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With plenty of focus being lavished on cameras, optics, and image sensors, you’d almost think that all we have on our heads are eyes. While the visual quality of content is definitely important, it’s also easy to demonstrate how poor or even no audio can completely ruin an experience. Audio recording equipment, particularly microphones, sometimes comes as an afterthought, a decision that filmmakers and creators often immediately regret. Finding the right mic can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re forced to choose between small lavaliers with discrete designs but barely passable recording and large mics with studio quality but distracting sizes. The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 promises to save you from that dilemma with the promise of a small yet distinctive design and unbeatable audio recording, so we naturally had to put it through the test to see how it measures up to real-world use.

Designer: Saramonic

Aesthetics

If you were expecting a small clip or some small rectangular box, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that it isn’t the case at all. The entire Saramonic BlinkMe B2 system comes in a rather unique package that is closer to some hi-tech gadget than what you’d normally see in wireless microphones. When joined together, the three parts look like a short square box with two smaller discs at the top and the bottom. You’ll probably be too focused on production to actually appreciate how distinctive the BlinkMe B2 looks, but it definitely puts the product a level higher than its peers.

The wireless mic’s personality, however, really shines the moment you use it, particularly when you separate these three pieces. You’ll immediately discover that they aren’t held down by flimsy locking mechanisms that get in the way but only by the sheer power of very strong magnets. These make it easy to remove the transmitters from the receiver base while still holding them securely when not in use or when charging. Once you pull off the transmitters, however, you immediately see the most visible feature that makes the BlinkMe B2 extra special.

Both transmitters have circular touch screens covering their faces, making them look like smartwatches without straps. In fact, you operate them exactly like smartwatches, swiping and tapping through controls and options. There are, of course, also physical buttons on the side that, unsurprisingly, might also remind you of smartwatch buttons. This is more than just an embellishment, though. While it’s definitely dandy to see the mic’s gain levels from a distance as you record an interview, its real value shines when you realize that you can actually customize what’s shown on the screen.

In essence, you can upload your studio’s logo or any other graphic (that fits a circle area) from the Saramonic mobile app to the transmitters and have it always on display while shooting. Considering how conspicuous this disc-shaped mic will be on your chest, it’s a great opportunity to do some subtle advertising. Conversely, that also means that the BlinkMe B2 transmitter will always be visible, though not everyone will actually realize that it’s a mic and presume it’s just some sort of fancy LCD badge.

Ergonomics

Saramonic’s use of magnets and touch screens isn’t just for show. They actually make the BlinkMe B2 one of the easiest wireless microphones to use. Need to start recording almost immediately? Simply pop off the transmitters. Need to charge one of the little pucks? Just have them snap back onto the top of the receiver. And since the transmitters can record audio on their own, you don’t even have to worry if you accidentally left the cables that would connect the receiver to a camera. It’s as simple as that.

Operating the three pieces themselves is a piece of cake thanks to the touch screens, though there are also physical buttons for the most important actions you need to have quick access to. What actions would those be? Actually, you get to decide that since you can customize what each button does through the Saramonic mobile app. The distinctive yellow button on the transmitters, however, has a single function, and that’s to toggle Noise Reduction on or off. That color might seem garish, but you won’t miss it even in a dark environment.

The magnets on the transmitters aren’t just a one-trick pony. Thanks to this design, you can easily stick the transmitters anywhere on a shirt, not just the edges. The package comes with four magnetic attachments that let you sandwich clothing between these two discs, though there’s also a magnetic clip in case you do need to go old school. You can even stick it to doors, posts, and any other metallic surface if you want to keep it out of the way. One word of caution, though. The magnets are so strong that you risk pinching the skin of your finger or, worse, certain body parts if you’re not careful how you connect two pieces together.

For all its ease of use, this magnet-based design does have one drawback. To charge the transmitters, you have to attach them to the receiver, which functions as the charging station. You can’t charge them independently using some accessory, so you’ll probably want to keep tabs on their battery levels. Given how the receiver is usually mounted on top of a camera, it also means you can charge only one transmitter at a time. Then again, if you do need to charge both, you’ve probably stopped recording anyway.

Performance

If we stopped at the BlinkMe B2’s unique aesthetic, people would simply pass it off as a pretty face. Fortunately, that is definitely not the case, because Saramonic’s smartest wireless definitely punches above its weight. You get clear and usable audio recordings even when there’s some busy activity around you, as we ourselves experienced on the hectic CES 2024 floor.

Even more impressive is that neither the signal nor the quality actually drops from a distance, even with some obstacle between the transmitter and the receiver, making it an excellent tool for sports or action footage. With the transmitter’s built-in recording functionality and 8GB of storage each, you don’t even have to worry when the stream does get cut off. As a bonus, the transmitter also has a “Safety Track” that’s recording at -6dB that’s meant to buffer against clipping and distortion, ensuring you will always have usable audio no matter the condition.

With wireless mics, battery life becomes just as important as audio quality, and fortunately, the BlinkMe B2 doesn’t skimp in that area either. Of course, Saramonic’s advertised 24 hours for the receiver and 8 hours for the transmitter are a tad too generous, but even hitting 22 hours and 6 hours, respectively is already quite an accomplishment. They charge fast, too, so you can be up and running for an additional hour with just a few minutes charge.

As mentioned earlier, controlling all the pieces of the BlinkMe B2 system is as easy as pie thanks to the sensitive touch screen. The transmitters, in particular, operate almost like smartwatches, with a swipe from the top revealing quick toggles and a swipe from the bottom going back to the main screen. The only slight complication is the smaller screen on the receiver, which is better used for displaying information rather than controlling the device. All in all, the BlinkMe B2 offers an unbeatable experience, not just in the quality of audio it produces but especially in the unique features it offers.

Sustainability

Saramonic introduced many features in the BlinkMe B2 that you won’t find in other wireless microphone systems, and thankfully, they’re all useful and essential to delivering an excellent audio recording experience. Unfortunately, that also makes the design of the device a little bit more complicated, which also means that repairs are going to require more specialized skills and components.

Although a wireless mic such as this is expected to be able to weather different environments, the presence of screens actually puts their durability at more risk. And the use of plastics and less eco-friendly materials are present all around, though not surprising considering it’s still the status quo in consumer electronics. Hopefully, the day will come when Saramonic puts sustainability as a major bullet point on its marketing material, allowing creators to make great content while also feeling good about their positive impact on the planet’s future.

Value

The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 is hardly a cheap kit, setting you back at about $249. There are definitely more accessible streaming mics in the market right now, with some of the popular ones just under $200. That said, those also have plenty of flaws of their own, like taking the form of a traditional mic that you need to place on a table. If you need something that can go the distance, literally, there are few that can outdo the BlinkMe B2.

The audio clarity and volume are just impressive, especially considering how crazy it always is at CES in Las Vegas. The fact that it can deliver more than just decent recordings at great distances is a huge boon for those who want to record more dramatic footage from a safe distance. Magnets make using and placing the transmitter easier and more hassle-free, and the ability to turn these recording devices into advertisements is definitely a great help for creators and studios. Even better, that price includes an entire kit, from four magnetic attachments to two magnetic clips to even a handy carrying case that lets you bring your precious equipment with security and convenience.

Verdict

It’s almost too easy to take the importance of quality audio for granted until that dreaded moment when you realize you barely recorded anything intelligible. Reliable audio that you can use is even more critical for those moments that will never come to pass again, including interviews you might not be able to retake. It’s in those moments that you’ll wish you had an audio recorder you could also rely on, just like your camera or smartphone.

The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 smart wireless microphone system is definitely ready to step up to the challenge. It breaks away from mic design conventions to deliver a product that has just enough tech to deliver convenience and a unique aesthetic without overburdening the user with inessential details and options. It’s powerful, a little bit quirky, and, most importantly, reliable, delivering quality audio recordings even in the most trying conditions. Yes, it’s also a bit pricey, but it’s an investment that will pay for itself throughout the coming years of creating high-quality audiovisual content.

With a fully-enclosed design that makes it incredibly user-friendly and safe for even homes, the xTool S1 is the most powerful laser cutter consumers can buy. It sports a slim design that doesn’t occupy the kind of vertical space required by other consumer-grade devices like 3D printers, and has a modular design that lets you swap out the laser attachments depending on the material you’re working with. The enclosed design eliminates the need to wear goggles while the cutter’s in action, and multiple flame-detectors keep the entire operation safe at all times. Despite all that, the xTool S1 sports a starting price of just $1,599 for the S1 with a 20W laser, going up to $1,999 if you want to pack ultimate power with a 40W laser diode.

Designer: xTool

Click Here to Buy Now: $1599 $2099 ($500 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Occupying the same footprint as a flatbed scanner, the S1 from xTool is an industry-grade laser cutter designed specifically for hobbyists, prototypers, designers, engineers, small entrepreneurs, and other creatively inclined folk. It packs a powerful laser diode into an enclosed flatbed-style design that isn’t just compact, it’s also much safer than most consumer-grade open-diode laser cutters that either require you to splurge another couple of hundreds on a safety enclosure, or require you to have goggles on at all times while operating the machinery. The S1 is a suitable alternative, and comes with its own enclosed design that doesn’t break the bank. The 40W laser is powerful enough to slice through wood, leather, stainless steel to plastic, precious metals, acrylic, and almost all other common materials with absolute ease. A modular design allows you to swap between laser diodes of different powers so you can engrave too, while also letting you attach accessories like risers for working on taller/thicker elements, or a rotary module for engraving on cylindrical surfaces.

The modular design extends to even the laser itself, with the ability to switch between the 40W laser, a 20W laser, or a 1064nm laser. The entire process is easy for even first-timers to do, giving your S1 the range to work with a whole host of materials. Other modules include the riser, which elevates your S1 so you can engrave on products as thick as 125mm (4.9 inches), the RA2 Pro rotary module for engraving on cylindrical surfaces (covering 90% of the cylinder), or even the Automatic Conveyor Feed that lets you feed in longer pieces of material as the S1 does running cuts on them. You can even add a honeycomb lattice to catch your parts as they fall, filtering dust off in the process, or install a smoke purifier module that purifies 99.97% of the exhaust fumes generated while the laser is at work.

Experts as well as novices will appreciate how intuitive using the S1 is. Right off the bat, it accepts all leading file types including SVG/DXF/JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP/TIF, while supporting working with a variety of material categories from paper all the way up to stainless steel.

While most laser cutters use cameras for positioning, the S1 offers a new twin-point positioning system that’s much more accurate than the traditional camera method. This sidesteps the camera’s own shortcomings like its ability to distort or succumb to small amounts of parallax. The twin-point positioning system offers higher accuracy thanks to xTool’s advanced algorithms, allowing you to accurately visualize previews within the software for the best possible results.

The S1 also features an advanced Intelligent Focus System, enabling multi-point high-precision ranging and automated 3D object modeling. The motorized Z-axis dynamically adjusts focus in real time during processing, ensuring meticulous precision. Once you’ve loaded and calibrated your job, the S1 gets to work at 600mm/s, offering a respectably speedy yet incredibly stable performance thanks to the robust guide rail system that guides the laser with ease.

40 watts of power is no joke, especially in the laser world, which is why the folks at xTool take safety as seriously as they do. Rated Class-1, the laser is certified safe to be used around humans given how many precautions the S1 takes with its design. A large, high-transparency cover offers excellent dual-wavelength filtering capabilities (diode laser and 1064nm Infrared laser), freeing you from cumbersome protective glasses while giving you a clear view of the job while it’s being processed.

The entire enclosure is fire-resistant, but the chances of a fire are drastically minimized thanks to omni-directional flame detectors that constantly monitor the S1 while it’s in action. A powerful smoke exhaust rapidly discharges harmful gases produced during laser processing, ensuring your safety and well-being, with the option of adding a purifier module that purifies 99.97% of the air making its way out of the S1. The device additionally has auto-shutdown protocols when you lift the lid in the middle of a job or when the S1 detects a tilt or impact, and at any other time, a conveniently placed emergency stop button lets you instantly pause a job.

The xTool S1 measures 765mm x 561mm (30 inches x 22 inches) in length and diameter, while being 183mm or 7.2 inches in height (going to 268mm or 10.5 inches with the riser module attached) and weighing 20 kilograms (44lbs). The S1 40W has a 498mm x 319mm (19.6 inches x 12.5 inches) work area, extendable indefinitely via the Automatic Conveyor Feed module. The device connects via both USB as well as WiFi, working with popular software Lightburn or even xTool’s proprietary XCS software that’s available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices. The xTool S1 starts at $1,599 for the 20W model, while the 40W variant costs $1,999, undercutting most powerful laser cutters that can run up even 5 figures in cost. Addon modules for the cutter are available separately.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1599 $2099 ($500 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Phone makers have been trying to really make foldables a more common presence in people’s hands, and they have been trying to do so by assuring them of their durability. But while they have been successful on that front to some extent, some people still doubt the practical use of such devices. What makes matters worse is that foldable phones have always been a step behind flagship models in the one area that matters most to users: the cameras. OPPO, however, is now saying that it doesn’t have to be the case, especially with advancements not only in technology but also in design. The new OPPO Find N3 foldable phone is poised to showcase how far foldable phone cameras can go, so we give it a good spin to see if it is the true trailblazer that the brand is touting it to be.

Designer: OPPO

Aesthetics

You might think that once you’ve seen one foldable phone, you’ve seen them all, but there’s definitely plenty of room for improvement and innovation. There are the parts that you can’t see, like the all-important hinge that can make or break the device almost literally. And then there are aspects that you can see, like the materials used to make the phone, the flexible screen that actually gives it its unique functionality and the camera bump that puts an accent on the phone’s back. The OPPO Find N3 definitely touches on these and then some, to create a rather beautiful package that you’ll proudly flaunt wherever you can.

Rather than aiming for the typical business-like appearance of smartphones, OPPO clad its latest large foldable with luxurious clothing that makes it as much a fashion statement as it is a technological marvel. The Classic Black, for example, is anything but standard, covering the back with rich vegan leather. Our review unit dons the Champagne Gold colorway that uses a single piece of glass for the back panel to give it an elegant character. In both models, the OPPO Find N3 sports a sand-blasted metal frame with flat sides to complete the phone’s contemporary aesthetic as well as provide a better grip.

The Cosmos Ring camera design will probably be a bit divisive, considering how large and conspicuous it is, especially on the Gold model where the lens easily stands out. At the same time, the camera’s symmetric design and gentle rise do add a bit of elegance to the composition. That said, the LED flash would have probably been better inside in the ring rather than sticking out like a sore thumb in the corner of the phone.

If there’s one thing that sets the OPPO Find N3 apart from its predecessors, it is the fact that it is noticeably taller, even if it’s only subtly larger. The aspect ratio of the screens is different and, for better or worse, changes the formula in an important way. The first two OPPO foldables were praised for their compact designs which were closer to common phone sizes when folded and were more like standard horizontal tablets when unfolded. This time around, the overall shape is taller, yielding a vertical tablet design instead, almost similar to the design that Samsung and Huawei have been carrying for years. On the one hand, this does suggest having more breathing room for content. On the other hand, it also sadly lets go of what endeared the OPPO Find N to the market and what set it apart from its peers.

Ergonomics

Comfort and confidence are important factors in any smartphone, but they’re even more critical for foldables because of the different shapes they come in and the higher risks of breaking the flexible screen and the hinge. Manufacturers have focused more on strengthening these two parts, but improving the phone’s ergonomics also goes a long way in preventing accidents from happening in the first place. In that regard, the OPPO Find N3’s textured back and flat sand-blasted frame offer a stronger grip without being too rough on the hands.

It also helps that the foldable phone is made to be just as light as a regular phone and incredibly thin whether folded or not. This isn’t just a bragging right because it helps reduce the stress that’s placed on your hand when holding the phone, which means you are less likely to accidentally drop it from fatigue. It also adds more confidence and stability to your grip, making the phone comfortable to hold and enjoyable to use.

The hinge also plays a very important role in improving the usability of the phone, particularly in opening up use cases where the user can hold the device in a different way with more stability. This is particularly useful when taking selfies with the main camera, or folding the phone halfway for difficult angles. One won’t need a tripod or selfie stick to stabilize the device, whether in your hand or on some flat surface.

The taller shape of the phone when folded might prove to be a stumbling block for some since your thumb will have to stretch out more to reach higher elements on the screen. Granted, the OPPO Find N3 is still actually shorter than, say, the latest Samsung foldable, but it’s also considerably taller than the OPPO Find N that people loved for its handy and comfortable size. Thankfully, the design doesn’t have that awkward narrow shape of other “vertical” foldables, so you won’t be clumsily pecking at the keyboard either. The size difference is, unfortunately, a compromise that has to be made to fit more stuff in, especially the cameras that will be the defining factor of OPPO’s latest foldable.

Performance

OPPO definitely pulled out all the stops in decking the OPPO Find N3 with the finest parts, both inside and outside. While the foldable phones look glamorous, they are veritable beasts when it comes to power. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 leads the show, followed by the fastest LPDDR5x memory and UFS 4.0 storage technologies available to mobile devices. What all these mean in practice is that you won’t be wanting when it comes to performance, whether you’re gaming, creating content, or simply taking advantage of the advanced user experience features that the phone has to offer.

Of course, the star of the show is that internal display, which now measures 7.8 inches diagonally. It bears a resolution of 2240×2268 pixels, a variable refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz, precise 1440Hz PWM dimming, and support for the latest Dolby Vision and HDR10+ standards. All of these translate to a breathtaking viewing experience, no matter the type of content. Colors are lush and vivid and peak brightness makes the phone usable under the sun. Together with the powerful silicon running inside, the vibrant screen makes the UI feel fluid, responsive, and as smooth as butter. Best of all, the screen’s crease is barely visible and won’t distract you from enjoying your content. It’s still there, of course, if you look hard for it or try to feel it with your fingers, but it might as well be invisible in most cases.

With the OPPO Find N3, however, that screen is probably upstaged by the camera system, and for good reason. Cameras have traditionally been the weak point of foldable phones, primarily because of how much space they need to take up inside these thin devices. In that regard, OPPO seems to have pulled off a miracle by including not just large sensors but even a periscope-style telephoto lens while maintaining the foldable phone’s incredibly thin profile. The result doesn’t just blow other foldables out of the water but even stands head-to-head with some of the best smartphone cameras in the market.

You might downplay the main camera’s 48MP sensor, but it’s living proof that megapixel count isn’t all that matters. The new Sony LYTIA-T808 1/1.43-inch sensor boasts an image quality close to those of the ranking 1-inch sensors without taking up as much space. Ultra-wide cameras are often neglected and left with disappointing sensors, but the OPPO Find N3 flaunts a 48MP Sony IMX581 1/2-inch sensor that complements the main wide shooter quite well. Last but definitely not least, you have an astounding 64MP telephoto camera with a 70mm equivalent focal length, capable of 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom that it pulls off by cropping the full 64MP image to preserve details.

Needless to say, we were thoroughly impressed by the output that these cameras produced, regardless of the lighting condition or location. Colors are pleasant and lush, though probably more on the saturated side by default, and details are rich with very little noise. There is a very noticeable bit of distortion with the ultra-wide angle, but it’s all within expectations.

Even more mind-blowing are the results from the telephoto camera, which are just as advertised. Even at 6x zoom, you can still make plenty of details, though it is also where noise starts to seep in just a little bit. The periscope lens also perfectly with portrait mode powered by Hasselblad, creating rich photos with pleasant blurring, accurate separation of the subject and the background, and rich depth. It also helps that the camera app has a friendly wheel interface that not only shows the zoom levels but also their focal lengths.

The OPPO Find N3 runs the latest ColorOS 13.2 version based on Android 13, and some might leave it at that when it comes to regular smartphones. Of course, this is a foldable phone, so it won’t be enough to simply slap on any plain old Android skin and call it a day. Fortunately, OPPO has definitely gone out of its way to provide new experiences that take advantage of the increased screen real estate, features you might not find in other foldables to date. Yes, it has a taskbar at the bottom of the internal screen and, yes, it has an app grid it calls the “App Library.” It didn’t stop there though and added a File Pocket shortcut that presents a visual grid of your most recent files, images, and clipboard items so that you can drag and drop these into the active app. There’s also the “Boundless View” feature that puts a new spin on split-screen multi-tasking that puts two or three apps into a scrolling view so you can enjoy more screen space while still being able to quickly switch between those apps.

A 4,800mAh split battery powers all these features, which is pretty generous as far as foldable phones go. It will definitely last you a day, at least with moderate and mixed use, and you can top it off quickly with SuperVOOC 67W fast charging. The phone, like its predecessors, still doesn’t support wireless charging, which is a bit disappointing for a premium flagship in this day and age.

Sustainability

As one of the top smartphone brands in the market, OPPO has a huge weight on its shoulders to lead the charge in protecting the future of its customers and the planet they live on. The company has implemented several strategies to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment and human welfare. Those efforts, however, primarily focus on the way it does business and produce and ship phones. We have yet to see it make more significant changes in the actual composition of its products, particularly with the use of recycled materials like plastics and aluminum.

The durability and subsequent repairability of foldable phones still remain in doubt even to this day. There is no question that OPPO’s third-generation Flexion Hinge is more resilient than its predecessors, but it’s still a far cry from the guarantees of phones with no moving parts at all. The OPPO Find N3 also bears no formal dust or water resistance guarantee other than being weather-sealed to guard against accidental splashes. IP rating might be an expensive certification, but it undoubtedly adds some peace of mind that the device has met internationally recognized standards at least.

Value

Almost any smartphone user will admit to wanting a bigger screen as long as it doesn’t mean having a bigger device. Ironically, these same people find the concept of a foldable phone alien if not too risky. It’s plain to see that brands are pushing foldable phones, both large and small varieties, to the market in an attempt to make them more commonplace, but the question of the value still remains. After all, why would you risk such an expensive product that might easily break or scratch at the slightest accident?

Fortunately, real-world experience as well as improvements in engineering and design have made those worries pretty much moot. As for the value of a foldable phone, you are getting a future-ready device that can easily adapt to whatever need you might have, whether it’s playing the latest mobile games, binging on trending shows, or taking mind-blowing photos and videos from angles that would have been impossible without some selfie stick. The OPPO Find N3, specifically, makes that last use case a complete pleasure thanks to its powerful cameras, delivering a foldable phone that is finally worth its price in almost all aspects.

Verdict

There is no stopping the march of foldable phones in the market, and each year we see new models promising the sun and then the moon but arrive with plenty of compromises. The latter often revolves around the cameras, constrained by the need to make these devices extra thin, especially when unfolded. Fortunately, there is also no stopping the progress of imaging sensors that are shrinking in size but increasing in capabilities, and OPPO has leveraged those advancements to put three such high-quality cameras on its thin and lightweight foldable hero.

Whether it’s the lustrous surface of Champagne Gold or the sleek leather texture of Classic Black, the OPPO Find N3 puts before you a product that is also a piece of art. It dares to go beyond market trends to put not one, not even two, but three powerful cameras that truly change the game for foldables. And that’s on top of the already impressive combination of hardware and software that truly makes the phone a joy to use for whatever purpose you might have. Sure, we wish it retained its more compact size or that it finally got an IP certification, but at the end of the day, the OPPO Find N3 is easily the foldable to beat, especially for shutterbugs who have long been denied this staple of the smartphone experience.

Aki Ukita contributed to this review.

Are you an eccentric traveler, yearning for a unique way to explore the world in a capable camper van tailored to your needs? Look no further than Van Jorn, the Dutch company that’s revolutionizing the world of camper vans. With Van Jorn, you can embark on your adventures in a quirky and customizable home on wheels that’s inspired by the beauty of nature and your dream habitat.

Van Jorn is all about putting you in the driver’s seat, literally and figuratively. When you step into one of their campers, you’ll find a stunning interior that you can customize to your heart’s content. The design is influenced by the selection of modules from the company, ensuring that your camper feels like a true home away from home, you have built piece by piece to your heart’s content.

Designer: Van Jorn

Van Jorn offers a plug-and-play ecosystem that combines interior modules you can put together using the company’s configurator on the website. This allows you to drag and drop modules, change colors, and instantly see the costs of the van. At Van Jorn, the power of designing your camper van is in your hands so no two interiors are the same, each interior is made to user requirements without having to reinvent the wheel to create a unique camper van.

With Van Jorn then you can say goodbye to the typical, uninspiring white or gray laminate interiors and have this lively interior built to your personal liking. Each build starts with a camper van base, priced at approximately $12,000). This base package includes flooring, wall paneling, insulation, and 12/220-V li-ion electrical package, and eight tie-down rails, which serve as the foundation for your camper’s transformation. These rails can be installed on the walls and ceiling, allowing you to easily install, rearrange, and remove Van Jorn’s modules.

The interior can be configured to choose with modules (each priced separately) like a kitchen island with sink and water storage, dual burner gas stove, and small fridge cabinet. The seating area is configurable with a single bench seat, a foldaway dining table, and two seats with seat belts in the driving section. Various overhead and floor-mounted cupboards suffice storage, while a pop-up sleeper roof module is an enticing choice for stargazers.

You can fit in a bed on one side and a cleverly designed wet bathroom that is complete with a full setup for shower and toilet use. Since Van Jorn’s idea is all about convenience without compromising on style, you have the option to add modules for outdoor shower, slide-out portable toilet, awning, and bike mounts etc. Thus, with all configurations and possibilities, Van Jorn’s camper vans are meant for agile, comfortable, and long journeys. Whether you’re navigating the bustling city streets or seeking tranquility in nature, these campers with easy-to-assemble modules are the ideal companions.

An hour and a half away from Hobart, the capital of Tasmania is a rural locality called Koonya which provides picture-perfect views over Norfolk Bay and lush greenery. The picturesque location deserves a picturesque home that does true justice to it. And, this resulting structure by local architectural practice Room 11 is truly as impressive as its surroundings. Architect Thomas Bailey and associate director Kate Philips worked together to design the concrete home, ensuring it is in complete tandem with its surroundings vistas, and curvaceous site.

Designer: Room 11

The studio’s director Thomas Bailey’s family had a beach shack in the area, so he is quite familiar with it. He was cycling past the site, when he noticed a ‘Sold’ sticker on the sales board, and within twelve hours received a call from the client, asking Room 11 to build a home for him on it! Dubbed Glass House, this latest house is the third home on the property. It is preceded by a ‘glass house’ and a concrete retreat. The pre-existing structures are quite impressive as well, but the new home is truly the star, as it cantilevers and floats ethereally above the undulating ground.

The home is almost 35m in length, and the entrance has been outfitted at the cantilevered end of it. The front door leads to a set of stairs, that take you to the home’s single level, where an impressive corridor opens up to a stunning window view at the other end. “Our client, like us, admires the work of Donald Judd (the eminent American sculptor), in particular the way he works with the landscape,” said Bailey. Hence cues were taken from Judd’s work and incorporated into the Glass House.

The home by Room 11 is quite expansive and well-equipped. It features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a mesmerizing mirrored bathroom that is attached to the master bedroom. It also houses an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. The kitchen is quite recessive and subtle marked by black laminated joinery and a black stone splashback, allowing the surreal vistas to take front and center in the home. A mirrored insert also works hard to accentuate the views. All in all, the vibrant and spacious Tasmanian house is an excellent abode for someone who loves to wake up and fall sleep to exquisite views!