Tag Archives: IFA 2024

This Retro Open-front CD Player also has an Ambient Lamp, FM Radio, and Bluetooth Speaker

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They say history always repeats itself. Vinyls are making a comeback right now, which means in a few years cassettes and CDs will make a resurgence all over again, and when compact discs do enter the mainstream, you’re going to be glad you had this cute CD player from Semetor. Spotted on the floor at IFA 2024, the K8 is a playfully retro CD player that embraces the design aesthetic of European appliances in the 50s. Designed with an open top that allows the CD to sit on its platter like a vinyl on a gramophone, the K8 comes with a few translucent typewriter-inspired buttons that let you control music playback. But wait, it’s 2024, and just being a CD player obviously won’t cut it… which is why the K8 also has an FM radio, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless speaker, and even an ambient lamp built into its adorable design.

Designer: Semetor

The K8 isn’t a cutting-edge CD player… but it’s cute. It has the adorable demeanor of one of lofree‘s older products, with its retro aesthetic that’s brought about by its rounded form and use of pastel shades. What instantly grabs your eye first is the open-top CD player. While most players usually conceal the CD within a casing, this one does not. You see the CD spin as you play music, and the disc’s radial spectral finish looks absolutely gorgeous.

Playback is easy. For running a CD, just hit the CD button on the panel, and use the controls below to play/pause, or skip tracks. A BT/FM button lets you toggle the Bluetooth player or FM radio. Backlights in the button glow to let you know which mode you’re in, and a seven-segment LCD screen on the bottom allows you to see things like track number (for CDs) or radio station (for FM). A gold-plated ‘gear’ on the right side lets you switch on or off the K8.

If all that wasn’t enough, the K8 also packs a warm glow-light for ambient lighting. Hit the button on the top right and a halo around the CD player lights up. It isn’t enough to light a room, but it does bestow a warm wash of golden light in the immediate vicinity, perfect for late-night listening. Pair it with a nice soft jazz CD and you’re absolutely set!

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Top 5 Impressive (And A Little Weird) Tech Devices and Trends We Saw at IFA 2024

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The thing with technology is that oftentimes it’s designed for scenarios that may not necessarily be common. Technology can sometimes be ‘weird’ until it becomes so popular that its weirdness wears out – like seeing enough people on the subway wearing the Apple Vision Pro. Your mind accepts new things as reality after a while, but up until that moment, things seem unique and eye-catching. That’s the beauty of events like IFA, where you’re much more likely to see a flying car than you are in the real world (and to be honest, I did). In fact, here are 5 unique pieces of innovation I spotted at IFA and why they may not be unique for too long. With how rapidly the world is changing, these designs may just become a new normal moving forward… but until then, let’s appreciate them for how ahead of their times they are.

1. Bodyfriend Quantum Robot Massage Chair

Comfort never looked this strange – meet the Quantum from Bodyfriend, a robot massage chair designed to be your personal physiotherapist. The world’s only massage chair with independently moving legs, the Quantum gives you a soothing massage while stretching your limbs and preventing joint stiffness. It’s ideally designed for people with mobility issues (i.e., the elderly), but as an ‘elderly’ 33-year-old, this was heaven-sent for my millennial lower back pain.

The Quantum’s XD-PRO thermal module and Finger Moving Massage Module combine to deliver an impressively lifelike touch. Rather than simply kneading your muscles with broad strokes, the chair makes subtle, carefully measured movements—80 in total, each at 1.25mm intervals. 81 air pockets and heat therapy zones get you up to a toasty 50°C, massaging you at the intensity you choose. Meanwhile, you’re quite literally in the lap of luxury thanks to the Bang & Olufsen audio units packed into the side that caress your mind with soothing audio. You might look a tad bionic while in the chair, but you’ll come out feeling absolutely zen. Don’t get too zen though, the Quantum chair costs a whopping $15,000.

2. EcoFlow Solar-Panel Power Hat

You could be stuck on a desert island with just a phone and this hat, and you’d be good. Behold the EcoFlow Power Hat, a sun-hat with solar panels embedded into the rim. Aside from providing you with shade on an incredibly sunny day, the hat comes with USB-A and USB-C ports, allowing you to juice your devices. It charges a phone in under 4 hours; and the best part, it’s IP65 water resistant too, so you could keep your head shielded and batteries at max capacity even in the rain. The entire hat weighs a mere 13 ounces, folds for easy travel, and comes in 2 sizes, fitting most heads. Say hello to an entire era of ‘wearable’ chargers.

3. Lenovo Auto-Twist AI PC Concept

Center Stage on the MacBook just got shown the stage exit. Instead of having a wide-angle camera that can zoom in on subjects within its frame as you move around, Lenovo’s Auto-Twist AI PC actually has a motorized screen that moves up and down, and rotates 360° to track you. Think laptop screen with its own gimbal. Powered by 3 high-torque DC motors, the screen can practically follow you around as you present on video calls, or even go into laptop or tablet modes with voice commands. When you’re done working after an exhausting day, a voice command lets you shut your laptop screen hands-free… although it isn’t as satisfying as slamming the screen shut in protest or celebration. Does your laptop NEED an AI-powered subject-tracking screen? Don’t bother asking that question because after building phone bracelets and transparent ThinkBooks, there’s really no stopping Lenovo’s bizarre but beautiful R&D team…

4. TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G Phone

You know what’s unique in today’s world? Having a phone that lasts an entire week on a fully charged battery. And no, I’m not talking about that bonkers thick phone from Energizer with an 18,000mAh battery. I’m talking about this sleek number from TCL. Although the company isn’t known for their phones, they’re definitely trailblazers in the display department, which is why all the innovation in this phone lies in its unique display. Meet the TCL Nxtpaper display, a gorgeous screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a matte finish that feels luxurious to the touch. The screen, however, has a secret in the form of a mechanical switch that lets you go from full color into ink paper mode, effectively turning your smartphone into a low-power e-reader of sorts.

The color display magically transitions into a monochrome one with a high contrast you usually see on devices like the Kindle. This does two things – firstly, it makes the phone perfect for reading documents or cutting visual clutter to focus on text… but secondly, it radically increases your phone’s battery life from a day-long to nearly a week-long. In fact, you’ll see the battery life mentioned in clear numbers right on your home screen. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, TCL made the impossible happen!

5. HONOR Magicbook Art 14 (with Magnetic Camera)

We’ve seen laptops try to fight thick bezels in the past. Some have just ditched the webcam entirely (like my Acer ROG Strix G15), others opted for the notch (a la MacBook), while Honor’s always tried to be different. Their previous version of the MagicBook put the camera inside a faux pop-out key in the keyboard… something that later turned out to be less popular because of the weird chin-facing angle. However, Honor’s decided to counter that with an idea that it explains is better. Instead of tucking the camera away inside the keyboard, Honor’s Magicbook Art 14 tucks it underneath the keyboard. Look on the side (near the ports) and you’ll find the camera tucked away inside the chassis. Pop it out and it’ll magnetically snap on top of the screen (where webcams deserve to be), giving you an instant webcam just when you need it. No Bluetooth, no connectivity issues, nothing. The webcam uses magnets to align perfectly, and pogo-pins to transmit video at 1080p. Flip it over and dock it in place and the webcam becomes a front-facing camera, or flip it back for a traditional selfie-style webcam. The webcam doesn’t have any batteries inside (making it super thin and lightweight), which means you can just pull it off the top of your screen when you want privacy. Just don’t lose it, because Honor doesn’t sell the webcam separately.

The post Top 5 Impressive (And A Little Weird) Tech Devices and Trends We Saw at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Maserati and LEXGO Showcase Powerful E-scooters with built-in Apple Find My technology at IFA 2024

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Maserati has long been synonymous with high-performance cars, but now it’s taking its love for speed and style to the streets in a more accessible way—through two wheels. Teaming up with electric mobility specialists LEXGO, Maserati has expanded its name into the world of e-scooters with two sleek models: the Armonia and the Lampo, which we spotted on the floor of IFA at Berlin this year. If that pairing alone doesn’t grab your attention, the scooters come packed with premium features, including Apple’s Find My technology, merging high-end design with smart functionality.

These e-scooters are designed to cater to city dwellers who want more than just a basic ride to work. Think of it as your everyday commute with a side of prestige—after all, the iconic trident logo isn’t just for show. With Maserati branding comes a certain level of expectation, and both the Armonia and Lampo deliver by blending Italian design aesthetics with urban mobility needs.

Designers: Maserati & LEXGO

Armonia: Style and Simplicity

The Armonia scooter lives up to its name, translating to “harmony” in Italian. Designed for the everyday commuter with a taste for elegance, the Armonia doesn’t just look good—it’s built to last. The frame is made from magnesium alloy, a material chosen for its strength, durability, and lightweight. This makes the Armonia not only stylish but also highly portable. The foldable design further enhances its convenience, perfect for urbanites who need to stow it away in tight spaces like apartments, offices, or public transport.

Powered by a 400W motor, the Armonia reaches a top speed of 25 km/h, keeping it compliant with European regulations while offering sufficient power for inner-city commutes. The 36V battery gives it a solid range of about 60 kilometers, making it ideal for quick daily trips. With a sharp, easy-to-read display, riders can easily monitor speed and battery levels while navigating the city streets.

Lampo: Lightning Fast

If you’re looking for something with more bite, the Lampo (which means “flash” in Italian) takes the stage. Unlike the Armonia, the Lampo packs two 1000W motors (one in each wheel), giving it a top speed of up to 60 km/h. This is no leisurely ride—it’s built for those who want both speed and style in their urban transport. Whether you’re accelerating through traffic or hitting steeper inclines, the Lampo delivers a punchy performance.

The Lampo’s dual suspension ensures that this power doesn’t come at the cost of comfort. Whether you’re navigating bumpy city roads or uneven terrain, the suspension smooths out the ride, keeping you comfortable even at higher speeds. Additionally, the Lampo is equipped with turn signals and a dual hydraulic braking system. And like the Armonia, the Lampo is also foldable, so you can easily tuck it away when not in use.

With a 52V battery, the Lampo extends your range to about 100km in single drive, or 70km if you use both motors in tandem. It’s a blend of function and excitement for riders who want the Maserati experience on two wheels.

Apple’s Find My: The Tech Edge

In a nod to modern convenience, both the Armonia and Lampo come equipped with Apple’s Find My technology. Lose your scooter in a crowded parking lot? No problem. Just pull out your iPhone, open the Find My app, and you’ll know exactly where your ride is. Sure, the e-scooters can be locked with a virtual password, but in case an unwitting thief decides to take off with your ride after spotting the Maserati logo on them, Find My helps you track precisely where your two-wheeler is.

Smart Helmet: Safety Never Looked So Good

Maserati and LEXGO didn’t stop at just scooters. They’ve also introduced the Smartee-1 smart helmet to round out the package. The helmet comes with built-in LED lights that sync with your scooter, whether it’s a taillight that automatically shines on braking, or turn lights that glow when you indicate before turning, or even the headlight that adds to your visibility while driving. The Smartee-1 is IPx5 water-resistant, and comes with a sleek design that’s won a Red Dot Design Award for the year 2024.

The post Maserati and LEXGO Showcase Powerful E-scooters with built-in Apple Find My technology at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 AI Innovations at IFA 2024 That Redefine User Experience

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Are we in an AI bubble? Almost definitely – every next booth at IFA had AI written on its banner and in its pamphlets. Walking around IFA proved that innovation is still going strong, but AI has become more of a marketing term than an actual feature. Whether it’s AI-powered dishwashers, or AI in something as small as a GaN charger, it’s easy to drop marketing jargon to make your product look better than your competitor – but is it truly game-changing AI? Well, after 5 days at IFA, here are 5 products we saw that make proper use of Artificial Intelligence in ways that are meaningful to users, and authentic to the term “AI”.

1. Plaud AI NotePin

Showcased at IFA (although the product will begin shipping very soon), the PLAUD NotePin builds on the company’s successful Plaud NOTE device that first launched last year. Leveraging AI models like ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, the NOTE could record meetings as well as phone calls, and translate/transcribe them in mere seconds. With the NotePin, the company hopes to make this technology even more portable. Encased in a tiny metal pendant, the NotePin is like your own assistant you can wear around your neck or even on your wrist. It lets you record everything from personal notes to meetings, leveraging GPT 4o and Claude 3.5 to bring AI to your recordings. You can give your NotePin a grocery list and it’ll meaningfully link you to a place where you can buy it online, or give it a task list and it’ll add it to your calendar. The NotePin comes in two colors – silver and dark gray – and has the ability to be worn on your wrist, around your neck, or even attached to your lapel.

2. Timekettle W4 Pro AI Interpreter Buds

Built on the broader vision of the Babel Fish from Hitchhiker’s Guide, the W4 Pro interpreter buds allow you to speak and understand as many as 40 different languages and over 90 accents. Built by the folks at Timekettle (known for their incredible translators since 2016), the W4 Pro are AI-powered interpreter earbuds. Wear one and give one to another person and the two of you can seamlessly have a conversation in two separate languages. A 3-mic array ensures crystal clear audio capture, and Timekettle’s proprietary algorithm gives you 95% accurate results. Where the AI comes in is both at a processing and a post-processing level. When you speak, instead of translating entire sentences (which can take very long), the W4 Pro breaks sentences up into meaningful segments, translating them instead. This turns out to work much faster, with just a 0.2-second delay between speaking and translating. Once you’ve had a conversation, Timekettle also applies AI to the entire transcript, allowing you to extract meaningful information and insights from your conversation – super helpful in meetings with multi-lingual professionals.

3. Honor’s AI across Phone/Tablet/Laptop

I strongly believe that we’re at a time when AI vision can make or break a company. With ChatGPT and Google Gemini sucking so much air out of the room, it’s difficult for smartphone brands to implement AI on their own, but Honor seems to have found an incredible niche. Demonstrated during their keynote on both the 5th as well as 6th of September at IFA, Honor highlighted a few standout AI features on their devices. The phones, tablets, and laptops have AI-powered two-way noise canceling – this means the device not only cancels noise on audio going out, but also on audio coming in. So you could be talking to someone who’s in a noisy environment, and your AI noise canceling will process their noisy audio. Other AI features include their drag-to-search on the Magic V3 folding phone and the MagicPad 2 tablet… but by far the most impressive use of AI is in Honor’s deepfake detection technology that works for both audio as well as video deepfakes. Relying on an ability to catch scammers and phishers in the act, the Magic V3, MagicPad 2, and MagicBook Art 14 all have this new technology working seamlessly to prevent you from being scammed or frauded by deepfake calls.

4. Google Gemini in Pixel Devices

Talking about AI is incomplete without talking about its biggest players – Google. With a dedicated booth at IFA this year, Google invited people to play with their latest devices, the Pixel Buds, the new Pixel Watch, and the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Fold devices. It’s different hearing about AI features in a keynote versus actually seeing them in real life, which is why Google had a dedicated Gemini space at their booth, where consumers could go and get a first look at the new Gemini features coming on Pixel devices later this year. This included the new powerful voice assistant, along with Google’s upgraded AI image-editing tools, as well as the newly unveiled Pixel Studio feature.

5. Samsung SmartThings and AI-powered Bixby

Samsung unveiled several AI-powered features at IFA 2024, highlighting its commitment to “AI for All.” The SmartThings platform showcased AI capabilities for security, sustainability, and device control, including the Map View for home monitoring. The Bespoke AI appliances offered personalized solutions, like the Family Hub refrigerator with image recognition and recipe suggestions. Samsung also introduced a timely upgrade to its AI voice assistant, Bixby, at IFA 2024. The enhanced Bixby delivers more personalized services based on the user’s voice and location, allowing for greater interaction with home appliances and devices. It adapts to the user’s daily routines, offering tailored solutions, whether adjusting appliance settings or integrating with other SmartThings-enabled devices.

The post Top 5 AI Innovations at IFA 2024 That Redefine User Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hisense at IFA 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of Smart Living with CanvasTV, ULED X, and the Power of ConnectLife

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At IFA 2024, Hisense captivated audiences by unveiling their ConnectLife ecosystem—an interconnected smart home platform that integrates appliances, entertainment systems, and climate control into one seamless experience. Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Management GmbH, separately discussed Hisense’s role in reshaping modern living, highlighting how ConnectLife is pivotal in transforming homes into intelligent spaces that adapt to the user’s habits and preferences. The subsequent product demonstration by Aljosa Cizl, product manager for ConnectLife, gave a practical, hands-on view of how these connected systems operate together to make life easier and more intuitive.

Designer: Hisense

During the walkthrough, Aljosa Cizl, product manager for ConnectLife, showcased how the platform simplifies household management. From a single app, users can control every smart device in the home, from air conditioners and refrigerators to ovens and washing machines. The ConnectLife Hub ensures that all appliances work in harmony, learning from user behavior to optimize energy efficiency and daily routines. Cizl emphasized that ConnectLife is more than just remote control—it’s about making homes respond to daily life without the user needing to intervene at every step.

ConnectLife: The Backbone of a Smart Home

At its core, the ConnectLife platform acts as the brain of the modern home, offering real-time updates, automated suggestions, and remote management of appliances. Whether adjusting climate settings before you arrive home or setting a meal plan that syncs across your kitchen devices, ConnectLife brings everything together in a user-friendly interface that can be accessed through the ConnectLife app.

Hisense Showcases Innovative Scenario-Driven Tech Solutions at IFA 2024 to Transform Everyday Living Experiences

Aljosa Cizl demonstrated how refrigerators, ovens, air conditioners, and other appliances integrate into a smart ecosystem that simplifies the user’s life. For example, the Hisense PureFlat Smart Series Refrigerator can track food inventory, provide meal suggestions based on available ingredients, and sync with the oven to automatically prepare a recipe, all while you’re busy with other tasks. The ConnectLife Hub handles these interactions smoothly and learns your preferences over time, ensuring the home adjusts to your needs automatically.

PureFlat Smart Series Refrigerator: The Heart of the Kitchen

The Hisense PureFlat Smart Series Refrigerator is central to this smart kitchen. Equipped with a 21-inch TFT touchscreen, it acts as the nerve center of the ConnectLife kitchen, keeping track of groceries and suggesting meals through its AI Recipe feature. The system manages ingredients, reducing waste by notifying you of expiration dates and making meal suggestions based on what’s available.

This refrigerator features the My Fresh Choice compartment, offering flexible cooling and freezing options depending on user needs. During the demo, Aljosa Cizl highlighted how the fridge can send recipe instructions directly to the Hi9 Series Oven, ensuring that the entire cooking process—from food storage to preparation—is integrated and automated. The fridge also has an AI Eco Mode that optimizes energy consumption, further demonstrating Hisense’s focus on sustainability.

Hi9 Series Oven: Intelligent Cooking for Any Household

The Hi9 Series Oven is a cornerstone of Hisense’s Smart Kitchen concept. During the demonstration, Aljosa Cizl showed how AI-powered InCamera Technology allows the oven to recognize the type of food inside and adjust the cooking settings for perfect results. Whether baking, roasting, or air frying, the oven offers over 140 pre-programmed recipes accessible through the TFT screen, providing a hands-free cooking experience.

Safety and maintenance are key with features like Auto Door Opening and Auto Lock, while cleaning becomes effortless thanks to Pyrolytic Self Clean and Steam Clean Pro technologies. The oven’s integration with ConnectLife allows you to preheat or adjust the oven remotely, making it easy to manage meals, even when on the go.

Series 7i Washing Machines: Optimizing Laundry Through AI

Hisense’s Series 7i Washing Machines continue the trend of AI-powered efficiency. These machines come with AI Super Wash, which adjusts the washing cycle based on fabric type, load size, and dirt level. The iPlay™ Intelligent Display simplifies user interaction, while the iJet™ three-channel spray system ensures that clothes are thoroughly cleaned with minimal water use.

For drying, the Series 7i Tumble Dryer uses AI Super Dry and a 3D Humidity Sensor to monitor moisture levels and prevent over-drying, preserving fabric quality. The iFit™ design allows these machines to fit easily into compact spaces, while ConnectLife lets users manage the entire laundry process remotely, receiving notifications when cycles are complete.

Energy Pro X Air Conditioners: Comfort and Air Quality Combined

Hisense Energy Pro X Air Conditioners regulate temperature and improve air quality through HI-NANO technology, which eliminates bacteria and allergens. With AI Smart Airflow, the system adjusts the direction of air based on where you are in the room, ensuring comfort while reducing energy use.

The TMS Control System takes climate control a step further by managing both temperature and humidity, providing a comfortable environment year-round. These air conditioners integrate fully with ConnectLife, allowing users to adjust settings from their phones, ensuring that their home is always ready for their return.

CanvasTV: Merging Art and Entertainment

Hisense’s CanvasTV was a highlight at IFA 2024, earning Yanko Design’s Best of IFA 2024 Award. The CanvasTV transforms the living room into a personal gallery with its Art Mode, which displays artwork or personal photos when the TV is not in use. With its sleek UltraSlim Wall Mount, the CanvasTV blends effortlessly into the home’s decor, offering entertainment and aesthetic value.

The Hi-Matte Display ensures stunning visuals in any lighting condition, eliminating glare while providing crisp, vibrant colors through Quantum Dot technology. The RGB light sensor adjusts brightness and color temperature automatically, making the viewing experience seamless at any time of day. Gamers will appreciate the 144Hz Game Mode PRO, which provides ultra-smooth gameplay, supported by AMD FreeSync Premium and Auto Low Latency Mode. More than just a TV, the CanvasTV acts as a central hub for smart home control through ConnectLife, giving users access to all their connected devices with the touch of a button.

ULED U7 and the Black Myth: Wukong Partnership

Hisense made waves at IFA 2024 with their ULED U7 series, designed specifically for gamers. The ULED U7 was showcased in partnership with the highly anticipated game Black Myth: Wukong, emphasizing Hisense’s dedication to delivering an immersive gaming experience. This TV has a 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium, ensuring smooth, responsive gameplay with minimal motion blur, making it ideal for fast-paced action games.

One of the standout features of this collaboration is the exclusive Black Myth: Wukong picture mode, which is calibrated to enhance the game’s visuals. The mode optimizes HDR and color calibration, delivering vibrant colors and rich detail, even in darker scenes. This partnership marks a significant step forward for the gaming and TV industries, demonstrating how high-performance technology can elevate the gaming experience.

ULED X Mini LED 110UX: Cinematic Home Entertainment at Its Finest

Hisense’s flagship ULED X Mini LED 110UX delivers a true cinematic experience with over 40,000 local dimming zones and 10,000 nits of peak brightness. These features allow for deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and an incredible level of detail, making this TV perfect for movie lovers and sports fans alike. The ULED X is also certified by Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced, ensuring viewers experience films the way directors intended.

As part of the ConnectLife ecosystem, the ULED X allows users to control their home appliances directly from the TV. Whether adjusting the room temperature or checking on dinner in the oven, the ULED X goes beyond entertainment, acting as a central hub for smart home management. With Quantum Dot technology delivering vibrant colors and HDR10+ support for incredible contrast, this TV redefines what home entertainment can be.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Hisense’s showcase at IFA 2024 demonstrated their commitment to creating smart homes that are not just technologically advanced but also deeply intuitive. Through the ConnectLife platform, users can now easily manage everything from cooking to entertainment, knowing that their appliances will work in harmony. Whether through the CanvasTV, ULED U7, or PureFlat Refrigerator, Hisense pushes the boundaries of what connected living can achieve. As AI and IoT continue to evolve, Hisense’s ConnectLife platform sets a promising precedent for the future of smart living, bringing homes one step closer to being fully integrated, intelligent ecosystems.

The post Hisense at IFA 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of Smart Living with CanvasTV, ULED X, and the Power of ConnectLife first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 At IFA 2024 Is The Perfect Compact Washing Machine For Delicate Laundry

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At IFA 2024, we spotted a trend that may or may not be here to stay, but it did win our hearts. We came across a bunch of super adorable mini-washing machines. Roborock’s Zeo Mini M1 features a compact little body, soft curves, and downright cute plumpness. Of course, the model cannot be compared to traditional washer-dryers and their capacity, but it can handle one kilogram of laundry for washing, and only 500 grams for drying. It has a pretty small drum, which must be noted.

Designer: Roborock

Even though the machine has a small load, it has some intelligent features such as automatic drying, if you forget to unload the machine after washing, and detergent dispensing. It is an all-in-one solution that merges the convenience and size of a small washing machine, with the efficiency of a dryer. The cutesy washing machine can accommodate 25 pairs of lightweight underwear, 15 pieces of bras, and 80 pairs of socks simultaneously, so it could serve well for the everyday requirements of a contemporary family.

The M1’s engine is a DD variable frequency direct drive motor and it can rotate up to 4000 times per minute, with the air flowing up to 18kph. The motor runs pretty quietly, creating only 45dB of noise, and it can run overnight. It also includes a 90°C self-cleaning mode. The washing machine is essentially an auxiliary device, with the ability to handle fragile items of laundry that you don’t want to pop into your bigger washing machine. It functions as a companion to your primary washing machine, allowing you to fit in pieces of clothing that are too soft and gentle for a big load.

The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 isn’t currently available for sale, but it should arrive in the country soon for a price of around $660. Would you consider purchasing the M1? Is such a compact solution viable in today’s homes, or is it yet another unnecessary luxury that we could probably do without? We’ll probably know once it is out on the market.

The post The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 At IFA 2024 Is The Perfect Compact Washing Machine For Delicate Laundry first appeared on Yanko Design.

AEG’s Smart Kitchen Challenge at IFA 2024: CEO + Chef in a High-Tech Cook-off

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With its kitchen-line products on display at IFA, AEG is putting its money where its mouth is – by having a CEO produce a top-tier dish with help from a chef while using the company’s induction hob, oven, and overhead chimney. The cook-off, hosted by Radhika Seth of Yanko Design, attempts to drive home a simple point – with the right tools, anyone can be a chef. To prove this, we got Anna Ohlsson-Leijon (CEO Business Area Europe APMEA & Group Executive Vice President, Electrolux Group) to collaborate with professional chef Paola Martinenghi. Martinenghi, a designer-turned-chef with a history of working for Michelin star restaurants is a designpreneur in her own right, with her own women-led lighting-design firm. With a passion for cooking, Martinenghi believes in preserving old-school recipes, even if it means updating them so that people can use cutting-edge kitchen appliances to make age-old traditional dishes.

Both CEO and Chef will be attempting a deceptively simple dish that’s known for requiring perfect technique – Risotto Tricolore with pomodoro, pesto, and burrata – a summer spin on the Risotto Milanese. Risotto is considered an incredibly technical dish given the precise control required over temperature, cook-time, and the gradual addition of broth to rice while you constantly stir the dish. Mess any step up and your risotto is less-than-ideal resulting in a dish that would make an Italian nonna fume. It’s a good thing, however, that AEG’s state-of-the-art kitchen collection makes certain steps foolproof, allowing you to easily attempt even the most technical recipes.

The process gets made simple by AEG’s CookSmart Touch Display, which guides you through step by step. The Sense Fry sensor on the hob helps you maintain a consistent temperature during your cook (sort of like cruise control for chefs) – for the risotto, it’s a steady 120°C. Meanwhile, AEG’s Xtractor Hob, which features an integrated extractor fan, kept the cooking area free of smoke and odors, making the experience even more pleasant. A clean, smoke-free kitchen means less hassle, and less cleanup—a win for anyone who’s familiar with the chaos of post-cooking messes.

Throughout the cook-off, the focus shifted frequently to AEG’s smart features, particularly how the appliances use AI to adapt and enhance cooking. The AI TasteAssist feature automatically adjusts cooking settings based on the dish being prepared. Anna explained that by simply inputting a recipe, the oven analyzes the details and determines the optimal temperature and time, which could revolutionize how people cook at home. The Assisted Dishes function also impressed Paola, as it provides guidance across a wide range of meals, making even the most complex dishes accessible to home cooks.

Energy efficiency was another cornerstone of the new AEG range. Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s built into the design. The appliances can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, with features like PreHeat and Residual Heat, which cleverly utilize retained heat to finish cooking. The SenseBoil & Fry function, for instance, promises to save up to 33% in energy usage. It’s clear that AEG has aligned its smart technology not just with convenience, but with the goal of making kitchens more eco-friendly.

The discussion also touched on design and aesthetics. AEG’s range isn’t just high-tech—it’s designed to be visually appealing. Paola praised the sleek, minimalist look of the appliances, which come in Matt Black and Glossy Black, noting that they not only enhance the cooking process but also complement modern kitchen interiors.

As the cook-off neared its conclusion, Paola and Anna finished the risotto with a flourish, adding burrata for a creamy, indulgent finish. The results were met with unanimous delight as the hosts tasted the dish and marveled at how easy the process had been, thanks to AEG’s smart kitchen tools.

The post AEG’s Smart Kitchen Challenge at IFA 2024: CEO + Chef in a High-Tech Cook-off first appeared on Yanko Design.

UGREEN’s 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is an absolute productivity beast: Hands-On at IFA 2024

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Standing amidst its new NAS system, and all its award-winning chargers and power-banks at the UGREEN Booth at IFA 2024 was this one monolithic device that UGREEN’s rep told me was their next piece of product innovation. The new Revodok Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is an ambitious piece of hardware boasting a staggering 120 Gbit/s bandwidth, as many as 13 ports, and the ability to support a single 8K display or dual 4K displays. If you’re tired of waiting for files to transfer or struggling with multi-display setups, this dock promises to take care of it all, especially with Thunderbolt 5’s massive 80Gbps speed boost—three times faster than Thunderbolt 4. Its Bandwidth Boost Mode dynamically adjusts the data flow, making sure nothing bottlenecks, even under heavy load. For power users handling 8K video editing or complex workflows, this feature offers serious appeal. The best part? It’s a compact, vertical number that seriously cuts clutter on your desk, giving you a minimal workplace that’s maximal on productivity and output.

Designer: UGREEN

The Revodok is loaded with as many as 13 ports, making it a versatile hub for just about any setup. Whether you need USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, or even an SD card reader, it’s all there. The dock supports 8K displays at 60Hz and dual 4K setups, catering perfectly to those who thrive on multi-screen environments. Add in 10 Gbps USB 4 support for newer laptops, and you’ve got a future-proof workstation companion. If reliable internet is a priority, the 2.5G Ethernet port ensures stable, high-speed connectivity. Plus, it offers 85W Power Delivery, which can charge demanding devices like laptops, so your desk stays tidy without extra charging bricks cluttering things up.

Despite all the power it packs, the Revodok’s compact design won’t dominate your workspace. Its clean, modern look fits in seamlessly, and it’s portable enough to take with you if your office setup tends to move. Besides, those visible heat-sink fins do tend to give the device a rather cool, almost amphibian aesthetic. Durability and build quality remain key, as UGREEN has a strong track record in this department.

While pricing and exact availability remain under wraps, you can expect the Revodok to hit the high-end market when it arrives later in 2024 or early 2025. It’s aimed at users who are ready for the next generation of connectivity, and it promises to deliver on all fronts. If you’re looking for speed, versatility, and reliability, this dock might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for—plus, it’s bound to make your desk look a bit more impressive.

The post UGREEN’s 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is an absolute productivity beast: Hands-On at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

We saw the Gravastar Assassin’s Creed Speaker at IFA 2024 and it’s Just Gorgeous

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Modeled on the mythical Apple of Eden orb from the smash hit game series Assassin’s Creed, this limited-edition speaker from Gravastar comes with a gorgeously grungy design, and even sports the assassin hood on top to complete the visual metaphor. I was walking by at IFA 2024 when my eyes first saw the Gravastar booth – known for its beautiful steampunk tech designs, the company’s booth was sure to impress. I walked over, and the first thing my eyes saw was this almost sentient-looking orb facing my way, playing music. As a passionate gamer myself (I just finished replaying AC Odyssey a few months ago), the speaker instantly stood out. It had a piercing personality, with an oxidized metal finish well known in the game, given its ancient Greek origins.

The special-edition speaker is a variant of the company’s existing Mars Pro, but uplifted with a special colorway, an assassin hood, and a special Assassin’s Creed box. Announced just months ago, the speaker is limited to just 1000 units, of which the company says only 20 or so are left.

Inspired by the Apple of Eden, the speaker’s golden, orb-like shape features intricate patterns and glowing LEDs that could easily make you feel like you’ve uncovered a piece of ancient tech from the Assassin’s Creed world. Its sharp aesthetic isn’t an afterthought either—it’s a deliberate tribute to the game’s rich lore, which will resonate deeply with fans.

Built from a zinc alloy, the Mars Pro has a solid, hefty feel with a meticulously hand-painted exterior to give it that grunge appeal. This metal build not only makes it durable, but it also minimizes vibrations, ensuring the sound stays clear even at higher volumes. And, of course, there are GravaStar’s signature tripod legs that make the speaker look more like a futuristic drone than a traditional Bluetooth speaker. The legs provide excellent stability and elevate the design, making it more of a centerpiece than a background device.

Under the hood, the speaker packs a 20W system with a built-in subwoofer and two full-range drivers, providing rich, immersive sound. Whether you’re blasting out action-packed game soundtracks or mellow acoustic tracks, the Mars Pro handles a wide range of frequencies with precision.

Bass is strong but balanced, thanks to a dedicated passive bass radiator at the back (visible if you take off the hood). This makes it ideal for a variety of listening experiences—from gaming marathons where you need to hear every in-game detail to casual music sessions. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable connection with minimal lag. You’ll have no problem streaming high-quality audio from your phone, laptop, or other devices. Battery life is solid, too, with a 6,000mAh battery that provides up to 15 hours of playtime, perfect for long listening sessions without needing to recharge constantly.

What makes this edition truly special is its limited availability. GravaStar has a history of releasing attention-grabbing, limited-run designs, and this Assassin’s Creed collaboration fits right into that mold. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the design, while collectors will want to grab it for its exclusivity alone. With only a limited number of 1000 units being produced, this speaker feels more like a piece of memorabilia than just an everyday Bluetooth speaker.

Even the packaging has been designed with the collector in mind, featuring Assassin’s Creed-themed artwork and presentation that further highlights its appeal. From unboxing to placing it on your shelf, it feels like you’re handling a genuine artifact from the game.

All in all, the Mars Pro Assassin’s Creed edition serves as a fine example of how gaming culture and high-end audio can blend seamlessly. With a $329.95 price tag, it’s both a collector’s dream and a speaker that delivers on its promises. Sure, it might not unlock ancient secrets or manipulate time, but it will make your playlist sound legendary.

The post We saw the Gravastar Assassin’s Creed Speaker at IFA 2024 and it’s Just Gorgeous first appeared on Yanko Design.

Self-Sustainable Hydroponic Garden Autonomously Grows Microgreen Superfoods in 7 Days: Minigro at IFA 2024

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IFA 2024, Berlin’s iconic tech showcase, has always been the stage for revolutionary gadgets that make daily life easier. And this year, one of the standout contenders in the Sustainability category is the Minigro, a fully automated microgreens growing system from the folks at Grovero. About the size of an aquarium, this device promises to take the hassle out of gardening entirely, offering you fresh microgreens in just seven days without lifting a finger—almost.

What makes the Minigro so impressive is its level of autonomy – perfect for people with a less-than-green thumb. This compact, sleek device handles every part of the growing process: from regulating water levels to adjusting nutrient supply, controlling light exposure, and even managing the microclimate. You could literally walk away after setup, and the Minigro would do all the heavy lifting—turning you into an urban farmer without the muddy boots.

Designer: Grovero

A Completely Automated Green Thumb

The Minigro’s all-in-one solution is driven by an array of advanced sensors and automation. These sensors monitor every detail of the plant’s growing environment, ensuring optimal conditions for your microgreens. Whether it’s temperature, humidity, or lighting, the device adjusts in real time to create the perfect microclimate, so your plants don’t just survive—they thrive.

One particularly clever feature is the sensor-driven LED lighting system. If your Minigro is positioned near a window with natural light, the LEDs dim or brighten accordingly. The system takes into account how much sunlight your greens are getting and adjusts the artificial light to make sure it’s always just right. Basically, your Minigro’s lighting system won’t waste energy if the sun is doing its job.

Foolproof Microclimate Control

Another neat trick? The Minigro knows when you’ve left a window open. Now, normally, an open window could throw off the delicate climate needed for growing microgreens. But Minigro’s sensors detect drafts or temperature shifts caused by open windows, sending you an alert through its accompanying app. This ensures that you’re not accidentally compromising your little green oasis while you air out the room.

The convenience extends beyond just growing. You’ll also get app notifications for any manual tasks—like replenishing nutrients or cleaning the tank. But don’t worry, it’s not like you’re going to have to tend to it daily. These tasks are infrequent and take minimal effort, especially when compared to traditional gardening methods that require constant attention, weeding, and watering.

Your Role: Pretty Minimal, Honestly

With the Minigro doing 99% of the work, your involvement is minimal. Through the app, you’ll receive reminders about the few maintenance tasks—adding nutrients or cleaning the water tank. And that’s pretty much it. As for the tank cleaning, it’s designed to be quick and easy, meaning you won’t be hunched over for hours scrubbing soil off your hands.

You can also monitor the growing process via the app, which shows real-time data on the health and progress of your microgreens. It feels almost like a virtual pet simulator—except you’re rewarded with actual food instead of digital coins. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about opening the app and seeing your greens flourishing, knowing that you did next to nothing to make it happen.

Fresh Greens, All Year Round

So why microgreens? They’re nutrient-packed, versatile, and ready to harvest in just seven days. Whether you’re topping off a salad or blending them into smoothies, fresh microgreens offer a punch of flavor and health benefits. The Minigro makes it possible to grow these tiny greens even in the dead of winter, when outdoor gardening isn’t an option.

The device’s compact size also makes it ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited kitchen counter space. In fact, it’s exactly the same size as your IKEA shelf, making it a perfect fit for most homes. You don’t need a sprawling backyard to enjoy homegrown food. The Minigro turns your countertop into a micro-farm, producing fresh, organic greens year-round, regardless of season or space.

The Minigro is the perfect blend of technology and nature, and it’s designed for those who want the benefits of home-grown food without any of the stress. By automating every aspect of the growing process, it lets you bypass the learning curve of traditional gardening and jump straight to the rewards.

The device is ideal for anyone who loves the idea of gardening but can’t be bothered to maintain it. In a world where everyone seems pressed for time, having fresh greens grown automatically is about as futuristic as it gets. Plus, with the Minigro managing light, climate, and nutrients, you might even feel a little smug every time you see your flourishing greens—especially knowing you barely lifted a finger.

The post Self-Sustainable Hydroponic Garden Autonomously Grows Microgreen Superfoods in 7 Days: Minigro at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.