Designers envision a stylish face mask to dive right into polluted air

The COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. Some (would be an understatement) almost all of us have given up on face masks and are breathing fresh air. Are we actually? There is a reduced risk of the virus but new subvariants are propping up with time and the air pollution levels, almost everywhere, are crashing past the WHO particulate matter ratings. As a result, high-grade fevers, cough, cold, lung and heart diseases are catching us faster than ever before, and the only instant solution in sight is to put air purifier on our faces that can prevent viruses and polluted air from traveling down our gut.

In an analogy of a post-COVID environ where we must wear a mask for clean air, with equal necessity of a scuba diver for breathing underwater; this capable face mask, modelled after the fish and the functions of the gills, presents a novel solution. Dubbed the Air-Diver, the face mask is designed because “in the polluted air, we become a diver;” and a diver is no good without a face mask pumping in oxygen to facilitate breathing.

Designers: Doyoon Kim and seongmin Ha

The Air-Diver is not instinctively doing that; primarily with onboard filters, it is meant to help the wearer breathe in clean, fresh air and help reduce exposure to airborne particulate matter. This electronic mask helps regulate air purification and the supply of clean air depending on the pollution level of the surroundings.

To that accord, it can be used in crowded places or in everyday moments to help filter pollutants. The white mask which seems a rip off of what Darth Vadar might prefer on Earth, it allows the air from outside to be filtered through its external filter. This is then refiltered using a photocatalyst filter and an H1 class HEPA filter inside the mask before it is inhaled.

Through the left and right air intake holes fresh air is available for the user, which can be increased at will with the releasable oxygen capsule (that is inserted into the sides of the mask) for extended usage or in densely polluted spaces while the heat and exhaled carbon dioxide is released through the opening on the front. The air capsules are provided separately. The Air-Diver is designed with an air presser – silicon ribbing – that inflates to adjust the mask and fit snuggly to the face so you are nicely covered and safe for walking into the polluted air.

This Bizarre $5000 device gives ChatGPT a face that you can physically talk to

Ever felt weird chatting with Siri or Google Assistant because you know for a fact that they don’t exist? Or even ChatGPT for that matter. The folks at Wehead have a solution. It isn’t a fairly remarkable one, or an affordable one either… but it aims to help humans anthropomorphize AI assistants, because there’s nothing Silicon Valley won’t try solving.

Designed to look like a cyborg bust that sits on your table, the Wehead is a GPT-powered AI assistant that has a face (or something that passes off as one). Multiple displays come together to create the Wehead’s face, which offers a variety of different avatars that you can chat with. The cameras built into the device help the AI ‘see’ you as it makes conversation, and the head moves too, tilting sideways, nodding up and down, and being able to look around. Despite all that advancement, the Wehead feels less like a head and more like a tech-driven caricature. The attempt to humanize AI almost feels like a parody as it exists miles away from the uncanny valley, even though it’s technically impressive on paper. Oh, and it also costs a whopping $5,000 of your American dollars. If you’re scared of a future where AI replaces humans, don’t worry… this one surely won’t.

Designer: Wehead

The Weahad takes a stab at technology’s age-old pursuit of creating ‘companionship’ through AI. It’s designed with an objective of being a friend you can talk to, and who can provide sage advice… although the idea of taking a split-screen body-less oracle head’s advice seriously feels equal parts dystopian and hilarious.

“Wehead GPT is embodied LLM that helps you with brainstorming, decision making and self-reflection. For thinking out loud. At home or office. Any time you need it. On any topic,” says the company behind the device. However, as noble (and honestly remarkable) as that problem statement is, the Wehead’s appearance is what holds it back. Besides, the use of the word ’embodied’ feels rich. You’re constantly reminded that you’re talking to a bunch of oddly angled screens that mimic the shape of a human head. Maybe Wehead should reach out to the folks behind Google’s Project Starline…

The announcement of the WeHead GPT Edition brought to mind the unforgettable moment when Tesla unveiled its humanoid robot. Except instead of a sleek, futuristic robot, we got a person in a spandex suit doing the robot dance. It was a masterstroke of trolling, reminding us all that sometimes, the future isn’t as polished as we imagine it to be.

Despite its dystopian vibe, you have to admit there’s something endearingly humorous about the WeHead. It’s like having a pet that doesn’t need feeding or walking, just a good, old-fashioned power outlet and perhaps an existential conversation about its purpose every now and then. It won’t judge you for wearing the same pajamas three days in a row or for talking to a head because, well, it’s a head.

And let’s face it, in a world where we’re increasingly glued to our screens, having a physical head to talk to might just be the quirky solution we didn’t know we needed… although might I remind you that you’ll still be glued to screens with the WeHead. It’s an attempt to bring back the art of conversation, albeit with a partner that’s more circuit board than flesh and blood. The WeHead doesn’t pretend to be your friend; it’s a reminder of the slightly off-kilter future we’re stepping into, one awkward interaction at a time.

So, if you’re longing for a taste of tomorrow, today, and you’ve got a sense of humor about the whole ‘AI taking over the world’ thing, the WeHead GPT Edition might just be for you. Just remember, it’s more than a conversation piece; it’s a conversational piece. Available soon to anyone looking to spice up their chats with a touch of the future’s peculiar flavor, and with 5 grand to spare. Besides, who knows, in a world gone mad, talking to a head might just be the sanest thing you do.

OnePlus 12R design will come with a familiar face, budget-friendly price

Although 2023 is practically over, that doesn’t mean brands have to stop teasing what’s to come. In fact, it’s the perfect time to dangle tempting treats, especially those that will be coming out early next year. OnePlus, for example, already revealed the OnePlus 12 earlier this December, but that’s only for the Chinese market. The rest of the world is still waiting for its turn, which will take place at the end of January 2024. Fans of the brand will also have something else to look forward to, it seems, with the OnePlus 12R also spotted over the horizon, bringing the same iconic design to what is expected to be a more affordable handset.

Designer: OnePlus (via Ishan Agarwal)

Smartphone names can be very confusing, especially over on the Android side where brands, model numbers, and variants create a sordid mess of hard-to-remember monikers. For example, it wasn’t too long ago that OnePlus started the tradition of having an “R” series alongside its main flagship, to offer a slightly watered-down smartphone with a price tag to match. That is the story with the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, but the gap between the two seems to be getting closer each year.

Based on the leaked announcement, the OnePlus 12R will have the exact same design as the OnePlus 12 that was announced this month. That means the exact same “monocle” design that the brand has used for the OnePlus 11, complete with the four black circles that are actually just three cameras. That, fortunately, also means that the OnePlus 12R has the same alert slider that has become a crowd favorite, even though it was “inspired” by the iPhone’s mute switch.

There are differences, of course, though not easy to spot. The color options, for example, are more limited and different, comprising only of Cool Blue and Iron Gray. The gray colorway is particularly interesting in that it might have a matte texture, maybe even a fabric-like cover. The latter is highly unlikely, though, given the target SRP of this product. It’s probably closer to a sandstone finish, a trick OnePlus is only too familiar with.

The biggest difference between the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R will be the parts that you can’t see, like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 which will be one generation older by early 2024. The camera array is also less impressive, with only a 50MP camera accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide shooter and a measly 2MP macro camera. That could mean reduced prices for the OnePlus 12R, though that might not make much of a difference if it won’t be available as widely as the OnePlus 12.

OnePlus 12 design revealed with a very familiar face, no wood grains in sight

Without much fanfare, OnePlus revealed the design that would mark its newest flagship, the OnePlus 12. While that two-digit number proves it’s no longer a young upstart, the brand is famed for outside-the-box thinking when it comes to design and materials. That’s not to say it always comes out with guns blazing, and zeal sometimes has to be tempered with practicality. Take for example the upcoming OnePlus 12 which is now officially confirmed to be using pretty much the exact same design as its predecessor. While that might not make for a sensational launch, it does give a sense of familiarity and stability. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of an earlier wooden grain shell, which could probably dampen a few excited expectations.

Designer: OnePlus

At this point, it might be difficult to pinpoint which company really started this camera design trend, but OnePlus has been doing some rather interesting experiments in the past years. In order to make the usual camera bump a little more interesting visually, the OnePlus 10 last year adopted a rather unique style where the camera’s raised bump actually continued and curved off to the side. This year’s OnePlus 11 mixed that up with the circular camera island design that made the phone look like it was wearing a monocle or an eyepatch.

The OnePlus 12 uses this exact same design with one small but important change. There are four sensors now, though one is most likely an RGB or 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, so the flash had to move out of the enclosure, giving the camera a more symmetric appearance. Other than that, there are no big visible changes, which means that OnePlus is able to preserve its brand identity for one more generation. Admittedly, the design doesn’t appeal to everyone, but it’s hard to deny that it’s a distinctive one.

What OnePlus has officially revealed so far, however, doesn’t yet include the earlier leaked “wood grain shell,” which could either be a new variant or an official protective case. Instead, the OnePlus 12 will come in three colors with subtly different textures despite all being made from glass. White is compared to silk, black is likened to ceramic, while the green variant seems to be trying to pull off another marble-like aesthetic.

OnePlus hasn’t yet completely spilled all the beans regarding its upcoming flagship, so it’s a little too early to say if that’s all there is to it. Of course, in terms of hardware, it will have the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor to lead the way, and its photography roster is expected to include a 50MP main camera and a 64MP telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom. The OnePlus 12 is scheduled to be officially announced in China next week, but a global date is expected on December 15.

Light-therapy Face Mask Evolves Your Skincare Regime With The World Of Futuristic Beauty

I’m sure we’ve all used face masks at some point in our lives. It is an important part of many men’s and women’s weekly skincare routines. Skincare for the face is an old Ayurvedic technique. It started with putting pastes on the face, followed by serums. Eventually, sheet masks became popular in South Korea, making skincare easier. This new-age LED mask designed for COZCORE revolutionizes skincare practices. This innovative product harnesses the power of LED technology to provide users with an effective and personalized skincare experience.

Designer: Seungeop Lim

These masks can help with wrinkle reduction, skin tone improvement, and acne therapy. With so many different types of face masks on the market today, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. From sheet masks to clay masks and even overnight sleeping masks, there is something for everyone.

In the field of skincare and beauty products, there are no limits to innovation. Designed for beauty brand COZCORE, the VEAU LED Mask is a revolutionary beauty product that combines cutting-edge technology with skincare advantages. With its unusual design and remarkable functions, this groundbreaking product has captured the attention of beauty fans all around the world. Let’s get into the specifics of this unique LED mask and see how it can revolutionize skincare routines.

The VEAU LED Mask is a premium facial mask that uses light therapy to improve the health and look of the skin. It has an ergonomic shape that fits the curves of the face gently, allowing for a relaxing and effective treatment. The mask is studded with an array of LED lights that emit various wavelengths, each with its own set of skincare advantages.

At the heart of the VEAU LED Mask lies advanced LED technology, which has been widely recognized for its remarkable skincare benefits. The mask utilizes three primary colors of LED lights: red, blue, and green.

  1. Red Light: The red LED light stimulates collagen production, enhancing the skin’s elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps improve blood circulation, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.
  2. Blue Light: Blue LED light is known for its antibacterial properties, making it highly effective in combating acne-causing bacteria. It helps reduce inflammation and controls sebum production, promoting clearer and healthier skin.
  3. Green Light: Green LED light offers relaxing effects that can aid in the reduction of inflammation. It also aids in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even and brighter skin tone. Green LED light treatment is used to cure under-eye circles, sun spots, and dilated skin capillaries.

The adjustable treatment options of the VEAU LED Mask set it apart. The mask has multiple modes, allowing customers to choose their favorite LED light colors based on their unique skincare needs. Individuals can modify their skincare routine to achieve specific objectives such as minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, treating acne, or enhancing general skin texture. It addresses the present storage disadvantage of standard LED masks.

This mask can be folded, allowing the user to wear it comfortably and reliably without having to gaze directly at the LED lights, even if by accident. The mask comes with removable magnet-type eye protection glasses that can be worn depending on the situation and demands of the user. The user’s reliability is ensured by the detachable strap.

The clean minimal style creates a sense of order and clarity, which can have a relaxing influence on the way our minds work and help our skin reflect better. Skincare is typically a type of self-care; this design can assist with relieving anxiety and stress while also promoting a sense of well-being.

In a world where beauty and technology continue to merge, the VEAU LED Mask stands out as a one-of-a-kind breakthrough. Its ability to harness the power of LED light therapy and create personalized skincare treatments is truly transformative. As this extraordinary technology gains popularity, it has the potential to transform the way we approach skincare by enabling people to achieve healthier, more beautiful-looking skin from the comfort of their own homes. The VEAU LED Mask illustrates the exciting future of beauty technology and the boundless potential for enhancing our natural beauty.