Projectors have always held a subtle advantage over TVs: inherent portability. You could never just casually toss a 50-inch television into a bag for a weekend getaway. Yet, for a long time, projectors themselves weren’t exactly pinnacles of design – functional, often bulky, white or beige boxes. That’s changing fast. A new wave of smart projectors, spearheaded by brands like XGIMI, JMGO, and Nebula, are aggressively shedding that utilitarian skin, embracing aesthetics that make them mantle-worthy decor and genuinely travel-friendly companions. The era of the boring box is fading.

Into this evolving landscape steps the Dangbei N2 Mini. At first glance, it fits right into the modern aesthetic of compact tech. It’s small, unassuming, and designed to blend in, aided by a clever built-in gimbal stand allowing easy tilting up to 95 degrees. This isn’t a powerhouse meant for a dedicated home theater; it’s positioned as a versatile companion for spontaneous movie nights, easy bedroom ceiling projections, or adding a big screen where a TV won’t fit. Its portability invites users to rethink content consumption.

Designer: Dangbei

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The crucial feature that sets it apart is its native Netflix certification. Dangbei securing official Netflix support is a huge win for convenience, sitting alongside preloaded Prime Video, YouTube, YouTube Kids, and nearly 300 other streaming apps. No Chromecast, no Fire Stick, no Roku, no Apple TV. The N2 Mini has everything it needs within, giving you a smart device that’s all-encompassing on both the hardware and software level.

Of course, a projector lives and dies by its image quality. The N2 Mini offers a native 1080p resolution for solid clarity, capable of projecting an image up to 120 inches. It has 200 ISO lumens of brightness, which might be its only Achilles heel. Although not designed to battle bright daylight, it performs admirably in dimly lit or dark rooms – its intended environment. Support for HDR10 and HLG also aims to deliver better contrast and color than basic SDR projectors within its brightness class.

Automatic focus, keystone correction, and even obstacle avoidance come baked in, so your projector is literally as easy to use as a point-and-shoot. Point the projector roughly where you want the image, and it should electronically square things up, focus sharply, and adjust for objects in the way. This automation, combined with a quiet 26dB operating noise and a dust-resistant design, reinforces the N2 Mini’s plug-and-play appeal for casual users.

Sound is handled by a pair of 6W speakers with Dolby Audio support. While integrated speakers rarely rival dedicated soundbars, having decent onboard audio is essential for grab-and-go portability. It means you can move it to another room and start watching without needing external speakers, though Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is available if you want to upgrade the audio experience for a more cinematic feel during longer sessions.

Connectivity options are standard but sufficient: an HDMI port for consoles or laptops, a USB-A port likely for media playback, faster dual-band Wi-Fi 6 for smooth streaming, and the aforementioned Bluetooth. These ensure it can handle various sources beyond its native apps, maintaining that ease-of-use focus that defines the experience while keeping pace with current wireless standards for reliable performance online.

The Dangbei N2 Mini enters a crowded market, but its official Netflix support provides a compelling argument, especially considering its highly accessible promotional price of $179 (discounted from $229). It addresses a common pain point directly without demanding a premium. While not the brightest projector overall, it presents a remarkably well-rounded package focused squarely on convenience and popular streaming within a compact, smart, and aesthetically current form factor. It’s a pragmatic, affordable solution for everyday big-screen enjoyment.

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The pandemic ended years ago. You don’t need to sit at home anymore. You can hang out at a friend’s place, on a terrace, in a backyard, anywhere. And sure, you could sit and stare at your phone while you share TikToks with everyone around you – but projectors are now affordable enough that you can buy one and turn any place into an impromptu movie theater. Watch the latest episodes of White Lotus, binge a movie series (I recently began rewatching X-Men), or just indulge in some brain-rot movies online – projectors are perfect for gatherings. They’re portable, affordable, they create a massive screen nearly 100 inches diagonally, and here’s the best part – you can now power them with a simple power bank.

That’s the feature that JMGO wants to highlight with its latest projectors in the N1S series. The newly debuted N1S SE and N1S Nano form a part of their wildly popular N1S series, but unlike some of their higher-end projectors, these ones are designed to be affordable, adaptable, and power-efficient. The projectors were teased at CES this year, but JMGO’s now lifted the veil on them, with a very affordable sub-$999 price tag… and the ability to run the projector on the same power bank you use to charge your phone.

Designer: JMGO

JMGO N1S SE

A projector this compact has no right to feel this premium. The JMGO N1S SE is sculpted like a desktop monolith but behaves more like a precision instrument. At just 3.9lb, it fits anywhere, but the real party-trick is its motorized gimbal base, which rotates 360° and tilts without fuss—no stack of books or janky tripod required. Inside, JMGO’s upgraded MALC 2.0 triple laser system pushes out 800 ISO lumens at 1080p, with shockingly crisp clarity and rich color accuracy thanks to its full BT.2020 coverage and HDR10+ support. Autofocus and keystone correction are automatic, image sizes go up to a whopping 200 inches, and 65W Type-C charging means you can plug it into any mid or hi-end power bank to run your portable cinema.

The N1S SE folds in Google TV for instant access to Netflix, YouTube, and everything else you binge in denial. Two built-in 5W speakers with Dolby Atmos support mean you can skip the soundbar in a pinch, and with Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI, and USB ports, it plays nice with your whole setup. JMGO nailed the physical proportions too—this thing has presence without bulk, and that matte black body makes it feel more like design gear than a disposable gadget. No garish branding, no over-the-top frills—just a clean, focused machine that belongs in your space.

Why We Recommend It

So why do I recommend it? Because the N1S SE does something rare—it respects your living space. It’s a projector you don’t have to hide or babysit. The image looks consistently excellent without constant tweaking, and the design is quietly assertive without screaming for attention. For people who care about color accuracy, placement flexibility, and owning tech that doesn’t feel disposable, this hits the sweet spot. I’ve seen pricier models do less with more, and cheaper ones fail on fundamentals. This one delivers where it counts, starts at an impressively budget-friendly €799 ($906 USD) price tag—and looks damn good doing it.

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JMGO N1S Nano

Weighing in at 3.9 lbs and measuring approximately 7.4 x 6.5 x 7.5 inches, the N1S Nano is the tiniest in its series. It’s designed for easy transport, fitting snugly into your backpack for those outdoor cinema experiences I mentioned earlier. The inner LED light source delivers up to 460 ISO lumens brightness, projecting crisp 1080p images up to 80 inches wide – that’s the equivalent of four 40-inch televisions arranged in a 2×2 format. While the N1S SE boasts a more advanced triple laser system, the Nano’s LED setup provides a respectable viewing experience for its class. The integrated stand allows for flexible positioning, and with automatic focus and keystone correction, setting up becomes a hassle-free endeavor.

Running on Android with the Google TV interface, the N1S Nano offers seamless access to streaming platforms like YouTube and Apple TV. Its two built-in 5W speakers, compatible with Dolby Atmos, ensure immersive audio without the need for external devices. Connectivity is well-addressed with HDMI 2.1 (ARC) and USB-A ports. Unlike the N1S SE, which requires a constant power source, the Nano can be powered via a 65W USB-C input, making it adaptable for on-the-go scenarios when paired with a compatible power bank. This flexibility, combined with its more affordable price point, positions the N1S Nano for anyone looking to dip their toes into the projector world.

Why We Recommend It

The JMGO N1S Nano strikes a commendable balance between portability, performance, and price. While it may not match the N1S SE’s advanced features, it offers a solid viewing experience in a compact form factor, and a fairly lower entrance-friendly €599 ($679 USD) price tag. Its user-friendly setup, versatile connectivity, and the ability to power it via USB-C make it a practical choice for casual movie nights, presentations, or impromptu viewing sessions. A perfect pick for people who love dabbling in movie nights, projecting YouTube videos on the ceiling while they lie in bed, or just want a large-screen experience without committing to a television.

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The post JMGO’s New Budget-Friendly Projectors Give You A Portable Cinema That Can Run On A Power Bank first appeared on Yanko Design.

Have you ever noticed how the best morning rituals energize you for the day ahead? The design behind AURA certainly does, creating a capsule coffee machine concept that brilliantly merges two beloved morning boosters: swimming and coffee. This playful appliance draws inspiration from swimming pools, those serene blue rectangles that promise refreshment and renewal, and transforms your coffee-making experience into something that feels as invigorating as a morning dip. The result is a machine that doesn’t just brew coffee but creates a sensory experience that awakens both body and mind.

What makes this concept truly special is how it recognizes the parallel between swimming and coffee as essential morning rituals, at least for avid swimmers, both pros and amateurs alike. Both experiences mark a transition point in your day, a moment of awakening and preparation for what lies ahead. Swimming clears the mind and activates the body, while coffee sharpens focus and establishes routine. By combining visual elements from pool environments with coffee functionality, AURA creates a unique object that celebrates these complementary morning practices and brings a splash of joy to your kitchen counter.

Designer: Lim Seongmin (Focus Studio)

The most striking feature of the AURA concept is its swimming pool-inspired aesthetics. Imagine a coffee machine adorned with the familiar blue tile pattern reminiscent of your favorite pool, complete with miniature ladder elements that cleverly double as capsule holders. These thoughtful design touches transform a utilitarian kitchen appliance into a conversation piece that brings a smile to your face even before that first sip of caffeine hits your system.

It’s quite amusing how the concept design reimagined the capsule holder as an integrated ladder-like structure. Unlike traditional machines that require separate accessories for capsule storage, AURA incorporates this essential function directly into its design. This clever integration not only enhances the swimming pool aesthetic but also improves functionality by keeping your favorite coffee varieties organized and within easy reach. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design can solve practical problems while enhancing visual appeal.

The machine’s clean lines and harmonious proportions reflect a deep understanding of what makes swimming pools so visually appealing. The designers have concealed functional elements like the water tank and capsule slot within the “tile” pattern, maintaining the sculptural integrity of the piece. This approach creates a more cohesive and visually pleasing object that doesn’t sacrifice functionality for form. Instead of exposing mechanical components, AURA presents a seamless surface that contributes to a sense of calm and order in your morning routine.

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As artificial intelligence continues to advance, creating art, writing stories, and even making decisions for us, there are still fundamental aspects of life where human presence remains essential. Parenting is one such domain, raising a child, nurturing a family, and forming emotional bonds cannot be automated. However, technology can play a crucial role in alleviating the burden of strenuous household tasks, enabling parents to focus on what truly matters: quality time with their children.

Keepy, a home-operator robotic vacuum cleaner, is designed to support overall housework beyond just cleaning. The inspiration behind Keepy is deeply personal, drawn from the creator’s childhood memories of bedtime stories. While books provided valuable knowledge, the lasting impact came from the warmth and affection of shared moments with parents. Unfortunately, modern parents, particularly those in dual-income households, often struggle to find time for meaningful interactions due to the exhaustion of daily responsibilities.

Designer: Dohyuk Joo

Instead of reading to their children, many parents resort to educational automation devices, such as reading pens. While these tools are useful, they cannot replicate the warmth and comfort of a parent’s voice. Keepy seeks to change this dynamic by handling household management tasks, ensuring parents have more time to be present with their children.

Throughout history, household appliances have evolved to reduce the time and effort spent on domestic tasks. Washing machines freed families from the drudgery of manual laundry, dishwashers streamlined kitchen cleanup, and robotic vacuum cleaners introduced automated floor cleaning. Keepy builds on this tradition by going beyond simple automation, it actively manages household operations.

Household management is more than just cleaning; it includes tracking grocery expiration dates, ensuring laundry is removed on time, keeping up with school events, and managing essential supplies. Traditional appliances perform their tasks in a fixed manner, but with the advancement of IoT and AI, home appliances like Keepy are becoming more proactive.

Unlike conventional robotic vacuum cleaners, Keepy does more than just clean. It acts as a household assistant, identifying emerging needs and filling in blind spots. By integrating with smart home appliances, Keepy can analyze supply usage, predict shortages, and even recommend or automatically order essential maintenance items.

As an active home operator, Keepy patrols the house, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. It can remind parents of unpaid utility bills, check food stock levels, and turn off appliances when needed. In essence, it operates as a silent yet efficient partner in managing the complexities of family life.

Beyond functionality, Keepy’s design sets it apart. Inspired by a playful toy patrol officer, its warm and approachable appearance ensures it blends seamlessly into a home environment. An Emoji Face LED display makes it engaging for children and pets, reducing any potential apprehension towards an AI-driven home assistant.

By reimagining the role of a robotic vacuum, Keepy extends beyond cleaning to become an integral part of family life. It embodies a future where technology enhances human connections rather than replacing them, allowing parents to spend less time managing chores and more time creating lasting memories with their children.

The post This ‘Friendly’ AI-Powered Robotic Vacuum Manages Your Home and Allows More Family Time first appeared on Yanko Design.

For those who love to cook at home, the dream of course is to have a spacious and well-designed kitchen so you can make dishes to your heart’s delight. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed to have that. A lot of those who live in small spaces have to make do with multi-functional appliances and not all of them are of course that well-designed or well thought of. Ideally, we can find something that fulfills all our cooking needs with a design that is intentional and also doesn’t take up much space in the small kitchen.

Designer: Vatti

The PYD66 High-End Integrated Center is a groundbreaking concept for a kitchen appliance that seamlessly combines a range hood, stove, and a dual-chamber steaming and baking system into a single, compact unit. Designed by Tim Chen, Ma Xin, and Liang Wengan of Vatti, this innovation addresses the evolving needs of modern kitchens, particularly in urban environments where space optimization is crucial. At the heart of the PYD66 is its ability to integrate multiple cooking functions without compromising performance. The dual-chamber steaming and baking system allows users to prepare a variety of dishes simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and culinary versatility. This integration is particularly beneficial for users with limited kitchen space, offering a comprehensive cooking solution within a single appliance.

Understanding the importance of user comfort, the PYD66 is designed for intuitive operation. Controls are positioned to eliminate the need for users to bend down or reach up, reducing physical strain during cooking. This ergonomic consideration ensures a more comfortable and accessible cooking experience for users of all ages. The PYD66 introduces a patented one-click stir-frying technology, catering to the high-power stir-frying demands of Chinese cuisine. Coupled with a new fume intake system, the appliance effectively manages smoke and odors, maintaining a pleasant kitchen environment. These features collectively contribute to a more enjoyable and efficient cooking process.

Therefore, this concept is more than just a kitchen appliance; it represents a thoughtful reimagining of how we cook within the constraints of modern living. It speaks directly to the needs of urban dwellers seeking both efficiency and elegance in their homes. By cleverly merging essential cooking functions into a single, ergonomically designed unit, Vatti has not only offered a practical solution for small kitchens but has also paved the way for a future where integrated, user-centric design becomes the norm. The PYD66 suggests a shift towards intelligent kitchen solutions that prioritize both the culinary experience and the optimization of precious living space. As technology and design continue to converge, we can expect to see more innovations that follow this principle, transforming the heart of our homes into even more versatile and enjoyable environments.

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Remember the Tri-fold Projector from CES this year? While that might have been mainly designed to be great PR (everyone loves talking about exciting tech), the tri-fold was simply a trailer to the bigger picture – Aurzen’s catalog of low-budget-great-spec projectors. The BOOM 3, which won the Design Intelligence Award last year, packs a punch with 1080p output (with 4K support), 500 ANSI lumens, and a 4-speaker layout, all bundled into a cool $199 projector.

I really don’t get why people still own televisions. They’re bulky, immovable, and funnily, the bigger they are, the better they are, but also the more un-portable they are. You can’t carry a 50-inch TV from room to room, and you certainly can’t use it outdoors, or even mount it to your ceiling. A projector, however, can do all those things while still remaining fairly portable. The same projector can create a display anywhere between 50-120 inches, while still being the same size – the only thing that held projectors back all these years was the price factor – but with a surprisingly low $199 tag, the Aurzen BOOM 3 should be the death-knell most televisions need.

Designer: Aurzen

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At first glance, the Boom 3 looks like a gorgeous mini monolith. It’s clean, sturdy, and refreshingly analog in the ways that count. A physical volume knob – yes, a knob – makes the simple act of adjusting sound feel oddly satisfying. Weighing 7.8 pounds, the Boom 3 is technically portable – maybe not as much as their tri-fold projector, but definitely more than a massive television. But what you get in exchange for its heft is a projector that wants to be your TV, your sound system, and your streaming box – all while politely asking for dim lighting and about 13 feet of throw distance to stretch its legs to a 95-inch image. For perspective, that’s roughly 4x the size of your average television, but the Boom 3 can scale even larger, provided your space allows. That kind of flexibility makes it easier to reimagine where movie night happens: basement, bedroom, backyard – anywhere you’ve got a flat wall and a power outlet.

Brightness clocks in at 500 ANSI lumens, which means it plays well in a darkened room, but you’ll lose some contrast under strong ambient light. Still, it holds its own during casual daylight viewing. The native 1080p resolution projects crisply up to 120 inches, and thanks to laser projection, it maintains sharpness with minimal effort. Setup is straightforward, with autofocus and keystone correction doing most of the heavy lifting. Within minutes, you’re watching – not troubleshooting.

The Boom 3’s speaker setup is where it stores the metaphorical big guns. With two full-range drivers, two tweeters, and dual diaphragms pushing out 36W, it delivers sound that feels full and room-filling. At lower volumes, things can skew a little tinny, but push it just a bit, and it finds its rhythm. Pop open the magnetic back and you can actually see how decked out the speaker system is, with multiple drivers and passive radiators to pump out powerful audio – much more than most current single-speaker projectors do, by the way. Audio modes tailored for movies, music, or sports help customize the experience, though you can easily skip them if you just want to hit play and chill.

Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video come preloaded, and the remote includes shortcut buttons to jump right in. Other apps, like Disney+, are accessible through the onboard browser, though this can feel like taking the scenic route. While the interface isn’t as polished as a dedicated streamer, it’s competent enough for most casual viewing. Plugging in an Apple TV or game console via HDMI kicks the whole thing up a notch. Connections are generous: two USB-A ports, two HDMI inputs, aux output, and Bluetooth 5.2 support. Whether you’re mirroring from a MacBook or queueing up a Spotify playlist from your iPhone, it all works smoothly. And if you’re only using it as a Bluetooth speaker? Not a bad idea, especially in “Music” mode, where the diaphragms breathe better and low-end presence improves.

All this sits in a package that just costs $199 on Amazon – that’s incredibly affordable given that even budget smartphones can cost nearly double the amount. For that price, you do get a 1080p projector (not a 4K one), but then again, it does pack Dolby Audio, advanced image adjustments, a smart TV interface with all popular apps, and those punchy speakers that double as Bluetooth audio devices when you don’t have the projector running. That sounds like value for money, if you ask me.

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The post Aurzen’s Flagship-Killer $199 Projector casts a Whopping 95-inch screen and has 4 Built-in Speakers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Have you ever marveled at how certain kitchen appliances transcend their utilitarian purpose to become genuine works of art? The Plissé electric kettle by Michele De Lucchi for Alessi has long been admired for exactly this quality, with its distinctive pleated exterior that mimics the elegant folds of haute couture fabric. For 2025, this beloved kitchen staple receives a thoughtful update that both enhances its functionality and expands its aesthetic appeal, making it an even more compelling addition to design-conscious kitchens everywhere.

What makes the Plissé kettle so distinctive is the way it transformed a mundane household item into something truly special. The kettle’s signature pleated surface, crafted from thermoplastic resin, creates a fascinating play of light and shadow across its form. This sculptural quality means the kettle doesn’t need to be hidden away between uses; instead, it proudly occupies counter space as both a functional tool and a design object that sparks joy every time you reach for it to prepare your morning tea or coffee.

Designer: Michele De Lucchi

The most significant upgrade for 2025 is the addition of temperature control functionality, a feature that tea aficionados and coffee enthusiasts will particularly appreciate. Different beverages require specific water temperatures for optimal flavor extraction: delicate green teas benefit from lower temperatures around 175°F, while robust black teas need water closer to boiling. This new precision feature transforms the kettle from a simple water boiler into a sophisticated brewing tool that helps you get the most from your favorite beverages.

Joining the existing palette of white, black, and green is a new serene blue option that feels both contemporary and timeless. This soft, subdued hue brings a calming presence to kitchen countertops, offering a refreshing alternative to the bolder existing colors. The blue tone complements a wide range of kitchen color schemes, from crisp whites and neutrals to more adventurous color palettes. Its versatility makes it an easy addition to virtually any kitchen aesthetic, whether minimalist, traditional, or eclectic.

The Plissé electric kettle belongs to Alessi’s broader collection of kitchen appliances designed by De Lucchi, all sharing the distinctive pleated motif. This family of products, which includes toasters, blenders, and citrus squeezers, allows design enthusiasts to create a coordinated look across their small appliances. There’s something deeply satisfying about kitchen tools that work together visually, creating a sense of intentional design rather than the mismatched collection of appliances many of us accumulate over time.

The post 2025 Plissé Electric Kettle: Temperature Control Meets Serene Blue first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember those sci-fi movies where characters interact with touch-enabled surfaces everywhere? While we’re not quite living in that futuristic world yet, the concept of interactive tables has started to materialize in high-end offices and luxury gaming setups. The catch? These fancy pieces of tech typically come with eye-watering price tags of $4,000 or more, putting them well beyond the reach of most home tinkerers and tech enthusiasts who’d love to have this technology in their living rooms.

But what if you could build your own interactive smart coffee table for a fraction of that cost? With some creative repurposing of second-hand electronics, reclaimed materials, and a bit of maker spirit, you can create a fully functional touch-enabled table for around $400. This DIY approach not only saves money but also gives old tech a new life while allowing you to customize every aspect of your creation to fit your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

Designer: Steve Gibbs

The heart of this project lies in repurposing a second-hand 40-inch smart TV as the interactive display surface. Rather than buying a brand-new touchscreen (which would immediately blow your budget), this approach leverages technology you might already have gathering dust in your garage or can find at bargain prices online. The TV provides the visual component, while an old laptop serves as the brains of the operation, handling all the computing tasks and software needs without requiring you to invest in expensive new hardware. A touchscreen overlay on top of the TV, the only brand-new part in this build, provides the interactive element.

Finding the right materials for the table’s structure doesn’t have to break the bank either. Reclaimed wood offers character and sustainability while keeping costs down. Many builders have successfully used pallet wood, old furniture pieces, or even lumber salvaged from renovation projects. This approach not only saves money but also gives your creation a unique, personalized look that mass-produced furniture simply can’t match, all while keeping perfectly good materials out of landfills.

What makes this DIY table particularly clever is the tilting mechanism that transforms it from a coffee table into a workstation. By designing a hinge system into the structure, you can angle the screen forward for more comfortable typing and interaction when you want to use it for productivity. Since the system runs both Windows 11 and Android, you essentially get a massive tablet and computer in one piece of furniture, though the height might not be ergonomically perfect for extended work sessions. There’s also a sliding tray to hold your work tools or as storage that’s typically found on coffee tables.

The build process requires some basic woodworking skills for constructing the frame and housing, along with a bit of electronics know-how for connecting the components. You’ll need to carefully plan the internal layout to ensure proper ventilation for the electronics while maintaining the clean, finished look of a regular coffee table. Cable management becomes particularly important, as nobody wants to see a tangle of wires spoiling the sleek appearance of their custom furniture piece.

The beauty of this DIY approach lies in its flexibility and customization potential. Want to add ambient lighting that reacts to what’s on screen? Go for it. Need extra USB ports for charging devices? Easy to incorporate. Interested in adding voice control through a smart assistant? That’s doable too. Unlike commercial products with fixed features, your homemade smart table can evolve with your needs and incorporate new technologies as they become available, making it a long-term investment rather than a soon-to-be-obsolete gadget.

The post DIY Interactive Smart Coffee Table Uses Second-hand Products and Reclaimed Materials first appeared on Yanko Design.

Imagine plopping down in your favorite chair after a long day, ready to scroll through social media or catch up on emails, when that dreaded low battery notification pops up. Suddenly, your relaxation turns into a frantic search for the nearest power outlet, often requiring you to abandon your cozy spot altogether. We’ve all been there, that frustrating moment when comfort and connectivity collide, forcing us to choose between staying seated or staying powered up. This common dilemma highlights a disconnect in furniture design that has persisted despite our increasingly device-dependent lifestyles.

Enter the Smiley Chair: a brilliant fusion of comfort and connectivity that’s transforming how we interact with our furniture and devices. Created through a collaboration between renowned designer India Mahdavi and 22 System (a brand co-founded by Bocci’s Omer Arbel), this playful armchair tackles the power problem head-on by incorporating multiple electrical outlets directly into its design. But what makes this chair truly special isn’t just its functionality but how it transforms something as utilitarian as power outlets into delightful design elements that enhance rather than detract from the chair’s aesthetic appeal.

Designer: India Mahdavi (Photos by Thierry Depagne,
Tom Dagnas)

The chair’s most striking feature is its clever use of the iconic smiley face motif, perhaps the world’s most universally recognized symbol of happiness. By noticing the uncanny resemblance between power outlets and simplified facial features, Mahdavi has turned what could have been an eyesore into a charming design statement. These yellow circular outlets scattered across the chair’s plush pink upholstery create an immediate visual impact, drawing smiles from anyone who spots the clever connection between form and function.

Not all the “faces” on the chair serve the same purpose, adding another layer of playfulness to the design. Some feature standard power outlets that look like wide-eyed expressions, while others incorporate USB ports that give the appearance of squinting or winking faces. This variety not only accommodates different charging needs but also creates a collection of distinct “personalities” across the chair’s surface, making what could have been a monotonous technical feature into something genuinely fun and engaging for users of all ages.

The lush pink upholstery provides the perfect backdrop for these cheerful yellow accents, creating a warm and inviting piece that stands out in any space. The contrast between the soft, tactile fabric and the functional hard plastic of the outlets creates an interesting textural juxtaposition that adds depth to the design. Rather than trying to hide or minimize the presence of technology, the Smiley Chair celebrates it, transforming what many designers would consider a necessary evil into the star feature of the piece.

From coffee shops to airport lounges, we’ve seen various attempts at integrating power solutions into seating, but most take a utilitarian approach that prioritizes function over form. These solutions often feel like afterthoughts, awkwardly placed outlets that disrupt the furniture’s aesthetic or require users to contort themselves to access hidden power sources. The Smiley Chair flips this paradigm by making the outlets a central design element, proving that practical features can enhance rather than compromise a piece’s visual appeal.

The post Charge Up Your Comfort With a Smiley Chair That Powers Your Day first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pets bring immeasurable joy to our lives, but ensuring they stay properly hydrated can be a challenge for many pet owners. Traditional water bowls quickly become stagnant, collect dust and hair, and require frequent refilling, often at the most inconvenient times. As technology continues to enhance various aspects of pet care, innovative solutions like the Smart Pet Drinking Fountain are transforming how our furry companions stay hydrated, making the process cleaner, healthier, and more convenient for both pets and their humans.

This revolutionary drinking fountain, specifically designed for cats and small dogs, represents a significant advancement in pet hydration technology. Utilizing cutting-edge Micro Nano Bubble Technology and dual-effect sterilization systems, it ensures your pet receives clean, fresh water that actively supports their oral health. The fountain’s intelligent features monitor water quality and consumption patterns while its sleek design seamlessly integrates into modern home environments, proving that functional pet accessories can also be stylish additions to your living space.

Designers: Jianshen Yuan, Dingyu Xiao, Boyuan Pan, Ziyang Xie, “me me” (Suosi Design)

The fountain’s biggest advertised feature is its advanced Micro Nano Bubble Technology, which works continuously to inhibit microbial growth in the water tank. Unlike standard pet fountains that merely filter water, this technology actively prevents biofilm formation, that slimy substance that typically develops in standing water. The dual-effect sterilization system takes protection further by eliminating harmful bacteria that could potentially cause oral infections or digestive issues in your pet, effectively creating a protective barrier against common pet health problems.

Pet owners will appreciate the thoughtful infrared surveillance system that detects when your furry friend approaches the fountain. This smart feature automatically activates the water flow, ensuring fresh water is always available exactly when your pet needs it. The convenience extends to the fountain’s impressive battery life, offering up to 30 days of standby time on a single charge, making it ideal for busy households or weekend trips away. Plus, with its IP67 waterproof rating, you never need to worry about electrical safety or water damage to the unit.

The fountain’s aesthetic appeal hasn’t been overlooked in favor of functionality. Its distinctive diamond-shaped design element combines with smooth, graceful curves to create a sophisticated look that complements contemporary home décor. The cool white high-gloss and matte plastic finishes, accented with gray and black translucent acrylic, give the fountain a high-tech appearance while remaining visually appealing to pets. This careful balance of form and function ensures the fountain becomes an attractive addition to your home rather than an eyesore you’d prefer to hide.

User-friendly features make maintenance simple and intuitive. The water volume reminder alerts you when it’s time for a refill, eliminating the guesswork of pet hydration. The quiet yet powerful water pump provides a steady, enticing flow that encourages pets to drink more frequently, a crucial benefit for animals prone to urinary tract issues or dehydration. The subtle backlight adds both visual appeal and practical functionality, making nighttime water trips easier for your pet without disturbing your sleep with harsh lighting.

What truly sets this fountain apart is its holistic approach to pet wellness. Beyond simply providing water, it actively contributes to your pet’s overall health by promoting proper hydration habits and protecting against common oral diseases. The gentle flow mimics running water and is naturally appealing to cats and dogs who instinctively prefer moving water sources. By encouraging more frequent drinking, the fountain helps prevent urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and other health issues associated with inadequate hydration in pets. From its sophisticated sterilization system to its elegant appearance, this fountain transforms a basic necessity into an enhancement for your pet’s well-being.

The post Smart Pet Drinking Fountain Keeps Your Furry Friends Hydrated and Healthy first appeared on Yanko Design.