June was a very interesting month with a storm of amazing and innovative tech designs. It was definitely an exciting time for Yanko Design as we came across an influx of memorable and fascinating designs. Each design broke some barrier or convention in the tech world, bringing unique solutions, improved functionality, and immense value. From the flood of tech designs that June 2024 brought to us, we handpicked some of the best. These designs not only address concrete problems but also make our lives better, easier, and more efficient in their own unique way. We hope these ingenious tech gadgets will impress you as much as they impressed us.
1. Mini Forum S100
Called the Minisforum S100, this small, sleek box may look like a power bank, but it’s actually a mini PC that you can take almost anywhere or fit into a tight space. Though this PC is small, it features a lot of standard connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.2, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, a USB-A port, HDMI, and a 65W USB-C. The HDMI and USB-C make this product highly portable and flexible.
Why is it noteworthy?
By connecting another monitor via HDMI, you can create a high-value dual-screen setup that boosts your productivity. The palm-sized mini PC is easy to pick up and carry anywhere, so you can work in a cafe just by connecting an external display and power bank.
What we like
- With support for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), you can use the S100 to operate your camera security system without having to be plugged in.
What I Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have its own battery
2. Empty Power Bank
Called the Nothing Power Bank, this nifty little gadget is the perfect device for your jet-setting adventures. The gadget has a transparent exterior that gives you a glimpse of all the goodness inside. The interior is lit by tiny warm-colored LEDs, giving the power bank a futuristic, cyberpunk look inside and out.
Why is it noteworthy?
This conceptual power bank design is a perfect fit for Nothing as it is highly functional and has a simple, no frills design. With many options on the market, this transparent design will be a valuable and unique addition to Nothing’s ever-growing product line.
What we like
- Power Banks Complement Nothing Phones (2)
- Featuring a sophisticated and transparent aesthetic
What I Don’t Like
- This is a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into an actual product.
3. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is a 49-inch monitor with a resolution of 5120×1440 and an aspect ratio of 32:9. It’s not a regular curved screen, but rather has a 1800R curvature that gives you an incredibly wide field of view that perfectly matches how your eyes work. Whether you’re playing games or simply watching videos, you can enjoy a more immersive and engaging visual experience.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Odyssey OLED G9 gives you the feeling of having two QHD or 2K monitors side-by-side, but without the distracting borders that make the overall experience less seamless and harmonious, and with enough space for multiple application windows to help you work more efficiently.
What we like
- It features a multi-view option, allowing you to arrange two screens and play simultaneously from two different sources.
What I Don’t Like
- The sound quality is not good
- Quite a high price
4. JBL Live 3 Series
At CES 2024, JBL unveiled three different models: Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3, and Live Flex 3. These wireless earbuds make up the Live 3 series and are made to meet the requirements and preferences of different users, offering a smooth and personalized audio listening experience. They are housed in a sleek touchscreen charging case.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Live 3 Series features a 1.45″ LED touch display on the charging case, first seen on JBL’s Tour Pro 2 and now returning. This unique touchscreen allows users to answer calls, view texts, control music playback and even view social media alerts right in the charging case.
What we like
- It’s a great option for people who don’t want to use their phone much.
What I Don’t Like
- The touch control system isn’t very customizable
5. Battery-free amplified iSpeakers
Battery-free Amplified The innovative speakers, called iSpeakers, are portable and battery-free. They are the latest in the line of power-free smartphone speakers. They are made of metal and depart from traditional speaker designs, making them extremely functional.
Click here to buy now: $179
Why is it noteworthy?
The amplified speaker is made from duralumin, an aerospace aluminum alloy, making it vibration resistant. Simply place your smartphone on the speaker and the sound will envelop you and your room.
What we like
- Does not use electricity or require power
- Looks pretty interesting, but the appeal is minimal
What I Don’t Like
- Not suitable for bulky smartphone covers or cases
6. TCL 50 XE 5G
The TCL 50 XE 5G is a smart smartphone that helps you not only keep up with your busy life, but stay ahead of it. It is equipped with advanced technology and a triple camera system that works together to deliver accurate colors, deep contrast, and smooth animations at a 90Hz refresh rate. The smartphone captures every detail with its 50MP primary camera to preserve your precious moments.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is powered by a MediaTek octa-core 5th generation processor, which supports smooth and seamless operation no matter what you are streaming, gaming, multitasking, etc. It is equipped with a 5010mAh battery, which can easily last you a whole day without the need for frequent charging.
What we like
- Biometric solutions such as face recognition and side-mounted fingerprint recognition protect your valuable information
What I Don’t Like
- 4K video recording is not supported
- Reverse charging is not supported
7. ASUS ROG Ally
The ASUS ROG ALLY may resemble the OG ROG Ally, but it sports a new all-black motif. ASUS also opted for white on the first version, which helps differentiate it from its rivals. The handles are rounded for a better grip, which is very important for a handheld device. The rear triggers have also been angled for improved ergonomics, while the joystick and D-pad are more durable and precise.
Why is it noteworthy?
It’s still powered by the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme as the original ROG ALLY, but the mobile gaming processor is paired with 24GB of DDR-7500 RAM, storage capacity has been increased to 1TB, and the battery has been improved to 80Wh for longer playtimes.
What we like
- Improved thermal cooling solution protects your hands from burns
What I Don’t Like
- Does not have ASUS’ proprietary XG external graphics port
8. Mototag
Motorola recently announced an Android-based device tracker, which, to be honest, looks pretty familiar. Called the Moto Tag, the tracker is based on Apple’s AirTag and is designed to be a compact little tracking device that pairs perfectly with the Android OS, allowing you to track your precious belongings accurately and efficiently.
Why is it noteworthy?
Like AirTags, Moto Tags are small circular discs a little bigger than a quarter. Moto Tags have a user-replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts for a year on a single charge. Moto Tags are fully integrated with the new Google Find My Device Network, making pairing with multiple Android smartphones easy and seamless.
What we like
- A sound will be emitted for easy searching
What I Don’t Like
- No built-in keyring loop
9. Pony Project
Introducing the Pony project, a Sony and Teenage Engineering inspired concept portable CD player with built in speakers. The concept design incorporates Teenage Engineering’s design DNA and color theme and features a digital display that shows the currently playing music.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Pony Project has a volume rocker, bass and treble as well as power and stop buttons. The player comes with “Pony” branding, making it an interesting knockoff of Sony. Teenage Engineering’s signature color theme is also incorporated into the design.
What we like
- Give your DAP a new and fun makeover
- Combining Sony and TE design languages
What I Don’t Like
- This is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate to the actual product.
10. Marshall Celestion 100: Limited Edition Collector’s Amplifier
Called the Marshall Celestion 100 Limited Edition Collector’s Amp, this limited edition design is the perfect combination of timeless design and the brand’s historic sound. Only 100 units will be made, and each amp features a unique numbered plate. It features a versatile power control that allows you to switch between 20W and 5W settings to perfectly suit your playing environment.
Why is it noteworthy?
From home parties to personalised special occasions, they can play tunes in a variety of settings to suit any atmosphere. Handcrafted in the UK, they are made with legendary quality and meticulous attention to detail.
What we like
- A must-have limited edition special piece for collectors
What I Don’t Like
- Premium materials require special care, especially during transportation and outdoor use.