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Substitute Phone Hopes to Help Overcome Smartphone Addiction
Vienna-based designer Klemens Schillinger has created a set of therapeutic phone-like objects, to help smartphone “addicts” cope with being away from their devices. Now, the designers has created a series of five Substitute Phones, which use stone beads to imitate the different motions used for smart devices, such as scrolling, zooming, and swiping.
By replacing digital functions with the stone beads, Schillinger aims to create a set of therapeutic tools that can help frequent smartphone users cope with withdrawal symptoms, by providing physical stimulation as a substitute for phone usage.
“The touchscreen smartphone has made it possible to ‘escape’ into social media,” he he said. “We check emails and messages not only on public transport but also in social situations, for example when having drinks with friends. More and more often one feels the urge to check their phone, even if you are not expecting a specific message or call. These observations inspired the idea of making a tool that would help stop this ‘checking’ behaviour.”
When researching his project, Schillinger was inspired by a documentary featuring the Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco – who was trying to give up smoking by substituting his pipe with a wooden stick.
“It was the same thing, but without the nicotine, just the physical stimulation,” he said. “I remembered this and thought to make phones that would provide the physical stimulation but not the connectivity.”
With a marble-like appearance, each set of beads have been made using the natural stone Howlith. These were then set into a body made from black polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic – also known as acetal. As this kind of plastic is relatively heavy, the substitute phone also replicates the weight of an ordinary smartphone – making the imitation more convincing.
“Some of these finger movements – like zooming in, or moving up and down – were born with the smartphone,” the designer said. “The Substitute Phones allow these movements to be felt by scrolling on the marbles that are integrated into the case, something which is a clear differentiation from fidget spinners or fidget cubes.”
This is the second project by Schillinger that aims to discourage people from using their mobile devices. His Offline Lamp only lights up once the user is willing to surrender their smartphone, urging them to concentrate on more worthwhile activities – like reading or working. Both of the projects were created for an exhibition called #Offline – Design for the (Good Old) Real World, which took place at this year’s Vienna Design Week from 29 September until 8 October 2017.

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LG to Showcase Sustainable Lifestyle with LG Smart Cottage at IFA 2023

LG Electronics (LG) is set to unveil its housing solution, LG Smart Cottage, at IFA 2023. The Smart Cottage is a compact, prefabricated home incorporating LG’s cutting-edge heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and energy solutions, as well as its newest smart home appliances and services. Blending premium appliances and convenient services with a space constructed using the latest in modular housing technologies and techniques, LG Smart Cottage introduces a new paradigm in residential living.
Designed with sustainability in mind, and aligned with LG’s vision of a Better Life for All, the Smart Cottage features a two-story, studio-style layout that provides a functional, convenient living environment and maximum space efficiency. The modular home, which has a small footprint yet boasts all the appliances and facilities one could need, can be easily transported and placed in the desired location. According to research conducted by ReportLinker, the global prefabricated housing market is expected to reach an estimated $22.9 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8 percent from 2023 to 2028.
Inside, the space has a relaxed, premium feel thanks to LG’s ‘gentle, stable and refined’ design and the harmonious use of diverse materials, such as hardwood, tile and brass. To reduce environmental impact, the home’s replaceable module components have been made with low-carbon steel materials produced by POSCO, a renowned South Korean steel company.
The innovative, high-efficiency LG kitchen, living, and air solutions installed in LG Smart Cottage include the WashTower Compact, QuadWash dishwasher, various built-in kitchen appliances, a water purifier and the Therma V Monobloc air-to-water heat pump (AWHP). In addition to delivering year-round indoor comfort while using less power than a conventional heating and cooling system, LG’s energy-saving AWHP can provide a reliable supply of hot water via connection to the 200-liter-capacity Integrated Water Tank (IWT).
Moving outside, the exterior of the Smart Cottage is equipped with sustainability-focused LG technologies that can meet the daily energy needs of up to two occupants. Roof-mounted 4-kilowatt (kW) solar panels connect with the company’s Energy Storage System (ESS) to ensure the safe, reliable on-site collection and storage of solar power, generating as much as 15 kilowatts of electricity per day. Any surplus energy can be stored in the ESS for later use, or sold to the contracted electricity provider. Additionally, LG’s modular house has an electric vehicle (EV) charger built in, so homeowners won’t have to worry about fitting one themselves in order to power up their EV.
For a smart and convenient user experience, all of the appliances inside this extraordinary abode connect seamlessly with LG ThinQ. Via the ThinQ app, users can effortlessly control each appliance, manage the entire HVAC system, and monitor energy storage and consumption in real time. What’s more, LG ThinQ connects to the Smart Cottage’s security-enhancing Internet of Things (IoT) accessories, including cameras, motion sensors and smart doorbells, helping to keep occupants safe and give them peace of mind.
To help bring the Smart Cottage to life, LG partnered with GS Engineering & Construction Corp (GS E&C), a South Korean construction and civil engineering service provider. “Far more than just a prefabricated home, LG Smart Cottage is an innovative housing solution that facilitates a sustainable lifestyle through state-of-the-art ThinQ connectivity,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “LG aims to redefine residential living by seamlessly integrating its energy solutions, appliances and services into a space that lets people live life their way.”
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MSI Limited-Edition Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport is Now Ready to Pre-Order

MS has launched its latest limited-edition laptop, the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. It seamlessly combines luxurious design with extreme performance, promising a luxury gaming experience. The pre-orders of the limited edition is available at Virgin Megastore, with a starting price of AED 12,999.
Experience the legacy of luxury and speed. The latest Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport laptop boasts an exquisite Selenite Grey aesthetic design, featuring the exclusive AMG Rhombuses pattern and a chassis crafted with magnesium-aluminium alloy. This low-key co-branded design exemplifies the craftsmanship and elegance that epitomizes the synergy between Mercedes-AMG and MSI.
In addition to its aesthetic design, the limited-edition model offers extreme performance, boasting the cutting-edge 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor paired with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 40 Series Laptop GPUs. The Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport also features a stunning 16:10 4K OLED panel, delivering exceptional contrast and vibrant colours that create an immersive and captivating gaming experience.
The Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport offers an exclusive package comprising a designed colour box, a mouse, a mouse pad, a USB drive, an elegant pouch, a collection of postcards, and a cable tie, all precisely curated to enhance the luxurious experience shared by both MSI and Mercedes-AMG.
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ASUS and BAPE Drop Vivobook S 15 OLED Limited Edition in UAE

ASUS has today unveiled the Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition, a remarkable collaboration with renowned streetwear fashion brand, A BATHING APE (BAPE). The dedicated launch event was streamed online, and this limited-edition laptop is set to captivate streetwear enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals alike. It’s the first-ever laptop bundle to feature an exclusive BAPE camo pattern.
Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition offers a truly unique and sought-after aesthetic, with never-before-seen patterns inspired by the iconic BAPE camouflage design. Available in UAE with the captivating green camo colour, the pattern adorns not only the laptop but also the accompanying accessories, which include a figurine, a mouse, a carry bag, and a set of stickers. This comprehensive bundle truly captures the essence of the distinctive BAPE style.
As well as boasting an eye-catching appearance, the Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition is also an Intel Evo-certified powerhouse, with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor, delivering unrivalled speed and efficiency. With 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory and a stunning 2.8K 120 Hz OLED display, this laptop ensures a visually immersive and responsive experience. Its long-lasting 75 Wh battery empowers users to accomplish their tasks with ease, no matter where they are, while exuding a remarkable sense of style.
BAPE and ASUS both attach great importance to their communities and in the spirit of unity this unique collaboration between ASUS Vivobook and BAPE seamlessly merges fashion and technology, resulting in an extraordinary and exclusive product. “We are thrilled to announce the exceptional partnership between ASUS Vivobook and A BATHING APE — a collaboration that embodies the spirit of streetwear and pushes the boundaries of design. This marks the debut of both the first-ever BAPE laptop and the first-ever streetwear-inspired laptop to our Vivobook series,” said Galip Fu, ASUS Global Marketing Director, Consumer PC.
The limited-edition Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition bundle features a metallic lid that sports an intricate BAPE x ASUS-designed photo-light-etched linear camo pattern. There’s also a reflective logo tag, which gives the laptop a discrete and premium touch. Taking the design to another level, the laptop itself features exclusive BAPE design elements on the touchpad, the bottom of the device and the palm rest area. These distinctive touches add to the laptop’s unique limited-edition appeal, making it a standout device that truly embodies the collaboration between ASUS Vivobook and BAPE.
To give it a true ‘wow’ factor, Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition in UAE comes with an exclusive accessory bundle patterned in green camo for the Midnight Black model. This captivating camo design — specially created for this collaboration — embodies a perfect fusion of timeless aesthetics and playful charm. At its core, it features the classic BAPE ABC camo pattern, renowned for its enduring appeal and versatility. To infuse a delightful twist into the design, BAPE has introduced the beloved BABY MILO Friends characters, injecting a sense of joy and whimsy.
This design is also used for the unique carry bag co-created by ASUS Design Center and BAPE, which not only protects the laptop from accidents but also adds a touch of individuality to the device. With its 180° opening and multiple pockets, it provides convenient storage for accessories such as the mouse, power adapter, and more, ensuring that users can easily take everything they need wherever they go. Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition goes beyond just a standard laptop by offering a range of exclusive accessories and intricate design details. This collaboration between ASUS Vivobook and BAPE ensures that every aspect of the user experience is carefully crafted and infused with a touch of individuality and limited-edition charm.
Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition is also a powerhouse that’s an exceptional choice for a wide range of tasks, whether it’s working, studying, or gaming. The 2.8K 120 Hz OLED NanoEdge display takes visual immersion to new heights. With its impressive resolution and high refresh rate, users can enjoy stunning visuals with vibrant colours, sharp details, and smooth motion. Whether working on graphic-intensive projects, watching movies, or gaming, the display ensures an immersive and visually captivating experience.
Powered by up to an eight-core Intel Core i9-13900H processor, Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition delivers exceptional performance and responsiveness. With clock speeds of up to 5.4 GHz, it effortlessly handles demanding tasks, such as video editing, and heavy multitasking. The processor’s power and efficiency make it ideal for anyone who requires fast and reliable performance.
To further enhance the user experience, the laptop boasts an impressive 75 Wh battery that ensures productivity without the need for frequent charging. Whether working remotely, attending classes, or enjoying extended gaming sessions, users can rely on the Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition to keep up with their tasks and entertainment needs.
The collaboration between ASUS Vivobook and BAPE holds special significance as BAPE celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition pays tribute to the enduring legacy of both brands by combining cutting-edge technology with the iconic BAPE style. By blending fashion-forward aesthetics with powerful performance, ASUS Vivobook and BAPE are poised to amaze the world with this exclusive collaboration.
Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition is now available for pre-order in UAE exclusively from Virgin Megastore and ASUS Eshop for a price of AED 4,999.