Aug
21

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AYN Thor Dual-Screen Handheld Channels Nintendo DS Nostalgia for a New Generation

Category: YankoDesign

Dual-screen handhelds are making a comeback, and honestly, it’s about time. The Nintendo DS was pure magic back in the day, selling over 150 million units with its clever clamshell design and touch-driven gameplay. Now, AYN is jumping into this nostalgic space with their newly teased Thor handheld.

The Thor embraces that classic DS form factor with two screens stacked in a clamshell design. AYN has built a solid reputation with their Odin series, creating affordable handhelds that actually deliver for enthusiast gamers. The Thor feels like their most ambitious project yet, tapping into serious nostalgia while trying to solve modern gaming needs.

Designer: AYN

What makes dual screens genuinely exciting is the potential for creative gameplay and multitasking. Imagine playing your favorite Android game on the top screen while having Discord, walkthroughs, or streaming controls on the bottom. The Thor could become the ultimate DS and 3DS emulation machine, letting you play those classics exactly as they were meant to be experienced.

The modding community will probably go wild with this thing, too. Android enthusiasts love tinkering with hardware, and a dual-screen setup opens up possibilities we haven’t seen since the DS era. Custom launchers, creative app layouts, and community-driven software could make the Thor way more useful than its specs suggest.

But here’s where things get tricky. Android wasn’t built for dual screens, and most apps have no idea what to do with a second display. Unless developers start embracing dual-screen layouts, that bottom screen might end up being an expensive touchpad or notification area. The software support problem killed plenty of innovative hardware before.

Battery life becomes a real concern when you’re powering two screens instead of one. The clamshell design also makes the device bulkier and more complex than single-screen alternatives. You’re trading portability and simplicity for functionality that might not get used properly.

AYN’s success will depend heavily on execution and community support. If they nail the hardware and provide good APIs for developers, the Thor could carve out a unique niche. Emulation alone might justify the device for DS and 3DS fans who want authentic experiences.

The Thor represents something bigger than just another handheld, though. It’s a bet that nostalgia and innovation can coexist, that sometimes looking backward helps us move forward. Whether that gamble pays off depends on whether the gaming community is ready to embrace dual screens again.

The post AYN Thor Dual-Screen Handheld Channels Nintendo DS Nostalgia for a New Generation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aug
21

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Google’s Pixel 10 Family Arrives: Four New Smartphones, Fresh Wearables, and What Actually Changed

Category: YankoDesign

Google just wrapped up its Made by Google 2025 event, officially unveiling an expanded hardware lineup that feels more like a thoughtful evolution than a dramatic overhaul. The company revealed four new smartphones, a redesigned smartwatch, and surprisingly affordable earbuds, all centered around their new Tensor G5 processor and deeper AI integration. While the changes might seem incremental on the surface, the details tell a more interesting story about where Google sees mobile technology heading.

Designer: Google

The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold represent the company’s commitment to offering devices for different needs rather than forcing everyone into a single product category. What struck me most was how each device has a clear purpose and target user, creating a lineup that actually makes sense rather than feeling like arbitrary variations.

What’s New Across All Devices

Every device in Google’s 2025 lineup runs on the new Tensor G5 chipset, which Google claims delivers 60% more performance than the previous Tensor G4. This isn’t just about raw computational power though—the G5 has been specifically designed to handle AI and machine learning tasks more efficiently, with a 34% faster CPU and 60% more powerful TPU (Tensor Processing Unit). The shift from Samsung to TSMC manufacturing represents a significant architectural change that should deliver better thermal performance and efficiency.

The entire Pixel 10 series represents Google’s first smartphone lineup to include triple camera systems across all models. This marks a significant shift from previous generations where only Pro models received the full camera treatment. The company has also introduced comprehensive AI features powered by Google Gemini, with new tools like Magic Cue providing contextual suggestions based on your activity by pulling data from Gmail and Google Calendar.

Google has implemented Qi2 wireless charging support across the lineup, along with their own magnetic accessory system called Pixelsnap. This includes a $30 ring stand, $40 Pixelsnap charger, and $50 phone case with magnetic ring center. The company appears to be taking direct aim at Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem with these accessories.

All devices ship with Android 16 straight out of the box and come with seven years of software and security updates. Battery life has been extended to 30 hours across the smartphone lineup, representing a significant improvement over the 24-hour rating of previous generations.

Google Pixel 10: Triple Camera Finally Arrives

The base Pixel 10 starts at $799 and represents the biggest upgrade for Google’s entry-level flagship in years. The most significant change is the addition of a telephoto camera, making this the first non-Pro Pixel to include triple rear cameras. The camera system consists of a 48MP Quad PD wide camera with f/1.70 aperture, 13MP ultrawide lens, and new 5x telephoto camera that delivers 10x optical image quality with Super Res Zoom up to 20x.

The device features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with 1080 x 2424 pixel resolution, 422 PPI, and 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Google has increased the peak brightness to 3,000 nits, making it more usable in bright outdoor conditions. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and maintains the same 20:9 aspect ratio as previous generations.

Google has boosted the RAM to 12GB across all Pixel 10 models, up from 8GB in the base Pixel 9. Storage starts at 128GB with a 256GB option available. The phone supports 30W wired charging, allowing users to reach 55% capacity in 30 minutes, which translates to over 16 hours of usage according to Google’s estimates.

The Pixel 10 comes in four colors: Obsidian, Indigo, Frost, and Lemongrass. The device maintains Google’s distinctive camera bar design language while featuring a satin metal finish and IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Preorders begin today with general availability starting August 28.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL: Professional Features Refined

The Pixel 10 Pro starts at $999 while the Pro XL is priced at $1,199, maintaining the same pricing structure as their predecessors. Both devices share most specifications, with the primary differences being display size, battery capacity, and some premium features exclusive to the larger model.

The Pro model features a 6.3-inch Super Actua display that reaches a peak brightness of 3,300 nits, making it noticeably brighter than the standard Pixel 10. The Pro XL steps up to a 6.8-inch display with the same brightness capabilities. Both support 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Camera systems on both Pro models include a 50MP wide camera, 48MP ultrawide lens, and 48MP telephoto camera with enhanced zoom capabilities beyond the base model. The Pro models maintain the advanced photography features that distinguish them from the standard Pixel 10, though specific zoom ranges weren’t detailed during the announcement.

The Pro XL introduces what Google claims is a smartphone first: 25W wireless charging via Qi2.2 compatibility. Both Pro models support standard Qi2 wireless charging, but the XL’s enhanced charging speed sets it apart from other devices currently available. The Pro XL also features upgraded speakers with what Google describes as “loud and powerful bass” along with “full and balanced stereo audio.”

Both Pro models offer storage options from 128GB up to 1TB, with the Pro XL starting at 256GB. Available colors include Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian, with preorders starting today and general availability beginning August 28. The Pro models also include enhanced AI capabilities that won’t be available on the standard Pixel 10.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Durability Meets Functionality

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold represents Google’s third-generation foldable, priced at $1,799 for the 256GB model. Unlike previous releases, this model offers storage options up to 1TB for the first time in a Pixel Fold device, with pricing reaching $2,149 for the maximum storage configuration.

Google has made significant durability improvements, achieving an IP68 rating that makes this what they claim is “the world’s first fully dust-resistant foldable.” This represents a major advancement over the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which offered no dust protection. The company says the device can withstand years of regular folding without degradation.

The external display measures 6.4 inches with 1080 x 2364 resolution and 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. When unfolded, users get access to an 8-inch internal display with 3,000 nits peak brightness on both screens. Google has reduced bezel thickness for a more seamless appearance and strengthened the hinge mechanism for improved longevity.

Interestingly, the Pro Fold uses a different camera system than the other Pro models. It features the same setup as the base Pixel 10: 48MP main camera, 10.5MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto. This appears to be a compromise to maintain the device’s slim profile at 5.2mm when unfolded, though it weighs 258 grams compared to competitors.

The Pro Fold includes a 5,015mAh battery, which Google claims is the largest battery in any foldable available in North America. This should address one of the primary concerns users have had with foldable devices. Google has updated the camera interface with a new dual-pane layout when the device is unfolded, and introduced improved multitasking capabilities including split-screen functionality with app resizing and drag-and-drop file support.

The Pro Fold will be available in Moonstone and Jade colorways, but unlike other Pixel 10 models, it won’t arrive until October 9. Preorders are available starting today.

Pixel Watch 4: Bigger Display, Better Performance

The Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349 for the Wi-Fi model and $499 for the cellular version. Google has focused on addressing the most common complaints about previous Pixel Watch generations while maintaining the circular design that distinguishes it from competitors like the Apple Watch.

The new watch features a larger and brighter display, though Google hasn’t provided specific measurements. The company claims significant improvements in outdoor visibility and overall screen real estate without making the device feel bulky. Battery life has been extended, though specific hour counts weren’t announced during the event.

Google has introduced an AI personal fitness coach feature that works in conjunction with Pixel phones running the Tensor G5 processor. This provides more personalized workout recommendations and health insights based on your activity patterns and fitness goals. The watch maintains compatibility with the existing Pixel Watch accessory ecosystem while introducing new band options and finishes.

The watch runs the latest version of Wear OS with deeper integration into Google’s AI services and the broader Pixel device ecosystem. Like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Pixel Watch 4 won’t be available until October 9.

Pixel Buds 2a: Pro Features at Consumer Price

Perhaps the most surprising announcement was the Pixel Buds 2a, priced at just $129 while including active noise cancellation. This represents exceptional value in the wireless earbuds market, especially considering that most ANC-equipped earbuds cost significantly more.

The 2a model includes several features previously exclusive to higher-end models, including spatial audio and deeper Gemini AI integration. Google has refined the design for improved comfort during extended wear while maintaining the distinctive Pixel Buds aesthetic that differentiates them from Apple’s AirPods.

Battery life provides up to 8 hours of playback with ANC enabled, with the charging case offering multiple full charges. Fast charging capabilities deliver several hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging time. The Pixel Buds 2a will launch alongside the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold on October 9.

New AI Features and Software Integration

Google introduced several new AI-powered features across the Pixel 10 lineup, with Magic Cue being the most prominently featured. This system provides proactive suggestions based on your current activity, pulling relevant information from Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google services to surface useful information at the right moment.

Gemini Live received significant upgrades, now supporting camera integration so the AI assistant can see what you’re looking at and provide contextual guidance. This works particularly well for tasks like cooking, repairs, or learning new skills where visual context is important. The company has also enhanced Voice Translate capabilities, leveraging the Tensor G5’s AI processing power to provide more accurate real-time translation between languages.

Google’s Pixelsnap magnetic accessory system represents their answer to Apple’s MagSafe, providing secure attachment for wireless chargers, stands, and cases. The magnetic alignment ensures proper charging placement while enabling a range of hands-free use scenarios. New AI camera features include Camera Coach, which provides intelligent guidance and on-screen cues to help users take better photos.

For Existing Pixel Owners: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Pixel 10 series presents different value propositions depending on which Pixel device you currently own. If you’re holding a Pixel 8 or older, the upgrade makes solid sense. You’ll get significant improvements in AI performance, camera capabilities, and overall system responsiveness. The Tensor G5’s shift from Samsung to TSMC manufacturing should address heating issues that plagued previous Tensor chips, while delivering better thermal performance and efficiency.

For Pixel 9 owners, the decision becomes more nuanced. The hardware improvements are meaningful but not revolutionary. You’ll get upgraded storage speeds with UFS 4.0 (compared to UFS 3.1 in the Pixel 9), slightly larger batteries across the lineup, and enhanced AI features like Magic Cue and improved Gemini integration. The camera improvements are incremental rather than transformative for Pro model owners, though the base Pixel 10’s telephoto addition is significant.

Where the Pixel 10 lineup really shines for existing users is ecosystem integration. The introduction of Pixelsnap magnetic accessories, enhanced Qi2 wireless charging, and deeper integration with the new Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a creates a more cohesive Google hardware experience that previous generations lacked.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Pixel 10 Pro Fold: The Migration Question

For anyone who recently picked up Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold presents an interesting but ultimately difficult-to-justify alternative. The Samsung device maintains several key advantages that would be hard to give up.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is significantly more portable, measuring just 4.2mm when unfolded and weighing only 215 grams compared to the Pixel’s 5.2mm thickness and 258-gram weight. The Z Fold 7 also features a larger 6.5-inch cover screen compared to the Pixel’s 6.4-inch display, providing more usable space for quick tasks without unfolding.

However, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s headline feature is its IP68 dust and water resistance rating, making it what Google claims is “the world’s first fully dust-resistant foldable.” This represents a significant durability advantage over the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s IP48 rating, which offers no dust protection. The Pixel also includes a substantially larger 5,015mAh battery compared to the Galaxy’s 4,400mAh capacity.

From a camera perspective, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold uses the same camera system as the base Pixel 10 rather than the premium Pro cameras, which means it doesn’t match the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s photography capabilities. This seems like a significant compromise for a device priced at $1,799.

What This Means for the Smartphone Market

Google’s 2025 approach feels more mature than previous Pixel launches. Rather than trying to compete directly on specifications or chase the latest trends, they’ve focused on creating a coherent lineup where each device serves a specific purpose. The base Pixel 10 finally feels like a complete flagship rather than a compromised version of the Pro models.

The pricing strategy is particularly smart, maintaining the same starting prices as last year while adding meaningful features across the lineup. This positions Google well against both Apple’s premium pricing and Samsung’s complex model variations. The emphasis on AI integration throughout the hardware and software stack suggests Google believes this is where they can differentiate from competitors.

Honestly, there aren’t many “wow” factors in the Pixel 10 lineup that would justify immediate upgrades for recent Pixel or Galaxy owners. Google has focused on refinement over revolution, which makes sense from a maturity standpoint but doesn’t create compelling upgrade pressure. The most significant wow factor is probably the base Pixel 10’s addition of a telephoto camera, finally bringing it to feature parity with flagship competitors.

For foldable users, the IP68 rating on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is genuinely impressive and could be enough to sway Galaxy Z Fold 7 owners who prioritize durability over portability. The ability to use your foldable phone around water and dust without worry represents a significant quality-of-life improvement.

All Pixel 10 smartphones are available for preorder starting today, with the Pixel 10, Pro, and Pro XL shipping August 28. The Pro Fold, Watch 4, and Buds 2a will follow on October 9, giving Google a staggered launch that should help with supply chain management and allow them to focus marketing attention on different product categories at optimal times.

For most existing Google Pixel 9 owners, waiting for the Pixel 11 series makes more sense unless you specifically need the base model’s telephoto camera or the Pro Fold’s dust resistance. The improvements are meaningful but not transformative enough to justify the upgrade cost. For Galaxy Z Fold 7 owners, the decision hinges on priorities: portability and refined software optimization favor Samsung, while durability and Google’s AI integration make the Pixel 10 Pro Fold worth considering, despite its camera compromises.

The post Google’s Pixel 10 Family Arrives: Four New Smartphones, Fresh Wearables, and What Actually Changed first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aug
20

By

Industrial Designer Jonas Forman’s No-Foam O2 Lounge Chair for Hay

Category: Core77

Quick, think of a famous lounge chair.

What did you picture? The Barcelona, the Eames, the Egg, the Wegner Shell? Chances are it contains foam.

If you want to name a famous lounge chair design without foam, you practically have to go back to 1925, to Breuer’s Wassily.

Now, 100 years later, perhaps we’re ready for another. Swedish industrial designer Jonas Forman has designed this O2 Lounge Chair for Hay. Forman, who favors using a minimum of materials, challenged himself to design a comfortable lounge chair that relies not on foam, but on clever use of materials. A carefully-designed fabric shell is pulled taut over a tubular steel frame, “forming a voluminous shape that adapts to the user’s posture while providing firm support.”

In this brief chat Forman discusses his material-driven approach to design, where he studies the behavior and properties of a material before he determines the form:

Aug
20

By

Ford’s Retro Bronco Roadster: An Exercise in Restraint

Category: Core77

When Ford first released the Mustang in 1964, they anticipated it would be a success, but underestimated by how much. They projected they’d sell 100,000 units in its first year. Instead they sold 22,000 on its first day on the market, and had moved 400,000 units by the end of that year.

In 1965 they followed up with what would become another iconic vehicle: The Ford Bronco. Interestingly, at the time this was envisioned as the Mustang’s burlier brother; Ford billed it as “The world’s first four-wheel-drive sports car.”

Six decades later, Ford’s design squad was tasked with creating a concept Bronco that would capture the spirit of the original. “Both our Head of Design Todd Willing and Director Paul Wraith have challenged us to remember this key aspect of the OG Bronco: the compelling simplicity,” writes Bronco Chief Designer Robert Gelardi. “How do we make just the essential cool? It’s relatively easy to keep adding elements. It’s much harder to create something compelling when you keep asking yourself ‘What can I take away?'”

We simplified the seating, pared back the floor, and created a utilitarian rear compartment that echoes the original. And outside, we sourced machined Fifteen52 Analog wheels, updated the tailgate to a fold-down design with the “FORD” wordmark stamped into the metal, and modified the front and rear bumper to more closely resemble the original Bronco.

This philosophy of intentional reduction guided our approach to modernizing a classic. We had a great baseline with the sixth-generation Bronco. With this concept, we took the liberty to simplify the execution even further with a completely open roadster.

This exercise reinforced something we always keep in mind: the design doesn’t stop when we’re done – it’s only just begun. We want to imagine how our customers will make their Broncos their own, because that’s fundamental to the Bronco story.

With the Roadster Concept, we want Bronco enthusiasts to know as we move into the future, we always remember our past.

This concept is our reminder that we continue to hold Bronco’s original off-road mission in our goals. Because sometimes, the most profound statement you can make is knowing exactly what to leave out.

At press time there were no production plans. We imagine that might change as word spreads.

Aug
20

By

Using Drones to Visually Complete Damaged or Unfinished Architecture

Category: Core77

Studio Drift, the Dutch artist team, has combined drones with architecture in a novel way. They’ve collaborated with drone show company Drone Stories to visually complete architectural landmarks, like the Colosseum and the Sagrada Familia, that have been damaged or are incomplete.

“These large-scale aerial displays draw on detailed architectural data and 3D scans, enabling the drones to trace full-scale outlines of how the buildings may have originally appeared. The result is a mesmerizing harmony of innovation and nostalgia—a floating tribute to the beauty of what once was.”

It’s a pity that the technology wasn’t viable until recently. I know we’re now two decades past 9/11, but I lived in downtown Manhattan at the time, and those memories are seared into my brain. The drone treatment would have been more striking than those “Tribute in Light” xenon beams.

Aug
20

By

Sofia mobility device reinvents comfort and confidence

Category: YankoDesign

The Sofia mobility device by Alberto Essesi is setting a new standard for what personal mobility can feel and look like. Designed to address both the physical and emotional needs of users, Sofia brings together elegance, safety, and smart engineering for a truly empowering experience.

What sets Sofia apart is its organic, flowing form that naturally conforms to the human body. This design focus ensures not only comfort but also creates a sense of harmony and ease in every movement. Whether you are at home or navigating the city, Sofia’s sleek silhouette and gentle curves make it feel more like a part of you than just another piece of equipment.

Designer: Alberto Essesi

One of the most innovative features of Sofia is its fully enclosed sitting area. Unlike traditional mobility devices where clothing can get caught in the wheels, Sofia’s enclosed design eliminates this risk entirely, providing peace of mind and making daily use much simpler. Every detail, from the seat’s gentle embrace to the smooth edges, is crafted with the user’s safety and dignity in mind.

Sofia is built from a combination of carbon fiber, plastic, aluminum, high-density foam, and rubber. This blend of materials results in a device that is lightweight yet incredibly durable. As a result, Sofia is easy for a single person to maneuver and can be conveniently stored in a car or tight space. The thoughtful construction means less physical strain and more freedom to go where you want, when you want.

Versatility is another hallmark of the Sofia design. The mobility device features removable, power-assisted wheels that can be attached or detached depending on the user’s needs and the terrain. Whether you’re rolling over smooth indoor flooring or facing a bumpy outdoor path, Sofia adapts seamlessly to your lifestyle. This flexibility helps support independence and choice, letting users tailor their experience to their preferences.

Aesthetics and functionality are perfectly balanced in Sofia. The minimalist design radiates simplicity and sophistication, making it a device users can feel proud of. Every element, from the frame to the wheels, is designed for visual harmony and practicality, encouraging confidence and promoting a sense of independence. For anyone seeking a mobility device that truly understands user needs, Sofia by Alberto Essesi offers a refreshing alternative. It proves that mobility aids can be beautiful, intuitive, and life-enhancing all at once. By thoughtfully addressing comfort, safety, and self-expression, Sofia helps users embrace each day with renewed confidence.

The post Sofia mobility device reinvents comfort and confidence first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aug
20

By

QUB Candlestick Concept Holds Two Candle Types in Minimalist Stone

Category: YankoDesign

Candlelight has this timeless way of making any space feel warmer and more intimate, but finding the perfect candlestick that works for different moods and candle types can be surprisingly tricky. Ross Sorokovyi’s QUB candlestick concept tackles this challenge with refreshingly simple geometry.

The QUB is basically a perfect 60mm stone cube, but here’s where it gets clever. Each cube has two different-sized holes on different faces, so you can hold either a standard taper candle or a tealight depending on which way you orient it. Need dramatic height for dinner? Pop in a taper candle. Want something cozy for reading? Flip it over and drop in a tealight.

Designer: Ross Sorokovyi (Mudu Studio)

What makes this design genuinely smart is how it strips away everything unnecessary while actually adding functionality. Most candlesticks lock you into one candle type forever, but QUB adapts to whatever vibe you’re going for. The cube form feels both ancient and contemporary, like something that could have existed centuries ago but still looks perfectly at home on a modern table.

These are carved from natural stone, and each piece shows off the material’s unique character. The images reveal gorgeous variations in marble and granite, from deep green with dramatic veining to soft gray with subtle patterns. The surface treatment mixes smooth polished areas with ribbed, chiseled sections that add visual texture and give your hands something interesting to feel.

The ribbed quarter-cylinder cut into each cube’s base does double duty, too. It lightens the visual weight so these don’t look like boring blocks, and it creates this modular quality where multiple QUBs can nest together or stack in interesting patterns. You can arrange them in grids, align the ribbed sections for rhythm, or mix different stone colors for contrast.

This modularity turns individual candle holders into something more sculptural and architectural. Instead of just lighting one candle, you’re creating these little landscapes of light and shadow. The weight of the stone keeps everything stable, while the compact size means you can easily rearrange them as your space or mood changes.

The concept celebrates that honest, tactile quality of natural stone where no two pieces look exactly alike. Those natural imperfections and variations become features rather than flaws, giving each QUB its own personality. The substantial weight makes them feel permanent and valuable rather than disposable.

Of course, this remains a concept design, so questions about heat resistance, cleaning, and real-world durability haven’t been tested yet. The sharp edges might also be less forgiving than traditional, rounded candlesticks if you accidentally bump into them in dim light.

But as a design statement, QUB succeeds brilliantly at reimagining something as basic as a candle holder. It proves that even the simplest objects can benefit from thoughtful reconsideration. For anyone who appreciates when form and function work together seamlessly, QUB offers a compelling vision of what everyday objects could become with just a little more creative thinking.

The post QUB Candlestick Concept Holds Two Candle Types in Minimalist Stone first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aug
20

By

sterling ruby and vans produce the future clog, a pair of ‘two shoes’ in single footwear

Category: Design Boom

Two shoes in one footwear with the future clog

 

Vans teams up with Sterling Ruby for The Future Clog, a sculptural pair of ‘two shoes’ combined in one piece of footwear. Using a two-part system, the closed outer shell forms a structure around the inner mule, so users can wear the inside without the outer shell. A large opening at the rear allows foot entry, with no straps or laces in place, and the shell includes a circular button on the side surface to connect the parts and showcase the collaboration between the footwear company and the American artist. Sterling Ruby and Vans’ The Future Clog uses a slip-on design with no separate upper or sole. The structure then is unified, allowing for an enclosed front and an open top. So far, the footwear is set to become available on the footwear company’s site starting August 21st, 2025.

all images courtesy of Sterling Ruby and Vans | photos by Sarah Conaway, unless stated otherwise

 

 

sterling ruby and vans introduce their third collaboration

 

The entry section is cut to allow the foot to slide in without laces, straps, or external fasteners. The base has elevated parts that act as built-in tread. It is not attached separately but formed directly in the mold, which means the sole and body are one unit. The form is based on angular planes rather than traditional curved shaping, making the heel rise in a block form and the forefoot extend forward in a pointed structure. The structure is lightweight due to its hollow design, and the cavity inside the shoe keeps the material weight low while maintaining strength. 

 

The shell exhibits flowing curves without sharp edges or geometric patterns. It falls evenly with the surface lines’ design, which follows organic forms that wrap around the inner mule structure. The shell color appears in off-white or cream tones with a matte finish, but on an Instagram post, the footwear company and the artist’s studio write that a ‘marble’ colorway is also underway for The Future Clog. Sterling Ruby develops the footwear through his Los Angeles-based S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. practice. He applies his experimental approach to form and material in the footwear design process, and the result is the third collaboration between Sterling Ruby and Vans’ OTW division.

a large opening at the rear allows foot entry

the closed outer shell forms a structure around the inner mule

the base has elevated parts that act as built-in tread

the form is based on angular planes rather than traditional curves | from here, photos by NOUA UNU STUDIO

aerial view of the footwear

 

 

project info:

 

name: The Future Clog

design: Sterling Ruby, Vans | @s.r.studio.la.ca, @vans, @otwbyvans

photography: Sarah Conaway, NOUA UNU STUDIO | @sarahhconawayy, @noua_unu

The post sterling ruby and vans produce the future clog, a pair of ‘two shoes’ in single footwear appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Aug
20

By

The FBI Just Returned a 500-Year-Old Hernán Cortés Manuscript to Mexico

Category: Nuestro Stories

Somewhere between the late 1980s and early ’90s, 15 colonial-era documents quietly vanished from Mexico’s national archives. No one noticed it at the time, but a 16th-century manuscript, signed by the man who toppled the Aztec Empire, Hernán Cortés, went missing. Now, one of those pages (page 28, to be exact) is finally back where it belongs.

Earlier this week, the FBI officially returned the 498-year-old document to El Archivo General de la Nación in Mexico City. Dated February 20, 1527, the page includes a short, but revealing, note on the “payment of pesos of common gold for expenses,” signed by Cortés himself. In other words, it’s a receipt from the early days of the empire.

“This is an original handwritten page,” said FBI Special Agent Jessica Dittmer, who works with the agency’s Art Crime Team. “It really gives a lot of flavor as to the planning and preparation for territory back then.”

And it was never supposed to leave Mexico’s custody.

How It Was Stolen and Found

Archivists at Mexico’s national archives first noticed the missing pages in 1993, while microfilming a collection of Cortés documents. That’s when they realized 15 pages had been ripped from the bound manuscript. One clue stood out: a wax numbering system used briefly between 1985 and 1986 was still visible on the pages that remained. That narrowed the timeline. The documents had been taken sometime between 1985 and October 1993.

In 2023, Mexican officials asked the FBI for help locating page 28. According to Smithsonian, the archive’s detailed records, which included descriptions of the tears, gave investigators something rare: a trail.

The FBI used open-source research to track the missing page to the United States. Officials haven’t said who had it or how it resurfaced. But the document had passed through multiple hands since its theft, and no charges will be filed.

Still, its return is being hailed as a symbolic win.

“Pieces like this are considered protected cultural property and represent valuable moments in Mexico’s history,” said Dittmer. “This is something that the Mexicans have in their archives for the purpose of understanding history better.”

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FBI supervisory special agent, FBI-NYPD Major Theft Task Force, Veh Bezdikian, added, “We know how important it is for the United States to stay ahead of this, to support our foreign partners, and to try and make an impact as it relates to the trafficking of these artistic works and antiquities.” 

Who Was Hernán Cortés?

To understand why all of this matters, you have to know the story behind the signature. Hernán Cortés arrived on the shores of what’s now Mexico in 1519. Within two years, he and his army, along with European disease and military alliances with Indigenous rivals, brought down the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. He went from uninvited explorer to imperial governor in record time.

According to the Smithsonian, by 1527, when this document was signed, Cortés was running vast swaths of land for the Spanish crown. He wielded power through ink and iron: letters, decrees, receipts, and battles. This page is one of the few surviving records that links directly to those early years of colonization.

This Isn’t the First Hernan Cortés Page the FBI Recovered

Page 28 is the second missing Cortés document the FBI has helped return. As the Smithsonian explains, in 2022, another signed manuscript surfaced at RR Auction in Massachusetts. That one, dated April 27, 1527, was a payment order for 12 gold pesos’ worth of rose sugar.

“The document measures just 21.5 by 15 centimeters (8.4 by 6 inches),” El Pais explained. “It is a payment order given by Hernán Cortés to his steward, Nicolás de Palacios Rubios, to buy the equivalent of 12 gold pesos of ‘pink sugar,’ possibly during an expedition in the current territory of Honduras. On the front are the purchase instructions in old Spanish and on the back, the confirmation from the owner of an apothecary’s shop, Maestre Francisco, that he received payment.”

Mexican officials recognized this document just 10 days before bidding closed and alerted the feds.

“As soon as we got contacted, we put a stop to the sale,” attorney Mark S. Zaid, who represented the auction house, told the New York Times. “We notified the consignor, and there was no issue from them.”

The following year, the rose sugar letter was repatriated during a formal ceremony in Mexico.

“Usually, people are surprised when they find out that the items they have are stolen,” FBI Special Agent Kristin Koch told El País. “Many times, when they realize the cultural value they have for the countries of origin or the original owners, they are willing to part with the object.”

Why It Matters Now

Since launching in 2004, the FBI’s Art Crime Team has recovered more than 20,000 stolen items, worth over $1 billion. It’s cultural justice built piece by piece.

Page 28 is just one of 15 stolen Cortés manuscripts. Only two have been found so far. The others? They’re still missing, possibly tucked in a private collection or passed down unknowingly.

But thanks to meticulous archivists, dogged international cooperation, and a few decades’ worth of good old-fashioned detective work, Mexico is reclaiming its past, one page, one signature, and one story at a time.

The post The FBI Just Returned a 500-Year-Old Hernán Cortés Manuscript to Mexico appeared first on Nuestro Stories.

Aug
20

By

From rugby to basketball, sports teams lean into entertainment-heavy brands

Category: Design Week

Financial pressures, and the need to broaden fan bases and embrace the digital world are driving sports clubs to rebrand. From football and rugby to basketball, designers are taking cues from the world of entertainment.

This applies to sports leagues and organisations as well as individual clubs. Last month, Brand Potential rebranded English rugby’s top flight as Gallagher PREM, “ to position rugby as one of the most electrifying sports experiences in the world.”

And earlier this year, Nomad and Chapter X repositioned the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) as an entertainment brand, playing up the characters of the players, for example.

“Clients are increasingly looking for inspiration outside of sport so that they stand out in a very busy market,” says Tom Allwood, managing director at sports branding specialists MATTA, whose clients include England Cricket, Women’s Elite Rugby in the US , and England Football.

Adam Partridge, executive strategy director at Mr B & Friends, backs this up. “More sports teams are seeing themselves as entertainment brands,” he says. “Now, rugby is realising that it also needs to do more of that, if it wants to be sustainable and appeal to new fans.”

Mr B & Friends is behind the recent repositioning of Bath Rugby, and also rebranded Bristol rugby club, Bristol Bears.

“English rugby clubs have become unremarkably similar,” Partridge says. “Similar imagery, similar language, similar social media posts, kit launches and season ticket campaigns.”

Mr B & Friends’ new look for Bath Rugby

While rugby can count on the loyalty of its long-standing older male fanbase, he points to the challenge of attracting and maintaining the attention of younger audiences.

“Gen Z have so much exciting stimulation at their fingertips,” he explains. “A conventional sport such as rugby, particularly those clubs still steeped in traditional ways of doing things, will have their work cut out if they want to infiltrate the Gen Z world.

“They have to start thinking differently, break free of the traditional rugby mould, and really start amplifying all that they do,” Partridge says.

Bath Rugby’s new identity is intended to celebrate the club’s players as modern-day gladiators.

While Mr B & Friends simplified Bath Rugby’s crest, its focus was on introducing two new contrasting primary fonts – Ra Bold and Nyght Serif – the former a reference to the city’s Roman and Georgian heritage, the latter to reflect the dynamism of its playing style.


https://d3faj0w6aqatyx.cloudfront.net/uploads/2025/08/BathRugbyCaseStudy_Typography_1_1.mp4

In rugby, this need to cultivate a new fanbase is a financial imperative. High-profile clubs have folded or been brought back from the brink by new investment, including Wasps, London Irish and Worcester Warriors.

“Most are propped up by their owners, they can’t afford to keep losing millions, they need to be financially sustainable,” says Partridge.

Bath Rugby is part of this story too. Somerset Live reported in March that the club is increasingly reliant on its owner’s deep pockets to keep them afloat after posting a near £4 million loss in the last financial year.

Many such clubs “need to broaden their fanbase, and reach beyond the rugby bubble to reach more commercial opportunities,” Partridge adds. “This rebrand is about trying to create new revenue streams, growing the Bath Rugby fan base and future-proofing it.”

Similarly, the rebrand of basketball club London Lions is in part to mark the fact that it has turned a corner, after two years of instability and financial issues that left the club facing administration.

The new London Lions logo by False 9

The new logo features a geometric lion’s face fused with a basketball topped by a crown – a key heritage cue, as is the year the team was founded.

“Fans had been calling for a lion in the crest for years,” says Hamish Stephenson, founder and CEO of False 9 in London.

The agency has worked with the London Lions for many years on digital content, campaigns and in-arena activations that lean into the entertainment world by “uniting sport, music, fashion, and wider culture into an authentic London experience,” the agency says.

However, Allwood at MATTA cautions that balancing past, present and future isn’t always easy. “Established teams need to modernise without losing their heritage and what makes them special,” he says.

This is a tightrope also walked by long-standing football clubs.

New York-based designer Christopher Payne, who specialises in football clubs, is familiar with the challenge.

“This is the sharp end of design,” Payne says. “It’s a highly opinionated world. So many people have deep relationships with their club’s identity, some of which have been there all their lives, and which they have as a tattoo. It’s very tribal and generational.”

The old Peterborough United logo and the new one

To get his rebrand of Peterborough United (aka POSH) over the line, it was vital to bring fans on the journey. So he conducted a fan forum, fan surveys and focus groups at the design stage.

POSH prides itself on being youthful, with a young team and academy, “but the badge felt dated and tired,” says Payne. Its light blue on white design didn’t help. “For the digital landscape, it was busy and messy and had accessibility issues.”

His solution was to update key elements of the existing identity, like the winged lions and the key.

“We didn’t want it to live within a shield or circle, because if you have a unique shape you can be recognised by your silhouette, and has more power when small on digital,” Payne adds.

Borrowing cues from the entertainment sector is likely to continue, as even financially stable clubs are targeting younger and younger audiences. “People are looking at the next generation of fans, even targeting eight-year-olds,” Payne says.

Chris Payne’s new typography for Peterborough United

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