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Technology

META’S FUTURISTIC ORION AR GLASSES FEATURE HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS AND NEURAL CONTROL

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At the Meta Connect 2024 keynote, Mark Zuckerberg introduced the Orion AR glasses, featuring holographic displays and neural control. The device is smaller, lighter, and more stylish than Apple’s Vision Pro. Although still a developer prototype, Meta aims to refine its design, enhance the displays, and offer it at an affordable price for consumers. Orion is a sleek, spectacle-like AR device weighing under 100 grams, designed for comfort during extended use. Unlike the mixed reality of Meta Quest Pro and Apple’s Vision Pro, Orion uses a fully transparent holographic display that projects 3D objects directly into the real world with waveguide technology. Made from lightweight magnesium, the frames are both strong and efficient at dissipating heat, a material even used by NASA. The magic lies in tiny projectors embedded in the arms of the glasses, which beam light into lenses with nanoscale 3D structures, producing sharp holographic displays. Zuckerberg highlighted how you can go about your day—whether at a coffee shop or on a plane—while interacting with immersive AR elements like a virtual cinema-sized screen or multiple work monitors. Orion glasses go beyond visuals by enabling natural social interaction. You can maintain eye contact through transparent lenses while digital elements overlay the real world. Need to send a message? A hologram appears, and you can respond with a simple gesture, without reaching for your phone. This seamless blending of the digital and physical worlds could give Orion an edge over competitors. For control, Orion offers multiple modes—voice, hand, and eye tracking—but its standout feature is the neural wristband. Unlike the Vision Pro, which relies on gestures and voice commands, Orion reads neural signals from your wrist for subtle control. This allows for discreet actions, like tapping your fingers to summon a hologram or send a message, offering a more intimate and advanced interaction than current technologies. While Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest Pro are praised for intuitive interaction, Orion’s neural control is a major leap forward. It minimizes the need for physical and vocal gestures, making interaction with digital elements smoother and more seamless. A key feature that sets Orion apart is its display technology. Unlike the Vision Pro and Quest Pro, which use cameras to display the outside world on a screen, Orion delivers true augmented reality. It projects digital holograms directly into your field of view, blending seamlessly with your surroundings through transparent lenses. These bright, sharp holograms stand out in various lighting conditions, offering detailed and immersive digital overlays. Zuckerberg demonstrated Orion’s potential with examples like receiving a message as a floating hologram or “teleporting” a friend’s avatar into your living room. This is made possible by custom silicon chips and sensors built into the glasses, offering a more subtle but immersive experience than current pass-through systems. In a private demo, he even played a metaverse version of Pong with industry leaders like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and investors like Gary Vaynerchuck and Daymond John. Orion is still in development. Zuckerberg admitted it’s not consumer-ready yet and will serve as a development kit for Meta’s teams and select partners. This will help refine the hardware, software, and app ecosystem before its consumer release. He also mentioned efforts to reduce costs, though it’s not a device you’ll see in stores anytime soon. It’s a key step toward Meta’s vision for the future of AR. The potential for Orion is huge. Zuckerberg sees it as the next major computing platform, transforming how we work, play, and connect. With true augmented reality and a neural interface, Orion is more than just a gadget—it’s a new way to interact with the digital and physical worlds. While it’s not available yet, Orion offers an exciting preview of the future and could redefine the AR landscape in the years ahead.

Product Design, Technology

HUAWEI HAS RELEASED ITS “FIRST-EVER” TRIPLE-FOLDABLE PHONE

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Huawei has launched the Mate XT Ultimate Design, a foldable phone that unfolds into a 10.2-inch tablet. Touted as the “first-ever commercial triple foldable phone,” its standout feature is a flexible OLED screen with dual hinges for folding in both directions. When fully unfolded, the 10.2-inch, 3,000-pixel screen provides “cinema-level immersive viewing” with a 16:11 aspect ratio. The device automatically switches between single, dual, and triple screen modes as it unfolds, with dual-screen mode offering a square-like display, and full mode functioning like a tablet. Huawei developed a unique hinge system with two tracks to allow the triple-fold screen to fold both inward and outward. The hinges use 26 precision cams for smooth folding, made from reinforced steel for added durability. The phone uses a connecting rod and slide rail system to keep the hinge slim, making it 12.8 mm thick when folded and just 3.6 mm at its thinnest when unfolded. Despite its thin design, the screen is strong due to a composite layered structure that resists pressure on the inner fold and tension on the outer fold. Huawei suggests using the fully unfolded mode for reading books or magazines across two pages or handling email and apps like on a tablet. The phone features four cameras, including one with a ten-stop variable aperture telephoto lens for precise light control. As part of Huawei’s premium “Ultimate Design” label, it showcases crafted details like layered steel along the case edges and an octagonal camera housing. The back is wrapped in red or black leather, with the Ultimate Design logo in gold to match the metal components. Huawei launched the Mate XT just hours after Apple revealed its iPhone 16 lineup. Despite holding a 2016 patent, Apple has yet to release a foldable phone. Huawei first introduced its Mate X in 2019, featuring a single-fold design similar to the Mate XT. That same year, other brands like Microsoft and Motorola also released foldable phones, with Motorola revamping its Razr flip phone. The company has been faced with sanctions from countries including the United States, which sees it as a national security risk despite Huawei’s denials. The Mate XT smartphone will go on sale on 20 September but is expected to be available only in China.

Product Design, Technology

KONSTANTIN CHAYKIN’S THINKING IS AN ULTRA-THIN MECHANICAL WRISTWATCH, BREAKING SLIMNESS RECORDS WITH A THICKNESS OF JUST 5MM

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The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, at 1.7mm thick, was once the thinnest watch in the world. Now, Konstantin Chaykin’s ThinKing has set a new record at just 1.65mm. However, before you rush to stores, note that the ThinKing is still a prototype awaiting production. Watchmakers like Richard Mille, Piaget, and Bulgari have all been competing to create the thinnest mechanical watches. Now, Konstantin Chaykin joins the race with the ThinKing, inspired by the ultra-thin Bagnolet pocket watch. Inspired by the classic pocket watch and modern design, the ThinKing draws its look from Konstantin Chaykin’s Wristmons mechanical wristwatch. Though still in pre-production, not much is known about it yet. However, from the images, we can observe that it features a stainless steel case. Details on the pricing and availability of the ThinKing will be revealed after its debut at the ongoing Geneva Watch Days exhibition. For now, we know it’s only 1.65mm thick and features a dial similar to the Wristmons Joker series. The top half displays hours and minutes with two eye-like indicators, while the brand logo replaces the Joker’s smile on the lower half. If the dial catches your eye, the caseback is just as interesting. It reveals the K.23-0 movement with a 32-hour power reserve, while most of the back remains opaque. Engraved on the back is “Prototype of the world’s thinnest watch by K. Chaykin — 30.08.2024,” which will likely be replaced by an exclusive serial number once the watch is ready for retail.

Product Design, Technology

THE FOLDING MAGSAFE WIRELESS CHARGER FOR IPHONE 15 SERIES IS POCKET-SIZED

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When you get an iPhone 15 series smartphone, you’ll want accessories to simplify your life. For instance, a wireless charger eliminates wire clutter and lets you charge multiple Apple devices simultaneously. You can pick from Apple’s selection or opt for more affordable options from Belkin or Anker. You might be tempted to consider lesser-known third-party Apple accessory makers offering advanced technology, but their multi-device charging capabilities may not be completely reliable. This is especially true for 3-in-1 MagSafe wireless chargers. Now, imagine adding the convenience of folding down your MagSafe wireless charger. It becomes a practical accessory, ensuring all your Apple gadgets stay charged without the hassle of carrying it everywhere. If you prefer a safer and more widely accepted option, consider a Qi2 certified 2-in-1 wireless charger. It’s compact when folded, almost pocket-sized. This 15W MagSafe compatible charger for the iPhone 15 can be positioned flat or upright for portrait mode productivity. Additionally, it has a pad for charging earbuds or an Apple Watch when laid down. While 3-in-1 chargers offer the option to hang the Watch vertically, it might not be safe, especially with kids around. Though it’s still in the concept phase, it’s a compelling idea that could be adopted by established Apple accessory providers!

Product Design, Technology

AYANÉO’S MINI GAMING CONSOLE SATISFIES RETRO-GAMING FANS WITH ITS NES-INSPIRED DESIGN

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The AYANEO Mini PC AM01, with its nostalgic Mac design, has stirred excitement among tech experts, and rightly so. It combines the classic Mac appearance with the functionality of a Windows 11 PC, making it a must-have for gamers who appreciate retro vibes. When we introduced the AM01, there were already discussions about the Retro Mini PC AM02, which mimics the design of the classic NES. While the AM01 appeals to Nintendo fans, the AM02 also attracts other users with its 4-inch touchscreen, a feature not commonly found in similar products. This mini gaming console seamlessly combines sleek design with powerful hardware, all within a compact size. Whether placed on a desk or mounted on a wall, its lightweight build at just 538g is remarkable. The front cover cleverly conceals all input/output ports for a tidy appearance, and it can be easily opened with a click of the red button, adding to its cool factor. The AM02 features an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS APU, DDR5 RAM (16/32 GB), and 512GB/1TB SSD, ideal for gaming, video editing, or music composition. Its efficient cooling system, with a four-copper pipe structure and a 45W large-size turbine fan, ensures optimal performance. The screen shows essential information like CPU data, FPS, temperature, and fan speed for tech enthusiasts, while a left swipe reveals the date and time for regular users. Another swipe reveals virtual volume control and the option to toggle the display on or off. For gamers, the console comes with a built-in launcher, or you can use your preferred launcher like Launchbox/BigBox to run Steam or Epic titles, though it might need some setup. The AYANEO Mini PC AM01 starts at $440 and goes up to $630 depending on the configuration. This places it in a more premium price range compared to a PS5.

Architecture

NEOM REVEALS PLANS FOR THE ULTIMATE MEMBERS’ CLUB ON THE GULF OF AQABA

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Saudi mega-project Neom introduces Xaynor, a beachfront members’ club on the Gulf of Aqaba, designed by Mexican studio Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos. It’s part of Neom’s tourism plans for the region, offering a private club experience in a valley setting. Xaynor is the newest Neom resort planned for the Gulf of Aqaba. Javier Sordo Madaleno de Haro, a partner at Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, describes it as the “ultimate members’ club” intended to draw an exclusive community of fascinating individuals worldwide. The club will feature a beach on the Gulf of Aqaba, along with pools, restaurants, and a spa housed in a building topped with large rock-like structures. The club is being designed by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos. According to Sordo Madaleno de Haro, Xaymor is a luxurious beach club seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings. He describes it as if tectonic plates collided to form this impressive structure rising in the Gulf of Aqaba. It will be surrounded by big rock-like shapes, and the studio aims for it to blend well with the landscape. Sordo Madaleno de Haro emphasized that Xaynor is fundamentally about embracing nature’s design. Read: NEOM UNVEILS ULTRA-FUTURISTIC EPICON TOWERS IN SAUDI ARABIA’S COASTAL DESERT “We take inspiration from nature’s mathematical language and apply it to our architecture,” he explained. “Xaynor isn’t just designed to fit the landscape, it becomes part of it.” The building will have a pool, cafes, and restaurants. Xaynor’s announcement comes after Neom revealed several resorts along the Gulf of Aqaba. These include a set of hotels surrounding an exclusive sanctuary resort by Dutch studio OMA, and a unique skyscraper called Aquellum. Other projects in the area include the luxury hotel Leyja, hexagonal-pillar hotel Siranna, jagged skyscrapers Epicon, Utamo designed by Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, and the coastal yachting town Norlana. The projects are all part of Neom, one of the world’s largest and most controversial developments. Neom will include a 170-kilometer-long city called The Line, flagged as a risk to migratory species, an Octagon-shaped port city by Danish studio BIG, and a ski resort named Trojena. Critics have raised concerns about human rights violations, including reports from ALQST that three men were sentenced to death after being forcibly removed from the Neom site. Last year, UN experts expressed concern over the impending executions, but Saudi Arabia denied any wrongdoing. Photo credit: Neom.

Product Design

CAVIAR’S GALAXY S24 ULTRA OFFERS A LUXURIOUS CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

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High-end smartphones can be quite expensive nowadays, especially premium models with advanced features. Limited editions are not uncommon in this industry, but Caviar, a luxury brand, specializes in creating extremely limited editions with extravagant materials and designs. The latest addition to their collection is based on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, coinciding with the Chinese New Year and celebrating the Year of the Dragon. This special edition is adorned with gold, jewels, and references to the East-West union embodied by Samsung’s smartphones. Take a glance at Caviar’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, and you’ll see it’s anything but ordinary. The intricate golden Korean dragon is not just a painting or sticker; it’s a highly detailed bas-relief coated with 24-karat gold. The dragon descends from the top of the phone, symbolizing the heavens, and wraps around the analog watch at the center of the design. Yes, there’s a real mechanical watch on the back of this phone, featuring a CVR ELT3350A Tourbillon with manual winding and 19 stones. While it does make the phone a bit thicker, the uniqueness and beauty of the watch might justify the trade-off. Interestingly, the watch is surrounded by the 12 signs of the Western Zodiac, rather than the expected Chinese Zodiac for a phone celebrating the Chinese New Year. These symbols, crafted from enamel on PVD-coated titanium, embody the blend of European and Eastern culture that reflects Samsung’s business. Every detail in this intricate design was crafted with careful attention to symbolism. The three diamonds in the corner not only resemble a constellation but also pay homage to Samsung’s original logo, the ‘three stars’ from which the company derived its name. While the green color of the watch dial may seem unexpected among the prevalent gold and black tones, it signifies rebirth and prosperity, aligning with the color and theme of the Year of the Wood Dragon. With a price tag of $15,070 and only 24 devices available, this design caters to an elite clientele. The rarity of encountering another person with the same phone is as unlikely as meeting a mythical Korean dragon. For those seeking the prestige of owning a unique and captivating piece of craftsmanship, the limited availability adds to the allure, despite the short queue of potential buyers.

Product Design, Technology

THIS UNIQUE $5,000 DEVICE GIVES CHATGPT A PHYSICAL FACE FOR INTERACTING IN CONVERSATIONS

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Ever felt strange chatting with Siri, Google Assistant, or even ChatGPT, knowing they don’t really exist? Wehead has a solution—it may not be remarkable or affordable, but it aims to help humans anthropomorphize AI assistants, tackling challenges in unique ways. The Wehead is an AI assistant designed to resemble a cyborg bust on your table. It features a face created by multiple displays with various avatars for chatting. Equipped with cameras, it can “see” you and moves its head, nodding and looking around. Despite its technical capabilities, the Wehead seems more like a tech-driven caricature than a lifelike head, making the attempt to humanize AI feel like a parody. It’s priced at a considerable $5,000. If you fear AI replacing humans, this one is unlikely to do so. The Weahad attempts to achieve technology’s long-standing goal of creating companionship through AI. It’s intended to be a conversational friend offering sage advice. However, the concept of taking advice from a split-screen body-less oracle head feels both dystopian and amusing. The company promoting the Wehead GPT claims it’s an embodied Large Language Model (LLM) assisting with brainstorming, decision-making, and self-reflection on any topic, anytime, at home or the office. Despite this noble goal, the device’s appearance, mimicking a human head with oddly angled screens, hinders its effectiveness. The term ’embodied’ feels a bit exaggerated, and perhaps Wehead could seek inspiration from Google’s Project Starline. The WeHead GPT Edition announcement reminded me of when Tesla revealed its humanoid robot. Instead of a sophisticated robot, we saw someone in a spandex suit doing the robot dance. It was a clever move, trolling us and highlighting that the future isn’t always as polished as we envision. Despite its somewhat dystopian feel, the WeHead has a charmingly humorous side. It’s like having a pet that requires no feeding or walking, just a power outlet and the occasional existential chat about its purpose. It won’t criticize you for wearing the same pajamas or talking to it because, after all, it’s just a head. In a world where we’re constantly on our screens, having a physical head to talk to could be the quirky solution we didn’t realize we needed. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll still be interacting with screens through the WeHead. It aims to revive the art of conversation, even if it’s with a partner that’s more circuit board than flesh and blood. The WeHead doesn’t pretend to be your friend; it’s a reminder of the slightly unconventional future we’re entering, one awkward interaction at a time. If you’re eager for a glimpse of the future and can find humor in the idea of AI taking over, the WeHead GPT Edition could be your choice. It’s not just a conversation piece; it’s designed to enhance your conversations with a touch of the future’s unique flavor. Soon available for those wanting to add a futuristic twist to their chats, it comes with a price tag of 5 grand. In a world filled with uncertainties, talking to a head might turn out to be the most sensible thing you do.

Product Design, Technology

OPAL TADPOLE IS A WEBCAM SHAPED LIKE AN IPOD SHUFFLE, EQUIPPED WITH A 4K SENSOR AND AI CAPABILITIES.

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Webcams are like car stereos for laptops. In the past, car manufacturers didn’t prioritize the quality or power of their stereo systems, considering them secondary to the overall car experience. However, in the social media era, these systems have evolved into advanced infotainment devices, occasionally becoming the focal point of the entire interior experience. Opal launched its first product during the peak of the pandemic, addressing the shift to an online-only workplace. The C1 webcam, introduced at a time when people were relying on subpar laptop cameras, held promise but didn’t deliver as expected. Since then, Opal has grown, both personally and in its approach to product development. The Tadpole, however, stands out as a significant improvement over the C1, offering better performance and introducing new features.

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