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Xbox portable with a DVD drive, salvaged LCD, and controller sliced in half is fit for the Mad Max world

Xbox never came out with their standalone portable console, unlike Sony, which has the PSP to brag about. Sure, the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds are coming in mid-October, and Microsoft took more than a decade to figure out what a demanding gamer on the go craves. On the other end of the spectrum is the DIY world, where inventive creators have their own ways of mocking big tech.

Youtuber James Channel has come up with an Xbox portable made from an old Xbox console, and it can be as raw as you would imagine. Stack it against the PlayStation 4 mod dubbed “PS4T” that puts a polished portable handheld in your hands, this one looks straight out of the Mad Max world. The DIY project salvages an OG Xbox console into a working handheld, as the controller is chopped in half to make the thing possible. Think that’s wild, just check out the complete video to learn how the cheeky DIYer managed the feat.

Designer: James Channel

The DIY handheld is a combination of some inventive tinkering of the console, its DVD drive, and other useful bits. Of course, how can I forget the good old duct tape that keeps the wild gadget in unison, functioning perfectly as he finally plays Doom on the fabled system. It all starts with taking apart the first-gen console and then mixing it up with an old LCD screen from the iPod Dock that acts as the display of the handheld. Things get pretty technical as James replaces the faulty transistors with makeshift ones and then hot glues the circuitry. The DVD drive is no pristine working condition either, and he figures out the workaround on that one, too.

The batteries from the dead iPod video dock are also a handful to revive, but the ingenious DIYer always has a workaround. These act as the power source for the handheld that survives around 10 minutes of gameplay. The speakers for the gadget also come from the video dock, which are the perfect fit for the size. Then the DVD is attached to the main circuit to load the game hardware. The latter half of the DIY is all about salvaging the controller to fit the makeshift handheld. The gamepad had to be sliced in half, keeping intact all the circuitry that needed to go on either side when attached to the rig. After fitting everything together, binding them together was a task that James handled using the good old duct tape. He even connects a joystick controller to the crazy rig, playing Steel Battalion.

All in all, the DIY is quite wild and only for the pro crowd, as the in-depth tweaking is not for amateurs. In the end, the games being played on the handheld are dated, still, a handheld gaming console, alright.

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Seabob SE63 battery-powered personal watercraft is Lambo for the sea that rides you at 22mph

CAYAGO AG has an innovative sports vehicle for the sea, and now the German enterprise is teaming up with Automobili Lamborghini to design a ‘Lambo for the waters.’ It’s called the Seabob SE63 and is easily the fanciest diver propulsion vehicle you can mount to ride the waters. And if the sports car looks and feels are not enough, the Seabob is a capable battery-powered personal watercraft that can let you chase the sharks (or run away from them) at up to 22mph.

Designed with the craftsmanship and engineering ability of the collaborating stalwarts, the refined Seabob can let everyone who’s ever tried an underwater scooter elevate their entire riding experience. Rather than elevating the body at high speeds, the sports car-style DPV basically keeps the upper body stable “so that rather than gliding, riders fly across the water,” Lamborghini states in its press release.

Designer: CAYAGO AG x Lamborghini

“The Seabob SE63 for Automobili Lamborghini brings Italian automotive flair to the open sea,” CAYAGO notes. It is powered by a battery-operated propulsion system (new design makes space for a larger battery), which allows it to attain a top speed of 22mph. An evolutionary upgrade to its existing Seabob, this special design for Lambo reflects the inspiration right from the colors and materials used in the construction.

The cockpit resembles that of a Lamborghini sports car, while its original paint finishes in Arancio Egon, Verde Gea, Grigio Lynx, Verde Selvans, Giallo, and Bianco Siderale reflect the Lambo DNA. Familiar aesthetics are also visible in the start button, the LED lamps, and the angular front fascia. It’s not just the automobile-inspired shell; what lies within the Seabob SE63’s titanium and magnesium body with ‘carbon fiber motor shaft in the drive system’ is far more inspiring.

Beneath its futuristic shell, the Seabob SE63 has a new motor that can generate around 8.4 horsepower. This allows the watercraft to hit top speeds that rival some species of sharks. Even at such high speeds, the redesigned wing system offers enhanced stability to the rider. The ergonomic grip assures that the rider is absolutely in control and can ride the Seabob with more confidence and safety.

The Seabob SE63 was recently unveiled to the public and is now going into production, which is slated to begin in early 2016. Reportedly, the water scooter should start shipping to us in the summer next year. If you’re interested, stay tuned here. We will update more information as and when it is available.

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Smart tag system concept adds a musical component to finding objects

Cluttered is probably one adjective you can use to describe my desk, or rather, my home. I have a lot of stuff most of the time in my space that sometimes, I lose important things and I go out of my mind trying to find them in the midst of all the chaos. I sometimes call it “organized chaos”, but let’s face it, it is indeed a mess. One of these days, I probably either need to clean up or get a system that can help me find lost objects.

The XYLO concept, created by designer Miyeog K, offers a playful yet practical solution that turns the everyday search for misplaced objects into a simple, audible experience. Inspired by the layout of a xylophone, each tag attached to an item acts like a note that rings out when activated, guiding users straight to what they need.

Designer Name: Miyeog K

The core of XYLO is a sleek main unit that sits on the workspace. Small, detachable tags can be clipped or looped onto any object, whether it’s a spiral notebook, a folder, a set of headphones, or even a pair of keys. When a tag is needed, a press of the button on the main unit sends a signal to the chosen tag, causing it to emit a distinct sound for a few seconds. The user follows the tone until the source is located, then silences it by pressing both side buttons on the tag. This instant auditory cue eliminates the frustration of rummaging through piles of paper or searching under the desk.

Customization is built into the design. Each tag can be assigned a unique sound, and colors can be matched to specific items, allowing users to create a personal soundscape that reflects their workflow. The main unit features magnetic connectors on its sides, enabling additional units to be linked together for expanded functionality. As more units are added, the user interface scales seamlessly, offering a modular system that grows with the user’s needs.

Beyond its functional role, XYLO adds a subtle visual element to the desk. Soft lighting on the rear of the main unit provides a gentle glow, enhancing visibility in low‑light environments and adding a touch of modern aesthetic. The design’s clean lines and minimalist finish ensure that it complements a variety of office styles, from contemporary home workspaces to traditional corporate desks.

While XYLO remains a concept, its underlying idea addresses a real pain point: the lack of a quick, intuitive way to locate small, frequently used items. By borrowing the responsive nature of a musical instrument, the system transforms a mundane task into an engaging interaction. The concept also hints at future possibilities, such as integrating Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone alerts or expanding the sound library with user‑generated tones.

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Porty Play speaker concept has sustainability in mind

Porty Play is a conceptual white speaker with a sleek black handle that merges modern aesthetics with practical audio performance. Developed by the London‑based industrial design studio PhilpottPearce, the concept reflects the collaborative vision of designers Philpott Pearce, Alex Philpott and Oscar Pearce . Unveiled in 2025, the design is presented as a response to the disposable‑tech mindset that dominates today’s consumer electronics market.

The concept’s design philosophy centers on durability and repairability. Its imagined chassis combines medium‑density fibreboard (MDF) with high‑pressure laminate (HPL), a pairing that would provide both rigidity and a refined surface finish. Inside, a closed‑cell foam lining is proposed to protect acoustic components while adding subtle damping . A 6‑inch driver is specified to deliver clear, balanced sound capable of filling a room without overwhelming it, making the speaker suitable for both intimate listening and larger gatherings.

Designers: Philpott Pearce, Alex Philpott, Oscar Pearce

Sustainability is woven into every detail of the concept. Porty Play is illustrated with a modular architecture secured by Torx‑head fixings, allowing future owners to disassemble, service, or upgrade individual parts without special tools. This imagined approach would encourage long‑term use and reduce electronic waste, aligning with PhilpottPearce’s broader commitment to circular design . Promotional visuals describe the design as a “bold stand against throwaway tech culture,” emphasizing that well‑made products can be cherished and maintained for years.

The concept expands beyond the portable unit. PhilpottPearce envisions a complete system that includes the Porty Play tabletop speaker, a larger floor‑standing model, and a dedicated subwoofer, all sharing a consistent visual and functional DNA . The “Porty High & Sub” variants would retain the same modular construction, allowing users to mix and match components to suit different listening environments while preserving the same repair‑friendly ethos.

User experience is also a focal point of the concept. The black chrome handle not only adds visual contrast but is intended to serve as a convenient grip for on‑the‑go use. A simple rotary volume dial provides tactile control, while the design includes wireless connectivity for Bluetooth streaming from smartphones, tablets, or laptops. The projected footprint—just under a foot tall—would allow the speaker to sit comfortably on a bookshelf, desk, or outdoor patio without dominating the space.

Porty Play’s presentation also taps into a broader cultural shift toward mindful consumption. As more shoppers seek products that combine style, performance, and longevity, the concept’s blend of high‑quality audio, elegant design, and repairable construction positions it as a compelling vision for future speakers. By proposing a product that can be easily maintained and upgraded, PhilpottPearce invites audiences to view technology not as a fleeting trend but as a lasting relationship . While still a concept, Porty Play illustrates how industrial design can challenge the throwaway culture that dominates the market today. Its emphasis on sustainable materials, modular engineering, and timeless aesthetics demonstrates a potential path forward for audio products.

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Love Hultén’s Extraterrestrial Guitar Thing Is a Sci-Fi Synth for Sonic Explorers

Experimental musical instruments have always occupied a fascinating space between functional tools and artistic statements, but few creators push this boundary as playfully as Love Hultén. His latest creation, the “Extraterrestrial Guitar Thing,” looks like it was salvaged from the wreckage of a retro spaceship, complete with a bright yellow chassis that wouldn’t look out of place in a 1970s sci-fi cartoon. The angular silhouette even hints at a cubist interpretation of familiar cartoon characters, adding an unexpected layer of whimsy to the design.

The matte yellow body immediately commands attention with its geometric, almost brutalist proportions and exposed hardware that celebrates rather than hides its construction. A matching yellow strap suggests this instrument was meant to be worn and performed with, while the flat, extended neck bristles with metallic touch points that function as an unconventional fretboard. The cylindrical handle protruding from the main body, adorned with metallic rings, looks like something you’d expect to find on a piece of alien technology rather than a musical instrument.

Designer: Love Hulten

What makes the Extraterrestrial Guitar Thing truly mesmerizing is the circular window set into the body, which houses a pool of ferrofluid that responds to the instrument’s audio output in real time. This magnetic liquid creates hypnotic, organic patterns that shift and dance with every note, turning the act of playing music into a visual performance as well. The ferrofluid display transforms the instrument from a simple sound generator into a living, breathing piece of kinetic art that captivates both performer and audience.

The control surface reads like a love letter to vintage synthesizers, with an array of rotary knobs, toggle switches, and colored buttons labeled for parameters like attack, sustain, glide, and filter type. The touch-sensitive neck allows for both polyphonic and monophonic play, while the metallic handle likely serves as a pitch bend or modulation controller, adding gestural expression to performances. Every surface invites tactile exploration, encouraging users to sculpt and morph sounds through physical interaction.

This isn’t a mass-produced instrument but rather a one-off functional sculpture that exists at the intersection of music, design, and performance art. Love Hultén has built a reputation for creating objects that spark curiosity and conversation, and the Extraterrestrial Guitar Thing continues this tradition by refusing to fit neatly into any single category. It’s simultaneously a synthesizer, a visual artwork, and a conversation piece that challenges our expectations of what musical instruments should look and feel like.

The Extraterrestrial Guitar Thing embodies the joy of imaginative design, where functionality serves creativity and visual spectacle enhances musical expression. Its sci-fi aesthetic, ferrofluid visualizer, and hands-on controls create an experience that feels genuinely otherworldly, reminding us that the most memorable musical instruments are often the ones that transport us to entirely new sonic and visual territories.

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Vacuum Fluorescent Display Clock Fuses Nixie Tube Charm with Modern Tech

Nixie tube clocks have always held a special place in the hearts of retro tech enthusiasts, but the reality of owning one often involves high voltage, heat, and the inevitable burnout of those delicate glass tubes. Modern alternatives typically sacrifice the warm, nostalgic glow that makes Nixie tubes so captivating. The LGL Studio VCK 0658-A Black Base Board tackles this dilemma by channeling that classic tube aesthetic through a vacuum fluorescent display that delivers all the visual magic without the maintenance headaches.

The design immediately catches your attention with its full acrylic construction and deliberately exposed PCB board, creating an industrial aesthetic that feels both vintage and futuristic. The black base provides a sleek foundation while the transparent acrylic body showcases the internal components, turning what’s usually hidden circuitry into part of the visual appeal. The self-luminous VFD display glows with that distinctive tube-like warmth, delivering crisp, bright numerals that rival the best Nixie tubes without requiring high voltage or generating excessive heat.

Designer: LGL Studio

Customization becomes a major part of the experience through the integrated RGB lighting system. You can adjust colors using a dedicated control panel, set start and end times for different lighting moods, and choose from over twenty effect modes that transform the clock throughout the day. The flow speed and brightness controls let you fine-tune everything from subtle ambient lighting to dynamic color cycling that matches your workspace energy or evening wind-down routine.

Smart features elevate the VCK 0658-A beyond simple timekeeping through Wi-Fi NTP synchronization that keeps it perfectly accurate without manual adjustment. The English-language interface works seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices, while the web-based control panel makes setup and customization surprisingly straightforward. Network delay compensation ensures precision even on slower connections, and you can still set the time manually when needed for complete control.

The clock supports both 12 and 24-hour time formats alongside US and UK date displays, with a carousel mode that cycles between time and date automatically. Physical controls on the device handle brightness adjustment, RGB mode switching, and display options, while long presses reveal additional functions like IP address display for network troubleshooting. The included USB cable and printed manual complete a thoughtful package that covers all the basics.

What makes the VCK 0658-A particularly appealing is how it functions as both a practical timepiece and an engaging desk companion. The minimalist form factor fits naturally on nightstands, workspaces, or anywhere you need reliable timekeeping with visual flair. The RGB effects provide gentle ambient lighting that can enhance your space without overwhelming it, while the exposed PCB design sparks conversations about the intersection of form and function.

The VCK 0658-A Black Base Board represents a thoughtful evolution of the classic tube clock concept, delivering nostalgic charm through modern technology that actually works reliably in daily life. For anyone who appreciates retro aesthetics but demands contemporary convenience, this clock offers the best of both worlds in a surprisingly compact and affordable package.

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