Top 10 Accessories Designed To Upgrade And Revamp Your Mundane Desk

Whether you’re working from home, or in a corporate office, the one thing that’s pretty much consistent in both these scenarios is a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, it’s really important that your desk be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home/corporate office. From a desk lamp that doubles up as a bookend to a mechanical keyboard made from recyclable materials – these ingenious desk accessories are all you need to achieve your desk setup goals!

1. The Altar 1

Electronic Materials Office recently unveiled its first product made from sustainable materials! Called the Altar I, the keyboard is made from post-consumer waste-derived plastic, and has a unibody aluminum framed peripheral in US and UK layouts with 78 key and 77 key layouts.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Altar I’s keycaps are also forged out of recycled polymers, thereby making it a sensible accessory that doesn’t harm Planet Earth. The accessory is designed for touch typing and can be utilized on two devices simultaneously, which is suitable for those who switch between their laptop and tablet frequently.

What we like

  • Crisp and minimalist font
  • Built using recyclable and earth-friendly materials

What we dislike

  • No info on the pricing and availability for now
  • It seems to be available only in black, no other color options

2. The Everlasting Metal Pencil

This innovative pencil is called the Everlasting Metal Pencil is like a Wacom stylus with a tip that never needs to be replaced or sharpened. The pencil allows you to focus completely on your creative process, and on the lead less.

Why is it noteworthy?

The octagonal shaft is made of aluminum and houses a special alloy core. Knowing that, you might think that all it will do is leave heavy grooves on your paper, but your mind might be blown away when it draws like a real pencil without seeing the tip wear down even after dozens of marks.

What we like

  • It has a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so it wears down slowly, and may actually outlive you

What we dislike

  • It doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does. That might be not very reassuring for those who use smudging techniques while sketching.

3. The Stair Table Lamp

Designed by Notchi Architects for Oblure, the Stair Table Lamp is inspired by a playful and whimsical approach to geometry and gravity. The lamp brings to mind the image of a sphere balanced delicately on the edge of a staircase.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is an adorable yet functional product that can be slipped into the various nooks and crannies of your home, illuminating them while also keeping your books in check.

What we like

  • Doubles up as a bookend and a table lamp

What we dislike

  • The bulb could be easily damaged or broken

4. The Note-Taking Kit

The Note-Taking Kit is designed with an agenda to keep your workdesk neat and tidy, allowing you to declutter your workspace, and work in an efficient and organized manner.

Why is it noteworthy?

Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit is essentially a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, accompanied by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, as well as a vertical organizer that will store your notes until you’re ready to use them.

What we like

  • Designed to capture, store, and process your notes in an efficient and effortless manner

What we dislike

  • The entire collection can occupy a substantial amount of space on your desk

5. Mouro Lamp

Designed by Patricia Perez for Case Furniture, the Mouro Lamp is a pretty minimalist lamp defined by simple geometric shapes.

Why is it noteworthy?

The playful and portable Mouro Lamp is named after a lighthouse in Perez’s hometown. The lamp is made up of a disc-shaped LED light and a rectangular frame that holds it, while also doubling up as a handle.

What we like

  • Unique yet simple structure and form that make it super easy to use and carry around

What we dislike

  • Need to take precautions so that it doesn’t get damaged when you carry it around

6. The Forest Tidy

This neat and cute-looking set of containers is called the Forest Tidy, and it has been carved from rosewood. These containers bring a whole new level of organization and tidiness to your workdesk while maintaining a connection to the wooden nature of furniture in your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Forest Tidy kit splits and divides your workdesk into different categories. It provides space for stationery, tech, EDC, and cables, and also has a dedicated stand for your monitor, with nifty stowaway space for your keyboard and mouse.

What we like

  • The containers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, tailor-made to your tabletop belongings
  • Features a dedicated phone stand that allows you to dock your phone either in portrait or landscape

What we dislike

  • The phone stand doesn’t come with a channel for a cable pass-through, which means it won’t function as a charging stand

7. The Nod Lamp

Designed by French furniture brand Tiptoe, the Nod Lamp is a cheerful and playful lamp with a tiltable head and a dimmable light. The Nod Lamp is Tiptoe’s first lamp, and it is named after its articulate head.

Why is it noteworthy?

The head has an interesting rounded shape, that can rotate up to 35 degrees on each side to direct and guide light in various directions.

What we like

  • Features a dimmable light that makes it pretty useful for both moments of concentration and relaxation
  • Built from recyclable aluminum

What we dislike

  • Not sure if it is strong enough for long durations of work

8. Japanese Drawing Pads

These Japanese drawing pads are simple yet stunning and will help you get those amazing ideas flowing from your mind. The blank canvas pulls out the ideas from your mind, while the physicality and texture of the paper function as an anchor for your brain.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is perfect for sketching art, creating designs, and any other creative pursuit, accepting your ideas and your mistakes with the serenity and openness of a blank page.

What we like

  • Utilizes high-quality Japanese paper that is preferred by stationery connoisseurs

What we dislike

  • It does seem like an ordinary notepad from the looks of it

9. The Gravity Pen

The Gravity Pen is pretty intriguing since it puts the center of gravity closer to where your fingers are, making it easier to make agile strokes. The pen does that by having a grip that’s larger than the barrel, expanding the area of the grip for a more comfy hold.

Why is it noteworthy?

The faceted form of that grip also makes it easier to grip the pen, allowing for a more stable grip as well. It’s the ultimate ergonomic pen design, thanks to a smart application of physics and minimalist design principles.

What we like

  • Extremely ergonomic to hold and use
  • Durable and lightweight

What we dislike

  • Not available in different color options

10. Reck_Cone

Called the Reck_Cone, this concept design merges different products into one single piece. It functions as a handy headphone holder, although it doesn’t look like one at first glance, owing to its innovative shape.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Reck_Cone isn’t like traditional typical holders, it hangs the headphones down and allows them to wrap around its almost conical form. It looks as if the headphones are hanging from a person’s neck, allowing it to have a more natural appearance.

What we like

  • The Reck_Cone’s form is eye-catching, and even without the headphones, it displays an unusual shape that looks like a vase with a “wing” on its back

What we dislike

  • The form is bulky and not effective on a small desk setup

The post Top 10 Accessories Designed To Upgrade And Revamp Your Mundane Desk first appeared on Yanko Design.

Baseus Sets Sights Beyond Power Banks: Reveals Upcoming EV Charger at IFA 2023

Known primarily for making some of the most capable charging bricks and power banks for your phone, tablet, and laptop, Baseus plans on being able to go big or go home with its upcoming chargers… literally! At IFA 2023, the company is slated to reveal their latest Nebula Series Green GaN EV Charger alongside other products.

Designer: Baseus

The charger builds on Baseus’ GaN semiconductor innovations that allow for enhanced heat dissipation, maximum efficiency, and power delivery in a compact form factor. Although details on the performance of the Nebula Series Green GaN EV Charger are still surfacing, Baseus touts reduced standby power consumption, all-weather charging (with an IP55 rating), and 11-layer self-check protections.

The charger is accompanied by the Baseus app, which aside from providing charging stats, also allows you to enable remote charging either via Bluetooth (if you’re in the vicinity) or over 5G if you’ve plugged the charger in and want to start a charge cycle remotely. The app will even allow you to schedule charging sessions.

Details of the Nebula Green GaN EV Charger are scarce at the moment, but Baseus plans sharing availability, pricing, and other specs soon.

The post Baseus Sets Sights Beyond Power Banks: Reveals Upcoming EV Charger at IFA 2023 first appeared on Yanko Design.

‘G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra’ continues the retro beat-‘em-up renaissance

A new G.I. Joe beat 'em up is on its way. Hasbro, developer Maple Powered Games and publisher Freedom Games announced G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra today. The upcoming retro game will let you play as series stalwarts Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Roadblock and other classic characters. It joins TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and Double Dragon reboot as the latest evidence that 2D side-scrolling punch-fests are enjoying an unexpected 2020s renaissance.

The game’s developers promise a variety of locales to bash and kick your way through as you try to defeat Cobra. “Navigate land, air, sea, and even space through iconic locations like Cobra Island, the Pit, Cobra’s top-secret underwater base, and more as you thwart the devious Cobra Commander’s latest scheme to take over the world,” the game’s announcement reads. It promises an arsenal of weapons, explosives and more.

Gameplay still from the upcoming beat ‘em up ‘G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra.’ Duke (gold shirt, green jeans) swings an uppercut as various Cobra soldiers go flying. Blue background with futuristic windows and red pipes in a retro 80s / 90s art style.
Hasbro / Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra has story and arcade modes, each supporting up to four co-op players (online or locally). It includes “lovingly hand-drawn pixel art” and “classic style cartoon cutscenes.” The soundtrack, crafted by Tee Lopes (composer of its spiritual sibling, TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge), appears to include a modern take on the animated series’ classic theme song. (No word yet on whether it will take timeouts for “Knowing is half the battle” PSAs.)

“G.I. Joe is one the most iconic brands from the 80s and it was the golden era of arcade games. To celebrate the growing popularity of retro themed games we’re thrilled to partner with Maple Powered Games and Freedom Games to bring G.I. Joe fans our first ever Hasbro Retro Arcade experience in this exciting interpretation of a classic 2D beat ‘em up,” said Eugene Evans, Hasbro’s SVP of Digital Strategy and Licensing.

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra will launch on Switch, Windows, macOS and Linux in Q1 2024. You can wish-list the game today on Steam and Epic.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gi-joe-wrath-of-cobra-continues-the-retro-beat-em-up-renaissance-212256623.html?src=rss

‘G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra’ continues the retro beat-‘em-up renaissance

A new G.I. Joe beat 'em up is on its way. Hasbro, developer Maple Powered Games and publisher Freedom Games announced G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra today. The upcoming retro game will let you play as series stalwarts Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Roadblock and other classic characters. It joins TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and Double Dragon reboot as the latest evidence that 2D side-scrolling punch-fests are enjoying an unexpected 2020s renaissance.

The game’s developers promise a variety of locales to bash and kick your way through as you try to defeat Cobra. “Navigate land, air, sea, and even space through iconic locations like Cobra Island, the Pit, Cobra’s top-secret underwater base, and more as you thwart the devious Cobra Commander’s latest scheme to take over the world,” the game’s announcement reads. It promises an arsenal of weapons, explosives and more.

Gameplay still from the upcoming beat ‘em up ‘G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra.’ Duke (gold shirt, green jeans) swings an uppercut as various Cobra soldiers go flying. Blue background with futuristic windows and red pipes in a retro 80s / 90s art style.
Hasbro / Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra has story and arcade modes, each supporting up to four co-op players (online or locally). It includes “lovingly hand-drawn pixel art” and “classic style cartoon cutscenes.” The soundtrack, crafted by Tee Lopes (composer of its spiritual sibling, TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge), appears to include a modern take on the animated series’ classic theme song. (No word yet on whether it will take timeouts for “Knowing is half the battle” PSAs.)

“G.I. Joe is one the most iconic brands from the 80s and it was the golden era of arcade games. To celebrate the growing popularity of retro themed games we’re thrilled to partner with Maple Powered Games and Freedom Games to bring G.I. Joe fans our first ever Hasbro Retro Arcade experience in this exciting interpretation of a classic 2D beat ‘em up,” said Eugene Evans, Hasbro’s SVP of Digital Strategy and Licensing.

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra will launch on Switch, Windows, macOS and Linux in Q1 2024. You can wish-list the game today on Steam and Epic.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gi-joe-wrath-of-cobra-continues-the-retro-beat-em-up-renaissance-212256623.html?src=rss

Chrome now lets you copy frames from videos for easy sharing

Google has just made it easier than ever to capture video stills while using its Chrome web browser. The company highlighted the struggle faced by users when attempting to capture video frames — noting that screenshots often produced lower-quality images with the video’s progress bar shown across it. If you’re using Chrome (or another Chromium-based browser, like Microsoft’s own Edge), that’s now a thing of the past. Starting today, users can hit pause at any time during a video, right-click, and select the new "Copy Video Frame" option from the pop-up menu.

We went ahead and tried the feature but noticed it didn't work as intended. On YouTube, evoking the new option required two right clicks instead of one. The first right-click brought up the native YouTube menu but after a second try, the menu with the new feature was available. When you click the "Copy Video Frame," Chrome will capture what's currently being shown and you'll have the option to paste your image in supported text fields within the browser, like Google Docs. We were also able to paste the image into the Apple Notes app; from there, you can save the actual file.

As of right now, there is no option to save the copied video image directly to your desktop as a file. The feature is also limited when it comes to streaming services, with many of them restricting the ability to capture content. In fact, so far we've only gotten it to work on YouTube. So, while this feature may technically be helpful in a pinch, it may need some fine-tuning to be more useful. Chrome's new "Copy Video Frame" is being rolled out today for Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chrome-now-lets-you-copy-frames-from-videos-for-easy-sharing-210657406.html?src=rss

Chrome now lets you copy frames from videos for easy sharing

Google has just made it easier than ever to capture video stills while using its Chrome web browser. The company highlighted the struggle faced by users when attempting to capture video frames — noting that screenshots often produced lower-quality images with the video’s progress bar shown across it. If you’re using Chrome (or another Chromium-based browser, like Microsoft’s own Edge), that’s now a thing of the past. Starting today, users can hit pause at any time during a video, right-click, and select the new "Copy Video Frame" option from the pop-up menu.

We went ahead and tried the feature but noticed it didn't work as intended. On YouTube, evoking the new option required two right clicks instead of one. The first right-click brought up the native YouTube menu but after a second try, the menu with the new feature was available. When you click the "Copy Video Frame," Chrome will capture what's currently being shown and you'll have the option to paste your image in supported text fields within the browser, like Google Docs. We were also able to paste the image into the Apple Notes app; from there, you can save the actual file.

As of right now, there is no option to save the copied video image directly to your desktop as a file. The feature is also limited when it comes to streaming services, with many of them restricting the ability to capture content. In fact, so far we've only gotten it to work on YouTube. So, while this feature may technically be helpful in a pinch, it may need some fine-tuning to be more useful. Chrome's new "Copy Video Frame" is being rolled out today for Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chrome-now-lets-you-copy-frames-from-videos-for-easy-sharing-210657406.html?src=rss

JBL Authentics: The Bonkers 270W Smart Speaker (with both Google & Alexa) Makes Waves at IFA 2023

With an output of 270W, JBL’s new Authentics series may just be the most powerful smart speaker out there. The series boasts not only a “timeless retro design” but also a groundbreaking feature: the simultaneous integration of both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Unveiled at IFA 2023, the JBL Authentics series encompasses three distinct models — the Authentics 200, 300, and 500. Paying homage to the timeless appeal of the 1970s-era JBL L100 speaker, this series seamlessly blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. One of the key highlights of this series is the seamless coexistence of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Users can effortlessly engage either voice assistant by simply invoking their respective ‘hotwords’. It’s important to note that the idea of coexisting voice assistants isn’t novel, with Sonos already offering speakers that house both Google Assistant and Alexa. However, these smart assistants are restricted to responding one at a time. What sets JBL’s innovation apart is the concurrent responsiveness of both Google Assistant and Alexa. Whether it’s the intuitive Google Assistant or the efficient Alexa, users can switch between the two according to their needs and preferences.

Designer: JBL

The Authentics 300 stands out as a portable marvel, designed to accompany you on your musical journey. With a built-in handle that lets you carry it around everywhere and an impressive 8-hour battery life, this model ensures your music keeps playing wherever you go. What’s more, the consumer-replaceable battery adds a layer of convenience to ensure a longer product lifespan.

Drawing inspiration from the design of the JBL L100 speaker, the Authentics 300 features a captivating grid pattern reminiscent of the sound-proofing padding seen in audio recording setups (a feature that the L100 mimicked). The “custom synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure” enhances the speaker’s tactile appeal, while gold-colored aluminum accents give the speaker its undeniably premium appeal. Its high-flying design aside, the speaker still reflects JBL’s commitment to the environment by employing recycled plastic, fabric, and aluminum in its construction. The user-replaceable battery is also a nod to the new EU regulations that require consumer gadgets to now allow batteries to be accessed and replaced by consumers.

Designed for audiophiles, the speaker’s interface comes with dedicated controls for bass and treble, along with a play/pause button, volume control, and even a dedicated button to like tracks. The rear of the Authentics 300 (as well as the 500) features an ethernet port for a dedicated wired internet connection, along with a 3.5mm audio input, a USB-C port, and a power supply port.

As the flagship of the Authentics series, the Authentics 500 captures the essence of premium sound. With its powerful configuration, it offers three 1-inch tweeters, three 2.75-inch midrange woofers, and a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. This unique arrangement results in an impressive 270 watts of 3.1-channel sound, enhanced further by Dolby Atmos technology.

The Authentics 500 also mirrors its predecessor’s design inspiration. The iconic grid pattern on the grill, reminiscent of the JBL L100, serves as a captivating nod to audio history. The flagship also comes with the synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure and aluminum accents (employing the same recycled materials as the Authentics 300), but visibly lacks the handle that the Authentics 300 had, making it less transport-friendly.

Connectivity is a breeze, with Bluetooth, aux input, and Ethernet ensuring compatibility with multiple devices. The speakers seamlessly integrate with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast, with Tidal Connect on the horizon. Moreover, future firmware updates promise the ability to orchestrate stereo and multi-channel sound setups by pairing multiple JBL speakers.

Though the concept of simultaneous voice assistants might be in its infancy, the groundwork laid by JBL, Google, and Amazon is fairly promising. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the notion of both Alexa and Google Assistant coexisting on a single platform isn’t merely a fleeting experiment but a step towards a more intelligent future. Now if only my smart-speaker had ChatGPT built into it…

The post JBL Authentics: The Bonkers 270W Smart Speaker (with both Google & Alexa) Makes Waves at IFA 2023 first appeared on Yanko Design.

NYC’s transit agency disables feature that made it possible to track subway riders

New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced today that it’s disabling the “feature” on its website that made it possible to track people’s movements by entering their credit card info. The MTA says it’s turning off the seven-day history feature for OMNY as part of its commitment to privacy.

“This feature was meant to help our customers who want access to their tap-and-go trip histories, both paid and free, without having to create an OMNY account,” MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick wrote in a statement to Engadget. “As part of the MTA’s ongoing commitment to customer privacy, we have disabled this feature while we evaluate other ways to serve these customers.”

The ‘check trip history’ section of the OMNY website. It includes entry fields for entering a credit card number and expiration date.
MTA

The OMNY website included a page (screenshotted above) where passengers could enter their credit card number and expiration date to view their seven-day point-of-entry history across NYC’s subways. Although intended to provide convenience for users, it was also “a gift for abusers,” as Eva Galperin, the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s director of cybersecurity, described it to Engadget. Joseph Cox of 404 Media, which originally reported on the security hole, successfully tracked someone’s entry points (with consent) using their card info. “If I had kept monitoring this person, I would have figured out the subway station they often start a journey at, which is near where they live,” Cox wrote. “I would also know what specific time this person may go to the subway each day.”

The feature opened the door to stalkers, abusive exes or anyone who got a person’s credit card to find out where and when they entered the subway. The feature didn’t require a PIN or password; although a separate section allowed travelers to create a more secure account, it was buried farther down the page.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nycs-transit-agency-disables-feature-that-made-it-possible-to-track-subway-riders-195003276.html?src=rss

NYC’s transit agency disables feature that made it possible to track subway riders

New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced today that it’s disabling the “feature” on its website that made it possible to track people’s movements by entering their credit card info. The MTA says it’s turning off the seven-day history feature for OMNY as part of its commitment to privacy.

“This feature was meant to help our customers who want access to their tap-and-go trip histories, both paid and free, without having to create an OMNY account,” MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick wrote in a statement to Engadget. “As part of the MTA’s ongoing commitment to customer privacy, we have disabled this feature while we evaluate other ways to serve these customers.”

The ‘check trip history’ section of the OMNY website. It includes entry fields for entering a credit card number and expiration date.
MTA

The OMNY website included a page (screenshotted above) where passengers could enter their credit card number and expiration date to view their seven-day point-of-entry history across NYC’s subways. Although intended to provide convenience for users, it was also “a gift for abusers,” as Eva Galperin, the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s director of cybersecurity, described it to Engadget. Joseph Cox of 404 Media, which originally reported on the security hole, successfully tracked someone’s entry points (with consent) using their card info. “If I had kept monitoring this person, I would have figured out the subway station they often start a journey at, which is near where they live,” Cox wrote. “I would also know what specific time this person may go to the subway each day.”

The feature opened the door to stalkers, abusive exes or anyone who got a person’s credit card to find out where and when they entered the subway. The feature didn’t require a PIN or password; although a separate section allowed travelers to create a more secure account, it was buried farther down the page.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nycs-transit-agency-disables-feature-that-made-it-possible-to-track-subway-riders-195003276.html?src=rss

Nintendo’s Mario-red special edition Switch comes out next month

Nintendo has just announced the latest Switch special edition, one that’s steeped in nostalgia. The new colorway has been dubbed the Mario Red Edition and pays tribute to one of Nintendo's most popular video game characters. The system will feature a console, dock and Joy-Con controllers all in Mario’s iconic red. On the back of the dock, there's a tiny silhouette of Mario as he leaps into action. There's also a touch of gold thanks to a set of coins hidden inside.

The new design will only be available on the OLED model, which was expected. The OLED version of the Switch is the company's flagship model, and we've already seen similar special editions recently. Nintendo has been known to release custom consoles as tie-ins with upcoming games – and with the official release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder set for October, it's not surprising to see the company creating a little buzz with this Mario-themed colorway.

Additionally, we saw the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie back in April. So, it's been a pretty big year for Mario and the gang. The Mario Red Edition will be available for purchase from the official Nintendo store and Best Buy. It's currently available for pre-order and will cost $350, the same as the standard OLED model. Shipping is expected to start in October.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendos-mario-red-special-edition-switch-comes-out-next-month-193050476.html?src=rss