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AirConsole brings Atari’s retro arcade games to Volkswagen infotainment system

Ever felt bored waiting for someone in your car? A time when the wait is agonisingly long and you desperately need to find a cool pastime. Sure, you can take out your smartphone and get lost in the world of social media or online multiplayer games, but where’s the fun in that? For Volkswagen owners, there is now another option that elevates in-car entertainment to a new level.

A partnership between in-car gaming platform AirConsole and game console maker Atari brings the fun of playing classic arcade games directly to the infotainment system of Volkswagen vehicles. The classic games, including Asteroids: Recharged and Breakout: Recharged can be enjoyed by two players, connecting the smartphone directly to the system and acting as a controller for the player input. Cool or what?

Designer: AirConsole and Atari

Designed specifically for the VW infotainment system, the games have some new inclusions to make them engaging and fun for short bursts of gaming frenzy. The Breakout: Recharged game comes preloaded with 50 levels and power-ups including rail guns and homicide missiles. The Asteroids: Recharged on the other hand, is a fast-paced title with upgraded weaponry, thus making it ideal for short, engaging sessions while sitting idle in the car. Connecting to the game is as easy as scanning the QR code on the display. This makes these games super fun to play even when you are parked at home and don’t want to engage in anything else. More games like Missile Command: Recharged are expected to be introduced to the library.

The motive for designing the games is to turn idle moments into opportunities for play. AirConsole has already shown its capabilities with collaborations including the ones with Sony Pictures’ Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, Mattel’s UNO Car Party and Pictionary Car Party and Bandai Namco’s PAC-MAN Championship Edition for in-car gaming. Last month, they announced the availability of games like Pictionary Car Party for select Audi vehicles, including A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, they collaborated with Mattel for an exclusive in-car edition. Ideally, the game functions only work when the car is parked, but as an exclusive, AirConsole has equipped Audi models with passenger screens to activate the Active Privacy Mode, which is a digital curtain blocking the screen elements from the driver. This lets passengers enjoy gaming even when the car is in motion.

According to Anthony Cliquot, CEO of AirConsole, “AirConsole’s partnership with Atari is a milestone in making the car a space for social connection and interactive entertainment.” This new partnership with Atari and Volkswagen further solidifies their position in the industry when it comes to in-car entertainment. The initial connection can be initiated by syncing with the VW Connect Plus and downloading the AirConsole application from VW’s in-car shop. Thereafter, launching the AirConsole app from the infotainment system when the car is parked is all you need to get going.

The post AirConsole brings Atari’s retro arcade games to Volkswagen infotainment system first appeared on Yanko Design.

Modular Phone Tablet Hybrid Concept Solves the Screen Size Paradox

We all want bigger screens to comfortably read or watch content, but we also want to still be able to stuff our phones into our pockets or handbags. It’s the classic mobile device paradox that has plagued smartphone users for years. Foldable phones try to solve this screen dilemma, but the solution can be quite costly, figuratively and literally.

It’s definitely not the only possible answer, and this concept design offers an alternative that can be a bit more practical and probably more affordable. The idea is simple yet effective: plug a normal-sized phone into a larger standalone display, turning it into a mini tablet when you need the extra screen space.

Designer: Mechanical Pixel

The design is made up of two pieces: a regular phone and an external screen the size of a small tablet like the iPad mini or an open foldable. The external screen, like any secondary monitor, doesn’t work unless you connect the phone to it. Based on the concept, you simply put the phone into the slot at the back of the tablet. Once connected, you instantly get a bigger screen without any of the complexity or fragility that comes with current foldable technology. The phone acts as the brain while the external display handles the visual output. It’s essentially turning your smartphone into a modular device that can adapt to different usage scenarios.

Admittedly, this isn’t entirely novel. Years ago, ASUS created the PadFone line with the same concept, sliding a phone into a tablet dock. That approach had potential but never really caught on with mainstream consumers. A key difference is that the mini tablet from this concept is far smaller and portable. The more compact size makes it easy to slip into a bag, hold with one hand, or use comfortably in bed. Unlike the bulky PadFone docks, this concept prioritizes portability while still delivering the larger screen experience that many users crave. The external display appears thin and lightweight, more like a secondary screen than a full tablet.

There are trade-offs, of course, like having to bring an additional accessory wherever you go. You’ll need to remember to pack both pieces, and there’s always the risk of losing or forgetting one component. The concept also raises questions about battery life and how the two devices would share power efficiently. Some of the benefits might outweigh those inconveniences, though. You don’t have to worry about fragile foldable screens that can crack or develop creases over time. You can use your phone normally when you don’t need the larger display, and if something breaks, you only need to replace one component rather than an entire expensive foldable device.

The modular approach also means you could potentially upgrade just the display or just the phone independently. Unfortunately, this is just a concept design, and it seems that designs like the ASUS PadFone are all but a footnote in the history of mobile devices. Still, it’s an interesting reminder that folding screens aren’t the only way to solve our screen size dilemma.

The post Modular Phone Tablet Hybrid Concept Solves the Screen Size Paradox first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Floating Courtyard House in Khao Yai Proves Steel and Nature Make Perfect Partners

Have you ever seen a house that appears to hover above the landscape like a modern treehouse? The BAAN O+O floating courtyard house in Khao Yai achieves exactly this effect, and it’s fascinating how Jun Sekino pulled this off. This small family vacation home sits within the lush natural landscape of Khao Yai, demonstrating how contemporary steel frame architecture can work with existing topography instead of bulldozing everything flat. What’s remarkable is how the house literally floats above sloped terrain, using a sophisticated steel framework to minimize environmental impact while maximizing that incredible connection to nature. Instead of significantly altering the landscape, Jun Sekino chose an elevated approach that creates the visual impression of a house gracefully hovering above the land. The result is a design that makes you rethink what’s possible when architects truly respect their sites.

Designer: Jun Sekino

Cantilever Design Creates Dramatic Horizontal Emphasis

The most striking feature in these exterior shots is the bold cantilever extending the upper living level about 15 feet beyond its supports. It’s architectural drama that actually serves a purpose.

The overhanging roof features a flat profile with clean, precise edges that create strong shadow lines against the sky. These horizontal planes contrast beautifully with the vertical black steel columns supporting the structure at regular intervals. Looking at the photographs, the structural bay spacing appears to be roughly 20 feet, creating a rhythmic pattern that gives the house its architectural order. What’s brilliant about this cantilever is that it’s not just showing off, it serves multiple practical purposes that make the house livable in Thailand’s intense tropical climate. The precision required to achieve this visual lightness while maintaining structural integrity demonstrates Jun Sekino’s technical expertise.

Smart design thinking becomes obvious when you realize how this cantilever creates substantial covered outdoor spaces beneath the main living areas. These protected zones work like outdoor rooms that extend the interior living space while providing weather protection. Jun Sekino clearly understood that in Thailand’s tropical climate, these shaded outdoor areas become essential for comfortable year-round living.

At night, something remarkable happens as this cantilever transforms into a glowing horizontal plane that appears to float above the landscape. The underside lighting emphasizes the structure’s defiance of gravity while creating a warm beacon visible from multiple viewpoints across the site. This lighting strategy turns the architectural gesture into a landmark that works both day and night. What’s particularly clever is how the illumination highlights the precision of the steel framework, making the structural system visible and celebrated rather than hidden. The interplay between artificial light and natural darkness creates a dramatic effect that completely changes the house’s character after sunset. 

Engineering these dramatic overhangs demonstrates Jun Sekino’s commitment to pushing structural boundaries. Those steel beams must be precisely sized and positioned to carry the loads while maintaining the visual lightness that defines the project.

Glass Walls and Central Courtyard Create Seamless Interior Flow

What’s immediately striking about these floor-to-ceiling glass walls is how they create an almost complete dissolution of boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. These expansive glazed surfaces run continuously around the perimeter of the upper level, interrupted only by the black steel structural columns that frame each panel. The glass system uses minimal frames, allowing maximum transparency and unobstructed views of the surrounding forest.

The main living area features a low-profile leather sectional positioned to take advantage of the panoramic views through the glass walls. The furniture placement suggests Jun Sekino intended these spaces to function as viewing platforms for experiencing the changing landscape throughout the day. What’s impressive is how the kitchen area demonstrates these glass walls work in service spaces as well as primary living areas, with continuous glazing ensuring that even cooking maintains visual connection to the landscape. This transparency creates the sensation of living within the forest canopy rather than simply looking at it from inside a conventional house.

The glass system also reveals the honest expression of steel structure throughout the interior. Rather than hiding structural elements, Jun Sekino celebrated the black steel framework as an integral part of the architectural vocabulary. The columns create a rhythmic pattern that frames specific views while providing clear structural logic that occupants can understand and appreciate.

Here’s where the design gets really interesting as the central courtyard serves as the organizational heart of the house, creating a double-height space that brings natural light deep into the plan while providing a focal point for circulation. What’s remarkable is how the courtyard features a mature tree that appears to have been preserved from the original site, showing Jun Sekino’s commitment to working with existing natural features rather than removing them. Glass walls define the courtyard space on all sides, creating the unique sensation of being simultaneously inside and outside. The timber decking surrounding the tree creates a warm material contrast to the harder surfaces of concrete and steel found elsewhere in the house. This material transition helps define the courtyard as a special space within the overall composition.

Studying these photos reveals how spaces flow around the courtyard in a logical circulation pattern, with living areas, kitchen, and other functions arranged around the perimeter. This open-to-sky design creates natural ventilation through what architects call “stack effect” where hot air rises and escapes through the top while cooler air enters at the lower levels.

The courtyard functions as a light well that changes character throughout the day, with the tree’s canopy creating shifting patterns of light and shadow that add visual interest to the interior spaces. Looking at these courtyard photographs, you can see the vertical relationship between upper and lower levels, with the double-height space creating a sense of grandeur while the preserved tree provides a natural focal point that draws the eye upward. This vertical connection adds spatial complexity to what might otherwise be a simple rectangular plan, working in harmony with the perimeter glass walls to create a truly integrated interior environment. Essentially, the courtyard becomes a living sundial that marks the passage of time through changing light conditions.

Material Palette Balances Industrial and Natural Elements

What strikes you most about this material palette is how it demonstrates a careful balance between industrial precision and natural warmth. The approach feels both sophisticated and approachable, creating spaces that work for both relaxation and entertaining.

The concrete elements appear in both raw and finished forms, with some surfaces showing the texture of board-formed concrete while others receive smooth, refined finishes. The concrete’s neutral gray color provides a calm backdrop that allows the steel structure and natural materials to take center stage. Here’s something clever about concrete that many people don’t realize: its thermal mass helps moderate interior temperatures throughout the day, providing natural climate control that reduces reliance on air conditioning. This passive environmental control aligns with the house’s overall sustainability strategy. Jun Sekino used concrete selectively, ensuring it contributes to both structural performance and aesthetic coherence without overwhelming the composition.

Timber appears selectively throughout the interior, most notably in the kitchen cabinetry and courtyard decking. What’s appealing is how this wood species appears to be a warm-toned hardwood that complements the neutral palette while adding natural texture and warmth. The timber grain patterns provide visual relief from the harder edges of steel and concrete while contributing to the house’s connection to its forest setting.

Something particularly thoughtful about this design is how the leather furniture in the living areas adds another layer of natural material that will age beautifully over time. The cognac-colored leather creates a warm contrast to the cooler tones of the architectural materials while providing comfortable seating that invites relaxation and contemplation of the surrounding landscape. This furniture choice shows how material selection can support both aesthetic and functional goals while maintaining the house’s connection to natural processes and aging. What’s beautiful is how the patina that develops on leather over time will add character to the interior spaces, creating a living record of the house’s use and occupation. The material’s ability to improve with age mirrors the house’s relationship with its natural setting, where both structure and landscape will evolve together over time.

The post This Floating Courtyard House in Khao Yai Proves Steel and Nature Make Perfect Partners first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wacom MovinkPad 11 takes on the iPad Pro with its own Android tablet

Remember when Wacom launched the oddly-named Movink drawing tablet last year? It was immediately compared to the iPad Pro because of its incredibly thin profile, but it was apples to oranges, pardon the pun. The Movink, after all, was more like a slimmed-down Cintiq, requiring a computer or phone to actually display anything. It’s a familiar setup for many digital artists, but one that admittedly limits its portability to some extent.

Enter the Wacom MovinkPad 11, a standalone solution that lets you take your sketches and drawings with you anywhere. Being an Android tablet, it’s a more direct competitor to a Pencil-enabled iPad, but there seem to be a lot of caveats that would leave even Wacom fans thinking twice before investing in such a creative tool.

Designer: Wacom

This isn’t Wacom’s first attempt at a standalone drawing tablet, but the Wacom MobileStudio Pro is a heavy Windows 10 tablet PC that is also quite outdated by today’s standards. Not that the specs for the MovinkPad 11 are anything to write home about, but it’s at least easier to carry around anywhere and use, especially with its 11-inch display and 7mm profile. Of course, you don’t need to bring any other device with you either, allowing you to move and work anywhere with ease.

The MovinkPad 11 runs on a Mediatek Helio G99, a rather mid-range gaming-centric processor that was launched way back in 2022. It does have 8GB of RAM to make up for that, but the non-expandable 128GB of storage is a bit bewildering, given how large art files can get. There’s a 5MP front camera and a 4.7MP rear camera, which are hardly good for taking reference photos. It also runs Android 14, which is two generations behind the latest version.

Of course, the real selling point of the device is Wacom’s technology, represented by an 11-inch 2200×1440 screen and Wacom Pro Pen 3 with 8,192 levels of pressure. It’s an IPS LCD screen, though, not the OLED panel of the first Movink, but it’s going to be good enough for most users.

Aside from the somewhat mediocre hardware, however, the MovinkPad 11’s usefulness will be limited by the apps available on Android, which, as of now, misses the popular Procreate on iPads. The $449 price tag is also a bit higher than the cheapest A16 iPad that has support for the Apple Pencil. More importantly, Wacom isn’t alone in this space and has to compete with rivals Huion and XP-PEN, not to mention the premium Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablets that are indeed more expensive but also offer more features, more recent software, and guaranteed support for years to come.

The post Wacom MovinkPad 11 takes on the iPad Pro with its own Android tablet first appeared on Yanko Design.

Form’s Smart Swim 2 goggles display workout stats, heart rate, and has compass to keep you aligned

I can barely swim a lap in a community swimming pool, so I don’t necessarily feel the need for a pair of swimming goggles that not only protect the eyes but also display real-time stats of my workout. Put me aside, for avid swimmers and professional trainees, Form has been designing a pair of goggles with a built-in display that shows real-time data of the swimmer. The company first introduced this innovation in 2019 with a product called the Smart Swim. Now, in 2025, it’s rolling out an upgraded version, aptly named the Smart Swim 2: no time wasted on a flashy new name.

Form has stayed focused on delivering what really matters. And that is, essentially, what the pair of goggles can do, and the wear and tear it can tolerate. So, the incremental improvements, including digital compass, heart rate tracking, and Corning Gorilla Glass, in a much lighter form factor, are commendable and appreciative.

Designer: Form

Smart Swim 2 goggles have gone on sale from July 15 and are available online through the Form website for a starting price of $279. In addition to the base model, Form has also released a Pro version of the Smart Swim 2 goggles, which has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lenses that ensure more durability and resistance against scratches. This addition beefs up the price by $50 to $329. On the appearance front, you won’t find much difference from the predecessor; the fancy swim googles have a small box and display hanging from the side. Former, which is about 15 percent smaller in size, contains the heart rate monitor and rechargeable battery, while the display with 72 x 40 resolution shows various performance data such as distance, calories burned, number of strokes, and the heart rate. These features are essential for competitive swimmers and should definitely be beneficial for the trainees.

The addition of a sensor for heart rate monitoring underwater is a welcome addition; however, it reportedly shaves the battery life down from 16 hours in the first pair of goggles to about 12 hours in the Smart Swim 2. Unless you are planning to swim for days in the sea, the battery backup should be more than enough for days in the pool. If you happen to plan a sea swim expedition, the goggles feature a digital compass, which shows the user’s current bearing on the display, so you can figure out the direction in open waters and keep swimming in a straight line. Of course, with the upgraded features and a slimmer and lighter profile, the Smart Swim 2 has been tweaked to fit better. It has adjustable straps and a swappable nose bridge to adjust comfort.

The post Form’s Smart Swim 2 goggles display workout stats, heart rate, and has compass to keep you aligned first appeared on Yanko Design.

KeyShot x YD present the Pantone Dualities Challenge, with prizes over $3,000 USD

Yanko Design is teaming up with Pantone and KeyShot to present the Pantone Dualities Challenge! Marking the announcement of the new Pantone Dualities color palette, with 175 Pastels and Shadows that come together wonderfully to create dreamy contrasts, this competition invites you to render, compose, and explore with the new color options.

The brief is simple – Render any object (use your own model or the chair model we provided) using colors from Pantone’s new Dualities palette. Experiment with the dreamy pastels, dive into the mystic shadows, or combine the two to create a duality that catches the eye! You can add objects to your scene, use the colors in the chair AND the environment – it’s your call.

There’s a new twist to this challenge, too. KeyShot Studio 2025.2 finally brings game-changing AI features to its powerful rendering software, allowing you to use image generation to quickly ideate or modify renders. Download the free trial to tinker around with and use the Background feature to create unique settings for your chair! (The AI features are optional to the challenge – read the challenge instructions for more information)

Prizes include tools and goodies from Pantone and a free 1-year KeyShot Studio Pro license totaling over $3,000 in value. We can’t wait to see the unique compositions you come up with!

Click Here to Participate Now! Hurry, deadline: August 17th 2025, 11:59pm PST

Challenge Brief

Render an object using a minimum of 3 colors from the Pantone Dualities color palette in KeyShot. Experiment with contrasts and complementary schemes, which are the essence of the Pantone Dualities collection.

How To Participate

Download KeyShot Studio 2025.2 and use “PANTONE25″ to activate a special 2-week trial with full features. Drop us a DM on Instagram if you need to extend your trial.
Download the .KSP file and open it in your newly installed version of KeyShot
The file contains a model of a chair with the Pantone Dualities colors built into the chair’s material (Check in the Diffuse tab)
Either edit the material directly (Do NOT replace the material!) or copy and paste it onto the object you want to render.
Play with the Dualities color palette, using a minimum of 3 colors (feel free to use the palette on the environment too)
Share your renderings on your Instagram account with the #PantoneDualitiesChallenge and tag @yankodesign_official and @keyshot3d
Submit your Instagram links (you can share multiple entries till the challenge ends) at designchallenge@yankodesign.com by August 17th, 2025

How To Use KeyShot ‘AI Shots’ (Optional)

Start by preparing your scene with the model, material, camera, lighting, and image settings
Click on the AI Shots button in the bottom right corner
Click on the Start AI Engine button on the dashboard on the left
Once the AI Engine starts, select Background
Type your prompt in (Pro Tip: Be detailed)
Set the Resolution and the Number of Images (This will affect the time your machine takes)
Click on Start Generating.
Results get displayed in the box below. Remember to right-click and save them.

Important Information

Make sure you’re using KeyShot Studio 2025.2 in order to access the new Pantone Dualities library (Download the trial here)

The trial gives you 2 weeks of full-featured, watermark-free KeyShot Studio Pro access (with the AI Shots toolkit too). To extend the trial, just drop us a direct message on Instagram.
Use at least 3 colors from the Pantone Dualities palette (you can play with pastels, shadows, or combine both)
The AI Shots in KeyShot Studio 2025.2 run locally and require high-end GPUs. Tf your system doesn’t support AI Shots, don’t worry!
The KeyShot AI features are completely optional, but we encourage you to explore the Background tool for this challenge.
Do not use the Restyle or Imagine tools for your submission, since they may affect your model or the accuracy of the Pantone colors
Only work created inside KeyShot (Render + AI) will be accepted. You can touch up images using other software, but usage of non-KeyShot AI tools will result in disqualification.
Do not upload AI-only images. Entries must show your original KeyShot render with the Pantone Dualities colors. Submissions that use only AI outputs (without original render) will be disqualified.
In case of KeyShot AI submissions, we may ask you to submit both versions:
– Original render with Pantone palette
– AI-enhanced version with background

Prizes

Gold Prize x 1

Free 1-year subscription to KeyShot Studio Pro
Free year of sub to KeyShot Studio add-ons of choice: KeyShot Studio Web, NR
Free access to Will Gibbons’ KeyShot master class of choice
Winner’s design featured on KeyShot social, blog, newsletter, etc.
Pantone Color Guide and Specifier set
Free 1-year subscription to Pantone Connect
Winner’s design featured in Pantone article

Silver Prize x 1

Free 1-year subscription to KeyShot Studio Pro
Free access to Will Gibbons’ KeyShot master class of choice
Winner’s design featured on KeyShot social, blog, newsletter, etc.
Pantone Color Guide and Formula Guide
Free 1-year subscription to Pantone Connect

Bronze Prize x 1

Free 1-year subscription to KeyShot Studio Pro
Winner’s design featured on KeyShot social, blog, newsletter, etc.
Pantone Viewpoint Magazine
Free 1-year subscription to Pantone Connect

Honorable Mentions x 2

Pantone Mug + Viewpoint Magazine
Winner’s design featured on KeyShot social, blog, newsletter, etc.

Timelines:

Challenge begins: July 18th, 2025 
Challenge ends: August 17th, 2025 – 11:59 PM PST

Jury

Karim Merchant – Senior Industrial Designer & Creative Specialist (KeyShot)

Nicole Meier – Director of Product Marketing (Pantone)

Sarang Sheth – Co-Editor-in-Chief (Yanko Design)

Click Here to Participate Now! Hurry, deadline: August 17th 2025, 11:59pm PST

The post KeyShot x YD present the Pantone Dualities Challenge, with prizes over $3,000 USD first appeared on Yanko Design.