personal technology | designboom.com https://www.designboom.com/tag/personal-technology/ designboom magazine | your first source for architecture, design & art news Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:21:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 wearable smart necklace could help stroke patients speak again https://www.designboom.com/technology/wearable-smart-necklace-helps-patients-stroke-speak-again-revoice/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:50:28 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1174090 named revoice, the device was created to help the patients communicate in a more natural way without surgery or brain implants.

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Sensors collect signals for wearable smart necklace revoice 

 

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed Revoice, a wearable smart necklace that helps patients who suffered from stroke speak naturally again. The device was created to help the patients communicate in a more natural way without surgery or brain implants in hopes of bringing their old voices back. It is a soft, flexible wearable device that looks like a fabric choker worn around the neck. From the textile, it is lightweight, comfortable, and can be washed like regular clothing. The modest design allows users to not feel like they’re wearing medical equipment. 

 

The wearable smart necklace Revoice aims to turn silent or unclear speech movements into clear, full sentences that other people can understand, working in real time, so users can take part in conversations. Revoice uses ultra-sensitive sensors to collect signals from the body. First, they pick up tiny vibrations from the throat muscles when a person mouths words, even if no sound comes out. Second, they measure the person’s heart rate, which can give clues about their emotional state, such as stress or frustration.

wearable smart necklace revoice
all images courtesy of the researchers and University of Cambridge

 

 

AI systems turn short phrases into full sentences

 

The signals collected by the sensors are sent to two artificial intelligence systems, also called AI agents. Each AI agent has a different job. The first AI focuses on speech reconstruction, and it takes the small throat movements from silently mouthed words and figures out what words the person is trying to say. Even if the person can only mouth a few short words, the AI can recognize them. The researchers say that the second AI looks at emotion and context. It uses heart rate data and simple information like the time of day or the situation to understand how the person might be feeling. For example, a faster heart rate could mean stress or discomfort.

 

This AI helps turn short phrases into full, natural sentences that match the person’s feelings and situation. In a small study with five stroke patients who had dysarthria, the wearable smart necklace Revoice shows that the device made very few mistakes, with low word and sentence error rates. The researchers add that the participants reported feeling more satisfied and more confident when communicating. In an example, a patient mouthed the words ‘We go hospital,’ and the wearable smart necklace Revoice turned this into a full sentence, explaining that the person wanted to go to the hospital because it was late. So far, the device is still in a prototype phase, and with more testing and future improvements, it can improve the recovery of patients who have suffered from stroke.

wearable smart necklace revoice
it is a soft, flexible wearable device that looks like a fabric choker worn around the neck

wearable smart necklace revoice
the wearable smart necklace Revoice aims to turn silent or unclear speech movements into clear, full sentences

wearable smart necklace revoice
the device uses ultra-sensitive sensors to collect signals from the body

the AI systems help turn short phrases into full, natural sentences
the AI systems help turn short phrases into full, natural sentences

 

project info:

 

name: Revoice

institution: University of Cambridge | @cambridgeuniversity

Researchers: Chenyu Tang, Shuo Gao, Cong Li, Wentian Yi, Yuxuan Jin, Xiaoxue Zhai, Sixuan Lei, Hongbei Meng, Zibo Zhang, Muzi Xu, Shengbo Wang, Xuhang Chen, Chenxi Wang, Hongyun Yang, Ningli Wang, Wenyu Wang, Jin Cao, Xiaodong Feng, Peter Smielewski, Yu Pan, Wenhui Song, Martin Birchall, Luigi G. Occhipinti

study: here

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wearable airbag inflates around biker’s body during sudden crashes and accidents https://www.designboom.com/technology/wearable-airbag-inflates-bikers-body-crashes-accidents-aerobag/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:45:19 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1174024 an integrated airbag system built directly into cycling clothing, aerobag is also designed to be reusable.

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Meet aerobag, a reusable and wearable airbag for bikers

 

Wearable airbag inflates around bikers’ bodies during sudden crashes and accidents after racing at high speeds. An integrated airbag system built directly into cycling clothing, Aerobag is also designed to be reusable. Each time it deploys, users only replace the cartridge that inflates the airbag, while the textile can be washed after use.

 

Instead of being worn as a separate vest or jacket, the wearable airbag for bikers is hidden inside the shoulder straps of cycling bib shorts, making it almost invisible when they’re racing. There is no bulky gear and no extra layers flapping in the wind. From the outside, the only visible sign is a small bump on the rider’s back, where the air cartridge is stored. The accessory is also lightweight, so cyclists don’t need to carry so much weight during the race.

wearable airbag bikers
all images courtesy of Aerobag

 

 

Sensors detect crashes and deploy the accessory

 

Aerobag focuses on protecting the most vulnerable and important parts of the body during a serious crash, including the neck, the spine and back, and the chest during a front impact. Inside the wearable airbag for bikers are nine high-precision sensors that are always active while the rider is moving. They track things like body position, speed, acceleration, and movement patterns, and the sensors check the rider’s motion 200 times every second, which allows the system to notice even very fast changes.

 

All this data is sent to the in-house algorithm, which looks for movement patterns that match real crash situations. When it detects something that looks like a crash, the system reacts, and the accessory deploys in less than 100 milliseconds. The wearable airbag for bikers inflates its protective air chamber around the rider’s upper body, a cushion that absorbs impact forces and reduces stress on the neck, back, and chest. After deployment, the airbag deflates, allowing the rider to move freely again or the emergency personnel to attend to them quickly. So far, the pre-registration is open for the Aerobag’s wearable airbag for bikers, and there’s no official date yet on its release.

wearable airbag bikers
it is an integrated airbag system built directly into cycling clothing

wearable airbag bikers
Aerobag is also designed to be reusable

wearable airbag bikers
the wearable airbag for bikers is hidden inside the shoulder straps of cycling bib shorts

sensors detect crashes and deploy the accessory immediately
sensors detect crashes and deploy the accessory immediately

Aerobag focuses on the neck, the spine and back, and the chest
Aerobag focuses on the neck, the spine and back, and the chest

 

 

 

project info:

 

design: Aerobag | @aerobag.eu

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cement-like mechanical keyboard reimagines the style of tadao ando’s concrete church https://www.designboom.com/design/cement-like-mechanical-keyboard-tadao-ando-concrete-church-light-atm-98/ Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:50:16 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1173194 this version has a soft gray color and a calm look, with a matte surface and the soft RGB lights glowing through the keys.

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ATM 98 mechanical keyboard inspired by tadao ando’s church

 

The cement-like mechanical keyboard ATM 98 draws its Misty Dusk colorway from the style of Tadao Ando’s concrete Church of the Light in Osaka, Japan. The tool has a soft gray color and a calm, simple look, with a single key next to F12 being the change of color. The surface is matte, and the soft RGB lights glow through the keys. This colorway is joined by the other versions named Frost Whisper and Night Ink, with the former using a see-through design inspired by translucent luggage. Parts of the keyboard are clear, so you can see some of the inside structure. 

 

Here, the inner layers, gold-colored circuit board, and glowing switches become part of the design. At night, when the RGB lights turn on, the keyboard looks like it is glowing from within, especially with Night Ink and its orange-colored beam resembling fire. The ATM 98 mechanical keyboard uses a 98-key layout, including a number pad, and the brand Angry Miao describes the tool as whisper-quiet. It is because the design follows a ‘silent-first’ idea, meaning it is built to be very quiet while still feeling smooth and satisfying. In this case, each key press comes without a sharp noise when the user begins typing.

ATM 98 mechanical keyboard
all images courtesy of Angry Miao

 

 

Star ring knob at top can control the computer’s volume

 

This quiet feeling comes from how the keyboard is built inside. The ATM 98 uses a gasket mount system, so the keys sit on soft layers instead of being fixed tightly to the frame. There are eight layers inside, including foam and flexible materials, that absorb sound and vibration, and these layers help stop hollow sounds and scratching noises, making typing calm and smooth. Under the keys of the mechanical keyboard are switches called Bsun Light Sakura switches, adjusted to make typing quieter and smoother. 

 

The material inside the switch reduces friction, so keys move easily. When users press a key all the way down, it feels firm, and when they let go, it springs back cleanly. At the top of the ATM 98 mechanical keyboard is a knob called the Star Ring. By default, it controls volume, but users can change what it does using dedicated software, so they can set it for scrolling, switching modes, or running shortcuts. The knob is made of metal and acrylic, so it feels solid. It also lights up, continuing the team’s Tadao Ando design inspiration through the Church of the Light.

ATM 98 mechanical keyboard
view of the star ring knob

ATM 98 mechanical keyboard
upper view of the ATM 98 mechanical keyboard

ATM 98 mechanical keyboard
the typing tool draws its Misty Dusk colorway from the style of Tadao Ando’s concrete Church of the Light

ATM 98 mechanical keyboard
this version has a soft gray color and a calm, simple look

rear view of the typing tool
rear view of the typing tool

cement-like-mechanical-keyboard-style-concrete-church-tadao-ando-ATM-98-designboom-ban

other colorways glow in orange

view of the Night Ink colorway
view of the Night Ink colorway

the Frost Whisper colorway is inspired by Off-White x Rimowa's iconic translucent luggage.
the Frost Whisper colorway is inspired by Off-White x Rimowa’s iconic translucent luggage.

cement-like-mechanical-keyboard-style-concrete-church-tadao-ando-ATM-98-designboom-ban2

the keyboard uses a 98-key layout

 

project info:

 

name: ATM 98

brand: Angry Miao | @angry.miao

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autonomous flying umbrella follows and shields users from rain and sunlight https://www.designboom.com/technology/autonomous-flying-umbrella-follows-users-rain-sunlight-i-build-stuff-01-13-2026/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:00:26 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172821 an updated version of the remote-controlled one, the hands-free device hovers above the user and trails them wherever they go.

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Upgrading the flying umbrella with autonomous capabilities

 

John Tse of I Build Stuff creates an autonomous flying umbrella that follows and shields the users from rain and sunlight. An updated version of the remote-controlled one, the hands-free device hovers above the user and trails them wherever they go, keeping them dry and cool without needing to hold anything. The autonomous flying umbrella is a drone disguised as an everyday object. Its design keeps the familiar shape of a normal umbrella but hides flying technology just under the yellow surface. Four propellers are mounted around the material using a custom internal frame, and they provide the lift and control, just like a quadcopter drone. 

 

The creator admits that attaching them is one of the design challenges of the autonomous flying umbrella. It’s because the umbrella’s center rod is the only strong part, but mounting everything directly there would make it bulky and hard to carry. The solution was folding arms, where each propeller sits on an arm that folds inward when not in use and locks firmly into place when opened. This allows the flying umbrella to stay compact when carried and stable when flying. The locking system uses hinges, rubber bands, and carefully designed plates to reduce shaking and keep everything tight during flight.

autonomous flying umbrella
all images courtesy of I Build Stuff

 

 

Camera detects the user’s position in 3D

 

The most important feature of the autonomous flying umbrella, however, is its ability to hover on its own. The project was not just about flying, since the creator already did that, but about following a person automatically. To do this, the designer first built a smaller test drone, which made it easier to experiment without risking the large umbrella frame. The tracking system went through many versions, including regular cameras, GPS, and finally a time-of-flight depth camera. The latter works by sending out light and measuring how it reflects back, creating a depth image instead of a flat picture. It allows the system to detect a person’s position in 3D, even in low light. A Raspberry Pi processes this depth data and figures out where the person’s head is. It then sends instructions to the flight controller, telling the umbrella which direction to move so it stays centered above the person.

 

Most of the structural parts were made using 3D printing as well as robust materials like carbon-fiber nylon. Advanced 3D printers made it possible to produce precise hinges, locking mechanisms, and a central hub that connects the whole system to the umbrella. Inside the autonomous flying umbrella is a collection of electronics that make it work. There’s also a professional flight controller that acts as the brain, keeping the device balanced in the air while an embedded GPS helps it hold position outdoors. The project faced many failures. Parts broke, software didn’t work, components disconnected, and entire systems had to be replaced. But after nearly a year of work, the autonomous flying umbrella finally succeeded. It could hover, follow a person, and even fly in heavy rain. It was not perfect, but it worked, and with this, the project became more about making an idea a real, functional object.

autonomous flying umbrella
the hands-free device hovers above the user and trails them wherever they go

autonomous flying umbrella
four propellers are mounted around the material using a custom internal frame

autonomous flying umbrella
each propeller sits on an arm that folds inward when not in use

the locking system uses hinges, rubber bands, and carefully designed plates to reduce shaking
the locking system uses hinges, rubber bands, and carefully designed plates to reduce shaking

the installed camera allows the system to detect a person’s position in 3D
the installed camera allows the system to detect a person’s position in 3D

autonomous-flying-umbrella-follows-users-i-build-stuff-designboom-ban

most of the structural parts were made using 3D printing

 

project info:

 

name: Autonomous flying umbrella

channel: I Build Stuff | @ibuildstuff_yt

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mobile app converts spoken words into printed stickers with braille for the visually impaired https://www.designboom.com/technology/mobile-app-converts-spoken-words-printed-stickers-braille-visually-impaired-nemonic-dot-ces-2026-01-13-2026/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 03:45:31 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172719 once the text is ready, there’s an accompanying compact printer that produces the labels with braille using a proprietary pressing mechanism.

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mobile app lets the visually impaired print labels

 

Concept Nemonic Dot comes in two: a printer and a mobile app that converts spoken and typed words into printed stickers and labels with Braille for the visually impaired. With this, users can create labels by typing or using voice input, and the app also provides contextual keyword suggestions, which helps reduce mistakes and improves clarity. Because the translation is handled automatically, users do not need to understand Braille rules or formatting.

 

Once the text is ready using the mobile app, the accompanying device produces Braille using a proprietary pressing mechanism, which creates raised dots that are 0.6 millimeters high, matching international Braille standards. The uniform height and spacing of the dots ensure that the Braille is comfortable and easy to read for the visually impaired users. The printer itself is designed to be used without sight, so its physical form uses tactile textures, allowing the visually impaired users to operate it independently after using the mobile app.

mobile app visually impaired
all images courtesy of Mangoslab

 

 

Compact printer uses pressing mechanism for the braille

 

Aside from the dedicated mobile app, the design of the printer is user-friendly for the visually impaired. In fact, the design team at Mangoslab says that loading cartridges, aligning materials, and activating printing can all be done through touch. The machine features an eyes-free design to support the full independence of the users and avoid the need for assistance. The device is also battery-powered and connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, so it does not need a fixed workspace or wired setup. 

This makes it suitable for homes, pharmacies, schools, offices, and public buildings, and its compact size allows it to be carried and used in daily routines, such as labeling food, medicine, documents, or equipment. Once applied to the real-world scenarios, both the mobile app and the printer can help the visually impaired be more aware of the labels around them. They can print the expiration dates for their food, mark their household items, and even label their personal items. The team behind Nemonic Dot, the Mangoslab, introduced the compact device at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, and so far, there’s no news yet on the concept device’s potential availability.

mobile app visually impaired
Nemonic Dot comes as a printer and mobile app for the visually impaired

mobile app visually impaired
detailed view of the printer with metal label tape

mobile app visually impaired
the app also provides contextual keyword suggestions

the sticker tapes can be made of different materials like metal
the sticker tapes can be made of different materials like metal

 

 

project info:

 

name: Nemonic Dot

design: Mangoslab | @nemonic.kr

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card-sized smartphone brings back tactile typing using case keyboard with power bank https://www.designboom.com/technology/card-sized-smartphone-case-keyboard-power-bank-ikko-mindone-ces-2026-01-11-2026/ Sat, 10 Jan 2026 23:01:49 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172539 a modular device built around a physical keyboard, the case introduces a full QWERTY typing tool that attaches magnetically.

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Keyboard magnetically attaches to card-sized smartphone

 

At CES 2026, iKKo brings the card-sized smartphone MindOne, complete with a snap-in case keyboard that revives the days of tactile typing. A modular device built around a physical keyboard, the case introduces a full QWERTY typing tool that attaches magnetically, transforming the phone into a seemingly handheld laptop. The keyboard uses raised, separated keys arranged in a standard QWERTY layout. Each key has a sloped surface position, and unlike flat touch keyboards, it allows users to type without constantly looking at the screen. 

 

Once attached, the card-sized smartphone with keyboard behaves less like a phone and more like a handheld laptop, designed for writing, note-taking, messaging, and long-form input rather than short taps and swipes. The case integrates a built-in 500 mAh battery that provides backup power, and there’s also a 3.5 mm headphone jack included, supporting wired audio earphones and their heydays.

card-sized smartphone keyboard
all images courtesy of iKKo

 

 

Portable phone with camera that flips

 

Attached to this keyboard is the card-sized MindOne smartphone itself. The device measures just 86 × 72 mm and is only 8.9 mm thick. Its AMOLED display is protected by sapphire glass, rated at 9H hardness, which is thicker than standard smartphone covers and features precision curved edges to improve resistance to drops and scratches. The intent is to remove the need for screen protectors while extending durability in daily use. Even if it’s compact, it supports multiple connectivity systems, with the Pro model including built-in global internet access without requiring a SIM card. This vSIM system also allows the phone to connect immediately in many regions, with broader coverage available through top-ups across more than 140 countries. 

 

The phone runs Android 15 with iKKO AI OS, supported by NovaLink connectivity for AI tools such as real-time translation, voice notes, summaries, and an AI assistant. Combined with the keyboard, these tools reinforce the idea of MindOne as a pocket-sized productivity device rather than a media-first smartphone. For photography fans, there’s a 50MP Sony flip camera with a 1/1.56” sensor, optical image stabilization, and an F1.88 aperture. The camera rotates to face forward or backward, locking at any angle. After being shown at CES 2026, the card-sized smartphone and its keyboard are scheduled to be available starting February 8th, 2026.

card-sized-smartphone-typing-case-keyboard-ikko-mindone-ces-2026-designboom-ban

 

project info:

 

name: MindOne, Snap-In Case

brand: iKKo | @ikko.tech

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no driver, no wheel: world’s first retractable steering wheel is made for autonomous vehicles https://www.designboom.com/technology/no-driver-no-wheel-worlds-first-retractable-steering-wheel-vehicles-autonomous-ces-2026-01-09-2026/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:20:14 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172419 the design is a response to automated driving, where the vehicle can manage all driving tasks within certain conditions without human input.

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retractable steering wheel designed for autonomous vehicles

 

Autoliv and Tensor introduce a retractable steering wheel designed for autonomous vehicles, fully disappearing when the car drives itself. Unveiled at CES 2026, the design responds to automated riding, especially Level 4 driving, where the vehicle can manage all driving tasks within certain conditions without human input. The retractable steering wheel is co-developed with Tensor’s Robocar autonomous driving system. When the vehicle switches into Level 4 autonomous mode, the steering wheel retracts, clearing the driver’s area. This creates more space in the cabin and allows the front seat area to function more like a living or working space rather than a traditional cockpit. 

 

When manual driving is required, the steering wheel folds back into place, restoring a familiar driving setup. The airbag system changes depending on whether the vehicle is in autonomous or manual mode. A passenger airbag integrated into the instrument panel is activated when the steering wheel is retracted, while when the steering wheel is in use, the airbag inside the wheel is enabled instead. Autoliv says both configurations have the same level of protection, allowing safety systems to match the driving mode rather than relying on a single fixed layout.

retractable steering wheel autonomous
all images courtesy of Autoliv and Tensor

 

 

Users can choose between manual and self-driving

 

The design of the retractable steering wheel shies away from fixed, one-size-fits-all vehicle interiors. Autoliv’s Chief Technology Officer Fabien Dumont says that safety systems now need to adapt to different driving situations and user needs. Tensor CEO Jay Xiao adds that while full self-driving offers new experiences, many people still want the option to drive manually. The project is presented as a way to support both preferences in one vehicle. The folding mechanism design by the two companies helps users learn when and how autonomous systems operate. 

 

When the wheel retracts, it signals clearly that the vehicle is in full self-driving mode, and as soon as it comes back, it indicates that human attention is needed. The extra space created when the steering wheel retracts also improves comfort for users who are not actively driving. For passengers who are nervous about autonomous systems, the ability to sit back with more legroom and fewer controls in front of them can make the experience feel less like driving and more like being transported. So far, the Tensor Robocar featuring the retractable steering wheel, will be offered in the US, EU, and Middle East markets after the CES 2026.

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the wheel folds into the driver’s dashboard

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the system creates more space in the cabin and allows the front seat area

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the airbag system changes depending on whether the vehicle is in autonomous or manual mode

 

 

project info:

 

name: Retractable steering wheel

companies: Autoliv, Tensor | @autolivinc, @tensor.auto

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gamesir’s pocket taco converts your smartphone into a retro-style handheld console https://www.designboom.com/technology/gamesir-pocket-taco-convert-smartphone-retro-handheld-console-01-09-2026/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:01:29 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172323 once a smartphone is inserted, the pocket taco mimics the experience of a classic arcade format as gamesir leans on 8-bit nostalgia.

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pocket taco: the nostalgic handheld console reimagined

 

At CES 2026, GameSir unveiled its Pocket Taco, a device that feels familiar at first glance. The compact controller’s proportions echo early handheld gaming consoles while adapting to the dimensions of a smartphone. Held upright, the device frames the screen vertically to mimic the experience of a classic arcade format, leaning on 8-bit nostalgia through its posture and scale.

 

That familiarity extends to the way the Pocket Taco asks to be used. A smartphone snaps into a clamp-style grip, thus transforming into a self-contained handheld. Once seated, the screen sits close to the controls to create a focused playing field which nods to the gameboy-like consoles of decades past.

gamesir pocket taco
image via GameSir

 

 

gamesir’s intuitive layout

 

GameSir designs its Pocket Taco with a straightforward control layout. ABXY buttons, a d-pad, and shoulder controls sit within easy reach. The spacing encourages relaxed grip positions, allowing thumbs to move naturally without stretching across the surface. While it’s capable for longer play, the experience favors immediacy so that it’s accessible for first-time users.

 

Power comes from an internal battery, allowing the Pocket Taco to operate independently from the phone. A hollowed base keeps the charging port accessible, so play can continue even while the phone charges.

gamesir pocket taco
images via GameSir

 

 

designed to move with you

 

At pocket scale, the Pocket Taco emphasizes mobility. Its low weight and compact footprint make it easy to carry, supported by a simple storage case that protects the controller between sessions. Folded down, it slips easily into a jacket or bag, reinforcing its role as something meant to travel rather than stay docked at home.

 

In use, that portability translates into flexibility. The controller can be taken out, set up, and put away with little effort, fitting into short breaks or longer commutes alike. The experience feels casual and repeatable, shaped around moments rather than extended setups.

gamesir pocket taco
image via GameSir

 

 

restrained colors and surface materials

 

Color and material choices reinforce the Pocket Taco’s calm presence. A soft gray body and muted buttons reference arcade hardware without relying on overt decoration. The vintage influence comes through proportion and texture, allowing the controller to feel contemporary while carrying visual cues from earlier eras.

 

Details stay understated. Buttons, d-pad, and triggers sit flush with the shell, offering clear tactile feedback without visual noise. No single element dominates, allowing the overall form to remain cohesive and quiet.

 

The clamp area introduces a softer note through silicone padding. This layer protects the phone while also adding comfort, balancing the harder geometry of the shell. It acknowledges that the controller shares space with a device already marked by daily use, aligning the Pocket Taco with that same rhythm.


image via GameSir

 

 

The Pocket Taco is available for pre-order from GameSir at an estimated price of $35 USD, with shipments scheduled to begin on March 15th, 2026.


image via GameSir

 

 

project info:

 

name: Pocket Taco

brand: Gamesir

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bose recycles discontinued wireless speakers by making them open-source https://www.designboom.com/technology/bose-recycles-discontinued-wireless-speakers-open-source-01-09-2026/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 03:50:25 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172339 through this move, the brand allows independent developers to build new tools, apps, and features that work with the series of audio devices.

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Recycling bose’s wireless speakers with open-source

 

Bose makes its wireless speakers SoundTouch ‘recyclable’ by making them open-source, following the announcement of their discontinuation. The company confirmed that cloud support for the family of devices ends on May 6th, 2026, and this change affects how the SoundTouch app works. The news first came in October 2025, and after hearing feedback from users, the brand decided to move the shutdown date from February to May to give people more time to prepare. Before the cloud shuts down, the SoundTouch app will update by itself. 

 

After May 6th, the app will still open and still control the speakers, but only through local connections on the same Wi-Fi network. Bose, then, is releasing the technical specifications of the wireless speakers as open-source documentation, which allows independent developers to build new tools, apps, and features that work with SoundTouch products.  In simple terms, Bose is opening the doors and letting the community step in, a move that can matter for recycling and the devices’ long-term use.

bose speakers open-source
all images courtesy of Bose

 

 

Keeping and updating the device features with developers’ help

 

Many smart gadgets become electronic waste when cloud services shut down. The hardware still works, but software locks stop people from using it. When this happens, devices often end up in landfills. By keeping the wireless speakers working locally and sharing the API and documents, Bose reduces this risk since open-source access allows developers to extend the life of SoundTouch products. Someone could build a new app that replaces lost features. Others could connect SoundTouch speakers to home servers, open music systems, or custom control tools. This means fewer speakers need to be thrown away just because official support ended.

 

After the SoundTouch’s shutdown, many core functions will continue to work, and users can still stream music using Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, or AUX cables. They can still group speakers together, control volume, pause music, and set up systems. Soundbars and home theater systems will still work with TVs through HDMI or optical cables. What will stop working are presets and browsing music services inside the SoundTouch app itself. This means the speakers are not being switched off. Instead, they are being disconnected from Bose’s cloud servers. The brand explains that SoundTouch launched in 2013, and the technology behind its cloud system is now old. Keeping those servers running is no longer possible for the company

view of SoundTouch 10 wireless speaker
view of SoundTouch 10 wireless speaker

 

 

fewer discarded electronics by opening closed system

 

Making these SoundTouch wireless speakers open-source then contributes to the repair culture. When software systems are closed, only the original company can fix or update them, but when systems are open, more people, especially the enthusiasts, can help keep the devices useful for longer. The move also shows a shift in how companies think about product life. SoundTouch was designed as a connected system. Bose could have locked SoundTouch down or disabled it. Instead, it chose to let the hardware live on, even without cloud features. 

 

Keeping devices useful for longer is a way to cut waste. Software decisions can be as important as material choices, and an open system can delay disposal by years. The SoundTouch case shows a possible future path. Devices may still evolve, but older ones do not have to disappear. Open-source tools can bridge the old hardware and new needs. For users, this means more control. For the environment, it means fewer discarded electronics.

bose speakers open-source
the open-source move allows independent developers to build new tools, apps, and features for the Bose speakers

bose speakers open-source
view of Wave SoundTouch music system IV

view of SoundTouch 20 wireless speaker
view of SoundTouch 20 wireless speaker

after May 6th, the app will still open and still control the speakers, but only through local connections
after May 6th, the app will still open and still control the speakers, but only through local connections

bose-recycles-retired-wireless-speakers-open-source-designboom-ban

the brand has released the technical specifications of the wireless speakers as open-source documentation

 

project info:

 

series: SoundTouch

brand: Bose | @bose

documentation: here

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cyber pet for homes with stretchable neck shows playful emotions using interactive display https://www.designboom.com/technology/cyber-pet-homes-stretchable-neck-shows-emotions-interactive-display-olloni-ces-2026-01-08-2026/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:50:23 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172233 designed to be a companion, the device is meant to live in a home the way a pet does: nearby, responsive, and emotionally present.

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Olloni is a cyber pet for homes with interactive screen

 

OLLOBOT introduces OlloNi, a cyber pet robot for homes that displays playful emotions using an interactive screen between its two eyes. Made to be a companion, the device is meant to live in a home the way a pet does: nearby, responsive, and emotionally present. Instead of copying the shape of a dog, a cat, or a person, OlloNi, designed by the teams at Swift Creatives and Minnray, has a soft, rounded body that feels friendly rather than mechanical. On top of its head are two horn-like shapes that users can touch to instantly stop the robot or mute it in emergencies. These horns also help the cyber pet for homes, OlloNi, see and understand the world. They work with cameras and facial recognition systems to notice faces, record moments, and sense emotional cues.

 

Instead of hiding these features inside the body, the designers made them visible so people can understand what OlloNi is doing at a glance. OlloNi’s eyes are screens rather than glass lenses, and these digital eyes can change shape, brightness, and movement, allowing the cyber pet for home to show feelings using pixels instead of facial muscles. When it is curious, excited, confused, or calm, its eyes shift to match its mood. This makes communication simple and clear, especially for children. You do not need instructions to know how OlloNi feels; you can see it. The device appears at the trade show CES 2026 in Las Vegas, on view between January 6th and 9th.

cyber pet homes olloni
all images courtesy of OLLOBOT

 

 

Cameras installed in the eyes record memories

 

The design teams at Swift Creatives and Minnray add a glowing, heart-shaped core for the cyber pet for homes OlloNi. This is where its memory system lives. It stores what it experiences, such as interactions, faces, and routines captured by the cameras installed in the two rounded eyes. By turning memories into a visible heart, the design team wants to show users that remembering, both digitally and physically, is part of the companionship that the device aims to offer. OlloNi is not just reacting in the moment but slowly building a sense of familiarity, like a pet that recognizes its home and the people in it.

 

OlloNi is not a robot built to clean floors, answer homework questions, or look like a tiny human. Its purpose is much simpler because it acts as a companion. The company OLLOBOT makes a careful choice to limit how ‘smart’ the cyber pet for homes OlloNi is. In this way, it doesn’t try to act like an intelligent assistant. Instead, it behaves more like a pet, which notices things, responds emotionally, and changes over time without controlling or interrupting daily life. OLLBOT brings out the cyber pet for homes at CES 2026, where users see how it can interact in real time.

cyber pet homes olloni
OLLOBOT introduces OlloNi, a cyber pet robot for homes that displays playful emotions using a screen

cyber pet homes olloni
its neck can stretch to extend the screen

the home device works as a companion gadget
the home device works as a companion gadget

the device is meant to live in a home the way a pet does
the device is meant to live in a home the way a pet does

OlloNi’s eyes are screens rather than glass lenses
OlloNi’s eyes are screens rather than glass lenses

cyber-pet-homes-stretchable-neck-emotions-interactive-display-ces-2026-designboom-ban

the device appears at CES 2026 where visitors can interact with it live

 

project info:

 

name: OlloNi

company: OLLOBOT | @ollo_bot

design: Swift Creatives, Minnray | @swiftcreatives_story

The post cyber pet for homes with stretchable neck shows playful emotions using interactive display appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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