Parking lots are already full of concrete or rubber parking blocks that keep cars from pulling up too far and bumping into each other. The Watt (Wireless Advanced Transportation Charging Tile) concept simply switches them out with a T-shaped wireless charging pad that extends under the front of the vehicle, adding a second function.

What’s even more brilliant about this idea is the fact that it addresses another common complaint of EV drivers: the way electric cars discharge their batteries while they’re parked in colder areas, just like the lithium-ion batteries in our smartphones tend to do. With Watt, the car receives a steady stream of power throughout the time it’s parked, keeping it fully topped off.

Designers Cheolhee Lee, Na Gyeong Lee, Junsik Oh, and Kyoung-Seo Park have also created an accompanying app that lets you turn off the charging if you want, check on its progress, pay, view your charging history, or find Watt stations in the first place. The app also initiates the charging cycle as soon as you park the car, so no worries about remembering to tap anything before you get out.

Currently, electric car drivers have to hunt down charging stations and manually plug in their cars. If the stations are all full, they might have to hover nearby and wait for someone to leave. Soon, that problem will be exacerbated as more people choose EVs over standard gas-powered cars. To make matters worse, existing charging stations are bulky, expensive, and easily vandalized. Clearly, new solutions will be needed to quickly expand the availability of chargers while also making them more affordable, and Watt is a great entry into that collection of innovations.

The fact that it saves space is a big plus, and it’s easy to implement, though obviously each one will have to be connected to a main hub that supplies the electricity. That part of the equation is left for future consideration.

New forms of EV chargers are definitely on the way, including wireless innovations. Those include wireless charging pads developed by Volvo, which are being tested in Sweden, wireless parking places designed by WiTricity, magnetic induction chargers by Qualcomm, and BMW’s own inductive charging systems consisting of a “Groundpad” and a “Carpad” that work together. If you’re looking for something that’s available today for use at home, check out the Plugless Model S, which uses two aligned magnetic coils to send power to your EV over an air gap between your vehicle and its wireless charging station.

The post Watt Wireless Charger Doubles as a Parking Stopper first appeared on Dornob.

The “3G sunset” is a consequence of the faster, more efficient 4G LTE and 5G networks taking over signal bandwidth. When it debuted in 2001, 3G was a revolutionary vehicle that opened up the transmission of wireless data, including things like the use of phone apps and the integration of GPS systems into cars. After two decades, however, technology has moved on, with wireless providers needing more wavelengths to fully support their 5G resources. In fact, if all the 3G signals are not taken down, 5G won’t be as fast as it’s meant to be. So, the convenience of the less than one percent of American cell phone users (unfortunately mostly elderly and low-income) still on the antiquated network is being sacrificed for the sake of progress.

Phones

This should not be news to anyone at this point. All the major cell phone carriers have made efforts to contact all their clients still using 3G devices, in many cases even offering incentive programs to upgrade customers for little or no cost to 4G or 5G phones. And for those who want the simplicity of the earlier devices, most brands still sell flip phones or models with large buttons. Those who have old 3G devices stashed for emergencies should call and cancel those lines to avoid paying for unusable services.

If you bought a phone in the last 10 years, you most likely have 4G or 5G connectivity and the end of 3G may not seem like a big deal. However, there are actually plenty of non-phone devices that only use 3G, some of which you may never have even considered. For example, early generation iPads, Kindles, and older Chromebooks will no longer be able to connect to cellular data networks after the 3G sunset.

Auto Data Functions

One major source of frustration for many people will be the end of connectivity with their car data functions. Plenty of carmakers were still installing 3G technology even up until the beginning of 2022. The shutdown could affect everything from GPS navigation and automatic crash notifications systems to emergency buttons and remote entry features. While some auto companies are planning free upgrades, numerous brands including Chrysler, Hyundai, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota, and BMW are basically telling their customers “too bad, so sad.”

The affected vehicles extend to commercial and public fleets, as well. About 10 percent of all public school buses will lose GPS and communications services after the sunset, according to the School Superintendents Association. And many public bus systems around the country will be no longer be able to display real-time route information after the switch.

Alarm Systems

Some home security systems and medical alert devices will also lose connection after the 3G sunset. While the eventual end has been in sight for several years, the time that those companies would have spent upgrading and swapping out new equipment was taken up by a global pandemic, when people were locked down and not allowing workers into their homes, and when factories shut down and supply chains were totally disrupted. While all of the major carriers have delayed their 3G expiration dates to account for these obstacles, the odds are that many alarm companies will not be caught up before service is lost.

If you have concerns about any one of these issues, time is of the essence. Contact your phone provider, auto dealership, or alarm company to find out if your devices use 3G and what options are available to stay connected after the network gives up the ghost for good.

The post The End of 3G and What It Means for You first appeared on Dornob.

So what’s the solution? While tidying up your tech is a good place to start, there may also be another design-forward solution on the horizon — glass desktops that are able to conduct their own electricity.

This may sound like magic or even a gimmick, but thanks to Power-Tap Glass, your dreams of having a sleek glass desktop may soon be realized. Developed and created by Cohda Design and glassmaker NSG Pilkington, the new product aims to conduct electricity and data signal without any visible wires around. According to a recent article on Gizmodo, the Power-Tap (or P-Tap, as those in the know call it), is made up of multiple layers of both conductive and non-conductive glass sheets that generate electricity while still remaining transparent, all with just a single cable running from the desk’s leg that is then plugged into an easily-hidden outlet. Imagine only having to conceal one cord instead of a twisted tangle that makes your space look both unorganized and unsightly.

However, unlike your typical built-in wireless charger, you can’t simply place your phone on the desktop and expect it to charge. In order to make this uber-glass work for you, special power outlets need to be installed to deliver the juice to your devices. But with the glass essentially acting as a “big flat power cord,” these special outlets work in tandem with P-Tap’s conductive layers to transmit power to your tech without a ton of visible cords. The effect is almost like an optical illusion where your gadgets seem to hover magically over your sleek glass desktop without any visible means of power. Neat, huh?

And desktops are just the tip of the iceberg for P-Tap, as this neat technological trick could eventually be applied to other areas outside of the work space— for example, kitchen countertops. By replacing more traditional materials such as granite or tile with P-Tap, you would be able to create the ultimate kitchen of the future, where appliances would almost seem to float before your very eyes.

But you may have to wait a little while before transforming your space into a transparent tech wonderland, as P-Tap Glass isn’t currently available for public consumption. As of now, it has only been licensed to companies such as Zytronic, who hopes to start producing their own “ElectroglaZ” as early as 2022. Still, this type of smart technology is definitely worth the wait if means we can one day transform our spaces into futuristic havens where our devices seem to exist independent of pesky cords and power sources — where tech and design form a perfect union of aesthetic awesomeness.

The post Electricity Conducting Tables are the Next Big Thing in Interior Design first appeared on Dornob.

IKEA JANSJÖ LED USB Lamp

This dinky little lamp is the one-stop shop for all your minute task lighting needs. Whether it’s reading a book at night or just shedding more light on your keyboard if you’re working into the wee hours of the morning, the JANSJÖ lamp has got your back. Available at IKEA for just $4, this little light plugs directly into your computer or USB charging station, so you can take it with you wherever you may go.

Limelights Organizer Lamp

This cute lamp is perfect for both kids and adults, and it also doubles as a handy organizer for your pens and other stationary equipment. It’s bendy gooseneck design means you can direct the light to exactly where you need it, and it comes in a range of funky colors that are at once modern and retro.

Koyoo by Ingo Maurer

This lamp is heavy on design but light on hardware. Featuring a paper shade that comes in three different shapes that can be swapped out as desired, this lamp consists of little more than the small rectangular black base that houses its LED light. That light is then projected up through the shade, which is only attached to the base by a thin wire, giving the whole lamp a feeling of delicacy and lightness.

LED Egg Night Lamp

This fun nightlight is perfect for your kid’s bedroom. Its unique egg shape and range of colors will brighten up any dresser or bedside table, all the while giving kids something playful to look at as they are lulled to sleep by its diffuse light. It can also be taken on the go, ensuring that your kids are comforted by the fact that they still have their favorite nightlight with them while on vacation.

CALVINO by Davide Groppi

This exquisitely designed lamp is one for the minimalists out there. Made up of of two planar discs that sit one over the other and are separated by just a thin gold strip, this elegant lamp would suit just about any space. The circular plane at the top is mirrored and can be angled in any direction to spread light towards your desired surface. Because of its unique geometric design, it can also serve as a decorative piece when not in use.

The post Wireless USB Lamps Make Great Home Lighting Easier Than Ever first appeared on Dornob.

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.

At the time of writing, the cute new mobile 3D printer CubiBot had pledges totaling an incredible $399,901, nearly six times the original target! Clearly, the San Diego-based designers of CubiBot have struck a chord with those who not only want the innovation and excitement of 3D printing in their homes and offices, but who are also won over by the apparent simplicity that this model offers them. CubiBot was also selected as part of the “Top 50 Startups” from a pool of 6000 at Startup Grind SF.

Developed by an engineer/software designer and his father in a garage in San Diego, California, CubiBot has finally come to life after more than two years in the making. The father and son duo wanted to create a 3D printer that was accessible to all by making a safe, portable, easy-to-use and, perhaps most importantly, affordable, model that could be understood by both kids and adults.

CubiBot has an appealing design that’s retro and contemporary at the same time. As its name would suggest, it’s cubic in form, with a glazed panel at the front so you can see your projects being printed in real time. The same panel then opens so you can remove the object as soon as it’s completed. The printer has wireless connectivity and can be paired with a Mac or PC — or with an app on Android or iOS.

Currently, the CubiBot only exists as a functional prototype, which is where the Kickstarter campaign comes in. With the target money, the developers intend to make CubiBot retail ready, and it already looks like it’s in a good position to take over the market, especially when you compare its price to that of existing 3D printers. The CubiBot would retail at $299, while the MakerBot Replicator mini, a slightly larger model, would go for $1,299. The similarly-sized M3D Pro model will start at $749.

CubiBot employs a heat pad system, which ensures a smooth printing process and also boasts a self-leveling function that takes the hassle out of manually setting up the platform on which your object will print. It’s also safer than other printers thanks to a proprietory ventilation system that extracts heat from the CubiBot and prevents it from overheating during the printing process.

Simple display features let you know what stage of the printing process CubiBot is at, as well as when the ink needs to be replaced, etc. It’s compatible with a number of materials, including ABS, PLA, wood filaments, and nylon, and the company eventually aims to sell some of these materials alongside the printer itself, making life even easier for the user. The CubiBot comes in white or black casing, and its side spools are available in a range of different colors so they can best complement your home or office decor. CubiBot is ideal for families, kids looking to get school projects done, and architects and designers who want to make models in their offices.

The post CubiBot: Easy-to-Use 3D Printer for All first appeared on Dornob.

Do you love your high-tech computer but yearn for the evocative clickety-clack of an old-school typewriter? Thanks to a successful Indiegogo campaign, you’ll soon be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.

The Lofree is a mechanical keyboard capable of recreating that classic typewriter sound. To top it off, Lofree has been fitted with a set of vintage round keycaps to fit your fingertips perfectly and increase your typing accuracy. The layout may take a little getting used to, but it’s intended to make typing more intuitive and keyboards easier to navigate. The company has designed their product to be as ergonomic as possible, explaining, “After prototyping different angles of the keyboard, the 6-degree angle gives you increased stability, more comfort, and precision.”

Simply flick a switch on the side of the keyboard to connect it to your device via Bluetooth, or run a cable from your computer directly into Lofree’s easy-access micro-USB port. Since Lofree is an equal-opportunity machine, you’ll never have to worry about incompatibility. It can be paired with up to three devices at once and works perfectly with Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android. If you’re a Mac user, you’ll be happy to hear that the keyboard is compatible with every function key without requiring any setup on your part. Adjust your computer’s brightness, volume, and access your dashboard all from your Lofree keyboard.

The designers point out, “Ninety-five percent of all mechanical keyboards are made for gamers. They are bulky, wired, and full with features that you that you probably won’t use.” In an effort to make the lives of non-gamers easier, the company has stripped Lofree down to a keyboard’s most basic functions—though they’ve thrown in a few useful bonus features for good measure.

Personally, we love the fact that this retro keyboard is compatible with phones and tablets. Whether you’re traveling or writing a report over a latte in the coffee shop, Lofree will make it much easier to write anywhere. We’re also big fans of the bluetooth keyboard’s convenient backlighting, which is ideal for night-typing. The keyboard’s battery only takes five hours to fully charge and will last for an astounding six months or so if you don’t use the backlighting and for a week or two if you do: that’s four times the battery capacity of most other keyboards on the market. Plus, Lofree’s auto-sleep function will help you squeeze even more life out of each charge.

Upon its release, Lofree will be available in pure white, turquoise blue, and sandstone black. Every keyboard will have black keys, but the company promises to explore more color options further down the road. The design team has also expressed interest in developing different key layouts for countries that are accustomed to other formats.

The keyboard’s typewriter sounds are created by a series of internal Gateron Blue switches. We reckon Lofree will appeal to both the people who fondly remember their old typewriters and the younger generations who love retro products that incorporate modern-day function and comfort. As its designers say, Lofree is “nostalgia in a modern coat.” You can’t beat that.

The post High-Tech Keyboard With a Retro Twist first appeared on Dornob.

Innomdle Lab, an official spin-off of Samsung Electronics, has developed the technology to relay a phone call through your fingertip and into your ear, no visible phone—and no harmful ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves, the company promises—required. Sgnl is now in production thanks to an enthusiastic response to its Indiegogo campaign and is expected to start shipping in August.

Sgnl connects to your phone via Bluetooth and “generates vibration through its Body Conduction Unit (BCU), which transmits the vibration through the user’s hand to their fingertip,” explain its developers. “As transmission is made through vibrations, there is no risk of harm to the human body. When users place their fingertip to their ear, the vibration echoes to create amplified sound within the closed space of their ear and they can speak through the microphone embedded in the Sgnl strap.”

The “strap” in question is a smartband that can be worn by itself or attached to your old watch. It’s compatible with classic and smartwatches alike and comes in a variety of colors. As the company says, “Make your classic watch a hybrid, or make your smartwatch smarter!”

So what are the benefits of the Sgnl system? According to the tech team, “Sgnl can transform the user’s classic watch into a hybrid smart watch, providing it with Fingertip Communication, Fitness tracker, and Smart Alert features.” Current smartwatch wearers, on the other hand, will be able to enjoy an added sense of privacy: “Users can have complete call privacy through fingertip communication, instead of having to speak through the speaker phone.” Of course, the device is also equipped with several benefits that everyone will be able to appreciate. For instance, all Sgnl owners will be able to answer calls simply by tapping the band and lifting a finger to their ear, rather than having to rifle through their bag or pockets for the actual phone. This feature will especially come in handy for runners and cyclists.

Using Sgnl, you’ll be able to hear your phone conversations anywhere, even in the noisiest of places. Your “phone” finger will block out everything but the voice you’re listening to. When it’s your turn to speak, a microphone inside the strap will pick up your voice and relay it back to the caller. When you’re not on the phone, Sgnl’s companion app will send notifications to the band to remind you when you haven’t called your parents in a while (you’re welcome, Mom) and when you receive texts, emails, and other communications. The app also allows Sgnl to monitor your health and activity. The system takes note of all of your exercises and uses a built-in pedometer to keep track of all of your daily movement. If you’re ever feeling lazy, just pull up the app and take a look at your fitness stats for the day. Your subsequent guilt will be more than enough to inspire a quick workout!

Convenience and an accountability monitor combined in one nifty wristband. What more could you ask for?

The post Sgnl: Phone Calls Through Your Fingertip first appeared on Dornob.

Finding the right pair of earphones can be such a headache, literally. Headphones are notoriously uncomfortable, presenting a constant ergonomic challenge for industrial designers to overcome. In-ear, over-ear, wrap-around, clip-on, the list is endless. However, Australian gadget gurus Dog & Bone have tackled the issue head-on and released a new addition to their range of smart accessories for mobile devices: Bluetooth custom earbuds. The product was launched at this year’s CES electronics and technology trade show in Las Vegas, which took place between January 5 and 8 2017.

Aptly named “Earmade,” these wireless headphones mold to the user’s ear by using a heated dock, personalizing them for maximum comfort. They are attached by a USB cable to the dock, which softens the moldable component of the earbud over the course of two minutes, allowing it to nestle easily into the user’s ear and then quickly set to a proper shape. Maria Ranchod, co-founder of Dog & Bone, says, “Designing comfortable earbuds that fit each and every consumer can be a difficult feat, but we’ve succeeded by utilizing a heating dock that makes for a safe and streamlined process that is so simple, my 8 year old could create earbuds on her own. By custom molding the earbuds, we achieve the exact fit, allowing us to deliver premium sound isolation.”

These audio pieces are the latest in the trend of wearable tech, which was high on the list at the CES consumer conference. Smart watches, rings and even dog collars were debuted at the trade exhibition, and Bluetooth is becoming ever more present in the audio market.

Headphones utilizing this wireless technology are continuing to grow in popularity due to the freedom of movement they give to the user and, particularly in this case, because of their stylish design. Earmade offers a neat alternative to bulky, over-ear headphones which can be difficult to store while you’re on the go and are often prone to damage. They will be available in black, orange, and white, and the inserts can be removed and replaced so your earbuds will continue to last even after heavy usage. Dog & Bone have also designed them specifically to be both water- and sweat-resistant, making them ideal for use outdoors or while doing exercise. The earbuds slip comfortably over the user’s ears and are attached around the back of the neck with a waterproof cable.

On top everything else, they are powered by an 80mAh battery that lasts for up to six hours and is easily recharged using a micro USB. There’s no need to worry about whether they will be cumbersome to use with your specific phone either. Earmade is X5 rated, compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and control operated to play, pause or answer a call while in use. The box set includes the earbuds with the remote, two sets of moldable inserts, a micro USB for USB ports, the heating dock, and a soft carrying case and will retail for $159.99.

Earmade are patent-pending, but the product’s pioneering customizable technology eschews the “one-size-fits-all” solution, and coupled with Bluetooth, could be a definitive answer to the headphone headaches of the past

The post Dog and Bone Earbuds Customize Comfort first appeared on Dornob.

Kitchen gadgets don’t have to be made of cheap plastic or easily-dirtied metal. There exists a very attractive balance in the GK Series from Thingk. Their sophisticated wooden kitchen tools are smart, smooth, and multi-functional.

The CLOGK is a cylinder with a slanted top that looks a bit like a wooden paperweight. But touch its sides and it lights up to become a clock or a kitchen timer.

The GKILO looks just like a wooden cutting board, but it too has hidden functionality. When it lies on one side it acts as a clock, and when it is turned onto its other side it is a kitchen scale. (We would likely still be tempted to use it as a cutting board, but that probably isn’t recommended.)

These kitchen gadgets are simple in appearance, but there’s a lot going on inside. They connect to an app that helps you as you cook; if you weigh a piece of food on the GKILO and indicate what type of food it is on your smartphone, the app will recommend the appropriate cooking time. The app will then set the CLOGK’s timer so all you have to worry about is the seasoning.

As all of our home items grow smarter and more connected, it seems that at some point everything will have multiple functions. One of those functions, of course, will be connecting to your smartphone and to one another, making the entire household work smoother and more efficiently.

From the creators:

“GKILO is a dual clock and kitchen scale. Resting on one side, the LED numbers act as a scale, displaying  the weight of any objects placed on it. Flip the GKILO over, and the lights will display the current time. Using simple hand motions, users can easily reset the scale or adjust the time. In stand-by mode the object can be used as paperweight or shelf.  
CLOGK is a modern take on the everyday clock. At rest, the CLOGK acts as an eye catching and modern  decorative piece or paperweight. When activated by touch, the wood-like CLOGK displays an analog clock or  cooking timer.  “

“Each Thingk product is developed to be Wireless ready, and in case of great success we are thinking to a stretch goal to supply the wireless module built-in in our products. Moreover, our objects are open-hardware products, so you can wait our add-on or you can make your own wireless add-on, basing on our project.  “

The post Wood Gadgets Come to Life With a Touch first appeared on Dornob.

Ask yourself: what does a digital camera actually need to do? Really, it comes down to a device with a lens, a means of activating it and perhaps an on/off button for downtime between shoots – and perhaps one so portable and integrated that it really can capture candid shots around your friends and family this holiday season.

Hence, the ultra-simple Air Clicker bluetooth camera concept by Yeon Su Kim, which requires only a pair of silicone rings that wrap a pair of your fingers. That makes it easy to (literally) keep on hand, and thus quick to deploy when the moment is right.

How does it work? A graphic provided by the designer reads: “‘Air Clicker’ is a bluetooth-enabled device being connected with a smartphone. The pictures you took will be saved in your smart phone at once. So you can check it later and also see the scene or video which is filming now. This camera consists of 2 modules. One is for a thumb and the other is for a forefinger. You wear a camera on your thumb and the shutter button on your forefinger. In the forefinger band, there is the tension-sensor which can recognize if the finger is bent or not. When you bend a finger like pressing a shutter, it sense the tension and take photos.”

The camera portion on the thumb recognizes the relative position of the other elongated finger ring, sensing whether it is at rest or in a bent position indicating an intended click – if the latter, it takes a picture and send it wirelessly to your local mobile device. Alas, yes, still only a prototype. But with both bluetooth and motion sensor technology on the rise, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before a concept like this becomes a reality.

The post Almost Invisible “Air” Camera first appeared on Dornob.

Ever miss that feeling of the vintage phone handset that fit comfortably in your hand, was easy to listen through and talk into and even brace on your shoulder for longer conversations? ThinkGeek.com has brought this classic back in a creative way that might be right up your alley.

This clever Bluetooth version connects easily and wirelessly to any supported device. Outside of the small blue light on the base the look and feel of the phone is that of a classic hand-held one you would pick up and put down in a cradle – only this one has a thirty-foot range.

For those seeking even more authenticity in their retro handset, they also have a recharging USB plug-in with the classic-looking spiral cord we all used to twittle in our fingers and twirl around our hands. All that is missing is the clunky place to put the thing down – but really, we can make do without.

The post Retro Wireless Phone Handset Looks Like a Land Line first appeared on Dornob.