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Sony is an absolute behemoth in the camera space, pretty much dominating the sensor market with its high-quality CMOS sensors that form the bedrock of most camera systems. However, the company (which has pretty much created every product under the sun from robot dogs to bouncing/dancing speakers) hasn’t made much progress beyond professional cameras, smartphone cameras, and the odd CCTV security camera (yes, they exist). The VLOG-001 puts that fact to rest by proposing a unique concept for a Sony-branded 3-axis handheld action/vlogging camera.

Designer: Priyanshu Jaiswal (Stang.ID)

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Designed during Advanced Design’s Offsite Cohort, the VLOG-001 is a culmination of all of Sony’s high-end consumer electronics products. It picks up on design cues from its mirrorless cameras, hi-fi audio players, TWS earbuds, and even the SRS-RA3000 – one of Sony’s most absurd high-end speakers.

Simply put, the VLOG-001 is Sony’s answer to the DJI Pocket, a category-defining handheld camera with its own built-in 3-axis stabilizer. Designed to bring DJI’s drone technology to the handheld format, the Pocket (formerly called the Osmo Pocket) set a new standard for handheld vlogging. While the company clearly enjoys the limelight in this category, sharing the vlogging space only with Insta360 (as GoPro fades into obscurity), the VLOG-001 tries to imagine a future where Sony has a dog in the handheld gimbal-cam market too.

The handheld camera is reminiscent of Sony’s professional cameras, and comes with the same faux leather textured grip seen on most DSLRs and mirrorless builds. The bronze-accented black design is a nod to the company’s high-end Walkman audio players, while the controls borrow directly from its camera and music-player interfaces. Knobs, buttons, and switches let you control the camera on the fly (even while recording), and the gimbal-mounted single lens captures either the recorder (for vloggers) or what’s ahead simply by flipping around 180°. The camera can also alternate between landscape and portrait-style shooting formats, and a fold-out display (reminiscent of the Handicam days) lets you view what you’re recording. The display is measurably larger than the one found on the DJI Pocket 2, and the VLOG-001 does it one better by also coming with a built-in flash for low-light recording.

In a world where digital technology dominates our everyday lives, ‘Mark’ sets out to challenge the norm by offering an audio experience that seamlessly blends the analog and digital realms. Mark Hi-fi Premium Audio is not just another speaker or music player; it is a meticulously designed masterpiece that aims to captivate your senses in every possible way.
At the core of Mark’s design philosophy is the idea of expressing an analog form filled with digital sources. The designers have masterfully incorporated a motif that highlights the beauty of dots, lines, and surfaces in three dimensions. The result is a visually stunning device that effortlessly catches the eye and sparks curiosity.

Designer: Mark Choi and Scott Yeom (mark&draw Design)

MARK HI-FI consists of three primary elements: looking (display), listening (sound), and touching (controller). It seamlessly integrates with various internet media, apps, and sound sources, allowing for easy connectivity and access to a vast library of audio content. The inclusion of a large, heavy wheel on the right side of the device adds a touch of magic to its usability. By turning and pressing this wheel, users can control and fine-tune their desired sources, sound sources, volume, and tone, all with intuitive ease. The main body of MARK HI-FI, referred to as the “main display,” can be used in conjunction with the controller or separated as a sub-display on the wheel. This versatility allows users to customize their audio experience, adapting it to their preferences and creating a more immersive environment.

One striking aspect of MARK HI-FI is its cold metallic quality, which contrasts beautifully with the warm tones it produces. The designers have skilfully balanced the visual aesthetics with the audio output, resulting in a harmonious blend of form and function.

The addition of an organic LED at the bottom of the device takes the audio experience to another level. This responsive LED not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an emotional dimension to the sound transmission. As the music plays, the LED reacts, creating a mesmerizing display that amplifies the emotional connection between the listener and the sound.

MARK HI-FI aims to stand out in the crowded market of speakers and music players. It challenges the status quo by introducing a unique and singing shape that sets it apart from the competition. The device is not merely released; it is unleashed, with an unyielding desire to captivate and delight its users.

Flexibility is another key feature of MARK HI-FI. The display can be angled anywhere from 20 to 90 degrees, allowing users to find their preferred viewing position. With simple touch movements, various graphical user interfaces (GUI) can be accessed and customized, ensuring a personalized and user-friendly experience.

To enhance convenience, MARKHI-FI supports wireless functionality through a C-type charger. This means you can enjoy your audio experience without the hassle of wires and cables. The designers have gone the extra mile to ensure seamless usability by incorporating a magnetic charging terminal, making it even easier to rotate the side wheel.

MARK HI-FI Premium Audio is a testament to the possibilities that arise when analog form meets digital sound. With its meticulous design, versatile functionality, and captivating visual and audio experience, MAR HI-FI stands as a unique offering in the ever-growing market of speakers and music players. Prepare to be enthralled by its magical usability, as it brings your audio dreams to life in ways you never thought possible.