Who knew that Porsche would become the Vision Pro’s most valuable customer?!

Addressing people for the first time since the Vision Pro went on sale in March, Tim Cook decided to give viewers an update of the Vision Pro’s success during this year’s iPad keynote. Although it isn’t clear exactly how many spatial headsets the company sold so far, although the Vision Pro is surely finding its footing in certain industries beyond just the average movie-watching and multi-screen workspace scenarios that Apple sold us on back at WWDC last year when the headset was first announced.

Cook mentioned that the Vision Pro is already becoming a crucial part of Porsche’s showroom experience, with the automotive giant investing heavily in building spatial experience centers around the Vision Pro and their cars. Prospective buyers can wear the Vision Pro to easily and quickly see all the car’s color options in virtual reality instead of looking at images or swatches in a catalog. The Vision Pro’s incredibly high resolution displays help customers experience the car in ways that were never though possible, allowing Porsche to provide a new dimension to their showroom’s UX in ways that other car companies cannot. Additionally, the headset also enables track experiences, and can also be used to train service technicians, harnessing the true power of Spatial Computing. Quite like the Apple Watch eventually settled into becoming a healthcare device, even though the company originally wanted it to be a fashion-tech wearable, the Vision Pro is only now finding its footing months after its announcement and delivery.

What’s remarkable is that Apple’s Vision Pro managed to breach the filmmaking industry and the healthcare industry just months after being delivered – something that Meta hasn’t really spoken at length about when it comes to their devices, and something that Microsoft’s own Hololens has taken years to achieve (at least in the healthcare and military research industries). Cook spoke about Dr. Tommy Korn, using the Vision Pro to improve surgical eye care through simulations and visualizations, while director Jon M. Chu was using the Vision Pro to oversee the entire post-production process for his upcoming film Wicked.

While entertainment and healthcare seemed like sure shot areas where the Vision Pro would create some form of procedural disruption, seeing Porsche invest so heavily in reinventing their showroom and technical training domains by relying on Vision Pros is fascinating. It’s been just over 2 months since the first Vision Pro was delivered to customers, so one can only wait and see what updates Apple provides us with over the next few months. The 2024 WWDC will mark the first anniversary of the headset’s announcement, and maybe we’ll get a few more upgrades to the device’s software as well as some updates on its industrywide acceptance. Hopefully even a price drop, perhaps? Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking!

The post The Apple Vision Pro is already playing a critical role in the Automotive, Filmmaking, and Healthcare industry first appeared on Yanko Design.

Here’s a snapshot of the new iPad Pro – an industry-leading M4 Chipset, Tandem OLED screen technology, a design thinner than any other Apple device ever made, nano-textured glass, studio-quality mics, graphite-sheet-infused hardware and copper-infused logo for better thermals, and an absolutely game-changing Apple Pencil Pro. It’s almost as if Apple is operating with alien technology.

I’ve mentioned this in the past that the iPad Pro really has no true competitor. It’s left Android tablets so far behind that almost every Galaxy, Pixel, or OnePlus tablet is just a budget competitor with Apple’s regular iPad. The iPad Pro has always been in a league of its own, and truth be told, I entered the Apple event thinking we’d get an incremental iPad Pro M3 update… because why does Apple really have to blow minds any more than it already has? Turns out I was absolutely wrong, because the more-than-one-year wait for a new iPad Pro was absolutely worth it.

The tablet PC itself was a category that Jobs pioneered, ushering in a new era of handheld devices that would go on to become the intermediary between a phone and a laptop. Jobs introduced the iPad as a multimedia device back in the day, but today the iPad Pro is much more. In fact, it’s so ridiculously powerful that it could dethrone even Apple’s own MacBook. The landscape camera and Magic Keyboard with the function row are just two small updates that put the iPad Pro more and more in MacBook territory… except with an XDR touchscreen, a brilliant stylus, a flawless front-facing camera with LiDAR, and with FaceID – all features that the MacBook currently lacks.

Yes, I sincerely believe that if Jobs were around today, the iPad Pro M4 would have blown his mind because I’m pretty sure the CEOs of Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Huawei, and Microsoft are all mighty pissed at how much Apple has leapfrogged their own tablet efforts. There’s really no comparison between tablets the way there is between phones and even to some extent between smartwatches. No Qualcomm chipset matches the M4’s capabilities, neural engines (NPUs) on tablet chipsets aren’t that common or powerful (to our knowledge, only Microsoft’s Surface Pro has them), and the fact that the iPad is so good it could potentially eat into Chromebook sales is probably really irking some companies right now.

So what makes this iPad so ground-breaking? Well, for starters, pretty much all of us entered into this keynote expecting the usual – a chip upgrade, the shifting of the camera module, and maybe some Pencil tweaks. However, what Apple served up instead was miles ahead of what anyone could think. The first iPad Pro was touted as a magical piece of glass, given how thin and compact it was – this new iPad Pro, even with its new almighty M4 chip, is thinner than any iPad ever made. At 5.3 and 5.1 millimeters respectively (the 11 and 13-inch models), the new iPads are thinner than the thinnest iPod. Heck, they’re a full 40% thinner than an AirTag. AN AIRTAG.

That isn’t all, Apple’s new design is a combination of incredible engineering and borderline futuristic material sciences. The new screen gets bumped up from Retina to Tandem OLED, a technology that Apple developed in-house, merging two OLED panels together to bring screen brightness up to a peak of a whopping 1600 nits. Meanwhile, a nano-textured glass helps cut glare while refracting ambient light perfectly without causing any clarity issues. A better screen, an M4 chipset, and a radically thinner design obviously means the iPad Pro is prone to immense heating (it doesn’t have a fan the way laptops do either), but that’s where Apple’s ingenuity shines again. Instead of simply relying on machined aluminum, the new iPad Pro’s housing has graphite sheets incorporated into it… and that Apple logo on the back, that also has copper infused into it too, helping turn the iPad’s body into a much more efficient heat sink to dissipate heat.

The iPad Pro’s nano-textured glass

The new iPad Pros also have better speakers, a set of studio-grade microphones, and a repositioned landscape camera that manages FaceID as well as functions as the perfect video-conferencing camera with CenterStage capabilities. The camera sits right where the wireless charging coil for the Apple Pencil would otherwise sit, so the fact that Apple’s managed to squeeze both of those in, while still making the iPad Pro thinner than before seems like a borderline miracle.

The new iPad Pro is also complemented by a redesigned Magic Keyboard that’s slimmer, and has an all-new function key row and a pressure-sensitive trackpad… and a Pencil Pro that’s so ground-breaking it puts other styluses to shame (fun fact, the Pencil Pro got 5 full minutes of coverage in a 44 minute keynote, including an in-depth breakdown by Procreate CEO, James Cuda), but more on that in a separate article. Despite its radical redesign, the iPad Pro doesn’t get a price-bump. Instead, it still starts at $999 for the 256Gb model (the 128Gb model is now discontinued), and $129 for the Pencil Pro. Even by Apple’s own standards, that’s a massive technological leap for the same price each year. Like I said, Jobs would be absolutely chuffed.

The post Steve Jobs would be absolutely proud of how far the new iPad Pro M4 has come first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google’s annual developer conference is fast approaching, and with it comes announcements of new devices that will showcase the company’s software for years to come. The Google Pixel Fold 2, which may be known as the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is already making headlines and becoming the center of attraction, but it is hardly the only mobile device expected to be unveiled this month. As part of the more affordable “a” series, the Pixel 8a may sound uninteresting at first glance, but a few leaks and rumors paint a more curious picture of the Google Pixel 8a, making it a feasible candidate to be your 2024 purchase.

Designer: Google

Google Pixel 8a: Design

For those terribly disappointed by rumors of the changes that the Pixel 9 series will be making to a distinctive design, the Google Pixel 8a will offer a refuge. It still bears the same aesthetics of its namesake, namely a rounder and gentler appearance coupled with the “visor” camera design that Google’s phones have been using for three generations now. That said, the Pixel 8a will bring its own twist, making it perhaps even more interesting than its predecessor.

Image courtesy of: SmartPrix

For one, there are clues showing a matte surface for the phone’s rear rather than the traditional glass. This not only improves the grip of the device but also a bit of visual embellishment. This material change could go hand in hand with the “fun” colors that will be available for the phone, which might include Blue and Red, though those could also just be new official cases.

Image courtesy of: TechDroider

Perhaps a bit more interesting is the information provided by Evan Blass, a.k.a. evleaks, about the sustainability story of the Pixel 8a. There’s mention of the use of recycled materials, which could refer to either the back panel, the aluminum frame, or both. It will definitely be a huge design win if the Pixel 8a turns out to be Google’s most sustainable phone, especially considering how long it will be supported.

Google Pixel 8a: Specs and Software

In line with its current practice, we don’t expect to see a huge difference when it comes to the Pixel 8a’s hardware. It will be borrowing the same Tensor G3 as the Pixel 8a, but perhaps a bit watered down in performance. The display will be a new 120Hz panel, up from the Pixel 7a’s 60Hz, with an even brighter 1400 nits. The same trio of cameras that’s on the Pixel 7a will make its way to this year’s budget phone, so don’t expect a world of difference in terms of image output. What’s new is a 256GB storage option, which also shakes the pricing up a bit.

In other words, the Pixel 8a will be a very incremental update to the Pixel 7a and a step down from the Pixel 8. It’s not a surprising state of affairs, as it gives Pixel fans an option to grab the Google experience without burning a hole through their wallets. What will make all these worthwhile, however, is the software that runs on the device, and that one is expected to be fresh and new, at least compared to the hardware.

The Pixel 8a will naturally run Android 14 at launch, with updates to Android 15 immediately coming. More importantly, however, it will be running parts of Google’s Gemini AI suite, with tons of AI-powered features for search, photography, and more. Google is also promising 7 years of software updates, quite a feat in the mobile world, though it’s not clear how many of those will be actual Android upgrades versus security patches.

Google Pixel 8a: Price and Release Date

With Google I/O set for May 14, the timeline for revealing new devices is just around the corner. There are rumors that the Pixel Fold 2/Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be announced a few days earlier, but there’s no reason to expect the Pixel 8a to get special treatment. If Google doesn’t break from traditions, orders for the phone will start on that day as well.

As for the price, Google is thankfully keeping the figures the same, at least for the base model. For 128GB of storage, the Pixel 8a will go for $499, or the same launch price as the Pixel 7a. This year, however, a 256GB model is supposedly in the works, and that will go for $599. They’re not exactly “cheap,” but they’re still well below the usual $800 to $1,000 that consumers pay for with a brand-new flagship.

Google Pixel 8a: Final Thoughts

It’s not really strange that smartphone companies and their marketing engines tend to focus on the more expensive high-end products. After all, those are what make the most profits and also have the biggest expenses. That’s not to say they’re always the best, and definitely not for all people. The Google Pixel 8a, despite the stigma of being a “cheaper” version of a flagship, seems to be shaping up to be one interesting design and could be more worth your money in the long run.

The post Google Pixel 8a: News, Rumors, Price, and Release Date first appeared on Yanko Design.

There’s a massive missing link between tech companies and tech reviewers… and instead of fixing it, we’re playing the blame game.

The backlash following bad reviews from MKBHD and other tech outlets like The Verge, Engadget, and CNET has been swift from the AI community. The internet is ablaze, either blaming Marques Brownlee for being too harshly critical in his review of the Humane AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 device… or shaming Humane and Rabbit for not delivering on what they promised. The blame, however, lies on the inherent relationship between the two parties. Like two people who aren’t emotionally ready to date, these AI companies shouldn’t have even shipped their products to tech reviewers.

The job of a tech reviewer, as its name rather simply suggests, is to provide an objective (or sometimes even a subjective) analysis of a product for their consumers/viewers. Tech Reviewers highlight technology through the lens of ‘Is this worth the money or not’… The problem, however, is that Humane and Rabbit needed beta testers, not tech reviewers.

Who’s to blame?

Let’s look at every single stakeholder in this AI charade and you’ll see that there’s some blame to go around for everyone. The first reaction, and justifiably so, is to blame Humane and Rabbit. They overpromised, underdelivered, hyped the product, raked in tonnes of VC and preorder money, but couldn’t stick the landing. Companies all across the world have been rushing to develop the ‘next iPhone’, and while Samsung has hedged all its bets on folding devices, and Apple on a $3400 headset, Humane and Rabbit happened to be at the right place at the right time with the right buzzwords. Imagine this, an AI assistant powerful enough to do anything you ask – it’s literally something out of a sci-fi movie, and that’s precisely what these companies hoped we’d think. They weren’t wrong. However, they committed the cardinal sin of the entrepreneur – they pitched something that didn’t exist. Sure, this wasn’t as detrimental as the stunts Elizabeth Holmes or Sam Bankman-Fried pulled, but in essence, it was still a far-fetched lie or rather a very convenient truth. An AI that does everything you ask doesn’t exist and probably won’t for a while… but a cute design or a body-mounted projector was more than enough to deceive us… and for the sake of this argument, let’s operate under the good-faith assumption that Humane and Rabbit didn’t know they were pushing a bad product.

Why the hardware trickery though? Why did Humane and Rabbit NEED to build hardware devices that looked fancy/quirky/cool? Here’s where the blame shifts to the powers that be – Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. For every reviewer that said the Humane AI Pin or Rabbit R1 “could’ve been a smartphone app”, there are thousands of engineers at these companies building JUST THAT. It’s no coincidence that Humane and Rabbit BOTH had their products publicly reviewed well before Google I/O and Apple’s WWDC. Rumor has it that Apple and Google are just waiting to launch AI assistants with similar features, tying into all the smartphone-related services. These large companies have repositories of consumer data, and they have a powerful influence, putting them miles ahead of the starting line when it comes to the AI race. The only way Humane and Rabbit could escape the clutches of these companies was to isolate themselves completely from them. Not to mention, there’s absolutely no way Apple would allow a third-party smartphone app to have Humane or Rabbit’s level of control over your entire device. Sure, Humane and Rabbit could have made all-powerful AI assistant apps, but they A. wouldn’t be as impressive or attractive, and B. they’d be doomed to fail because of the goliath forces that are Apple and Google.

A snippet of the Twitter outrage following MKBHD’s review. Ironically, Sam Sheffer (new media head for Humane) admits the software is bad, while the product sells for $700

A venture capitalist’s job, in Shark Tank parlance, is to “pour gasoline on a fire”, so there’s definitely some blame to share here too. AI became a buzzword in the second half of 2022 and it’s been on the top of everyone’s mind ever since. I don’t blame VCs for seeing potential in the ideas that Humane and Rabbit came up with, but if there’s one thing that absolutely pisses me off, it’s the fact that they took the criticism of Humane and Rabbit’s devices a little too personally. After all, a VC thrives on value creation – take that away and you have a very angry person who’s poured millions into a project that now doesn’t have anywhere to go. However, bad products and bad companies are all too common in the VC world. What they didn’t expect, however, was their golden goose (AI) to lay a rotten egg.

It’s easy to say that tech reviewers were simply doing their job and deserve no blame (after all, I’m a tech reviewer too), but the truth is that the reviewers also share a bit of blame in this entire cycle of events. However, not for the reason you think. Arguably, Marques Brownlee deserves praise for being forthright with his review – some reviewers would probably hesitate to say something bad about a company if there was sponsorship money involved – and although MKBHD didn’t have any financial stake in this product, they spoke their mind (as did every other reviewer). But that isn’t where the problem lies. The problem lies with the hype train that tech reviewers both create and ride. These reviewers are, by nature of their profession, enthusiasts when it comes to technology – so it’s no surprise that they were the biggest cheerleaders of Humane and Rabbit 5-6 months back when the products were first teased. If anything, the media should have balanced their enthusiasm with a pinch of real-world salt. Had that been the case, these disastrous reviews would’ve stung less under the pretext of the age-old “I told you so”…

Dave2D’s review of the Rabbit R1 device may just be the most sensible, erudite take on the internet.

So what’s the solution?

If the last few years have proven anything, it’s that designers and companies operate in such secrecy, they often don’t put themselves in the shoes of the consumer to begin with. With Tesla pushing the steering yoke over a wheel even though consumers have been begging for the latter, with Apple needing EU regulators to force them into adopting USB-C, with Google cancelling products left right and center against the wishes of their consumers, or firing employees who object to their technology being used for warfare (whoops, I went there), there’s a massive disconnect between what companies do and what consumers want. Even though at a smaller scale, Humane and Rabbit seem to find themselves in a similar soup. Whether it’s the holier-than-thou attitude that’s hard-coded into being an entrepreneur, or whether it’s a bunch of VCs deciding what’s good for the public, the one voice that seems to constantly be left out of the room is that of consumers… and their only representative for now is the humble tech reviewer, who actually is incentivized to see things from their points of view. Sadly, that also means Marques Brownlee ends up being in the line of fire when he has to call an AI gadget ‘the worst product he’s ever reviewed’…

The solution lies in reimagining how products are developed and promoted. Humane and Rabbit needed beta testers, not reviewers, who would’ve helped them swallow the hard pill that is the realization that their product isn’t ready for the real world. After all, it’s better to hear that bitter truth behind closed doors instead of an influencer saying it on YouTube… right?

The post Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1 versus Tech Reviewers: Who’s to blame? first appeared on Yanko Design.

As someone who’s really into watches, I’ve had the chance to own and wear some pretty amazing pieces from big names like Omega, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex. Over the years, I’ve gathered quite a collection featuring everything from the sleek “Batman” GMT to the sturdy Submariner and the classic “Rootbeer” GMT with its distinctive nipple dial. But the Rolex 2018 GMT-Master II Mk1 edition, or the “Pepsi” as it’s fondly called because of its red and blue bezel, really changed the game for me. This watch turned me from a collector of many to a guy who mostly just wears this one. Well, two, if you count the practicality of an Apple Watch.

Designer: Rolex

Vincent Nguyen at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with Australian motorsport legend Mark Webber.

In 2007, my best friend and business partner for the past two decades, Ewdison Then, and I were bitten by the Rolex bug. We each bought the Rolex GMT-Master II with a black ceramic bezel, the reference 116710LN. This model marked a significant update in the GMT-Master II series, introducing Rolex’s Cerachrom bezel, a highly scratch-resistant and durable ceramic material. The “LN” in the reference number stands for “Lunette Noir,” French for “black bezel.” The model was lauded for its robustness, the sleek and modern aesthetic of the ceramic bezel, along with other enhancements like the improved 3186 movement and a more sturdy bracelet. Then, in a moment of madness, we sold them. Shortly after, Rolex discontinued the model, and the price skyrocketed. Let me tell you, if you ever find yourself in possession of a Rolex, remember this: buying a Rolex is like entering into a lifelong commitment, much like marriage. So, don’t sell it unless you’re ready for the heartbreak of seeing its price soar afterward!

Ewdison Then’s Rolex Batman

The Rolex GMT watch was intelligently designed in collaboration with Pan Am Airways for pilots requiring a functional and reliable timepiece to easily manage multiple time zones. This game-changing feature, introduced in the 1950s, still contributes to its enduring appeal today. The “Pepsi” model, identifiable by its distinct bi-color bezel, allows wearers to track day and night in another time zone at a glance. Additionally, there’s a fourth hand on the dial – the 24-hour hand, further enhancing its functionality. The vibrant splash of color on the bezel has become an iconic symbol in horology, adding to the watch’s overall appeal.

For me, the red and blue colors represent a balance between wealth and health, mirroring the concept of Yin and Yang. The vibrant, saturated MK1 bezel on my limited run spanning only a few months signifies wealth, passion, and power, reflecting the prestige of the Rolex brand. On the other hand, the soothing blue symbolizes health, tranquility, and stability, all critical to a balanced life. Similar to its ability to easily manage multiple time zones, the red and blue bezel embodies the pursuit of success and personal well-being, achieving perfect harmony.

It was deemed an instant classic when Rolex revealed the GMT-Master II “Pepsi” reference 126710BLRO at Baselworld in 2018. This exceptional model stood out from the crowd with its new-generation movement, the caliber 3285, and a significantly more robust mechanism ensuring an impressive power reserve of up to 70 hours. The thoughtful decision to pair this model with a five-link Jubilee bracelet, traditionally reserved for more formal, dressier models, was a respectful nod to Rolex’s rich heritage and a significant enhancement in both comfort and style.

Vincent Nguyen: Gobi Desert in Mongolia

Having accumulated over 4 million air miles and having the pleasure of visiting more than 45 countries, the practicality of the GMT function cannot be overstated. It has become invaluable for managing my life and work across various time zones. The GMT hand, which I keep set to Japan time, enables me to maintain a seamless connection with my business partner overseas. This ensures that I never miss a beat in our daily chats and collaborations, regardless of where my travels take me. From the vibrant, lively streets of Tokyo to the serene solitude of the Gobi desert or speeding down the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans at 150 miles per hour, the Pepsi has proven itself as a dependable and trustworthy analog friend, with no need for charging.

I remember clearly that the day I added the Pepsi to my watch collection was magical. It felt like I had just ignited a rocket under my collector’s journey, blasting off into a whole new universe of style and sophistication. At that moment, I realized I had found the ultimate travel buddy who doesn’t even need a plane ticket or passport! Every glance at the watch face is like gazing through a window that opens up to a panorama of my life’s adventures. It’s the keeper of stories—each tick is a vibrant echo of distant places and the unique people I’ve encountered. It’s a portal to the countless miles I’ve traveled and the unforgettable moments that have sculpted who I am today. Its constant presence on my wrist during high-stakes negotiations, waiting for hours in between flights at airport lounges across the world, and tranquil evenings watching the sunset over the serene Pacific speaks volumes about its steadfast reliability.

From a technical standpoint, the watch’s overall design using stainless steel and movement strikes the perfect balance of rugged masculinity, complemented by its artistic craftsmanship. With its tough and scratch-resistant two-tone Cerachrom insert, the bezel is well-engineered and a piece of wearable art that holds up against the challenges of my adventurous lifestyle. It’s a feature that stands out for its ability to endure, from the freezing weather in the Alps to the intense demands of a day at a Japanese hot spring.

The Jubilee bracelet deserves a special mention—it’s a handsome piece of jewelry in itself. Comfortable enough for daily wear yet refined enough for a black-tie event, it seamlessly integrates into my lifestyle. It makes the wearing of the Pepsi feel like an extension of myself—an essential trait for someone whose life is in constant motion. The Jubilee’s sophisticated, five-piece link design offers a level of sophistication and elegance that the more utilitarian Oyster bracelet can’t match.

The Rolex GMT 126710BLRO masterfully intertwines a tribute to its historical roots with a persistent analog heartbeat, anchoring me to reality irrespective of the spectrum of my adventures. While I appreciate the ongoing advancements in horology, this specific Pepsi timepiece, not any others out there, remains the unrivaled highlight of my collection – both past and present. It stands as a constant in a rapidly changing world, symbolizing reliability, functionality, and a profound connection to all the places and moments that have shaped my journey.

The post How the Rolex Pepsi Turned Me into a One-Watch Guy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Container homes have gained traction as a trendy, supposedly eco-friendly alternative to traditional housing. While the appeal of transforming a robust steel box into a chic minimalist abode is undeniable, several pragmatic concerns often go overlooked. These homes, once idealized as the epitome of innovative living, may not be the smart investment they’re touted to be. We’ve covered tiny homes extensively on YD, and I still stand by my opinions on micro-living being great… but as far as container homes go (and we at YD speak from personal experiences), they may look beautiful but can pose significant challenges based on where you live and how you plan on building your home. Even if you have your heart set on these homes, here are 5 things you need to keep in mind before you embark on this journey.

1. Climate Control Challenges

One of the most significant challenges of living in a container home is maintaining a comfortable internal climate. These steel boxes were designed to transport goods across oceans, not for human habitation, and their basic structure is not conducive to temperature regulation. In summer, the steel walls absorb and conduct heat, transforming the container into an oven. Conversely, in winter, the same metal walls shed heat rapidly, turning the home into a refrigerator.

Effective climate control in such environments necessitates robust insulation systems. However, the installation of these systems is neither straightforward nor inexpensive. Traditional insulation methods often fall short, requiring specialized, high-performance solutions such as spray foam, which adheres to the metal and creates a thermal and moisture barrier. Yet, even with top-notch insulation, the energy costs associated with heating and cooling a metal box can be exorbitant, as the metal’s inherent properties continuously work against these efforts.

If all that wasn’t enough, these metal containers can sometimes act as Faraday cages, completely obliterating any mobile network connectivity while indoors. Unless your container home has ample open windows that allow cellular waves to pass through freely, you may experience massive dead zones for mobile connectivity throughout the house.

2. Rust and Corrosion Problems

Shipping containers are built to withstand the rigors of sea travel, which makes one assume they can handle anything nature throws their way. However, once repurposed as homes and exposed to different environmental conditions without proper maintenance, they can quickly succumb to rust and corrosion. The protective coatings used on these containers are designed for saltwater exposure, but once breached by cuts and modifications necessary for windows, doors, and other home amenities, they become vulnerable.

The battle against rust is ongoing and costly. Regular application of rust-proofing measures, careful inspection, and maintenance are required to keep a container home in good shape. In coastal areas or places with high humidity, the rate of corrosion can accelerate, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the home over time. For instance, residents in coastal regions have reported accelerated wear and degradation, necessitating frequent and costly maintenance that eroded the initial savings from choosing a container home.

3. Structural Integrity Issues + Lack Of Modification

While shipping containers are inherently strong, the process of converting them into habitable spaces often involves modifications that can compromise this strength. Cutting large openings for windows, doors, and room transitions removes parts of the container’s load-bearing walls. To counteract this, additional structural reinforcements, such as steel beams or wooden framing, must be installed.

This modification process is not only complex but can also be more costly than expected. It requires precise engineering to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes, which are often not designed with container homes in mind. The necessity for skilled labor to carry out these modifications safely adds another layer of expense, which can surprise many first-time container home builders.

4. Acoustic Challenges

The acoustic properties of steel can turn a container home into an echo chamber, amplifying sounds within and transmitting external noises inside. This can make living in a container home less comfortable than anticipated, especially in noisy urban environments or if the home is not adequately insulated against sound.

Implementing effective sound insulation is crucial but can be tricky. Materials that can dampen sound, such as dense foam or specialized acoustic panels, must be integrated into the walls, floors, and ceilings. These materials not only add to the cost but also take up precious interior space, further challenging the comfort and functionality of the home. Moreover, the need for such insulation can detract from the aesthetic simplicity many seek in a container home.

5. Insulation and Condensation

Insulation challenges extend beyond temperature control and sound. Steel walls are prone to condensation whenever there is a temperature differential between the inside and outside. This condensation can lead to moisture accumulation inside the walls, fostering mold growth and reducing air quality. Proper insulation must therefore include a vapor barrier to prevent condensation, which is an additional cost and complexity in the building process.

For those living in climates with significant seasonal changes, managing humidity and preventing condensation are ongoing issues. Many container home residents have had to retrofit dehumidifiers and additional ventilation systems post-construction, as initial plans did not fully address the moisture issues inherent to living in a metal box.

Choosing a container home is undoubtedly an attractive idea, especially for those drawn to minimalist, sustainable living. However, the reality of residing in a repurposed steel box can be far from the idyllic life pictured in glossy magazine spreads. From battling the extremes of climate to managing rust and ensuring the structure remains sound and comfortable, the challenges are many and often costly.

If the novelty and aesthetics of a container home still appeal to you, consider these factors carefully and weigh them against more traditional building methods that might offer fewer surprises in the long run. After all, the true comfort of a home comes not just from its walls but from living in peace with one’s choices—preferably, without the constant echo of regrets.

The post DON’T Buy A Container Home: 5 Reasons Why They Might Be A Bad Idea first appeared on Yanko Design.

Despite developing an operating system that’s used on a variety of devices and computers, Google has practically snubbed anything other than a smartphone. It’s notorious for having a love-hate relationship with tablets, for example, so it was a bit of a surprise that Google would launch its own foldable device. Perhaps even more surprising is how it might actually release a second-gen foldable phone. Given its pedigree, the next Google foldable is definitely going to pique people’s curiosity, whether it will be called the Pixel Fold 2 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Judging from what we’ve been hearing so far, this foldable phone will be undergoing several significant changes, though not all of them might appeal to Pixel fans and onlookers alike.

Designer: Google (renders courtesy of Smartprix, @OnLeaks)

Google Pixel Fold 2: Design

For three generations since the Pixel 6 in 2021, Google seemed to have settled on a signature design that, unusual as it may have been, gave its phones a unique personality. It seems, however, that Google has gotten tired of that look and will be moving to a different design for the Pixel 9 series. For better or for worse, that change is apparently happening to the foldable version of the Pixel as well, but not in the same way as leaks and renders would have it.

The camera bump, which was a horizontal bar across the width of the Pixel Fold’s “back,” has now been reduced to a more conventional rectangle. But unlike the ones you’d see on other smartphones, Google opted for an odd horizontal layout, with black pill-shaped markings that hold the actual camera lenses. It’s definitely an unusual design, but unlike the current “visor” shape, many might find it visually unappealing.

Fortunately, there will be even more important design changes in store for the Pixel Fold 2 (or Pixel 9 Pro Fold), though they might be a bit more subtle. According to rumors and at least one leaked prototype, the next Google foldable will have an outer screen that is taller than its predecessor, yielding an unfolded shape that is more square than the first Pixel Fold as well. Whereas the Pixel Fold had a rectangular shape that resembled a small notebook, the Pixel Fold 2 could be more like a minuscule iPad mini.

This change in screen aspect ratios isn’t just cosmetic and will have important usability implications. It won’t be as tall and narrow as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which is notorious for being almost unusable as a regular phone, but it could make it a bit more awkward to use the Pixel Fold 2 in folded form, at least with a single hand. Those who loved the current wider design of the Pixel Fold might be disappointed, but those who missed using a 16:9 phone will welcome this change.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Google Pixel Fold 2: Specs and Software

With the change in screen aspect ratios come changes in screen sizes as well, and everyone will probably love what’s rumored so far. The Pixel Fold 2/Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to have bigger screens on both sides, though there is some agreement on the exact sizes. Some claim that the external Cover Screen will be 6.4 inches and the main foldable screen will be 7.9 inches, while another source uses 6.29 inches and 8.02 inches for those same screens, respectively. Either way, it will still be a significant size boost compared to the current Pixel Fold’s 5.8-inch exterior and 7.6-inch interior displays.

As far as the hardware is concerned, Google might debut a new Tensor G4 on the Pixel Fold 2, a very big leap from the Tensor G2 on the OG Pixel Fold. Details on this new processor are still extremely slim at this point, but you can expect significant performance improvements, especially on Google’s favorite AI features. Uncharacteristically, Google might also be extra generous and give the Pixel Fold 2 as much as 16GB of RAM, something that even the Galaxy Z Fold 6 isn’t expected to have.

There seems to be some disagreement on which version of Android the Pixel Fold 2 will ship with, but that mostly depends on when the foldable device will actually launch. It could go with Android 14, which is the current version in circulation, or it could delay it to coincide with the release of Android 15. Pushing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s launch to the end of the year might sound unreasonable, but there might be one very good reason for doing so. Android 15 betas have revealed that Google implemented improvements to the behavior of apps on foldable phones, something that its Pixel Fold badly needed.

Google Pixel Fold 2: Cameras

It’s a bit surprising that there hasn’t been any news on the kind of cameras that the Pixel Fold 2 will bear. The new camera design on the back may look like Google was making room for an additional camera, but the lack of news in that department suggests otherwise. In short, the new Pixel Fold may still be using the exact same three sensors as the current model, with some additional lenses for focusing or maybe a thermal sensor for taking temperatures. It wouldn’t be unheard of for Google, since it prefers to rely on software solutions to improve image quality.

Another big camera design change will be the internal selfie camera which used to sit on the Pixel Fold’s ugly thick bezels. According to leaks and renders, the Pixel Fold 2 will do away with those atrocities, which means there’s a need to move the camera to a different place. The consensus is that it will take the form of an under-display camera similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, but it’s also possible Google will opt for a simpler solution that has a traditional punch-hole cutout for the camera.

Google Pixel Fold 2: Price and Release Date

Although the Pixel Fold 2, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will be advertised as an upgrade, it doesn’t seem like a huge generational leap if not for the difference in design and the new Tensor G4 processor. As such, it’s probably only reasonable to expect that the price tag won’t go higher than the $1,800 that the first Pixel Fold launched with. At the same time, it’s also not expected to go lower than that either.

As for its launch date, that could depend on whether Google wants to delay it to sync with Android 15’s release. If it’s fine with having it run Android 14 out of the box, it could follow the same schedule last year that saw the Pixel Fold hit shelves in June. Otherwise, we might be looking at an October date after Android 15 goes gold. Either way, we’ll definitely find out more next month when Google reveals the real deal at I/O 2024.

Google Pixel Fold 2: Final Thoughts

The first Pixel Fold was definitely a surprise for Google fans. It managed to carry some of the personality of the Pixel design language to a foldable phone, along with Google’s blessed flavor of the Android user experience. At the same time, however, it really failed to stand up to other options in the market, and its very thick bezels were a big turn-off for more design-conscious consumers.

Fortunately, the Pixel Fold 2 will be improving on those pain points, but it raises the question of whether it’s actually enough or if they’re the right changes to make. The screens will be larger and have thinner bezels, but Google is also moving away from an aspect ratio that was praised by some reviewers as one of its winning traits. The camera design will definitely be divisive, especially if it doesn’t bring significant improvements to the camera system anyway. While the Pixel Fold 2, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will catch the attention of Pixel fans and market watchers, it might not end up being the big hit that Google wants it to be, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of low sales that will lead to the early demise of Google’s foldable phone line.

The post Google Pixel Fold 2: News, Rumors, Price, and Release Date first appeared on Yanko Design.

There are some heated discussions right now about how a YouTuber may have single-handedly killed a startup, but big companies do that every time. In 2016, Apple may have put the audio industry on notice when it banished the headphone jack from the iPhone forever. Of course, the 3.5mm connector is used in more than just smartphones, but this change caused a ripple that pushed wireless audio technologies to innovate and improve. Although it’s becoming more common for smartphones to rely on Bluetooth headphones and speakers, many audiophiles still swear by wired equipment to deliver high-fidelity lossless sound, and it seems that there’s a growing trend of bringing the venerable headphone jack back to smartphones to satisfy these audio cravings.

MOONDROP MIAD01

It isn’t enough just to have a 3.5mm headphone jack and expect to have high-quality audio output. You still have to make sure that the digital-to-analog conversion process is just as good, usually with some help from dedicated hardware designed for that purpose. Hi-Fi audio equipment maker MOONDROP knows that only too well, which is probably why it’s making an ambitious attempt to corner a niche market with an upcoming MIAD01 smartphone made specifically for discerning audiophiles.

Designer: MOONDROP

Aside from a few teaser images, details on this “Hi-Fi” smartphone are still pretty slim other than the mention of 3.5mm+4.4mm interfaces. The latter of the two is known as “balanced” output used by high-impedance headphones and speakers, resulting in even better output quality. It’s not yet known, however, if the phone will have two headphone jacks or have a single 4.4mm port with a 3.5mm adapter. Either way, it’s something that music lovers on the Android side of the smartphone camp will want to keep an eye, or an ear, out for.

nubia Music Phone

Although technologically less ambitious, ZTE subsidiary nubia is putting a different twist on enjoying music on smartphones. The nubia Music Phone does have two headphone jacks, both 3.5mm, but their main purpose is to simply connect two wired headphones at the same time. It brings back the social aspect of listening to music by sharing your favorite tunes with a friend or loved one while still keeping it private among yourselves. Of course, the fact that you can connect high-performance headphones is definitely a plus as well.

Designer: nubia (ZTE)

The nubia Music Phone also puts a fun and quirky spin on that activity with a design that will appeal to music lovers. It has a large speaker on its back, in itself already an oddity, and it’s made to look like a turntable together with dual camera lenses. Its colorful designs just scream vibrancy and playfulness, characteristics that will pull at the heartstrings of a younger crowd.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

It isn’t just audiophiles who will appreciate good sound output, however. Poor audio can also break the immersion of a mobile game, especially as these titles become more sophisticated and more resource-intensive. While most of its features naturally revolve around graphics and processing, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro doesn’t skimp on the audio side of the equation, whether it’s the “multi-magnet” dual speakers or hi-res 3.5mm headphone jack.

Designer: ASUS ROG

More than just doing the bare minimum, the ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts 384kHz/32-bit audio quality from that wired connection. It also implements spatial sound for headphones and provides listening profiles for different situations. It’s definitely one of the very few premium smartphones these days that have a headphone jack, something that hardcore mobile gamers will surely appreciate.

Sony Xperia 1 V

Speaking of high-end phones, Sony hasn’t completely given up yet on the smartphone market, and neither is it turning back on the features that differentiate its remaining devices. It bears an unusual ultra-wide, ultra-tall screen aspect ratio which Sony claims to be the best format for watching videos. It also shows off its display-making prowess which it also uses on a bigger scale on TVs.

Designer: Sony

The entertainment and electronics company naturally also knows that video is only half the battle. The phone also has a headphone jack to support hi-fi lossless audio output through wired headphones and speakers, something you’d expect from a device designed to deliver a cinematic watching experience on mobile.

TECNO Camon 20 Pro 5G

It’s almost ironic that mid-range and lower smartphone tiers are the remaining bastions of the 3.5mm port, probably as a form of cost-savings on more expensive wireless technologies. At the same time, however, some brands continue to support the feature even on their higher-end models. That’s definitely true for last year’s TECNO Camon 20 Pro 5G, which combines stylish design with a well-balanced set of features, including that headphone jack.

Designer: TECNO

Among TECNO’s flagship Camon line, the Camon 20 Pro has the distinction of winning a few design awards, thanks to the unique geometric patterns on its back, including an uneven hexagon shape for the camera bump. Unfortunately, it will also now have the distinction of being the last TECNO Camon to include that 3.5mm port, as the brand seems to be finally shifting this family of smartphones to a wireless future.

Final Thoughts: Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Just because smartphones no longer have headphone jacks doesn’t mean that it’s obsolete technology. Many aspects of the audio industry and the wider multimedia industry still rely on wired connections, and the 3.5mm connector and those like it continue to offer a standard and space-efficient solution. At least for now, wires still have bigger bandwidth and more reliability, even with potential losses when converting between digital and analog.

Wireless audio is thankfully still improving, but it might take some time for it to be a more common technology that can deliver the needed high-fidelity lossless audio transmission. In the push for thinner phones, it’s this aspect that has unfortunately been sacrificed, even if it came at the expense of consumers as well. It’s a good thing, then, that there are still some brands that try to cater to audiophiles, music lovers, and gamers, and we might even see an uptick in these devices as more people become more aware of the critical role that good sound quality plays in an immersive experience.

The post Headphone jacks on smartphones are making a comeback for your listening pleasure first appeared on Yanko Design.

Foldable phones aren’t going anywhere, at least not yet. They might not be generating much hype nowadays, but they still stir up a flurry whenever a new model launches. There’s definitely plenty of room for improvement not just in specs but also in design, and we indeed see some brands playing around with those elements a bit. Although there are now more foldable phones available, Samsung is still the undisputed leader even if by virtue of its industry clout only. Of course, its dominance is being challenged by competitors whose designs are addressing many of the flaws and limitations of the Galaxy Z Fold, which is why all eyes are on how Samsung will respond in kind this year. We might be just three months away from the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, so we’ve gathered in one place all the details we know so far to paint a more complete picture of what to expect from one of the pioneers of this still niche market.

Designer: Samsung (renders courtesy of Smartprix and Steve Hemmerstoffer/@OnLeaks)

Galaxy Z Fold 6: Design

The way a foldable phone works sounds almost so easy, but the reality is that it’s a hellish design to implement given the delicate balancing act that designers and engineers have to make. How do you design a smartphone that can be as big as a small tablet yet still be comfortable to use as a regular phone? To be perfectly blunt, Samsung failed to hit the mark with its first generation of foldables, but it seems to be inching closer to a better solution with each iteration.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Designer: Samsung

According to the accumulated leaks and rumors, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be making some rather small but significant changes to the formula. There are some disagreements on exact figures, but the consensus is that Samsung’s 2024 large foldable will have a wider external Cover Screen, a thinner and lighter frame, flatter edges, and sharper corners. These minuscule changes all add up to make the Galaxy Z Fold 6 resemble its Galaxy S cousin more.

The wider outer display will have a big impact on usability, even if the screen size itself doesn’t change. The new aspect ratio would make the phone less awkward to use as a regular phone when folded, one of the biggest and still present criticisms of Samsung’s foldable design. This does mean that the unfolded shape will be more square this time, resembling the form that other foldable phones have taken. That said, based on some of the leaked measurements, it will still not be as wide as the Google Pixel Fold or OnePlus Open which are considered to have the better design on this aspect.

Google Pixel Fold

Google Pixel Fold

Google Pixel Fold

Designer: Google

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is also expected to be thinner (5.6mm folded, 12.1mm unfolded) and lighter (239g) than any of its predecessors. This improvement is, again, based on the design of the Galaxy Z Fold before it (6.1mm folded, 13.4mm unfolded, 253g weight), but not against other brands. The recently launched Honor Magic V2 probably holds the title of thinnest and lightest foldable, but its limited availability makes that pointless for some markets. One side effect of a thinner body, however, is that there will still be no room for an integrated S Pen, something Samsung loyals have been wishing for since the Galaxy Z Fold 3.

Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design

Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design

Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design

Designer: Honor

There are rumors of an “ultra” model for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 where Samsung will pull out most of the stops. If true, this could be a titanium-clad model, in line with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the general trend in the industry. Of course, this would also raise prices higher, especially if the so-called Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra will include other upgrades as well.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Galaxy Z Fold 6: Specs and Software

Samsung always gives its flagship products the best specs available in the market, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 won’t be any different. The question, however, is whether Samsung’s idea of “best” matches the expectations of buyers. This year, we’ll be looking at another iterative upgrade, and some consumers might not be that amused.

The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a no-brainer for a 2024 flagship, and we haven’t heard any whispers of a special version custom-made for Samsung or the foldable. What might not see a big jump, however, is the memory that comes with the phone. RAM will be capped at 12GB yet again, with storage coming in 256GB and 512GB capacities. It’s probably high time that we get a 16GB RAM, 1TB storage Galaxy Z Fold, but that might not be on the table unless those “Ultra” model rumors pan out.

The battery is yet another aspect that is unlikely to see any changes. Although a 4,600mAh battery was earlier rumored, a thinner and lighter design would probably make more sense if Samsung sticks to the same 4,400mAh pack. Unfortunately, charging technologies aren’t expected to change either and new owners will be stuck with the same 25W wired and 15W wireless charging speeds.

Given the expected timing of the launch, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be launching with the latest One UI 6.1 version that will still be based on the current Android 14 release. It will mostly be the same user experience on the Galaxy S24, just with some foldable-specific features mixed in. Do expect that Samsung will heavily advertise AI features as well, especially those that it wasn’t able to focus on earlier this year.

Galaxy Z Fold 6: Cameras

While the incremental upgrades to specs can be forgiven, the biggest Achilles’ heel of this year’s Samsung foldable will be its cameras. Contrary to expectations and wishes, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is now believed to use the exact same set of cameras that came with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 last year. That means a 50MP main camera, a 10MP 3x zoom telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide. The under-display camera under the foldable screen is expected to see performance improvements but still have the same 4MP sensor.

While it’s true that you can squeeze out impressive images from such sensors using software and algorithms, you can only go so far with relatively weaker hardware. The bigger question is why Samsung is unable to use better cameras when almost all its competitors can. Thickness is definitely not an issue and it’s not like Samsung’s foldables are less expensive than other foldables, so one can only wonder about the company’s reasons.

OPPO Find N3

OPPO Find N3

OPPO Find N3

Designer: OPPO

That said, it could be setting the stage for the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra that’s said to resemble the Galaxy S24 Ultra in some ways. In addition to a titanium frame, this Ultra foldable might borrow the 200MP camera of Samsung’s early 2024 flagship. That, however, might mean changing the foldable phone’s dimensions, particularly its thickness, so there’s a very slim chance that will be the case.

Galaxy Z Fold 6: Price and Launch Date

Samsung seems to be holding its second Galaxy Unboxed event earlier each year, especially now that it has retired the Galaxy Note line. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 was announced in late July last year, with the actual shipments starting around August. This year might follow the same pattern with the announcement happening around the second week of July. This earlier date might also be due to Samsung trying to avoid clashing with the 2024 Summer Olympics, where it could be a major sponsor and advertise the Galaxy Z Fold 6 heavily during the event.

We’re not expecting any price changes this year at least, especially since there aren’t any big changes happening. The past few foldable flagships launched at $1,800, and that could still be the same starting price for a 12GB RAM, 256GB storage configuration. That said, if there is an Ultra model, the pricing scheme could shift a bit and be a bit more complicated. The base Galaxy Z Fold 6 could start at $1,700 instead, while the Ultra model with its titanium design and higher specs might hit $2,000.

Galaxy Z Fold 6: Final Thoughts

It looks like Samsung fans will be facing another iterative cycle this year as far as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is concerned. While there will be marked improvements in terms of performance and design, some of the pain points current owners have remained unaddressed. Hopefully, the wider Cover Screen aspect ratio will indeed improve the phone’s overall usability, the change might be a bit too subtle to matter. Photography is where the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will hurt the most, and Samsung has to prove that it can pull out a rabbit from its hat using these aging camera sensors.

Although Samsung leads the smartphone industry because of its wide reach and prestige, it is risking that advantage by sitting on its laurels for too long in the foldable market. Although some of its competitors aren’t available in major markets where Samsung plays, they do drive home the flaws in Samsung’s design. If these brands can achieve something that a giant like Samsung can’t, then people will start losing confidence in the brand’s products, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of weaker sales for the Galaxy Z Fold line.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: News, Rumors, Price, and Dates first appeared on Yanko Design.

One of the worst days to announce or tease a new product is April 1st. Most people already presume that the majority of “news” going out that day is a hoax, especially if it’s about something outlandish or unbelievable. Then again, it might also be the best time to get as much attention, even if it means being doubted until the product actually lands on store shelves. That’s the kind of situation that ASUS’ Republic of Gamers created when it teased one of the weirdest-looking yet also most interesting portable power stations to grace the industry, only to reveal that, no, it is no April Fool’s joke. But is this Mjolnir-lookalike worthy to be wielded by gamers and enthusiasts or is it just a dastardly plot by Loki to have a laugh at everyone’s expense?

Designer: ASUS ROG

Myeu-muh? What’s a Myeu-muh?

Even if you’re not a comics or movie buff, you’re most likely to already be familiar with the icons of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe given the media over-saturation. This is especially true for the most popular icons and their paraphernalia, such as Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s mask, and Thor’s hammer. That hammer has a formal name, even in the original Norse mythology, though few will probably be able to utter Mjolnir’s properly unless they watched the first Thor film. It’s MYOL-neer or MYOL-nur, by the way. You’re welcome.

That hammer is the subject of today’s speculation. On the 1st of April, probably one of the trickster god Loki’s favorite days, ASUS’ gaming brand teased and then announced Mjolnir, not as a weapon but as an electrifying computer accessory. It’s a power station that indeed resembled the movie prop to some extent, with a large rectangular box whose sides tapers a bit, and a rod extending from the body acting as a handle. ROG was quick to point out that it’s a real thing, not a hoax, but that in itself could be the joke. But maybe it would have been better if it remained hidden from mortal hands.

What We Know So Far

To be fair, there’s not much we know other than what ROG itself has revealed, but there’s quite a bit already available. The most important is that this power station can be charged using solar energy, drawing power from the sun instead of lightning. How it does that, however, is still anyone’s guess. The teaser showed a dark rectangle on the station’s front that could be a tilting solar panel, though that would be too small to supply the power that this large box needs and was probably just a placeholder graphic.

On the front, you will see an assortment of ports typically found on power stations. There are four AC outlets, two full-sized USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. There’s an LCD display above these ports that shows important information about the input, output, and remaining battery capacity. Noticeably missing here, however, are DC and car charging ports, which hints that this power station might not have outdoor adventures in mind.

The teaser also mentions that the ROG Mjolnir can illuminate your path with the light it summons, but it unsurprisingly doesn’t say how. That panel on the back could be a very bright flood light, but the better theory is that the handle itself is some sort of lighting component. Either the handle lights up or, more likely, it’s a removable flashlight, which is a better design for a part that would otherwise simply be a cosmetic detail that gets in the way.

Cracks in the Hammer

There’s no denying that the ROG Mjolnir has an interesting design, one that will appeal to a large segment of the market, especially the brand’s gaming audience. Its upturned hammer shape sets it apart from other portable power stations, if the ROG branding doesn’t already make sure of that. The bigger question, however, is whether that design is actually good for the product’s usability or hinders it.

That handle is going to be the biggest point of contention, with a tall rod sticking out from the top of the box. If it acts as a removable flashlight, then it’s not as big of an issue. But if it’s permanently fixed in that position, it will become a problem when storing or moving the power station. It’s not like you can carry the Mjolnir using its handle for real. But if that handle were removable, it also introduces a different kind of problem, one of durability and reliability. There’ll be a hole where the handle connects to the body, which means an opportunity for dust and liquid to get into the sensitive electronics. Definitely not a smart design.

It doesn’t look like the power station is designed for easy carrying either. Depending on how much battery it’s packing inside, this power station can end up being a bit heavy to carry with one hand without a handle. You’d have to hold it with both hands, but there doesn’t seem to be any grips to make that convenient. Admittedly, it doesn’t look too big beside a smartphone, but that’s just a render that might not reflect the product’s actual size.

True Power

There’s admittedly not much we know about the ROG Mjolnir Solar Power Station yet, including its specs, its price, and whether it’s really an actual product or ROG has just been pulling our leg and chuckling at the buzz going around their vaporware. Then again, it’s a pretty niche design as far as a power station is concerned, anyway, and there are plenty of other options in the market, albeit with less sensational aesthetics.

When it comes to solar portable power stations, the BLUETTI AC2A comes with all the bells and whistles, including proven product quality and durability. There are only two AC outlets, yes, but it makes up for it with a wider variety of input and output ports. You will need to plug in a solar panel, but that might also be the case for the ROG Mjolnir anyway. The BLUETTI AC2A is indeed designed more for outdoor use, though it can be an emergency backup for computers at home as well. As far as we know, the ROG Mjolnir is primarily designed to serve gamers’ needs, with rather questionable outdoor survivability.

Designer: BLUETTI

Is the ROG Mjolnir Power Station going to sell? It will probably have a few fans, especially those who will readily throw money at cool-looking and unique designs. It is going to be a practical and usable product? It’s definitely too early to say, and ROG might still end up surprising us, or completely disappointing us with the harsh reality of a month-long joke. Either way, we don’t expect the ROG Mjolnir to be a ground-breaking new design beyond its unique aesthetics, and if you’re looking for truly gamer-ready power solutions, you don’t have to wait for the truth to be revealed.

The post ASUS ROG Mjolnir solar power station is shockingly real, but is it worthy? first appeared on Yanko Design.