Though a proper potted plant adds a particularly dynamic dimension to one’s home, the sheer act of continuously watering a plant (correctly, mind you) leaves many believing their thumbs aren’t quite as green as they’d hoped. This houseplant pitfall is something a Dutch design company by the name of Studio Lorier hopes to remedy with its new self-watering planter, which it has dubbed the Natural Balance — no relation to Dick Van Patten’s line of pet food. The firm recently took to the popular crowdfunding site Kickstarter in an effort to get its innovative new invention off the ground.
Void of any smart sensors or levers, the Natural Balance relies solely on a water-permeable accessory, along with its own shape, to pull off the impressive feat of sparing plant owners from the chore of watering. Owners simply fill the pot with potting soil and a plant of their choosing, fill the water reservoir with water, and sit back while the planter does all the work. Over the course of several days — and even up to four weeks — the Natural Balance’s water-permeable part gradually deposits water into the soil only when the plant requires it.
Aside from its innovative watering port, the Natural Balance’s design allows it to alert users of an empty reservoir without requiring the use of any smartphone applications or digital readers. After unloading the last bit of water into the soil, the planter simply tips over, signaling it’s time to refill it with water. Once full, it rocks back to its original position. Because each plant capable of living in the Natural Balance will likely vary dramatically in size, Studio Lorier included an easy-to-use magnetic slider allowing owners to adjust the planter’s pivot point.
Each planter is handmade by the Netherlands-based studio. To continue to be able to do this, the firm says the funds raised via the Kickstarter campaign will be used to purchase a larger kiln, a new set of molds, a bulk purchase of raw materials, and a set of specialized tools. As of this writing, the campaign had already raised $8,670 toward its original goal of $7,460 with roughly two weeks remaining.
Studio Lorier allows early adopters to purchase the Natural Balance planter for an early bird price of just $39 (while supplies last), which is $23 cheaper than the suggested retail price of $62. Constructed out of high-quality ceramic, Studio Lorier offers its innovative planter in a mint green, pastel pink, and cool gray.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.