Product Design, Technology

GOOGLE JAPAN’S MÖBIUS STRIP KEYBOARD DESIGN

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Our keyboards have just enough keys for letters and numbers, but sometimes that’s not enough. Some users want more keys for shortcuts, while others need keys for different languages without switching layouts. A larger keyboard could solve this, but it would be bulky—unless creatively designed. Thankfully, Google Japan has introduced a clever solution: a double-sided keyboard inspired by the famous Möbius strip. The keyboard consists of 26 modules, each with eight RGB-backlit keys—four on each side. The keys are arranged in a continuous band with no front or back, mimicking the Möbius strip. This design allows you to flip or rotate the keyboard, and it will still be usable from any angle. It’s clear this keyboard wouldn’t be very practical for everyday use, but Google Japan offers some creative ideas. It allows multiple people—up to three or more—to type at once, boosting productivity. With no clear top or bottom, it could even be useful in zero-gravity environments. The possibilities seem limitless, especially since you can’t tell where the keyboard starts or ends! The Double-Sided Gboard isn’t just for typing. It can double as a futuristic desk decoration on a spinning stand or even hang on doors like a wreath. Google playfully hints that future updates might unlock access to alternate dimensions. But until then, you can carry it around as a stylish handbag! Google has no plans to mass-produce this advanced keyboard, but they’re offering the 3D printer files, firmware, and instructions for anyone to build it themselves. The Double-Sided Gboard is the latest in Google Japan’s playful keyboard designs, released on October 1st (10/1) to honor the classic 101-key keyboard.

Product Design

LEGO® HAS RELEASED “THE CRAFTING TABLE” BUILDING SET TO CELEBRATE MINECRAFT®’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY

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Minecraft® remains a favorite among both kids and adults, who often play together. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the game has been popular for years. If you’re a fan of Minecraft and a LEGO® collector, you’ll love this new building set that combines the best of both worlds. LEGO® Minecraft® The Crafting Table is designed for adult fans, bringing elements of the game into the real world. It recreates the iconic crafting table, includes biomes, mobs, hidden Easter eggs, and even has video components through the app. The set includes 5 mini build modules featuring 12 biomes (like the Deep Dark, Lush Cave, Swamp, and more) and 8 microfigures (Steve, Alex, a skeleton, witch, Creeper™, villager, cow, and pig) that can be attached or detached from your builds. The LEGO® Minecraft set features underground scenes, stickers with in-game phrases, and hidden Easter eggs to delight even veteran players. You can also access digital building instructions via the LEGO® Builder app. Priced around $90, it’s a great deal for a LEGO® set.

Product Design

THIS RETRO IPHONE CASE TRANSFORMS YOUR PHONE INTO A MINI OLD-SCHOOL WINDOWS PC

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When you buy a phone, you usually get a case for protection or personalization. But Printables user Retron Print has come up with a new reason: nostalgia. The iPhone Retro Case transforms your modern smartphone into a piece of old-school tech. The two-part case turns your phone into a vintage CRT monitor, while still keeping the camera and dynamic island functional. To match the retro design, the phone also features a custom home screen with old-style icons and widgets. Instead of a Macintosh look, it’s themed around Windows, complete with a non-functional Clippy icon. Quite a step down from Siri! The brilliance of this case lies in how it embraces its retro design without cutting corners. Old monitors often had thick, chunky bezels, and this case captures that look. While vintage monitors had a “chin” for floppy disks or control buttons, this case cleverly moves that feature to the side. It even includes functional front-facing buttons that control your iPhone’s volume and action buttons. The details are pre-designed, so all you need to do is 3D print and assemble it. The front of the case has an oval frame that mimics old CRT monitors but doesn’t block the screen, adding to its vintage feel. The back features long grooves that resemble classic desktop computers while also improving grip. These design details blend nostalgia with modern functionality, making the case both stylish and practical. It even includes slots for the speakers, so you can still enjoy audio from your iPhone without any issues. For color options, Retron Print recommends using sandy beige, gray, or light brown filaments to capture the retro vibe, similar to classic electronics. To enhance the look, the front and back panels should be printed on a textured plate for added dimension, while the buttons are best printed on a smooth plate to preserve their tactile feel. This attention to detail elevates the nostalgic design. For those wanting to add a retro touch to their iPhone, the case is available for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. You can purchase the STL files for $10 on Printables.com and 3D print the case yourself, though it doesn’t include the wallpaper or app icons. Retron Print suggests using sandy beige, gray, or light brown filament to capture the retro feel, inspired by classic electronics. However, commercial use is restricted. To sell prints of this design, users must join the Retron Print Commercial Club, ensuring the creator, AndrzejG, receives credit and support for their work.

Product Design

PUMA COLLABORATES WITH A$AP ROCKY TO LAUNCH DRAGON-INSPIRED 3D-PRINTED MOSTRO SHOE

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Your fashion choices reflect your inner self, and these shoes help unleash your inner beast. A collaboration between A$AP Rocky and PUMA, the Mostro 3.D isn’t just another sneaker. It pushes design boundaries with boldness that demands attention. Inspired by the fusion of music, art, and technology, this shoe elevates sneaker culture. With its striking red and black color scheme and a fierce, scaly 3D-printed design, the Mostro makes a bold, standout statement, defying traditional aesthetics. At the heart of the Mostro 3.D is its innovative use of 3D printing technology. Made through an advanced resin process, the shoe features intricate details that aren’t possible with traditional methods. Bold spikes give it a futuristic, almost alien look, while the sleek slip-on design is both convenient and a statement against convention. The black-to-red gradient, created with precise airbrushing, adds a dynamic touch, reflecting movement and transformation. This shoe seamlessly blends technology and art, creating something truly unique. A$AP Rocky brings his raw, urban style, adding authenticity that resonates with street culture. PUMA, known for innovation and embracing modern tech, finds the perfect canvas in these shoes. This collaboration merges rebellious spirit with technical skill, creating footwear that tells a story beyond just looks. It’s where the energy of music meets cutting-edge technology, offering something that goes beyond the ordinary for a new generation of fashion-forward thinkers. The Mostro 3.D’s bold, spiky design echoes the trail Kanye West set with Yeezy, where footwear feels more like a wild artifact than a simple shoe. With a primal, non-human vibe, these kicks look like they’ve been pulled from an ancient world but brought to life through cutting-edge 3D printing. A$AP Rocky and PUMA take this evolutionary inspiration to craft a shoe that feels alive—wearable art that’s both futuristic and instinctual. It’s more than a nod to Yeezy’s avant-garde style; it’s an evolution, pushing boundaries and daring you to embrace something truly groundbreaking. The Mostro 3.D embodies a shift where fashion is about identity and the boldness to stand out. These shoes aren’t just worn—they’re unleashed, a statement for those unafraid to be different. A$AP Rocky and PUMA challenge traditional design and production, offering a glimpse into the future of footwear and inviting us to be part of it. With the Mostro 3.D, the line between fashion and innovation fades, revealing a thrilling vision of what’s next. Welcome to a new era of design where imagination sets the limits.

Product Design

LEAKED SAMSUNG GALAXY S25 ULTRA WITH THINNER BEZELS AND SLIMMER DESIGN

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A recent leak revealed a jelly case for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but we had to guess what the phone would look like. Now, thanks to xleaks7 and Online Solitaire, we have photos and a video of a dummy model to help visualize the device. The dimensions of the S25 Ultra are listed on the dummy model as 162.82 x 77.65 x 8.25mm. For comparison, the S24 Ultra measures 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6mm and weighs 232g. While the dummy doesn’t reveal the weight, Ice Universe estimates it at 219g. The new Ultra is slightly taller, narrower, thinner, and noticeably lighter than its predecessor. This new design aims to enhance the phone’s ergonomics, addressing some valid complaints about the S24 Ultra. The 2025 flagship is expected to feature significantly thinner bezels—30% thinner than the 2024 model, shrinking from 3.35mm to 2.3mm, as seen on the dummy. You can also spot the punch hole for the selfie camera (no upgrades expected) and the earpiece on the top bezel. On the back, there’s a circular indentation, likely for the wireless charging coil—important for case makers who rely on dummies like this. A side photo shows the usual buttons, but don’t expect anything like an Action Button or Camera Control.

Product Design

A WI-FI ROUTER THAT OPENS LIKE A FAN BASED ON SIGNAL STRENGTH

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Being stuck at home for months has been an eye-opener for many. Some realized how little space they have, while others found their homes ill-equipped for work. It also highlighted how consumer electronics, like Wi-Fi routers, affect our mood with their design. Most routers have dull or even off-putting designs, often hidden away, which can hurt their performance. This new router concept addresses that by turning the router into an art piece, unfolding like a peacock’s feathers when the Wi-Fi signal is strong. Most home routers are plain boxes with one or two antennas, while more advanced models often resemble sci-fi robots with multiple antennas. If that’s not your style, you’ll likely want to hide it. However, hiding your router can weaken its signal. Plus, there’s no easy way to tell if your router is getting a strong Internet signal without checking your phone or an app. Blooming Out is a router design concept that solves the problem of hiding routers by making them something you’d want to display. This design is both stylish and functional, using a folding fan that “blooms” when the Wi-Fi signal is strong and folds in when it’s weak. The 29 fan panels gradually adjust to show signal strength, offering more than just a simple on/off state. The router includes visible antennas, but not in the usual way. Three antennas are positioned slightly off-center and can be rotated to optimize signal spread. This design makes Blooming Out resemble a proud peacock fanning its tail when the router is at full strength. The Blooming Out router concept transforms the device into a decorative object, adding visual appeal without sacrificing functionality. While there may be some technical challenges with this unique design, modern technology could easily address them.

Product Design

MINI WIRELESS TABLE LAMP BRINGS A TOUCH OF LUXURY TO ANY SPACE

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We all need lighting, especially outdoors at night, and while there are plenty of portable lamp designs, most have a rugged look, built for tough conditions. It’s rare to find a versatile lamp that works both indoors and outdoors while still looking stylish and elegant. This small LED lamp offers exactly that—perfect for a hotel lounge, by the pool, or even a dining table under the stars. Rugged portable lamps are great for adventurers, but they don’t suit every outdoor occasion. If you’re hosting a stylish nighttime gathering away from house lights and street lamps, a candlelit dinner might sound romantic but isn’t practical. This petite, bright wireless lamp ensures your guests won’t be left in the dark. Named after an Australian coffee known for its small shots and big flavors, the Piccolo lamp features a PVD steel conical body and a ribbed polycarbonate diffuser that plays with light and shadows. Its crystal-like top and brushed metal body come in Gold, Bronze, and Silver finishes, creating an elegant and luxurious atmosphere, even outdoors. With an IP64 rating, the Piccolo lamp is resistant to spills and unpredictable weather. It’s completely wireless and runs on a replaceable rechargeable battery, allowing you to place it wherever you need light and ambiance. The lamp is perfect for hospitality venues, outdoor gatherings, and any room in your home. Despite its small size, the Piccolo lamp is eco-friendly, made from 75% post-consumer recycled plastic and sustainable materials like stainless steel. Its battery, LED light source, and diffuser are user-replaceable, ensuring the lamp lasts for years. Portable, weather-resistant, and elegant, Piccolo provides both light and a calming atmosphere wherever you place it.

Product Design

STAY ON TIME WITH THE OPTIMUS PRIME-INSPIRED SMARTWATCH

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The smartwatch market is packed with brands and fresh designs, offering plenty of choices. Most stick to practical styles to appeal to a broad audience, but there’s always room for something bold that Gen-Z loves. Enter the A_001 PowerWatch concept, inspired by Japanese metal heroes like Jaspion, Jiban, and Winspector. This wearable breaks away from traditional smartwatch designs with its unique shape and innovative features. These iconic shows from the ’80s and early ’90s captivated Japanese viewers and eventually gained global popularity, inspiring similar adaptations. The color scheme of this smartwatch is inspired by tokusatsu and Winspector, featuring bold red, silver, and blue hues. For those unfamiliar with these classic action heroes, the design might remind them of Transformers—Optimus Prime came to mind when I first saw it. The A_001 PowerWatch has large knobs on either side for navigating menus and app functions. Its big screen, shaped like a Tesla Cybertruck, is hard to miss—yes, the resemblance to the Cybertruck’s design is unmistakable! The smartwatch features a dedicated scroll button on one side for easy navigation and selection. In always-on display (AOD) mode, it shows the current temperature, date, and time. Side speakers ensure you don’t need external speakers for music or calls, even in noisy environments. Built like a tank, this watch is designed for larger wrists—definitely not for the faint-hearted! The metal body of this bold, edgy smartwatch is held by a rugged Velcro strap, hinting at its durability. Wearing such a large watch isn’t for everyone, but if it ever hits the market, even Elon Musk might want to wear it!

Automotive, Product Design

A TRANSPARENT E-BIKE INSPIRED BY RETRO GAMING CONSOLES LIKE THE NINTENDO 64

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In the ’90s, transparent tech became a cool trend, especially with gaming consoles like the Nintendo 64 controllers and the clear Game Boy Color and Advance. These designs revealed the gadgets’ inner workings, blending functionality with a futuristic look, inspiring products like Apple’s iMacs and MacBooks. Today, DAB Motors, a Peugeot sub-brand, revives this retro style with its DAB 1α Transparent Edition. While it’s a motorcycle, not a console, it captures that nostalgic vibe with modern elegance, resembling something straight out of a sleek arcade racing game. The DAB Motors 1α Transparent Edition is designed to turn heads with its translucent bodywork, offering a peek at its high-tech components, much like old gaming consoles with visible wires and circuits. This transparency gives the bike a sleek, futuristic feel, enhanced by carbon fiber parts made from repurposed Airbus materials. Balancing style with practicality, the 1α features an Alcantara saddle for comfort and a sharp, translucent monobloc LED tail light. The front-end includes a 2.8-inch LCD dashboard and a lenticular headlight, perfect for both city cruising and highway rides. Performance Specifications Charging Capabilities Ride Modes and Customization Four Ride Modes: Reverse Mode: A reverse mode is also included, ideal for parking in tight spaces, particularly in urban environments. The DAB 1α features a steel double cradle frame that keeps it sturdy yet lightweight, weighing just 125 kg. For suspension, it’s equipped with a 46mm adjustable USD fork from Paioli at the front and an adjustable rear spring preload, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride. Brembo radial brakes with dual ABS provide reliable stopping power in both wet and dry conditions. The custom-made DAB x FABA wheels, paired with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tires, deliver excellent performance and grip. The 17-inch front and rear wheels ensure stability whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising highways. The DAB 1α Transparent Edition starts at €14,900 ($16,651 USD), with only 400 units available. If you’re dreaming of arriving at your local café on this retro-inspired bike, you’ll want to act quickly. Financing options are offered, but once these limited editions sell out, they’re gone for good. With worldwide delivery, you can enjoy this eye-catching ride no matter where you are, channeling your inner gamer as you cruise the streets.

Product Design

MATT DENTON’S LEGO TECHNIC 8810 CAFÉ RACER SET IS A RIDEABLE ELECTRIC MONKEY BIKE

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The LEGO Technic 8810 Café Racer, originally released in the early ’90s, was a favorite for both kids and adults. Known as the Technic Alpha Racer, its value has grown by an average of 3% annually. Inspired by this collectible, animatronics creator Matt Denton developed a rideable version using 3D-printed parts, preserving the attachable nature of LEGO bricks. Each part is made from PolyLite and polycarbonate to mimic the snappable plastic blocks. Matt Denton, known for his engineering creations like the Star Wars BB-8, has now built a functional electric monkey bike inspired by the LEGO 8810 Café Racer. The 33-year-old designer crafted a rideable two-wheeler that supports an adult’s weight but, like typical monkey bikes, can be tricky to steer in tight spaces. To build it, he used an e-bike kit with a motor controller, screen, disc brakes, tires, and brake levers. Combining the kit with custom 3D-printed LEGO-like parts was a challenge due to vibrations and engine noise. To keep the LEGO-themed look, Matt only used essential parts from the e-bike kit. He first 3D-printed the handlebar and positioned the front wheel, then added the headlights. After finalizing the frame, he worked on the foot pegs, suspension, axle, and wiring. The last components added were the forks, seat, battery, water bottle, and a bottle holder frame. He then tests the rideability and reverse function. After adjusting the power, steering, and brakes, the LEGO Technic café racer is street-ready.

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