CLIP is a portable e-motor device that allows users to alternate between a regular mechanical bike and an electric bike without any tools.Founded in 2018 by Som Ray and Clem De Alcala in Brooklyn, New York, CLIPaims to overcome the constraints of e-bikes and existing e-bike conversion kits.CLIP is a portable e-motor that transforms a regular bike into an e-bike without any toolsAccording to the company, CLIP is the "world's first no tools plug and play solution to upgrade a regular bike into an e-bike".Unlike existing e-bike conversion kits, the format doesn't require the user to make any alterations to their bike before attaching it.The attachment doesn't require users to modify their existing bike before use"The idea was born from my own need while living in Brooklyn I bought a bike to commute to work, but it became a pain because of a long uphill gradient," CLIP co-founder Son Ray told Dezeen."An obvious solution was to get an e-bike, but I'd already invested in my own bike and loved it, and an e-bike is a whole magnitude more expensive," he said.It was created to overcome the pitfalls of conventional e-bikes or conversion kits"I looked at e-bike conversion kits, but they are often painfully complex to set up," said Ray."If you get a Swytch or something similar you have to remove your front wheel and put a new one in, wire it up and put the battery in and essentially end up with an e-bike"."What I really wanted was the flexibility to easily move between analogue and e-bike," Ray explained.The attachment is fitted onto the front tyre of the bikeDesigned as a solution for the urban commuter, the result is a 4kg device which, according to the company, can be attached to almost any bike "in a number of seconds" and can fit inside a backpack.Comprised of aluminium and fireproof nylon with lithium-ion batteries, CLIP provides pedal assist for up to 12 miles, allows for speeds of up to 15 miles per hour and can be recharged in under 60 minutes.A lever which opens the arms of the device also functions as a handleUsers pull a lever to open the arms of the device, which can then be fitted onto the front fork of the bike around the tyre once correctly aligned, users pull down on the clamp to secure the attachment. It can be detached by pulling up the lever to release the clamps."We wanted to keep the user experience simple, so the part used to release the clamps also becomes the handle," said Ray.A friction drive motor powers the bike via a roller that rotates the wheelA motor drives a roller on the main body of the CLIP, which powers the bike's front wheel through friction drive."Mechanically it's not anything new the first motorcycle that was ever conceived was based on the same principle of a roller driving the front wheel," said Ray."It's essentially a small gear driving a larger gear," he added. "We took that same principle and made it transportable".Users press a red button to activate the motor and kickstart the e-bike functionTo activate the motor, users press and hold a red button on a wireless bluetooth controller attached to the bike's handlebar via a rubber loop.A small white button on the same controller can be pressed for regenerative braking, allowing riders to recharge the battery while cycling downhill and extending the range. This remote component was designed to slot into the main dock for recharging and storage.The device weighs 4kg and can be fully recharged in under an hourWhen not in use, CLIP was designed to be compact enough to be easily carried around and stored in the workplace.Ray described the design as "architectural and minimal in its form". "We wanted it to be a product that can sit on your desk next to your laptop and look like it's part of the same ecosystem," he said.Read: Lemmo One bicycle transforms from analogue to electric with a simple attachmentAnother consideration behind the design was to create a product with a lower environmental impact compared to a conventional e-bike."In terms of the sustainability aspects of it, CLIP produces a fraction of the waste and 1/50th of the logistics impact of a typical e-bike," said Ray."We can essentially ship 30 CLIPS for the same volume of that of one e-bike," stated Ray.Other stories about bikes recently featured on Dezeen include an underwater bicycle park created in Amsterdamand a two-in-one bicycle by Lemmo that is both analogue and electric.Photography is courtesy of CLIP.The post Mechanical bike turns into e-bike "in a number of seconds" with CLIP device appeared first on Dezeen.

Japanese robotics startup Yukai Engineering has debuted a portable cat-shaped robot that blows air to cool down hot food and beverages at the Consumer Electronics Show.Named Nkojita FuFu, the robot is aimed at people with heat-sensitive tongues, a condition that an online survey in Japan revealed affects nearly 47 per cent of its population.The robot derives its name from the Japanese term nko-jita meaning cat tongue a phrase used to describe people who have a low tolerance for hot food.Yukai Engineering has unveiled a cat-shaped robot that cools hot drinks and foodThe second part of the name, FuFu, is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound made when blowing air to cool down food.Nkojita FuFu operates with an internal fan unit powered by a rechargeable battery and uses a specially developed algorithm, the "Fu-ing System", to mimic human breath.Switching between various blowing modes, such as the full-force "I've Got This!" and gentler "Not Gonna Spill" modes, the robot randomises its blowing strength and rhythm to ensure a personalised cooling experience while effectively reducing temperatures.Nkojita FuFu operates with an internal fan that has various blowing modesUnlike traditional heat-reducing mugs, the robot is a standalone device that can be attached to any dishware with a straight edge, making it versatile and compatible with various bowls, cups and mugs.It can cool hot water from 88 to 71 degrees Celsius in three minutes and to 66 degrees Celsius in five minutes.Created during Yukai Engineering's 2024 internal Make-a-Thon, Nkojita FuFu was inspired by a personal story from the company's chief marketing officer Tsubasa Tominaga.Read: Michael Candy creates robotic walking chairs that "amble" through spaceTominaga identified the need for the product while recalling his struggle with cooling hot baby food for his son, which often left him breathless and dizzy."We created Nkojita FuFu as a little personal meal partner, so you can solve your 'nko-jita' problem anywhere, anytime," said Tominaga."The robot doesn't just help you enjoy hot coffee. It can make it easier for seniors to down hot soup and reduce parents' chores by helping kids eat with less help."The robot is compatible with any dishware with a straight edgeThe company plans to launch Nkojita FuFu in Japan in mid-2025 following a crowdfunding campaign.Yukai Engineering is a Tokyo-based startup known for its innovative robot designs. The company has received several awards, including the CES 2023 Innovation Award for its BOCCO emo Platform, which enables Japan's utility companies and businesses to provide smart living services.Other recent robotics featured on Dezeen include a pair of walking chairs byBrooklyn artist Michael Candy and a "friendly" robot for domestic and commercial environments by Fuseproject.The photography is courtesy of Yukai Engineering.CES 2025takes place at various locations in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January 2025. SeeDezeen Events Guidefor an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.The post Yukai Engineering unveils tiny cat robot that blows on hot food and drinks appeared first on Dezeen.

This attractive acrylic Annabell pendant lamp is by Mottoform, a/k/a industrial designer Elizabeth Salonen. "Light and darkness are a big part of life in Finland," says Salonen. "I'm inspired by light. When it's cold and dark in the Finnish winter, you stay inside. Fire and light are the closest you get to the sun's energy." "I was also inspired by the rounded, plastic shapes of the 1960s, which came about, in part, from the thermoforming process." The Annabell is in production by Finnish lighting manufacturer Fosto.

Segway is well known for its self-balancing micro-mobility commuters but now they are expanding their claws into the e-bike segment too. At Consumer Electronics Show 2025 the company introduced two new e-bikes that are up for pre-order right away with deliveries expected in February. Christened the Xyber and the Xafari, both electric bikes designed to elevate the riding experience with safer, more convenient, and accessible features.The bikes will come loaded with the Segway Intelligent Ride System and a range of smart tech and features. Theyll automatically shut down AirLock tech in case of theft, and the intelligent lighting system and even fitness data will be synchronized to the accompanying app. Also, the IOT features for remotely controlling the bikes, over-the-air updates and an automatic brightness adjustable TFT display make them a futureproof option.Designer: SegwayXyber is the beefier of the duo with design and performance aesthetics fit for the Cyberpunk universe. The e-bike comes with a 6,000-watt direct-drive motor system touting 175 Nm torque that makes it go from zero to 20 mph in a mere 2.7 seconds. The top speed of 35 mph makes it ideal for riders who crave a lasting adrenalin rush from an e-bike. The motocross-styled bike is going to be as good for dirt trails as it will be for the city thanks to the multi-surface 20 x 5.0-inch rugged terrain tires that are secured against any punctures courtesy of the flat-resistant inserts.Segway brings the two-wheeler with an optional 2,880Wh dual battery for a range of 112 miles or a single battery that can tick 56 miles on a single charge. In case you run out of battery power there are pedals with 12 levels of assist. The version showcased at the event is in the unclassified segment (not street legal) but the buyable version coming later in spring/early summer 2025 will conform to Class-2 mandates. Xyber will be available in three drive modes Eco, Sport, and Race for a price tag of $3,000.The Xafari is a little toned-down model for urban use with classic cruiser vibes, make no mistake, it still can traverse inhospitable terrain like its big brother. This e-bike comes with an adjustable 2.5 TFT display, seat height, stem, and handlebar for every riders comfort, no matter how tall or short they are. It rides on 26 x 3-inch tires and has an adjustable preload suspension with compression dampening and lockout on the fork.The bike goes from zero to 20 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds which is good enough for city traffic. Xafari gets a removable 936 Kw battery that can be charged at home and on full charge it has a range of 88 miles. City errands are going to be a breeze with the rear-mounted rack and in-frame hardshell. There are also softshell bags for storing groceries or anything else on the go. Xafari coming in three drive settings will have pedal assist and throttle mode only. It is priced at $2,400, with availability set around the same time as Xyber.The post Segway spices up the e-bike marketplace with Xyber, a powerful ride for city and rough terrains first appeared on Yanko Design.

Winters arrival brings shorter days, chilly temperatures, and for many of us, a sense of gloominess. Apartments, often smaller and less sunlight-filled than houses, can exacerbate this feeling of winter blues. But fear not! Thoughtful dcor changes can work wonders to brighten your space and uplift your mood. Luckily, the right dcor changes can work wonders to brighten up your space, both inside and out .Here are 10 thoroughly detailed ideas to help you combat the winter blues and make your apartment feel cozy, bright, and alive.1. Let There Be LightThe Right Kind of LightVisualizer: Hanna KostyriaYou know that feeling when sunlight streams through your window in the morning, and it feels like everything is going to be okay? Thats the magic of natural light. But in winter, when daylight hours are scarce, you have to get creative. Start by swapping out your heavy, dark curtains for something light and airy, like sheer white or cream panels. Theyll let in every bit of sunlight while still offering privacy.For those corners of your apartment that seem perpetually shadowed, invest in warm, layered lighting. Overhead lights can feel harsh and sterile, so think about adding floor lamps, table lamps, and even wall sconces. Warm-toned bulbs (around 2700K) mimic the golden glow of sunlight, instantly lifting the mood in any room. And if youre feeling adventurous, string fairy lights across your bookshelves or windows for a soft, magical touch.2. Bring the Outdoors In with Lush GreeneryVisualizer: Amir DawoodPlants arent just for spring and summer. In fact, during winter, theyre like little green beacons of hope, reminding you that life is still thriving somewhere. Even if you dont have a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance options to consider. Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are nearly impossible to kill and thrive even with minimal sunlight. For an extra burst of brightness, opt for colorful planters or hanging pots in jewel tones.Consider grouping your plants together on a shelf or a corner stand to create a lush indoor garden effect. And dont forget to add a small plant to your desk or nightstand for a mood boost.3. Add a Mirror: Reflect Light and StyleVisualizer: Basma HeshamMirrors are one of the most transformative tools in interior design. They do so much more than show your reflectionthey can make small spaces feel larger, amplify natural light, and even create a sense of elegance. If your apartment feels a little dark or cramped during the winter, strategically placing a mirror can completely change the vibe of your space.Start by thinking about placement. A mirror opposite a window is a classic trickit reflects the light streaming in, making the room appear brighter and more open. If you dont have a lot of natural light, consider hanging a mirror near a light source, like a table lamp or pendant light. The reflection of the light creates a similar brightening effect, adding warmth and glow.4. Add Lots of Cozy Textures: Throws and Pillows That Hug You BackVisualizer: Madyana AhmedTheres something about winter that makes us crave softness. When its cold outside, your home should feel like a warm hug, and layering cozy textures is one of the easiest ways to achieve that. Throws and pillows arent just functional; theyre mood-setters, inviting you to curl up and stay awhile.Start with your couch or favorite chair. Drape a chunky knit throw over the armrest or back of the sofait instantly softens the space and adds a touch of visual interest. Chunky knits scream winter coziness, but dont stop there. Faux fur throws or velvet blankets are equally luxurious and can bring depth to your room with their tactile appeal.Now, move on to pillows. Mix and match different fabrics, sizes, and patterns to create a layered, lived-in look. Combine fluffy faux fur cushions with smooth, velvet pillows or woven textiles for variety. Opt for warm, rich colors like deep burgundy, mustard yellow, or earthy greens to make your space feel inviting.5. Add Vibrant Color Pops for a Mood BoostVisualizer: Hanna MiroshnikWhile neutrals are timeless, winter is the perfect time to introduce bold pops of color. Think throw blankets in sunny yellow, artwork in deep teal, or even a statement chair upholstered in cheerful coral. The idea isnt to overwhelm your space but to strategically place vibrant accents that draw the eye and energize the room.If youre worried about committing to bold colors, start small. Swap out your neutral throw pillows for something brighter, or add colorful table runners and placemats to your dining area.6. Make Use of Corners: Create Cozy Nooks or Functional SpacesVisualizers: Pragnya SindhuCorners are often the forgotten parts of a room. They sit empty, awkward, and overlooked. But with a little creativity, you can transform these small, unused spaces into some of the most charming and functional areas of your home.Place a comfortable armchair in the corner, paired with a small side table for your tea or coffee. Add a floor lamp with warm lighting, and throw a cozy blanket over the chair. If youre a plant lover, dedicate a corner to your greenery.Use tiered plant stands or hang pots at different heights to make the most of the vertical space. For those who work from home, a corner can become a compact but efficient desk setup. A corner desk or floating shelves with a small stool can create a minimalist workspace without taking over the entire room.7. Try Metallic AccentVisualizer: Inna NidoraMetallic accents are a simple yet striking way to brighten up your apartment and combat the winter blues. Their reflective surfaces naturally catch and amplify light, making any room feel more open and vibrantespecially during the darker months. Whether its gold, silver, copper, or brass, incorporating metallic touches can bring a sense of warmth and sophistication to your space.Start small with metallic accessories like vases, candle holders, or picture frames. Mirrors with metallic frames are another brilliant addition, serving both as a light-enhancing element and a statement piece.8. Use Scent as Dcor with Candles and DiffusersSource: The SpruceNever underestimate the power of scent in transforming your home. Smell has a direct link to emotion and memory, and in winter, the right fragrances can evoke warmth, comfort, and even a hint of nostalgia.Lets start with candles. Picture this: a group of pillar candles in varying heights arranged on your coffee table, their soft flickering glow casting a warm light across the room. Choose candles with winter-inspired scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or cedarwood.Diffusers, on the other hand, are perfect for an all-day scent boost without any hassle. Choose essential oils that complement the seasoncitrus oils like bergamot or orange are uplifting, while lavender and eucalyptus are calming and great for winding down in the evenings.For an extra creative touch, combine scent and style by arranging your candles and diffusers with other elements like small plants, books, or decorative bowls. It creates a layered vignette that feels intentional and inviting.9. Create a Gallery Wall to Tell Your StoryVisualizer: Menna ElkadyWinter is the perfect time to tackle creative projects, and a gallery wall is a fantastic way to add personality to your apartment. Mix and match framed prints, photos, and artwork that make you happy. Include pops of bright color to break up the monotony of white walls.The first step is deciding what story you want to tell. Maybe its your travel adventures, with photos and souvenirs from far-off places framed in an eclectic mix of styles. Or perhaps its a celebration of your favorite artprints of paintings that inspire you, sketches by local artists, or even pieces youve created yourself.To make the gallery wall feel dynamic, include different sizes and shapes. A large centerpiece flanked by smaller pieces creates balance and draws the eye naturally. And dont forget to mix in other elements like mirrors, clocks, or wall-mounted plants to break up the monotony.10. Add Rugs for Comfort and ColorVisualizer: Tatiana SapianaWhen winter sets in, theres nothing like the feeling of stepping onto a soft, plush rug in your home. Adding rugs to your space can make it feel cozy and welcoming, especially when the weather outside is cold and dreary.Layering rugs is a great way to enhance the feeling of warmth. You can start with a large, neutral area rug in a living room or bedroom to cover most of the floor, then add a smaller, softer rug over the top for even more texture and coziness.If your home features a lot of neutral tonesgrays, whites, and beigesa rug can serve as the perfect way to introduce some color without overwhelming the space. Consider a rug in warm shades like deep reds, mustard yellows, or soft oranges, which evoke a sense of warmth and comfort.Moreover, in the bedroom, a plush rug by the bed provides a cozy spot for your feet first thing in the morning. Whether its a soft shag rug or a colorful runner, its an instant way to bring some warmth to the room.11. Strategically Place Furniture to Maximize Light and ComfortVisualizer: Anna ManuilovaThe way you arrange your furniture can significantly impact how bright and uplifting your space feels, especially during the dim winter months. By strategically placing furniture, you can make better use of natural light, create cozy areas for relaxation, and ensure your home feels open and inviting.During winter, natural light is a precious commodity. Position furniture to allow sunlight to flow freely into your space. Avoid placing large, bulky items like sofas or bookshelves in front of windows, as they block light and make a room feel darker. Instead, arrange seating areas near windows to take full advantage of the available daylight. Adding a mirror on a wall opposite a window can amplify the light, reflecting it throughout the room.12. Display Books with Bold Covers for a Vibrant TouchSource: New York TimesBooks are an underrated yet powerful tool for brightening a room and adding charm. While neutral tones set a calming base, bold book covers can act as pops of color that energize your space without overwhelming it. Whether youre a book lover or just want a stylish display, bold-covered books are both functional and decorative.Create a curated stack of books on a coffee table, shelf, or sideboard. Opt for covers in vibrant hues like reds, yellows, or blues to bring visual interest to your room. If youre aiming for cohesion, try organizing them by color or size for a pleasing aesthetic.13. Declutter and OrganizeVisualizer: Diana IoannesyanWinter often means spending more time indoors, which can make clutter feel even more overwhelming. A messy, disorganized space can drain your energy and add to the seasonal gloom, while an organized home feels lighter, brighter, and more inviting. Decluttering also makes room for items that truly lift your spirits. Replace unnecessary clutter with intentional dcorlike a vase of fresh flowers, a chic lamp, or a cozy throw blanket. With every surface cleared and thoughtfully styled, your space will feel brighter and more peaceful, helping you combat those winter blues.Finishing NotesAt Home Designing, we believe that the way you style your apartment can make a significant difference in how you feel and experience your home. Its all about creating an environment that nourishes your mind and body, especially when the winter months can feel isolating and gray. The decor ideas shared in this article are meant to inspire you to rethink how you can use simple changes to infuse energy, comfort, and style into your living space.

Is this the best animation in a video game yet?

The golfer has a "target on his back" over Sun Day Red design.

Tune out (or rock out) with our favorite over-ears and earbuds.

The announcement follows a year of high-profile internet blackouts that hit several companies.

This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.Whats next for AI in 2025For the last couple of years weve had a go at predicting whats coming next in AI. A fools game given how fast this industry moves. But were on a roll, and were doing it again.How did we score last time round? Our four hot trends to watch out for in 2024 pretty much nailed it by including what we called customized chatbots (we didnt know it yet, but we were talking about what everyone now calls agents, the hottest thing in AI right now), generative video, and more general-purpose robots that can do a wider range of tasks.So whats coming in 2025? Here are five picks from our AI team.James ODonnell, Will Douglas Heaven & Melissa HeikkilThis piece is part of MIT Technology Reviews Whats Next series, looking across industries, trends, and technologies to give you a first look at the future. You can read the rest of them here.Stem-cell therapies that work: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2025A quarter-century ago, researchers isolated powerful stem cells from embryos created through in vitro fertilization. These cells, theoretically able to morph into any tissue in the human body, promised a medical revolution. Think: replacement parts for whatever ails you.But stem-cell science didnt go smoothly. Even though scientists soon learned to create these make-anything cells without embryos, coaxing them to become truly functional adult tissue proved harder than anyone guessed. Now, though, stem cells are finally on the brink of delivering. Read the full story.Stem-cell therapies is one of our 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025, MIT Technology Reviews annual list of tech to watch. Check out the rest of the list, and cast your vote for the honorary 11th breakthroughyou have until 1 April!The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 Meta will no longer employ fact-checkersInstead, it will outsource fact verification to its users. (NYT $)+ What could possibly go wrong!? (WSJ $)+ The third party groups it employed say they were blindsided by the decision. (Wired $)2 American workers are increasingly worried about robotsThe wave of automation threatening their jobs is only growing stronger. (FT $)+ Will we ever trust robots? (MIT Technology Review)3 NASA isnt sure how to bring Martian rocks and soil to EarthIts enormously expensive, and we cant guarantee itll contain the first evidence of extraterrestrial life we hope it does. (WP $)+ NASA is letting Trump decide how to do it(NYT $)4 Meta has abandoned its Quest Pro headsetWhat does this tell us about the state of consumer VR? Nothing good. (Fast Company $)+ Turns out people dont want to spend $1,000 on a headset. (Forbes $)5 The man who blew up a Cybertruck used ChatGPT to plan the attackHe asked the chatbot how much explosive was needed to trigger the blast. (Reuters)6 Hackers claim to have stolen a huge amount of location dataIts a nightmare scenario for privacy advocates. (404 Media)7 A bitcoin investor has been ordered to disclose secret codesFrank Richard Ahlgren III has been sentenced for tax fraud, and owes the US government more than $1 million. (Bloomberg $)8 The world is far more interconnected than we realizedNetworks of bacteria in the ocean are shedding new light on old connections. (Quanta Magazine)9 The social web isnt made for everyoneIts constant updates are a nightmare for people with cognitive decline. (The Atlantic $)+ How to fix the internet. (MIT Technology Review)10 Is Elon Musk really one of the worlds top Diablo players? His ranking suggests he plays all day, every day. (WSJ $)Quote of the dayWe have completely lost the plot.A Meta employee laments the companys decision to hire new board member Dana White, 404 Media reports.The big storyHow generative AI could reinvent what it means to playJune 2024To make them feel alive, open-world games like Red Dead Redemption 2 are inhabited by vast crowds of computer-controlled characters. These animated peoplecalled NPCs, for nonplayer charactersmake these virtual worlds feel lived in and full. Oftenbut not alwaysyou can talk to them.After a while, however, the repetitive chitchat (or threats) of a passing stranger forces you to bump up against the truth: This is just a game. Its still fun, but the illusion starts to weaken when you poke at it.It may not always be like that. Just as it is upending other industries, generative AI is opening the door to entirely new kinds of in-game interactions that are open-ended, creative, and unexpected. The game may not always have to end. Read the full story.Niall FirthWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ Why Feathers McGraw is cinemas most sinister villain, bar none. ($)+ Intrepid supper clubs sound terrible, but these other travel trends for 2025 are intriguing.+ Steve Young is a literal pinball wizard, restoring 70-year old machines for the future generations to enjoy.+ Its time to pay our respects to a legend: Perry, the donkey who inspired Shreks four-legged sidekick, is no more.