Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Nike and Hasbro collaborate over Limited-Edition LeBron themed Monopoly Game

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Footwear icon Nike and the creators of the classic Monopoly game set, Hasbro, have come into a special collaboration to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the board game on November 19 with a limited-edition Monopoly game set themed after the basketball legend LeBron James. Dubbed LeBron 22, the game set is fine memorabilia for both sports and Monopoly fans across all age groups.

The board game, with a fresh twist, is not a solitary-themed item born out of this collaboration that no one saw coming. Anyway, comes along with exclusive LeBron sneakers inspired by the Monopoly’s design elements. The game set on the other hand comes with LeBron-themed playing pieces including rings, basketballs, sneakers, and jerseys that take the gameplay to the next level of fandom.

Designer: Nike x Hasbro

Hasbro x Nike Monopoly-themed speakers come in two distinct designs. The Currency and Token. While the first is inspired by the graphic approach of the money in the game of Monopoly, the latter is envisioned after the game tokens in luxurious blue and gold floral print. Both have their own journey and style but live up to the common goal of celebrating LeBron’s admirable gameplay and lifestyle, and Monopoly’s iconic status. The Currency colorway is ready to drop on November 15 with Token arriving on the 19th.

Aside from the release of the game of Monopoly and the thematic sneakers, Nike and Hasbro plan on bringing the LeBron 22 Monopoly Game Set to LeBron James’ House Three Thirty community center in Akron, OH, to celebrate Monopoly Day on November 19. Along with a life-size version of the game being hosted at LeBron’s I Promise School where sixth to eighth-grade students will have a chance to experience Monopoly in a brand-new avatar. The idea of the large game board is to promote financial literacy with interactive gameplay.

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Toyota celebrates NFL partnership with the Ultimate Tailgate Tundra featuring satellite internet

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SEMA Show in Las Vegas concluded with much fanfare this past weekend. The humungous gathering of automotive enthusiasts and aftermarket professionals was taken aback when Toyota unwrapped the Ultimate Tailgate Tundra. Part of Toyota’s exciting vehicles in Vegas, the Tundra is way beyond anything we have seen in the past: It’s an inspiring new vehicle designed as an audio-visual powerhouse for sports fans and adventurers.

Designed per se for tailgating parties that are nothing without a game of football; the Tundra is a tribute to the Japanese automaker’s partnership with the National Football League. As an official partner, Toyota has done great deals with NFL, now by offering this tailgating extravaganza, the company is giving fans a reason to uplift their fandom.

Designer: Toyota

If you’re an NFL fan, you know the significance of those pre-game gatherings – booze, large screen displays, and aggressive conversations – I feel chills running down my spine even as I write. The atmosphere is electrifying and unescapable, but some of us want that secluded space with a bunch of friends in the parking lot or out in the wilderness. That’s what the Tundra with tailgating entertainment system intends to target.

By offering the ultimate rig for the outdoors, Toyota is ensuring a fan never misses a game no matter how distant he is from the pitch or the confines of his home. Ultimate Tailgate Tundra is a pickup truck that would transport small tailgating get-togethers into a theatre-esque live game showdowns. On the staging shell powered by four electric actuators – rising up from the truck bed at the push of a button – are five 55-inch weatherproof outdoor screens that combine to give you the ultimate audio-visual experience on the move.

Tyler Litchenberger, Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communication manager informs, “This build is more of an audio-visual experience than a typical tailgate setup. We wanted to create something that not only draws attention to the truck, but is also an activation that invites people to experience the Toyota Tundra as the ultimate sporting and adventure machine.”

The five screens that work in tandem and are viewable from almost 180-degree angles are provided with exceptional audio combinations. The JBL Club Marine Series tower speakers draw power from the Club Marine A5055 amplifier and a Marine 600 amplifier drives two 10-inch subwoofers. The experience would be worthless without a generator powering the entire setup that runs on satellite-based Wi-Fi connectivity onboard.

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Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition White priced $30 more than black variant is hard to resist

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The Steam Deck came in early 2022, and the only update to the handheld gaming console came in the form of an OLED version last year. One thing common to all the previous models of the Deck handheld console has been their black color.

Valve has decided to break that tradition by releasing a Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White for a worldwide release to the amazement of fans who’ve witnessed the white color of the gaming device only in renders. This version is a break from the monotony of the dark hue, akin to the transparent shell limited-edition version in 1TB memory, released last year that we liked to the core.

Designer: Valve

The OLED version of the Steam Deck with HDR support looks bold compared to the LCD models, and wrapped in a white color will contrast the display colors even better. Valve is not playing down the possibility of even more bold color options coming in the future depending on the response for this current version. They categorically said that they will keep improving the Deck from a software and hardware perspective.

Just like the transparent shell one, this one will only be available in a 1TB model. The off-white shell of this limited edition has gray buttons and the power button in orange. This handheld will be paired with a white carrying case and a microfiber cloth which you’ll need more often than not, since it’ll get dirtier compared to the black version.

According to Valve, the Limited Edition Deck will be available worldwide from November 18 at 3 PM. The stock has been allocated to all the worldwide regions proportionally for equitable distribution and it’ll only be available until the stocks exhaust. “Once we’re out, we’re out,” Valve says.

One user can purchase only one unit with one Steam account, so now’s the time to mark your calendars to get hands on one for $679. This is $30 more than the 1 TB Steam Deck OLED.

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This digital camera with hollow viewfinder creates direct eye-to-eye contact for more engaging shots

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DSLR cameras have evolved from their bulky forms into compact versions, that are now superseded by mirrorless versions that are more consumer-oriented. If you are someone who is a social butterfly, chances are you need high-resolution photo and video shooting equipment handy at all times. Sure, smartphones are the best bet when it comes to quick reels or IG-worthy stories, still they cannot match the details of DSLR or mirrorless shooters.

Traditionally both these versions have an optical viewfinder to shoot the subject in the frame. Now, a designer has taken a completely different approach to what a camera should be like.

Designer: Yasuaki Matsuura

This is the Eye to Eye camera that takes a completely radical approach to digital photography both in form and function. Right where you would find the viewfinder and the lens of the digital camera, this one has a flush hollow part that lets the shooter see the subject without anything in between. This creates a direct eye-to-eye between the photographer and the subject right at the moment of capture. More than a mere gimmick, the digital camera actually shoots photographs.

According to Yasuaki, the idea is to create a deeper connection between the two individuals and also let them be more aware of their visual surroundings. Since the subject knows the human eye instead of a lens looking straight him/her in the eye, the final shot has a more engaging emotion to it. It’s beyond just the digital recording or picture shooting moment, staying as a cherished memory. This interesting gadget is a part of his art series, and a limited edition artwork that we are sure will have more interesting things to follow.

The in-person interaction of this interesting digital camera can be a bit too much for shy individuals, however, more confident people can take advantage of this unique proposition.

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This 3D-Printed city car is AI-assisted emotional companion for city rides

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Automatic transmission cars were good, self-driving EVs even better, and now ones that can console you on a bad mood day are god sent. Yes, this is the future of mobility that’s upon us and the Robo-EV by PIX Moving Team is the living example.

The micro car envisioned for choked city mobility is completely 3D-printed out in one piece making it structurally strong and easy to manufacture for commercial use. The Switzerland-based company has crafted a prototype of this bold vision and we are impressed.

Designer: PIX Moving Team

The real-time manufacturing processes employed in manufacturing this four-wheeler make way for complex component manufacturing, ease of customization, and of course modularity of use. There are other benefits as well including lightweight yet robust chassis and frame. The team used basalt composite to make the suspension ultra-reliable minus any bells or whistles. Even the wheel arches are made from 3D-printed metal.

Its real USP lies in the smart technology embedded on the inside. Robo-EV comes with an AI system that can detect the mood and tone of the driver in real-time. Based on the data, the intelligent car can provide emotional support via its large language model. The interaction can be two-way as the car’s voice system also functions as a voice assistant. In a way, you won’t need a buddy on long trips when you’ll be driving this Swiss EV on the roads.

Robo-EV touts regenerative braking adding to its reserve of battery power, and extending the total range. PIX Moving Team tested the two-seater vehicle on the road and the results have not yet been shared with media houses. The electric vehicle of the future is targeted primarily towards ridesharing and public transport domains. More than that it gives a clear vision of what the future of city transportation will be like.

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Modellista brings insane overlanding capabilities to Land Cruiser 2025 that’s dressed to impress

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At SEMA 2024 the newly launched Toyota Land Cruiser 2025 model saw a chunky makeover thanks to the in-house bred Japanese aftermarket company Modellista, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. The Overland Vision Concept is one of the prototypes shown off by Toyota at the automotive mecca.

The vehicle is modded to bring extreme overlanding capability to the otherwise benign Land Cruiser. According to Modellista their core vision behind this design is to explore the potential of the brand in the U.S. If they intend on achieving what they’ve set their eyes on, the ultra-rugged Land Cruiser model will be a reality in the future pitted against the futuristic Cybertruck.

Designer: Modellista

This concept is a heavily armored vehicle that made heads turn at the SEMA show for its Cyberpunk look and bold character. It comes with an array of inclusions like aggressive off-road tires, lower body panels, fender flares, skid plates, a lift kit, headlight protection, side-carrying containers, a roof-mounted tent and a centrally mounted ladder. The aftermarket specialist made judicious use of amber green LED lights and a full-width light bar above the grille. These green LED accents extend to the whole front fascia and rear section to lend the ride an intimidating persona.

Overland Vision Concept has brush wires all around to protect against dents and scratches from exposure to the tough off-roading adventures, a dystopian future, or an apocalyptic warzone. Modellista has given the grille a good treatment of the TOYOTA logo with the Land Cruser branding below the bumper. The vehicle carries a two-tone theme in black and silver spilling over to the dark black tinted windows which make it a good candidate for a VVIP entourage.

It’ll be exciting to see how American adventure lovers see this lucrative Overlander pitted against the likes of the Ford F150 Raptor, Land Rover Defender, Jeep Gladiator, or Toyota Tacoma!

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Apple is allegedly working on an Affordable, Consumer-grade Spatial Headset

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Apple showed us what a mixed reality headset could be capable of with the debut of the Vision Pro at WWDC in 2023. It had all the bells and whistles required of an AR and VR headset from Apple, but didn’t find many takers. Perhaps because of its steep price tag or maybe, no one was ready for a headset positioning them into the spatial computing just yet.

For me, per se – it was the price, bulkiness, and small market size for a standalone device in the smart glasses category. Apple soon realized it after significant losses in projected sales. This is why rumors of Apple mulling the rollout of a more affordable non-Pro mixed reality headset model started doing the rounds.

Designer: Apple

Such a device would be made possible by trimming down the features and functionalities of the Vision Pro, but the Cupertino company has thought otherwise (at least for now). New reports by way of Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is instead planning a pair of smart glasses that would be targeted at the masses – like the Meta’s Ray Bans – and fit better in the Apple ecosystem than the Vision Pro or its stripped-down brother.

The latest information suggests that the budget-friendly Vision model could have been postponed until after 2027, while the new internal study, codenamed project “Atlas” is running within Apple to understand from the company’s employees where they stand on the topic of smart glasses. Based on the internal understanding, Apple is thinking about smart glasses that would somewhat target the consumer segment that Meta’s Orion augmented reality glasses intend to.

The Orion glasses for now are a prototype themselves. It wouldn’t be the best choice to compare or base the two non-existent devices on the same footing. But the basic idea is that Apple could have a pair of smart glasses that look like regular glasses and are a combination of slick design and useful features that would allow a connected iPhone to do most of the computing.

At the time of writing, it is not known whether Apple has started building such a product. Still, we learn that feasibility studies are happening within the company to deliver eyewear that addresses the issues of convenience, weight, and battery life. Irrespective of what direction Apple intends to take with the idea of smart glasses, it’ll almost take a few years to reach the market. If you’re in a hurry, get your hands on the Meta options!

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8BitDo unveils Retro Mechanical Keyboard with 108-key integrated Numpad, shipping begins December 12

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8BitDo is famous for its retro-themed accessories, especially mechanical keyboards inspired by the classics. Joining the foray is the full-size version of the company’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard. There is not much that has changed from the classic except that the 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard comes in a 108-Key full layout complete with Numpad integrated into it. This makes it 22 percent wider than its predecessor.

Carrying the recognizable NES or Famicom theming, aside from the extra width to accommodate the Numpad, there is nothing much to separate it from the original tenkeyless layout board. The retro-modern peripheral comes in two variants – one is an NES-inspired version draped in white, dark gray and black color, while the other one based on the Famicom model features a white and crimson colorway with Japanese characters placed beneath English lettering. If that’s enough to win you, the Mechanical Keyboard is available for preorder at $119 through Amazon. The price is almost $30 more than the original, selling at a discount of $90 on Amazon!

Designer: 8BitDo

Click Here to Buy Now

The 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard with integrated Numpad, hot-swappable Kailh Box White key switches, and Bluetooth is compatible with Android and Windows. The keyboard will start shipping from December 12, 2024, featuring dye-sub PBT keycaps and function key shortcuts.

As apparent from the images, the numpad on the right features Windows shortcut keys, a calculator lock button, and a screen lock button. At the same time, a pair of tactile input knobs on the top left comprise a dedicated volume dial and a three-way toggle that allows the user to switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, or turning the keyboard wireless capabilities off and use the USB cable for reduced lag during your gaming sessions.

Along with the Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard comes the identifiable over-sized programmable Super Buttons (in red, blue or yellow options) that connect to the new keyboard through a 3.5mm cable. This is an add-on accessory that’ll cost another $30 each. Besides coming forth as a refined version of the original, the keyboard is also a tribute to the Nintendo’s NES and Famicom consoles as it comes in their thematic colorways.

Click Here to Buy Now

 

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Kia unveils off-road capable EV concepts high on customization and spirit of adventure

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This year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas saw its share of plug-in concepts, and Kia outshone them all. Known to be one of the biggest automotive ensembles when it comes to trending aftermarket modifications, the show saw the unveiling of the KIA Design Center America (KDCA) designed pair of all-electric concepts tailored for off-road adventures.

One of them is the EV9 ADVNTR Concept SUV based on Kia’s three-row electric EV9 SUV that debuted last year. This one looks much closer to a production-ready version, has to be said. The second one is the PV5 WKNDR concept EV Van built on the brand’s Purpose Beyond Vehicles more commonly known as PBVs. According to the design team, these two custom lifestyle vehicles “intrinsically blend form and function into machines designed for responsible engagement with nature.” Although none of these concepts is slated for a production run yet, we can expect more to transpire in a couple of year’s time.

Designer: Kia

The beefed-up variant of the EV9 SUV is 3 inches higher and comes with adventure and off-roading grade inclusions such as an improved roof rack for hauling adventure gear or pitching a bespoke roof-mounted tent, reinforced rocker panels for underbody protection, rugged tires for maximum traction, custom front and rear facias for assistance in approach and departure angles. When it’s time to set up camp for the night, the vehicle is your comfy mobile campsite.

PV5 WKNDR is more oriented towards longer stays away from home. The EV is well-equipped for wild overlanding adventures away from habitation. The vehicle can make your unknown adventure possible for weeks or even months in a single go. Kia labels the modular interior of the WKNDR as a Swiss army knife on wheels. The off-road capable vehicle comes with a pop-up camper, mobile kitchen, air compressor for filling up tires or inflating mattress, front-mounted winch, and loads of innovative storage solutions to stash all your essentials. One that we like in particular is the kitchen-style slide-out system that stores loads of things without taking up any interior space. It also comes with solar panels on top and innovative hydro turbine wheels to recharge the batteries.

 

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TL65 earbuds are designed to mimic a Lamborghini and sound as charming as its roar

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We have seen many earbuds with stinker price labels. While most with such tags boast great sound, awesome active noise cancellation (ANC), and long battery life to justify, there are some that flaunt looks, showcase a logo, and exude luxury with moderate technology at stake. When it comes to the latter, design brains have immense opportunities to thrive on brands and recreate designs that the fanbase would kill for and masses wouldn’t mind drooling over like a trained dog who knows it’s a cookie that he can see but never have – sweet treats no, no!

It is not easy to tell which pair of earbuds is truly worth their cost. As a user you can, however, put a finger on one and define which earbuds fulfill your requirements. That is if you know your requirements! But if you don’t know or if you are a big Lamborghini fan, there is little for you to think before getting your hands on something like the DMooster Tonino Lamborghini earbuds TL65 that radiates luxury and exceptional craftsmanship from the word go.

Designer: Eric Cheng

Born during the pandemic era, DMooster, by designer Eric Cheng, designs co-branded digital products for various known IPs and Tonino Lamborghini is the latest choice in the IP-themed digital product design spree that includes some likable ones with Gundam, Disney, Marvel and more. Experience luxury and the future of high-end earphones – combined in one – in the Lamborghini earbuds TL65 that is stamped with Tonino Lamborghini aesthetics and the bull branding.

Crafted from exceptional materials – apparent from the black and signature yellow charging cases crafted with a thick-spray painting process – the charm of the open-ear TL65 Bluetooth earbuds is their sound quality. The designer symbolizes as charming as the roar of the Limbo. The buds themselves have an interesting ear clip-on design and feature 3D bull logos, which are intricately detailed with much effort and come in gloss or matte finish.

On the inside of the case, which is equally engrossing as the automotive-inspired exterior, is velvet paint that replicates the texture of Alcantara. A delightful result that you can’t help but appreciate. The case comes with a hook to clip your earbuds like a keychain. According to the designer, the TL65 is DMooster’s first Lamborghini-authorized product and to be true, it is worth us Limboheads!

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