Although experiences like Apple’s spatial computing look impressive in demos, their practical use in daily life is hampered by one important consideration. No matter how lightweight you make them, headsets that wrap around your skull and block your vision will always be awkward, isolating, and even hazardous. Ideally, we’ll get our eXtended reality or XR fix through eyewear that doesn’t look any different from the ones you wear, presuming you wear prescription glasses, of course.

Google might finally be changing that status quo with its renewed enthusiasm for AR, VR, MR, XR, and everything in between. Although Samsung’s Project Moohan headset was the focus of much attention when Google announced its new Android XR endeavor, the platform wasn’t meant to stop there. It will also be available in the regular smart glasses design, and Google finally reveals a little bit of what it was working on.

Designer: Google

In a TED 2025 talk, Google’s Shahram Izadi showed off a prototype Android XR device in action. While the demo itself was pretty impressive, especially for having no technical problems during the entire test, most are probably already used to the features that the AI-powered Android XR can bring to the table. What really caught people’s eyes, however, were the glasses used for that demonstration.

They looked pretty discreet, at least as far as very thick glasses are concerned. Unlike specs from Xreal or VITURE, however, the lenses are completely clear and transparent. You can see the world in front of you clearly, and people can see your eyes unobstructed. Despite that simple and relatively slim design, the prototype still had room for a display to let you read text or notifications, though it will be in a small corner or side of your vision rather than in your face.

The smart glasses naturally have cameras, as Gemini, which is the main point for user interaction on Android XR, needs to be able to see the world as you see it. It listens to your voice prompts, of course, but it needs to understand what you’re looking at in order to make sense of your requests. For example, it was able to remember where you last put down your keys, play music based on an album jacket you’re holding, or even explain a diagram from a book you have opened before you.

This “rolling window” AI experience, while powerful, might also raise privacy concerns, seeing as it can remember things it saw even when the wearer wasn’t paying attention or intentionally looking at a thing. And then there’s the style of the glasses themselves, since not everyone will be happy with such thick frames, and it might be a while before we can actually have XR glasses that are really stylish and inconspicuous.

The post Android XR smart glasses prototype looks like simple thick-rimmed spectacles first appeared on Yanko Design.

Time doesn’t circle back. It marches relentlessly forward, minute by minute, hour after hour. Yet watches have always depicted this linear journey as an endless loop. Why? MechaVoyager challenges this fundamental contradiction with striking elegance and mechanical ingenuity. The watch represents a philosophical recalibration that aligns timekeeping with actual human experience. It transforms how people visualize, track, and ultimately understand the passage of moments. Its linear motion hands and coaxial reverse-rotating digital display create a visual narrative that feels startlingly intuitive.

Designer: MECEXP

Click Here to Buy Now: $649 $800 ($151 off) Hurry! Only 18 of 95 units left.

Traditional watchmaking has rarely questioned its circular foundations. MechaVoyager does.

Forward Motion: Linear Motion Hands

Minutes travel horizontally across a precisely calibrated track. The hand moves deliberately from left to right in a unique straight-line movement, breaking free from the ordinary circular dial. This approach mirrors how humans naturally conceptualize time’s passage. No circular repetition, no retracing of steps—just clean, directional movement that makes perfect sense to the brain.

This linear approach creates an unexpected psychological effect. Wearers begin to perceive time differently. Each minute becomes a discrete unit of forward progress rather than a position on a circle. The experience feels more intentional, more aligned with how people schedule their days and plan their activities.

When the minute hand reaches the rightmost position, it instantly resets to the left to begin the next hour’s journey. This reset becomes a satisfying visual punctuation mark between hours. The brief movement creates a micro-moment of transition that traditional watches simply can’t replicate.

The linear track features precisely marked indices at five-minute intervals, with numbered markers for enhanced readability. The green-glowing indices ensure clear visibility in low light conditions, maintaining the watch’s functionality around the clock.

Looking closer reveals the extraordinary precision detailing. The dial markers feature a brushed finish with a thickness of just 0.35mm and a width of 0.21mm. This meticulous attention to detail demonstrates the brand’s commitment to both visual excellence and functional clarity.

Dimensional Hours: Coaxial Reverse-Rotating Digital Display

Above the linear minute track floats something extraordinary. The current hour materializes through an ingenious system of dual rotating wheels that create a futuristic, high-depth time display unlike any other. This creates a distinctive digital presentation with genuine physical depth—not printed, not projected, but mechanically formed before the observer’s eyes.

Each hour transition reveals the mechanical choreography at work. The digits don’t simply change. They physically transform as the wheels realign to create the next numeral. This visible mechanical process connects the viewer to the watch’s inner workings in a way that traditional hands never could.

The opposing rotation of these wheels serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Aesthetically, it creates a captivating visual effect as each digit assembles and disassembles. Functionally, it provides clear time information while maintaining the watch’s distinctive character.

What makes this display truly exceptional is how it layers information. The dimensional hour digits hover above the linear minute track, creating a hierarchy of time that matches how people typically prioritize hours before minutes when planning their day.

Engineering Excellence: Proprietary In-House Movement

Beneath the distinctive display lies a sophisticated proprietary in-house movement with remarkable capabilities. Developed entirely in-house, this movement goes far beyond basic timekeeping.

The movement incorporates multiple functions: time, day, date, power reserve, sleep mode, and chronograph features. This comprehensive suite of complications enhances the watch’s practical utility while maintaining its distinctive visual language.

This design particularly addresses power management. The movement includes an intelligent power reserve system and energy-efficient sleep mode. Perhaps most impressive is the near-perpetual calendar function, which requires only one calendar adjustment every four years. This practical approach balances convenience with mechanical sophistication.

The movement components feature internal tolerances as fine as 0.35mm. Such precision enables the watch’s unique kinetic performance while ensuring long-term reliability. Every gear and component undergoes meticulous finishing—even parts that remain hidden from view. This commitment to comprehensive quality reflects the philosophy behind the entire timepiece: excellence without compromise, regardless of visibility.

Architectural Case Design

The case architecture balances visual presence with ergonomic comfort. Measuring 48.2mm by 39.6mm with a substantial 16mm thickness, it commands attention while maintaining wearability.

Materials matter. The case represents a bold fusion of PVD black coating and 316L stainless steel, balancing ruggedness with refined elegance. The brushed and polished surface treatments create visual contrast and tactile interest, highlighting the watch’s architectural elements.

The watch weighs precisely 123 grams—substantial enough to feel significant on the wrist without becoming burdensome during extended wear. This weight reflects the solid construction and quality materials used throughout.

A closer examination of the case profile reveals an ergonomic case back curved for comfort, ensuring a perfect fit on the wrist for all-day wear. This thoughtful shaping ensures the watch sits properly on various wrist sizes despite its bold proportions.

The anti-reflective sapphire crystal deserves special mention. Beyond its protective function, this carefully engineered component enhances visibility of the three-dimensional display from multiple angles. The crystal’s properties work in harmony with the display mechanism, turning each viewing angle into a unique perspective on time.

The case construction incorporates 3 ATM water resistance, a practical feature that ensures reliability in everyday situations. The MechaVoyager functions as a genuine instrument built for daily wear, though it is not suitable for swimming or diving.

The crown and function pushers integrate seamlessly into the case profile. Their textured surfaces provide tactile feedback during operation while maintaining the overall aesthetic coherence of the design.

Nighttime Clarity: High-Contrast Luminous Dial

When darkness falls, the MechaVoyager reveals another dimension of thoughtful engineering. Strategic illumination transforms the watch face without compromising its distinctive character.

Green-glowing indices and hands ensure clear visibility in low light. This careful application of luminescent material maintains readability without resorting to electronic backlighting or compromising the timepiece’s mechanical character.

The luminous elements create a high-contrast display that preserves the watch’s visual hierarchy even in darkness. Hours remain prominently visible, while minute markers provide orientation along the linear track. This consistency between day and night legibility demonstrates the holistic approach behind the MechaVoyager’s design.

Tactile and Visual Excellence

Every component of the MechaVoyager represents a flawless fusion of depth, contrast, and meticulous finishing. Together, these elements create a watch that simultaneously engages multiple senses.

The watch’s nylon strap offers durability and casual versatility. The material complements the watch’s distinctive case design while ensuring a secure attachment. A traditional pin buckle clasp secures the watch to the wrist. This simple, reliable closure system ensures the watch remains securely in place while allowing easy adjustment for optimal fit. Even the smallest details receive appropriate material consideration. The crown and pushers feature precise machining that ensures both tactile precision and long-term durability.

A New Direction in Timekeeping

The MechaVoyager does more than tell time differently—it fundamentally shifts how people perceive it. By abandoning circular conventions, it creates a timepiece that truly aligns with lived experience.

What makes this approach so effective is its intuitive nature. Despite breaking with centuries of watchmaking tradition, the linear display feels immediately natural. There’s no learning curve because the design matches how humans actually think about time’s passage.

This watch represents horological innovation with genuine purpose. The unique display solves a philosophical disconnect between circular displays and linear time that has persisted unchallenged for generations.

Experience the reliability of MechaVoyager. This watch is built to master time, not simply mark it. Sculpted with intention and engineered for precision, it challenges outdated conventions that no longer serve a purpose.

Time moves forward. Now this watch does too.

Click Here to Buy Now: $649 $800 ($151 off) Hurry! Only 18 of 95 units left.

The post Time Moves Forward and Now This Gorgeous Watch Does Too first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ever woken up after a full night’s sleep feeling completely drained? Your typical fitness tracker might show impressive sleep stats, but something doesn’t add up with how you actually feel. This disconnect between data and reality is precisely what the Circular Ring 2 aims to solve, offering unprecedented health insights that truly reflect your body’s condition, not just superficial metrics that tell half the story. Representing a revolutionary leap in wearable health technology, it packs an impressive array of over 13 health features, medical-grade EDC, and a free personalized AI coach into an elegant titanium ring that weighs a mere 4 grams.

Unlike bulky smartwatches or other health rings that constantly demand attention, this ultra-light ring silently monitors your vital signs around the clock, delivering comprehensive health data without the extra bulk or subscription fees. The ring has been loved by thousands, raising nearly $2.5 million in a month in funding with around 8,500 supporters, And thanks to its resounding success, it has unlocked stretch goals that include Size 5, Blood Pressure Tracking, and Blood Glucose Monitoring.

Designer: Circular

Click Here to Buy Now: $239 $550 ($311 off). Hurry, only 4/4936 left! Raised over $2.6 million.

What truly sets the Circular Ring 2 apart is its ability to capture your heart’s electrical activity directly from your finger, where signal quality naturally excels. In just 30 seconds, you can access detailed heart rhythm data that most wearables simply can’t provide. Clinical-grade heart monitoring is finally available in a form factor that’s comfortable enough to wear continuously, offering insights that could potentially detect issues before they become serious problems.

The ring’s sophisticated AI companion, Kira, transforms raw health data into actionable recommendations tailored specifically to your body. By analyzing over 140 biometric markers, Kira learns your unique patterns and provides personalized guidance to optimize your well-being. Unlike passive health trackers that merely display numbers, Circular Ring 2 actively suggests concrete steps to improve your health based on your individual physiology and lifestyle patterns.

Women’s health tracking receives special attention with features that correlate sleep, temperature shifts, emotions, and energy levels with menstrual cycles. The smart Calendar predicts periods and fertile windows while connecting these predictions with actual physiological data, offering deeper insights than typical cycle-tracking apps. This comprehensive approach helps women make informed decisions about training, recovery, and overall well-being based on their body’s natural rhythms.

Battery life often determines whether a wearable becomes part of your daily routine or ends up forgotten in a drawer. The Circular Ring 2 excels here too, offering a full week of use between charges. Combined with its premium charging case, you can go nearly a month before needing to plug into a wall outlet—perfect for active lifestyles and frequent travelers who don’t want to worry about daily charging routines.

Ring’s security-first approach to data handling is much appreciated in a world where you become the product. Your personal health information remains encrypted and secure, complying with GDPR and HIPAA to meet top global data protection standards and giving you complete control over your sensitive biometric data. Going beyond just physical health, Circular Ring 2 also promotes mental health which comes from knowing that your data is safe and that your privacy is well respected.

Fashion-conscious users will appreciate the premium design options available in Obsidian Black, Gold, Silver, and Rose Gold finishes. The sleek titanium construction not only looks sophisticated but also provides exceptional durability while remaining hypoallergenic and waterproof (IP68 rated). This perfect balance of elegance and functionality means you can wear your health tracker with any outfit, from workout gear to formal attire, without compromising your style.

No subscriptions, No hidden fees

Perhaps most refreshingly, Circular Ring 2 breaks from the industry trend of subscription-based models. All features—including heart rhythm monitoring, sleep analysis, stress tracking, and AI recommendations—come with a one-time purchase. Future capabilities, including blood pressure estimates and glucose trend monitoring, will arrive through free over-the-air updates within a few months after shipping, ensuring your investment continues to deliver value without recurring fees.

The Circular Ring 2 is a game-changer that finally delivers on the promise of truly personalized health monitoring. By combining premium titanium craftsmanship, unprecedented heart tracking capabilities, and intelligent AI guidance without monthly fees, this featherlight ring outperforms devices many times its size. Whether you’re tracking fitness goals, monitoring heart health, or gaining deeper insights into your body’s patterns, the Circular Ring 2 works quietly behind the scenes, gathering critical data while you live your life uninterrupted.

Click Here to Buy Now: $239 $550 ($311 off). Hurry, only 4/4936 left! Raised over $2.6 million.

The post World’s First ECG Smart Ring Raises nearly $2.5 million in funding just within a month first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sound and speed. Two sensory experiences that can quicken the pulse and heighten emotions in ways few other stimuli can. When brands that excel in each domain collaborate, something exceptional emerges.

The new Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition earbuds represent exactly this kind of extraordinary partnership. Taking the already award-winning Pi8 wireless earbuds and enhancing them with distinctive McLaren-inspired styling, these limited edition earphones combine audiophile performance with motorsport prestige. But why should you care? What makes these particular earbuds worthy of your attention—and potentially your investment?

Designer: Bowers & Wilkins + McLaren

Let’s cut through the noise and explore five compelling reasons why the Pi8 McLaren Edition might be the perfect audio companion for discerning listeners and McLaren enthusiasts alike.

1. Uncompromising Audio Quality Beyond Ordinary Boundaries

Bowers & Wilkins has built its reputation on sound quality that refuses to cut corners. The standard Pi8 has already collected multiple awards for its reference-standard hi-res audio performance, and the McLaren Edition carries forward this sonic excellence without compromise.

What does this mean in practical terms? Expect precise instrument separation, natural vocal reproduction, and the kind of dynamic range that reveals details you never knew existed in your favorite tracks. The Pi8 delivers legitimate high-fidelity audio performance in a completely wireless form factor.

For audiophiles who’ve been reluctant to embrace true wireless earbuds due to sound quality concerns, the Pi8 McLaren Edition represents one of the few options that doesn’t ask you to sacrifice audio fidelity for convenience. The engineering team at Bowers & Wilkins has applied the same acoustic principles that guide their renowned home speakers to these compact in-ear monitors.

This approach ensures that whether you’re listening to the roar of F1 engines or the subtle nuances of a jazz quartet, you’ll hear it with remarkable clarity and emotional impact.

Every note, frequency, and sonic detail receives meticulous attention, just as McLaren scrutinizes every component in its vehicles. This shared philosophy of uncompromising quality creates an audio experience that satisfies even the most demanding listeners.

2. Distinctive Design That Commands Respect

First impressions matter, and the Pi8 McLaren Edition makes quite an impression indeed. The striking combination of Galvanic Gray with Papaya orange accents instantly connects these earbuds to McLaren’s iconic visual identity. This isn’t just another black or white earbud lost in a sea of similar-looking products. The Pi8 McLaren Edition creates a visual statement—subtle enough for everyday use but distinctive enough to spark conversations.

Premium materials enhance the tactile experience beyond what you’d expect from typical wireless earbuds. Every surface, edge, and detail has been considered not just for aesthetics but for durability and comfort during extended listening sessions.

The charging case continues this design language, creating a cohesive package that feels special every time you reach for it. Unlike disposable-feeling plastic cases that plague even premium earbuds, the Pi8’s case feels substantial and worthy of its contents.

For those who appreciate thoughtful industrial design, these earbuds satisfy on multiple levels—they are visually striking without being ostentatious and premium without being pretentious.

The design thoughtfully translates automotive design principles into audio equipment rather than mimicking McLaren’s aesthetic. This creates a product that feels authentic to both brands’ identities rather than a superficial styling exercise.

3. A Badge of Honor for McLaren Enthusiasts

There’s something deeply satisfying about owning products that connect to your passions. For McLaren fans, these earbuds offer more than just audio performance—they provide a daily connection to the racing heritage and engineering excellence that define the McLaren brand.

The distinctive Papaya orange isn’t just any color choice. It’s the signature hue that adorns McLaren’s Formula 1 cars as they battle for position on tracks around the world. Every time you reach for these earbuds, you’re connecting with that racing DNA.

This edition joins the existing Px8 McLaren Edition headphones and Zeppelin McLaren Edition speaker in a growing collection of collaborative audio products. For completists and collectors, adding the Pi8 McLaren Edition completes a trifecta of premium audio experiences united by their connection to automotive excellence.

What makes this partnership especially significant is its authentic nature. Since 2015, Bowers & Wilkins has been developing the audio systems found in McLaren’s supercars. This isn’t a superficial marketing exercise but rather an extension of a deep technical collaboration between two companies obsessed with performance.

The shared values of precision, innovation, and uncompromising quality make this partnership feel genuine rather than forced—something increasingly rare in the world of brand collaborations. For true McLaren aficionados, these earbuds represent a way to carry a piece of that passion throughout daily life, creating moments of connection with the brand beyond watching race weekends or admiring the cars themselves.

4. Technical Innovation That Enhances Daily Use

Beyond sound quality and aesthetics, the Pi8 McLaren Edition inherits the technological advancements that distinguish the standard Pi8 in a crowded market. Wireless Audio Retransmission capability enhances the Pi8 McLaren Edition’s versatility. This feature represents one of the advanced technologies that makes these earbuds particularly appealing to users seeking premium audio experiences across different listening environments.

Enhanced connectivity features ensure reliable performance in various environments. Nothing ruins the listening experience faster than dropouts or connection issues, and the Pi8’s robust wireless implementation addresses this common pain point.

Exceptional comfort and fit—critical for any earbud you’ll wear for extended periods—have received meticulous engineering attention. The ergonomic design accommodates different ear shapes while maintaining a secure seal that’s essential for proper bass response and noise isolation.

Premium materials enhance both the aesthetics and the durability of these earbuds, improving the tactile experience of daily use. This attention to material quality reflects the same performance-focused engineering approach that characterizes McLaren’s vehicles—practical improvements that enhance real-world usage rather than superficial enhancements.

5. Exclusive Design with Uncompromised Performance

Limited editions often force consumers to choose between having something special and having something practical. The Pi8 McLaren Edition refuses this compromise. With limited pre-sale availability starting April 3rd, 2025, these earbuds offer exclusivity while remaining attainable for enthusiasts.

Priced at $499, these earbuds occupy the premium tier of the market—appropriate for their pedigree. Unlike many special editions that simply change colors, the Pi8 McLaren Edition builds upon an exceptional foundation with distinctive Galvanic Gray and Papaya orange styling that authentically connects to McLaren’s racing heritage.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition earbuds exist at the crossroads where precision engineering meets passionate design. Like the moment when a McLaren crosses the finish line, these earbuds represent the culmination of expertise, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

These aren’t mass-market products. They’re crafted for those who recognize and appreciate the extraordinary—whether in automotive performance or audio reproduction. In a world of interchangeable gadgets, they provide both technical performance and emotional connection to something greater.

When pre-orders open through Bowers & Wilkins’ website, you’ll have the opportunity to decide if you’re ready to bring this blend of racing spirit and audio craftsmanship into your daily life. For those who understand what these brands represent, the decision might already be made.

After all, some partnerships just sound right.

The post Top 5 Reasons Why Your Ears Deserve the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition Earbuds first appeared on Yanko Design.

Technology is evolving at a breakneck speed, and staying ahead of the curve isn’t just for tech enthusiasts or lovers, it is something that is essential for everyone now. The personal tech arena of 2025 will foresee innovations that blur the lines between physical and digital, prioritize health monitoring, and make advanced features more accessible than ever before. Here, we are exploring seven trends that are redefining our relationship with technology, along with cutting-edge products that beautifully showcase each movement.

From modular devices that transform to serve multiple purposes to fashionable AR glasses that blend seamlessly into daily life, these trends are forming and working towards a future where technology is more adaptable, personalized, and integrated into our lives without demanding constant attention. These personal tech trends showcase how gadgets and devices will effortlessly enhance and improve our lives, while perfectly reflecting our individual needs and preferences.

1. Modular & Multi-Functional Tech

Modular technology is revolutionizing the arena of personal devices in 2025. Instead of carrying multiple gadgets, consumers are moving towards versatile products that transform to serve different functions. This trend is gaining momentum as people want to simplify their digital lives while maintaining functionality across various scenarios. It has the potential to reduce electronic waste, extend device lifespans, and provide greater value through adaptability. For people like me, who need their arsenal of gadgets around them, I believe modular tech is a lifesaver, allowing one device to perform as several, ultimately reducing your tech load.

The Oukitel WP200 Pro 5G

The Oukitel WP200 Pro 5G represents modular technology at its most innovative, combining rugged durability with surprising versatility. At first glance, it appears to be just another tank-like smartphone designed for harsh environments, but its thick circular camera bump conceals a pretty cool secret—a detachable rectangular screen that transforms into either a Bluetooth earpiece or a smartwatch.

This ingenious design allows users to pop out the small display and place it in their ear for quick calls without fumbling for separate earbuds. When attached to the included wristband, this same component becomes a functional smartwatch for activity tracking and time management. This design addresses the issue of having to carry multiple devices while maintaining essential functionality in different scenarios.

What we like

• Innovative 3-in-1 functionality eliminates the need for separate earbuds and smartwatches.
• Durable construction with high-end specifications suitable for demanding environments.

What we dislike

• Bulky design sacrifices aesthetics for functionality and durability.
• Hefty price tag, making it a heavy investment.

2. Health-First Wearables

Health monitoring technology is experiencing an impressive transformation in 2025, moving beyond basic fitness tracking to provide medical-grade insights previously available only in clinical settings. Today most of us are prioritizing our health, and there is a growing interest in proactive health management and preventive care. This trend is democratizing health data, allowing individuals to detect potential issues earlier, and optimize wellness routines based on personalized metrics gathered using these wearables. These tech gadgets will help us keep an eye on personal health management, enabling us to be proactive and preventive.

Circular Ring 2

The Circular Ring 2 is designed to be the cutting edge of health-first wearables, distinguishing itself as the world’s first ECG smart ring. Unlike wrist-based devices that gather data from areas with less robust blood flow, this ring collects information directly from the finger, where signals are stronger and clearer, resulting in more precise measurements.

What truly sets Circular Ring 2 apart is its comprehensive approach to health monitoring. The device tracks over 140 biometrics, including heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, respiratory rate, and stress levels—all with medical-grade precision. It also offers specialized features like women’s health tracking, energy level assessments, and recovery analysis, creating a holistic picture of the wearer’s well-being.

What we like

• Medical-grade precision from the optimal monitoring location (finger).
• Comprehensive health tracking with no recurring subscription costs.

What we dislike

• Limited screen real estate for displaying information compared to smartwatches.
• May be uncomfortable for some users during sleep or certain activities.

3. Fashionable AR

Augmented reality is usually clubbed with a clunky, and tech-centric aesthetic which isn’t often the most stylish. But in 2025, we are watching a new trend in smart glasses – wherein they seamlessly blend into everyday fashion.  Previous AR designs were often awkward to wear in public, with a touch of social stigma attached to me. But this trend focuses on making AR glasses indistinguishable from regular eyewear. This movement will normalize human-computer interaction in public spaces, allowing digital information to seamlessly and effortlessly integrate with our daily visual experience.

Even G1

The Even G1 smart glasses make a truly amazing moment in AR tech – we are finally receiving AR eyewear that doesn’t sacrifice style for functionality. Unlike previous attempts by tech giants like Google and Meta, these glasses look virtually indistinguishable from fashionable sunglasses while packing impressive technological capabilities.

The secret to the G1’s success lies in its advanced waveguide display technology, which projects crisp, full-color information onto the lenses without the bulky components that have burdened earlier smart glasses. This allows digital overlays to appear naturally within your field of vision while remaining invisible to others. The sleek frames house a powerful Snapdragon processor, discreet built-in speakers, and cameras without any of the bulk around the temples that would give them the appearance of tech devices.

What we like

• Genuinely fashionable design that doesn’t compromise on technological capabilities.
• An unobtrusive display technology that integrates digital information naturally into vision.

What we dislike

• Limited battery life compared to larger AR headsets.
• Higher price point than conventional sunglasses.

4. Modular Smartphone Photography

This year we will witness a rise in products that will address the inherent limitations of smartphone cameras. This could be in the form of magnetic attachments, instead of the typical bulky built-in systems. If you’ve ever struggled with clicking DSLR-worthy pictures on your smartphone, but aren’t ready to use a professional camera, then these attachments offer a DSLR experience without sacrificing the sleek form factor of their devices.

This trend will extend the photographic capabilities of smartphones beyond what internal components alone can achieve, creating a more sustainable upgrade path for photography enthusiasts, allowing them to create professional-grade photographs on their smartphones without having to eliminate the seamless smartphone experience.

 Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System

Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System showcases a brand-new approach to smartphone photography that could influence how Apple and other manufacturers think about their camera systems. Unveiled at MWC 2025, this concept elegantly solves the fundamental limitation of smartphone cameras—their tiny sensors and fixed optics—through a magnetically attached external lens system.

It includes a Xiaomi 35mm f/1.4 lens housing a massive 100MP Light Fusion X Type 4/3 sensor, more than double the size of any sensor currently found in smartphones. This configuration delivers exceptional low-light performance and creates natural bokeh effects without relying on the algorithmic edge detection that often struggles with complex subjects like hair or glasses. When combined with the phone’s computational photography capabilities, the results can even rival or surpass traditional DSLRs or mirrorless cameras in certain scenarios.

What we like

• Dramatically improved image quality through larger sensors and dedicated optics.
• Maintains the phone’s slim profile when photography accessories aren’t needed.

What we dislike

• Additional equipment to carry and potentially lose.
• Likely to be expensive compared to software-only photography solutions.

5. Democratized AI

AI is undergoing an essential democratization this year, wherein advanced AI features that were once exclusive to premium devices are now becoming accessible to people in mid-range products. This trend is bringing sophisticated AI capabilities to affordable devices, creating more options and versatility across varied price segments. Manufacturers are expanding and creating more access to productivity-enhancing and creativity-enabling tools, thereby reducing the “digital divide”, and forming more inclusive tech experiences.

TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5G

The TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5G perfectly captures the democratization of AI technology – by bringing advanced artificial intelligence features to a mid-range smartphone without the premium price tag. It represents a trend where cutting-edge AI capabilities are no longer exclusive to flagship models costing twice as much.

TECNO has implemented artificial intelligence across the entire user experience. The phone’s AI capabilities extend from smart scene detection in the camera—which automatically optimizes settings based on what you’re photographing—to system-level optimizations that improve performance and battery life based on usage patterns. The AI photography features are quite impressive, allowing less experienced photographers to capture professional-looking images through intelligent automatic adjustments to contrast, saturation, and sharpness.

What we like

• Comprehensive AI features at a fraction of premium smartphone prices.
• Intelligent photography capabilities that simplify capturing high-quality images.

What we dislike

• Occasional performance limitations with demanding applications compared to flagships.
• Some AI features may feel more like marketing than substantive improvements.

6. Transparent Tech

Transparent technology design is experiencing a renaissance in 2025, moving beyond mere novelty to become a distinctive aesthetic movement in personal devices. This trend draws inspiration from the minimalist “nothing” design language pioneered by Carl Pei’s Nothing brand and reflects a growing desire for products that reveal rather than conceal their inner workings. Every tech enthusiast harbors a special spot for Nothing products, and honestly, I am no different. So, it isn’t shocking to witness a whole trend inspired by the company’s inspiring design philosophy and style.

 MINI Mobile Innostyle

The MINI Mobile Innostyle power bank perfectly embodies the transparent tech trend with its sleek, see-through casing that transforms a utilitarian accessory into a conversation-starting design piece. This power bank takes inspiration from the Nothing design language that has captivated tech enthusiasts, allowing users to admire the intricate internal components that are typically hidden from view.

Although it has compact, credit card-sized dimensions, the Innostyle power bank combines alluring aesthetics with practical functionality. It features a high-speed, three-in-one intelligent charging cable, which eliminates the need to carry multiple connectors for different devices. This allows it to charge smartphones, tablets, earbud cases, and other USB-powered gadgets with a single cable, streamlining the charging experience.  The transparent exterior is accentuated with subtle neon accents that create a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired look, making it as much a fashion accessory as a tech tool.

What we like

• Distinctive transparent design that stands out from generic power banks.
• Versatile three-in-one charging cable reduces cable clutter.

What we dislike

• Transparent design may show wear and internal dust more visibly over time.
• Compact size likely means more limited capacity than larger power banks.

7. Convergent Computing

Convergent computing could emerge as an important trend, with devices that blend previously distinct categories to create new, multi-functional tools. Users today need more versatile tech and gadgets, that can adapt to different contexts without the need for multiple specialized devices. Such designs could simplify tech ecosystems, reduce redundancy, and create more intuitive workflows, which is honestly a boon for creative professionals, remote workers, and digital nomads who need powerful computing capabilities with maximum portability and minimal setup time.

UnifyDrive UP6

The UnifyDrive UP6 is a groundbreaking fusion of network-attached storage (NAS) and portable computing, creating an entirely new category of devices. While traditional NAS units function as “headless” servers accessed remotely from other computers, the UP6 transforms this design by adding a touchscreen interface and built-in battery, making it a self-contained computing platform.

This innovative device houses six M.2 2280 SSDs for a massive total storage capacity of 48TB, all in a compact form factor. The choice of solid-state storage over traditional hard drives makes the UP6 resilient to movement and impacts, crucial for a device designed to be portable. Users can access their data through physical connections, a local wireless network, or even Bluetooth, allowing direct transfers from phones and cameras without requiring a computer as an intermediary.

What we like

• Unprecedented combination of massive storage capacity and standalone computing functionality.
• Battery backup ensures data protection during power interruptions.

What we dislike

• Likely to be significantly more expensive than separate NAS and tablet devices.
• SSD storage, while more durable for portable use, comes at a higher cost per terabyte than traditional hard drives.

The post 7 Top Trends To Watch That Are Shaping The Future Of Personal Tech first appeared on Yanko Design.

For millions of people with visual impairments, daily navigation presents constant challenges that most of us take for granted. Simple tasks like walking down a street, identifying objects, or finding specific locations can become frustrating experiences that diminish independence and self-assurance. While asking for assistance is a natural solution for many, it often comes with a psychological cost for visually impaired individuals who value their autonomy and wish to move through the world on their own terms.

The Vision Aid smart visor concept represents a thoughtful application of cutting-edge technology to address these challenges in a way that respects dignity and enhances independence. By reimagining how visually impaired people interact with their surroundings, this innovative device transforms existing technologies from mere conveniences into powerful tools for accessibility. Rather than developing entirely new systems, the concept cleverly repurposes established technologies to create a wearable solution that feels both familiar and revolutionary.

Designer: Mauli Rai

While various assistive technologies exist for the visually impaired, from smart canes to body-mounted cameras, many require additional components like earpieces that create a fragmented user experience. The Vision Aid concept takes inspiration from the most natural form factor for visual assistance: glasses. By building upon an accessory that visually impaired individuals already wear daily, the design creates a seamless integration into existing habits without adding stigmatizing or cumbersome equipment.

The technical heart of the Vision Aid concept lies in its sophisticated Time of Flight (ToF) cameras positioned at the top near the forehead. These specialized sensors create accurate three-dimensional maps of the surrounding environment, providing precise spatial awareness that traditional visual aids cannot match. This mapping capability works in conjunction with RFID sensors that identify specific objects and locations, creating a comprehensive understanding of the wearer’s surroundings that can be communicated through non-visual means.

User feedback is delivered through bone conduction technology and subtle vibration patterns, eliminating the need for earpieces that might block important ambient sounds. The sensory feedback preserves the wearer’s ability to hear traffic, conversations, and environmental cues while simultaneously receiving navigational guidance. The dual-channel feedback system allows users to process directional information and object identification simultaneously, creating a richer understanding of their surroundings.

The design incorporates several quality-of-life features that demonstrate deep consideration for real-world usability. A thermal sensor automatically activates the device when worn, eliminating fumbling with power buttons or switches. The recording mode creates a spatial memory of routes traveled, allowing users to confidently retrace familiar paths or avoid problematic areas in future journeys.

The Vision Aid concept represents a powerful shift in how we think about assistive technology. Rather than treating visual impairment as a condition requiring compensation, the design approaches navigation as a universal challenge that can be addressed through innovative interfaces. This perspective moves beyond mere accessibility to embrace the principle that good design should empower all users to navigate their world with dignity, independence, and confidence.

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Up until now, the only way to charge the Meta Ray-Bans was to take it off and put it away in the case – this rather absurd-looking accessory sidesteps that issue by giving your specs a USB-C charging port to keep you perpetually plugged in. The price of that cool feature, however, is that you’ll look awkward as hell.

Dubbed the Metaport, this accessory gives your smart-glasses a theoretically infinite battery life, while giving you a Johnny Bravo-style raised eyebrow. It snaps to the arch if the top of your glasses, plugging into the connector points underneath the nose bridge. The accessory then routes a cable all the way to the side, with a USB-C port at your left temple. If anything, it’s a classic example of how tech and fashion are sometimes at absolute odds.

Designer: TheXuit

The Meta Ray-Bans are amazing – I can attest to the fact as an owner myself – the only problem is that they don’t last beyond 3-ish hours. Even if you aren’t using the camera or the built-in speakers, the Ray-Bans drain fairly fast, given that the batteries inside the temple stems are fairly small, and there’s honestly nothing you can do to make them bigger without making the Ray-Bans heavier or uglier.

The Metaport snaps onto your glasses, bypassing the battery issue by literally giving you a USB-C port. This means you can hook a power bank to the smart glasses, sort of emulating how the Vision Pro headset has a separate power bank that connects to the side. The problem, however, is that the Metaport’s only solution is to alter the spectacle’s silhouette – which as you can see presents a unique fashion problem. It makes you look like you’ve got a perpetual raised eyebrow.

What I always loved about the Meta Ray-Bans were the fact that they were indistinguishable from existing spectacles. The Google Glasses were hideous, Snap’s Spectacles looked half-decent, but Meta and Luxottica absolutely nailed the fusion between tech and trendiness. That being said, you really can’t cram a 2,000 mAh battery into a pair of spectacles without some crazy advancements in battery tech. The current Meta Ray-Bans have a battery that’s just a mere 154mAh, and that only gets you so far if you’re someone who wears/wants a pair of glasses that can serve you all day.

As weird as the Metaport looks, it’s so far the only practical solution out there. My only request is that the makers ditch the plastic housing for something a little more sleek, causing minimal interference to the spectacles’ overall design. The beauty of the Meta Ray-Bans was that nobody really knew you were wearing smart glasses – the Metaport, as noble as its purpose is, makes things extremely obvious.

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People who are deaf or cannot speak, or both – have long been aided by the American Sign Language (ASL) in communicating with people. Although the accuracy of the communication solely depends on the understanding of people on both ends, that can be a problem if one or more conversants are not that fluent in ASL. Researchers at Cornell University have recognized this problem and want to leverage the goodness of wearable technologies to make it smoother for people who are differently abled to communicate with the world as they intend to.

The experts at the university have employed the smart ring platform to develop a wearable that tracks the American Sign Language gestures of the wearer to accurately transcribe them into understandable text or audio to a computer or a smartphone. They call it the SpellRing, and it can be worn on the thumb to get the desired input for the translated data. The wearable comes with embedded sensors including a mini-gyroscope to measure the angular data from hand movement. The on-board speakers and mic detect the inaudible sound waves from the movement. All these components are housed inside a 3D-printed housing that’s no more than the size of a quarter.

Designer: Cornell University

The smart AI ring can detect all 26 letters in the English language with micro-sonar technology to precisely track the fingerspelling of the wearer. For more accuracy sonar images are also fed into the system. The data that is received from all the sensors and hardware is then processed by a deep-learning algorithm. All of this is done in a split second time to predict the ASL fingerspelled by the wearer. To make possible an in-depth and unbiased view of the wearable for further development, the researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Stony Brook University, along with the researchers from Cornell University have tested the wearable thoroughly.

In the conducted tests, 20 amateur and experienced ASL signers were asked to spell more than 20,000 words to see the accuracy of the AI-assisted wearable ring. The 3D-printed wearable passed with a combined accuracy of around 90 percent with both signed words, as well as, sentences. It was even tested to perform actions such as web search, map navigation, or typing in notes with the input. According to Hyunchul Lim, lead author of SpellRing’s papered documentation, “ASL is a very complicated, complex visual language,” and the focus is right now on tuning the algorithm to make the AI ring understand words and phrases with maximum accuracy.

The SpellRing is currently in the prototype stage and there is no word on the availability of the ring yet. The team is confident that even in the current stage, ASL fingertyping will be significantly faster than typing on your smartphone’s keyboard. Researchers want this ring to be a tool for fast and accessible text entry with a niche set of benefits targeted toward a set of users. The prospects of this AI ring graduating to the wearable market are very high since it costs just $30 to make the current prototype AI ring. When it will be mass produced that cost can be further trimmed down.

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Conceptual Visualization

Forget the Apple Watch as you know it. New patents discovered at the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) show that Apple’s looking to incorporate foldable tech into its smartwatch series. If these patents are foreshadowing the future, we could be looking at a dual-screen Apple watch that basically feels like a tiny flip phone on your wrist. That isn’t all, the patent also looks to factor cameras into the wearable, giving you a tiny yet capable FaceTime device that lets you take video calls directly from your wrist.

The patent, filed by Apple Design Lead Vladimir Krneta, details a potential watch with ‘movable’ screens. While this doesn’t immediately imply a flip-phone-style clamshell smartwatch, Apple’s patent document showcases drawings of one, leading to speculation that maybe that’s the format Apple’s gravitating towards. The rest of the images in this article are visualizations based on the patent documents, created using AI. Although Apple has no immediate plans of launching a folding watch, the fact that they’ve filed the patent means that the R&D branch is working on a potential use-case of a foldable wearable for your wrist… with included cameras that turns the watch into something vastly more useful than a mere health wearable. But will it run Apple Intelligence???

Designer: Apple

Conceptual Visualization

Image Credits: Apple via United States Patent and Trademark Office

“A user may want the display to be extended when using certain applications, making phone/ video calls, playing games, browsing the web, etc,” the patent describes. “On the other hand, the user may want the display to be folded for convenience and portability, such as when the user is going about their day-to-day activities, outdoor activities, etc.”

Conceptual Visualization

The patent goes on to highlight other features, potentially turning the ‘health wearable’ into a practical extension of your phone. “For example, the wearable electronic device of the present disclosure can provide intuitive access and enhanced usability of features for convenient video calling, camera usage, web browsing, messaging, and interfacing social media.”

This description is supplemented by the proposed inclusion of multiple cameras – something Apple (and even other makers) have notably left out of their smartwatches. The patent hints at possibly two cameras (like in a phone), one for external capture as well as a wearer-facing camera for video calls.

Conceptual Visualization

It’s worth noting that this patent was filed in 2023 and discovered only recently by news outlets combing through the millions of patents at the USPTO. What Apple is doing with the Watch is not too different from what they did with the iPhone, i.e., replace a larger device. The iPhone was supposed to be a powerful laptop that fits in your hand, and now, Apple is scaling it down further, turning the Watch into an iPhone that fits on your wrist.

However, it’s best to take these patents with a massive grain of salt because Apple files hundreds of patents each year, hardly 1% of which actually translate to real products. If the foldable watch does become a reality, it wouldn’t be the first wrist-worn foldable device. A long time ago, Motorola teased a bendable phone that was flexible enough to fit around your wrist like a chunky bracelet. Sony’s even teased smartwatches with e-ink straps that change in color. Although both these are examples of products that never became mainstream, Apple tends to play the long game very well, waiting for the right time to launch the right, polished product. Until then, we apparently have a folding iPhone on the horizon!

Conceptual Visualization

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Smartphone designs have become a bit more uniform and standardized these days as manufacturers appeal to the growing sophisticated tastes of consumers. Once in a while, however, we do come across some designs that leave us scratching our heads, both in terms of ingenuity as well as oddity. They may not always make perfect sense, but they are definitely interesting enough to earn a second glance.

This rugged smartphone is a prime example of that, initially looking like nothing more than a very bulky device just like any other tank-like rugged phone. Its equally thick camera bump, however, hides a rather curious secret. That seemingly simple small display on its back actually pops out to become a single-ear Bluetooth earphone or, with the right strap, a smartwatch as well.

Designer: Oukitel

Despite their popularity, wireless earbuds are also a constant source of headaches because of how often we misplace or forget them. Sometimes we even forget to put them back into their charging case, comically leaving the buds at home while bringing the case with us. HMD Global solved that problem with the Nokia 5710 XpressAudio and its built-in wireless earbuds, but that “dumb phone” won’t meet the needs of smartphone users.

The Oukitel WP200 Pro 5G has a slightly different and more interesting solution. In the middle of its large and thick circular camera bump is a rectangular screen that you can pop out and put in one of your ears, just like how those old Bluetooth earbuds. Admittedly, it won’t take the place of a decent pair of stereo earphones, but when you need to take a brief call, it might be faster than fumbling around in your pocket or bag for your earbuds.

But wait, there’s more! If you pop the earbuds into a wristband, it becomes a smartwatch for hands-free tracking of activities and time. Again, it’s not going to beat a proper smartwatch in terms of functionality, but if you have minimal requirements for a wearable, this might actually be enough. Unless you need to have both a smartwatch and take a hands-free call, in which case you’ll have to choose one or the other mode and just switch back once you’re done.

Just like any other rugged smartphone, the Oukitel WP200 Pro 5G won’t win awards in terms of looks. It’s built like a tank and definitely looks like it. Thanks to advancements in mobile hardware, however, it can actually boast a pretty decent set of specs, like a MediaTek 8200 processor, 24GB of RAM, and even a 108MP camera. For a $699.99 price tag, however, it feels more like an expensive novelty than a reliable mobile device and you’ll probably get better value with a normal smartphone and proper accessories.

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