Toys - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Thu, 28 Nov 2024 19:16:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 LEGO Meets Spielberg: This 2,204 Brick Fan-made Build Captures the Iconic Scene from E.T. https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/28/lego-meets-spielberg-this-2204-brick-fan-made-build-captures-the-iconic-scene-from-e-t/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lego-meets-spielberg-this-2204-brick-fan-made-build-captures-the-iconic-scene-from-e-t Thu, 28 Nov 2024 20:15:45 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=522033

LEGO Meets Spielberg: This 2,204 Brick Fan-made Build Captures the Iconic Scene from E.T.

It’s hard not to smile when you think about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Whether it’s the heartwarming friendship between Elliot and his otherworldly guest or the...
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It’s hard not to smile when you think about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Whether it’s the heartwarming friendship between Elliot and his otherworldly guest or the unforgettable image of them soaring across the moonlit sky, the movie’s magic feels timeless. That same magic now finds itself meticulously captured in KoalaBrick’s 2,204-piece LEGO set proposal—a tribute to the iconic “across the moon” scene, combined with a diorama-like display of key elements from the film.

This build is as much about artistry as it is about nostalgia. The silhouette of Elliot and E.T. against a crescent moon forms the centerpiece, with the lunar glow carefully contrasting the dense, detailed forest below. As your eyes wander through the scene, smaller touches, like the flower pot and the communication device, bring a delightful sense of recognition. Even E.T.’s spaceship makes an appearance, cleverly scaled to keep the diorama cohesive. You can almost hear John Williams’ sweeping score as you imagine putting the final pieces together.

Designer: KoalaBrick

What makes this design stand out isn’t just the clever use of LEGO elements; it’s how it balances playability with display-worthy craftsmanship. The forest, for instance, is layered with texture and depth, making it look lush without overwhelming the centerpiece. Peer into the forest and you notice minifigures of Elliot and E.T. standing around the comms device, along with a scaled-down model of the UFO and even the iconic flower pot that E.T. carries around. Yet, when you step back, the build feels more like a cinematic moment frozen in time—a LEGO version of the iconic frame pulled straight from Spielberg’s classic.

The moon backdrop isn’t merely a flat surface but a structure with depth and detail, thanks to the use of LEGO art bricks that help mimic the cratered surface of the moon. Not that a cratered moon is great for scientific authenticity, but rather this helps recreate the very textured detail seen on the poster. These design decisions ensure the set appeals to a wide range of LEGO enthusiasts, from casual fans who admire its display potential to skilled builders eager to create similar artpieces.

Few movies elicit the kind of universal fondness that E.T. does, making this set an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you watched the film as a child, shared it with your kids, or simply appreciated its influence on pop culture, this build taps into those feelings effortlessly. It’s a love letter to a story that transcends generations. The film’s set around Halloween, but given that we’re a month late, I won’t judge you for re-watching it on Thanksgiving instead!

KoalaBrick’s creation is a heartfelt tribute that reimagines one of cinema’s most iconic scenes in brick form. Currently a submission on the LEGO Ideas website, KoalaBrick is accepting votes from the broader LEGO community to help turn this one-off artpiece into a retail box set that movie buffs and LEGO-nerds can buy and own. Vote for the E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial set on the LEGO Ideas website here.

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LEGO to release several F1-themed builds and sets for racing fans young and old https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/27/lego-to-release-several-f1-themed-builds-and-sets-for-racing-fans-young-and-old/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lego-to-release-several-f1-themed-builds-and-sets-for-racing-fans-young-and-old Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:07:42 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=521707

LEGO to release several F1-themed builds and sets for racing fans young and old

The 2024 season for Formula 1 is all but over with two races left in the calendar as of this writing. But for fans of...
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The 2024 season for Formula 1 is all but over with two races left in the calendar as of this writing. But for fans of the sport as well as the 10 teams involved, they already have an additional reason to get excited for the 2025 season which kicks off in March. Well, that is, if you’re also a LEGO fan. The latter will be releasing several F1-themed sets including the first time that all 10 teams will be represented.

Designer: LEGO

It’s not just one set that will be released in early 2025 but several collections that has something for everyone, from serious collectors to kids who just enjoy playing with cars to die-hard fans of one (or several) of the constructors. For those who are more “serious” builders and collectors, they will have the Speed Champions sets where they can build detailed models of the cars. This will probably cost a lot (or maybe all the sets will be expensive) so it’s just for those who are serious about their LEGO and F1 collections.

For those who are just collectors, the Collectible series will probably be more to your taste. This will include miniatures of all 10 teams (Mclaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas, Alpine, RB, Williams, and Sauber). This will also include the F1 and F1 Academy-branded show cars. For the younger F1 fans, there will be a DUPLO kit which lets them customize their builds with any of the team liveries. The kit includes a starting grid, podium, two race cars and drivers.

Another one for “serious” fans is the LEGO City’s F1 range that has six different sets to build. This includes team garages and pit stops plus other builds that make you think you’re having a race weekend in your own space. For fans of Williams, there is a 799-piece LEGO Icons Williams Racing FW14B & Nigel Mansell build to pay tribute to an F1 icon. And fans of the Scuderi will get a LEGO Technic Ferrari SF-24 F1 car with a whopping 1,361 pieces. All of these sets will be available in early 2025, probably before the new season starts.

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Fan-Made LEGO Botanical Garden Blends History, Nature, and Creativity with over 3000 Bricks https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/22/fan-made-lego-botanical-garden-blends-history-nature-and-creativity-with-over-3000-bricks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fan-made-lego-botanical-garden-blends-history-nature-and-creativity-with-over-3000-bricks Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:40:37 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=521139

Fan-Made LEGO Botanical Garden Blends History, Nature, and Creativity with over 3000 Bricks

As a plant-lover myself, this set gives me nothing but sheer joy. Botanical gardens had their moment in the 19th and 20th centuries, with their...
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As a plant-lover myself, this set gives me nothing but sheer joy. Botanical gardens had their moment in the 19th and 20th centuries, with their massive overarching cast iron structures, coupled with glass facades that made the building essentially look like a bubble-shaped oasis of nature in a concrete jungle. The art-deco stylings, the habitat-esque design, the chlorophyll, it all makes me truly happy, so seeing something as wonderful as that shrunken down to a tiny set big enough to keep on my bookshelf? It feels like a thing of true beauty!

Meet the Botanical Garden LEGO Ideas set. Envisioned by LEGO user Goannas89, this 3000-brick set is perhaps one of the most intricate I’ve ever seen, with an interior that’s even more detailed than the exterior. The set comes with a white outer structure, revealing the greenery peaking out from within. Pop the top open and you get to adore the Botanical Garden even more, with plants in every nook and corner, and minifigures enjoying them – just like I do when I visit the botanical garden in my own city!

Designer: Goannas89

Inspired by the grand cast-iron greenhouses of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the set brings a historical charm to its modern modular design. The neoclassical entrance is the first hint of the detail inside, its stately architecture standing as a gateway to a lush interior. Step through the doors, and you’re greeted by an open and accessible space filled with botanical delights. A banana tree and a palm anchor the central atrium, surrounded by exotic plants like Anthurium, Bamboo, and the whimsical Begonia Maculata. Each species is thoughtfully placed to create a layered effect of foliage, color, and texture.

Step inside the build, and the experience gets even better. The central atrium greets you with towering green life—a banana tree, a palm, and a Beaucarnea recurvata. Around them, succulents and exotic flowers like Anthurium and Strelitzia add bursts of color. The left and right apses house their own botanical surprises, while a spiral staircase leads to a balcony where you can get up close to the treetops. Every element feels purposeful, whether it’s the clever placement of windows to maximize light or the removable skylight roof for added playability.

With over 3,000 pieces, this build is as rewarding as it is detailed. The structure’s layout—spanning 32×48 studs—makes it versatile enough to integrate into a cityscape or stand alone as a park centerpiece. Measuring 11.3 inches tall, it commands attention without overshadowing nearby builds. The use of transparent elements for the greenhouse’s glazing adds a layer of realism, catching light and creating dynamic reflections that elevate the overall presentation.

What sets the Botanical Garden apart is its careful attention to detail. The plants aren’t just generic greenery; each one is meticulously crafted to reflect real-world species. The banana tree’s textured leaves, the palm’s graceful fronds, and the patterned foliage of the Caladium bicolor all showcase the thoughtful artistry that went into the set’s design. It’s a build that rewards careful observation, with little surprises like succulents tucked into corners and a balance of vibrant and earthy tones that mimic nature itself.

Beyond its visual charm, the set feels like a love letter to urban green spaces. It captures the magic of stepping into a real-life botanical garden—those rare places where city life slows down and nature takes center stage. Whether it’s a child marveling at the flowers or a LEGO botanist tending to rare plants, the set brings that same sense of wonder and tranquility to the world of bricks. It’s a reminder of the importance of such spaces in our lives, even if they’re scaled down to fit on a tabletop.

There’s something undeniably captivating about seeing a greenhouse—traditionally a place for nurturing growth—brought to life in LEGO form. It’s a set that not only celebrates the art of building but also the beauty of the natural world. Whether it’s the intricate spiral staircase, the removable balcony, or the interplay of light through the glazed panels, every piece works together to create a space that feels alive and inspiring.

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The Iconic “Lunch Atop A Skyscraper” Photograph gets its own Fan-Made LEGO Build https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/20/the-iconic-lunch-atop-a-skyscraper-photograph-gets-its-own-fan-made-lego-build/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-iconic-lunch-atop-a-skyscraper-photograph-gets-its-own-fan-made-lego-build Wed, 20 Nov 2024 22:45:19 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=520289

The Iconic “Lunch Atop A Skyscraper” Photograph gets its own Fan-Made LEGO Build

A brick recreation (brickreation, if you will) of an iconic classic, the “Lunch Atop A Skyscraper” LEGO Ideas kit captures the essence of the American...
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A brick recreation (brickreation, if you will) of an iconic classic, the “Lunch Atop A Skyscraper” LEGO Ideas kit captures the essence of the American dream. The original photograph, shot in 1932, features eleven New York construction workers casually eating lunch on a steel beam, suspended 260 meters (853 feet) above the ground. Built by LEGO maker DallasBricks, this LEGO rendition pays tribute by turning the famous photo into a brick-based artpiece that can be hung on a wall or placed on a bookshelf.

Designer: DallasBricks

At its core, the set uses a flat design style, similar to LEGO’s art series, but it incorporates thoughtful 3D construction methods to create the illusion of a suspended steel beam. The minifigures are carefully posed to reflect the relaxed yet precarious nature of the workers in the photograph. Each figure contributes to the scene’s energy, making it feel dynamic and alive, as if frozen in a moment of real life.

Although DallasBricks doesn’t specifically mention how many pieces are used in this build, it’s safe to estimate there are quite a few, given the skyscraper details in the background. Look closer and you’ll notice the skyscrapers aren’t all buildings, they’re actually a mix of LEGO tech and hardware pieces like keyboards, phones, remote controls, and screens, along with a few building window pieces. This creative use of different flat bricks gives the skyline its uniqueness, allowing each building to have a different character instead of looking all the same.

The original photo wasn’t just a depiction of the American dream, it was that of celebrating all the people who got together to make this dream happen. The photo features builders of different races, enjoying a meal together while rather casually hanging off a steel girder. The LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) has 11 minifigures too, just like in the photo, all enjoying a meal together before they get back to work.

The LEGO Ideas Lunch Atop A Skyscraper kit is currently a fan-made submission on the LEGO Ideas website, an online forum where LEGO enthusiasts create their own builds and share them with the LEGO community. With 2,790 votes as of writing this article (and with 560 days of voting left), DallasBricks’ LEGO MOC is well on its way to gathering enough votes to reach the 10,000 vote mark, following with the design will get reviewed by LEGO’s internal team and hopefully turned into a retail kit!

You can vote for the LEGO Ideas Lunch Atop A Skyscraper kit here on the LEGO Ideas Website, or check out some more unique fan-made LEGO Ideas builds here.

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10 Best LEGO Creations Of October 2024 https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/20/10-best-lego-creations-of-october-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-best-lego-creations-of-october-2024 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:40:53 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=519899

10 Best LEGO Creations Of October 2024

LEGO is a beloved pastime for people of all ages. In recent times it has transcended from a basic building toy to a tool for...
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LEGO is a beloved pastime for people of all ages. In recent times it has transcended from a basic building toy to a tool for artistic creativity and expression. These iconic bricks are used by LEGO builders all over the world to create fascinating figures and structures. They serve as an exciting platform for creativity and imaginative play. LEGO enthusiasts have been creating intricate and fascinating masterpieces – ranging from cute cottages to pop culture-inspired structures.

We have curated a collection of ten impressive LEGO creations, each one is a testament to exceptional design and meticulous craftsmanship. These unique builds are visually interesting, while also boasting the limitless potential of LEGO as a creative tool. Whether you are a devoted LEGO aficionado or a newbie exploring the vibrant LEGO universe, you will discover something extraordinary and inspiring in this collection of LEGO builds.

1. LEGO Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

This LEGO model of the SR-71 captures the original aircraft’s spirit perfectly. The model is meticulously crafted and adopts the SR-71’s sleek and elongated form. It features a sharply defined nose and sweeping wings. The model also includes functional flaps, retractable landing gear, and a fully actualized cockpit. Each piece was created to honor the original’s impressive design.

The SR-71 model was created by an aerospace engineering student by the name of ‘Buds 234’, and it showcases technical appreciation and a meticulous eye for detail. This MOC goes beyond a typical LEGO build, creating an image that is captivating and yet true to the original SR-71. The complete model is supported by a base with a plaque detailing the SR-71’s key specifications.

2. LEGO Cataclaws

Called Cataclaws, this new icon by LEGO was launched right in time for the holidays! It is designed to become a “CAT-alyst” for play. The furry creature was born from the minds of children, to remind the young and the old that there is no limit to how creatively we can use our LEGO bricks. Cataclaws is a tuxedo cat wearing a red and white beanie that will push people to play around the holidays, encouraging them to get into the holiday mood.

The LEGO feline was introduced in a short film, where he goes on an adventure around the city to turn boring situations into playful and fun ones. You’ll see 20 products and builds in the video, and there are also a few mini Cataclaws builds in the video if you’re in the mood to play Spot the Cataclaws!

3. LEGO Rolex Submariner

The world of Rolex has just met the world of LEGO in this stylish and contemporary build – the LEGO Rolex Submariner. It is a sophisticated art model created for a more refined and picky audience. The Submariner’s “super’ case was transformed into a lovely LEGO form, creating an eye-catching piece, that makes for some wonderful home decor.

It is blessed with a signed brevet crown, which perfectly represents the iconic component of the Submariner, shining a light on its luxurious heritage. A functional and fully operating rotating bezel mimics the functionality and utility of the original Submariner watch.

4. LEGO The Marvel X-Men: The X-Mansion set

The Marvel X-Men: The X-Manion set includes iconic characters from the X-Men 97 animated series including Professor X, Jean Grey’s new avatar, Iceman, Bishop, Gambit, Magneto, Storm, Wolverine, Cyclops, and Rogue. The set comprises of a modular two-floor building with six individual sections that can be removed with ease.

Many LEGO building sets are open from the back, but this one is closed from all sides. The interiors are completely furnished, and they include the Cerebro, Jean Grey’s lab, and also the Danger Room! The building is guarded by a huge Sentinel robot, offering some powerful protection, if your other LEGO action figures decide to stage an attack.

5. LEGO Coachella Pyramid

Daft Punk’s 2006 Coachella set achieved iconic status, and it is still remembered even 2 decades later. The Coachella Pyramid is an important part of music history, and Robotrock built a LEGO set to do full justice to it. They developed a 2000-brick recreation of that moment. The set includes two artists standing on a colorful pyramid-shaped stage. Lights have been integrated inside the pyramid, and they are glowing as the duo performs music.

The two artists are dressed in robot-shaped clothing, and they are perched on the platform, working on their electronic console, creating, remixing, and performing their music. “This project began in 2020 as a fun father-son collaboration, growing into something epic as we found ourselves needing a creative escape during lockdown,” says Robotrock. “Both huge Daft Punk fans, this build is a fusion of 2 passions. I spent my teenage years listening to Homework on my Walkman, while my son’s 1st favorite baby song was Get Lucky. It felt only natural to blend our love for Daft Punk’s music with our love for LEGO. My then 8-year-old son started with a prototype built from the bricks we had at home, and I expanded on it digitally.”

6. LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar

The holiday season is brewing up, and they are a magical time. But this season, LEGO is making it even more special with a Harry Potter Advent Calendar. This calendar makes it extra magical, as it counts down the days till Christmas from the 1st of December. It offers a creative and amusing twist on a classic and age-old tradition. This one has something special up its sleeve!

Advent calendars make the Christmas countdown extra special by providing a new treat each day. But instead of offering the typical chocolates or tiny trinkets, this set delivers a daily building adventure that perfectly captures the beauty and charm of the Wizarding World, gifting you a lovely surprise behind every door.

7. LEGO ‘The Eras of Taylor Swift’

We finally have a LEGO set for all the Swifties in the house! Celebrate your love for Taylor and LEGO with this 1,410-piece display model that beautifully replicates the iconic poster from the Taylor Swift Eras tour. It captures Taylor’s first ten albums – ranging from her debut album “Taylor Swift” to “Midnights”.

What makes this build even more exciting is, that if you remove each of the ten album panels, you can access a Taylor Swift minifigure, and an accessory inspired by that particular era. The various Taylor minifigures include Taylor in her iconic teal dress and guitar for her debut album, and Taylor wearing an outfit inspired by the “You Belong With Me” music video.

8. LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

LEGO has been making Star Wars-themed sets for almost 25 years. And with the holiday season around the corner, they’ve created something that all LEGO + Star Wars lovers will definitely want to have! This Official 2024 Advent Calendar features a Star Wars theme, and it is truly selling like hotcakes, with almost 60,000 units already sold.

The set is interactive and buildable, created for both kids and adults. It is equipped with new Star Wars minifigures and vehicles that can be assembled each day, leading up to Christmas day! It is a 368-piece LEGO set and it includes miniature versions of the Holiday Princess Lia, Mandalorian Gauntlet, Jabba’s Sail Barge, Emperor’s Shuttle, Praetorian Guard, Super Battle Droid, and many more.

9. LEGO Turing Machine

The Turing Machine was technically the theoretical predecessor to the computer that helped the Allied powers win World War II. A Turing Machine is essentially any machine that is able to process algorithms, and a LEGO genius recently managed to build the first operational Turing Machine made entirely from LEGO bricks.

This LEGO build isn’t simply a decorative or sculptural model, but an actual device that can compute algorithms. And what’s even better is that it does so without electricity! The model is quite tangible, built on the idea that a machine can compute any algorithm as long as the right instructions are given. The setup includes a physical tape and a moveable “head” that reads, writes, and moves across the tape.

10. LEGO Linguini & Remi

Pixar’s Ratatouille movie featured the iconic duo Linguini and Remy. And they’ve finally been captured in the super adorable BrickHeadz style. The cute LEGO set features the two characters – Linguini is holding his chef’s hat, while Remy is standing beside him. Both of them look as if they’re about to cook up something tasty!

The LEGO set perfectly captures and reflects their heartwarming bond and rather quirky and dynamic bond. LEGO builder Altstuff created the set with the intention of building a physical representation of Linguini and Remi’s unusual and endearing bond.

The post 10 Best LEGO Creations Of October 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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LEGO® Botanicals to release four new collections for your inner florist https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/19/lego-botanicals-to-release-four-new-collections-for-your-inner-florist/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lego-botanicals-to-release-four-new-collections-for-your-inner-florist Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:07:31 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=520362

LEGO® Botanicals to release four new collections for your inner florist

While it would be nice to always have fresh flowers adorn your homes, there are several reasons why not all of us can have that....
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While it would be nice to always have fresh flowers adorn your homes, there are several reasons why not all of us can have that. It can either be too expensive to constantly have to replace them or if you’re like me, you have a black thumb and they may not last that long. An alternative to this would be to have artificial or plastic ones but wouldn’t it be more fun if you could “build” your own?

Designer: LEGO®

This is what LEGO® has discovered with the success of their hugely popular Botanicals collection. It’s not kids and geeks who have fun with all these builds but even those who believe plants and flowers are relaxing. It’s so popular that it now has its own logo and specific theme. For next year’s collection, they are adding four new sets: the LEGO® Botanicals Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet, the LEGO® Botanicals Mini Orchid, the LEGO® Botanicals Lucky Bamboo and LEGO® Botanicals Flower Arrangement. They will be available for pre-orders at the very start of 2025.

The LEGO® Botanicals Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet includes 15 flower stems and foliage including some of the most popular pink flowers like daisies, roses, cymbidium orchids, waterlily dahlia, etc. The stems are adjustable and this set can be combined with other bouquets. The LEGO® Botanicals Mini Orchid meanwhile features five orchid flowers that are in bloom and some that are still buds. it also has a terracotta flowerpot on a wood-effect plinth so you can display it beautifully.

The LEGO® Botanicals Lucky Bamboo is for those that find it relaxing to have a bamboo plant in the room but can’t keep an actual one. This includes three green bamboo stems, pebbles, a plant pot, and a wood-effect plinth. Lastly, the LEGO® Botanicals Flower Arrangement has several flowers in the set including camellia, peonies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath, ranunculus, bouvardia and lilies. This is the ultimate collection for those who want to explore their inner florist without wasting actual flowers.

The post LEGO® Botanicals to release four new collections for your inner florist first appeared on Yanko Design.

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This Desktop Robot Toy Is A Delightful Tribute to the Iconic Apple IIe Computer https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/15/this-desktop-robot-toy-is-a-delightful-tribute-to-the-iconic-apple-iie-computer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-desktop-robot-toy-is-a-delightful-tribute-to-the-iconic-apple-iie-computer Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:20:04 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=519975

This Desktop Robot Toy Is A Delightful Tribute to the Iconic Apple IIe Computer

Imagine having a tiny robot on your desk that can transform into a mini version of the classic Apple IIe computer. That’s the Classicbot IIe...
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Imagine having a tiny robot on your desk that can transform into a mini version of the classic Apple IIe computer. That’s the Classicbot IIe for you! Standing at just 8.5 cm (3.35 inches), it’s like having a bit of tech history right at your fingertips. With its detachable arms and track feet, this little guy is both adorable and a fun nod to the past. It’s a playful companion that brings a smile to your face and sparks curiosity among your friends and colleagues.

Designer: Classicbot

Each Classicbot IIe is crafted with care and made from resin in small batches. This means every piece is unique, which adds a special touch to its charm. The attention to detail is spot-on, right down to the Duodisk 5″ floppy drive. It’s like a tiny, joyful celebration of retro tech that makes you smile every time you look at it. The craftsmanship involved in creating each piece is evident, turning it into more than just a desk accessory — it’s a piece of art that captures the essence of a bygone era.

The Apple IIe is probably one of the best-selling computers the company sold in that era. Since not everyone can get their hands on an honest-to-goodness replica, this robot is a fun hidden gem for those who love a bit of retro flair. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good throwback, this little robot is a delightful companion. It speaks to the inner geek in all of us, reminding us of the early days of computing when floppy disks were all the rage and the sound of a modem connecting was music to our ears.

The best part? Switching it from a robot to a computer model is super easy and fun: just remove the arms and the tracks. The robot’s face naturally becomes the monitor, and its eyes make you think you’re playing the classic Pong game. It’s like having a mini Transformers on your desk! With a quick change, you can transport yourself back to the 1980s, a time when the Apple IIe was a revolutionary piece of technology.

Its small size makes it perfect for any workspace, no matter how cluttered. It’s a conversation starter, an icebreaker, and a reminder of how far we’ve come in the world of technology. The Classicbot IIe is not just for those who lived through the era of the Apple IIe; it’s for anyone who appreciates the journey of technology and enjoys a little whimsy in their day-to-day life.

If you love a good blend of history and playfulness, the Classicbot IIe is a delightful way to brighten up your day. It’s a cheerful reminder of how far technology has come, all while keeping things light and fun. It’s the perfect desk buddy for those moments when you need a break from the digital world, offering a tangible connection to the past. Right now it’s on pre-order for $85, and those who put in the money now will get their hands on a limited edition mini joystick accessory to really drive home that throwback design.

The post This Desktop Robot Toy Is A Delightful Tribute to the Iconic Apple IIe Computer first appeared on Yanko Design.

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LEGO® Cataclaws to bring creative, festive fun this holiday season https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/14/lego-cataclaws-to-bring-creative-festive-fun-this-holiday-season/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lego-cataclaws-to-bring-creative-festive-fun-this-holiday-season Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:20:06 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=519804

LEGO® Cataclaws to bring creative, festive fun this holiday season

Depending on what activities you do, the upcoming holidays can either be the most joyful or the most stressful time of the year. Generally, children...
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Depending on what activities you do, the upcoming holidays can either be the most joyful or the most stressful time of the year. Generally, children have the most fun during gatherings especially if there are toys and games involved. The spirit of play and fun sometimes goes out the window for grown ups but LEGO® thinks everyone needs reminding that there’s nothing more important than playing together this Holiday.

Designer: LEGO®

Cataclaws is a new icon that LEGO® is launching just in time for the holidays to become a “CAT-alyst” for play. The bricky rather than furry creature was actually born out of the minds of kids to remind both the young and the old that there’s no limit to where LEGO® bricks can take our creativity and imagination. This time it’s a tuxedo cat wearing a red and white beanie that will encourage people to play around this time of the year.

The brick-built feline is introduced in a short film showing it going on an adventure around the city to turn boring or tense situations into something more fun. In the video, you’ll also see 20 different products and builds, including a freezing cold queen, a cat who can’t wait to be king, and characters from a galaxy far far away. There are also some mini Cataclaws builds within the video if you want to play spot the Cataclwas.

If you want to dress up your LEGO® feline, they will also be selling a Cataclaws Christmas sweater while you can build the beanie yourself by following the building instructions. We’ll probably see Cataclaws in other campaigns next year as they are making it their new icon.

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SEGA Emojam emoji pager for kids is a quirky clash of past and present cultures https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/08/sega-emojam-emoji-pager-for-kids-is-a-quirky-clash-of-past-and-present-cultures/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sega-emojam-emoji-pager-for-kids-is-a-quirky-clash-of-past-and-present-cultures Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:07:06 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=518809

SEGA Emojam emoji pager for kids is a quirky clash of past and present cultures

You’ve probably heard about how some people bemoan the degradation of literacy thanks to “txtspeak” which abbreviated words to avoid hitting the SMS character count...
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You’ve probably heard about how some people bemoan the degradation of literacy thanks to “txtspeak” which abbreviated words to avoid hitting the SMS character count cap. Although that may be a thing of the past now that we have longer limits and more flexible messaging services, a newer trend is to completely replace words with their more expressive iconic equivalents: emojis.

In less formal settings, a string of emojis instead of a full paragraph could be more efficient and even fun, and SEGA thinks it could actually be a good thing for kids. Adults might roll their eyes at the thought, but these cute devices might remind them of their own past when text in a single scrolling line was the way to communicate. Of course, these kids have it easier with smileys and icons that can paint a dozen words.

Designer: SEGA

Given how many icons, objects, and faces are now included in the set of emojis almost universally understood by everyone, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that some people can carry out conversations without typing a single character. Of course, just like any iconography, some images or expressions can be open to interpretation, but that’s also precisely the point with this “Emojam” pager from SEGA. It’s like developing a secret coded language that only you and your close friends can understand.

With this emoji pager, kids can “type” 10 emojis from a selection of 1,100 emojis to send to their friends. That’s quite a lot, especially when you consider that the device only has three buttons. Interpreting the sequence of icons correctly is also part of the fun, making communication more active and less mechanical like the way adults communicate with each other today.

As a device designed for kids, SEGA Emojam has a few safety features to protect their emotional and mental states. It’s a Wi-Fi-only device that can only have 100 people on its friends list, and group chats are limited to five people only. More importantly, you can only add a friend after you physically tap two devices together, which means it will be someone you’ve at least met face-to-face once. The library of emojis, vast as it may be, doesn’t include harmful imagery either.

Admittedly, the idea of an emoji pager might sound cute but its commercial success might be a bit questionable. Still, SEGA definitely thinks it will be a hit among Japanese kids, especially with special emojis from popular franchises like Sanrio. The SEGA Emojam pager launches on December 10 for 7,150 JPY, around $47, though it isn’t clear if it will require a paid subscription to use.

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LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024 gets you in the Sci-Fi Christmas spirit https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/11/06/lego-star-wars-advent-calendar-2024-gets-you-in-the-sci-fi-christmas-spirit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lego-star-wars-advent-calendar-2024-gets-you-in-the-sci-fi-christmas-spirit Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:15:20 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=518111

LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024 gets you in the Sci-Fi Christmas spirit

  LEGO Group has a rich history of making Star Wars-themed sets for 25 years, and for the holiday season, there’s something new that builders...
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LEGO Group has a rich history of making Star Wars-themed sets for 25 years, and for the holiday season, there’s something new that builders will want to add to their collection. The official 2024 Advent Calendar is a Star Wars-themed set that is selling like hotcakes as more than 60,000 units are already gone.

The interactive buildable set for both kids and adults comes with new Star Wars minifigures and vehicles that can be assembled each day leading up to Christmas time. The 368-piece LEGO set has miniature versions of the Holiday Princess Lia, Mandalorian Gauntlet, Jabba’s Sail Barge, Emperor’s Shuttle, Praetorian Guard, Super Battle Droid and many more.

Designer: LEGO Group

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Accompanying these cute minifigures are the 18 mini-vehicle models representing the respective franchise. These include Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder, Millennium Falcon, X-Wing, TIE Fighter, AT-AT, Y-wing, Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, Emperor’s Shuttle, U-wing, and T-6 Jedi Shuttle. This set is about imaginative story building to keep everyone engaged for 24 days and revere in the spirit of the Star Wars universe. Every morning there is a new surprise hidden for Star Wars fans to engage with and rejoice in the final build on Christmas day.

To create your personalized element of adventure and X-Mas spirit, the set can be combined with other Star Wars sets by LEGO. So, the permutations and combinations for having a fresh build are limitless. This gives LEGO builders the freedom to tinker around with any set element.

Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024 glorifies the 25th anniversary of LEGO and the Star Wars franchise just as the fans would desire. It is priced at $45 but can be bought for a discount at $36. This set along with the Harry Potter Advent Calendar gives LEGO lovers plenty of ways to set up their advent calendars for family fun. Otherwise, it can be displayed as a part of your Star Wars or LEGO collection on the workspace shelves in your geeky den.

Click Here to Buy Now

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