I live in a tropical country so the need for outdoor (or even indoor) heaters is practically non-existent. But when I first experienced how cold it is outside when I traveled to places that have winter, I understood how important it was to have something to warm you up especially when you’re doing outdoor activities. Most of what I’ve seen are not necessarily aesthetic so there’s always room for well-designed heaters.
Designer: Yamaha Design Laboratory
Yamaha has been experimenting a lot lately with designs for various products that are not necessarily connected to Yamaha Motor or their other businesses. This includes creating design concepts for outdoor tools and one of those projects is for something called Bon-Flame, an outdoor heater attachment tool that combines the brand’s expertise in both mobility and their main product of musical instruments.
Basically this heater uses a bimetallic sheet that is made up of two metals that are glued together. The different metals have varying expansion rates so the sheet is able to change shape when heat is applied. There’s a small ball-shaped bimetal at the base which rotates when heated and then eventually opens up like a flower. The ending look is that of a large flame shape that gives you a pretty looking heater.
The concept also converts the flame of a single burner into far-infrared heat which is better for the environment as it has a lower carbon footprint. It’s still a design concept for now but it would be a great companion for outdoor activities especially if you’re going for an aesthetic look.
There used to be a time when most pet-oriented brands would design products mostly for puppies and dogs. But now that there are a lot of feline fur parents out there too, we’re seeing more brands get into the game of creating products that will appeal to this market. Even brands that usually don’t have anything to do with pets are also conceptualizing toys for cats.
Yamaha is known more for their musical instruments and vehicles but now they’re exploring design studies for cat-related products while still keeping the design values of the company. What they came up with are three design concepts for things that felines might enjoy if they ever get made into actual products although there are no plans to commercialize it for now.
Neko-Yama is a cat playground but built in the “Yamaha style”. It lets the felines have a platform where they can explore all the tight spaces, crevices, and holes that they usually want to play around in. You will also be able to enjoy looking at them challenge themselves by playing around in the various places they can stick themselves in since it has a transparent design. The Strumming Box meanwhile is a scratching post where different colors will appear in the underside as they create their own patterns. Eventually it will look like a worn-out guitar but with the cat’s claws and scratches creating the unique surface.
Lastly, the Cat Music Box lets your feline friends create their own music by walking around in a wheel. Think of it as a hamster wheel but for cats and it is able to create notes through the rotation of the double wheels as it walks or runs around on the inner ring. The tempo also depends on how fast or slow they move. They can also walk backwards which might create a different kind of music.
Yamaha is a name that can mean two different things to different people. On the one hand, you have the famed maker of musical instruments. On the other hand, you also have Yamaha Motors which imprints the brand on motorcycles. Their products might be unrelated, but the two Yamahas share a similar spirit and passion for good design. Not a few concepts have come out from trying to bring these two different worlds together, resulting in novelties that delight and, in some cases, even become useful products. This collection of outdoor tools could have the same effect, highlighting the spirit of outdoor adventure and commitment to craftsmanship that both Yamaha companies embody.
When camping outdoors, one of the most important tools you need is fire, whether it’s for keeping warm or, more importantly, cooking food. There’s no shortage of bonfire and grill products available in the market today, but the majority of them seem to be content focusing on utility alone. The Yamaha Outdoor Tools concept, however, doesn’t forget that aesthetics and fun are just as important, adding flavor to the experience and making it even more memorable.
The Bon-Burner, for example, is nothing more than five metal sticks joined at different angles to create the semblance of sticks of firewood lying against each other. This form isn’t just for looks, though, as the top formation functions as a trivet for holding pots and kettles. The metal bars can be easily folded or detached, making transport a walk in the park, or in this case, the campsite.
The Bon-Player is a twist on the typical gas stove that is like an amalgamation of a metallic vinyl record and the experience of throttling the engine of a motorbike. You turn the metal disc to control the radius of the fire, represented by concentric rings radiating from the center, and you push it down to increase the intensity of the flame. It is a more involved and more interactive way to control the fire, better than simply turning a boring old knob.
Bon-Grill takes that turntable metaphor even further with a rectangular box that lets you choose the appearance of your grill marks. You simply switch between different mesh jackets, just like you switch record sleeves, to select the best grill marks that will bring out the best taste from your food. Plus, it makes the steaks and veggies look fun as well!
The Bon-Flame outdoor heater is probably the most beautiful and most poetic of the set. A bimetallic sheet changes shape with the heat, opening up like a flower and providing both heat and an enchanting visual representation of that warmth. Unfortunately, all these are just concepts at this point, but hopefully, Yamaha will pick them up and turn them into actual products that we can bring to our outdoor adventures someday.
I distinctly remember the first time I saw the Teenage Engineering OP-1. It was in a Swedish House Mafia music video (One feat. Pharrell), and the entire video was centered around that one gorgeous-looking synth, which the EDM trio even used in their own music production. The song seemed less like a dance track and more like the perfect endorsement of exactly how powerful and incredible the OP-1 synth was. Fourteen glorious years later, Teenage Engineering has absolutely cemented its position as an audio company with a fun streak… and it seems like Yamaha wants a bit of that too. Just last week, the company debuted the SEQTRAK, a funky-looking synth that tries to emulate the casual brilliance of the OP-1.
Designer: Yamaha
The SEQTRAK is a compact, affordable, and highly capable battery-powered MIDI synth that lets you play, sample, remix, loop, and manipulate audio from multiple sources, whether it’s from your laptop, an SD card, or even audio samples recorded on the SEQTRAK’s microphone. It’s got two rows of 12 keys each, a set of dedicated knobs for percussions, synths, and sampling, a few more for sound control and effects, and even a bunch of touch-sensitive sliding pads for working with audio envelopes, passes, and filters. Designed for both hobbyists as well as seasoned professionals, the SEQTRAK lets you do everything from jam to compose, and even occasionally deejay. Who knows, maybe you’ll make a cool music video too??
The SEQTRAK’s petite design is a crucial element in its appeal. Its compact size, fitting comfortably in a laptop bag, makes it an ideal companion for music producers who are always on the move. This portability doesn’t come at the cost of functionality; the SEQTRAK is equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing for impromptu music sessions wherever inspiration strikes.
Despite its compact form, the SEQTRAK doesn’t compromise on sound quality. It houses two versatile sound engines: the Advanced Wave Memory 2 and a four-operator FM engine. The former supports 128-note polyphony, offering a range of authentic sounds from acoustic instruments to synthesizers. Meanwhile, the FM engine can generate synth pads, leads, FM electric pianos, and more. These features are packed into a unit that sports a playful design, with an orange-gray variant reminiscent of LEGO bricks… or perhaps an unofficial hat-tip to Teenage Engineering with a playfully-minimalist design that we’ve come to expect from the Swedish design studio.
The SEQTRAK is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, catering to both beginners and seasoned music producers. Its one-to-one interface allows producers to take control of their music, effectively turning them into their own DJs. Additionally, the SEQTRAK includes a station sequencer for creating seamless compositions and arrangements. The machine’s station library, with over 2,000 presets of professionally crafted tunes, is a significant resource for experimenting with different styles and sounds.
Yamaha has enhanced the SEQTRAK’s functionality with streamlined connectivity options. The dedicated SEQTRAK app allows users to shape their sound with various editing features. The app also supports adding supplemental content, providing a more comprehensive music production experience. Additionally, Bluetooth MIDI and Wi-Fi functionality are included for wireless connections, further enhancing the unit’s flexibility.
The $599 Yamaha SEQTRAK represents a significant step in the evolution of portable music production. It combines quality sound, intuitive design, and connectivity in a package that’s both affordable and appealing to a wide range of music enthusiasts. Whether you’re a budding producer or a seasoned pro, the SEQTRAK seems to have something for everyone. And at a price that doesn’t hit a sour note, it’s poised to be a hit in the electronic music community. So, if you’ve ever dreamt of laying down tracks on a flight, sequencing synths at a café, or having a rave in your room, Yamaha’s SEQTRAK might just be your ticket to on-the-go musical nirvana.
Japan Mobility Show 2023 is going to host some of the best automotive technology out there, and Yamaha has already got us excited. They’ve upgraded the MOTOROiD experimental bike to a newer improved version loaded with a set of cool features you’d expect to see in a futuristic vehicle. The bike will debut at the show along with five other vehicles that we’re sure are going to be equally exciting.
The smart electric bike employs artificial intelligence and loads of other modern automotive technology to stand out from others in the competition. This self-operating bike is capable of parking itself, and also recognizing its approaching owner to prepare for the next ride in the city. These features come courtesy of the Active Mass Center Control System (AMCES) and facial recognition tech.
MOTOROiD2 is a self-balancing motorbike that deploys the kickstand when it’s time to park, and that too is automated for the rider’s delight. Yamaha is planning to add a unique feature that allows the bike to move alongside the owner, just like a drone follows you at a precise set distance. Another interesting upgrade in the upcoming model (or most probably this one) will be the ability to tilt autonomously during tight cornering. The hub motor suspended from the swingarm runs up to a motorized, pivoting mount point under the saddle, giving the entire swingarm and rear wheel freedom to move back and forth. This means the MOTOROiD2’s suspension system effectively tilts independently of the rest of the bike.
The futuristic motorbike has a very lean body structure with the front shaped like an Amorphous alien form. The industrial design influence of the bike is evident from the copper highlights contrasted with the steel and white body paint. Adding to the flair is the color-changing mood lighting that runs across the front section of the ride. That whole saddle running right through to the handlebar can be pushed up to create a dynamic look, but then you can’t hop on and ride at the same time!
LEGO Technic creations and iconic wheels have a long brewing association that every collector fancies. More so, if it’s a superbike that gets the scaled-down replica model every builder likes to invest time in and then sport on the living room shelf.
BMW fans got their wishes granted with the intricate M 1000 RR LEGO set and now Yamaha fans will satiate their lust of putting together their own MT-10 SP (a.k.a King of MT) for the love of it. Going a few levels higher in terms of realism this LEGO set has detailed mechanical components, making it a unique collectors kit for automotive fans.
Just like any other Technic creation on wheels, this one carries the same attention to detail that gives you the satisfaction of putting together the thing piece by piece. The cherry on top is the realistic function and movement of a chain drive, 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed transmission, front and rear suspension and working steering.
The 1:5 scaled-down model of the bike has working gear components like a shifting drum, a shift fork, shift ring, and tensioner drum. Although you can only change three gears compared to the six on the real thing. That in itself is an intricate LEGO gearbox design to separately show off by the bike’s side.
When fully assembled the 1,478 brick set measures 25 cm in height, 44 cm in length, and 15 cm in width. You can either place the Yamaha MT-10 SP on the bike’s side stand or the dedicated display stand. Another interesting feature of the kit is that you can use the augmented reality feature to open the LEGO app on your phone to view the interesting overlays. Again, you can see the gearbox in motion in this AR interface – as good as seeing the real thing in action.
This jaw-dropping Technic series set will be available on 1 August for a price tag of $239,99. Given how surreal the bike is both in function and looks, it is a steal for that amount of money.
The MT03 often goes unnoticed as an underrated bike that fails to capture the attention of the masses. Once seen as a mundane city bike for novices, its unassuming technical features left much to be desired. However, in reality, this bike surpasses all expectations with its remarkable character and capabilities. Its single-cylinder 660cc engine boasts impressive torque, allowing for effortless acceleration from low speeds. With a riding position inspired by motocross, generous ground clearance, and long-travel suspensions, it seems pretty evident that this bike has supermoto roots. The vibrations and thunderous roars emitted from its exhaust pipes only enhance this perception… so Ukrainian designer Rostyslav Matiukhin decided to give it a facelift. Dubbed the Revise MT03, this motorcycle gets the personality upgrade it needed. Ditching the overly ‘dudebro’ fairing, this new body kit is the kind people take seriously. The new design has a strong supermoto DNA, with a lightweight build that’s reminiscent of minimal, racer roots and has the ability to dominate both tarmac and terrain together.
The red, white, and black colorway gives the motorcycle a distinct contrast that’s great to look at when the bike’s still, but even more eye-catching when it zips past you. The fuel tank is stripped bare of any extraneous plastic, and replaced with new side radiator covers. Right above them lie the supermoto handguards, with a new headlight and windshield in front. The front and rear fenders get upgrades too, as does the taillight, which will probably be the last thing you see as this motorcycle disappears into the distance.
All modifications were designed with ergonomics in mind. Efficient wind and rainwater protection, a wide-angle rearview mirror, and informative LED lights increase the level of rider comfort and safety.
“This is not just a stylized custom bike based on the Yamaha MT03,” says founder of Revise, Rostyslav Matiukhin. “It is the result of the interaction with the motorcycle, exploring its engine temperament, handling characteristics, and the emotions it evokes. This fresh design reveals the hidden potential, highlights the motorcycle character, and gives the 17-year-old model a new lease of life.”
The Revise MT03 body kit includes a windshield, side radiator covers, front and rear fenders, tail light + bracket, wheel covers + valve extension, supermoto handguard, a wide-angle rearview mirror, and fastening elements.
Yamaha is a brand that evokes two different images depending on who you ask. Some might know it best for its musical instruments and audio equipment, while motorists might be more familiar with its motorcycles. Although they seem to have nothing in common other than their name, they do share a common passion for well-designed products. There are many when the two companies come together to put pool their creative minds and come up with designs that showcase their shared passions and visions. This hand grip concept is one such example, combining expertise in musical instruments and metalwork to create an odd-looking hand exercising tool that you might wish you could buy someday.
A hand gripper is definitely an odd choice for a product from both Yamaha companies, even if it’s just a concept. Then again, whether you’re playing musical instruments or driving a motorcycle, you need to have dexterous hands. Regularly exercising them is one way of maintaining or building up hand and wrist strength, and hand grips like these are one of the most common ways to do that.
Of course, “The Gripper” is clearly not your typical hand grip. The most common hand grips are just two plastic or padded grips with a coiled metal in between for resistance, though there are more sophisticated ones that use buttons with springs for each finger. Yamaha Design Lab’s concept mixes these two types together in a rather eccentric way that makes The Gripper look more like a musical instrument than a tool.
There is a typical palm grip, though it is made of natural sculpted wood that gives it a warm and soft touch in contrast to plastic or rubber. It contrasts with the cold metal pipes that make up the actual grip that branches out into five different paths, one for each finger, including the thumb. Rather than simple buttons, however, each “key” is a concave metal disc that lets your finger rest on it securely without fear of slipping off. This gives the finger grips an unusual aesthetic that makes them look like the same keys on a saxophone or trumpet. In fact, you can operate each key separately like on those instruments, letting you move and exercise each finger differently.
There is also a mechanism that lets you adjust the length of each pipe to accommodate different finger lengths. This rather unusual design helps increase the tension for better exercise while also offering a unique feeling of delicate manipulation for every finger. In other words, it creates a whole new experience that provides stress relief and exercise in an aesthetically pleasing and interesting package. Unfortunately, The Gripper is fated to remain a concept unless Yamaha changes its mind after receiving strong demand for such a quirky design.
There was a time during this pandemic when we had to plug in to our earphones and headphones almost the whole day due to various meetings and conferences. But now that a lot of companies and schools have gone back to in-person meetings and classes, there really isn’t a need to have devices that you can wear the whole day. Just in case you wanted to though, Yamaha has something for that purpose, provided you can afford its luxurious price tag.
The YH-5000SE is boasting that it’s a pair of headphones that you’ll be able to wear the whole day because it is lightweight and in fact, “featherlight”. It is made from magnesium and weighs in at just 11.5 ounches. It has a dual-layered headband but the weight is evenly distributed so it will not feel that heavy if you need to have it on for long periods of time.
You have a choice as to what materials you want your ear cups to be, either you want the more textured suede or the possibly fluffier sheepskin. Of course as with headphones, sound quality is the most important. If you trust Yamaha’s technology, you’ll most likely enjoy its Orthodynamic drivers and its detachable OFC cables to bring you better sound quality when it comes to mids, highs, and deep lows. Because it’s lightweight, the sound distortion is also lessened.
Design-wise, it looks like your typical Yamaha headphones with a minimalist look and monochromatic colors. It does have a futuristic look so you would look pretty cool wearing it around. Now the price tag is something that would make most people pause as the pair costs $5,000. But if you could afford it and you need something pretty lightweight, the YH-5000SE sounds like a good option.
We live in a very digital-oriented world, where most of the content that we enjoy comes in a digital form or is distributed through non-physical channels. Despite the brief renaissance of turntables and records, the majority of people still listen to music on their smartphones. At the same time, however, people still crave the physicality of musical instruments or devices, even the likes of turntables that give the sound a unique quality and charm. Wouldn’t it be grand if you had the best of both worlds? Yamaha Design Lab thinks so, too, which is why it came up with a few quirky objects that bring back the joy and fun of physical and mechanical music devices, except they’re powered by a smartphone this time around.
Few of today’s youngsters might even know what a phonograph is, let alone be familiar with the unique music they make, thanks to their physical media. The resurgence of interest in turntables in the past few years might have brought this retro machine to their attention, but not enough to make them give up their Spotify, Apple Music, or using their smartphone to listen to music, for that matter. They won’t have to with TurnT, a rather creative take on the turntable design that mixes smartphones with the old-school way of playing music.
TurnT is practically a wireless speaker that you can connect to your smartphone to play music. What makes it different is how you actually play the music, which involves placing the turntable’s stylus on top of the screen, just like you would on an actual record. Lifting the stylus stops the music immediately, and moving it “inward” towards the center of the disc displayed on the phone’s screen changes the track that’s being played.
TurnT is just one of Yamaha Design Lab’s “Stepping out of the Slate” series of fun little gadgets, each one putting a whimsical twist on an old music device. Winder, for example, is a tall, hexagonal block of wood with a windup key on top. The idea is to recreate the experience of playing with a music box, except that the music is being played on a smartphone. MusicLight looks like a simple candle holder, but the light of the candle controls the music on the smartphone, wavering as the candle flickers and eventually fades as the fire dies.
RhythmBot is actually a collection of four small robots, each equipped with a tiny version of a percussion instrument. This time, however, you play your own music, which the smartphone listens to. The phone, in turn, controls the robots so that they play to your beat, creating your own small performance band.
These small gadgets don’t bring anything revolutionary to the field of music, but they add an element of fun to listening to it. YDL says that these devices offer a unique experience that you can never have just by swiping and tapping on a screen, celebrating the human sense of touch as well as sight. Quirky and adorable, we can only hope that these prototypes will eventually become products that collectors and music lovers will definitely want to get their hands on, figuratively and literally.
