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Elegoo’s Million-Dollar Creator Fund Is A Game Changer for 3D Designers

Opportunities for creatives can be hard to come by, but if you’re a 3D designer/modeler, Elegoo’s offering a unique opportunity to be a part of something great… and make money while doing it. The manufacturing giant behind popular resin printers like the Saturn and Mars series has launched a creator fund for their new Nexprint platform that flips the traditional 3D model marketplace on its head. Instead of waiting for sales commissions, creators get paid $5 upfront for every approved original design they upload, with exceptional work earning another $5 plus featured placement.

The beauty lies in the simplicity and creator-friendly terms. There’s no exclusivity clause, meaning designers can post their work on Nexprint while still selling on platforms like CGTrader or TurboSquid. There’s no monthly submission limit either, allowing prolific creators to earn substantial rewards through volume. The first phase kicks off August 9th through August 31st, with the reward pool refreshing monthly thereafter and distributing funds on a first-come-first-served basis.

Click Here to Know More.

What’s particularly clever is the referral system that pays creators for growing the community. Designers can earn up to $100 monthly through tiered invitation bonuses by bringing other creators to the platform. This creates a network effect where established designers have financial incentive to mentor and recruit new talent, potentially accelerating both platform growth and content diversity.

“This fund shows our commitment to delivering the best user experience to Nexprint community by hosting a tremendous amount of 3D models accessible to everyone,” said Chris Hong, CEO at Elegoo. “We greatly value originality in this industry. Nexprint will be a perfect platform to showcase creators’ original ideas. We believe in here every design will pay off.”

Elegoo has the resources to back up these ambitious plans. Founded in 2015, the Shenzhen-based company has grown to over 1,000 employees with nearly 30,000 square meters of manufacturing facilities. Their 2024 revenue exceeded $220 million, with millions of devices shipped across more than 100 countries. This isn’t a speculative startup making promises; it’s an established hardware manufacturer creating an ecosystem around their existing product line.

The strategic implications are fascinating. By removing exclusivity requirements and paying upfront, Nexprint positions itself as a complementary income stream rather than a replacement for existing marketplaces. This approach could rapidly build a massive catalog since creators face minimal opportunity cost for participating. For emerging designers especially, guaranteed payments provide financial stability that commission-only platforms simply can’t match.

Nexprint’s open-source philosophy and focus on print-ready files further differentiates it from competitors. The platform emphasizes accessibility and workflow integration, with one-click printing capabilities designed to eliminate friction between finding a model and actually printing it. This user-centric approach aligns perfectly with Elegoo’s hardware business, creating a virtuous cycle where printer sales drive model demand, which drives creator rewards, which drives model supply.

The million-dollar fund represents roughly 200,000 individual submissions over the year, based on the base rate of $5 per model, excluding the additional $5 bonus awarded to outstanding designs. That’s an enormous content injection that could quickly establish Nexprint as a major player in the 3D model space. For creators, the calculation is straightforward: there’s virtually no downside to participating, and significant potential upside in both immediate payments and long-term platform visibility.

Elegoo’s bet is that paying creators upfront will ultimately cost less than competing on commission rates while building a more loyal community. For the 3D printing ecosystem as a whole, this initiative could democratize design by making it financially viable for more creators to contribute, potentially leading to more diverse and innovative content for everyone’s print beds. The printing community has needed this kind of direct investment in creators for years, and Elegoo might have just cracked the code.

Click Here to Know More.

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Paperless Paper 7 E Ink Frame Brings Digital Art to Ash Wood

Digital picture frames have always felt cold and techy, with their bright LCD screens and plastic housings that scream “gadget” rather than “art.” The Paperless Paper 7-inch E Ink frame takes a completely different approach, wrapping cutting-edge display technology in genuine ash wood craftsmanship.

Rather than fighting against traditional picture frame aesthetics, the Paper 7 embraces them completely. The result is something that looks and feels like a premium photo frame while quietly revolutionizing how we display digital images in our homes.

Designer: Paperless Paper

The frame construction immediately sets it apart from typical digital displays. High-quality solid ash wood provides the foundation, paired with a classic white mat that creates proper visual breathing room around images. This gallery-like presentation makes digital photos feel as important as printed ones.

Three color options ensure the frame works with different interior styles. Natural wood brings Scandinavian warmth to any space. White offers clean, modern minimalism. Black provides sophisticated contrast for bold artwork or photography. Each option maintains the same premium feel.

The wooden frame adds crucial tactile appeal that plastic alternatives simply can’t match. Running your fingers along the smooth ash grain creates an emotional connection that transforms this from a tech gadget into a cherished home object.

The 7-inch E Ink Spectra 6 display delivers the real magic here. Unlike harsh LCD screens, this paper-like surface shows 60,000 colors without any glare or backlight. Images appear soft and natural, as if printed on quality paper rather than displayed on a screen.

Ultra-low power consumption means the frame runs for up to six months on four simple AAA batteries. Rechargeable NiMH batteries work perfectly, or you can power it via USB-C cable or power bank. This freedom from constant charging opens up placement possibilities throughout your home.

The user experience stays refreshingly simple. Upload new images via Wi-Fi through a web interface or mobile app. No subscriptions, no cloud lock-in, no complicated setup procedures. Just select your image and send it to the frame from anywhere.

At $220, the Paper 7 costs significantly less than most E Ink picture frames while offering far more convenience than DIY solutions. The compact 7-inch size works perfectly for intimate displays on desks, nightstands, or gallery walls.

The frame operates in complete silence with no heat generation, making it ideal for bedrooms or quiet spaces. The lack of backlight means it’s not visible in darkness, but this limitation feels appropriate for something designed to mimic traditional prints.

Paper 7 represents the growing trend toward calm technology that enhances rather than dominates our living spaces. By choosing natural materials and paper-like display technology, Paperless Paper has created something that feels genuinely timeless rather than temporarily trendy.

The post Paperless Paper 7 E Ink Frame Brings Digital Art to Ash Wood first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sol Brass Aroma Diffuser Blends Indian Tradition With Modern Ritual

Scent has an almost magical ability to transport us instantly to another time and place. A familiar fragrance can make us feel at home, calm, or deeply connected to memories we thought we’d forgotten. The Sol Brass Aroma Diffuser concept understands this power completely.

Rather than creating just another generic home fragrance device, Sol reimagines the daily ritual of lighting incense through the lens of modern design. This isn’t about replacing tradition but extending its emotional reach into contemporary living spaces.

Designer: Rishikesh Puthukudy

The designer’s inspiration comes from deeply personal memories of incense sticks lit every morning without fail, creating that familiar feeling of home. But traditional incense fades quickly and rarely spreads beyond a small corner. Sol was created to carry those same feelings further and longer.

The concept draws from temple bells, heirloom utensils, engraved thaalis, and the meditative symmetry found in mandala patterns. These aren’t just aesthetic references but emotional anchors that connect the diffuser to centuries of Indian craft and ritual traditions.

Sol functions as what the designer calls a “personal altar,” blending modern simplicity with the spirit of Indian craftsmanship. It’s designed for those quiet moments of mindful working, thinking, or simply breathing in spaces that need grounding and calm.

The cylindrical form feels both contemporary and timeless, adorned with hand-drawn floral motifs that reimagine Indian folk art for modern interiors. The top features a sacred mandala pattern symbolizing renewal and spiritual connection, while the body showcases delicate engravings that catch light beautifully.

What makes Sol particularly clever is its material innovation. While it appears to be solid brass, the diffuser is actually made from injection-molded ABS plastic finished with Non-Conductive Vacuum Metallization. This NCVM process creates a premium brass-like appearance without electrical conductivity. The NCVM finish offers multiple benefits: scratch resistance, UV protection, enhanced durability, and a surface that stays cool to the touch.

Using Sol becomes a gentle ritual in itself. The base twists off smoothly, allowing you to insert a refill bottle that clicks securely into place. The intuitive sliding button provides effortless control while the brass-like body gently warms essential oils for consistent aromatic release.

The resulting scent evokes the familiar comfort of traditional incense but with modern reliability and longevity. Sol creates an atmosphere that fills entire spaces rather than just corners, making it ideal for meditation, work, or moments of quiet reflection.

Sol represents something bigger than just another aroma diffuser. It honors the quiet influences that shape how we feel in our spaces, offering a reminder to slow down and appreciate the sensory details that make a house feel like home. Sometimes the most meaningful designs are those that understand how powerfully objects can connect us to memory, culture, and the simple act of being present.

The post Sol Brass Aroma Diffuser Blends Indian Tradition With Modern Ritual first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tiny powerbank is cute but packs a charging punch

Nomophobia or the fear of running out of mobile battery is a very real thing for those of us that are pretty much attached to our phones. That’s why those that go out often probably have a power bank in their bags to charge up their mobile phones. I for one cannot leave home without it and that’s also one of the reasons why I can’t use small bags since these high powered power banks are often bulky and heavy. So if I see one in the market that’s small but still has a huge capacity, it will definitely go into my shopping cart.

The INIU Pocket Rocket P50 Power Bank is one such device that I would love to have as it is cute and tiny but still apparently packs a charging punch. This lightweight power bank is supposedly “no bigger than two macarons” which is pretty cute in itself. It also comes in cute pastel colors that makes it look like a mint container but is actually your best friend so you won’t run out of juice.

Designer: INIU

The power bank has a 10,000mAh capacity in its tiny body and has a 45W fast-charging capability. It can power up not just your mobile phone but even your tablet and other small devices that need to be juiced up when you’re on the go. That means whether you’re catching up on your favorite shows during your commute or snapping photos at an all-day event, you won’t have to worry about your devices dying on you. Another thoughtful feature is the integrated USB-C lanyard cable, allowing you to clip the power bank to your bag or belt loop for easy access. The device is just 3.3 x 2.0 x 1.0 inches and weighs 5.6 oz so it won’t weigh you down.

INIU has managed to achieve this impressive combination of power and portability thanks to its proprietary TinyCell Pro technology, which utilizes an efficient cell arrangement and space-saving thermal layers. This not only helps keep the size down but also ensures reliable, safe charging. Rounding out the features is a handy digital display that shows the real-time charge status, so you always know how much power you have left.

All things considered, the INIU Pocket Rocket P50 is a dream come true for anyone who refuses to compromise on style, portability, or charging power. If you’re looking for a power bank that won’t weigh down your bag or cramp your style, this little gadget definitely deserves a spot in your daily essentials.

The post Tiny powerbank is cute but packs a charging punch first appeared on Yanko Design.

Elecrow Mini PC Case With OLED Screen Turns Raspberry Pi 5 Into a Desktop Marvel

DIY computing has always struggled with an image problem. Powerful single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi often end up hidden in plastic cases or exposed on cluttered workbenches. The Elecrow Mini PC Case with 1.3″ OLED Screen changes this narrative entirely, proving that technical prowess and visual appeal don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Rather than hiding your Raspberry Pi 5 or Jetson Orin Nano away, this aluminum alloy enclosure invites it onto your desk as a legitimate piece of workspace tech. The compact form and minimalist lines feel more like premium consumer electronics than typical maker hardware.

Designer: Elecrow

The real showstopper is the front-facing 1.3-inch OLED display that transforms this case from simple protection into an interactive desktop companion. This isn’t just eye candy; the screen provides real-time system monitoring, displaying temperature, IP address, resource usage, and other customizable information at a glance.

The aluminum construction serves both form and function beautifully. The material provides excellent heat dissipation while giving the case a premium feel that justifies its place on any modern desk. The built-in silent fan ensures your board stays cool without adding unwanted noise to your workspace.

What makes this particularly clever is how it maintains full connectivity despite the compact footprint. All original ports remain accessible, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, GPIO, camera, and display interfaces, so you’re not sacrificing functionality for aesthetics. The case even adds value with PCIe M.2 SSD support for the Pi 5.

Storage expansion through M.2 slots supporting 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors means you can build a genuinely capable mini desktop. High-speed solid-state storage transforms the Pi 5 from a hobbyist board into something that feels professionally capable.

The tool-free assembly and comprehensive package make setup refreshingly straightforward. Everything you need comes included: case, OLED, fan, cables, power button, and hardware. No hunting for compatible accessories or dealing with mismatched components from different vendors.

This appeals to a broad range of users beyond traditional makers. Developers get a stable, reliable environment with necessary expansion and cooling. DIY enthusiasts can build something that looks as good as it performs. Even professionals can use this for compact workstations or media centers.

The case represents a growing trend where maker culture meets minimalist, functional design. Instead of accepting that powerful computing has to look utilitarian, products like this prove you can have both performance and visual harmony in your workspace.

While generic plastic cases treat single-board computers as components to hide, the Elecrow case celebrates them as capable machines worthy of display. Sometimes the most significant innovations come from simply refusing to accept that technical products can’t also be beautiful and user-friendly.

The post Elecrow Mini PC Case With OLED Screen Turns Raspberry Pi 5 Into a Desktop Marvel first appeared on Yanko Design.

Swatch Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold Review: Is the $450 Snoopy MoonSwatch Worth It?

Getting this watch was an adventure in itself. We dragged ourselves out of bed at 4am and made it to the Swatch store in Dallas by 5:15am. By then, there were already 16 people camping out in the parking lot. We weren’t even allowed near the mall entrance until 5:30am. Once inside, we found ourselves at positions 17 and 18 in line. But here’s where Swatch changed the game completely. Instead of doing a head count and telling the 200+ people in line where the cutoff would be, they kept everyone guessing. A pretty selfish move just to build hype. Then came the price shock. This thing started at $380, jumped to $400 yesterday, and when we finally got to the counter today, they hit us with $450 before tax. When I asked the store manager about the increase, I got a simple “tariffs” as the explanation. Welcome to 2025, I guess.

Designer: Swatch

But after spending time with the Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold, I can say the drama was worth it. This is easily the most sophisticated MoonSwatch release yet, combining dual astronomical complications with premium materials and that signature Snoopy charm. The navy bioceramic case and Omega’s Moonshine Gold treatment create a watch that feels genuinely special rather than just another limited edition cash grab.

Design and Ergonomics: Navy Sophistication Meets Cosmic Storytelling

The first thing that hits you about this watch is how different it feels from other MoonSwatch releases. The navy bioceramic case completely transforms the 42mm profile. It’s still recognizably MoonSwatch, but with a maturity that the brighter colorways lack. The bioceramic material has this subtle texture that’s not perfectly smooth but feels substantial and premium. At 42mm, it wears comfortably on most wrists without feeling oversized, and the lightweight bioceramic construction means it disappears during daily wear.

The dial is where this watch really shines. The white opaline base creates this perfect canvas for the complications and Snoopy artwork. At 2 o’clock, there’s a moonphase indicator with dual discs showing the lunar cycle against a dark starry background. The moon itself gets the Moonshine Gold treatment, creating this warm honey-like finish that catches light beautifully against the deep navy starfield.

At 10 o’clock sits the earth phase complication, showing our planet as it would appear from the lunar surface. This disc rotates to show Earth’s phases in reverse to what we experience here. The continental details are clearly visible, painted in realistic blues and greens against the black space background.

The real star of the show is Snoopy himself, positioned prominently in the center left of the dial, right above the “Speedmaster” script. He’s illustrated in classic Charles Schulz style, sitting casually with Woodstock nearby, both rendered as simple black line drawings that feel timeless. Around them, you can see scattered crater marks and lunar surface details that place them clearly on the Moon’s surface.

What’s brilliant about the layout is how nothing fights for attention. The complications create a visual balance that guides your eye naturally around the dial. The chronograph seconds hand and main hour and minute hands provide clear time reading against the white dial.

The real magic happens under UV light. Hit this dial with blacklight and “I BEAT EVERYBODY” appears in bright blue comic book speech bubble style, transforming the watch’s personality from sophisticated to playful without compromising the base design. The entire dial takes on this purple-blue glow that makes all the details pop dramatically.

The new navy VELCRO strap represents a significant upgrade from previous MoonSwatch straps. The texture has this woven pattern that’s surprisingly sophisticated. It’s not flat rubber but has a textile-like weave that gives it visual interest. What’s particularly impressive is how the VELCRO connection has been redesigned. The connector where the strap comes together is now much thinner and doesn’t create that bulky protrusion that plagued earlier versions. This creates a much cleaner profile on the wrist. The VELCRO closure uses matching navy throughout, avoiding any cheap-looking contrast elements. Plus, NASA has used VELCRO in space missions since the 1960s, making it historically appropriate for a space-themed chronograph.

Performance: When Complications Actually Work

The dual complications make this the most technically ambitious MoonSwatch to date. Having both moon phase and earth phase indicators creates a unique astronomical perspective that no other watch at this price point offers. The earth phase shows our planet as it would appear from the lunar surface, rotating in reverse compared to the moon phase cycle. When Earth appears full from the Moon’s perspective, we’re experiencing a new moon from Earth. It’s this fascinating inverse relationship that actually teaches you something about celestial mechanics.

The chronograph function uses the small seconds subdial positioned at 6 o’clock, clearly marked with 60 at the top, 20 on the left, and 40 on the right. Unlike traditional Speedmaster layouts, this model focuses on the dual astronomical complications rather than multiple chronograph registers. The navy case and white dial create excellent contrast for all three subdials. The chronograph pushers work smoothly with crisp tactile feedback.

Grade A Super-LumiNova on the hour markers and hands provides solid nighttime legibility in classic green, while the UV-reactive elements create cool blue glow under blacklight. This two-tier lighting system is both functional and fun, adding personality without compromising readability.

The quartz movement keeps accurate time and makes these complications possible at this price point. While purists might prefer mechanical, the trade-off heavily favors functionality for most buyers. The 42mm case works well for most wrist sizes, though the relatively thick profile means tight shirt cuffs might be an issue. Water resistance reaches 30 meters, covering basic splash protection but nothing serious.

The dial printing quality shows impressive attention to detail. The “Speedmaster” script maintains classic font styling, while “MOONSWATCH” uses modern typeface that bridges Omega heritage with Swatch innovation. All text stays crisp and properly aligned. The complications themselves feature realistic continental shapes and ocean colors on the earth phase disc, while the moonphase discs showcase detailed crater patterns in the Moonshine Gold coating.

Sustainability: Materials That Make Sense

The bioceramic case construction puts this watch ahead of most alternatives when it comes to environmental impact. Unlike traditional plastic watches that rely heavily on petroleum-based materials, the bioceramic blend combines ceramic particles with bio-sourced materials. The ceramic component provides scratch resistance and longevity, while the bio-based elements reduce the overall carbon footprint compared to standard plastic cases.

This approach addresses the throwaway culture that plagues fashion watches. The bioceramic construction means this watch should maintain its appearance and functionality for years rather than months. The navy colorway hides minor scuffs better than lighter colors, extending the aesthetic lifespan even further.

The VELCRO strap makes sense from an environmental perspective too. Unlike leather straps that require chemical tanning processes, VELCRO straps are simpler to produce and replace when needed. For a limited edition piece that people will keep for decades, the material choices work.

Value and Should You Get One?

At $450, this is definitely the most expensive MoonSwatch yet, but the precious metal treatment, dual complications, and controlled scarcity justify the premium for those wanting something special. The single-day boutique availability created the kind of controlled scarcity that builds long-term collector interest without completely shutting out regular buyers.

This watch works on multiple levels. As a technical piece with dual astronomical complications, as a design object with thoughtful color coordination and finishing, and as a collectible celebrating both space exploration and beloved pop culture characters. The Snoopy connection, precious metal treatment, dual complications, and controlled release create scarcity factors that typically support resale values.

For collectors specifically, this offers several elements that could drive long-term value retention. Whether that translates to actual investment returns depends on broader market conditions, but the fundamentals look stronger than most MoonSwatch releases. The navy bioceramic case gives it more visual weight and premium feel compared to lighter colorways, while the Moonshine Gold treatment elevates the whole piece without feeling gaudy.

The Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold proves MoonSwatch can evolve beyond simple color variations into genuinely interesting horological statements. By focusing on storytelling through design and backing it up with meaningful technical features, Swatch created something that feels special rather than just different. For Snoopy fans, space enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates thoughtful design execution, this delivers on multiple levels that most fashion collaborations completely miss.

Is it worth the early morning queues and $450 price tag? If you’re already invested in the MoonSwatch ecosystem or have strong feelings about Snoopy, absolutely. For everyone else, this is still the most technically interesting and visually cohesive MoonSwatch release to date. Just be prepared for the hunt and bring cash because the watch sold out instantly, leaving people in line empty-handed. This drop could possibly be Swatch and Omega’s most exclusive drop, ever. And as the new easter-egg saying goes, “I beat everyone” that didn’t score a Snoopy Moonshine Gold MoonSwatch!

The post Swatch Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold Review: Is the $450 Snoopy MoonSwatch Worth It? first appeared on Yanko Design.