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Remember Apple’s Touch Bar? You Can Now Buy A Keyboard With A Foldable 12.8″ Touchscreen Monitor

Remember that little sliver of digital real estate Apple gave us above the keyboard on their MacBook Pros? The Touch Bar. It was a bold idea, a dynamic strip promising contextual controls and a glimpse into the future of input. Yet, for many of us, it often felt like a missed opportunity, a solution searching for a problem, or perhaps just too small to truly flex its potential. The concept, however, always held a certain allure, a whisper of what could be if only it were given more room to breathe.

Now, imagine taking that very concept, blowing it up to a substantial 12.8 inches, giving it full touchscreen capabilities, and then setting it free from the confines of Apple’s closed ecosystem. That’s precisely what the KeyGo keyboard is attempting to do, and it’s a rather inventive piece of kit that feels like the Touch Bar’s ambitious, overachieving sibling. Imagine a laptop without any of the computing power, but all of the potential – the KeyGo is a portable command center, ready to turn any machine you own into a dual-screen, multi-touch productivity powerhouse.

Designer: KeyGo

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $538 (50% off). Hurry, only 23/200 left!

That integrated screen, a 12.8-inch beauty with a 1920×720 resolution at 60Hz, is where the magic truly happens. Some might glance at the 720p height and scoff, but that’s missing the point entirely. This isn’t a standard 720p display; think of it as a 1440p screen cleverly sliced in half. That means you’re getting a surprisingly dense pixel count across its width, ensuring text and visuals remain crisp and clear. It’s a dedicated external display, ready to give you that coveted dual-monitor setup wherever you happen to be.

The keyboard itself features scissor-switch keys, a choice that promises a satisfyingly tactile and responsive typing experience, akin to what you’d find on a high-quality laptop. No mushy keys here; you can actually get some serious words per minute down. Adding to the flair and functionality, the keyboard also comes with RGB lighting, offering three distinct modes. This isn’t just for show; customizable backlighting can be genuinely useful for working in dim environments or simply for adding a bit of personalized panache to your mobile workstation.

Connectivity is handled by USB-C, a modern and universal standard that makes hooking up the KeyGo to virtually any device a breeze. It works seamlessly with phones, tablets, and laptops, whether you’re a Windows warrior or a macOS maestro. This single-cable solution for both power and data is a godsend for minimizing clutter, especially when you’re trying to set up a productive workspace on a tiny coffee shop table or a cramped airplane tray.

The moment you lay eyes on the KeyGo, its build quality immediately stands out. Forget flimsy plastic; this thing boasts a CNC-machined aluminum enclosure, giving it a premium feel that belies its portability. It’s surprisingly thin, designed to slide effortlessly into your bag. The 95% key layout strikes a clever balance, retaining nearly all the essential keys you need for serious work and still packing a numpad for people who need those extra keys, i.e., gamers and accountants.

The KeyGo’s hinge is another piece of design brilliance. It folds a full 180 degrees, offering unparalleled adjustability. This lets you position that auxiliary touchscreen exactly where you need it – whether you want it angled slightly above the keys for quick glances, or fully upright as a dedicated second monitor for reference materials. Imagine having your main document on your laptop screen and a Spotify playlist running on the KeyGo’s display. Or a video preview running on the main display and the Final Cut or Premiere Pro timeline on the auxiliary display for effective editing and post-processing. Or better still, gaming in the main window, and Discord in the smaller side-screen. GENIUS.

Who is this ingenious device perfect for? Digital nomads will find it indispensable, transforming any tablet or phone into a powerful, multi-screen workstation. Students can keep their research notes or lecture slides visible on the secondary screen while typing out essays. Content creators might use it for timeline scrubbing in video editors or for monitoring live streams. Even casual users who just want a better typing experience for their tablet, with the added benefit of a dedicated notification center or media control panel, will find immense value.

The KeyGo takes a concept that was perhaps ahead of its time or simply poorly executed in its initial iteration and re-imagines it with a focus on user utility and robust design. Forget Apple’s self-proclaimed ‘Magic Keyboard’… the KeyGo is a Keyboard that truly feels like ‘Magic’! MSRP for the KeyGo starts at $538, but backers can grab their units at a 54% discount for just $249, with global shipping and a 1-year warranty.

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $538 (50% off). Hurry, only 23/200 left!

The post Remember Apple’s Touch Bar? You Can Now Buy A Keyboard With A Foldable 12.8″ Touchscreen Monitor first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Glow-in-the-dark Fixed Blade Knife turns your EDC into an Entertaining Daily Carry

Our life has seen a few design movements – the plastic era in the 90s, the anodized aluminum era in the 2010s, and the transparent tech era in the mid 2020s… but to be honest, we never had a ‘glow in the dark’ era and I’m kind of bummed about it. Think about how incredible it would be if our essentials were glow-in-the-dark. Glowing light switches, glowing keychains, perhaps even glowing smartphones so we don’t need to scramble for them when the lights are off. Glowing EDC should almost certainly be a thing, and I feel like I’ve found my first companion in this crusade – the Compact R4a from Countycomm.

As its name suggests, this fixed-blade knife is compact, and R4A or ready for action. There’s nothing overtly spectacular about it – it isn’t a multitool, it doesn’t have damascus steel metallurgy, it doesn’t secretly hide a glass-breaker or bottle opener, but it does have one fairly charming trick up its sleeve – it glows. Equipped with a UGM Glow handle, this knife could be the shining star of your EDC collection… literally!

Designer: Countycomm

I usually shy away from talking about fixed blade knives here. They’re a little archaic in my book. You can’t carry them around willy nilly, they need a sheathe for safe storage. The fixed blade design feels a little restrictive when it comes to just design and innovation (this website is FILLED with interesting flippers and switchblades), and in the rare occasion that I DO talk about fixed blades, it’s usually because of a highly unique element in its design. With the Compact R4A, it’s clearly the handle. With the military-grade glowing material that Countycomm developed in-house, this knife is just captivatingly intuitive to use. The handle glows bright, so you know where the knife is and how to grip it. Would it be best for tactical situations? Probably not, given it’ll probably give your position away to the enemy – but for regular indoor and outdoor use, this knife is as eye-catching as it is handy.

Just to get the details about the handle out of the way – it’s ergonomically designed, ambidextrous, and features a two-part handle, secured together with titanium bolts. The UGM Glow material recharges just in regular light, and according to Countycomm, can last for up to 24 hours on a ‘full charge’. Interestingly enough, the handle glows as bright as the light it’s exposed to. Place it out in the harsh sun and come sunset, your Compact R4A emanates a bright green hue. Place it, however, near a lamp, and the glow still remains, albeit mildly subdued.

The fixed-blade Compact R4A measures a cool 7 inches in length, featuring a fairly tiny 3″ blade. The blade comes fashioned out of high-carbon D2 steel, complete with a black stonewashed finish and a drop-point design that feels fairly straightforward. Countycomm isn’t trying to break any rules or rewrite any playbook here. The purpose of the Compact R4A is clear – make a knife that does the job, and is different enough to stand out against a bunch of other knives. With that phosphorescent glow, it certainly does.

Having a fixed blade design does come with a few advantages. For starters, its full-tang blade (which can be seen sandwiched between the two handles) gives the knife incredible robustness, which means you can wield it rather confidently, striking hard without fear of the blade shutting or shattering. This confidence comes with a small trade-off – you may end up wearing the blade down if you use the Compact R4A for intense activities like piercing wood on the regular. The simple drop point design offers a clever benefit here – it’s fairly easy to sharpen, making maintenance simple. Countycomm only plans on making 1000 of these knives, and each one comes serialized, making it unique to you. The knives start at $45 and ship with a 1-year warranty.

Key Specifications: Countycomm Compact R4A Fixed Blade (With UGM Glow Scales)

Overall length: 7 inches
Blade length: 3 inches
Blade material: D2 high carbon steel
Blade thickness: 0.175 inches
Handle material: UGM GLOW (ultra glow material, glows in the dark)
Weight: 4.35 ounces (blade and scales), 1.35 ounces (Kydex holster and clip)
Blade style: Drop point
Sheath: Kydex with belt clip
Full tang construction
Jimping on spine for thumb grip
Lanyard hole at handle end
Compact model compared to the larger 8.6 inch R4A version
Designed for heavy-duty utility and prying tasks
Made in the USA

The post This Glow-in-the-dark Fixed Blade Knife turns your EDC into an Entertaining Daily Carry first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung’s MONT FLEX: The Premium Display Technology Behind Next-Generation Foldable Innovation

Samsung Display just dropped something that’s going to change how we think about foldable phones. Their brand-new MONT FLEX display technology isn’t just another marketing term – it’s the sophisticated engineering behind the next generation of premium foldable devices. After years of Samsung quietly perfecting their foldable display technology, they’ve finally given it a premium brand name that reflects its position as the pinnacle of foldable innovation. The timing isn’t coincidental either, coming right as the foldable market heats up and Apple prepares its anticipated entry into foldable territory.

Designer: Samsung

But what makes MONT FLEX special, and why should you care about Samsung’s latest branding move? The answer goes deeper than marketing – this represents Samsung Display’s most advanced foldable technology to date, complete with breakthrough durability testing and features that address every major complaint about previous foldable displays.

The Technology Behind MONT FLEX

Samsung’s MONT FLEX brand represents more than just a catchy name. The acronym breaks down into four core technological achievements that define modern foldable display engineering. M stands for mechanically durable, offering outstanding folding reliability that goes far beyond previous generations. O represents opto-mechanically flat displays that deliver vivid visuals with minimal crease visibility. N focuses on narrow bezels that maximize screen real estate without compromising structural integrity. T emphasizes thin and lightweight design that enhances portability without sacrificing durability.

The French inspiration behind “MONT” (meaning mountain) signals Samsung’s commitment to reaching the peak of foldable display technology. This isn’t just corporate poetry – the engineering behind these displays represents genuine technological peaks that took years to achieve. Samsung Display has been working on foldable OLED technology for seven years, with mass production beginning in 2019.

The breakthrough achievement is the 500,000-fold durability testing that MONT FLEX displays successfully passed. This represents a 2.5x improvement over Samsung’s previous 200,000-fold standard. The newly developed “shock-resistant structure” makes this possible, addressing one of the primary concerns consumers have about foldable device longevity.

Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) technology forms another cornerstone of MONT FLEX displays. Samsung was the first manufacturer to apply UTG to foldable displays, creating panels that are both flexible and durable. The integration of LEAD technology (Low power consumption, Eco-friendliness, Augmented brightness, and Designed to be soft and light) further enhances the display’s capabilities while reducing environmental impact.

MONT FLEX in Current Samsung Devices

The timing of Samsung’s MONT FLEX announcement strongly suggests this technology already appears in their latest foldable devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, which launched in July 2025, demonstrates many characteristics that align with MONT FLEX specifications. The device’s enhanced durability claims, improved crease visibility, and advanced display performance all point toward MONT FLEX implementation. Samsung’s promotional materials even show models presenting MONT FLEX branding alongside displays labeled for the Z Fold 7.

The main display specifications align perfectly with MONT FLEX’s core promises. Brightness levels reach impressive peaks for excellent outdoor visibility. The adaptive refresh rates ensure smooth scrolling and responsive touch input. Color accuracy and contrast ratios meet Samsung’s premium display standards while accommodating the unique challenges of foldable form factors.

Real-world testing suggests significant durability improvements in Samsung’s latest foldables. Independent testing shows devices withstanding extensive folding cycles without significant degradation. The enhanced hinge mechanisms work in conjunction with advanced display technology to create more reliable folding experiences.

The visual improvements are equally impressive. The crease that plagued earlier foldable displays appears significantly reduced in recent Samsung devices, thanks to what appears to be MONT FLEX’s opto-mechanically flat design principles. Users report that creases become virtually invisible during normal use, addressing one of the most common complaints about foldable displays.

Samsung’s decision to announce MONT FLEX as a premium brand after launching their latest devices makes strategic sense. This timing allowed the company to gauge market response to the actual technology before committing to the premium branding strategy. The approach also creates anticipation for future devices that will explicitly feature MONT FLEX branding from launch.

The cover display improvements in recent Samsung foldables also suggest MONT FLEX implementation. New aspect ratios create more traditional smartphone experiences when folded, while advanced glass protection enhances durability. These improvements align with MONT FLEX’s focus on narrow bezels and enhanced mechanical durability.

Strategic Market Positioning and Future Vision

Samsung’s MONT FLEX announcement represents a calculated response to increasing competition in the foldable display market. Apple’s rumored entry into foldables, potentially launching alongside the iPhone 18 foldable in September 2026, creates pressure for Samsung to differentiate their technology. The MONT FLEX brand establishes clear premium positioning before competitors can challenge Samsung’s technological leadership. The timing of the K-Display 2025 Korea Display Exhibition (August 7-9) provides the perfect platform for Samsung to showcase MONT FLEX technology to industry partners and potential customers.

Market analysts view MONT FLEX as Samsung’s attempt to create premium brand recognition similar to how Samsung markets their camera sensors or processors. By giving their display technology a distinct brand identity, Samsung can command premium pricing and establish clearer differentiation from competitors. This strategy proved successful with Samsung’s Infinity Display branding for traditional smartphones. Samsung Display actively seeks to supply other manufacturers, with Apple being a particularly attractive potential client for their first foldable iPhone.

MONT FLEX represents more than just current display technology – it signals Samsung’s vision for the future of foldable devices. The 500,000-fold durability testing suggests that future MONT FLEX displays could theoretically last over 10 years with normal daily use. This longevity addresses one of the primary barriers to foldable adoption among mainstream consumers. Samsung Display’s Executive Vice President Jae-Nam Yun emphasized the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries further: “Following the launch of a foldable panel with a newly developed ‘shock-resistant structure’ that passed the 500,000-fold durability test, we will continue pushing the boundaries to deliver even more refined foldable products that exceed market expectations.”

The implications extend beyond Samsung’s own devices. As Samsung Display supplies panels to other manufacturers, MONT FLEX technology could appear in foldable devices from various brands. This broad adoption would accelerate foldable technology development and drive down costs through economies of scale. The strategic timing positions Samsung to maintain their technological edge while potentially becoming the premium supplier for competitors entering the foldable market.

Samsung’s MONT FLEX brand launch marks a pivotal moment in foldable display evolution. By giving their most advanced display technology a premium brand identity, Samsung establishes clear market leadership while preparing for increased competition from Apple and other manufacturers. Current Samsung foldables likely showcase MONT FLEX capabilities, delivering genuine improvements in durability, visual quality, and user experience. Whether you’re considering current foldable options or waiting to see how the market develops, MONT FLEX represents the current pinnacle of foldable display technology – and Samsung’s confident bet on the future of mobile devices.

The post Samsung’s MONT FLEX: The Premium Display Technology Behind Next-Generation Foldable Innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Creative design objects turn first meetings into meaningful connections

First meetings often come with a mix of excitement and awkwardness, but the tok_u project reimagines those moments as opportunities for genuine connection. Created by Dami Seo, Mingyu Seo, Songhee Kim, 허 정안, and sooa Kim and featured at the 2025 YUPD Exhibition, tok_u is a collection of thoughtfully designed objects that transform the atmosphere of first encounters.

The name “tok_u” is inspired by the Japanese pronunciation of “talk,” symbolizing its role in helping conversations flow naturally. The slash in tok_u represents more than pronunciation. It stands for “us,” reflecting the designers’ intention to create items that bring people together. The collection features four main objects, each tailored to spark interaction and comfort.

Designers: Dami Seo, Mingyu Seo, Songhee Kim, 허 정안, sooa Kim

The tok_u cup is designed with the motif of a “couple item.” When the two cups are joined, they form the shape of a heart, visually representing unity and togetherness. It is a playful way to make sharing a cup of coffee or tea feel special, turning a simple gesture into an act of connection. The tok_u Fortune Printer draws inspiration from the joy of cracking open a fortune cookie to discover a message inside. This device dispenses conversation topic cards whenever you need a prompt. It is perfect for bridging silences or sparking new dialogue, making it easy to keep the conversation flowing in first meetings.

Another unique element is tok_u Lighting, designed with a blooming flower motif. As conversation continues and deepens, the light becomes brighter, just like flowers blooming. This creates a gradually warmer, cozier environment, subtly encouraging a positive, open mood between people. Completing the collection is the tok_u Chair, which uses a seesaw motif. This chair only balances and becomes truly comfortable when two people are seated together, symbolizing the importance of mutual support and connection. It is a reminder that balance and harmony are often achieved through togetherness, not alone.

Each piece in the tok_u series is more than just a functional object. It is a conversation starter, a connector, and a way to fill the gap of awkwardness with meaningful interaction. The designers’ attention to detail and playful motifs make the collection approachable and memorable for anyone, whether in a casual coffee meeting or a new friendship.tok_u stands as a creative proof that good design can do more than decorate a space. It can create opportunities for warmth, understanding, and connection from the very first hello.

The post Creative design objects turn first meetings into meaningful connections first appeared on Yanko Design.

Modern Pavilion Floats Above A Creek, & Offers Birdwatching & Waterfront Views

At the bend of a Lake Austin tributary, something fascinating rises from the water. The Roost replaces what was once a crumbling boathouse with an illegal apartment tucked inside. Furman & Keil Architects saw an opportunity where others might see problems. Their 880-square-foot pavilion floats on a steel frame, dancing above flood waters that regularly sweep through this protected wetland. The two-story structure feels weightless against the landscape, as if it had grown from the water itself. Every detail speaks to living with nature rather than fighting it.

Getting there becomes part of the experience. You can wind your way through the forest on a stairway that gradually reveals the pavilion through the trees. Or paddle up by canoe, approaching from the water like the birds that call this place home. Each route offers its own revelation, its own way of understanding how the building sits in its world. The architects understood that arrival shapes everything about how you feel in a space. They designed multiple ways to discover what they’d created.

Designer: Furman & Keil Architects

Building here meant working within strict wetland protections. Everything arrived by flat-bottom boat, from lumber to workers to coffee cups. The demolished boathouse left the same way, piece by piece, across the water. These constraints could have killed the project, but they made it better. The steel frame touches the ground lightly, disturbing almost nothing. What seemed like limitations became the design’s greatest strengths.

Materials tell the story of place and purpose. Ipe wood wraps the structure in warm browns that shift with the light. The Brazilian hardwood laughs at moisture and temperature swings that would destroy lesser materials. Screens wrap the living spaces, keeping bugs out while letting breezes flow through. Ceiling fans from Modern Fan Company keep air moving on still summer days. Everything chosen for this specific place, this particular way of being outdoors.

The spaces work for watching and waiting. Birdwatchers find different perches for different moods and different species. The upper level surveys the broader waterway, perfect for spotting herons and egrets. Down below, you’re closer to the water’s surface, watching for turtles and fish. Some moments call for solitude, others for sharing discoveries with friends. The pavilion accommodates both, flexible enough for whatever the day brings.

When the 2024 Residential Design Architect Awards judges called The Roost “a beautiful pavilion,” they recognized something special. Troy Miller, Phillip Keil, Gary Furman, Maanasa Nathan, and Dawson Williams created architecture that feels inevitable, like it was always meant to be here. Working with builder Crowell and landscape architects Word + Carr, they navigated regulations that stop most projects cold. The result proves that working with environmental constraints often produces the most beautiful solutions. The Roost doesn’t just sit on the water—it belongs there.

The post Modern Pavilion Floats Above A Creek, & Offers Birdwatching & Waterfront Views first appeared on Yanko Design.