Who doesn’t love black cats? The answer: those of us who value our luck. It’s common knowledge amongst the superstitious that the presence of black cats can only precede a string of misfortunes… depending on where you live. Some cultures consider them good luck, whereas others disagree. Regardless of your opinion on the, shall I say, aetheric attunement of black cats, you’ll want to take a look at this clever hand-held radar created by Kinky Kashayam — a small team of industrial and creative designers based in New York City and Toronto. Called the “Portable Black Cat Radar,” or the “BCR” for short, this rather unusual project is part of a series of conceptual inventions the team has dubbed “Machines that Respond to Superstitions”.
According to Kinky Kashayam, “Many of us have encountered the ideology that crossing the path of a black cat will bring calculated misfortune. If only there were a machine that could show you all the black cats in your vicinity, so you could avoid crossing their paths and protect your luck.”
The parallel childhood experiences of the founders — who’d both developed their own thorough distrust of black cats for different, albeit similar reasons — formed the project’s innermost inspirations. Recalling the incidents of their youth to Yanko Design, black cats crossing their paths seemed the likeliest culprits behind a strange encounter at an airport and less-than-stellar grades on a final exam. Developing the Portable Black Cat Radar together has essentially become the Kinky Kashayam team’s way of reconnecting with their childhood imaginations while tinkering with advanced gadgetry — and, as unconventional as it may seem, this really does work like a radar of sorts.
Indeed, the existing Portable Black Cat Radar prototype is packing some interesting stuff. Its custom-printed red circuit board is sandwiched between see-through acrylic plates, containing a GPS, gyroscope, and magnetometer. Those are all necessary to project the user onto a virtual map relying on real coordinates to feed it live information — in fact, the radar’s built-in software works much like a Niantic game, like Pokémon Go. The display on the center of the radar shows the user’s location while “fictional black cats” appear as encounters on the aforementioned virtual map, and it sounds like there’s a gameplay element behind the user’s choice to avoid or interact with them.
While there’s no production schedule in place yet, it sounds like this is due to change soon; a few devices could get produced and distributed through the studio’s social media channels. Whether or not a final model of the Portable Black Cat Radar will be able to truly detect any real black cats is another matter altogether, though it’s unlikely — unless, perhaps, the BCR is reconfigured to look for microchips or RFID tags.
AC coupling capabilities make the Anker Solix F3800 a revolutionary next step in sustainable home power, but paired with its massive 6,000W output, wide range of connections, and expandable capacity, this power station is the most future-proofed on the market.
Almost three years ago, a winter storm blew through my town, knocking out power lines and rendering roads impossible to navigate. As a result, my family and I spent a full week (well, five days) rummaging around for crackers and water, lighting candles, and wrapping ourselves in blankets for simple warmth through the duration of the total blackout. Despite keeping a decent fire going in our backyard for a couple of days, it was impossible to stay focused on anything, and working in those conditions wasn’t viable. Enduring those freezing temperatures would’ve been far more convenient with a backup power source, and I wish I’d had Anker’s newest portable power station: the Anker SOLIX F3800, which — despite being the very first of its kind I’ve ever owned — is clearly a revolutionary next step in the growing landscape of backup power solutions. It features a maximum 6000W AC output, 120V/240V dual-voltage (meaning it can do what a gas generator does, power several appliances at the same time, and even power a house!). It even supports AC coupling when pairing with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel, and, used sparingly, its 3.8kWh (expandable up to 53.8kWh) capacity would’ve been just enough to sustain a handful of comforts through the winter freeze.
Before we get started with the nitty gritty details about the Anker SOLIX F3800, it’s worth mentioning Anker provided a functional prototype to Yanko Design for the purpose of this review. It includes all the features of the official launch product, but its appearance and craftsmanship does not reflect the final build quality, which is supposed to be much better than the prototype shown in this review.
For a modular power station designed to provide backup power storage for homes and RVs, make solar power more accessible for all, and potentially replace gas generators — the Anker SOLIX F3800 is relatively compact. It’s also quieter than any regular gas generator, and since it doesn’t emit any smoke, you can safely run it indoors. Because of a sizable but effective fan system, you’re going to hear a little noise, around 45dB if you’re standing within a meter, but it’s no louder than a PlayStation 4 running on full blast. YMMV, but I imagine it’ll be a better fit for regular outdoor use during non-emergency situations — particularly, once summer rolls back around and I can use it to power indoor gadgets like musical instruments and gaming consoles underneath the patio rather than inside the house.
The F3800’s subdued aesthetic style — it being a big gray rectangular box on wheels with an LCD display, a pull-out handle, and visible outlets on the front and both sides — allows it to blend in naturally with other electrical equipment, but it may get in the way of any aesthetic style not complementary to dark gray. I wouldn’t stick it in a kitchen, though it’s an attractive addition to a garage, and you might get away with planting it in your office.
After all, it’s essentially a big suitcase full of electrical equipment. No, it’s not as compact as, say, the Anker 767 Portable Power Station. But it still gets the job done, and it doesn’t take up all that much space. Right now, my SOLIX F3800 is tucked in-between a coat rack and a couple of shelves in my office, where it’ll stay until I need to stroll it back out again, and I genuinely love how easy it is to set up.
Utilitarian design pervades the layout of the Anker SOLIX F3800, and, I mean, yeah — you’re definitely not getting a $3,999 power station to make a fashion statement — but what it lacks in artistic appeal, it more than makes up for in functional design. Its predominantly matte finish, easy-to-navigate exterior, exposed fan grills, and conveniently-placed handles and wheels make it exude a sense of durability and reliability.
Ergonomics/Comfort
I had a rough time getting the SOLIX F3800 off my porch and into an area where I could comfortably unbox it, set it upright, and wheel it around. Granted, I’ve been needing to hit the gym lately so my inability to carry it around without immediately wanting to place it back on the ground again could be a “me” issue. But, just so you know, this thing is an absolute unit. It’s rated to weigh 132 lbs, though the package mine arrived in was a bit heavier than that — around 143 lbs in total. If you’re planning to order one of these to your house from Anker’s online store, make sure you have a pallet or some sort of luggage dolly on standby, as well as a second pair of hands to help you transport/set it up.
At least there’s a solid handle built into the SOLIX F3800’s chassis, as well as a pull-out trolley handle that unfolds with the tap of a bright blue button. Once the pull-out trolley handle came out, this thing suddenly became a lot easier to maneuver around. This is because its 65 mm back wheels and additional front wheels are more than sufficient to push and pull the thing around on smooth surfaces, and it even seemed to have no trouble with some rocky terrain as well. If you wanted to carry the Anker SOLIX F3800 around like a cooler (if you have the physical strength, that is), you’d be in luck; there is an additional handle located on the bottom, allowing you to two-hand-carry it.
Everything important information-wise is located on the front LCD panel, though you can also connect your smartphone to the device via the Anker App. It’s a simple enough process getting it set up; all you need is an Anker account and a smartphone with Bluetooth, and you can tell the app to sync with the SOLIX F3800 as long as it’s powered on, and as long the Bluetooth mode is activated. You can do that by tapping the Bluetooth button on the front of the device itself, neatly located right next to the display. Once it’s all set up, you can watch the flow of energy coming into and going out of the SOLIX F3800 directly from the Anker App. This is a neat and convenient way to stay on top of your energy usage, especially when you need to conserve energy during a blackout.
One thing I love is how easy it is to get the Anker SOLIX F3800 set up and going as a portable generator. Plugging it into my wall outlet, getting it fully charged, and powering on the unit itself was a really simple and rather quick process. On paper, it will take less than 3 hours to charge the power station to full from a wall outlet, as long as it is getting full power and not charging under extreme temperatures. Once I was ready to use it, I only had to tap two buttons: the power button on the front of the power station next to the display, and a separate AC outlet button on its right side (conveniently located next to its array of six 120V 20A outlets and two 240V 25A plugs).
Performance
From a performance standpoint, the Anker SOLIX F3800 breaks through the ceiling and into a whole new tier. Electric portable power stations simply don’t do what the Anker SOLIX F3800 does, and before now, there’s been little reason to get rid of the gas generator altogether. If you want to use it as a backup generator, you can. If you want to expand it with the Solix Home Power Panel and make it the storage battery in a far more sophisticated power setup that balances grid and rooftop solar power through the main electrical panel, you can set it up that way as well; and it’s made even easier to manage if you use the Anker App.
Boasting a power load capacity ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 watts (the latter is only possible if you hook up a second F3800), it flies high above other portable power stations from EcoFlow or Jackery — as well as anything Anker has ever placed onto the market previously. Its 240V 25A NEMA 15-40 outlets grant it the ability to power RVs and recharge electric vehicles, making it extraordinarily versatile, and common sense indicates that if you need to power something, you probably can. This alone makes the SOLIX F3800 the heaviest-hitting portable electric power station around. The question is whether or not you can power something for a long time.
Luckily, the Anker SOLIX F3800 is also one of the most scalable power stations in existence. It comes with a base storage capacity of 3.8kWh, which is generally enough to power a 1500W space heater for about two and a half hours. Of course, that’s not enough to sustain heat throughout a multiple-day blackout like the one I experienced, but unlike other power stations, this device can be upgraded to 26.880kWh with all six expansion batteries installed. That’s at least enough to power the same heater for over a day.
If you wanna go even further and reach a staggering 53.8kWh of power storage capacity, you can go all-in and connect a second Anker SOLIX F3800 via the Anker SOLIX Double Power Hub. Alternatively, you can link two F3800 units together via the Home Power Panel. That sets the F3800 apart from its predecessor, the F2000, which had a comparatively meager capacity of 2kWh with only one slot for an expansion battery, totaling 4.09kWh. Just note you’ll need to invest in 12 expansion batteries to make the most of this system, and that could run you well into the tens of thousands.
Sustainability/Repairability/Durability
Anker is a respectable brand with a lot going for it, and that’s because it’s constantly pushing out high-quality, durable power banks and power stations. Its LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery makes it notably longer-lasting than conventional lithium ion-based batteries used in older portable power tech; Anker promises at least 3,000 charge cycles up to 80% before this thing starts to die. That also enhances its sustainability rating by avoiding the use of cobalt and nickel. Plus, when you compare it to much larger and more expensive home power systems, it’s obviously a far more sustainable choice.
The need for separate hardware and additional batteries to get the absolute best utility out of the F3800 could absolutely be considered a drawback in terms of sustainability. But again, that’s not such a big deal when you realize a fully-upgraded Anker SOLIX F3800 system wouldn’t do nearly as much harm to the environment as legacy solutions with the same power output.
In terms of repairability, the F3800’s construction is complex and full of parts I don’t understand, and so I wouldn’t attempt to service it myself during a system failure. There are a few silver linings here: it comes with a 5-year warranty and is rated to work for 10 years or longer. Plus, it’s advertised as being simple for an electrician to set up and work with when coupling it with a house.
Value for Money
I’m iffy about making a hard call on the SOLIX’s value for its $3,999 MSRP (though there is currently a substantial discount of up to 35% off on Kickstarter on a number of Anker SOLIX F3800 deals — dropping the price of the standalone unit to $2,599, and giving excellent value on bundles including Anker’s 200W and 400W solar panels). On one hand, it’s pricier than the smaller generators, even though having the Anker SOLIX F3800 in my possession opens up more lifestyle options. The other reason is solar panels are still not widespread enough, even though you don’t really need solar panels to get the maximum value out of the F3800. Going in on an Anker SOLIX F3800 is making an investment into the future — especially since its heaviest-hitting feature is its ability to store a large quantity of solar power and convert that power into 240V AC output for home, RV, and EV usage.
While its initial price is eye-watering (at least, for me), the potential benefit of saving money over a much longer time with a fully-equipped SOLIX system, solar panels and all, could make the expenditure worthwhile. Especially for those actually living in RVs and tiny homes where utilities are significantly more important to stretch out. And, even in the much shorter term for a suburban house dweller like myself, the SOLIX F3800 is a sturdy backup power source — its base 3.8kWh storage capacity and 6,000W AC output are enough to make camping trips and natural disasters more bearable.
Even if there’s no emergency need for power, and even if you don’t plan to upgrade your Anker SOLIX F3800 with all the extra bells and whistles, you can still roll it outside during a sunny day and use it like any portable generator. Plus, you don’t necessarily need a fully-equipped SOLIX system (with the home power panel and all) to recharge the F3800 with solar energy either. The home power panel is just a tool to help the F3800 access larger rooftop solar panels, and you don’t even need that to make good use of the SOLIX system. In fact, if you bring the F3800 outdoors, as long as you also bring a portable solar panel to recharge it, you can have sustainable green power to do virtually anything you’d use power for. This is because the F3800 can be recharged by connecting to almost any rigid or portable solar panel available on the market.
Verdict
The Anker Solix F3800 is a revolutionary next step in sustainable home power, though it may not become a daily power source until you start buying solar panels. Thankfully solar is getting cheaper, and that’s certainly not the only reason you’d want to get one. This is the most future-proofed portable power station on the market right now, thanks both to its incredible portability for a home power system as well as its overwhelmingly strong performance. I love its 6,000W~12,000 and 120/240V AC output capabilities, its 53.8kWh maximum power capacity, and its ability to recharge itself via solar panels (up to 2,400W via XT-60 input) and then channel that same power into a house, an RV, an electric vehicle, or just about any appliance I can think of. That all means it meets the electricity needs of many day-to-day users, and its ability to provide a large dose of backup power during a disaster makes it a critical piece of equipment to have around. Plus, it’s simple and easy to use — requiring zero technical knowledge to charge it from a wall outlet or begin using it as a portable backup power generator. That all represents a meaningful push into the future, especially considering its first-in-class 240V AC power coupling makes it a direct competitor to home power systems that weigh significantly more and are significantly less portable. But when you want to use it like a portable backup generator, you can power it with any electricity source and it produces no emissions. That makes it a standout choice for homeowners seeking a reliable backup power source that’s both portable and versatile.
The BEACN Mix Sound Controller — a basic hardware mixer which provides convenient control over up to four audio inputs/outputs on a connected PC — showed up in August 2021 to critical streamer and podcaster acclaim alongside its slightly bigger, yet far more advanced sibling, the BEACN Mix Create. MMORPG’s Joseph Bradford noted its ease of use and great-feeling controls, though it’s broadly disagreed upon whether or not the baseline BEACN Mix controller is worth its $149 MSRP when placed so close to the Mix Create (which has a $199 MSRP). Meanwhile, both controllers compete against the Elgato Stream Deck ($199.99) in both functionality and price, albeit with a few key design differences; potentially making the BEACN Mix the better choice for regular use.
And now, for those who’ve remained on the fence about buying one or the other, the tables are turning. Drop is currently offering the BEACN Mix Sound Controller at a 33.5% markdown ($99, down from $149). Of course, there’s also the far more comprehensive Razer Stream Controller, but its $269.99 MSRP pushes it outside of the same ballpark while its $149.99 macro-only counterpart, the Razer Stream Controller X, is in a category of its own. For the limited time this offer is active, the BEACN Mix is one of the best — if not the best — dedicated streaming audio mixers you can buy, and its major design advantages over the premium-priced Elgato Stream Deck are significant where accessibility is concerned.
BEACN’s design features two colorways: Dark Blue and White, and they’re both attractive yet functional thanks to the mixer’s four large (and evidently, quite comfortable) knobs and 5-inch full-color display. These are a departure from the Elgato Stream Deck’s much tinier display, function buttons, and knobs, and that’s all possible due to its larger dimensions. Comparing the two side-by-side, the BEACN Mix Sound Controller measures in at 7.4 x 14.3 x 14.2 inches, whereas the Stream Deck is 4.6 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches. Despite the BEACN’s added comfort making it a shoo-in for someone who needs a bigger display and bigger controls, that size difference may be worth considering when determining whether your desk has enough space to fit it.
Still, it’s a plug-and-play mixer with plenty of portability, using USB-C to connect to the streaming PC via a single connection. Once that’s set up, the software seems equally easy to get rolling. Critics are less in love with the mixer’s lack of sophisticated features, however. For example, it lacks the ability to create and control submixes of similar audio signals. That’s not too important when you need something simple in a pinch, and the BEACN Mix is just that — a simple, yet durable and easy-to-configure solution for podcasting and streaming with limited space resources. If that’s you, you’ll want to grab it at its current price before the deal ends, though it’s unclear when that’ll be. Drop’s estimated ship date is December 29, 2023.
Gaming keyboards in the 1990s didn’t have all the RGB lighting, macro keys, and other cool (albeit arguably unnecessary) design elements found in many gaming keyboards produced today. If you want to return to simpler times with a retro classic style — without giving up the superior comfort and responsiveness of a modern keyboard — the Drop XDA Versa Keycaps Set is a stylish blast from the past, featuring light gray alpha coloring and a few pastel-colored keys to mix things up.
As long as your keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX switches or clones, you can stick pretty much any compatible keycap set onto your keyboard. You can even mix and match the Drop XDA Versa keys with festive kits like Dwarf Factory’s ArtiSANTA. The former is no different, and depending on your needs, you can get the perfect layout across Drop XDA Versa’s three different kits: the Base, Mini Base, and Novelties kits. At a distance, the Base kit seems fashioned toward full-sized and TKL keyboards whereas the Mini Base kit is made for compact 60% keyboards.
Both the Base and Mini Base kits come with every keycap you’ll need for a complete set, though the Novelties kit expands your color palette with a slew of pastel-colored keycaps with unique functions. Each keycap is “made from durable, dye-sublimated PBT and shaped in the short, uniform, and ultra-navigable XDA profile.”
That means this XDA keycap set is excellent for gamers who want a solid sense of feedback and an overall consistent feel between the keys. These keycaps are made for comfort just as much as they’re made for retro style that’s a bit more low-key than many of the stock keycaps shipping in gaming keyboards these days.
You can buy the Drop XDA Versa Keycap Set for a sizable discount. Right now, the Base kit costs $49 (down from $69), the Mini Base kit $39 (down from $59) and the Novelties kit $29 (down from $35). Given that these make a fantastic stocking stuffer for any PC gamer in your life, you may want to take this opportunity to grab these low-key keycaps before the sale ends.
Vollebak has a knack for inventing apparel designed for adventurers. If you weren’t impressed by its Solar Charged Hat, just wait until you see the British fashion company’s newest innovation: the Indestructible Hoodie. It’s easy to poke fun at any item being called “Indestructible” by its designer, but there’s a good reason to believe Vollebak’s claim it can withstand “75kmph falls”. In fact, you might just find yourself shelling out for its fashionable, comfortable, yet weather-impervious outer shell.
The materials used in the Indestructible Hoodie’s high-durability design — Cordura and Dyneema — don’t come cheap, however, and the cost of a new Indestructible Hoodie from Vollebak’s web store is a whopping $795. Granted, that’s more than worth the value of peace of mind when heading straight into danger. Like many of Vollebak’s unique fits, this hoodie looks like it was made for extreme athletes with a need for serious protection. Vollebak advertises it as being “highly abrasion and rip resistant,” even so far as being able to mitigate damage caused by an “extreme 4 way stretch,” which, to be fair, I would prefer not to imagine in gritty detail. On a side note, it’s probably fantastic protective-wear for anyone working in construction, or in other potentially dangerous manual labor fields. And, heck, it even looks pretty slick.
Designer: Nick Tidball, Steve Tidball (via Vollebak)
Vollebak did some pretty wild stuff to ensure it’s exactly as durable as it claims to be, using something called the Darmstadt abrasion resistance test to assess its durability during high speed falls onto concrete. This involved testing the hoodie’s fabric in a rotating machine that dragged samples of its Cordura (Nylon) material across 30 meters. Apparently, Vollebak’s designers needed to rev the machine up to 412rpm to make a small hole in one sample. According to Vollebak, it was “not a subtle test”.
Coming in two colorways, either Yellow or Black, the Indestructible Hoodie is designed for a comfortable and neat fit. Not only does it contain two side pockets for storage, it’s also wind-resistant to keep you protected from the cold. When it gets a bit warmer, this design is lightweight and breathable as well.
All that breathability is great because there’s plenty of flexibility between the Indestructible Hoodie’s smallest and the largest sizes; the smallest (XS) jacket is rated to flex between 33-36 inch chest sizes and 28-30 inch waist sizes, while the largest (XXXL) is rated to flex between 51-54 inch chest sizes and 40-42 inch waist sizes. That means you’re likely to find one that’s right for your body type, making it a versatile piece of apparel throughout the year for any explorer, adventurer, or high-stakes contractor in need of a bit of fashionable armor.
The rise of remote gaming in the early 2020s introduced the ability to play full-scale console and PC games remotely on mobile devices. Some of that hype may have been a bust when it came to cloud-based services like Google Stadia, which shuttered in January because it simply “hadn’t gained the traction” Google wanted. But at least the trend brought with it a huge boon: really cool controllers that looked great, felt great, and plugged into your phone to control local consoles through apps like the PS Remote App and Xbox Remote Play, or play console-quality games through Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass.
Backbone One, at least the original Backbone One from 2020, set the basis for great smartphone controllers that made gaming on the go far more viable than ever before. Last year, Backbone came out with the PlayStation version of its mobile controller, using a similar button layout and visual style at the excellent DualSense controller. And now there’s a second-gen refresh, complete with a stylish and sleek carrying case that only costs $24.99 on the official Backbone store. Backbone’s newest controller update is exciting (thanks to an improved D-Pad and broader compatibility with devices) but the real star of the show is the brand-new official Backbone carrying case.
The carrying case comes in two, very slick-looking colorways: Black and White. The latter is also the official “PlayStation Edition” carrying case, thanks to its usage of DualSense colors around the exterior chassis. The PlayStation logo is neatly displayed on the upper right corner instead of the usual “Backbone” lettering. This chassis looks both compact and durable, thanks to Backbone’s “firm outer shell and molded interior”. Both case designs come with a bright orange zipper that looks sharp regardless of which colorway you choose.
Backbone One’s official carrying case is going for an MSRP of $24.99, and is rated to be compatible with any existing Backbone One controller for iOS or Android devices. It looks like the controller sits snugly inside the case, and you can even use it with the iPhone adapter installed onto the Backbone controller. Once inside, the carrying case’s foam molding should keep it in one spot, without exposing it to the wear-and-tear often caused by constant shaking and bumping during transport.
Last week, Canon announced a new telephoto-to-super-telephoto lens with the ability to zoom in 4x. This should let anyone take extremely accurate shots from a long distance with little noticeable blur, and it may open new doors for wildlife photographers (who, likely, would prefer to avoid disturbing any natural habitats) working without a tripod. It sounds like hand-holding a Canon EOS R-series full-frame camera equipped with one of these lenses provides comparable image clarity, which is important when you consider tripods are a drag on mobility. The lens making such photography wizardry possible is called the Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM, and — despite its $1,899 MSRP — you’re absolutely going to want one if you plan on capturing fast-moving distant objects, like wildlife or even fast-moving athletes or vehicles.
By default, this 200mm lens has a minimum focus distance of 2.62 ft or 0.8 meters. But that can be extended out to 800mm for much clearer long-distance shots with a minimum distance of 10.83 ft or 3.3 meters. Of course, that’s if you don’t use an extender. Sticking an Extender RF2x on top of a Canon RF200-800mm doubles its focal length even further to 1600mm, potentially making it one of the best super-telephoto lenses around. That’s partially thanks to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which Canon claims provides “enhanced shake reduction for up to 5.5 stops”. When paired with Coordinated IS on the Canon EOS R-Series cameras, these benefits combine for “reliable handheld performance and clearer detail in low-light situations, without having to increase the ISO or decrease the shutter speed.”
Canon’s RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens features a number of weather-proofing features which blend right into its stylish black-and-white matte design. For instance, its white paint is actually meant to work as a countermeasure against excessive heat when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as would be the case when capturing sports footage or when shooting wildlife in an area with a hot climate. The lens mount, focus/control ring, lens function buttons, and other interface pieces are rated for dust-proofing as well. Carrying it around should be a breeze; this lens only weighs 0.55 lbs, making it lightweight compared to other telephoto lenses — which usually weigh somewhere in the 1-3 lb range.
So far, reviews of the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM skew overwhelmingly positive. TechRadar praised the lens for its “unbeatable reach” and “sharp detail especially at its wider end”. Even then, it sounds like the lens’ aperture could use more headroom for lower-light scenes. But that isn’t a huge deal on its own. If you buy one of these, you’re likely going to pair it with one of Canon’s EOS cameras — packed-in with in-body stabilization — and if that’s the case, this lens should be able to capture incredibly detailed photos (even in low-light situations) from afar. According to Canon, the RF200-800mm is shipping out to customers in the United States on December 14.
The upcoming El Niño winter could get dangerously chilly across many parts of North America, which means — if you find yourself trapped in one of the spots expected to experience sub-zero temps with lots of ice and snow — you’re going to want a constant source of warmth. Warmth is difficult to sustain in extreme conditions, but UZE has taken the challenge of designing a jacket that might just be able to withstand what could become a mix of the most unrelentingly wet and debilitatingly cold weather seen across the continent in recent years.
UZE, the creator of the graphene-based BOLD 1, the world’s first 265W power bank, is back with a modular heated jacket that takes its graphene tech to a new height of utility and fashion. The UZE Heated Jacket stands out against other, similar jackets, leveraging its bespoke built-in graphene padding tech and customizable warmth settings at the touch of a button. It’s also breathable; once you open up its underarm zippers and detach the hood, you can wear the UZE Heated Jacket in spring or even in summer months, meaning this could be the only jacket you need for the entire year.
One Jacket, Countless Options – Thanks to the precision engineering of its modular design, you get more than a jacket – you get an ally for every occasion.
The most important part of the UZE Heated Jacket is its adaptability across all four seasons. The jacket’s biggest draw comes from its heating system, which is made up of the UZE power bank, a conveniently located button on the front right, and four of UZE’s innovative graphene heat pads which exert warmth evenly throughout the entire jacket. Two are located under the bottom front pockets to keep your hands warm, and the other two are hidden next to your shoulders, meaning your entire body gets cozy when the jacket’s heating system is powered on.
The UZE power bank is stored in a dedicated pocket, can be taken out to be charged and put back in without any hassle. The bank provides power to the jacket’s heating system, and you can charge it in 45 minutes — a big difference from other power banks, which usually take 8 full hours to completely recharge. That means you can stay comfier much longer, and you won’t wait too long without supplemental body heat between charges. The UZE Heated Jacket’s fast-charging power bank sits comfortably within an enclosed pocket, taking up little space while ensuring that you won’t run out of heat during the winter. The jacket’s advanced modular design includes a lot of other strategically placed pockets as well, making it the best place to store all of your everyday carry items (phone, wallet, keys) instead of stashing those in your pants pockets.
Look Cool, Feel Hot – Four Graphene heat zones and three heat settings (120°F, 140°F, 160°F) ensure you stay warm in any weather.
UZE Heated Jacket’s front button lets you choose exactly how much heat you need in any circumstance, cycling between three different settings (plus powered-off mode, which is technically a setting if you consider it one), ranging between Mild (120°F) and Intense (160°F) — ensuring you can forge your way out into all that snow, ice, and darkness without the extreme discomfort generally associated with braving those freezing cold conditions. This jacket could especially make shoveling snow or de-icing roads a lot safer, and by extension, more tenable in extreme conditions. That means it could lessen the collateral damage caused by winter storms.
Charge 10x Faster, Instant Warmth – The UZE Power Bank keeps you warm for up to 10 hours and charges 10x faster than typical heated jacket power banks (45 minutes vs. 8 hours).
But, as I mentioned earlier, the UZE Heated Jacket is adaptable to far more situations than snow and ice. It’s made for all types of inclement weather, and — whether you’re an adventurer looking for an adaptable and durable windbreaker, or an urban explorer who just wants a fashionable jacket which stays warm and dry in rainy conditions — this is the one you want. Not to mention, its smart design makes it an attractive jacket to keep in your wardrobe throughout the year. It sports adjustable cuffs, fingerless gloves, a detachable hood with a wireframe rim that holds its shape in windy weather, and a removable faux-fur lining, making it the most reliable and customizable apparel you can own when tackling many different adverse weather conditions. Even when things warm up in spring, you can continue wearing this jacket without worrying about overheating, and thanks to its modularity. Simply remove the power bank, inner liner, hood and snow-skirt, and you’re left with a cozy, stylish, and minimal-looking jacket that even looks great over tank tops and other summer wear.
No More Raining on Your Parade – The fabric’s membranes are 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water but larger than water vapor molecules, achieving superior breathability.
If you’re worried water can somehow get into the jacket’s interior and interfere with the UZE power bank, don’t be. The entire jacket is made of UZEShield fabric, which is fundamentally wind-proof, and — yes — waterproof. And, there’s even some science to back that claim: UZEShield fabric is woven out of membranes 20,000 times smaller than a single drop of water, meaning you can rest assured it’ll keep any moisture out of the jacket’s interior, where your power bank is nestled.
Everything In Its Place, Always Within Reach – Instant access, all within reach. Bank card, key card or ski pass. Bid farewell to fiddly pockets.
Combined with its water-repellent zippers and foldable rain hem, you can trust it to remain dry when exposed to extreme quantities of water — even if you bring it with you on a river kayaking expedition. Additionally, you can rapidly close it shut with the magnetic buttons — convenience redefined.
One Jacket, Countless Options – Thanks to the precision engineering of its modular design, you get more than a jacket – you get an ally for every occasion.
The UZE Heated Jacket is available on Kickstarter at $279 and a 53% discount vs retail price for a limited time only.
It’s only been a week since Halloween! What’re all these Christmas (and other related holiday decorations) doing on my neighbor’s front lawn? Where did the summer go, for crying out loud? If I have no choice but to accept the season’s greetings, I’ll do it my own way: by replacing a few keycaps on my gaming keyboard with three miniature snow globes containing all the typical Yuletide treasures. That’s the idea behind Dwarf Factory’s latest invention, anyway. These ArtiSANTA keycaps from Dwarf Factory are bright, festive, and adorable — all traits any true gamer would want their gaming keyboard to have, as the weather turns cold and the holiday cheer turns… uh… warm.
The AntiSANTA keycaps are not exactly compatible with every keyboard on the market. At least, it doesn’t seem so, given what’s advertised on their store page. But as long as you have a clicky, tactile, or linear keyboard with Cherry MX switches, you should be alright. You can stick these three keycaps anywhere on your keyboard you’d like, giving it a handmade decorative flair — befitting a festive ornament that looks like it belongs on your tree. Or on your mantle. Or, anywhere else you might stick festive holiday decorations.
These handmade keycaps come in packs of three, and each one is a little bit different. There’s the Yule Tree, the Père Noel (basically, Santa Claus), and Frosty the Snowman. Look closely enough, you’ll see how each piece features a handful of intricate details, like ornamental string lights and miniature holiday gifts. It’s disappointing there are only three per pack, but that’s just because they look so good.
If you’re shopping for the gamer in your life, these are only going for $49 per pack, and that’s a holiday miracle if there ever was one. They’re perfect for stocking stuffers or even just trinkets to have around in a gaming room. Now if only the holidays would get here sooner (so we can get back to that summer weather much sooner).
Vollebak is back, yet again, with a new piece of solar-charged apparel. Its new Solar Charged Hat looks exactly as comfortable as it is sustainably-designed, being that it’s made up of three layers of material insulating the head of whoever wears it. Plus, it’s covered in “membranes” that absorb light (like plants!) to power its biggest feature: it glows brightly in the dark wherever you “draw” light, meaning you can use it as an artist’s easel with a flashlight. But more importantly, you can store and communicate brightly-lit messages on the hat’s fabric.
Even without that, it’s a very nice glow-in-the-dark winter hat meant to pair with Vollebak’s other solar-powered apparel, like the Solar Charged Puffer. The expensive and intricate photovoltaic outer layer is cool-looking, and probably quite useful if you need all the light you can get, but it does come with a $395 price tag. According to Vollebak, it’s made for “the coldest, darkest places on Earth,” and if you’re going to those places anyway, you probably won’t mind spending on potentially life-saving functionality and maybe a little extra peace of mind.
It’s built for durability, using a wind and water-resistant three-layered material made of a Nylon mesh, ripstop, and the photovoltaic membrane that makes it solar-powered. The sides of the cap contain ultra-soft fleece lining and insulation. What stands out here is the Nylon used in the cap: Cordura, a reinforced material generally used in military-grade gear. Apparently, the ripstop layer is made of the same materials “found in parachutes”. And from that single revelation alone, if anything is certain, this is the hat you’d probably want on an expedition to Antarctica.
The kryptonite green color may be a bit too bright for high fashion; this Solar Charged Hat is definitely a piece of adventuring garb through and through, and — again if you’re in the freezing cold — it even comfortably fastens with a three-tightness chin fastener, giving you additional warmth from the cold when needed. Of course, it doesn’t glow green all the time. When you go somewhere with a lot of natural light, as Vollebak puts it, “it’s a normal green during the day”.
It’s not just sustainable in the sense of storing energy from light. It’s also solved one of the biggest problems in sourcing insulation components: avoiding animal cruelty.
“Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles the engineered microfibres are so light and puffy that they trap enough heat next round your head to recreate the warmth of real down, without needing to pull feathers out of ducks or geese. And while down will clump and stop insulating if it gets wet, the synthetic fibres will continue keeping you warm even in damp conditions.”
