Wireless earphones have come a long way in terms of battery life while maintaining a compact form factor. A good pair of buds can last almost six to seven hours on average with ANC on. The charging case provides another two to three charge cycles before you need to plug in your case for a refill. Under normal circumstances, that should be enough for a day or even a day and a half, if you keep the ANC and transparency mode turned off for the duration.

If you are a power user always on the go, chances are you might drain out all the battery in your charging case. The solution in that scenario is to keep a wired pair handy, or is it? This concept believes otherwise, and the idea seems novel, just like the Streamline hybrid earbuds that can be used both in wireless and wired modes. Called the reverse charging earphones, these charge your buds when the juice runs out.

Designer: Jinkyo Han

Imagined for the Apple AirPods Pro, the concept proposes a reverse charging cable that connects to the phone and then charges the buds when they are low on battery power. Since each bud carries a battery capacity of 50 mAh each, every recharge cycle will only drain 100 mAh of the phone’s battery power, which is a bargain as current generation smartphones have a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh. It’s like you have a power bank for your AirPods Pro in case you’ve exhausted both the buds and the charging case battery.

When the AirPods battery runs out, simply dock them into the charging cable slot and connect them to the phone with the USB-C cable. The buds attach securely to the cable dock without the fear of knocking them off as they dock magnetically into the deep hollow openings at the ends, Jinkyo refers to as the A terminals. If you wish to use the buds in this mode for a prolonged period, you can even skip carrying the charging case for the earbuds. The charging cable indicates the charge status with a blinking LED light on the Y-splitter section.

The idea is very practical, probably the reason we are seeing such concept design pop up. In all likelihood, Apple won’t be tempted to go for such a design evolution or design an official accessory with such functionality. Third-party manufacturers and start-ups might be tempted to turn this ideation into reality, given its utilitarian aspect.

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The Lotus Elise S1 was one of the most popular sports cars in the mid-90s, appreciated by purists and motorheads for its distinct design backed by performance. Although the car has been lost in time, overshadowed by names like Porsche 911, it still manages to turn heads. Now, passionate motorsports photographer GF Williams turned car builder has crafted a restomod version of the Elise dubbed Project Safari with a rally race character.

Under the Surrey-based company Get Lost, Williams and his team of fabricators and engineers have beefed up the sports car for off-road-ready adventures. That’s almost like changing the racing DNA of the sports car and morphing it into a beast that can take on dirt trails without any iota of hesitation. With this mod, the track-hugging Lotus retains its featherweight character and a compact footprint. However, the conversion isn’t just about slapping on body panels or increasing the ride height. According to George Williams, “This is not a modified Elise, it’s our interpretation of what the platform had to offer. Everything has been considered – from the design to the drive – all in the pursuit of creating something fun.”

Designer: Get Lost

The visual aesthetics are noticeably different from the original with a 100mm lift, and the underbody is reinforced with maximum protection to make the car ready for the unforgiving tracks. The large fenders hug the all-terrain tires, bespoke suspension coated in Cerakote for protection from rocks and debris. The round headlights have been replaced by the rectangular ones to give the Elise an aggressive personality.  Rally car element is exemplified by the yellow auxiliary lights mounted on the hood, which make the dusty tracks well lit. For maximum control on the roads, Willams’ team added a rally-style limited-slip differential and a hydraulic handbrake.

Get Lost has added a mid-mounted roof scoop with an intake that splits into two ducts, feeding air into the engine. The makers inform that the Project Safari is loaded with a different powertrain, suggesting the original 1.8-litre Rover K-Series has been swapped for something with more meat. The zircon-coated twin exhaust further cements the fact that the Project Safari has more power than you could bargain for. The roll bar and the rear deck hold the spare tire, which is integrated with floating wings that are reminiscent of a WRC rally car. On the inside, the modded Project Safari Elise has bespoke seats trimmed in leather and tweed.

According to Williams, every element of the modded Lotus Elise doesn’t work in isolation; rather, “enhances the character and capability of the entire car.” The production of the Project Safari is slated to begin by the end of this year. There’s no word about the pricing of the car yet, but more could come on that in the future.

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May the 4^th is almost here, and it’s that time of the year for Star Wars fans to celebrate the franchise’s success ever since George Lucas rolled out the first installment in 1977. Just like every year, LEGO has loads of sets (9 to be precise) in store for us fans as a part of the Ultimate Collector Series. The new lineup includes key Star Wars elements like The Force Awakens, characters like  Jango Fett, and even BrickHeadz.

According to Mike Ilacqua, Head of Product, LEGO Star Wars Products, “Our talented team has outdone themselves, creating a wide range of models from across the galaxy. There’s something for every fan to enjoy – from the most detailed collector’s items for display to fun, adventurous sets inspired by the galaxy far, far away. We can’t wait to see LEGO Star Wars fans’ first impressions at Star Wars Celebration in Japan very soon!”

Designer: LEGO Group

Coming to the Ultimate Collector Series is Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship, and the new 2,970-piece set is the first time in over two decades that’s dedicated to his father’s spaceship. It comes with detailed minifigures of Jango and Boba Fett as kids, a movable entrance, a detailed internal cockpit, an opening landing ramp, and the bomb hatch to position the seismic charge. The Starship can be kept in the display stand, the landing, or the flight mode. This set will cost collectors $300, with release promised on May 1 for Insiders and May 4 for the general public. This set is going to be the highlight of the lineup as people ordering directly from the LEGO Group from May 1 to May 5 will receive extra goodies that include a commemorative keychain, three Clone cadet minifigures, a tiny patrol vehicle, and weapon racks.

Eight other sets in the collection include the first-ever set inspired by Andor season 2, two Brickheadz releases inspired by A New Hope, and the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith. This depicts the climax of A New Hope with Luke in the X-Wing pilot flight gear. The five-pack comes with the buildable chibi figurines of Anakin that can be turned into Darth Vader with the swap of the eyes, Padmé, Mace Windu, Chancellor Palpatine in Darth Sidious mode, and General Grievous. Each one of them is priced at $10 and $50, respectively.

Then there is the $70 priced 594-piece minifigure scaled U-Wing set that comes with the minifigures of Cassian, Dedra Meero, an ISB Tactical Agent, and K-2SO. The 386-piece build of Kylo Ren’s shuttle can also be displayed on the stand with wings in flight or landing mode, costing $70. Two new sets of Kylo and Jango, 529 and 616 pieces each, as a part of the collectible helmet line, are also priced at $70. The 22 cm tall Rebels icon Chopper Astromech for the droid series comes with a removable wheel, retractable tools, and manipulator arms. It is priced at $100. Last but not least, there is a 700-piece buildable version of the Star Wars logo costing $60.

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The likes of Victorinox and Benchmade may be on the pinnacle of durable and reliable EDC (every day carry) knives, but you cannot rule out what a James Brand blade is capable of. The latter has its own merits in construction and performance, established well already, which it is taking to a new level of convenience with the launch of the all-new Folsom Pro.

Whether you’re cooking in the wilderness or fishing by the lake, the Folsom Pro is built to be your unfaltering companion. Ready to deal with water, corrosion and dust, the foldable pocket knife is wild and nothing like we have seen from The James Brand before. This foldable pocket knife has a wild spirit unlike anything I’ve seen from The James Brand before. The design language remains distinctively theirs, but it’s the construction and material choices that truly redefine what’s possible in a premium EDC knife. Of course, the design is not the striking difference, it’s the construction and material usage that is redefining the wheel.

Designer: The James Brand

Already very famous for exceptional everyday carry knives, especially the pocket-friendly options, the James Brand is now surprising us with the Uncharted Collection, which includes the Folsom Pro. Other notable knife in the collection is the Humboldt, which the company says is its first fillet knife. In this article, we will stick to the Folsom Pro, which has state-of-the-art durable construction and an ambidextrous design. Its blade measures 3.2 inches, while the handle has an ergonomic feel and the signature thumb hole in it, making it a joy to use even during extended cutting tasks.

The Folsom Pro blade is made from LC200N steel by Zapp Precision Metals in Germany, which is corrosion-resistant, almost rustproof, yet effortless to sharpen. Owing to this and the machined G10 handle with titanium hardware, the knife is made to last a lifetime in the worst imaginable environments. Behind the stonewashed steel blade is the ceramic ball bearing (on which the knife pivots) and a titanium clip to hold the knife secure when you’re on the move.

In total with the knife, including the blade, measures a compact 7.8 inches in length when open. Only 0.4 inches thick, the Folsom Pro is 4.6 inches in length when closed. The 4.1-ounce knife’s handle features a milled pattern for a better grip in wet, slimy conditions. It can also deal well with gloves on, making it a good choice for working in saltwater, mud or grit. And when you’re done, the Folsom Pro, having endured all that you had, can just be rinsed and dried for reuse only minutes later. For those interested, the Folsom Pro is now available on the James Brand website starting at $279. If the price suits your pocket, rest assured, the knife will. In fact, it will not just suit your pocket – held firm with a deep-carry titanium clip – it will also suit every task you throw at it and still stand strong!

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Polaroid has just released a new instant photography camera that’ll bring a smile to the face of passionate clickers. The company claims the Polaroid Flip is the ultimate point-and-shoot instant camera, and given its features, we second that. The latest analog shooter’s folding design is inspired by the cameras that marked the glorious past, including the Polaroid OneStep 600 introduced in 1983.

The instant camera is ideal for people who are used to taking a lot of shots with their smartphone, or beginners who want to ease into their hobby of point-and-shoot photography. Polaroid Flip will be available for members starting today, and you can create an account with them right away if you are an eager buyer. Otherwise, you can grab the shooter from April 29 via online stores, and on May 13 from other retailers for $200.

Designer: Polaroid

Polaroid Flip reintroduces the flipable design that folds down the big flash to protect the lens when the camera is not in use. In fact, the adaptive flash is one of the most powerful (able to illuminate the subject over 14 feet away) that the company has ever offered on its instant cameras. The flash intensity can be adjusted easily to avoid overexposure at near distance. The camera comes with a four-lens system – including a close-up lens for distances up to 0.65 meters, near-field for 0.85 meters or lower, mid-field to shoot 1.2 meters, and far field for 2.5 meters distance – that rotates inside the housing. Based on the scene and the distance of the subject, the appropriate lens is chosen, and Polaroid claims the shots are equally good with better sharpness, depth of field and vividness.

What interests me the most in Flip is the sonar autofocus system that makes use of sonar waves to determine the distance of the subject from the lens and the exposure levels. If the subject is too far or too close, they are alerted with a flashing red light as a part of the ‘scene analysis’ feature, to make the necessary adjustments. This ensures the final shot is desirable and the compatible Polaroid i-Type and 600 film is not wasted. The user can, of course, take charge of the settings like exposure or self-timer via the compatible app. Other features of the camera include the ability to shoot double exposure shots for a crisper output and remotely control the camera from a distance.

The Flip camera will come equipped with a USB-C rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice, as you can carry an extra battery for peace of mind. According to Polaroid, this camera embraces real-life moments by connecting to life’s best moments. With eight pictures in “a pack that will connect to life far more than 800 digital ones,” the camera’s analog shooting experience will bring real-life moments to life with instant printed versions.

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Audio Technica is a trusted name when it comes to turntables for audiophiles who don’t compromise on design, functionality or audio quality. The revived Sound Burger turntable and the transparent AT LP2022 turntable to mark their 60^th anniversary are prime examples. The Japanese audio equipment expert leaves nothing to chance, while offering high quality audio products that punch way above their weight, at the most affordable prices.

Now they want to ride the wave of levitating gadgets, given their aesthetic appeal and musical advantages. At the Milan Design Week in Italy, Audio Technica unveiled Hotaru turntable that levitates in mid-air, and has a visual play of colors to go with your favorite musical tunes. These attributes are true to its name Hotaru which means firefly in Japanese.

Designer: Audio Technica

The limited-edition record player is designed keeping in mind modern interiors, delivering more than just high-fidelity sound for music lovers to enjoy. It delivers a multisensory experience for not only music affectionates but everyone who appreciates the good things in life. Only limited to 10,000 units, the turntable can be reserved until 30 May, with full payment of $9,999 to be done by August, and shipping starting a bit later on in October. That’s a long time to wait but there’s also the exclusivity and anticipation when it will finally adorn your living room.

Floating base and platter of the turntable is made out of precision crafted acrylic to give the color lighting effect capable of producing 20 color shades a vibrant glow. The turntable can be operated with three different color modes – a Basic one where you choose a single color, Graditation wherein the colors smoothly transition randomly, and the Link mode in which the colors sync to the music tonality or beats.

The levitating function comes courtesy of the magnetically-suspended platter section that’s repelled by the lower speaker section. This not only looks visually enchanting but also isolates the audio from any sound degrading vibrations that are associated with the connected mechanism. According to the press release, the cartridge functions at its fullest, and the stylus traces the record groove accurately for a crystal-clear audio signal processing. You can also attach the turntable to a hi-fi system to have more thump and clarity in sound.

The Hotaru turntable comes with a speaker system having 2.5-inch full rage speakers and dual 0.75-inch tweeters, producing a frequency range of 60Hz to 20kHz. Casing of the speaker unit is made out of high-quality aluminum placed on solid brass supports. Coming on to the platter, it is driven by a DC servo motor that feeds the sub platter courtesy of the concealed belt. The static balanced carbon tonearm is mounted on the sub-platter that has a specially crafted VM cartridge and headshell. Audio Technica says that the whole system has a “rich and refined feel while also rending sound with unparalleled clarity and dynamic expression.”

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Whether you choose an Apple AirTag or a Google Find My Device compatible Bluetooth item tracker, one thing is common, it will work with a dedicated network. If you want a tracking device that can work across both platforms – because you are someone who regularly switches between an iPhone or Android device – the choices are limited: Tile may be one, but I cannot think of any other at the moment.

Now that we are at it, an ideal cross-platform solution on the horizon is the Chipolo Pop. Launched recently, the item tracker is a compact coin-sized device, with a built-in key ring hole, that can work with both the Apple Find My and Google Find My Device networks out of the box. Available in several colors and a choice of matching key ring color, the Chipolo Pop is precisely the colorful tracking device that you would want.

Designer: Chipolo

Designed like the other tracking devices, to keep track of your keys, bag, luggage, and more, the Chipolo Pop is a round tracking device. The little thing measures only 38.8 millimeters in diameter and comes in blue, yellow, red, green, black, and white color options to choose from. Despite the petite size, it has a key ring hole – to attach the device to a range of items – which can be matched to the color of the tracker for more symmetry and vibrance.

The tracker along with dual network compatibility also receives an improved 120dB speaker, for very loud alerts, and a companion app to provide you with more finding superpowers. Chipolo has some interesting trackers already in its range, but all are dedicated to either network, Pop is the company’s first attempt at a universal solution, but it comes with a catch. The device can either be set up with the Find My app on iOS or it can connect with the Google’s Find My Device app on Android; at no point can the Pop work with both the ecosystem at the same time. Choose one network at a time is the mantra.

For more versatility, however, the Chipolo Pop comes paired to a dedicated companion app, which allows the device to be used as a remote camera shutter for your connected smartphone. In addition, it offers Call Your Phone feature that triggers by pressing the tracker twice and rings your misplaced phone even if it’s set on silent mode. When you’re feeling playful, you can use the app to customize the alert tone on the Pop.

Powered by a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, the Chipolo Pop with a Bluetooth range of up to 300 feet, comes in an IP55 rated body for water and dust resistance. It is currently available at $29 for a single unit. You can opt for a pack of four, which would cost you $89. The Pop is available through Amazon and is also selling on the company website where a pack of six of these trackers is going for $121 at the time of writing.

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Do you leave a trail of orange fingerprints on your phone screen when scrolling mid-snack, or have to deliberately turn book pages with the Pinky, avoiding Cheetos-dusted fingers from leaving that orange patch on paper? Cheetos Pants could be the answer to the problem you never thought existed, because washing your hands is so last season. Just wipe your hands on the trousers and get going. The idea is a massive hit, proven by the fact that the pants sold out faster than you can finish a packet of Cheetos.

Designed to enhance your snackability, the orange Cheetos pants are made with a special towel-like patch over the pockets on either side, where you can wipe your fingertips without leaving a trace. The pant is so truly matched with the color of these corn-cheese puffs that you can easily dunk your fingers in the bag of Cheetos, eat, wipe the dust on your thighs, and continue binge-watching the reels – all without leaving an orange trail on the phone. If you have some left over in the bag, you can fold and deposit it into a special side pocket made especially for it.

Designer: Cheetos

Launched on April 7, a week after the Fool’s Day, to avoid being mistaken for a prank, the Cheetos Pants sold out within days. But there’s still an option for you and me, if we want to take it (more on that later). Designed for Cheetos fans without easy access to tissues or a faucet (or simply lacking the urge to get up and clean their hands), the pants offer a solution: wipe those fingertips with cheesy crumbs directly on them so that you can save your couch cushions and game controllers from orange stains.

As mentioned, the peculiarity is that the pant is so perfectly matched to the exact shade of iconic orange Cheetos dust that no matter how much you wipe, no one will ever know. This is possible with the towel-like material patch on a pair of cotton pants: A perfect rubaway for your Cheetle-covered fingertips. Released with the motto “Pants stand out, Cheetos blends in,” it is made by Frito-Lay in collaboration with Impact BBDO in the Middle East and New York, with pockets to accommodate small and larger bags of Cheetos so you know where to eat from when you feel the need.

Cheetospants.com – from where the pants (in sizes XXS-3XL) were available – show the pants designed to wipe Cheetle-covered fingers are currently out of stock – no wonder. Fans having lost the first opportunity to scoop a pair can access a global collection of all near-exact orange pants from shoppable internet that the brand has selected and made available. Look up, find your favorite orange pants from an array of silhouettes and you have your pair – will that have the cleaning patch, we are guessing no!

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LEGO renditions of famous movie scenes, especially from the Marvel and Disney universe have impressed collectors worldwide. The ones that impressed us are in plenty, and the list is endless. Add to that, the new LEGO Marvel sets that mark your favorite superheroes in a mini bust version. The two sets on the smaller side, having a height of around 6.5 inches each, are perfect for display on your work desk or shelf, making them an alluring collector’s item.

Modeled after Spider-Man and Iron Man, the LEGO sets are the first officially licensed ones to be referred by the LEGO Group as the ‘Bust’ sets. In 2022 a Black Panther set of the bust section was released – much bigger than these two – however, it was not mentioned as a Bust set, anywhere. The Star Wars sets also have a similar appearance, but they have always been mentioned as ‘Helmet’ sets.

Designer: LEGO Group

Compared to some other intricate sets by the group, the Iron Man consists of 436 pieces, while the Iron Spider-Man Bust is only 379 pieces in total. That means you’ll build them up in virtually no time. Both these sets will cost $60, which is a luring price many will fall for. Out of the two, the Iron Man bust set is available for pre-order right away with shipping in June, while the LEGO Iron Spider-Man bust will be available on August 1. The Spider-Man set has received positive response from the passionate community, while the Iron Man bust has received mixed reviews purely because of its seemingly half-hearted appearance.

Iron Man MK4 mini bust

This bust is based on the MK4 armor suit worn by the superhero in the Iron Man 2 and Iron Man 3 movies. It comes with dual adjustable airbrake flaps on the back, a rotating head, and two retractable shoulder missile launchers. The set comes with a printed nameplate and a mini minifigure that’s a cute addition. Coming back to the dislike among the collectors, well, they are pointing out that the helmet hasn’t been emulated properly, while the eye placement also seems a bit eerie. Some have even labelled it as the worst LEGO design of all time!

Iron Spider bust set

The LEGO Group decided to go for the more flamboyant Iron Spider suit rendition for the second bust set in the collection. The suit in Avengers: Infinity War gives even more superpowers to the flying superhero, and as a bust LEGO model, makes more sense than just going for the simple Spider-Man replica. This one is a little smaller than the Iron Man version, but more liked of the two collectibles. The set comes with two movable mechanical arms, and nanotechnology to take on Thanos. Like the Iron Man set, this one also gets a Spidey minifigure that can be fitted on any other Spider-Man movie scene-themed set.

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For adventure seekers, carrying essential EDC is vital for survival and protection in the wild. Flashlight is one of them – be it hiking, camping, fishing, or exploring the great outdoors. There are plenty of options on the market, including Olight, Fenix, Nitecore and ThruNite – known for their brightness levels in a compact form and rugged build that can take on any of nature’s elements.

Wuben, however, wants to get the better of every OG flashlight you swear by with a utilitarian offering that is palm-sized and fits your EDC kit without any headaches. This is the Wuben G5 EDC flashlight that is built for any unknown adventures, proving to be a lifesaver in most situations. Wuben likes to call its outdoor flashlights ECL (Easy Carry Light), and this one is true to its name.

Designer: Wuben

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The all-purpose EDC has a design that’s unique compared to similar outdoor gear available for purchase, thus making it worth the attention. Its small form factor, designed to fit in your pocket like a lighter, means you don’t have to make extra space in your backpack if it is already full to the brim. Wuben G5 flashlight comes with a built-in adjustable clip and a strong magnet to tether it to any metal objects. This is useful when your hands are occupied. The accessory comes with a lanyard too, so that you can attach it to anything desired. Compared to the X2 Pro series by the maker, the G5 flashlight loses out on the sidelight and the electronic battery to achieve a compact size.

It is IP68-rated for protection against water dunks up to 2 meters and dirt protection. Also, the pressure-proof design reassures it won’t budge if run over by a vehicle, or if someone accidentally slips on it, or if you throw it in your luggage with heavy items on top. The design of the 52-gram ECL is squarish and flat, so that it doesn’t topple over very easily. On top, there is a flashlight head that turns 180 degrees, for hands-free convenience. A 180-degree movable spring tensioned clip can hook onto things and gives more freedom of movement. This comes in handy when you are moving through a thick jungle of bushes, and you need to keep the light steady, pointed in a particular direction.

The little flashlight can go up to a maximum of 400 lumens brightness, with a beam distance of 82 meters, which is enough illumination in the pitch dark. Depending on usage, the internal battery lasts for around 50 to 60 minutes before needing a recharge. You can toggle the brightness levels using a rotatable tactile switch, or change the color of the projected light in the RGB spectrum. G5 comes with a beacon mode that flashes blue and red light, but we would suggest not using it unless it is an emergency, else you’ll have to do some explaining to the local authorities.

Wuben has cleverly designed the switch on the toggle that alternates to reveal the USB-C charging port. For $25, the compact and lightweight flashlight promises the ultimate convenience and adaptability with its clip-on mechanism.

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