Dealing with poorly-designed stuff is always a drag, but it can be especially irksome when it’s first thing in the morning. It’s a vulnerable time. You’re groggy. You’re grumpy. After all, while your job may seem as soul crushing as ever by lunchtime, you should at least give every day a fair shot by getting yourself an alarm clock that doesn’t drive you mad. For our Design|Life special issue, we collected 23 lovely objects that live in that crucial phase of your day between waking up and starting your commute. Slick mirrors, bathroom radios, juice machines and more. You deserve it.
You Can Soon Buy a $4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress
Unitree is bringing its R1 to international markets. It arrives with some aerobatic capabilities and an entry-level price, but the question of what you'd actually do with it remains open.
Marco Trabucchi
Your Art Can Go in This San Francisco Alley
A trio of tech pranksters have launched a website where you can submit artwork and vote on which pieces belong in the final design. Of course, AI will scan for dick pics.
Boone Ashworth
How Dyson’s and Shark’s New AI Robot Vacs Compare Against Each Other
I let Shark’s and Dyson’s new AI-powered robot vac-mops loose in my home. One was a clear winner.
Nena Farrell
The Best Smart Plugs and When to Use Them
Smart plugs can add controls to any outlet, but they aren’t perfect for everything. Here’s our guide to using one and which ones to buy.
Nena Farrell
Ultrahuman Is Back—With Better Specs and Still No Subscription Required
Ultrahuman is officially back in the US and looking to disrupt the status quo with its most advanced smart ring yet.
Boutayna Chokrane
I Tested Every New Garmin Training Feature, From Food Tracking to Sports Scores
Nutrition tracking? Gear tracking? Garmin’s latest software updates aim to add value to the company’s line of premium sports watches.
Michael Sawh
The Best Coffee Mug Warmers Are Smart. But They Don’t Need an App
The first rule of coffee is that it must stay hot. After weeks or even years of testing, these are the three coffee warmers that will best keep it that way.
Matthew Korfhage
Bremont Is Sending a Watch to the Moon’s Surface
Bremont’s Supernova Chronograph will be attached to the chassis of Astrolab’s FLIP rover, which will land on the moon later this year.
Tim Barber
Google Now Lets You Change Your Gmail Address. Here’s How
You’ve probably had the same Gmail address for years. Now, it’s easy to make a name change without worrying about the transition.
Reece Rogers
15 Design-Forward DIY Tools Worth Upgrading to This Year
Hack your hardware with these top picks for home-improvement heaven.
Jeremy White
How to Clean Your Vinyl Records (Because They’re Filthy!)
Those clicks and pops aren’t supposed to be there. Give your music a proper bath with this handy guide.
Parker Hall
The Best Apple Watch Bands for Every Occasion
We’ve been testing bands since the first Apple Watch launched in 2015. From silicone sports straps to leather bands, I’ve rounded up the best for every occasion.
Boutayna Chokrane
