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Products and Designers We're Geeking Out Over Right Now

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In a world dominated by software, hardware still reigns supreme in our hearts. Yes, it's tough - but that's what makes it so damn cool. From sleek desk setups to everyday carry essentials, we're always on the hunt for the next big thing in physical products. Here's what's catching our eye lately:

Ugmonk: Desk Candy That Means Business

TL;DR

  • Spotted on "The Bear" and in countless #desksetup pics
  • Premium desk organizers, monitor stands, and planners
  • Local shopping meets uncompromising quality

Ugmonk offers unparalleled desk and home organization solutions, from weekly planners to comprehensive desk organizer sets featuring monitor stands, phone holders, and pen trays. Their commitment to local craftsmanship and quality shines through in every meticulously designed product. I'm in the process of redoing my desk set up and UG Monk's Gather collection set is top of the list.

James Brand: EDC Excellence

TL;DR

  • Everyday carry items that are anything but ordinary
  • Precision-crafted utility knives, pens, and more
  • Our pick: The Palmer (unboxing's new best friend)

The James Brand crafts exceptional everyday carry items for all aspects of life, from urban errands to outdoor adventures. Their lineup includes precision-engineered utility knives, pens, and other EDC essentials, all built with meticulous attention to quality. Having personally tested several of their knives, I can vouch for their excellence. The Palmer, in particular, has become my go-to tool for unboxing and various daily tasks.

All Day Goods: Slice of Heaven

TL;DR

  • Born from a chef's quest for affordable, top-notch knives
  • Japanese master blacksmith blades + recycled plastic handles
  • Proof that eco-friendly can be razor-sharp

All Day Goods (More knives - I promise I don't have a problem!) emerged from a chef's quest for the perfect, affordable kitchen knives. Founded by Hugo, a former London chef, the brand combines Japanese master blacksmith blades with eco-friendly recycled plastic handles. The result? Stunning, purposeful knives that deliver professional quality without the hefty price tag. These cool, conscientious blades prove that great design and affordability can go hand in hand in the kitchen.

Work Louder's Creator Micro: Shortcut to Creativity

TL;DR

  • Compact keyboard that supercharges your workflow
  • Application-specific shortcuts at your fingertips
  • Part of a killer lineup of form-meets-function gear

Work Louder is crafting some of the coolest productivity tools on the market. Their standout product, the Creator Micro, is a compact keyboard that revolutionizes creative workflows. This sleek device allows users to set custom shortcuts for various applications, seamlessly translating ideas into digital reality. Beyond the Creator Micro, Work Louder offers a range of keyboards that perfectly balance aesthetics with functionality, proving that efficiency can look good too.

TuneShine: Music You Can See

TL;DR

  • Display your tunes' artwork in style
  • Perfect companion for vinyl enthusiasts and digital DJs alike

Tuneshine brings your music to life visually, displaying album artwork as you listen. This ingenious device adds a dynamic, artistic touch to any space, perfectly complementing your record player or hi-fi system. As their tagline aptly puts it: "Tuneshineâ„¢ lights up your room with the album artwork from the songs you listen to." It's a brilliant fusion of audio and visual that elevates your listening experience.

From organization gurus to blade aficionados, these brands are pushing the boundaries of what physical products can be. Who said hardware was boring?

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