Small pocket-sized flashlights are a dime a dozen these days, especially in the era of EDCs or Everyday Carry bags. Many of these come in rugged designs with bright LED functionality, and most of them utilize rechargeable batteries for convenience. Of course, that implies having some sort of charger always at hand, which requires carrying yet another separate device in your kit.
This EDC tool, however, takes a cue from the now ubiquitous wireless earbuds design, providing a carrying case for the LED flashlight that also serves as its charger. Even better, you can actually use the flashlight while it’s still in its case, removing the need to fiddle with two separate devices when you’re in a hurry.
On its own, the Olight Baton 4 LED flashlight looks pretty ordinary. It has a small cylindrical body typical of tiny flashlights, though it boasts a brightness of 1,300 lumens and a throw distance of 170 meters. It has small LED indicators for its brightness level and remaining battery charge, but that’s pretty much it for the flashlight itself.
The real killer feature of the Baton 4 Premium Edition, however, is its 5,000 mAh charging case. It has a flip-top design that makes it easy to open and close with one hand. You can easily slip in any compatible Olight flashlight for charging, but there’s a special function when used with the Baton 4 or Baton 3 flashlights. You can simply flip open the cover and press the side button to turn on the flashlight while it’s still in the case, so you don’t have to lose time pulling it out and putting it back in again.
The case itself has dual charging functionality. It can charge the flashlight inside or charge a phone like a power bank. This means you don’t really need to carry a separate charger for the flashlight and your phone, as the case can do both. It might sound like a small convenience, but for people who always find themselves outdoors in the dark, intentionally or otherwise, it can be a critical space-saving feature that helps make room for more things inside their EDC bags.
E-book Readers, a.k.a. e-Readers, are becoming popular again thanks to the introduction of new technologies like Color E Ink, as well as the proliferation of new brands like Onyx BOOX, Bigme, and reMarkable. That said, some people prefer to stick to the slightly large screens of their smartphones rather than carry a separate device, but that kind of digital reading experience brings its fair share of discomfort. Even disregarding eye strain, reading for long periods on a smartphone means potentially blocking part of the screen or giving your hand cramps in the long run. This iPhone accessory offers a solution that tries to make reading on a phone slightly more comfortable, even if it only addresses one very specific problem.
While smartphones and tablets are banishing bezels, e-Readers are insistent on keeping them around. It isn’t because they can’t make screen borders incredibly thin but because they want to offer an ergonomic design where one or two hands can comfortably hold the device without worrying about accidentally touching the screen or blocking part of the content. Without that kind of “margin,” holding a smartphone can become awkward and uncomfortable for an extended period of time.
Astropad Bookcase is an accessory that adds handles to the sides of a phone without forcing owners to put on a protective case. A MagSafe-compatible phone attaches to the middle of the tray-like accessory when you want to read, giving your hands something stable to grasp. And when you’re done, you simply detach the phone, put away the Bookcase, and be on your merry way. The accessory is made with lightweight polycarbonate that makes it feel like you’re adding nothing to the smartphone, and it uses vegan leather to add a bit of style and elegance to the design.
The Astropad Bookcase has a few gimmicks that make the e-Reading experience a bit smoother. A companion app, for example, can automatically launch your favorite e-Reader app the moment you attach the iPhone to the Bookcase thanks to an NFC chip inside the MagSafe mount. Although it’s primarily compatible with iPhone 12 and later models, the package includes a MagSafe conversion kit to support older iPhones as well as Android phones.
While the Bookcase does solve one part of the smartphone ergonomic problem, it doesn’t fully address the reasons why it’s not ideal to read on a smartphone for too long. For one, there are no convenient physical buttons that would let you turn the page without having to swipe or tap on the screen, similar to how some apps allow you to use the volume buttons for the same purpose. And there’s no escaping the fact that LCD and OLED screens, regardless of advertised advanced technologies, cause eye strain over prolonged use compared to eye-friendly E Ink displays.
E-book Readers, a.k.a. e-Readers, are becoming popular again thanks to the introduction of new technologies like Color E Ink, as well as the proliferation of new brands like Onyx BOOX, Bigme, and reMarkable. That said, some people prefer to stick to the slightly large screens of their smartphones rather than carry a separate device, but that kind of digital reading experience brings its fair share of discomfort. Even disregarding eye strain, reading for long periods on a smartphone means potentially blocking part of the screen or giving your hand cramps in the long run. This iPhone accessory offers a solution that tries to make reading on a phone slightly more comfortable, even if it only addresses one very specific problem.
While smartphones and tablets are banishing bezels, e-Readers are insistent on keeping them around. It isn’t because they can’t make screen borders incredibly thin but because they want to offer an ergonomic design where one or two hands can comfortably hold the device without worrying about accidentally touching the screen or blocking part of the content. Without that kind of “margin,” holding a smartphone can become awkward and uncomfortable for an extended period of time.
Astropad Bookcase is an accessory that adds handles to the sides of a phone without forcing owners to put on a protective case. A MagSafe-compatible phone attaches to the middle of the tray-like accessory when you want to read, giving your hands something stable to grasp. And when you’re done, you simply detach the phone, put away the Bookcase, and be on your merry way. The accessory is made with lightweight polycarbonate that makes it feel like you’re adding nothing to the smartphone, and it uses vegan leather to add a bit of style and elegance to the design.
The Astropad Bookcase has a few gimmicks that make the e-Reading experience a bit smoother. A companion app, for example, can automatically launch your favorite e-Reader app the moment you attach the iPhone to the Bookcase thanks to an NFC chip inside the MagSafe mount. Although it’s primarily compatible with iPhone 12 and later models, the package includes a MagSafe conversion kit to support older iPhones as well as Android phones.
While the Bookcase does solve one part of the smartphone ergonomic problem, it doesn’t fully address the reasons why it’s not ideal to read on a smartphone for too long. For one, there are no convenient physical buttons that would let you turn the page without having to swipe or tap on the screen, similar to how some apps allow you to use the volume buttons for the same purpose. And there’s no escaping the fact that LCD and OLED screens, regardless of advertised advanced technologies, cause eye strain over prolonged use compared to eye-friendly E Ink displays.
I’m not a big fan of fancy smartphone cases. A simple protective silicone cover does the job for me. But when it comes to a device from the iPhone 16 series per se, you want a cover that protects the guts of your prized possession with military grade standard. Who would know this better than the nerds at CASETiFY, who design iPhone cases with style, functionality, durability, and sustainability in mind?
CASETiFY Ultra Bounce for the iPhone 16 is the extension of the Bounce series cases from the outfit. These cases, as the name would suggest, do not bounce around in ecstasy of hugging the iPhone, but share their moniker with the idea of shock-absorbing properties of the material they are made from. For instance, the MagSafe-compatible Ultra Bounce is made from a mix of recycled phone cases and plant-based materials.
The efficiency of durable construction and premium finish of the Ultra Bounce is a given considering the company’s excessive focus on it over the years. But to display that in a new light, using different camera angles and soft backgrounds, designer Zelig Sound and Tektura Studio showcase how the case design merges style and protection along with engrossing elements that reinforce the case’s durability features.
The goal well achieved puts the case through everyday adventures and depicts what the record-breaking 10x military-grade standard and up to 32.8 ft drop protection, that Ultra Bounce cases are certified with, would mean when confronted with difficult scenarios. The phone – at all times – remains cushioned from all sides and angles and ensure it remins protected from shock and scratch at all times.
The Ultra Bounce has a raised camera lens protection to ensure scraping the camera lens on day-to-day usage and rendering maximum shock absorption when the phone is to land camera first on the ground. Adding to the unconditional safety and protection of the iPhone 16 series is the range of hands-free functionalities the $100 Ultra Bounce design brings to the table. You can clip the case anywhere using a carabiner or carry it around in a lanyard.
Slim and light, lets original iPhone 16 design shine
Multi-angle stash stand also protects the camera
Unbeatable all-around protection
Doesn't get in the way of MagSafe features
CONS:
Stand doesn't support (tall) vertical orientation
RATINGS:
AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
EDITOR'S QUOTE:
ESR's newest range of Classic Hybrid Cases with Stash Stand gives the iPhone 16 the protection it deserves with no compromise to functionality nor a hit on its innate beauty.
The new iPhone 16 series is here, along with a new generation of accessories designed to complement Apple’s latest and greatest smartphone. While the iPhone has changed considerably over the years, what hasn’t really changed is its price tag, making it quite an expensive investment that people want to protect and keep for as long as possible. There is no shortage of cases that promise that, but many of these cover up the iPhone’s minimalist beauty with gaudy designs and fatten up the otherwise slim profile in the name of rugged durability. Other cases also add some functionality that complicates the iPhone’s appearance and use, going against the spirit of simplicity that Apple embraces. It’s rare to come across a phone case that offers protection that doesn’t obscure the original design or adds utility that doesn’t compromise other features. The new ESR iPhone 16 Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand and its siblings promise exactly that and we put them in our hands to see how well that promise holds.
One of the biggest reasons why some people are hesitant to slap a protective case on their phones is that these cases tend to make the phones look ugly and bulky. Of course, there are people who actually prefer to dress up their phones with stickers and decals, but the large majority want to show off their new phone’s pristine beauty, especially if that phone is an iPhone. That Apple logo on the back is, of course, a matter of pride for owners so it feels counterintuitive to cover that up with a thick and opaque case.
There’s a reason that ESR puts the “Classic” label on this series of cases for the new iPhone 16. Despite offering an impressive set of protective features, the transparent back still lets the original style and color of the iPhone 16 shine through, though you do have choices of colored edges to match the iPhone’s natural color as well. With a back that’s only 1.6mm thick, it doesn’t add that much bulk to the slim and sleek phone.
The ESR Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand embraces Apple’s minimalist design language, offering protection that you can’t see but definitely feel. It has no extraneous markings or branding that would mar the otherwise pristine beauty of the iPhone 16. It hugs the phone’s frame so tightly that it almost looks like a transparent skin wrapped around the phone. And the parts that you do see are also designed to be aesthetic, like the zinc alloy of the camera guard kickstand with a matte finish that just seamlessly blends with the camera bump’s design. ESR clearly had not just phone protection in mind but also user satisfaction in seeing the classic elegance of their iPhone 16 without worrying about accidents.
Ergonomics
Smartphone cases actually do double duty when it comes to protection. They buffer the force of impact when phones fall or bump into hard objects, but they also add some texture to the phone’s back to increase their grip. In other words, cases make it easier to hold the phone and reduce the risk of dropping it, and when you do drop it, the cases absorb some of the shock and protect the material underneath from scratches and dings.
Of course, that’s only true for cases that don’t increase the size and weight of the phone to the point of making it uncomfortable to hold or don’t use a material that’s even more slippery than the phone’s glass or metal rear. Fortunately, the ESR Classic Hybrid definitely checks the right boxes here as well, with an overall thickness of only 14.2mm and a weight of only 42g (1.7oz). The materials themselves also have a kind of “sticky” quality that prevents the phone from slipping off your hand easily. That stash stand also functions as a ring you can hang from your finger while your hands are carrying other things, almost like a built-in loop. It would have been nice if it could also function like a popsocket of sorts so you can hold the phone with even more confidence, but the current design doesn’t make that possible. That’s a puzzle that ESR will hopefully solve in future iterations of the Stash Stand.
Performance
A protective case is only as good as the protection it offers, and the ESR Classic Hybrid with Stash Stand for the iPhone 16 definitely has plenty of that to go around, almost literally. Almost every side of the case has a feature that ensures the safety of the phone no matter which side it drops on, including the 1.2mm raised edge around the screen and the 0.7mm raised camera guard. There’s also the acrylic-PC material used for the back of the case for enhanced durability and a TPU edge that is promised not to discolor and turn yellow over time.
One unique feature of ESR cases is its Air Guard corners, which are basically small empty pockets that serve as cushions for the most common part of the phone that hits the pavement. These look like very small bumps rather than obnoxious bumpers, staying true to the minimalist design language that the Classic Hybrid cases embrace. All of these give the cases military-grade protection, enough to meet the MIL-STD-810H standard for shock protection. The case can protect the phone from an 11-foot drop, offering iPhone 16 owners peace of mind without compromising their experience.
The “Stash Stand” part of the ESR Classic Hybrid’s name comes from the camera guard that flips down to transform into a multi-angle stand, supporting angles of anywhere between 15 to 85 degrees for your preferred viewing angle. Unlike other built-in phone stands like rings and popsockets, the stash stand gets out of the way when you don’t need it and even protects your cameras. The one disadvantage to this design is that you can’t prop up your phone vertically unless you lay it almost flat on a table, which is fine for scrolling through social media but not for video calls.
Apple’s introduction of MagSafe technology presented a design problem for case makers, especially those with rugged and thick materials. MagSafe won’t work through such cases, at least not without some clever designs and technologies. Fortunately, that’s no longer a problem today and, even better, ESR has found ways to actually improve on the technology. For one, it has even stronger magnets, about 1.5kg of magnetic locking force, so you don’t have to worry about the case making accessories loose and detach accidentally. It can even let the phone charge faster than with other MagSafe-compatible cases, beating its competitors by an average of 30 minutes. Best of all, the magnetic ring is embedded in the case itself, so it won’t scratch your iPhone’s back.
All in all, the ESR iPhone 16 Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand offers unparalleled, military-grade protection that doesn’t get in the way of your enjoyment of your phone. It retains the iPhone 16’s natural beauty while also giving you color options to match your phone and your style. It’s a no-compromise design that brings the best of all worlds while staying true to Apple’s own design philosophy.
Sustainability
Like many protective cases these days, the ESR Classic Hybrid is a mixture of different materials that each offer a different kind of protection. The acrylic-PC material on its back offers durability and scratch resistance, while the TPU around the edges gives flexibility and shock absorption. Unfortunately, these materials are also known to be non-sustainable, though there is definitely research and experiments on using alternative materials that produce the same durable properties.
That’s not to say, however, that ESR isn’t doing due diligence in creating a greener future, but its sustainability results are a little bit more indirect. For one, it offsets its carbon emissions through the ClimatePartner program. In addition, it helps keep phones away from trash bins and dump sites longer by protecting these precious devices and ensuring their longevity. You might not see a phone case as a “green” product, but ESR is definitely doing its part in healing the planet in its own small ways.
Value
Starting at only $19.99, the ESR Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand is pretty much a no-brainer for new iPhone 16 owners. After all, you are getting an impressive amount of protection against accidents and a built-in stand that stays out of the way and out of sight when you don’t need it. Plus, it retains the iPhone 16’s slim profile, sleek looks, and original style, allowing you to enjoy the natural colors you selected when you bought it. What’s not to love?
And for those who want something more or something different, they don’t have to stray far from ESR’s other new iPhone 16 cases. The Cloud Soft Case with Stash Stand, for example, has the same basic design but uses premium liquid silicone to give the phone a softer touch. The Cyber Tough Case with Stash Stand, on the other hand, levels up the durability with a 3-layer design that includes a robust PC backing, a flexible TPU shell, and an inner PORON lining. With these three designs, ESR has got all your iPhone 16 protection needs covered and in your preferred style.
Verdict
Just like with power banks, smartphone cases have become a fact of modern mobile life. No matter how durable companies make their phones, there will still be that nagging fear of throwing away money when, not if, you accidentally drop your precious investment. With the arrival of the iPhone 16, ESR took the opportunity to showcase the best of its design with the Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand. Offering military-grade protection that doesn’t make the iPhone 16 look like a tank, this case with a built-in stand is something you’ll have no reason to take off once you’ve put it on.
Smartphones are getting more durable every generation, but there’s no escaping the fact that a single wrong fall could render it useless. Protective cases increase their chances of survival at the expense of hiding their beauty, and even those clear silicone ones can sometimes make otherwise luxurious phones look cheap. If you’re going to cover up your phone anyway, you might as well make a big splash by adopting a design that’s going to upgrade your device’s looks as well. For years, PITAKA has been pushing the envelope of phone cases by focusing on quality material that not only looks good but also feels great in your hand. With the new Apple iPhone 16 series, it is launching its next-generation woven cases to offer upgraded protection and welcome a new style that will be a feast for the eyes, even in the dark.
Designer: PITAKA
PITAKA x Aries x NoProblemo Collaboration: Light in the Darkness
A phone case’s beautiful design becomes meaningless if you can’t see in the dark. Not so this collection of luminous designs that cast an eerie glow after the lights go out, giving them an alien, artful, and rebellious character. It’s the perfect combination for a design made in partnership with trendy UK fashion brand Aries, delivering cases that delight the eyes and the hands any time of the day. It’s a refreshing new style that adds a bit of youthful vigor to an iPhone case that’s already brimming with life.
At the heart of this luminescent innovation is PITAKA’s Lumintex, combined with the brand’s advanced Floating Weave technique. This pairing elevates the design potential of aramid fibers, offering users a richer and more dynamic visual experience. Unlike conventional methods that simply print or paint luminous patterns that fade over time, PITAKA’s approach intricately weaves luminous fibers into the case. Lumintex is an ultra-thin, flexible polymer fiber, modified at the molecular level for enhanced weavability and luminescence. After absorbing light, the case emits a soft green glow for up to 20 minutes, providing a high-grade, fashionable luminescence at class D brightness.
Like any other PITAKA case, the PITAKA x Aries X NoProblemo series is made from hi-tech aramid fibers that are also used in the aerospace and military industries, giving it unbeatable protection against scratches and corrosion without weighing the phone down. PITAKA’s proprietary Fusion Weaving technology interlaces multiple colored fibers on a single loom to create eye-catching patterns that your fingers will also be able to touch and appreciate. These PITAKA iPhone 16 cases bring long-lasting beauty that shows even in the dark.
Many smartphone cases try to be beautiful and stylish but tend to go overboard and end up looking gaudy and over-the-top. Nothing wrong with that if that’s exactly what you’re after, but those who want striking yet subtle designs might want to turn their eyes toward PITAKA’s heavenly Tactile Woven cases instead. Durable and elegant at the same time, these cases bring a touch of the heavens to your phone in ways that your hand can feel as well.
Utilizing aramid fibers known in aerospace and military circles for their light yet strong properties, PITAKA’s Fusion Weaving technique creates sophisticated patterns of colors that tell a story more than just displaying art. The alternating lines of orange or blue, for example, try to depict the magic moments during Sunset and Moonrise, while the trail of yellow dots across a field of blue tries to paint the Milky Way on the back of your phone. Finally, the rocky split between dark and light azure hues depict that enchanting view of mountains disappearing Over the Horizon.
For the iPhone 16 series, PITAKA upgraded its design to offer additional protection, especially for one of the most important parts of smartphones today: the cameras. The new camera ring not only prevents scratching by raising the lenses away from surfaces, its new titanium color also helps reduce the exposure that could ruin those perfect and ephemeral shots. Beautiful and tactile, these woven cases give your iPhone 16 some character that will surely make it stand out from the crowd.
If you want some extra peace of mind, then PITAKA’s line of tough cases delivers that added layer of durability your phone needs to survive those nasty accidents with very little additional weight. It integrates light yet durable aramid fibers with shockproof TPU material, offering protection from drops that pass even MIL-STD-810G tests. And it doesn’t stop there either.
The soft Nappa leather lining inside the case also helps cushion the back of the iPhone in case of unfortunate incidents, while metal button covers minimize abrasions and damage to these crucial buttons. The subtle screen lip mitigates the effects of dropping your phone face first on the ground, while the raised camera ring protects the camera lenses from scratches when you place the phone on rough surfaces.
Despite these added layers of protection, the PITAKA military-grade iPhone 16 cases remain slim, light, and most importantly, compatible with MagSafe chargers and accessories. In fact, the new iPhone 16 line of cases boasts a 0.1-0.2 kg increase in magnetic strength, allowing it to cling securely to any MagSafe-compatible surface. Plus, these military-grade cases are now also available in PITAKA’s signature Sunset and Moonrise designs, delivering not only protection but also style in a single package.
If your priority is keeping an already slim iPhone 16 as slim as it can be, then PITAKA’s selection of ultra-slim cases delivers that mixture of style and substance in a subtle design. Utilizing the brand’s MagSafe SlimBoard 2.0 technology, each case measures a mere 0.84 thick and weighs only 17.84g (0.63oz). Inside that thin body are 0.1mm thicker magnets that add 0.1kg more magnetic force, ensuring even better compatibility with MagSafe chargers, docks, wallets, and other accessories.
It doesn’t skimp on protection and beauty, however, using the same aramid fiber material and Fusion Weaving technique as any other PITAKA case, creating visual appeal and grip comfort at the same time. New to this iPhone 16 lineup are colors that add some life to your phone, adding Ocean Blue and Forest Green to the Black Grey colorway. The camera ring’s minimalist titanium color further adds to its elegance while offering additional protection as well as a reduction of exposure for that perfect shot.
Despite its slimmer build, the PITAKA Ultra-Slim cases still boast the same standard set of features, including exclusive NFC-driven experiences, like checking the authenticity of the case as well as access to games, music, wallpapers, and customer services. All of these are packed inside a box made from 100% biodegradable bagasse, a natural by-product of sugar cane processing, establishing PITAKA’s commitment to a greener tomorrow with every beautiful case sold. Stylish, strong, and sustainable, PITAKA’s Ultra-Slim iPhone 16 Cases has a design for every person, proving that phone protection doesn’t have to come at the cost of aesthetics, your bank account, or the health of the planet.
Video gaming is still a thriving and lucrative industry, and you don’t even need to own an expensive and heavy handheld PC to enjoy it. With Apple now allowing emulators into the App Store, there is a vast new source of titles to play, some of which aren’t exactly conducive to tapping on a flat screen. Game controllers for iPhones aren’t always the best solution, especially if it means carrying an extra accessory in your pocket. But what if you never had to remove that controller in the first place? That’s the idea behind this genius iPhone accessory that’s a GameBoy-like controller when you need it and a quirky protective case when you don’t.
There are iPhone-compatible game controllers that attach to the smartphone but only makes sense if you hold it sideways like a Nintendo Switch. You can’t leave these permanently on the phone, of course, which means you’ll have to make sure you always bring it with you when the craving to play strikes. That could be a fleeting moment, however, that quickly evaporates while you try to strap the controller, turn it on, and pair it with the phone. Plus, the landscape orientation really only works for modern mobile games, not the ones from decades past.
GameBaby is an innovative design that solves that problem while also paying homage to some of video gaming history’s greatest hits. It’s technically a two-part case for the phone that slides onto the top and bottom of the phone. The critical difference is that you can flip the bottom half around, revealing actual working buttons in the familiar layout of many old-school handheld consoles, particularly the GameBoy which served as this accessory’s inspiration.
Since the buttons go over the lower half of the iPhone screen, it offers direct input without the lag of Bluetooth or even USB connections. It also means there are no batteries to be worried about either. It’s really simply just a layer of buttons that give you a more tactile feeling than mashing your finger against the glass. And when you’re done playing, simply slide the case off, flip it again, and go on with your regular life.
The catch to this simple yet useful design is that it really only works with emulators that play retro games made for old consoles like NES, GameBoy, and similar. It works best with the Delta emulator now available on iOS, and Bitmo Lab has custom emulator skins designed specifically to match the layout of the physical buttons. The even bigger catch, however, is that GameBaby is only available for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max, and only in a banana yellow and white color theme.
The dream of the modular smartphone proposed by the likes of Project Ara and the LG G5 might have failed to become lasting reality, but there is more than one way to actually implement a modular design. Unveiled just last month, the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing tackled the problem from a different angle, one that didn’t change the smartphone design formula too much while still kicking the doors wide open for modular accessories. It’s not surprising that there was a sudden burst of creativity trying to take advantage of this new platform, and thanks to 3D printing, we can behold some of the rather curious ideas creators have when pushing the possibilities of this modular system to the extreme.
To be clear, the CMF Phone 1 itself isn’t modular, but its removable back cover invites all kinds of modular accessories and attachments. As long as you can screw it on the back of the phone and retain its usability, everything is fair game. Those accessories can range from simple loops and stands to bottle openers and miniature Nerf guns. As long as you can 3D print it, anything’s possible.
The Modular Sliding System, for example, has a creative design that integrates three sliding modules that can be a pen, an SD card holder, and even a comb. The top and bottom sliding modules unfortunately have to be curved to take into account the position of the screws on the CMF Phone 1’s back. Switching out modules is quite simple, and there’s plenty of room for other tools that you might want to always have in your pocket all the time.
The Brick Case is a bit less ambitious but even more creative, and yes, it practically turns the CMF Phone 1 into one large LEGO-like brick. At first glance, it might seem like a cosmetic design only, putting a LEGO scene on the back of your phone when that can only be appreciated or used if the phone is placed face down on a table. With some imagination and design work, however, it might be possible to 3D print functional modules as well, like one that puts a pad of sticky notes on the back of your phone.
Coming completely out of the left field, the Foam Dart Launcher turns the CMF Phone 1 into a toy. It’s pretty much a one-shot mini Nerf gun, used to surprise friends or colleagues. It obviously has no practical benefit, but it does demonstrate the wide range of possibilities offered by the simple yet ingenious modular design of the CMF Phone 1.
As powerful and as useful as our smartphones might be, they can also be stumbling blocks not only for productivity but also for mental health. Incessant notifications and the fear of missing out (FOMO) add to the stress and anxiety of the modern world. Of course, ditching your smartphone is no longer an option these days, which is why several designs try to meet the problem halfway, many utilizing minimalist interfaces or drab gray screens to limit our smartphone interaction. Those, however, only solve one part of the problem, leaving many people still unused to taking breaks or relaxing. This concept design for a smartphone accessory tries to do exactly that, keeping your phone safely away from your reach while also helping you get into the habit of taking good breaks from time to time.
Designer: Jeongmin Ham
The most basic strategy people use to avoid distractions from their phones is to put it away, either at a distance or inside a drawer, creating some friction or obstacle to getting the phone instantly. While it can be an effective strategy for some, it’s also a missed opportunity for the smartphone to do something, well, smart. Short of using it as a timer, which can also lead to temptations, it can perhaps be utilized for some other function while keeping its normal distracting features at bay.
FIKA is a concept design for an accessory that does exactly that, keeping your smartphone from distracting you but also putting it to good use in training you to take breaks and use those breaks wisely. It is pretty much a cage or enclosure where you put the phone in, blocking complete use of the device except for a small circular window to a part of the screen. This is the only place where you’ll be able to see the phone’s guidance on how to take a break properly, somewhat like guided meditation apps that have become quite popular these days.
The idea for FIKA is to not just simply put your phone away to avoid distractions but also to develop good habits of taking breaks. And while different people take breaks differently, not everyone has an idea of how to do so properly, so FIKA can suggest certain actions like breathing exercises. Over time, the reminders and the case might not even be needed anymore, as you would have developed the habit and willpower to do it on your own.
The concept design sadly leaves a lot of questions unanswered, like how one will be prevented from just fishing out the phone without some locking mechanism. It also doesn’t mention how the circular window actually works, whether it is just a hole that leaves a part of the phone’s screen exposed or if it’s a touch-sensitive surface that “passes” touches through to the phone inside. Still, the core idea is interesting enough to warrant further thought, especially in an age where people’s mental and physical health has been in decline due to smartphones and overworking.
As powerful and as useful as our smartphones might be, they can also be stumbling blocks not only for productivity but also for mental health. Incessant notifications and the fear of missing out (FOMO) add to the stress and anxiety of the modern world. Of course, ditching your smartphone is no longer an option these days, which is why several designs try to meet the problem halfway, many utilizing minimalist interfaces or drab gray screens to limit our smartphone interaction. Those, however, only solve one part of the problem, leaving many people still unused to taking breaks or relaxing. This concept design for a smartphone accessory tries to do exactly that, keeping your phone safely away from your reach while also helping you get into the habit of taking good breaks from time to time.
Designer: Jeongmin Ham
The most basic strategy people use to avoid distractions from their phones is to put it away, either at a distance or inside a drawer, creating some friction or obstacle to getting the phone instantly. While it can be an effective strategy for some, it’s also a missed opportunity for the smartphone to do something, well, smart. Short of using it as a timer, which can also lead to temptations, it can perhaps be utilized for some other function while keeping its normal distracting features at bay.
FIKA is a concept design for an accessory that does exactly that, keeping your smartphone from distracting you but also putting it to good use in training you to take breaks and use those breaks wisely. It is pretty much a cage or enclosure where you put the phone in, blocking complete use of the device except for a small circular window to a part of the screen. This is the only place where you’ll be able to see the phone’s guidance on how to take a break properly, somewhat like guided meditation apps that have become quite popular these days.
The idea for FIKA is to not just simply put your phone away to avoid distractions but also to develop good habits of taking breaks. And while different people take breaks differently, not everyone has an idea of how to do so properly, so FIKA can suggest certain actions like breathing exercises. Over time, the reminders and the case might not even be needed anymore, as you would have developed the habit and willpower to do it on your own.
The concept design sadly leaves a lot of questions unanswered, like how one will be prevented from just fishing out the phone without some locking mechanism. It also doesn’t mention how the circular window actually works, whether it is just a hole that leaves a part of the phone’s screen exposed or if it’s a touch-sensitive surface that “passes” touches through to the phone inside. Still, the core idea is interesting enough to warrant further thought, especially in an age where people’s mental and physical health has been in decline due to smartphones and overworking.
, combined with the brand’s advanced Floating Weave technique. This pairing elevates the design potential of aramid fibers, offering users a richer and more dynamic visual experience. Unlike conventional methods that simply print or paint luminous patterns that fade over time, PITAKA’s approach intricately weaves luminous fibers into the case. Lumintex
