Made of waterproof and fire-resistant fabric in bright white, the tent is made to stand out. During the day, it looks like a small cabin vividly visible against a backdrop of dark woods. At night, when it’s illuminated from the inside, it glows like a lantern. So whether you’re heading off on a hike or just trying to pee at 3 a.m., you’ll always be able to find your way back to your cozy nest. Yibei describes it as a “cloud,” as if you pulled a wisp of a shelter down from the sky and set it down in your ideal camping spot.

The inflatable tent boasts a simple shape with a triangular roof and rectangular body. Made of 210D Oxford polyester with polyurethane coating on the fabric and seams, it’s durable enough to use in most weather conditions, including rain. Instead of unwieldy and annoying poles, the tent is held up by its airframe made of flexible, flat-pack TPU pipes that expand to 120 millimeters when inflated. The frame is designed to mimic the columns and beams of an actual stick-framed house. The tent also expands to an impressive 8 feet by 7 feet with a much higher ceiling than you’d normally get in a traditional tent, making it feel even more like a hut or cabin.

The best part of all might just be the tent’s many generously-sized windows. One giant window on each side can be opened to the fresh air, with insect screens to protect you from bugs, of course. The tent even has two huge skylights for stargazing after dark. The result is a space that feels fully connected to your outdoor setting while maintaining protection from the elements. The large size also means you can stand up to change in private, or set up a table and chairs to dine indoors in inclement weather.

Yibei explains that “when you enter the cozy white space, the ceiling is high and the room wrapped in white fabric is very bright. Opening windows on all sides connects the inside and outside, blurring the boundaries. In the forest, you can just hear the trees blowing in the wind, the chirping of birds, and the smell of wood and earth. The sound of the waves and the scent of the tide create a pleasant time on the beach. When it gets dark, close the windows and turn on the lights, and you’ll be able to relax in the comfort of your own warm home.”

The Air Architecture inflatable tent comes in a portable carry bag and can be inflated with any standard battery-powered air pump. The one downside may be that it takes a full eight minutes to fully inflate, which could drain the battery quickly. It’s also likely that the tent will slowly start to sag after a while if you set it up for a long trip, but if that happens, all it takes is a quick top-off of air through the tent’s valve.

Alas, if you’re chomping at the bit to hit “add to cart,” the tent is currently only available in Japan at Tsutaya Home Appliances+, so it might be a little hard to get your hands on in other countries.

The post Air Architecture’s House-Shaped Inflatable Tent is a Perfect Home Away from Home first appeared on Dornob.

Released on an Indiegogo campaign earlier this year, the “Dusk” shades are different from the decades-old Transitions lenses that change tint based on the surrounding light conditions. The new product from Ampere uses electrochromic technology (the same tech available in luxury cars to control windshield tint) to electrically manipulate the lens darkness specifically to the user’s preferences. And it works fast, with the lenses taking just 0.1 seconds to adapt to the preferred hue.

The tint level can be customized between 3 and 35 percent, and preferred settings can be saved on the company app. When users are far from their phones, the glasses have manual touch controls on the left-hand side that can adjust between three tint levels. Another option includes setting the controls to have the lenses alter automatically with changes in ambient light readings.

Being smart glasses, Dusk also includes an open-ear audio system that lets users receive phone calls or listen to music on the go. The speakers are discreetly hidden in the frame earpieces and allow for a crystal-clear audio experience even while keeping the noise inaudible to those around you.

Compatible with iPhones running iOS 14 and Android 12 models, the embedded microphone and button on the right side of the Dusk frame makes it possible to quiz Siri or Google Assistant with voice commands and gives users the hands-free ability to answer calls or skip songs on their playlist.

Even better, these glasses have the bonus of actually looking good. Designed after the classic Ray-Ban wayfarer style, the matte black frames are sleek and unisex. Dusk is also lightweight (measuring just under one ounce), making each pair comfortable enough for all-day use.

For eye safety, the sunglasses are polarized and block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, with all the included smart tech, Ampere took care to make their product waterproof (IP65 waterproof rating) to be wearable around the pool or on the lake.

Dusk glasses also feature some helpful accessories. For an extra $50, users can purchase a protective case that also acts a charger when out and about. When fully charged, the shades will provide seven days of paired tint adjustment time and four hours of active listening time. The carrying case also incorporates a space for an Apple Air Tag to track the glasses via Bluetooth if and when they get misplaced.

The sunglasses went on presale at a discounted price of $189 and are currently scheduled to ship in October 2021. The company’s smart changing lenses concept was very popular on Indiegogo, raising over $430,000 from almost 1,600 backers. The campaign was so successful, in fact, that two other options were unlocked: a pair with mirrored lenses, and an indoor Dusk frame to block that pesky blue light from phones and other screens.

Delaware-based Ampere specializes in making “fun, one-of-a-kind award-winning gadgets” to improve life for their customers. Their other offerings include a foldable charging cube, a hydropower shower speaker, and a UV sanitizing wireless cell phone charger.

The post Dusk: Smart Sunglasses Let You Adjust the Tint with Your Phone first appeared on Dornob.

These 40-by-8 foot, 96-square-foot steel boxes can be found virtually anywhere in the world, bought for $5,000 USD or less and easily moved to the location of your choice. While the installation of an in-ground swimming pool can run you between $35,000 and $60,000, a finished DIY shipping container pool will be just a fraction of that cost, not including any decks you might want to add on.

Since they’re rectangular, they’re perfect for lap swimmers or just soaking on a hot day. And best of all, you can take them with you when you move. If 40 feet is too big, a 20-foot container will do the job. The look of a shipping crate in your backyard isn’t for everyone, but if you have a contemporary home, it could even add to the aesthetics.

To make your own, you’ll probably want to start by getting a permit from your local authorities. You’ll also need a proper foundation. Some people just lay out an even pad of gravel, but a concrete slab is ideal. Since shipping containers aren’t designed to hold water, the walls will also need to be reinforced to withstand the pressure, and you’ll have to waterproof the inside with welding, waterproofing paints, a fiberglass insert, or a concrete liner. The cheapest option is simply a thick vinyl pond liner. More details on the process are available at iContainerHome.

For an example of a DIY shipping crate pool, check out this one created by Brooke in Austin, Texas. She treated it “like an inside-out ship,” making it waterproof from the inside with a product called Water Weld.

“It took buying an above ground pool skimmer (I buy everything online at Doheny’s – free shipping!), hiring a welder to cut a hole in the side of the pool and fabricate a frame, then coating and painting all the raw metal (and doing a quick re-coat of the bottom of the pool since it was drained anyhow) with Sani-Tred’s multi-step no rust paint system and then Olympic’s Zeron.”

If all of that sounds like too much work but you love the look, you can always have a shipping container swimming pool made for you. Modpools specializes in shipping container pools, and their results speak for themselves. They sometimes insert glass panels so you can see through the sides, build decks around them, or integrate them into the design of an existing home. You can add on smart features to control temperature, jets, and lighting from your smartphone.

“Unlike conventional pools that can take weeks to pour and cure, your Modpool can be up and running the day of its arrival. Add a mod pool divider to quickly convert your pool into a hot tub and back again.”

Want to start a little smaller? A dumpster pool might be more your speed. That’s right, we said dumpster — but we swear it’s way cooler than it sounds.

The post Make a Splash With Container Pools first appeared on Dornob.

A prototype currently being perfected by a team at Michigan State University, the device in question uses wind for power and includes two sensors that measure carbon monoxide and temperature, respectively. The team plans to add several other sensors to the final design, including a transmitter that will send continual updates on on all vital measurements with respect to the burn.

The device would be a crucial step in early detection, especially in remote areas. It works similar to a smoke detector in the home, except it’s powered by wind movement rather than a battery or other electrical source. This is an essential element since replacing batteries on tens of thousands of forest smoke detectors is both inefficient and wasteful. Instead, study leader and mechanical engineer at MSU Changyong Cao says the device will “generate electricity from the slightest swinging of tree branches.” Using a triboelectric generator, those motions are then converted into power. Cao went on to explain that although the device does require a breeze, fires always create air currents that provide the needed power, even if Mother Nature doesn’t.

In the study, originally published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, the explanation of how the device works reads a bit like a MacGuyver episode but still translates into basic science. The soda can-sized contraption has cylinders in the top and bottom, one coated with Teflon and the other with a copper film. The two connect with a rubber band while an added weight at the bottom facilitates the swinging motion as the tree branch moves up and down. When the cylinders rub against each other, energy is released.

Durability is key to the success of the project, so the device also has to be both fire and waterproof. It hasn’t undergone actual field tests yet, so there’s still the potential for unforeseen issues with wildlife or natural elements that lead to disruption. Nonetheless, the team hopes the unit can provide detection where current systems have limitations. For example, one commonly used technology is satellites. Satellites provide outstanding and useful imagery when it comes to combatting wildfires, but they’re constantly in motion, which means they can’t hover over a specific area. This makes information intermittent rather than constant. On top of that, satellite imagery can be blocked by cloud cover or a smokescreen created by a raging blaze.

Since this device doesn’t rely on imaging, it’s impervious to those complications. Plus, it can be adapted to serve other purposes, like monitoring air quality and identifying toxic gases. Cao’s team hopes this solution will offer fast, efficient, and inexpensive fire detection that results in saving both forests and homes.

The post New Wildfire Detector Runs on the Swaying of Trees first appeared on Dornob.

The Whiteshark MixPro is a small, lightweight double-propeller device that can reach up to four miles per hour and last up to 60 minutes per charge. Clearly, this thing is ideal for checking out natural bodies of water, but you can use it in the pool, too.

Two speed options let you zoom around at either 1.2 or 1.8 meters per second, and a designated phone mount (used with the WhiteShark MixPro waterproof phone case) and universal mount for action cameras make it possible to film the entire experience. An attachable selfie stick will even widen up your shot if you want the camera facing you instead of capturing your view.

The scooter also features a waterproof LED light so you can always see where you’re going, no matter how deep you manage to dive. A detachable floater makes it easier for use by kids and people with limited upper body strength, but you can take always it off and let the propellers do all the work if you want to descend more than a couple meters below the surface.

That’s where the handiness of this device seems to really come in. Not all of us are accomplished free divers, and getting deep enough to see things like coral reefs without scuba equipment or worrying about making it back up to the surface can be intimidating. It would be pretty cool to experiment with one of these things to see just how much it could boost your underwater range.

The WhiteShark MixPro can be used up to five meters deep with the floater, or 40 meters (over 130 feet!) without it. It gradually speeds up when you press the two trigger buttons simultaneously, and the dual trigger button lock will keep you from accidentally thrusting forward when you don’t mean to. It’s resistant to salt corrosion, its lithium-ion batteries fully recharge in just two hours, and the whole thing is small enough to chuck into a suitcase for those vacations we’re all hoping to take just as soon as it’s safe to travel again.

The MixPro’s official crowdfunding page reads: “Bring your WhiteShark MixPro on all your adventures! WhiteShark MixPro’s portable lithium battery is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to take on board all flights. WhiteShark MixPro is the smallest double propeller underwater scooter on the market. Lightweight yet powerful, WhiteShark MixPro only weighs 3.55 kg (7.82 lbs). Easily pack it in your backpack and take your portable companion on all your adventures.”

Made by Sublue, a company known for its research and development of underwater robots, the WhiteShark MixPro just successfully completed a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, so it’ll probably be available to the public later this year. It comes in white or black with gold trim. The “beginner pack” comes with one 122Wh battery included at an MSRP of $699, or you can get various combo packages that come with extra batteries, selfie extension sticks, waterproof backpacks, and other add-ons for anywhere between $849 and $1,199.

The post This Underwater Scooter Turbo-Charges Your Swimming Speed first appeared on Dornob.

The California-based Rareform is the result of two brothers with a passion for the environment. When one of them, Alec Avedissian, was living in El Salvador, he observed the locals using old billboard advertising materials as roofing tarps, and the signs couldn’t have been more clear: billboards made for a terrific durable and waterproof material.

With product ideas churning in his head, Alec headed home to secure his brother’s help in creating a surfboard carrying sleeve. The two then began calling billboard companies who were more than eager to ship truckloads of used billboards to their home.

Knowing that the typical billboard only remains roadside for an average of a month or two, Rareform can count on a consistent material supply. Plus, turning a usable material into something useful is a business model that gives the vinyl billboards new life instead of just sending them out with the trash.

Six years after the brothers set off on their venture, manufacturing has moved out of their parents’ house and the product line continues to grow. Production in their plant is almost completely streamlined, beginning with the sorting and washing of hundreds of billboards daily. The materials are sorted by thickness and color in order to match the a wide array of preferences for different products. Pieces are then hand cut and inspected before being sent out for final stitching. Even the smallest scraps are incorporated into manufacturing, resulting in minimal waste. Once stitched, each bag is individually photographed for an accurate representation of how the pattern lays out in the final product.

To date, the brothers and their team have converted 2,710,252 pounds of billboard material into one-of-a-kind backpacks, duffle bags, crossbody bags, messenger bags, and briefcases. Unique totes and purses come in a variety of options, with a new lunch tote being the most recent addition to the lineup. The good news is that when it comes to using up all those scraps we mentioned earlier, a ton of products fit the bill. Choose from wallets, toiletry bags, wristlets, pouches, and even fanny packs. Planning on traveling sometime soon? Pick up a passport holder, luggage tag, or key chain. If you’re looking for something more casual, just grab a fun tee or hat.

Rareform may be all about sustainability, but they still realize we live in a modern world, accordingly churning out heaps of laptop sleeves and iPhone cases. Don’t worry though, Alec’s passion for surfing hasn’t waned one bit, and his initial long and short board surf bags are still considered staple products six years later. They also produce change pads, which are perfect for handling the wet and sandy conditions the beach provides.

While Rareform continues to pick up vinyl billboard waste (and we salute them for it!), the newfound spotlight on the ad industry’s bad habits is causing some changes around them. More specifically, new technology in printed billboards allows makers to reduce their carbon footprint with the use of water-based adhesive vinyls and 100-percent recyclable paper. On top of that, many billboards are now digital, taking away the waste but not the resource consumption. Digital billboard signs do create a host of other environmental problems though, including energy consumption, light pollution, and disposal at the end of usable life.

The post Rareform Converts Old Billboards Into Unique Bags first appeared on Dornob.

“The Original Blanket with Sleeves,” the Snuggie, has become a bit of a cult classic despite how ridiculous people look while wearing it. Because, let’s face it, everybody likes to be comfortable. A new product called the V-Blanket is not exactly more fashionable than the Snuggie, but it does offer several useful functions that make it a sort of Snuggie for outdoor adventures.

Sure, you can curl up with a V-Blanket on the couch, but where it really comes in handy is at sports games, on road trips, or while camping. It’s a waterproof heated blanket and cape in one, and you can use it in a variety of ways. Sit on it like an ordinary waterproof outdoor picnic blanket, sit under it for warmth, or wear it like sweater.

The blanket cape’s Kickstarter page reads: “During the winter, the weather changes fast and becomes cold. We know all the people need something easy to take with them that’s convenient to use. So, we came up with the idea of the heated throw and called it V-Blanket. The product can keep up a human’s body temperature but also generate heat to help people get warm.”

The V-Blanket is a portable battery-powered heated blanket, with heating material woven in with ultra-fine carbon fibers so the wiring is imperceptible to the wearer, distributing heating evenly. This helps it stay flexible, too, so it doesn’t feel stiff when you’re wearing it or have wires that are uncomfortable to sit on. Turn on any of its three adjustable heating zones with the press of a button, and enjoy a toasty 85-degree blanket in just 30 seconds.

The interior is lined with cotton twill to trap the heat, and the exterior is 100-percent waterproof, so you can rely on it even in rain or snow. A built-in USB port allows you to keep your devices charged, and there are even two LED lights built into the chest and back of the cape, either for visibility while cycling or walking after dark, or for reading and completing tasks without needing a separate flashlight.

The V-Blanket’s creators add: “Unlike traditional heated blankets, which are notorious for bulky components and tangling cords, V-Blanket works at a non-hazardous 5V low voltage that can be powered by any type of USB external battery pack. It also has a built-in female USB-A connector to charge your mobile device while keeping you warm and cozy. It is ideal for outdoor sporting events, untethered use on the couch, or chilly airplane cabins.”

“V-Blanket is incredibly lightweight and packable. It measures 54.5 x 38.5 inches when laid flat and weighs just 1.5 pounds. It compresses into a stuffed pack that measures 14.8 x 7.9 inches. With V-Blanket, you are always prepared for unexpected weather on vacations and holidays. V-Blanket is both machine and hand-washable, so you can just throw it in the washer with no worries. It can also be spin-dried at a low temperature.”

The V-Blanket is available in khaki, purple, or green. For an extra $10, you can add on a pretty nice feature: making the hood heated, too. You can learn more and pre-order one for yourself at Kickstarter.

The post Move Over, Snuggie: the Heated Convertible V-Blanket Cape is Here first appeared on Dornob.

Technological advancements mean there is no longer a direct correlation between the size of an object and the function it can provide. The HUNT23 is out to prove precisely that with what could be defined as the world’s tiniest, coolest multipurpose flashlight.

The HUNT23 gives you the power to see your way through the dark, make basic repairs, and open cans and bottles wherever you might find yourself. The goal was to convert what could have been just another micro flashlight into something more valuable, which for the creators meant packing as much function into the tiny unit as possible. That makes it perfect for a coin purse on date night, or even your pocket on a backpacking trip. The built-in pry bar works as a screwdriver, box knife, can tab puller, bottle opener, and tool for scratching off that winning lottery ticket. And those are just a few of the HUNT23’s 14 total functions.

Of course, there are myriad multipurpose tools on the market, so you might be wondering what it is that makes this one so special. The answer is size. The HUNT23 is very small (tiny actually) and lightweight, making it easier to carry than most other multi-tools. With EDC (everyday carry) in mind, the team wanted to make sure the flashlight could be with you whenever you needed it. The design even eliminates the fear of losing your little companion with a nifty keychain clip for easy transport and retrieval. Alternatively, you can hook it on your sweatshirt or jacket zipper during your early morning run, or wear it as a necklace on a chain.

What exactly do we mean by tiny? The body is a mere 12.5 millimeters long, while the width is 11.5 millimeters. For a visual measurement, that’s about half the length of a regular house key. The multipurpose pry bar tip is just three millimeters wide — perfect when you need to remove the lid from a paint or hot cocoa can. Better yet, the HUNT23 is one multi-use tool that won’t get confiscated at the airport.

The flashlight is touted as one of the brightest lights compared to anything else its size currently on the market. In addition to boasting a bright white light, the HUNT23 has also been equipped with a UV light to illuminate things that might otherwise be hidden. The 100-lumen lightbulb can stream for up to 50,000 hours, powered by three common watch-type batteries that last around 60 hours each before they need replacing. That’s a lot of flashlight time.

While versatility, a compact design, and convenience are all important factors, the HUNT23 is also made from durable grade 5 titanium for long-lasting performance. The metal isn’t the only aspect of it’s durability, either, as it comes with a case that’s both water and fireproof. Put all that together, and it’s kind of indestructible.

Currently a fully-funded Kickstarter campaign, the HUNT23 reached its $6,146 goal in its first six hours online. Today, pledges continue to roll in in support of the unique and versatile design. The campaign ends October 26th, with initial shipments expected to arrive in late November.

The post HUNT23 Flashlight Multi-Tool Sets a New Standard for Small Package Performance first appeared on Dornob.

That design won Time’s Best Inventions of 2018 award, Wired’s Gear of the Year prize, and even a victory at Fast Company’s Innovation by Design awards. And that was just the beginning for Vollebak.

The Butterfly Effect

In August 2018, Vollebak introduced the Blue Morpho Jacket. Its design was motivated by none other than the amazing shimmering wings of the Blue Morpho butterfly, which are covered with infinitesimal scales that reflect light to create an iridescent blue that continually changes color. The intensity of the hues makes the butterflies extremely visible — even to pilots flying a good half mile above the rainforest.

To mimic this natural phenomenon, the brothers covered the surface of their ski/snowboard jacket with 2 billion extremely reflective microscopic blue glass spheres, with a whopping 40,000 spheres in each square centimeter.

In passive light, the jacket appears to be a basic blue color. When it’s exposed to bright light, the glow passes through the curved surface of the glass spheres, reflecting directly back to the original light source and making the whole thing light up. The jacket’s surface can also change from flat matte blue to an intense Herculean blue in a nanosecond.

When a skier descends a slope, the jacket makes them appear to be warping and shifting. If the jacket is photographed with a flash in bright daylight, the image will appear as a liquid blue metal blur, with the face and body of the person wearing it disappearing completely.

Up Next: The Black Squid Jacket

In 2019, Vollebak introduced the Black Squid Jacket. Based on the qualities of actual squid skin, this 100-percent waterproof jacket replicates the camouflage effects of the underwater critter. This time, the 2-billion-plus microscopic glass orbs are embedded in resin on the exterior of the jacket. In simple daylight, it looks like a metal-infused oil slick. When exposed to intense light, the fabric reflects every color in the spectrum.

Steve Tidball explains: “The black squid jacket focuses on replicating the elements of squid skin that make it hyper-visible. While the squid uses microscopic plate-like structures on the surface of its skin to change color, our jacket uses disruptively-structured microscopic glass spheres.” This requires not only the glass spheres, but also three layers of fabric and resin.

Vollebak has many more designs in the works that will no doubt rock the sports gear world all over again. Be sure to check in with us for more exciting developments from this shining startup company.

The post Vollebak Shines With Colorful New Sports Jackets first appeared on Dornob.

Modular tents aren’t entirely new, but they’re typically designed for large-scale use, essentially creating connected mini-cities of generously-sized models. What if you just want the ability to easily control the size of your own tent by adding or removing small sections? Ideally, you could go from a solo backpacker-sized shelter for one to a virtually unlimited party tent within a matter of minutes.

That dream just became a reality with the RhinoWolf 2.0, an “all-in-one attachable super-tent” that fits all your basic outdoor sleeping essentials into one compact package. Not only is it modular, allowing you to connect as many individual units as you like into one big “tentipede,” but it also features a built-in air mattress and down sleeping bag.

As you might guess from the name, the RhinoWolf 2.0 is an improvement upon an earlier design. The original RhinoWolf debuted in 2017 and offers most of the same components, but the new version adds a “roll and lock” feature that makes the seam between individual modules more resistant to rain, wind, and sun. Two additional air vents improve air flow, and the new and improved ergonomic one-pole design makes it faster and easier to set up, which is a definite plus.

To get started, you just unpack and unroll the modular tent, thread the single pole through the loops, secure the pegs, and inflate the lightweight, supportive polyester air mattress, which comes with its own innovative fabric “pump sack” that folds up into practically nothing when it’s not in use.

The built-in sleeping bags zip right into the bottom of the tent to create a snug pocket, and they’re available in either standard 150g weight made of synthetic fibers with a cold temperature limit of 59° Fahrenheit or duck down 375g weight with a cold temperature limit of 40° Fahrenheit. To top it all off, two exterior storm flaps create a shaded alcove for your gear.

The makers of RhinoWolf explain: “We didn’t just create a tent. We created an outdoor sleeping system that combines the best and most durable elements of our camping gear into one high-quality, heavy-duty, lightweight (6.2 lbs / 2.8 kg) superpack.”

“Thanks to RhinoWolf’s modular design, you can connect your RhinoWolf to your friend’s RhinoWolf, to her spouse’s Rhinowolf, to that guy’s friend’s RhinoWolf to…you get the picture. RhinoWolf 2.0 was created with the toughest and most durable of climate protective materials. And with even more integrative and customizable features, this SuperTent is totally full-spectrum.”

The RhinoWolf 2.0 recently raised over $1.1 million on crowdfunding sites Kickstarter and Indiegogo, offering pre-sales for as little as $199. That’s especially good considering the fact that the tent is expected to retail for $349 and up, depending on the options you choose, later this year. It’s available in pink, light green, or dark green, and when it’s all packed up, it weighs just 6.2 pounds.

If you’re intrigued by this idea but prefer to camp up off the ground, you’ll want to check out the triple-decker Vista tree hammock tent by Tentsile, which lets you design your own pop-up Ewok village in the woods in the form of a tiered temporary treehouse.

The post RhinoWolf 2.0: The Connectable Modular All-in-One Camping System first appeared on Dornob.

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Cue the xFyro xS2 wireless earbuds, which are both waterproof and snug-fitting. The company says you can use them in the rain and in the shower, allowing you to take your music anywhere. And of course, there won’t be any problems when you’re exercising, playing sports, or working up a sweat in general.

The xS2 is being billed as the world’s first fully waterproof earbud set, and since it’s so well sealed, it should stay relatively dust free over time, too.

The Bluetooth chip inside the earbuds lets you connect from up to 33 feet away from the source. The company has incorporated AAC audio into the design for a great listening experience that offers “an incredibly balanced sound, crisp and crystal-clear. Gone are the days when bass and treble overpowered your music.”

Like any good set of headphones, the xFyros take full advantage of noise suppression and isolation technologies, leaving you free to follow your podcast or soak in your meditation app’s soothing background music. These features also make it easier to answer phone calls and concentrate on your conversations when there’s outside chatter and chaos around. The xS2’s integrated microphone makes hands-free chatting even more of a breeze.

The earbuds also have touch controls on them, so you can adjust the volume and pause/play your music without any fuss. When you’re using them with your phone, you can accept a call with just a single tap of what’s designated as your “primary” earbud. You end your call the same way, and if you need to call back, all you’ll have to do is double click to redial.

If you want to contact your virtual assistant, fear not: the xFyros earbuds are compatible with both Apple and Android operating systems, and they can connect to both Siri and Google Home.

You may be wondering how you power up the earbuds. Each set comes with its own high-speed charging case, and as soon as you put it inside, it automatically starts charging. The earbuds run on a lithium polymer battery that gives you up to five hours of continuous audio on a full charge — perfect for a long flight or road trip. If you need a quick boost, you’ll find that a 30-minute charge will buy you an extra three hours (it takes two hours to fully charge the earbuds, though).

We also love the fact that you can use the charging case as a power bank and charge your phone via a built-in USB port if you run out of juice while you’re out and about. The charging case itself can give you enough power to play music for 20 to 30 hours before it has to be recharged.

As if all of these features weren’t enough, it has to be said that these waterproof wireless earbuds look great, too. They’re made from premium aluminum, adorned with a classy brushed finish, and designed for extreme durability.

The post xFyro: The World’s First Wireless Waterproof Earbuds first appeared on Dornob.

Practicality and elegance redefined — That’s how CRESTS premium-grade carbon fiber luggage is being advertised to its eager audiences. The highly anticipated product has made a breakthrough as the first of its kind to combine style, superior strength, and advanced technology in a single compact, mobile compartment.

Built from the same materials used in airplanes and super cars, the strength and lightness of the CRESTS luggage carrier are some of its biggest advantages. Just think of it as the Iron Man of suitcases. Unlike other commonly used suitcase materials like ABS and polycarbonate, CRESTS’ carbon fiber won’t crush or crumple unless it’s put up against the unlikely force of 330 pounds. This level of durability means that your belongings are in good, protective hands, significantly easing your post-trip stresses.

Conceived of by co-founders Marc Steeb and John Philips back in 2014, CRESTS is expected to go into production by March 2018.

What Features Does It Have?

The interior of the luggage has been designed specifically for work and short-term travel: breaks or weekend trips that would only require carry-on luggage. The rear sleeve can snugly house a standard laptop while a second sleeve takes care of your iPad/tablet, documents, and other electronic devices. Plus, the case’s frontmost section has some handy placement holders for all your go-to equipment such as your passport, business cards, wallet, pens, etc. — all of which can be reached without even having to lay the suitcase down.

Each CRESTS case also includes a fixed pull-along handle with a built-in self-weigh feature, telescopic handles (no mechanisms that could break), a TSA lock override, a black waterproof carbon fiber body, polyurethane wheels, a pressure equalizing valve, positionable hinges, and structural reinforcing ribs for extra support.

Now for the fun part: the smart features! The CRESTS’ built-in GPS tracking, alarms, lighting, and remote digital lock are sure to prove its unmatchable and revolutionary design to any skeptics out there. If all that isn’t enough for you, you’ll be happy to hear that CRESTS cases also boast Bluetooth capabilities, an LED display, a touch-sensitive controller, USB ports for charging, a G-force sensor, and a temperature gauge.

The G-force sensor can be read using an accompanying smart phone app, which incredibly tells you exactly the amount of damage caused to the luggage so you can be aware of any mistreatment or aggressive manhandling that might be going on at the airport!

The suitcase measures 22 inches tall, nine inches deep, and 14 inches wide. It can hold up to 32 liters in volume and weighs a mere seven-and-a-half pounds, making it the only carry-on you’ll ever need.

Where Can I Get My Hands on One?

CRESTS is currently offering early-bird specials on its Kickstarter page, and if you’re able to pledge $499 toward its production, you’ll receive a fully-fledged case at over 65 percent off its market price. These cases are estimated to ship sometime around June 2018.

Be prepared to not only get checked out by TSA at the airport, but also to be marveled at by some envious travelers!

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Code 10’s bags are designed to thwart assailants, of both the weather and the thieving kind. If you’re a commuter or frequent traveler, we bet you’ve encountered both.

The backpacks are waterproof, so your belongings will stay safe and dry if the tide comes in while you’re out surfing, and they are perfect for wearing on your back as you cycle home from work in a sudden downpour.

The secret to the waterproofing is that the backpacks are made from TPU-coated nylon fabric. TPU is known for its “outstanding toughness and durability,” says the American Chemical Council, and we know that’s what we’re looking for in a backpack. Often luggage leaks at the seams, but the Code 10 bag has special welded seams to keep it watertight.

And if you’re worried about opportunistic thieves, you can relax. Your Code 10 pack has a special roll top, and a pickpocket can’t reach the zipper to access the bag’s main compartment while you’re wearing it.

Another security bonus: You can lock the bag to a bench or railing so it can’t be snatched when you’re checking your phone or running into a store to pick up a quick coffee. Or, napping between flights in the airport (apparently some people can actually do that).

The anti-theft feature involves an integrated steel wire and combination lock system, and it works for on-the-go locking and also the lock-to-a-bench option. After you zip the bag shut, simply hook the zipper loop over the buckles. “A hidden padlock can then be taken out of the back panel and used to lock the buckles together and ensure that the zip can’t be opened,” explain the designers.

Sadly the inventors, Hong Kong-based product designers Charles Kelly and Chris Stammbach, have first-hand experience with both theft and water damage. Earlier this year, on a trip to Bali, Chris’s money was stolen while he was surfing, and Charlie’s laptop was damaged while he drove a scooter in the rain. Bad for them, but the rest of us will reap the benefits with the lesson-learned features of their Code 10 backpack.

While safety and waterproofing are key features, the Code 10 has plenty of other clever additions. Take the smart pockets, for example. There’s a useful shoulder-strap card pocket for stashing your travel documents or passes, and you can put your phone or other valuables in a secure hidden back pocket. Again, thoughtful features from experienced travelers.

Many of us travel with a tablet or laptop, and the Code 10 backpacks have a lightweight tech sleeve you can attach inside that will fit a laptop (up to 15 inches), and there’s room for a phone, hard drive, charger and those inevitable cables we all carry, too.

As for comfort, there are mesh panels on the back to keep you cool, the shoulder straps are padded and there’s a chest strap. An outside water bottle pocket lets you keep hydrated on your travels.

The Code 10 backpack has been crowdfunded successfully and can be bought on Kickstarter now for a December delivery.

The post Code 10: Waterproof, Lockable, Versatile Backpacks first appeared on Dornob.