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Retro Modern Moondrop Ultrasonic earbuds will be the perfect pair for a Mission to Mars

There are wireless earbuds in tons on the market – virtually leaving you frustrated which one fits your requirements the closest. The recent trend of see-through earbuds has caught up with the early adopters who love the visual intricacy of rejoicing the innards of their loved gadgets. Nothing sparked off this long-buried fad with their maiden earbuds that caught world’s attention.

The Arctis GameBuds Glorange makes you fall in love while the Moondrop Pill tingles your compulsive instinct to make the purchase right away. Somewehre in between these two options sits the Moondrop’s another pair of earbuds that has gone under the radar but is no slouch by any stretch of imagination. Perfect for space phantasy enthusiasts, the pair has a retro-modern charm with the impressive specifications that will interest audiophiles.

Designer: Moondrop

Moondrop Ultrasonic is a pair of earbuds in contention for being one of the most balanced visual pleasers. It is a hybrid between a see-through look and the sci-fi aesthetic dominated pair of buds. The dual-driver hybrid TWS tuned by professional engineers has a combination of DD+BA drivers on each side to deliver high-quality sound. Add to the equation a FRA Lithium-Magnesium alloy balanced armature tweeter and your search for a natural sounding high frequency spectrum is a given. The 13mm sapphire diaphragm full-frequency dynamic driver promises a thump that rivals even the most sought-after over-ear headphones.

These earbuds support LDAC lossless high-resolution audio ( 24-Bit/96kHz) and an advanced high-end Bluetooth SOC chipset that enables highly efficient performance with stable Bluetooth V5.3 connectivity. A low-latency rating of 55ms means the buds are ideal for the odd gaming session, playing highly competitive FPS titles. The Moondrop UltraSonic features wide-band Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) powered by advanced Single-Feedforward ANC technology. Leveraging a next-generation flagship SoC chipset and refined acoustic engineering, it delivers robust noise-cancellation performance. The transparency mode has also been enhanced, precisely tuned to better amplify human voices and ambient sounds. Additionally, the upgraded MitsuYuki voice prompts offer a more intuitive and seamless user experience for connectivity and operation.

The earbuds are very comfortable to wear for long listening sessions and the passive noise isolation is also good. Battery life on the buds is also acceptable, with 6 hours on the buds and an additional 18 hours with the charging case. The only complaints being the plastic housing of the earbuds and case, and the average battery life, which might not be deal breakers for users. In more ways than not, the Ultrasonic earbuds are a worthy successor to the Space Travel buds. Carrying a price tag of $75 make them well worth the investment and a deal maker even with the little disadvantages.

The post Retro Modern Moondrop Ultrasonic earbuds will be the perfect pair for a Mission to Mars first appeared on Yanko Design.

Vintage 1940s Railway Car Was Transformed Into A Cozy Tiny House In Cornwall

Bare Root Creation in the UK has reimagined small-space living by converting a worn 1940s railway car into a practical and affordable tiny house for two. Located in Cornwall, England, this unique dwelling sits on a double-axle trailer and measures 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length.

It features a sturdy corrugated metal roof and is clad in larch, giving it a rustic yet inviting appearance. While built on wheels, its design is intended for semi-permanent placement on land rather than frequent towing. This creative transformation makes it ideal as a cozy vacation retreat or a guest house, blending vintage character with functional modern living.

Designer: Bare Root Creation

The tiny house offers 144 square feet (13.4 square meters) of interior space, finished with reclaimed wood sourced from old railway cars, preserving its historical character. Entry is through large wooden double doors that lead straight into the living area. This space features an L-shaped seating arrangement with built-in storage and a nearby window for natural light.

The adjacent kitchen is simple but practical, equipped with a sink featuring a cutting board insert, a small fridge, a microwave, and a few cabinets for storage. The use of reclaimed materials and efficient layout gives the home both a sense of warmth and functionality, making it comfortable for short stays or as a guest retreat.

The bedroom in this tiny house takes a creative approach, though it’s not ideal for those with limited mobility. To enter, you climb through a circular porthole-style opening that connects the living room to the sleeping area. Inside, you’ll find a cozy double bed nestled within the reclaimed wood walls, creating a private and unique retreat.

This setup adds a touch of adventure and novelty, making the bedroom feel separate from the main living space while maximizing the use of limited square footage. On the opposite end of the house, you’ll find the bathroom, which is compact but practical. It includes a small sink, a shower, and a standard flushing toilet, providing all the essentials for comfortable daily living in a small footprint.

Currently, the tiny house is listed for sale on Tiny House Listings at £35,000 (about US$44,000). Buyers can also opt for upgrades such as a wood-burning stove for extra warmth, a water heating system for added comfort, or authentic train-style steel carriage wheels to enhance its vintage charm and mobility. This blend of history, practicality, and customization makes the tiny house a standout choice for anyone seeking a unique getaway or guest accommodation.

The post Vintage 1940s Railway Car Was Transformed Into A Cozy Tiny House In Cornwall first appeared on Yanko Design.

Asia’s Tech Renaissance: Our Interview with Dr. Lu Gang on BEYOND Expo’s Global Ambition

Five years ago, launching a tech conference during a global lockdown might’ve seemed delusional. Dr. Lu Gang calls it “stupid enough,” but the result, BEYOND Expo, is anything but. Against a backdrop of shuttered borders and empty exhibition halls, Lu didn’t just push ahead; he built a stage for Asia’s technological identity to finally perform, not as a supporting act, but as the main event.

BEYOND wasn’t born out of convenience. It was a counter-punch to a persistent imbalance. Asia, rich with innovation in robotics, AI, mobility, and biotech, lacked a unifying platform. USA had CES and SXSW. Europe had Slush and IFA. Asia? Fragmented, regionally siloed, and globally underrepresented. Lu saw this gap firsthand – founders with world-class ideas were treated as footnotes at global expos, buried among exhibitors, their stories lost in translation, both literally and figuratively.

He chose Macau. Not because it was a tech hub, but because it wasn’t. Culturally and linguistically neutral ground. Grand hotels. Efficient infrastructure. A place you could sell as Asia’s Vegas. And for Lu, it was more than geographic convenience. It was symbolism. A clean slate for a clean break from foreign legacy formats that never really fit Asia’s voice anyway.

When we sat down with him, Lu was unfiltered, casually peeling back the layers of his vision like someone who’s spent years explaining why it matters and still hasn’t run out of reasons. “There’s no platform that reorganizes Asian innovation for a global audience,” he said. “You go to CES or Web Summit and the most exciting founders from Asia are just… missing. They’re in the crowd, not on stage.”

The ambition isn’t subtle. BEYOND wants to be where the next big thing isn’t just shown off – it’s unveiled, discussed, and celebrated. A place where Plaud, a rising hardware startup with AI chops, gets more than a 3×3 booth on a back wall. “He’s a superstar,” Lu said of the founder. “But if he went to CES, he’d just be another exhibitor.”

There’s a wild idealism to it all, but it’s grounded in grit. Building a cross-border tech expo in Asia means navigating linguistic hurdles, cultural nuance, and vastly different industrial priorities. Korea, Japan, China, and Southeast Asia don’t naturally sync. Getting them to share a stage, let alone a conversation, takes more than ambition. It takes trust. And Lu has been earning it by showing up consistently for 5 years – and arguably the toughest 5 years in recent history.

BEYOND isn’t just a parade of booths. It’s become known for its parties, its loosened-tie vibe, the mingling of founders and media poolside after panels. Lu laughs about it, but there’s strategy here. “People come for the day show,” he said, “but they stay for the experience. The real conversations happen after hours.”

In its fifth year, BEYOND is growing up fast. International media are taking notice. More exhibitors are treating it as their product launch platform. There’s momentum, and Lu knows what to do with it. He wants BEYOND to become the destination in Asia where new tech gets unveiled first. Think CES, but in a region where hardware is king and software isn’t the only storyline.

The cultural shift is overdue. Silicon Valley has long dictated the pulse of tech, but the future? It’s being prototyped in Shenzhen, Seoul, Tokyo. Asia’s startup scenes aren’t just growing, they’re diverging, forming identities shaped by local needs and global reach. BEYOND is trying to harness that chaos, give it choreography, and let the rest of the world watch.

He’s already fielding interest from Brazil, Japan, the UAE. Each wants their own BEYOND. Not to copy, but to collaborate. It’s flattering. Overwhelming too. “We’re still a small team,” Lu said. “But we’re thinking about it.” There’s no rush. Scale too fast and you lose the soul. But the demand is telling: the world doesn’t want another CES. It wants a fresh script.

The post Asia’s Tech Renaissance: Our Interview with Dr. Lu Gang on BEYOND Expo’s Global Ambition first appeared on Yanko Design.

VAVIA Art Frame Speakers Blend Eco-Friendly Design and Immersive Sound

Music and art have always shared a special connection, but the latest innovation in home audio takes this relationship to a new level. For art lovers, music fans, and anyone passionate about beautiful interiors, the VAVIA Eco-friendly Art Frame Speakers invite you to fill your home with both rich sound and serene style. The result is a speaker you’ll want to display as much as you’ll want to listen to.

Speakers are no longer just anonymous boxes tucked into corners. The days of bulky plastic rectangles are gone, replaced by designs that look and feel like part of the furniture. VAVIA speakers, with their award-winning Danish craftsmanship, are a prime example. Each piece is so visually compelling that it doubles as a piece of art, seamlessly blending musical enjoyment with the aesthetics of your living space.

Designer: Openhagen

Crafted from solid oak, anodized aluminum, and a unique honeycomb acoustic core, VAVIA speakers are built to last while remaining conscious of the environment. Everything about the construction is designed for sustainability, from the energy-efficient components to the premium natural materials. There’s no vinyl or MDF, just a tactile mix of wood, aluminum, and a woven linen fabric that completes the elegant frame.

Sound from VAVIA isn’t simply projected but radiates. Thanks to Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML) technology, these speakers use vibrations across their entire surface to create room-filling audio. The experience is closer to feeling the music as it resonates through a guitar than listening to sound forced from a traditional speaker cone. Every room transforms into a gentle, immersive soundscape, making music a living, breathing part of your daily life.

There are two models to fit your listening habits: the VAVIA Go is a delightfully portable table speaker weighing just 500g, with a 30-hour battery and Bluetooth for easy, wire-free listening anywhere. For those who love a seamless look, the VAVIA Air can be wall-mounted, turning sound into a permanent fixture that complements modern interiors. Both options are available in natural or stained oak finishes, and each is dressed in one of four beautiful Scandinavian-inspired fabric artworks.

The front linen is not just for looks. It’s acoustically engineered to let sound pass through naturally, adding a soft and refined touch to any room. The fabric is fixed to maintain a flawless finish and ensure lasting durability, echoing the speaker’s commitment to both style and sustainability.

VAVIA stands for Vibrational, Airflow, Virtualized, Immersive, and Acoustics, a perfect summary of what makes these speakers so enticing. They don’t just play music at you; they create a living atmosphere that feels as thoughtful and artful as your favorite painting. For anyone seeking a more harmonious blend of sound, sustainability, and design, VAVIA art frame speakers offer a sensory experience that’s truly one of a kind.

The post VAVIA Art Frame Speakers Blend Eco-Friendly Design and Immersive Sound first appeared on Yanko Design.

Campfire device concept gives safer, smarter spark for outdoor experiences

I do not live in a country with a camping culture, although I could see its appeal if you live in areas where you could actually go camping. But seeing all the wildfire disasters in the US and even in South Korea makes me a bit concerned about the dangers of lighting fires out in the open fields or even by the beach. While of course there have been no connections to campfires from these incidents, there are a lot of dangers that can come from these campfires even if they seem fun and romantic.

The Magic Campfire is a concept designed by students from the Shenzhen Technology University. It offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to open flames. Its advanced electronic illumination simulates the warm, flickering glow of a real fire without the associated risks, making it suitable for various outdoor settings. It is constructed from durable, recyclable materials and embraces eco-conscious principles without compromising the device’s performance.

Designers: Bowen Deng and Yihan Peng from Shenzhen Technology University

The device resembles a bundle of elongated flashlights or torches arranged vertically, mimicking the shape and glow of a real campfire. This clever design not only creates a familiar visual effect but also enhances the immersive outdoor atmosphere without the need for open flames. The structure is supported by collapsible legs, making it incredibly easy to set up or pack away, whether you’re at a campsite, on the beach, or in your backyard. Each torch-like unit is detachable, allowing users to remove one and use it as a standalone flashlight — perfect for late-night walks, finding your way in the dark, or navigating uneven terrain.

To further elevate the campfire experience, the device includes an integrated outdoor speaker that delivers ambient sound or music, enriching the social atmosphere around the “fire.” In addition to its visual and audio features, it functions as a practical power bank, equipped with a USB Type-C charging port to keep your phone, lanterns, or other essential gadgets powered throughout your outdoor adventure.

By merging technology with timeless design, the Magic Campfire offers an engaging outdoor experience that meets modern needs while preserving the nostalgic allure of a real campfire. It allows people to enjoy the warmth, light, and ambiance of a traditional campfire without endangering the environment or public safety. Whether you’re gathering in your backyard, camping in a controlled site, or simply creating a cozy atmosphere, this student-designed device proves that reimagining tradition through innovation can light the way to a safer future.

The post Campfire device concept gives safer, smarter spark for outdoor experiences first appeared on Yanko Design.

Xiaomi Debuts Custom Silicon: XRING O1 Transforms 15S Pro and Pad 7 Ultra

After fifteen years of semiconductor research, Xiaomi unveils its inaugural custom processor, the XRING O1. This proprietary chip now drives two flagship devices that showcase how engineering can follow aesthetic vision rather than dictate it. The 15S Pro smartphone and Pad 7 Ultra tablet demonstrate a maturation in hardware development where technical capabilities enhance design intentions instead of limiting them.

Designer: Xiaomi

The XRING O1 represents a significant departure from Xiaomi’s previous reliance on third-party processors. Built on advanced 3-nanometer fabrication technology, this chip architecture balances computational prowess with practical energy management. Its ten-core configuration includes dual high-performance cores operating at 3.7GHz alongside efficiency-focused cores that handle routine tasks without unnecessary power drain.

Graphics processing receives substantial attention through the integrated 16-core Immortalis-G925 GPU. This component renders complex visual content with exceptional smoothness, particularly beneficial when working with creative applications or editing high-resolution video. The processor’s specialized imaging engine processes 8.7 billion pixels per second, enabling sophisticated computational photography features without compromising system responsiveness.

15S Pro: Hardware Design Enhancing Photographic Capability

The 15S Pro demonstrates thoughtful material selection through its Dragon Scale Fiber and Far Sky Blue variants. These finishes transcend mere aesthetics, communicating product identity through both visual and tactile characteristics. The aluminum frame incorporates an innovative wing-shaped cooling system that maintains optimal thermal conditions without disrupting the device’s clean lines.

Visual content benefits from the 6.73-inch OLED panel capable of 3200 nits peak brightness. This specification translates to practical benefits in outdoor environments where ambient light typically overwhelms conventional displays. The implementation of variable refresh rate technology, spanning from 1Hz to 120Hz, preserves battery reserves during static content viewing while ensuring fluid motion when required. The 2K resolution maintains clarity across all content types.

Photographic capabilities receive particular emphasis through collaboration with Leica. The Summilux lens system pairs with three 50-megapixel sensors, each optimized for specific capture scenarios. The primary camera employs an f/1.62 aperture and 1/1.31″ sensor that gather substantial light even in challenging conditions. Complementary ultrawide and 5X telephoto modules expand creative possibilities without quality compromises.

The XRING O1’s dedicated image signal processor enables sophisticated computational photography techniques. The system applies intelligent enhancement that respects photographic intent rather than applying excessive processing. Low-light photography, portrait effects, and high dynamic range scenarios benefit from this approach, producing results that rival dedicated cameras in many situations.

Power management demonstrates similar attention to practical user needs. The 6100mAh silicon-carbon battery achieves 850Wh/L energy density, providing substantial capacity within reasonable physical dimensions. When recharging becomes necessary, 90W wired and 50W wireless options minimize downtime. The XRING O1’s efficiency optimizations extend operational duration during active use.

Pad 7 Ultra: Rethinking Tablet Proportions

The Pad 7 Ultra challenges conventional tablet design through its remarkably thin 5.1mm profile. This svelte form houses a 14-inch OLED display that transforms content consumption and creation through both size and quality. The 3.2K resolution ensures exceptional clarity across all applications, while the 120Hz refresh rate creates immediate responsiveness during interaction.

The 3:2 aspect ratio represents a particularly thoughtful design decision that enhances productivity applications. This format provides additional vertical space compared to widescreen alternatives, benefiting document editing, web browsing, and creative software. The choice demonstrates how subtle proportion adjustments can significantly impact practical usability.

Construction employs an all-metal unibody approach that achieves 609g weight despite the generous display dimensions. The high-strength aluminum alloy increases structural integrity by 18% compared to previous generations, creating a device that feels substantial without unnecessary mass. This balance ensures comfortable handling during extended creative sessions.

The optional nano-soft light screen variant addresses the needs of digital artists and note-takers. Surface treatment reduces reflectivity by 70% and glare by 99%, creating a more paper-like experience for stylus input. When paired with the Focus Touch Pen offering 8192 pressure sensitivity levels and minimal latency, the tablet provides professional-grade creative capabilities in an exceptionally portable format.

Performance improvements enabled by the XRING O1 translate to measurable productivity benefits. Video exports complete 27.5% faster than previous generations, while image processing finishes 51.3% quicker. Multitasking demonstrates 49% improved responsiveness, allowing users to maintain creative momentum without technical interruptions.

Audio reproduction receives similar attention through an eight-speaker system with Dolby Atmos support. This configuration creates immersive soundscapes that complement the visual experience, enhancing both entertainment content and creative audio work. The approach demonstrates consideration for the complete user experience rather than focusing exclusively on visual elements.

Custom Silicon Enabling Design Freedom

The XRING O1 represents more than technical achievement. It enables design approaches previously constrained by processing or efficiency limitations. By controlling both hardware and silicon development, Xiaomi creates devices where form and function achieve greater harmony than typically possible when adapting designs around third-party components.

This integration allows both the 15S Pro and Pad 7 Ultra to challenge conventional expectations while delivering substantive performance improvements. The processor’s efficiency enables the Pad 7 Ultra’s remarkably thin profile without thermal or battery compromises. Similarly, the 15S Pro maintains consistent performance during demanding photographic tasks without requiring design concessions for cooling.

Xiaomi’s approach demonstrates how custom silicon development can advance product design beyond incremental refinements. The XRING O1 provides capabilities specifically tailored to hardware priorities rather than forcing design compromises to accommodate standardized processors. This strategy allows greater creative freedom while maintaining competitive performance metrics.

The 15S Pro enters the market at 5,499 yuan (approximately $763) for configurations with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. This positioning balances premium capabilities with accessibility, making advanced technology available to more users. The Pad 7 Ultra similarly offers distinctive design and performance characteristics at competitive price points, challenging established premium tablet offerings.

The post Xiaomi Debuts Custom Silicon: XRING O1 Transforms 15S Pro and Pad 7 Ultra first appeared on Yanko Design.

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) Review: Subtly Sophisticated Performance Powerhouse

Typical gaming laptops come in thick, bulky chassis with flashy lighting. The former is a result of cramming as many high-performance components as possible in such a cramped space, while the latter is a product of boxing gamer aesthetics into a particular stereotype. As more people embrace video gaming, however, the variety of design tastes also grows, with some preferring their gaming gear to be a bit more discreet and subtle.

Announced earlier this year, the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) is bringing more than just the latest and greatest in PC gaming technologies. It also arrived with a redesigned appearance, breaking away from its peers to some degree. But does the gaming laptop’s embrace of subdued aesthetics also mean it cuts down on its performance? We give this racing car-inspired powerhouse a spin to see if it manages to strike a balance between power and beauty that will appeal to a wider audience.

Designer: ASUS Republic of Gamers

Aesthetics

You might be surprised by the sight that greets you when you remove the ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) from its packaging. You immediately behold a frame that looks premium, eschewing the shiny plastic surfaces and geometric details that deck most gaming laptops. Instead, the soft-touch matte black material on its back gives it a sleeker, more premium personality, a design language that ASUS seems to be adopting across its laptop line.

That design continues inside, where the semi-transparent keyboard deck of last year’s model is replaced with an opaque, all-black case that is less distracting and, to be honest, looks more professional. If you turn all the RGB lights off, the ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) could easily pass off for a business laptop, though a rather bulky one at that. The one complaint we have with this smoother texture is how it easily smudges, so you’ll find yourself wiping surfaces more often to keep them looking pristine and presentable.

Of course, a Republic of Gamers laptop is still designed for gamers, and those who do want some flair will find plenty of sliders and switches to play with. In addition to the lightbar that runs around the bottom of the chassis and the standard keyboard backlighting, the Strix SCAR 18 (2025) brings the AniMe Vision matrix display from the ROG Zephyrus line, providing 810 LEDs shining through 9,152 precision-milled holes that you can control to show off some lo-fi text or images, both static and animated. The ROG logo sitting in the corner also has its own RGB lights, though it might be a little too big for our tastes.

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) delivers a design that successfully pulls off a tough balancing act, providing a sophisticated and premium look that can still flaunt all those bright RGB colors if wanted. It is distinctly gaming-oriented without having to shout it, preferring to let its performance do the talking.

Ergonomics

There’s no escaping the laws of physics, and until the day we can truly shrink hardware and develop some magical cooling technology, there will always be concessions when it comes to balancing power and portability. Gaming laptops are unsurprisingly the worst offenders in this matter, and this year’s ROG Strix SCAR 18 sadly takes a step back.

Although the Strix SCAR 18 (2025) is an upgrade in almost every other aspect, it is also slightly larger and noticeably heavier than its predecessor. The good news is that it isn’t for naught, because the newer model does pack an improved cooling system as well as a more modular design, but it’s still something potential buyers will have to consider to manage their expectations, not to mention prepare their backs or shoulders when lugging it around.

The SCAR 18 (2025)’s more streamlined design also has ramifications for its usability, particularly with the ports. Gone are the side exhausts, allowing the connectivity ports to be pushed backward a bit. ASUS also took the opportunity to add a third full-sized USB-A port, probably to the delight of many gamers and computer users whose favorite accessories haven’t yet moved to the age of USB-C. The power connector has also been redesigned with a new rectangular plug instead of a round barrel. Unfortunately, the power cable has also been changed to stick out from the side rather than at a 90-degree angle like last year’s charger.

The ergonomics of the keyboard and the large touchpad are quite good, providing comfort and precision despite not having your ideal mechanical switches. One thing that might throw off new users, however, is the non-standard position of the cursor keys and the layout of the numeric keypad. It’s not a complete deal-breaker, but one that will require developing some muscle memory that you can’t carry over to other keyboards or laptops.

Performance

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) is an upgrade in every sense of the word, bearing the latest and greatest Intel chip, the Core Ultra 9 275HX. This is paired with a Series 5000 NVIDIA graphics card, which will naturally depend on what model you’ll have. Our review unit, the G835LW, comes with a GeForce RTX 5080, while there are also options for a 5070 (G835LR) and the highest 5090 (G835LX). Out of the box, you get 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage, but you can easily double that, as we’ll see later.

Long story short, this machine is a beast, making short work of modern AAA titles. Of course, don’t expect to get desktop-grade performance that will let you crank up all the settings to 11, but you won’t be far off either. What’s more impressive than the benchmark numbers is how stable that performance is, particularly thanks to an improved cooling system this year.

In addition to your typical high-capacity fans, which now number three, the Strix SCAR 18 (2025) features heatsinks that stretch across the whole width of the laptop. Also running from end to end is the vapor chamber sandwiched between these heatsinks. Completely new to this generation, however, is the Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal that replaces your typical thermal paste on the CPU and the GPU. All these work together to keep thermals down to a manageable level and keep the laptop running in peak condition for far longer.

While performance is something you’ll only be able to feel when actually pushing the laptop to its limits, the stunning 18-inch Mini LED is a beauty that you’ll be able to immediately see and appreciate. It definitely has a laundry list of features that not only gamers but also designers will love, starting with the 2.5K resolution and 1200 nits of peak brightness. 100% DCI-P3 coverage ensures color accuracy, while 240Hz refresh rates mean your content will be able to keep up with the action. Vibrant, colorful, and fluid, this screen is pretty much the mouth-watering icing on top of the cake that is the laptop’s performance.

Battery life, on the other hand, isn’t as impressive. It’s still the same 90Wh capacity from last year’s model, so its average expectancy isn’t that much. You’d be lucky to get even an hour of gaming with medium settings, which is quite average among gaming laptops. ASUS did upgrade the charger to 380W from 330W, so you have a shorter charging time.

The bonus is that the ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) now supports 100W PD (Power Delivery) charging via USB-C, which expands charging options just a bit. Of course, it’s still slower and won’t be able to support heavy gaming compared to the official power brick, but it’s better than completely draining your battery dry in less than an hour.

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) definitely doesn’t hold back when it comes to performance, making it an excellent portable workstation for designers and creators as well. There’s no denying that it offers one of, if not, the best options in the gaming laptop market, but the real question is whether that justifies the price that ASUS is asking for in turn. We’ll get to that in a bit, but first, we make a segue into what is probably the third-best thing about the laptop after its sophisticated beauty and unmatched performance.

Sustainability

At first glance, the Strix SCAR 18 (2025) is your typical mix of metal and plastic that you’d find in many gaming laptops. In fact, you might even be disappointed to find out that there’s still quite a lot of plastic, especially on the interior deck, rather than the aluminum that premium laptops have begun to flaunt. That said, the plastic does help with keeping things a bit cooler and even a little bit lighter, despite the laptop being quite a heavyweight.

ROG added one feature that trumps all that, though. With a simple slide of a latch, you can easily remove the back panel to have instant access to SSD and RAM slots. Even better, ASUS has brought its Q-Latch system to easily remove and replace the SSDs with just a plastic hinge. The fans and battery are also quickly exposed, though those will require a bit more work to take out. The motherboard is also well protected with a special frame but is still just a few screws away. This tool-less access to the most commonly upgraded components ensures that the Strix SCAR 18 (2025) will last you a long, long time.

Value

Subtly sophisticated, impressively powerful, and easily upgradable, the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) almost has it all. The combination of refined aesthetics and flexibility to show off your gamer DNA positions this laptop as a powerhouse not just for gaming but for any endeavor that requires extensive processing, which usually includes AI these days. It’s almost perfect except for one particularly thorny subject: the price.

The G835LW with an RTX 5080 fetches a jaw-dropping $3,399.99, and the highest configuration easily goes for $4,449.99. That puts it close to luxury laptop territory, which isn’t something you might call such a gaming laptop, especially one that still has plenty of plastic to go around. Between these two, this G835LW model we’re reviewing seems to have the best balance, compromising just a little bit on performance for a huge cut in cost. Are there other options in this price range? Definitely. But are there other options in this price range that offer this trifecta of style, power, and longevity? Probably not.

Verdict

We’re entering an age where gaming laptops are no longer just hulking portable counterparts of their desktop cousins. As user tastes evolve, so too, do laptop designs. Those neon-lit futuristic slabs won’t disappear, but we’ll be getting an infusion of gaming laptops that cast their nets wider to appeal to a more diverse audience, some of which might not want to broadcast their gaming passion 24/7.

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) manages to strike a balance that will probably satisfy a good number of gamers of different aesthetic preferences. It cuts a rather captivating image of a powerful portable machine that can handle any task without breaking a sweat. Yes when you turn the RGB lights on and bring the AniMe Vision display to life, it immediately transforms into a dynamic battle station that will carry you to victory. The price tag is definitely a bitter pill to swallow, but you can rest assured that you’re getting you’re money’s worth, especially in the long term.

The post ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) Review: Subtly Sophisticated Performance Powerhouse first appeared on Yanko Design.

Huawei’s Foldable Laptop Is A Game-Changer And We Tried It Out: Hands-On at BEYOND Expo 2025

I didn’t expect to find the Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate Design foldable laptop on the floor at BEYOND Expo, and it wasn’t officially displayed at Huawei’s booth. But I did see a nervous intern walking around with a strange-looking laptop behind the scenes. I walked up to ask her if it was Huawei’s new ‘foldable laptop’ and lo and behold, I got a hands-on experience of a device hardly anybody’s seen before… and spoilers, it’s gorgeous.

The MateBook Fold Ultimate Design is the kind of stuff you expect from companies like Apple and Google, but it really does seem like Huawei’s been pushing the envelope farther than any ‘Western’ brands. They mastered 5G before anyone, developed their own app ecosystem after being booted off Android, brought the Mate XT tri-fold device to market long before Samsung, and now managed to design, launch, and even display a foldable laptop long before anyone else could even get their R&D together.

Designer: Huawei

The MateBook Fold Ultimate Design (let’s just call it the MateBook Fold for short) is a bona fide luxury device. It costs a mind-bending $3,300 USD and is only available in China for now. That’s because it’s running Huawei’s HarmonyOS, which works best within the mainland. However, physically, the laptop looks GORGEOUS. At 14.9mm, it’s slightly thicker than the 128mm-thick tri-fold phone when shut (because it technically also has 3 panels), but open it up and you’re either faced with a 13″ laptop with a touchscreen keyboard, or an 18″ touchscreen monitor when opened fully (thanks to a kickstand at the back).

The third panel? Well, that’s just the MateBook Fold’s snap-on keyboard, which works wirelessly with the device, allowing you to use it either independently or even placed on top of the MateBook, replacing the touchscreen keyboard with a tactile one. News flash, everything works absolutely seamlessly – you don’t need to pair or unpair keyboards, the screen transitions like magic between multiple formats, and the device, even though it released just 3 days ago, doesn’t have any rough edges that I can see. It’s all polished to the point of being a product you could throw 3.3 grand at today itself.

So, here’s really what you get with the MateBook Fold. The three-part device (a two-part foldable and one snap-on keyboard) is as light as it gets – 2.5 lb (1.16 kg) officially, which is still lighter than a 13″ MacBook Pro. The keyboard sticks confidently via magnets, only snapping out when you remove it with intent. Even the hinge on the MateBook Fold – reliable, without a doubt. I needed two hands to pry the thing open, and once you disengage the device, the hinge loosens so that the lid lifts up comfortably.

The MateBook Fold’s design enables hybrid-laptop-style usage, but with a key difference being the foldable display itsel. You can use it in the following formats – open it up and type on the lower touchscreen like a regular laptop (you can change the keyboard design, layout, color, it’s wild). My favorite part is the fact that when you activate the on-screen keyboard, the Huawei branding actually shows up near the hinge, displaying the company logo where you’d expect it to be on most traditional laptops. You might think of it as an easter egg, but I see it more as incredible attention to detail.

The other way to type is to simply snap out the actual physical keyboard and use it to type (either on top of the laptop or kept on the side). However, if that 13″ screen isn’t enough for you, the MateBook Fold opens up to become a flat 18″ 3.3K display with a more tablet-ish 4:3 resolution. Hold and use the device like you would an 18″ tablet, place it flat on a tabletop, or prop it upwards, thanks to the built-in kickstand that otherwise sits flush against the back. There’s not a single bump anywhere on the device – the absence of a primary camera rids the MateBook Fold of its camera bump, so you’re left with a device that’s as gorgeously sleek as a laptop.

The OS, for now, is Huawei’s HarmonyOS, running a tablet-PC hybrid layout. You have apps on the desktop, like TikTok, Xiaohongshu (or Red Note), WPS Office, among other local apps. Huawei’s even built a Copilot clone that runs on the device thanks to a dedicated AI key. The company’s worked with Deepseek AI to integrate its chatbot into the MateBook Fold, giving you what I can only describe as an experience that’s absolutely tailormade to and with China-based innovation. For a company scorned by the US and several other countries, this is nothing short of remarkable. I don’t say it to artificially glorify the company or the circumstances it finds itself in, but hey, it’s been half a year since the tri-fold and not one company.

The rest of the info on the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design can obviously be found in any press release. The device packs 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage – overkill by tablet or laptop standards. A fingerprint reader comes built into the power button, and yes, even though there isn’t a primary camera, the bezel hides a webcam that can be used the way you would on a laptop.

It’s difficult to really say who this foldable laptop is for. It oozes so much style that I find myself only being able to recommend it to people who like flexing expensive gear, like a Rolex or a Lamborghini. At $3,300 USD, it’s definitely in that territory. For people who splurged on the tri-fold Mate XT, this might just be the best laptop to complement it. After all, integration should be absolutely seamless, given that they both run the same OS too.

The post Huawei’s Foldable Laptop Is A Game-Changer And We Tried It Out: Hands-On at BEYOND Expo 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

EcoWeave Ball project lets kids create their own football from discarded tires

While football (that’s soccer to some of you) it’s the most popular sport in the world, not everyone has access to the equipment needed to play the sport including football pitches, kleats/shoes, and yes, even the actual football itself. At one point in time, you’ve probably seen a video of kids playing football but not using an actual football since they either can’t afford to get one or they don’t have access to one. But what if they could create their own and even use sustainable materials to do so?

The EcoWeave Ball is a groundbreaking project developed by students from the Beijing Institute of Technology. This innovative initiative addresses environmental and social challenges by empowering African children to create their own footballs using recycled materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a creative solution by providing a toolkit that enables children to construct their own footballs from discarded tires, since tire pollution is also a huge problem in the continent. This approach not only mitigates environmental waste but also supplies much-needed recreational resources.

Designer: Beijing Institute of Technology

The instructions or the weaving tutorial is printed directly onto the kit and seems easy to follow as it also has illustrations that kids can refer to. The kit includes 5 strips of braided material made from discarded tires, a circular frame, and fixed blocks that will fix the two ends during the weaving process. The material size is 70cm x 3.5cm x 1cm. The actual kit itself seems to be made from some cloth material which probably comes from recycled materials as well.

A distinctive feature of the EcoWeave Ball is its incorporation of Cuju, an ancient Chinese ball game recognized as a precursor to modern football. Originating over 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty, Cuju is not only historically significant but also symbolically represents the early human desire for play, connection, and community. By introducing the traditional weaving techniques used in Cuju to African children, the project creates an engaging, hands-on educational experience that goes beyond sports. It becomes a bridge between cultures, allowing children to connect with a piece of Chinese heritage while creating something tangible and meaningful.

In doing so, the EcoWeave Ball becomes more than just a sustainable toy—it becomes a vessel of cross-cultural storytelling and learning. This blend of sustainability and cultural heritage promotes not only environmental responsibility but also a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse traditions that shape our global community. Beyond environmental benefits, the EcoWeave Ball serves as an educational tool that encourages creativity, practical skills, and environmental awareness among children. By involving them in the construction process, the project instills a sense of ownership and pride, contributing to personal development and community engagement.

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Top 5 Nature-Inspired LEGO Sets That Bring the Outdoors Inside

As our lives become more intertwined with technology, many of us crave a connection to the natural world, especially in our homes and workspaces. LEGO, the world’s favorite building block, offers a unique way to bring nature indoors with sets that blend the joy of creativity with the calming beauty of plants, flowers, and gardens.

These nature-inspired LEGO sets aren’t just fun to build; they transform any room into a vibrant, green sanctuary, no watering required. From intricate terrariums to blossoming bouquets, each set is an invitation to relax, create, and celebrate the wonders of the great outdoors—all from the comfort of your table. Here are the top five nature-inspired LEGO sets that let you build your piece of paradise, no green thumb necessary.

1. LEGO Terrarium Set

Terrariums have long been a favorite for plant lovers who want to create tiny, self-contained ecosystems. The LEGO Terrarium Set, designed by LEGO builder 44th_brick, elevates this concept to new heights, blending the charm of hand-crafted apothecary bottles with the creativity of LEGO building.

This three-piece collection features a rustic yet sophisticated design – each terrarium is shaped like a classic corked bottle, complete with jade and gold bases that instantly elevate them from playful craft to tasteful home décor. What truly sets these terrariums apart is the attention to detail inside each glass-like bottle. You’ll find everything from delicate orchids and pink succulents to mushrooms and even a hidden spider, all meticulously rendered in LEGO bricks.

2. Botanical Garden LEGO Ideas Set

Step into a world where history, architecture, and nature come together with the LEGO Botanical Garden Ideas Set. Conceived by LEGO user Goannas89, this ambitious set boasts over 3,000 bricks and is a marvel of intricate design. Unlike many plant-themed sets, the Botanical Garden is more than just a collection of greenery—it’s a grand cast-iron greenhouse inspired by the 19th and early 20th centuries, complete with a neoclassical entrance and lush interior spaces teeming with plant life.

Open the elegant white structure and you’ll find a vibrant garden scene, where banana and palm trees anchor the central atrium and exotics like Anthurium, Bamboo, and Begonia Maculata fill every corner. The set is alive with detail: minifigures stroll through the walkways, exploring the layered foliage and vivid blossoms. The modular design means you can lift the top to admire the interior, making it both a showpiece and an interactive build.

3. LEGO Succulents Set

Succulents are beloved for their resilience and sculptural beauty, and LEGO’s Botanical Collection brings them to life in a way that’s both playful and elegant. The LEGO Succulents Set is a scaled, lifelike arrangement of nine distinct plant varieties, from Aloe Vera and Burro’s Tail to a vibrant Moon Cactus and purple Echeveria.

With 771 pieces, this set gives builders the freedom to customize: display all nine succulents as a group for a stunning centerpiece, or scatter them individually around your home for pops of green in every room. What makes these LEGO succulents truly special is the attention to realism. Each plant is crafted with care, capturing the unique shapes and colors that make real succulents so popular. Each comes with its base, so you can mix, match, and arrange them however you like.

4. LEGO Chrysanthemum and Plum Blossom

Nature’s beauty is always in season with the upcoming LEGO Chrysanthemum and Plum Blossom sets. Though not officially released, leaked images have already sparked excitement among LEGO fans. These two additions to the Botanical Collection perfectly capture the vibrant colors and forms of their real-life counterparts.

The Chrysanthemum set, at 278 pieces and standing 26 cm tall, creates a stunning display with its striking yellow petals, all neatly arranged in a decorative pot and stand. The Plum Blossom is equally eye-catching, with delicate pink and white flowers that evoke the fleeting beauty of spring. Both come with sturdy stands, making them as suitable for a coffee table as for a bookshelf or office desk.

5. LEGO Cherry Blossoms Set

Few flowers capture the imagination like cherry blossoms, and the LEGO Cherry Blossoms set lets you bring the magic of spring into your home, no matter the season. Designed for ages 8 and up, this set offers two buildable twigs, each customizable with 438 pieces in shades of pink and white. Each twig can be assembled to your liking—combine colors for a natural gradient or keep them monochrome for a bold look.

At up to 35 cm long, these cherry branches make an impressive and elegant display on any table or shelf. The twigs can be displayed on their own or combined with other LEGO flower sets, such as the Roses, Wildflower Bouquet, or Botanical Collection, to create a personalized arrangement.

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