automotive-inspired timepiece designs in our designboom picks

Ahead of the Watches and Wonders 2025, designboom picks seven automotive-inspired timepiece designs. They borrow the look from a range of automobile parts, be it from the spokes or the speedometers and gauges on the dashboard. The screws, lids, and cogs around the engines become a well of design inspirations too for these automotive-inspired timepiece designs. They appear as parts of the watches’ dials. At times, viewers can even see them through the transparent glass on both ends of the accessories. Below, we explore these seven modess before the Watches and Wonders 2025 begins, which runs between Apr 1st and 7th in Geneva, Switzerland.

pininfarina Sintesi ‘hybrid’ Smartwatch

The Pininfarina Sintesi Smartwatch draws inspiration from the dual gauge on the dashboard. It features a 316L stainless steel case and bezel, a single pane of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, and an interchangeable leather strap. The automotive-inspired timepiece design has advanced sensors to track vital health metrics, including sleep patterns and fitness data. There’s a companion app, compatible with Android and iOS, that records and analyzes health data. It also allows the wearer to monitor their health as the watch detects changes in their well-being.

Pininfarina Sintesi Smartwatch | image courtesy of Pininfarina

Diesel Chronograph Quartz Watch

The four timekeeping functions of the Diesel Chronograph Quartz watch recall the speedometers and gauges at the driver’s view. The automotive-inspired timepiece design features a stainless steel case and a leather strap with an adjustable buckle closure. It comes with an analog display with three hands, a chronograph with three sub-dials and a date display, a digital display, another analog display with a minute track, and a two-hand analog display. The structured dial enhances readability, while the quartz movement ensures precise timekeeping across all displays. The watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters, providing durability for daily wear.

Diesel Chronograph Quartz Watch | image courtesy of Diesel

TIME100 Chronograph, Multifunctional Watch

A sports-car look is what the TIME100 Chronograph, Multifunctional Watch goes for. It has a skeleton tonneau case and a square face for a modern, industrial aesthetic. The adjustable silicone strap helps with a comfortable fit, as well. The automotive-inspired timepiece design includes sub-dials for chronograph and calendar functions. The luminous hands and markers are for visibility in low-light conditions. The watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters, suitable for light splashes and everyday wear. The large punk-inspired style and structured details give it a distinctive, edgy look.

TIME100 Chronograph, Multifunctional Watch | image courtesy of TIME100

FORSINING Skeleton Watch with Triangular Dial

The standout look of the FORSINING Skeleton Watch is its triangular shield dial, which resembles a car manufacturer’s logo or emblem. The automotive-inspired timepiece design comes with a gold lining around the case, and the dial showcases the inner workings of the accessory. Then, the timepiece comes with an automatic self-winding mechanical movement. It then operates without a battery. Its luminous hands and dial markers make them visible in low-light conditions. The retro-inspired design recall the look of automobiles in the past.

FORSINING Skeleton Watch | image courtesy of FORSINING

OLEVS Skeleton Quartz Racing Car Watch

With the OLEVS Skeleton Quartz Racing Car watch, sports car wheels become the design inspiration. The spokes appear on the automotive-inspired timepiece design’s dial, complete with brake pads and calipers. When worn, the dial rotates like a spinning wheel and just like a car tire. The stainless steel bracelet offers durability with scratch and wear resistance. There’s also a hidden single-folding clasp for added security, while an included watch setter allows for easy strap adjustment. With a 3ATM water resistance rating, the watch can withstand daily splashes and rain.

OLEVS Skeleton Quartz Racing Car Watch | image courtesy of OLEVS

Maserati Watch Potenza Collection

The Maserati Limited Edition watch from the POTENZA collection has a 42 mm rose gold stainless steel case. Then, the natural black leather strap with a pin buckle ensures a comfortable fit. The black dial, protected by mineral glass, flaunts the Maserati logo engraved on the lug and the Trident emblem at the center. Powered by a quartz movement, the automotive-inspired timepiece design includes time and date functions and is water-resistant up to 10 ATM. The POTENZA collection includes models with both quartz and automatic movements, available in 42 mm and 45 mm cases. Strap options range from punched leather with contrasting stitching to steel bracelets and rubber bands.

Maserati Watch Potenza Collection | image courtesy of Maserati

CIGA Design Automatic Mechanical Watch

The transparent casing of the CIGA Design C watch lets the wearer see every component of its mechanical movement from front to back. The automotive-inspired timepiece design recalls the wheels and cogs of cars and their parts. The accessory is constructed from 316L marine-grade stainless steel and comes with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its movement is supported by flexible inserts instead of traditional fixings for shock absorption. It has a 40-hour power reserve, a 19-jewel automatic caliber, and a movement frequency of 21,600 beats per hour.

CIGA Design Automatic Mechanical Watch | image courtesy of CIGA Design

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community.

The post designboom picks 7 automotive-inspired timepiece designs before watches & wonders 2025 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

SERIES OF HIGH-TECH TOYS FOR GROWN-UPS

High-tech toys these days aren’t just for children, but grown-ups, too. They combine technology with intuitive designs to make the experience more interactive and engaging. Some of these toys can challenge the grown-ups technical skills and bits of their patience, at least with building the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set. For others, they momentarily take the users away from reality and into the mixed reality, like the Meta Quest 3. There’s a rise in the next generation of high-tech toys for grown-ups, and our list explores their design features and capabilities.

XREAL ONE SMART AR GLASSES

The XREAL One is a high-tech pair of smart glasses slash toy for grown-ups, powered by the advanced X1 Chip. It plays clear visuals without lag. The glasses create a large virtual screen, up to 147 inches, so the grown-ups can enjoy movies, games, or work in a bigger field of view. The display stays sharp and stable without flickering or blurring. The glasses have built-in speakers, tuned by Bose engineers. The XREAL One connects easily to many devices, including iPhones, iPads, Android phones, gaming consoles, and computers, without needing extra apps or adapters.

XREAL One smart AR Glasses | image courtesy of XREAL

3D PRINTING pen SCRIB3D P1

Next up in the list of next-gen toys for grown-ups is the SCRIB3D P1. It’s a printing pen that lets the grownups draw and create in 3D. The smart device features adjustable speed for precise control, whether working on detailed designs or larger fills. It comes with a kit, which includes three colors of PLA filament, a power adapter, and a guide to get started. The 3D printing pen is safe and beginner-friendly. It even has an auto-sleep function, an anti-clogging design, and simple controls. The device works with both PLA and ABS filament.

SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen | image courtesy of SCRIB3D

OTAMATONE PORTABLE SYNTHESIZER

The Japanese musical toy Otamatone is a portable synthesizer for grown-ups and children. Users play it by sliding their fingers along the stem. By doing so, they also change the pitch. They can squeeze the cheeks for a vibrato effect. The musical toy for grown-ups has different pitch levels that users can play with. The device is lightweight and portable, and it’s also suitable for home, outdoor gatherings, or campfire singalongs. Three AAA batteries power the device, and it’s compact and travel-friendly enough for users to bring anywhere.

Otamatone | image courtesy of Otamatone

MCLAREN P1 SUPERCAR LEGO SET

The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set lets grown-ups create a detailed 1:8 scale model of the iconic supercar. The toy kit features a seven-speed gearbox, opening doors, an adjustable rear wing, and a V8 piston engine. There’s a unique serial number tile that provides access to exclusive online content. Then, the grown-ups can download the LEGO Builder app for 3D instructions on how to construct the next-gen toy. The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set is designed for both supercar enthusiasts and LEGO fans.

LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set | image courtesy of LEGO

META QUEST 3 MIXED REALITY HEADSET

The Meta Quest 3 features a slim, wireless design that includes a 4K+ Infinite Display. As a high-tech toy for grown-ups, it comes with two displays, each with a resolution of 2064×2208. It has Meta’s Infinite Display optical stack, which expands the field of view. The headset supports mixed reality, so digital objects can be integrated into physical environments. Users can navigate using hand tracking for gesture-based interactions. If not, they can use the Touch Plus controllers, which provide haptic feedback for precision control.

Meta Quest 3 | image courtesy of Meta

LENOVO LEGION GO S 

Lenovo unveils the Legion Go S as a handheld gaming device and high-tech toy for grown-ups. It comes with AMD RDNA 2 graphics, which allow the device to operate fast, have a long battery life, and project vivid visuals when playing games. There are ergonomic Legion TrueStrike controllers included. Then, the 8-inch WUXGA display provides a 37 percent larger viewing area than standard handheld gaming devices. The screen has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio for wider view. The device is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and Z2 Go chips.

Lenovo Legion Go S | image courtesy of Lenovo

NEX PLAYGROUND

There’s another high-tech toy for grown-ups, and it’s the Nex Playground. It’s a motion-tracking gaming console designed for interactive play. The boxy device features a sleek, compact design that easily connects to any TV or projector via HDMI. There’s a built-in wide-angle camera that uses AI-powered motion tracking. In this way, players don’t need controllers or wearables to play it; they just need their bodies. Up to four players can join at once, and its lightweight design allows for portability. It’s also small enough to fit into any home setup or travel bag. 

Nex Playground | image courtesy of Nex Playground

POWERUP 4.0 PAPER PLANE

The POWERUP 4.0 transforms paper airplanes into smartphone-controlled flying machines. Its lightweight Bluetooth module attaches to paper, foam, or balsa wood models. It allows for precise control and high-speed tricks. The high-tech toy for grown-ups has Acro Mode for loops and rolls. It also includes a built-in stabilizer for windy conditions. There’s a companion app that allows for real-time control, flight logging, and competitive challenges. A quick 30-minute charge provides 10 minutes of flight, with a range of up to 230 feet. Built with a carbon fiber body and reinforced motor mount, it is durable and includes a self-landing feature for out-of-range flights.

POWERUP 4.0 | image courtesy of POWERUP

ROBOT COMPANION EILIK

Meet Eilik, a robot companion designed as a high-tech toy for users of all ages, including grown-ups. It flashes different emotions and expressions. When users touch its head, belly, or back, it responds with animations. Each area triggers different reactions. Eilik can interact with other robots of its kind. It chats, plays, and engages with them in friendly arguments. Users need to update its firmware, so they can get the new features and mini-games.

Eilik robot companion | image courtesy of Eilik

GOCUBE WITH BLUETOOTH CAPABILITIES

Grown-ups looking for high-tech toys with a nostalgic twist can appreciate GoCube. It’s a speed cube that has Bluetooth capabilities. Users connect it to a companion app. Then, they can use the cube to compete with other online, play games, and even learn from interactive lessons. The design of GoCube is for all skill levels. There’s a step-by-step tutorial to help beginners master it and the different games. The device tracks the users’ progress and mistakes, allowing real-time feedback. GoCube says the device promotes problem-solving, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination through educational mini-games.

GoCube | image courtesy of GoCube

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community.

The post 10 next-gen toys for grown-ups, from meta’s mixed-reality headset to lenovo’s gaming device appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

new smartphone designs ahead of MWC 2025

Ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, which runs between March 3rd and 6th, we look back at the recent smartphone designs that have added even more modern features. Some of the models have liquid metal thermal conductivity as well as an active fan to keep the devices from overheating. 

These personal gadgets have multiple foldable screens too, allowing users to choose between single- and double-display modes. There’s also a retractable camera, just like in the old days, and a series of backlights that blink for every notification received. These features may show up during the MWC 2025 in Barcelona, even further upgrades for the modern users. In the meantime, we explore these new smartphone designs before the MWC 2025 begins.

NOTHING PHONE 2A PLUS

The Glyph lights behind the Nothing Phone 2a Plus blink in patterns whenever the user receives notifications. The brand says that all preset Nothing ringtones and notification sound effects have their own special design Glyph patterns. The way the light flashes also follows the rhythm of the phone’s vibrations and sound effects. The brand also says that they use a combination of nanocoating, multi-layer printing techniques, and coating materials to unearth the ‘metallic’ look of the device, features that can come up during MWC 2025.

Nothing Phone 2a Plus | image courtesy of Nothing

APPLE IPHONE 16E

Apple releases the iPhone 16e with an action button that can unlock and lock cars, identify objects, and even translate and transcribe recordings on site. Ahead of the MWC 2025, part of its modern smartphone designs is the 2-in-1 camera system. This means that the 2x Telephoto lens is integrated into its 48MP one. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology also has an edge-to-edge design. This feature is ideal for when the user watches HDR videos, plays games, and reads on their device outdoors.

Apple iPhone 16e | image courtesy of Apple

GOOGLE PIXEL 9 FOLD

Google says that for the Pixel 9 Fold, the design team reinvents the hinge. It’s now fluid friction, made of multi-alloy steel with an aluminum alloy-covered hinge. It snaps shut and opens fully flat with a snap, too. Unlike the foldable modern smartphone designs, the Google Pixel 9 Fold expands horizontally. It has a 6.3-inch display size when used in single-screen mode and an 8-inch screen when unfolded. The design team, who will be presenting at MWC 2025, also creates a double-stacked camera bar positioned in the top left corner.

Google Pixel 9 Fold | image courtesy of Google

MOTOROLA RAZR 50 ultra

Ahead of MWC 2025, Motorola gives its Razr 50 Ultra a Peach Fuzz upgrade, which is the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year. Aside from that, the hinge of the device lets the user angle their phone to 90 degrees and record videos as if they were holding a camcorder from the past. It’s a nostalgic feature on their list of modern smartphone designs. When the user opens it to a V position, they can flip the smartphone and take pictures without the hinge snapping the device close. When folded, it fits in the front pockets, unlike the now-conventional, big-screened phones.

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | image courtesy of Motorola

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP6

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 also folds vertically and fits in front pockets, taking up less space. Looking at its exterior, the two cameras and flash don’t obstruct the display. Ahead of MWC 2025, the design team uses its Galaxy AI on the recent model as part of its new smartphone designs. This artificial intelligence system lets the device monitor the health and stress levels of the users when paired with the Galaxy Ring and Watch7. The system also lets Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 users transcribe and translate phone calls and interviews.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | image courtesy of Samsung

REDMAGIC 10 PRO

There are a number of modern smartphone designs around the Redmagic 10 Pro, ahead of MWC 2025. It uses liquid metal thermal conductivity to keep the device from heating up. The design team also installs an active fan with noise reduction. It serves as a second hand to the liquid metal when it comes to bringing the device’s heat down, especially during marathon gaming sessions.The Redmagic 10 Pro has an almost bezel-less expansive screen, unlike other modern smartphone designs, as well as a 144Hz refresh rate system.

Redmagic 10 Pro | image courtesy of Redmagic

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community.

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Creativity is rarely a solo act. Throughout history, some of the most groundbreaking movements in architecture, art, and design have been shaped not by individuals, but by dynamic duos — partners in both work and life who pushed each other to new creative heights. From Charles and Ray Eames’ joyful fusion of technology and playfulness to Florence and Hans Knoll’s transformation of modern interiors, these couples were innovators who challenged conventions, redefined aesthetics, and left behind a legacy that continues to influence today’s designers.

designboom’s list of six books takes you inside the lives of power couples whose shared vision shaped the world. Whether you’re looking for inspiration in your own creative journey or simply fascinated by the chemistry of artistic partnerships, these essential reads will open your eyes to collaboration.

EAMES: BEAUTIFUL DETAILS

By Eames Demetrios

Charles and Ray Eames transformed 20th-century design, creating some of the most iconic furniture pieces, films, and exhibitions of their time. Eames: Beautiful Details takes readers inside their world, celebrating their seamless fusion of creativity, playfulness, and technological innovation. From their legendary lounge chair to their experimental films, this book offers a visual journey through their work and life together, capturing the essence of what made their designs timeless.

WHEN EERO MET HIS MATCH

By Eva Hagberg

Eero Saarinen is a household name in modern architecture, but few know the role his wife, Aline B. Louchheim, played in shaping his public image. As an accomplished journalist and critic, she became his champion and secret publicist, ensuring his work gained the recognition it deserved. When Eero Met His Match uncovers the untold story of their relationship, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the media strategies that built Saarinen’s legacy and how architectural fame is often a carefully crafted narrative.

ARP AND TAEUBER-ARP: PIONEERS OF ABSTRACTION

By Hans (Jean) Arp & Sophie Taeuber-Arp

Hans (Jean) Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp were a powerhouse couple in abstract art, blurring the boundaries between fine art, design, and architecture. Arp and Taeuber-Arp: Pioneers of Abstraction explores their collaborative journey, from their early days in Zurich to their influence on Dadaism, sculpture, textiles, and architecture. Rich with research and visual documentation, this book highlights their groundbreaking work and the impact of their lifelong creative dialogue.

CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH

By Alan Crawford

Charles Rennie Mackintosh revolutionized British design, blending Art Nouveau with modernism. His masterpiece, the Glasgow School of Art, alongside his interiors, such as the Willow Tea Rooms, showcased a unique balance of complexity and simplicity. Collaborating with his wife, Margaret Macdonald, Mackintosh’s work transformed both architecture and furniture design. This richly illustrated book explores his innovative designs and lasting legacy as a pioneer of modern architecture and design.

NO COMPROMISE: THE WORK OF FLORENCE KNOLL

By Anat Falbel

Florence Knoll revolutionized modern interior design, introducing a refined aesthetic that still defines corporate spaces today. Alongside her husband, Hans Knoll, she transformed the design world, commissioning pieces from legends like Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen. No Compromise not only chronicles her journey as a pioneering female force in the design industry but also highlights how her vision shaped the modern workplace and made ‘the Knoll look’ an enduring design standard.

LEARNING FROM LAS VEGAS

By Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, and Steven Izenour

Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown turned architectural theory on its head with Learning from Las Vegas, a provocative analysis of commercial architecture and urban sprawl. The couple’s critique of modernism and celebration of ‘ordinary’ design principles challenged the industry’s obsession with grandeur. This book remains a must-read for architects and designers seeking to understand the interplay between culture, symbolism, and built environments.

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community. search for more creative stories:

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Exploring the personal and home smart gadgets at CES 2025 

Upgraded smart and home gadgets take center stage at CES 2025, from the XREAL AR glasses with an ultrawide display to Anker’s power bank for laptops and personal devices. The annual tech and trade event is set in Las Vegas, and this year, brands have upgraded personal and home devices for multipurpose uses. There’s the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum, an autonomous and hands-free device that doubles as a mop with a self-emptying base.

In Anker’s case, their power bank can charge three devices at once, including a laptop, so users don’t need to bring their charger. The devices’ properties can reduce environmental impacts with their designs, similar to the way Acer uses bio-based materials for their Aspire Vero 16 laptop. Their screens can be less prone to scratches and breakages too, as seen in the Ceramic Board glass of the OnePlus 13 smartphone. Other brands pull a design twist to the smart gadgets they’ve showcased at CES 2025, like XGIMI’s laser projector, which is covered in waterproof mesh fabric. 

OnePlus 13 smartphone | image courtesy of OnePlus

Sharper displays with acer aspire vero 17 and oneplus 13

These upgraded smart gadgets at CES 2025 are for personal use as well. It’s one of the main focuses of Acer with the unveiling of the Aspire Vero 16 laptop. Its 16-inch display brings clear, sharp images with 100 percent sRGB color support. It also has a wide aspect ratio, thanks to slim bezels, so users can enjoy a more edge-less viewing. Compared to the previous models, 70 percent of its chassis parts are made of bio-based materials, including the touchpad made of recycled ocean-bound plastic. OnePlus 13 smartphone, also unveiled at CES 2025, also has a clear display, but the difference between this smart gadget and Acer’s laptop screen is the Ceramic Board feature of the phone.

This is an in-house-developed glass that sits on top of the smartphone, making it more resistant to higher drops, scratches, and breakages. It also features a 2K ProXDR Display for a more vivid viewing, as well as a 50MP Hasselblad lens that allows users to capture 4K Dolby Vision video and images. If users plan to continuously use these two devices and then run out of battery, they can plug them both into Anker’s 737 Power Bank. The smart gadget revealed at CES 2025 comes with a 24,000mAh capacity that can enjoy up to five full charges for a smartphone and 1.3 charges for a tablet. It can also recharge any laptop, and if the users want, they can plug up to three devices at once without heating issues. There’s a small digital display at the bottom of the boxy power bank so the users can monitor the charging and the device’s battery levels.

the OnePlus 13 smartphone has ‘ceramic board’ glass for a damage-resistant screen | image courtesy of OnePlus

Expandable screens with xreal ar glasses and XGIMI projector

Personal entertainment is also a design theme for a number of smart gadgets that have debuted during CES 2025. XREAL releases One AR glasses with an adjustable, ultrawide display equivalent to a 256-inch screen. The upgraded device is also flexible with screen settings because users can shrink or enlarge the display size depending on their mood. The design team says the visuals are more stable too, so even if the users are walking or moving around, the display remains crisp, clear, and unwavering.

If users prefer a properly stable viewing, XGIMI says their AURA 2 laser TV projector can provide them an ‘IMAX experience’ outside of theaters. The projector can correct the display’s skin and color tones for clearer views, as well as reduce the noise in the graphics and give the movies and images cinema-grade quality with their developed optimization engine setting. Users can also use this smart gadget unveiled at CES 2025 for gaming, and the design team says the device has an auto-focus feature so the images aren’t blurry or shaky. The laser projector also adapts to any wall color so the viewing is still crisp and provides users screen alignment assist for an ideal screen ratio.

Acer Apsire Vero 16 | image courtesy of Acer

Multipurpose smart gadgets for homes at CES 2025

CES 2025 is also the platform to showcase smart gadgets for homes. It’s the space Reolink has chosen to reveal Home Hub, which is a wireless security center for cameras and to protect the owners data. It supports up to two 512GB MicroSD cards and eight high-definition cameras, including dual-band Wi-Fi cameras. The design team says that the smart gadget unveiled at CES 2025 can provide data protection against unauthorized access, even if the owners’ devices or SD cards are stolen. 

Another smart home gadget with a multipurpose function is Eureka’s 15 Pro Ultra Flagship Robot Vacuum. It has an aluminum fan structure with a vacuum suction that can clean deep into floor crevices and carpets and FlexiRazor blades that can cut hair from its brush roll. Once its done vacuuming, it brings out its built-in mops to clean the floors, and its Smart Clean mode allows the device to assess the room on its own and clean the dirty spaces. These smart gadgets introduced at CES 2025, which are available, have been upgraded to install the most recent technologies that tailor to the personal needs of the users, from handheld to home devices.

the Acer Apsire Vero 16 has parts made of bio-based materials | image courtesy of Acer

Anker 737 Power Bank | image courtesy of Anker

the Anker 737 Power Bank can recharge laptops, smartphones, and devices at once | image courtesy of Anker

XREAL One AR Glasses | image courtesy of XREAL

XREAL One AR Glasses has an ultrawide display equivalent to a 256-inch screen | image courtesy of XREAL

XGIMI AURA 2 Laser TV Projector | image courtesy of XGIMI

XGIMI’s AURA 2 Laser TV Projector can provide an ‘IMAX experience’ | image courtesy of XGIMI

Reolink Home Hub Wireless Security Center | image courtesy of Reolink

the Reolink Home Hub Wireless Security Center supports two 512GB MicroSD cards | image courtesy of Reolink

Eureka 15 Pro Ultra Flagship Robot Vacuum | image courtesy of Eureka

Eureka’s 15 Pro Ultra Flagship Robot Vacuum has an aluminum fan for suction

project info:

name: Acer Aspire Vero 16, OnePlus 13, Anker 737 Power Bank, XREAL One AR Glasses, XGIMI AURA 2 Laser TV Projector, Reolink Home Hub Wireless Security Center, Eureka 15 Pro Robot Vacuum

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community!

The post inside smart gadgets at CES 2025, from XREAL AR glasses to anker’s power bank for laptops appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

modern sound gadgets put a design twist on audiophile classics

Some modern sound gadgets reimagine audiophile classics, from speakers and earphones to cassette and vinyl record players and musical instruments. They’re portable, wireless, and rechargeable, which are some of the design and tech features that can appeal to the present and classic collectors and listeners. Modern elements come through, like a series of medieval sounds and folleys installed in an electronic instrument, sampler, and composer.

Cassette players are redesigned so they can have rechargeable batteries instead of the swappable ones. In this way, users don’t need to keep changing them for power. There’s a turntable with a minimal design and a blasted glass platter, slightly frosted to mimic the vinyl disc’s look. Some Bluetooth-ready speakers are equipped with solar-cell technology, so that users can rely on sunlight to recharge them. Earbuds these days have advanced technologies too, which include an active noise cancellation feature to dilute the exterior noises.

Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval | image courtesy of Teenage Engineering

turntable with blasted glass platter and medieval sampler

Sound gadgets used for listening to tracks and records come with features that are not present before. Take Teenage Engineering’s electronic instrument, sampler, and composer as an example. Named EP-1320, the portable music maker produces medieval sounds, including the hurdy-gurdy, citole, bowed harp, and gittern, as well as battle toms, coconut horse hooves, farm animals, witches, rowdy peasants, an actual dragon, and more. The instrument can fit in a bag, the same advantage as the modern FiiO CP13. Users can always bring their tape player wherever they go, but with this cassette player, they don’t need swappable batteries to keep it running.

It comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, so fans of audiophile classics can just plug the port when their playing time runs out. The design also retains the tactile play, pause, stop, fast-forward, and rewind buttons, which revives the style of the audiophile classics. In terms of turntables, they’re more streamlined and can be minimal, like the Pro-Ject T1. For this vinyl record player, there’s a zero-resonance, blasted-glass platter in place on an anti-resonant sub-platter design. Its single-piece tonearm is forged from aluminum, and the sound gadget has vibration-absorbing feet to minimize jumps, as well as a dust cover with adjustable hinges for protection.

EP-1320 can produce sounds like hurdy-gurdy, citole, and gittern | image courtesy of Teenage Engineering

Solar-powered speaker and capsule-shaped earbuds

For modern speaker designs, these sound gadgets no longer have the massive horns or a utilitarian look of the audiophile classics. They’re self-charging now, like Urbanista’s Malibu Bluetooth speaker. This device is portable, and the user can hold it in their hand. It also has a rechargeable battery like the FiiO CP13 cassette player, but a feature the brand prides itself on is the use of solar cell technology. Because of this, the self-charging wireless speaker may never run out of battery, potentially ever, given that it can harness solar power from the surface of the device.

Even the earphones transform over time, and some of them, like Nothing’s CMF Buds, double as fashion statements. In fact, these dust- and waterproof wireless earbuds have a capsule-shaped exterior, so when users put them on, they look like accessories rather than sound gadgets. Fans of audiophile classics may appreciate the active noise cancellation of the listening devices, which can allow them to drown out the exterior sounds, unlike older earphone designs. It’s clear that sound gadgets will keep evolving, and it’s safe to say there are designers who still and will keep the retro features and style for collectors and fans of audiophile classics.

FiiO CP13 Cassette Player | image courtesy of FiiO

the cassette player also retains the tactile buttons to play, pause, stop, fast-forward, and rewind

Pro-Ject T1 Hi-Fi Turntable | image courtesy of Pro-Ject Audio Systems

for the turntable, there’s a blasted-glass platter in place on an anti-resonant sub-platter design

Urbanista Malibu Solar Bluetooth Speaker | image courtesy of Urbanista

the self-charging wireless speaker may never run out of battery, potentially ever

CMF by Nothing Buds | image courtesy of Nothing

these dust- and waterproof wireless earbuds have a capsule-shaped exterior

project info:

name: Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval; FiiO CP13 Cassette Player; Pro-Ject T1 Hi-Fi Turntable; Urbanista Malibu Solar Bluetooth Speaker; CMF by Nothing Buds

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community!

The post from medieval sampler to solar-power speaker, sound gadgets reimagine audiophile classics appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

ARCHITECTURAL RARITIES: INSIDE THE LATEST PHOTO BOOKS

Brutalism, sacred art and architecture, vanishing Soviet cottages, and modernist booths are some of the subjects documented in the latest photo books. These publications relieve important aspects of architecture, art and design, so readers can explore the architectural rarities as documented by photographers around the world: plants creeping through brutalist buildings, colorful yet worn-out details pop out in kiosks around Europe, caves and monuments dubbed hallowed across cities emerge, and even fictional cars make their appearance in urban and rural landscapes.

Brutalist Plants by Olivia Broome | image courtesy of Hoxton Mini Press

Images that journey through brutalist architecture

It has long been established that photo books are good sources of historical documentation. That’s true in terms of architecture, to name a few. As the world moves towards modernizing buildings, some of the designs in the previous generations still exist and should be taken care of and remembered. It’s an attempt by the Okinawa-based photographer Paul Tulett and his photo book, Brutalist Japan. Through his lens, he takes the readers on a tour around the remaining post-war architecture in Japan, including the Nago Civic Hall and Center, Okinawa Prefectural and Art Museum, and the Kihoku Astronomical Museum.

Paul Tulett‘s photographs capture the geometric forms, rawness, and ruggedness of the several brutalist buildings, which are still standing in the country, preserving Japan’s architectural heritage. This approach to architecture is also the theme of Olivia Broome’s photo book with Hoxton Mini Press. The difference is that the photographs explore the fusion between brutalist architecture and lush vegetation. In the Brutalist Plants, the once gray architecture comes alive through the stark colors of greenery. Different plants crawl around the buildings as if they were reclaiming the landscape. In reality, they add color and personality to the already robust characteristics of the brutalist architecture.

Brutalist Plants by Olivia Broome | image courtesy of Hoxton Mini Press

Photographs of Sacred sites and disappearing soviet cottages

In Jessica Hundley’s 520-page Sacred Sites photo book, published by Taschen, readers take a journey across the world, into the niche hallowed grounds people can visit: holy mountains, great pyramids, golden shrines, esoteric land tracings. As readers rifle through Hundley’s pages, they encounter the Vakil Mosque in Shiraz, Iran; the sculpted Tree of Life Cave by Ra Paulette in New Mexico in the US; and the recognizable Machu Picchu in Peru.

Other times, images in photo books may no longer be in existence at the present time. In Dacha: The Soviet Country Cottage, the photo book preserves the style of traditional homes rooted in the Soviet Union and dating back to the 17th century. Dacha encompasses a wide range of structures, from grand villas to humble sheds, and they were originally given as rewards by the Tsar to loyal courtiers. The photo book under FUEL Publishing captures the homes and retreats, amidst countryside landscapes or suburban enclaves, keeping them alive in pages as the form of architecture gradually fades into the background.

Brutalist Japan by Paul Tulett | image courtesy of Prestel Publishing

Photo books of the modernist booths and AI cars in landscapes

Independent publisher and design studio Zupagrafika looks into preservation using a photo book. That’s what happened with Kiosk, a monograph consisting of images of the forgotten and last modernist booths found in Central and Eastern Europe. The publication glimpses at over 150 kiosks from cities like Ljubljana, Warsaw, Belgrade, and Berlin, which were mainly produced between the 1970s and the 1990s. Viewers go through the pages of the photo book and study the design and history of the K67 kiosk, designed by Slovenian architect Saša J. Mächtig, and similar systems including the Polish Kami, the Macedonian KC190, and the Soviet ‘Bathyscaphe’. 

Not all photo books center their themes on the past and reminiscing about them at the present time for future safekeeping. Others use monograph as a medium of experimentation and an object of a future-forward outlook. This is an approach by François Mercier, also known as Mr. François, with Secret Cars: 300 Promptographs. It’s a playful photo book that has AI-generated images of ‘secret’ car models appearing in familiar urban and rural landscapes. It’s also one of the many recent publications that rediscover art, architecture, and design in their natural habitats and, in this case, modern and advanced settings. 

Brutalist Japan: A Photographic Tour of Post-War Japanese Architecture by Paul Tulett | image courtesy of Paul Tulett

Sacred Sites. The Library of Esoterica by Jessica Hundley | image courtesy of TASCHEN

Mohammadreza Domiriganji, Ceiling of Vakil Mosque, Shiraz, Iran, 2014 as featured in Sacred Sites. The Library of Esoterica by Jessica Hundley | image courtesy of TASCHEN

Dacha: The Soviet Country Cottage by FUEL Publishing | image by FUEL Publishing

Dacha: The Soviet Country Cottage by Fyodor Savintsev and Anna Benn | image courtesy of FUEL Publishing

Kiosk: The Last Modernist Booths Across Central and Eastern Europe by Zupagrafika with photography by David Navarro and Martyna Sobecka | image courtesy of Zupagrafika

Kiosk: The Last Modernist Booths Across Central And Eastern Europe | image courtesy of Zupagrafika

Secret Cars: 300 Promptographs by Mr. François | image by Mr. François

project info:

photo books: Brutalist Japan: A Photographic Tour of Post-War Japanese Architecture; Brutalist Plants; Kiosk: The Last Modernist Booths Across Central and Eastern Europe; Sacred Sites. The Library of Esoterica; Dacha: The Soviet Country Cottage; Secret Cars: 300 Promptographs

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community!

The post photo books capturing architectural rarities, from brutalism to sacred sites & soviet cottages appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Retro designs in modern tech rekindle ‘old’ days

Retro designs have made their comeback as modern tech, from the Barbie and Motorola flip phones to the Polaroid camera in LEGO form. Their functions and buttons have since gotten a massive upgrade, but away from these modern touches, it’s nostalgic to have them back. They look and feel familiar, reframed into statement must-haves relieving the simpler days. Recent technology operates like rapid-fire: one touch is all it takes for features to activate. It wasn’t like this in the past. Users needed to click number ‘six’ three times on their cellphone’s keypad if they wanted to type the letter ‘O’, and they had to wait for the camera film to show them what they photographed.

They must plug the cables to their sound devices for the speaker to start playing music, and the gaming controllers had their own consoles, unlike the two-in-one fix these days with smartphones and the downloadable games and apps. Some users have embraced modern technologies; others miss the gadgets from the past. But there are those who want the best of both worlds, the modern tech with retro designs, and they’re the ones who can enjoy the keypad on the Barbie flip phone, the ejecting film in the LEGO Polaroid camera, the tactile buttons on GameSir’s gaming controller, and the retro pixel-art animation on Divoom’s Ditoo Bluetooth speaker.

HMD Barbie Flip Phone | image courtesy of HMD

upgraded flip phones from barbie to motorola and samsung

Fans can appreciate the renaissance of retro designs in modern tech, but bringing back the vintage designs for a nostalgic flick isn’t always the case, at least not so much with the arrival of the official Barbie phone. It was part of the Barbie mania that took over brands and cities across the globe during the premiere of the movie in 2023. Its wick keeps burning because Mattel continues the buzz when they team up with Human Mobile Devices (HMD), the company that used to make Nokia smartphones, to release the official Barbie phone.

But it’s not an all-screen phone. It’s a flip phone with a tactile keypad. It has a soft click when the user folds it up because of the hinges. There’s a click-clack sound again and again when the user types on the keypad, and that’s a kind of feeling smartphones these days can’t replicate, even with vibrate on keypress. Mattel and HMD aren’t the only ones because Motorola has also released the Razr 40 Ultra, and Samsung, a long-term player in the flip phone game, has introduced several models, including its recent Galaxy Z Flip6. But the Barbie phone gets an edge because, among these names, it’s the only one that hasn’t abandoned the tactile keypad (yet).

the Barbie flip phone has a tactile keypad

modern retro cameras include LEGO polaroid and fujifilm instax

At times, giving in to the retro designs of modern technology can sound as if people were joining just for the recent trend. And why not when the modern retro gadgets do contend as must-have items or gifts? Some of them look cool, but others just tap into the hibernated inner child in people. The latter is a possibility the moment LEGO Ideas releases their Polaroid OneStep SX-70 because it’s a building set for adults who want to recreate the Polaroid camera in the past, but in LEGO form. It’s for both beginner and master photographers, and to top it off, it operates just like a real vintage Polaroid camera model.

No, it can’t take actual pictures, but photographers can load one of the included photographs and eject them out of the camera when they click on the shutter. If users still want an actual camera that takes pictures while still keeping the retro vibes of the design, they can also snap up the Fujifilm Instax Pal. It’s a pocketable digital camera that looks like a surveillance cam, and it prints photos as soon as they click on the shutter. Fujifilm adds a built-in speaker into the model, so users can hear the ‘click’ sound, and when the films stop rolling because there aren’t any pieces left, they can plug in a microSD card to save the photos and transfer them to their computer or cloud drive later.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra | image courtesy of Motorola

retro pixel art in speaker design and modern gaming controller

It’s nice, though, to have retro-designed modern gadgets around. They can be a well of references for creatives who want to shake up the design of their works. They also remind us of what we left behind, a time that has passed but we still associate good memories or experiences with. It might be a familiar feeling with game consoles as they improve, but luckily, the brands have maintained the physical buttons on the controllers. GameSir, though, takes advantage of people’s use of smartphones and devises X2S. It’s a Type-C mobile gaming controller for iPhone 15, Android, and HarmonyOS smartphones, so users don’t have to keep tapping their screens. The design recreates the buttons of Nintendo 2Ds, complete with analog triggers, clicky buttons, and a joystick. 

It’s also expandable to fit the majority of smartphone sizes these days, and it’s rubber-coated so it doesn’t slip from the gamers’ grip as they spend hours on their screens. While they’re at it, they can also play music in the background using Divoom’s Ditoo retro pixel art Bluetooth speaker. It resembles the arcade machines in the past with its tube-TV-like screen, which is home to its speaker, and the tiny keyboard-like buttons with a tiny joystick. When it plays songs, the keyboard illuminates in neon colors, and the screen lights up with retro pixel animation. The speaker feels nostalgic to have these retro looks back into the present time. Their design elements might just prove how they’ve already stood the test of time, and by the looks of it, they’re not dying down anytime soon.

unlike the Barbie Flip Phone, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra only has a screen without tactile keypad

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | image courtesy of Samsung

so far, the Z Flip6 is the most recent flip phone Samsung has released

LEGO Ideas Polaroid camera | image courtesy of LEGO Ideas

the LEGO Polaroid can eject images like a real instant camera

Fujifilm Instax Pal | image courtesy of Fujifilm

users of the Fujifilm Instax Pal can add their microSD card to save their photos to an external source

GameSir’s X2S mobile gaming controller | image courtesy of Gamesir

the GameSir X25 controller is suitable for iPhone 15, Android and HarmonyOS smartphones

Divoom’s Ditoo retro pixel art Bluetooth speaker | image courtesy of Divoom

the speaker’s screen projects retro-pixel animation when music plays

project info:

gadgets: HMD Barbie, Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Flip6, LEGO Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70, Fujifilm Instax Pal, GameSir X2S Controller, Divoom Ditoo Retro Pixel Art Bluetooth Speaker

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community!

The post from barbie flip phone to LEGO polaroid camera, retro designs stir nostalgia in modern tech appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.