I have been using a Macbook for almsot two decades so I don’t really need to have an external keyboard. I am also not a PC gamer so I don’t need to have all those fancy devices that you can use on your computer or laptop to make the gaming experience faster and better. But when I see those fancy and colorful keyboards that my friends post, I’m sometimes tempted to get one just to try out all the bells and whistles and also to hear myself clickety clacking on this keyboard instead of my mostly quiet Macbook’s built-in one.

Designer: NuPhy

The brand NuPhy has been making a name for itself in the mechanical keyboard market but their newest one, the Field75 HE Keyboard is the first one that is heavily designed and promoted as a gaming keyboard. While they say it’s also for productivity as well, most of the extra things that this keyboard gives will appeal mostly for those who are casually and heavily into gaming. It is also compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS so whatever gadget you’re using, the keyboard can be an accessory. From its retro-futuristic aesthetic to the various cogs and tools alongside the usual keyboard things, this has kind of broken the mold when it comes to mechanical keyboards.

For one, it has eight macro keys, four on the left side of the device and four below the spacebar. They act more like mouse buttons than regular keys and the click clacks are different from the sound of the other keys. You can remap their functions but the default are mostly for media controls and shortcuts. The cogwheel on the left side controls lighting while the toggle switch lets you swap between the three onboard memory profiles. There is also a volume wheel with a knurled aluminum placed on the edge of the keyboard. These cutting-edge Hall Effect magnetic switches really put this keyboard on top of most that are available in the market.

Aside from the design, the technical specs of the NuPhy Field75 HE Keyboard also make it different from its competitors. It has adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, rapid trigger functionality, and an 8,000Hz polling rate. You will be able to adjust and customize things like key sensitivity, per-key rapid trigger, etc. You can also have multiple functions for some of the keys. So whether you’re using it for serious gaming or for rapid productivity purposes, the keyboard may be able give you more than just typing out keys for your screen.

The post NuPhy’s newest keyboard gives gamers and productivity fans extra keys and functions first appeared on Yanko Design.

I lived in an era where printed photos and Polaroid cameras were not vintage or a fad but were in fact the norm. Of course living through the digital revolution, I got to see these actual photos become a thing of the past or something that the younger generation looked at with fascination. And eventually, it became a new fad since everything old is new again. We’re now seeing the popularity of cameras that can print photos from your phone camera n a blend of the digital and analog. So we’re also seeing some more innovations for this particular product line, at least in concepts.

Designer: Samarth Saluja

Trance is a concept for a polaroid-like camera but adds a bit more modern functionalities to it. It’s not just a photo printer (like a lot of the polaroid-like products out there) but an actual digital camera that you can adjust and configure to capture the perfect photo at the moment. The name comes from the deep focus we fall into when trying to take photos that best represent our current experience. It has the usual features like a shutter, viewfinder, screen, zoom, dials to adjust focus and aperture, etc.

What makes this concept different from other cameras and printers are the incorporation of features that lets you create custom polaroids. The me2 button lets the photographer become part of the moment. By pressing this button after you take your photo, the front camera will take your selfie and then print it at the bottom of the polaroid. This way you’re still part of the memory of the moment even though you were behind the camera so to speak.

The other innovative feature of the Trance concept is Moments. It lets you access a brief playback of the scenes before and after the moment the photo was taken. It lets you have a more immersive experience of that moment in case you want to relive those times. The design of the camera itself is pretty standard for a camera and printer so it’s those features that can make this concept stand out.

The post Polariod camera and printer concept adds more modern features first appeared on Yanko Design.

You might have noticed that most gear for outdoor use, such as backpacks and vests, have plenty of hooks, latches, and straps. These are designed to allow you to have a few critical objects outside and within reach at a moment’s notice. And what could be more critical these days than a power bank that’s always ready to juice up your phone for outdoor emergencies or dramatic selfies?

Not all power banks come with carrying straps, even the smaller ones. And even if you could hook them into some of these loops and eyes, that would mean they’d be dangling and swaying back and forth precariously. This simple design solves that problem by combining two designs in one, resulting in a multi-purpose accessory that could be of great use even if you’re not the type to always go on outdoor adventures.

Designer: Nestout

Is it a carabiner with an attached power bank or a power bank with a built-in carabiner? Look at it from whichever angle you want, it will still be the same rugged accessory that clings to you in every trip and journey. Clip it anywhere you want, whether on a bag strap or on a jacket loop and you’re ready to answer the call of adventure, confident that your phone won’t die out on you until you get to your next pit stop.

The 5,000mAh battery inside is probably enough to give most phones another life, or at least even half if you’re using it while charging. Thanks to that small capacity, it’s also easy to charge so you don’t have to waste daylight waiting for it to be ready for another trek. It’s also IP44-rated, so there’s at least some protection against light rain and dust. It makes no qualms about its rugged appearance since it’s designed to be used in equally rugged situations.

That said, there’s nothing preventing you from using this Carabiner Battery anywhere else, at least if you don’t mind carrying around what definitely looks like an outdoor tool. It even has features you’ll probably want regardless of your location, like a built-in phone stand that can hold some phones upright, depending on their sizes.

One thing that would have made this design even better is if it had a built-in USB-C cable. It does have a separate clip to act as a way to hold a short charging cable in place, but it’s still a separate thing you need to be careful not to lose along your way. Retractable cables seem to be a rising trend in chargers and power banks today, but even a simple, short strip could go a long way in making the Carabiner Battery a self-sufficient accessory designed for the great outdoors.

The post Chunky carabiner is actually a petite power bank for your outdoor adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

The modern office has a peculiar way of clinging to inefficiencies. Lights stay on in empty conference rooms, HVAC systems blast cool air over unoccupied desks, and hybrid work schedules turn entire floors into ghost towns. Logitech’s Spot sensor claims to fix that—an unassuming puck-shaped device packed with mmWave radar, designed to detect human presence and optimize energy consumption. It sounds like a pragmatic upgrade, but when a device is built to track movement at all times, the question isn’t just what it can do, but who it ultimately serves.

In essence, Spot is a spatial awareness tool (not the kind of ‘spatial’ that Apple talks about). Unlike traditional motion sensors, which rely on infrared or basic heat detection, mmWave radar allows Spot to detect even the smallest movements—breathing, slight shifts in posture, the restless tapping of fingers on a desk. This makes it vastly more accurate than older tech, which often misfires when someone sits too still. The device feeds this data into Logitech’s office management platform, providing real-time insights about occupancy. Lights, ventilation, and other smart systems can then adjust dynamically, reducing waste in spaces that aren’t actually being used.

Designer: Logitech

In theory, this is great. Offices hemorrhage money on unused space, and anything that reduces waste is a win. The hardware itself is sleek, unobtrusive, and entirely wireless, running on Bluetooth and Thread, with a promised battery life of up to four years. It doesn’t use cameras or microphones, which makes it less invasive than the surveillance tools that companies quietly deploy under the guise of productivity tracking. But here’s where things get murky—just because a device isn’t *overtly* spying on you doesn’t mean it isn’t feeding data into a broader ecosystem that can be used in ways employees might not fully grasp.

The rise of “smart” offices often parallels a rise in employer oversight. The same infrastructure that powers energy efficiency can easily be repurposed for monitoring work habits. If a system knows when a meeting room is occupied, it also knows how long people spend in it. If it tracks desk occupancy, it can reveal attendance patterns. Even if Logitech swears up and down that Spot is about sustainability and nothing else, data has a way of becoming useful to those looking for patterns—managers, landlords, HR departments.

This is where corporate efficiency starts to blur into something else. On one end, a company might use Spot’s data to adjust real estate investments—scaling down leased space based on actual occupancy. That’s a rational use case. On the other, the same data could be weaponized against employees, subtly influencing return-to-office policies or flagging “underutilized” desks. It’s easy to imagine a scenario where your absence from a workstation becomes a point of discussion, not because a boss is watching you, but because the system quietly logs every fluctuation in space usage.

The irony is that the same technology that promises to streamline workspaces could also contribute to their slow demise. If hybrid work continues to dominate, sensors like Spot might end up proving that offices are redundant. Real estate firms are already bracing for a reckoning as occupancy rates stagnate, and if data-driven insights confirm that companies don’t need the square footage they once did, landlords will be the ones scrambling for solutions. In that sense, Spot could be an accelerant—giving businesses the justification they need to downsize for good.

To Logitech’s credit, the company has positioned Spot as a tool for efficiency, not surveillance. There are no direct integrations with employee monitoring software, no granular tracking tied to individuals. The fact that it relies on radar instead of cameras is a crucial distinction—one that at least suggests a baseline respect for privacy. But technology rarely exists in a vacuum. Even if Spot itself doesn’t cross ethical lines, it contributes to a broader culture where data collection is increasingly normalized, where presence detection subtly shifts from convenience to expectation.

If you strip away the corporate implications, Spot is an objectively solid product. It’s compact, well-designed, and technologically impressive. It does what it’s supposed to do, and it does it better than most alternatives. And if companies deploy Spot responsibly (that’s a big IF) – transparently sharing its purpose, keeping employee data anonymized, and using it strictly for resource management — it could be a meaningful step toward making offices more sustainable without compromising trust. The push for efficiency doesn’t have to come at the cost of autonomy, and in the best-case scenario, tools like this could help build smarter workplaces that respect both people and privacy. Whether businesses choose to use it that way is another question entirely.

The post Logitech’s New Sensor Helps Offices Save Energy – By ‘Tracking’ Their Employees first appeared on Yanko Design.

Alright, you love your feline more than anything in this world, or simply want the cozy warmth of a furry peripheral in your desk setup? Then there is an actual peripheral that’ll rival any other fancy keyboard option. The Angry Miao subsidiary Dry Studio has created a cat-themed mechanical keyboard dubbed Petbrick 65. This cozy peripheral comes with a detachable furry shell that makes you feel comfy at all times. The number 65 signifies the 65 percent mechanical nature of this keyboard.

As per the maker, this is the world’s first “pettable custom mechanical keyboard in the world.” Angry Miao is no stranger to making striking peripherals like the Cyberboard R2, and its subsidiary coming up with something really out of the box is not surprising. Making a cat-inspired designer keyboard makes sense, as most of the internet junkies are obsessed with felines.

Designer: Dry Studio

The fluffy outer shell is handmade and is similar to Jellycat toys. It is purely magnetic on the sides to attach and be snug in place no matter how hard typer you are. It can be cleaned easily (machine washable material) since keyboards can collect a lot of gunk and debris. The maker describes it as, “a keyboard you can actually pet.” The accessory comes in both wired and wireless modes depending on whether you are using it in a stationary setup on your desk or with a laptop for more convenience. It can be connected over a 2.5GHz wireless connection and the 5,000mAh battery should last a very long time.

Using the Petbrick 65 keyboard, cat lovers can emulate the feeling of petting their furry friend while not having them sitting on the desk, ready to mess up your workflow with the slightest of mood swings. Dry Studio says the outer fluffy shell is as soft as satin fabric since it is made by a seasoned toy factory specializing in making soft toy fabric material. The cat-themed fur weighing 3.3 pounds is matched by the color keys in a similar theme, along with the three preset RGB color modes to set the right mood. Also, there is a high glossy transparent mold that improves the dynamic RGB lighting with a smooth and responsive typing experience.

Petbrick 65 keyboard custom mechanical keyboard comes with patented Leaf-Spring mount having 8-layer construction, sandblasted POM plate, specially tuned cotton poron, IXPE 8 switch pad, and dual layer ultra-low-density EPDM sound-dampening foam. The keys on the keyboard carry the cat theme including the Shift key with cat legs and cartoonish cat paws for the space bar. For the initial launch, two colors are available – 14 Calico and 17 Odd-eye at a steep price of $239.

The post Can’t Focus? Now You Can Pet This Furry Keyboard For Comfort While You Work first appeared on Yanko Design.

There’s a lot one can do with LEGO and 3D printing, but creating a working laptop with a mouse and keyboard (that are as good as the real thing) is another level of DIYing. YouTube channel Brick Machines is all about crafting intricate builds using just LEGO bricks, and this time, the creative builder has gone a step further with this advanced DIY.

Taking an assortment of LEGO bricks, getting your idea together, and then proceeding with stacking the bricks is something most DIYers can do. This builder takes it to another level with the added step of actually creating the LEGO bricks painstakingly one brick at a time using a Bambulab 3D printer. The only prefabricated parts used here are the Technic MOC’s, discontinued Mindstorm kits, electronic parts, wires, display screen, and other components that can in no way be 3D printed.

Designer: Brick Machines

I would call this a well-rounded LEGO build that’s done from scratch, having the option of replacing existing parts with upgraded design variants or replacing any chipped parts that need replacement over a period of time. Of course, there’s always the freedom to 3D-print the bricks in other colors for a more appealing design. Interestingly the LEGO laptop can do most of the tasks any other normal laptop can do including playing games, browsing the internet, creating Word documents, watching your favorite Netflix show, or simply listening to music.

The keyboard and mouse use a magnetic X/Y track for precise movement and a Hall Effect sensor to detect the accurate positioning of the mouse pointer and the button clicks. Both of these come with RGB lighting, so the designer has left nothing to nitpick about. The same level of detail follows in the operating mechanism of this laptop for complete authenticity. There’s a built-in biometric authentication system, the display is touchscreen to keep up with modern requirements, and a large trackpad with cool RGB lighting for the custom-built mouse.

DIYer admits that the mouse design can be improved further if there is a ground connection to the whole thing. For this, a commenter proposes connecting the ground connections to the same wire, and it’ll be an easier fix. That being said, the working LEGO laptop is a project any avid geek needs to follow completely to get an idea for creating a similar intricate design. I just wished the creator explained a bit more about the step-by-step process in detail, as the video doesn’t have any transcript or spoken words for a better understanding of the advanced build using electronics.

The post 3D-printed LEGO laptop with a biometric authenticator, touchscreen display and RGB mousepad – beat that! first appeared on Yanko Design.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, having the right tools can make all the difference in maximizing productivity and efficiency. I work from home, and if you’re someone who does as well, you know how important it is to create the right working environment in your home office. Even if you’re working in a bustling cafe or a traditional office, you do need the right gadgets to streamline your workflow and enhance your daily operations.

We have curated a collection of the top 10 devices that every professional should consider integrating into their workspace to elevate their productivity to new heights. By adding these products to your daily routine, you can create a more efficient and productive work environment. Each device offers unique features and benefits that cater to the diverse needs of modern professionals, ensuring that you have the tools necessary to excel in your workday. Dive in!

1. KNOB Numpad

The KNOB Numpad is a conceptual design that reimagines the traditional numeric keypad as a versatile control tool. It draws inspiration from the sleek aesthetics of Teenage Engineering, and it extends beyond basic number entry. It incorporates knobs, dials, and sliders, enhancing the user experience for activities like video editing and digital design.

With its modular and wireless design, the KNOB Numpad allows you to customize your workspace by easily attaching and detaching components as needed. This flexibility, along with its ambidextrous usability, makes it a valuable addition to any desk setup.

Why is it noteworthy?

The KNOB Numpad represents an innovative approach to input devices, offering a more tactile and intuitive way to interact with software. It is a useful and functional tool for creative professionals who need to adjust settings in applications like Photoshop or Premiere Pro. It features a lightweight and compact form, and you can tuck it away when not in use. You don’t need to place multiple interfaces on the desk, occupying extra real estate.

What we like

• Offers an enhanced and intuitive user experience.
• Showcases a customizable and modular design.

What we dislike

• May not be very useful for users who primarily perform basic data entry tasks, limiting its appeal to a broader audience.

2. HubKey

Called the HubKey, this multifunctional device is a must-have for working professionals. It merges essential ports with a control panel that features intuitive buttons and a rotary knob. It is designed to support a range of functions, including 4K display output, 100W fast charging, Ethernet connectivity, and SD/TF card reading.

All these different functionalities have been packed in a compact form, allowing quick access to the different functions, and ensuring you can work in a more organized and streamlined manner. This boosts your productivity, allowing you to finish tasks with ease and maintain a quick, efficient, and effective workflow.

Why is it noteworthy?

This USB-C Hub is a game-changer for professionals who juggle multiple devices and tasks. It consolidates various ports and user controls into a single device, reducing desktop clutter and enhancing workflow efficiency. The built-in buttons and knob allow for quick access to frequently used functions, such as locking screens or adjusting volume, without the need to navigate through software menus. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also minimizes distractions, allowing professionals to maintain focus and productivity.

What we like

• Consolidates multiple ports and controls, reducing desktop clutter.
• Enhances workflow with quick access to essential functions.

What we dislike

• May require an additional power supply for full functionality with all ports in use.
• Some users might find the learning curve for shortcut keys slightly steep.

3. MiniMate

The ORICO MiniMate SSD is a sleek external storage solution designed to seamlessly integrate with your M4 Mac Mini. With its brushed aluminum finish and precise dimensions, it looks like a natural extension of the Mac Mini itself. Available in sizes ranging from 512 GB to a massive 8 TB, the MiniMate is perfect for professionals who require substantial storage capacity for their projects.

If you’re in the creative industry and you need to handle large files or extensive media collections, then the MiniMate is a clever and functional choice for you. It has a sleek and clean aesthetic, making it a good-looking and visually pleasing addition to your desk, workflow, and everyday work routine.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ORICO MiniMate SSD can expand storage without compromising aesthetics or space. Its design complements the Mac Mini, making it an attractive choice for professionals who value both form and function. The high-speed storage capabilities ensure that large files can be accessed and transferred quickly, which is essential for creative professionals handling video files, large design projects, or extensive data sets.

What we like

• Seamless integration with Mac Mini, maintaining a cohesive look.
• Offers up to 8 TB of storage, accommodating extensive file management needs.

What we dislike

• Specifically designed for the Mac Mini, limiting its use with other devices.
• Placement on top of the Mac Mini can reduce flexibility in desk arrangement.

4. OrigamiSwift Mouse

The OrigamiSwift Folding Mouse is a foldable Bluetooth mouse inspired by the art of origami. It combines portability with the comfort of a full-sized mouse, making it ideal for professionals who are constantly on the move. With a quick transformation, it adapts to various work environments, offering ergonomic design and precision.

If you’re someone who works in a traditional office, or at home – the OrigamiSwift Mouse is a good fit for you in both cases. It is portable and precise, and you can easily slip it into your pocket or bag, carrying it with you wherever you go. It ensures you’re always ready to be proactive, whether you’re working in a cafe or cab.

Click Here to Buy Now: $79

Why is it noteworthy?

The OrigamiSwift Folding Mouse is perfect for professionals who require flexibility without sacrificing comfort. Its foldable design makes it a convenient travel companion. The ergonomic shape ensures comfort during long work sessions, while its lightweight build makes it easy to carry. By offering a portable yet full-sized mouse experience, it supports a seamless transition between different workspaces, thus maintaining productivity on the go.

What we like

• Foldable design for easy portability and storage.
• Ergonomic shape for comfortable use during extended periods.

What we dislike

• May not be suitable for users with larger hands due to its compact size.
• Requires occasional charging, which could interrupt workflow if not managed.

5. Lunar Mini PC

Dubbed the Lunar Mini PC, this innovative design transforms portable computing with its ingenious approach. Encased within a foldable keyboard is a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Processor, delivering a full PC experience in a compact and portable form. Since it eliminates a built-in screen, it allows users to connect to external displays, offering a customizable setup to suit individual preferences.

This design preference not only conserves battery life but also aligns with contemporary work practices that demand connectivity and flexibility. The Lunar Mini PC is an ideal solution for those frequently on the move, providing the power of a full-sized PC while effortlessly integrating into your routine, ensuring access wherever you go.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Lunar 2-in-1 Foldable Keyboard PC is ideal for professionals who require power and flexibility. Its compact design allows for easy transport, making it perfect for those who work in multiple locations. By forgoing a built-in screen, it conserves battery life and offers the versatility to connect to different displays, whether it’s a monitor, tablet, or AR glasses. This adaptability ensures that users can tailor their work setup to their specific needs, thereby enhancing productivity and efficiency.

What we like

• Compact and portable design, easy to carry between locations.
• High-performance processor for demanding tasks.

What we dislike

• The lack of a built-in display may require additional setup time.
• Limited to external display compatibility, which could be a drawback in certain environments.

6. SuperTank Portable Charger

Working professionals always need their devices and gadgets to be charged, and to ensure this, we recommend getting your hands on the SuperTank Portable Charger. This powerhouse of energy is a must-have for professionals who often find themselves on the go. It features a 27,000 mAh capacity and 100W USB-C Power Delivery.

The SuperTank Portable Charger can power a whole bunch of different devices – ranging from smartphones to laptops. It is equipped with four USB ports which can charge multiple devices on the go. If you’re someone who needs access to fully powered tech throughout the day, this nifty product is the one for you.

Why is it noteworthy?

It delivers excellent power delivery and capacity, ensuring it stands out from the other standard portable chargers. It is equipped with 100W USB-C output, which supports rapid charging of powerful devices like laptops. It is essential for professionals who need to stay productive throughout the day, as it offers quick and efficient charging solutions.

What we like

• Equipped with a high-capacity battery that supports multiple device charges.
• Offers fast charging for laptops.

What we dislike

• It is larger and bulkier than typical phone chargers.

7. Yeslamp

If you’re someone who works quite a bit on the desk, then the Yeslamp Evo Adjustable LED Desk Lamp is what you need. It will meet all your lighting needs while working at a desk. It features a 6-axis adjustable swing arm, and it provides a wide range of motions to ensure optimal light placement for any task.

It is equipped with special LED beads which have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) above 95. It offers a natural spectrum of light that closely mimics daylight, enhancing visibility and reducing eye strain. It delivers eye-friendly lighting that helps reduce fatigue and improve focus, which is crucial for professionals who spend long hours at their desks.

Why is it noteworthy?

It has a high CRI which ensures colors are rendered accurately, and is quite beneficial for anyone in the creative industry. The lamp offers five brightness levels and five color temperature options, allowing users to customize the lighting to suit different tasks and times of day. This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for maintaining productivity and comfort, whether you’re reviewing documents or participating in a video conference.

What we like

• Provides customizable lighting with five brightness levels and five color temperature options.
• High CRI provides accurate color rendering and reduces eye strain.

What we dislike

• Requires a power source, which may limit placement flexibility.
• The range of motion might be excessive for smaller desk spaces, potentially leading to clutter.

8. Rolling World Clock

Called the Rolling World Clock, this innovative design is created for professionals who frequently interact with clients and colleagues across various time zones. The elegantly crafted clock merges functionality with a minimalist aesthetic, making it a practical and stylish addition to your desk. It adds some visual splendor while helping you keep track of the time.

The clock showcases a sleek body, which serves as an excellent conversation piece. Anyone who enters your home office will have positive things to say about the little clock. Its unique functionality makes it integral for navigating international schedules, which is a boon for professionals who deal with a global clientele.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

It boasts an intuitive one-handed operation that allows users to effortlessly access different time zones. By simply rolling the clock to the desired city, the watch hand automatically adjusts to display the correct local time. This eliminates the need for digital devices or complex calculations, making it an ideal solution for quickly checking the time in various global locations. The clock’s user-friendly design simplifies the process of time management, ensuring that you can focus more on your work and less on figuring out time differences.

What we like

• It reduces reliance on screens and ensures you have less screen time.
• Has a straightforward operation, which makes keeping track of different time zones a hassle-free experience.

What we dislike

• Designed to showcase only 12 major cities, which means that users may need to manually calculate time differences for locations.

9. Note

Having an excellent note-taking accessory is great for enhancing productivity and organization. Say hello to Note – a compact desk whiteboard that is designed to transform the way you jot down ideas, reminders, and other important information. The Note is unlike traditional note-taking tools, as it brings a modern twist to the table.

Note merges functionality with innovative features to convert your workday into a dynamic and productive one. It features a unique and versatile design that can be twisted or flipped over, offering ample space for your different note-taking and writing needs. When you keep track of your thoughts and ideas, you’re able to have a streamlined and more productive workday.

Why is it noteworthy?

One side of the board features a dotted grid surface, ideal for structured notes, diagrams, or sketches, while the other side offers a plain surface for freeform writing. You can also opt for the same design on both sides, allowing you to customize it to your specific preferences. This dual-surface feature ensures that you always have the right canvas for capturing your thoughts, whether you’re brainstorming ideas or organizing tasks.

What we like

• Equipped with a vertical screen that serves multiple functions.
• The compact form factor makes it a perfect fit for any desk setup, providing maximum functionality without taking up valuable space.

What we dislike

• The vertical screen is useful for basic information display, it does not support video playback.

10. Saint Antoine USB Key

USB flash drives are staples for transferring and storing data owing to their compact size and portability. But since they have a small size, they are often easy to lose and misplace, which can be quite frustrating. This is where the Saint Antoine USB Key comes in! It is a conceptual design that addresses this issue, by providing a unique form factor that is always within reach.

It is the traditional flash drive reimagined, and unlike conventional USB drives, it has a slender and elongated form that can easily fit into the keys of your laptop. It is equipped with small protrusions that are branching off from its stem. These protrusions fit into the keyboard, ensuring the drive is never lost.

Why is it noteworthy?

The drive’s unique shape allows it to fit snugly between the keys of your laptop keyboard, providing a secure and convenient storage solution. The key between your laptop’s screen and keyboard ensures you always know where your drive is, eliminating the hassle of searching for a misplaced flash drive.

What we like

• The design effectively prevents you from losing your USB key by integrating it into your laptop setup.
• Allows you to close your laptop lid without fear of puncturing or damaging the screen, owing to its thin form factor.

What we dislike

• May have limited space for storing large amounts of data.

The post 10 Best Tools & Devices To Help Professionals Have A High-Yielding & Constructive Workday first appeared on Yanko Design.

Although smartphone screens and cameras are evolving at a rapid rate, the audio experience often comes as an afterthought. Yes, you can indeed connect wireless earbuds these days, but not all of these offer the depth and power that audiophiles demand. Wired audio accessories sometimes still offer the best listening experience, but only if you have headphones actually capable of doing a decent job.

External DAC devices are a must for some more discerning listeners, but you probably won’t want a box dangling from your phone, no matter how small it is. Not unless said box actually looks appealing and eye-catching, like these DACs and headphone amplifiers that look like a blast from the past with their cassette tape design. Even better, these actually support modern features like Bluetooth, allowing almost anything to become a source of joy for music lovers.

Designer: FiiO

This isn’t FiiO’s first cassette-themed DAC, but it is definitely its most ambitious. Aimed at a younger, more fashionable, and more design-conscious audience, the Snowsky Retro Nano takes the nostalgia up a notch. The DACs more closely resemble the actual proportions of a cassette tape, including the section at the top that marks the location of the pressure pad, magnetic shield, and other components. The small CLD display even mimics the turning animation of the spools for a more authentic recreation.

Of course, this design is just icing on the cake of FiiO’s renowned expertise in DAC devices. What’s a bit interesting is that each Retro Nano comes with eight sound presets that transform the sound into something coming from a bygone era. Of course, you’re free to fine-tune the settings to your liking using the FiiO Control app. The DAC comes with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone jacks to cater to different tastes and requirements, and the 3.5mm jack supports in-line controls so you can even take voice calls with the Retro Nano connected.

Another detail that separates this nostalgia trip is its support for Bluetooth audio, so almost any device can benefit from its DAC capabilities. The device itself has three modes, including Bluetooth, Phone, and PC, making it effortless to switch between wired and wireless connections in a snap. Powering all these is a rechargeable 3.7V lithium battery that can be quickly swapped out with a fully charged one when it is completely drained.

Some might consider wired headphones an old technology, so it’s almost fitting that these DACs embrace a similarly dated design. That said, what’s old is new again, and cassette tape designs ironically bring a sense of novelty and fun to products these days. More importantly, the FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier actually encourages you to “glam up” the device with included stickers and a lanyard, creating an experience not just around music but self-expression as well.

The post FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano DAC mixes retro cassette aesthetic with modern features first appeared on Yanko Design.

It isn’t just vinyl that’s making a comeback. Although they’re much younger and haven’t exactly vanished from the market, audio CDs have been easily supplanted by streaming services and MP3s. There are plenty that still prefer to hold physical media that really emphasizes their ownership of the product, so CD players have never really become as rare as record players before this recent retro revolution.

They have, however, been rather uninspiring and unaesthetic, still bearing the technology-centric design from the 90s. It’s definitely high time to give this device a makeover, but there’s no need to also ditch the CD player’s identity. Taking a cue from Teenage Engineering’s design book, this concept gives the audio device an aesthetic that is modern, clean, and clearly industrial.

Designers: Jake Wegesin (Ambient Press), Pierrick Pichaureaux (Pich.Studio)

Although Teenage Engineering’s products serve a rather niche market of audio synthesizers and other music-related devices, the outfit’s design language has inspired many to follow suit and give their products a minimalist industrial style. That design language involves the use of geometric shapes, sharp edges and angles, and a monochromatic color scheme, often in silver, with a few orange highlights here and there. It beautifully bridges the gap between a more technical treatment and a clean, modern look that can be applied to almost any product today.

A CD player isn’t that far from Teenage Engineering’s core product line, so this concept doesn’t stray far either. Instead of the usual plastic you’d see on its kind, you get a metallic square block that has very little extraneous details on any side. Even the presence of a CD bay is only indicated by a very thin line circling around the center of the box. It’s a bit deceptive, however, as the lid is actually the whole top surface rather than that broken circle.

The controls of the CD player almost disappear into the body of the box as well, protruding only so slightly from the edges. The design of what seems to be the volume control is pretty ingenious, a knob that hides in one of the rounded corners of the player. Curiously, the only thing that literally sticks out is the headphone jack, here encased in a small knurled cylinder jutting out from the bottom of the box. Whether it has any tactile functionality isn’t clear, but it would be such a waste since its very design seems begging to be pulled or twisted.

The predominantly brushed silver body of the CD-P1 concept is broken only by a few orange accents, such as the carrying trap and the groove on the volume knob to indicate its position. Flip the box over, however, and you are met with a felt-like orange material that gives both a visual contrast as well as a tactile one. The minimalist style of this design concept probably won’t fit everyone’s tastes, but it’s definitely a breath of fresh air for a product whose dominant designs seem to go back decades as well.

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There can be many sources of stress in our lives, and one of the more unavoidable ones sometimes comes from our neighbors. Those living in apartment complexes have had the unfortunate experience of having to bear with rowdy children, rumbling washing machines, and other sources of noise coming from units above them without any recourse. Unfortunately, we can’t always cover our ears either, as that brings up a whole different set of problems of their own.

We’re often treated to futuristic or magical solutions that can seemingly mute undesirable sounds at will, but we actually do have some of that technology available today. With a little imagination and forward-thinking design, the active noise cancellation technologies used in headphones and microphones could potentially be employed to also cancel out the noise in our homes, as this bat-shaped device concept tries to demonstrate.

Designer: blender KIM

Bats are quite known for their use of sound and echo to navigate their way through a dark world, which seems to be a fitting motif for a speaker whose function is to actually echo sound rather than simply produce it. In its inactive state, the batty speaker looks like a bat hanging from the ceiling of a cave, its wings wrapped around its body and its digital eyes closed like slits. With a warm, muted color scheme, they’re supposed to blend well with most interior motifs and look a little less distracting.

Whether or not you’ll find it disturbing to have these cylindrical objects hanging from your ceiling is a different question entirely, but they do make for a curious sight. That’s especially true when its lower body tilts down, making it look like a bat in mid-flight.

Of course, a visually striking speaker won’t simply make the noise go away, and the batty concept design proposes the use of a special kind of ANC or active noise cancellation to pull off that feat. In essence, it would detect and analyze impact sound and airborne sound transmitted from the unit above through the slab of your ceiling and emit opposing phase waves in the direction of the noise, effectively canceling out the sound.

This is practically the same principle used in ANC in general, so it definitely has some scientific basis. The slight difference is that it also listens for the sounds produced by impacts such as heavy footsteps and machine vibrations, the most common sources of annoyance in these situations. In cases where batty speakers are too far apart, an auxiliary sensor can be installed in between them, acting like a cave stalagmite that assists bats in echolocation. Whether such a concept will actually be effective is something that only experimentation can truly tell.

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