with software. This is great and pretty useful for creative professionals who frequently adjust settings in applications like Photoshop or Premiere Pro.

What we like

  • Matches the Mac Mini’s design, maintaining a clean and cohesive look.
  • Offers up to 8 TB of additional storage for extensive file management.

What we dislike

  • Specifically designed for the Mac Mini, limiting its use with other devices.
  •  Designed to sit on top of the Mac Mini, reducing flexibility in placement.

2. Prule

The Prule is a groundbreaking tool that merges the functionality of a protractor, ruler, and precision craft knife into a single, sleek device. Crafted from Grade 5 Titanium, it is designed to withstand the test of time and offer durability that surpasses traditional plastic or metal rulers.

The Prule’s compact and robust design makes it an ideal companion for designers, architects, and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its magnetic Xacto knife and glass bead breaker add layers of practicality, making it useful in both everyday and emergency scenarios.

Why is it noteworthy?

What sets the Prule apart is its multifunctionality combined with superior craftsmanship. The choice of titanium not only ensures longevity but also keeps the tool lightweight and easy to carry. The magnetic fold design allows for seamless storage, while the integration of an EDC blade and glass breaker expands its utility beyond mere stationery.

What we like

    • Made from Grade 5 Titanium for longevity and lightweight handling.
    • Combines a ruler, protractor, and precision knife in one compact tool.

What we dislike

  • Premium materials and design come at a higher cost.
  • May not be widely available in all markets.

3. OrigamiSwift Mouse

This innovative device is crafted for tech enthusiasts who prioritize portability, comfort, and efficiency in their gadgets. Drawing inspiration from origami, it merges a sleek, foldable design with the functionality of a full-sized mouse. Whether you’re a digital nomad or a busy professional, OrigamiSwift seamlessly fits into your lifestyle, turning any surface into a productive workspace.

With its ultra-lightweight construction, ergonomic design, and durable origami-inspired framework, this Bluetooth mouse is more than just a tool—it’s an inventive companion. Fold it flat to easily slip into your bag, and watch it spring to life with precision and fluidity whenever you’re ready to work. OrigamiSwift is ideal for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate smart design paired with practicality.

Click Here to Buy Now: $79.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The OrigamiSwift Foldable Bluetooth Mouse is a great tool for those constantly on the go. Its foldable design offers an exceptional combination of portability and functionality, allowing users to carry a full-sized mouse in a compact, ultra-slim form. It’s perfect for professionals and students who need seamless productivity without sacrificing comfort.

What we like

  • Foldable design that combines portability with the comfort of a full-sized mouse.
  • Ergonomic build that ensures extended usability without causing strain.

What we dislike

  • The origami-inspired structure might not appeal to users who prefer a traditional aesthetic.
  • The lightweight build may feel less substantial to those accustomed to heavier mice.

4. Memento Business Card Log

We often find ourselves discarding business and shop cards, or tossing them into a drawer where they are soon forgotten. But imagine having a minimalist and thoughtfully designed log book that not only stores these cards but also invites you to jot down your thoughts and memories about the people and events associated with them.

This approach allows you to create little narratives that serve as a personal time capsule, enabling you to revisit cherished moments. You can store and revisit any important numbers and details that you don’t want to lose to oblivion’s curse. The Log Book is also quite aesthetically pleasing, making for an interesting addition to your desk.

Click Here to Buy Now: $35.00

Why is it noteworthy?

It offers a distinctive and charming way to turn every business card, shop card, or photo into a lasting memory. This unique book offers a simple yet effective method for preserving your cards. By slipping the two corners of a card into the specially designed slit, it remains securely in place without the need for adhesives or pockets. This not only keeps your cards organized but also transforms them into meaningful keepsakes.

What we like

  • Can hold business cards, shop cards, and even small Instax photos.
  • Includes blank canvases to note down your reflections on the person or event.

What we dislike

  • The log book only holds one size of cards or photos.

5. ORICO MiniMate

The ORICO MiniMate is an external SSD that integrates seamlessly with your M4 Mac Mini, offering a stylish and practical storage solution. Designed to sit perfectly atop the Mac Mini, its brushed aluminum finish complements the Apple aesthetic. It is equipped with storage options ranging from 512 GB to 8 TB.

The clever MiniMate caters to those with substantial storage needs, such as creative professionals managing large files or individuals with extensive media collections. It has a sleek and clean profile, making it an aesthetic and functional addition to your desk, and your daily work routine.

Why is it noteworthy?

The MiniMate perfectly blends form and function. Its design ensures that it not only fits aesthetically with the Mac Mini but also provides significant storage capacity without cluttering your workspace. This is particularly beneficial for users who require fast, reliable storage solutions without compromising on style.

What we like

  • Matches the Mac Mini’s design, maintaining a clean and cohesive look.
  • Offers up to 8 TB of additional storage for extensive file management.

What we dislike

  • Specifically designed for the Mac Mini, limiting its use with other devices.
  • Designed to sit on top of the Mac Mini, reducing flexibility in placement.

6. MagBoard Clipboard

The Magboard Clipboard offers a minimalist approach to note-taking, featuring a magnetic and lever mechanism to secure loose sheets of paper. This innovative design allows you to jot down ideas or sketches without worrying about order or layout, providing the freedom to rearrange pages as needed.

It features a hardcover design which ensures durability, making it suitable for both stationary and on-the-go use. It eliminates the constraints of traditional notebooks, allowing users to organize their thoughts and ideas in a way that suits their workflow.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The magnetic clip can hold up to 30 sheets, while the water-resistant cover ensures durability in various environments. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for creatives and professionals who value a customizable and resilient note-taking solution. The clipboard is the perfect combination of flexibility and simplicity – resulting in a good-looking accessory that makes your workflow smoother.

What we like

  • Allows for easy rearrangement of pages, enhancing organization.
  • Water-resistant hardcover suitable for various environments.

What we dislike

  • Can hold up to 30 sheets, which may not suffice for extensive note-taking.
  • Loose sheets could be easily misplaced if not secured properly.

7. Flipo Flip

Called the Flipo Flip – this captivating kinetic skill toy is designed to bring moments of relaxation and mental clarity to your workday. Crafted with precision from solid metal, this toy combines flipping, rolling, and falling motions to create a mesmerizing and satisfying experience that captivates the senses.

The Flipo Flip is perfect for anyone seeking a quick mental break to recharge and inspire creative thinking. Its compact size makes it an ideal addition to any workspace, offering a fun and tactile escape from the daily grind. It also has a sleek and compact form that makes it interesting and good-looking.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Flipo Flip engages the mind through its simple yet fascinating motion. The act of flipping and rolling the toy helps clear the mind and reduce stress, serving as a form of meditation that enhances focus and promotes creativity. Its durable construction ensures that it is a sturdy and long-lasting addition to your desk, ready to provide a playful touch to your work routine whenever needed.

What we like

  •  The Flipo Flip is portable and easy to use anywhere, making it a versatile tool for relaxation.
  • It helps reduce stress and improve focus, aiding in creative thinking.

What we dislike

  • It may not offer long-term engagement for those seeking more complex stimulation.

8. Kintsugi Plain Notebook

If you need some aesthetics on your desk, then you need to get some Japanese aesthetics. Say hello to the Kintsugi Plain Notebook –  a beautifully crafted notebook that embodies the essence of the Japanese art of Kintsugi. In Kintsugi, pottery cracks are mended with gold lacquer, transforming imperfections into stunning features rather than hiding them.

This notebook is not just a blank canvas for writing, it encourages users to embrace and celebrate imperfections. It offers a personal and private sanctuary for capturing your thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It serves as a haven, allowing you to express your innermost feelings without the pressure of perfection.

Click Here to Buy Now: $29.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Kintsugi Plain Notebook showcases a thoughtful design and commitment to sustainability. Made from eco-friendly materials such as bagasse paper, it offers a smooth and seamless writing experience while also caring for the environment. The cover, inspired by the art of Kintsugi, serves as a gentle reminder that flaws can be beautiful.

What we like

  • Made from bagasse paper, functions as an eco-friendly product.
  • The Moist-like Black cover and Tone F endpaper offer enhanced durability and aesthetics.

What we dislike

  • It has a pretty compact size, hence not the best option for those who want a larger notebook.

9. Bento Jot

Say hello to the Bento Jot – a modern stationery set that will perfectly assist you on your creative journey. This thoughtfully designed set is inspired by the traditional Bento Box and provides a unique and aesthetic way to organize your writing tools. It includes three distinctive layers – each designed to elevate your note-taking experience.

It includes the  Øver layer, Mid layer, and Base layer – each housing a collection of 12 specially designed writing tools, all aimed at elevating your handwritten notes. The 12 writing tools have been carefully created and selected, and specially designed for this particular set.

Why is it noteworthy?

These tools are crafted from premium materials, ensuring a satisfying tactile experience every time you write. The attention to detail is evident not only in the quality of the materials but also in the design of the set itself. The Mid layer even features a beautiful vegan leather carrying case, adding a touch of elegance and practicality to the set.

What we like

  • Features a Japandi-inspired design that merges minimal elegance with practical functionality.
  • Made using high-quality materials, offering a luxurious writing experience.

What we dislike

  • The entire set is a bit tedious to carry around, particularly for those who are frequently on the move.

10. The Oloid

The Oloid is an intriguing geometric shape with remarkable mathematical and aesthetic properties, discovered in 1929 by German sculptor, inventor, and mathematician Paul Schatz. This desktop sculpture beautifully merges art, science, beauty, and technology in a single piece of solid metal.

It is perfect for thinkers, makers, visionaries, learners, teachers, and even children. It features hypnotic motion and flawlessly smooth texture, which make it an excellent tool for stress relief and concentration, while its fascinating shape serves as a perfect conversation starter.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Oloid’s unique properties are truly captivating. Although its shape is curved, it moves in a perfect straight line. It is not round, but it rolls. It has sharp edges, yet its motion is gentle and smooth. As it rolls, every point of its surface touches the ground, and its surface area is identical to that of a sphere with the same radius.

What we like

  • Striking and elegant design that adds beauty to any desk.
  • Hypnotic motion that aids in stress relief and concentration.

What we dislike

  • Its unique properties and mathematical background may not be appreciated by everyone.

The post Top 10 Desk Essentials To Add Some Aesthetic Functionality To Your Workflow first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sony XYN VR headset for creating 3D games and Metaverse applications debuts at CES 2025

At the ongoing CES 2025, Sony has launched the prototype of an extended reality headset dubbed XYN specifically for creating 3D spatial content. The Japanese consumer Electronics giant briefly previewed their motive to develop the headset at last year’s CES and now the wearable has got better with 4K OLED microdisplays and video passthrough tech.

XYN is a comprehensive software and hardware solution to support VR content creators to capture the precise details of the real-world environment and seamlessly integrate with an array of third-party tools for a flexible workflow. This makes complete sense as demand for mixed reality and virtual reality content is spiking. Making it easier for developers to create such content will push the whole wearable headset universe forward.

Designer: Sony

Creators can use the XYN in conjunction with Sony’s spatial content creation software to craft extended reality content including 3D objects, animations, and immersive games for Metaverse applications. When not in use the wearer can flip the headset up since they’ll be using it for long durations while creating content. The only thing missing this year compared to last year’s version is the pointer and ring on top. At the event, the headset was spotted in two colorways – black and gray. The price and release date of the headset are still uncertain, and we hope to hear more from Sony in the coming months.

Alongside the XYN headset, Sony has also revealed the Xyn Motion Studio which is a Windows app with support for up to 12 Mocopi sensors for an improved motion capture flow. This is often used by video content creators to control virtual avatars courtesy of the wireless motion tracking system. The advanced software enables the developers to cut or merge motions, as well as toggle the time and position. A prototype of the spatial capture solution is now capable of converting any real objects or mirrorless camera photos into photorealistic 3D computer-generated assets. The software is slated to release in March 2025.

The post Sony XYN VR headset for creating 3D games and Metaverse applications debuts at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

OnePlus 13 Review: Redefining What It Means to Never Settle

PROS:

  • Elegant and sustainable micro-fiber vegan leather material
  • Innovative Triprism lens helps keep the phone thin and light
  • Clean and fast OxygenOS 15 Android experience
  • Large 6,000mAh battery with fast wired and wireless charging

CONS:

  • New vegan leather material available only on one colorway
  • Off-center camera position can cause wobbling on desks

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR’S QUOTE:

With a distinctive elegance and uncompromising performance, the OnePlus 13 reaffirms the brand’s philosophy of pushing the boundaries of what smartphone flagships are truly capable of.

Most people put out New Year’s resolutions at the start of the year to make sure they put their best foot forward from the get-go. For OnePlus, that means starting the year with a “BANG!” by unleashing its newest flagship to the whole world. Already in its 12th incarnation (skipping the nefarious “4” and skipping the “T” models), the brand has gone through just as many redesigns and direction changes, all while still trying to stay true to the revolutionary spirit that quickly catapulted it into fame.

The OnePlus 13 is poised to be the culmination of that colorful history, at least up to this point, leveraging all the lessons that it learned in over 10 years while also boldly venturing into new territory. Can its latest flagship live up to its pedigree or has the brand lost its way? We take the OnePlus 13 for a spin to find out if the former upstart’s spirit lives on.

Designer: OnePlus

Aesthetics

OnePlus has always been quite revolutionary when it comes to the materials it uses for its smartphones, from wood to sandstone to faux leather. For the OnePlus 13, it opted to revisit materials associated with luxury products, in this case, leather. But in typical OnePlus fashion, it wasn’t content to just slap on that luxurious but unsustainable material and it created its own eco-friendly variant.

With the world’s first microfiber vegan leather applied to a smartphone, the OnePlus 13 immediately exudes a sophisticated appearance that doesn’t just look good but also feels great. It’s soft and warm to touch, adding a new tactile dimension to the smartphone experience. It also puts an extra level of durability into play, protecting the phone from high-temperature, salt spray, and even chemical exposure.

It’s undoubtedly a nice touch (pun intended), but it’s sadly not standard across the different colorways. Black Eclipse instead uses a unique process that gives its glass back a texture reminiscent of rosewood grain, a material near and dear to OnePlus’s heart. Compared to these two, unfortunately, the white Arctic Dawn looks and feels almost too mundane.

The OnePlus 13 also tries to combine the best of modern designs. On the one hand, you have the predominant flat aesthetic clearly seen on the phone’s edges. On the other hand, OnePlus also applied a quad-curved glass for the front, making the surface blend gracefully into the mid-frame. The back has a similar subtle curve around the edges, not enough to make it feel like you’re holding a phone from the 2010s.

If there’s one detail about the design that might not sit well with everyone, it would be the cameras. Large circles are in fashion today, but many now try to put that raised disc in the middle rather than off to the side like the OnePlus 13. While aesthetic tastes may vary, the design does have some practical implications on the weight distribution of the product. Suffice it to say, expect it to wobble when you tap on it on a flat surface like a table.

Ergonomics

As well get to later, the OnePlus 13 is packed with quite a number of powerful hardware, including a very large battery pack. It needs at least that much to have a competitive edge, but thankfully that doesn’t come at the expense of the phone’s usability and ergonomics. In fact, despite all that, the OnePlus 13 is only 210g light and 8.5mm thin, a remarkable feat indeed.

What these figures mean in practice is that the phone remains comfortable to hold, giving confidence whenever you hold the phone in your hand. The texture of the microfiber vegan leather material also improves your grip, ensuring that the OnePlus 13 won’t easily escape your grasp.

Performance

As an early 2025 flagship, it’s no surprise that the OnePlus 13 would have the best of the best hardware available in the smartphone market at this point. That means, of course, the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. You’ll hardly see the OnePlus 13 choke on anything you throw at it, from gaming to AI-powered photo touch-ups, and a massive cooling vapor chamber ensures it’s running at peak performance longer.

On the software side, the OnePlus 13 runs OxygenOS 15, which is based on Android 15. Unlike most “skins,” the latest iteration of the brand’s custom Android experience is pleasantly clean and light. It’s no accident, of course, as the company intentionally fine-tuned the user experience to feel fast and smooth to give it the feeling of responsiveness. Of course, there’s no shortage of AI features, both OnePlus’ as well as Google’s Gemini, and it can handle those functions quite gracefully.

Just as interesting as its back is the OnePlus 13’s front, where a flat 6.8-inch QHD+ (3168×1440) screen lies. It’s bright, colorful, and fast, making your content pop whether they’re static photos or fast-moving games. The experience, however, goes beyond just looking good, with a new Glove Mode that lets you operate the display even while wearing woolen or sheepskin gloves up to 0.5cm in thickness. And considering how much time we spend on our phone screens, the 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming promises to put less strain on the eyes.

Part of the reason for the OnePlus 13’s large size is the 6,000mAh battery inside. That’s immediately larger than what most flagship smartphones carry, and yet the OnePlus 13 manages to still remain thin and lightweight. More than just the oversized capacity and battery life, the battery also impresses with its fast 80W wired and 50W wireless charging speeds, making sure you’re up and running again in a little over 30 minutes. That is, of course, if you’re using compatible proprietary OnePlus chargers.

With mobile photography as one of the top reasons people buy smartphones today, it’s no surprise that OnePlus invested quite a lot on its new flagship’s camera system. It’s becoming quite trendy to finally have nearly co-equal camera sensors, in this case three 50MP cameras that deliver clear, detailed, and beautiful images, regardless of the angle or focal length.

A large 1/1.4-inch Sony LYT-808 leads the pack with an equally large f/1.6 aperture, making short work of most shots under any lighting condition. The 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor on the ultra-wide camera delivers a breath-taking panorama with every shot, and it doesn’t sacrifice any quality to get there. Having the same megapixel count removes that jarring jump when switching cameras, making it feel like you’re using a single camera with different lenses instead.

Admittedly, the most interesting of the three is the telephoto camera, and not just because of its 1/1.95-inch Sony LYT-600 sensor. It uses an innovative Triprism lens design that, despite having more prisms than your typical periscope-style telephoto lens, actually takes up less space inside. That’s how the OnePlus 13 manages to be thinner than the competition and still deliver a 3x optical zoom with a 73mm equivalent focal length.

Suffice it to say, the OnePlus 13 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to camera output, both in still photos and in videos. Even on an overcast day, you still get plenty of details and sharpness, even when zoomed in. And with its partnership with Hasselblad, portraits come out perfectly as if they were taken by professional Hasselblad cameras.

Sustainability

Smartphones remain one of the most numerous mass-produced electronics in the world today, and there’s no slowing down that market. This means millions of units are still produced annually, and just as many are replaced or simply discarded frequently. Any small change that reduces a phone’s negative impact on the environment adds up in the long run, like going with a more sustainable material such as the OnePlus 13’s microfiber vegan leather.

It definitely helps if a smartphone doesn’t have to be replaced any time soon, whether because of damages or obsolescence. The OnePlus 13 boasts IP68 as well as IP69 ratings, so some water accidents need not cause a panic. OnePlus also promises four years of software updates and an additional six years of security updates, ensuring that your phone is running smoothly for years to come.

Value

With quite a number of players in this already crowded market, OnePlus is definitely smart in getting a head start this year with the global launch of the OnePlus 13. It is making a competitive and well-rounded product available early before some of its rivals even announce their next big thing. And the OnePlus 13 is definitely worth checking out with all the features it has to offer.

More than just the powerful high-end hardware, impressive triple 50MP cameras, and long-lasting battery, what the OnePlus 13 offers is a holistic experience that checks all the right boxes. An elegant and sustainable design, a clean and fast user interface, and the right balance of AI-driven features, all contribute into making the OnePlus 13 a good choice for an early 2025 purchase.

Verdict

OnePlus began as a challenge to the status quo of the smartphone market and delivered products that made the same premium features more accessible to people. It was never just about the price, however, and the focus was always on providing a design and user experience that could keep up with users’ needs and preferences, facets of their lives that change and grow over time.

The OnePlus 13 aims to be that kind of companion on people’s life journeys. Not just a technological tool but a part and extension of themselves. Its future-proof features, stylish aesthetics, and environment-conscious design allow it to keep up with users from all walks of life, whether they’re content creators, mobile gamers, knowledge workers, or anyone in between. In that sense, the OnePlus 13 definitely carries the torch of the brand’s “Never Settle” philosophy, delivering an uncompromising experience that empowers you to stay ahead.

The post OnePlus 13 Review: Redefining What It Means to Never Settle first appeared on Yanko Design.