Compared with the HoMedics Drift dynamic sand table, there may be no other product that sounds so ordinary when described, but how cool it is actually when used. The basic premise is that a small metal ball rolls in the sand to create a pattern. However, the first moment the pattern being created appeared in the sand, there was an aha moment, which felt a bit like seeing a shooting star in the night sky. It's like seeing a magic show in slow motion, but still don't understand how it is done.

Drift is not a Zen garden where you manually rake stones or sand, but does this automatically. Passive health devices are connected to mobile devices via Bluetooth, and different modes can be downloaded. Using it feels like being able to print designs on sand.

It was through YouTuber MKBHD's "Dope Tech" video that I first encountered the idea of ​​dynamic sandbox. He has a large and very expensive version. HoMedics Drift is a smaller, more affordable option that can find a place in the living room, bedroom or small business.

Out of the box, drift requires some settings, but it is minimal. Before adding the metal balls and setting the glass cover on top, you need to pour sand into the bowl-shaped base. After the device is set up and powered on, it needs to connect to its mobile app, which is now available for iOS. (The Android version is coming soon.)

Upon first power-up, the drift begins to create a clean circular pattern. It's a fascinating display, and it doesn't even do anything more difficult than rolling the ball into a circle and expanding from the center. (For those who are curious, the magnet under the surface will pull the ball through the sand.)

The Drift mobile app is the main control point of the device and connects to your phone via Bluetooth. The app allows you to select sand patterns and light colors around the edge of the sand table. You can also control the speed at which the pattern is created and the brightness of the light-and whether the light "breathes" (pulses).

To make the metal ball roll, you only need to select a mode and click play. After completion, the design will remain until another one is selected. There is also a playlist function, and the sandbox will start a new design immediately after completion. This allows it to constantly move and create without any direct supervision.

Drift is available in 16-inch and 21-inch diameter versions. Even the 16-inch white sand table I tried is quite large. You need to have a specific place to put it. Another consideration for its placement is the power cord protruding from its back. Although it might be cool in the center of the room, laying a thick power cord on the floor is impractical.

I put Drift next to the turntable, and it goes well with this ancient way of listening to music. At first, I set the Drift light to pulse and change color every 60 seconds. The novelty of this lighting combination quickly disappeared, but I did find that changing the color and tone of the lighting did have a real impact on the look and feel of the pattern. After a while, I found myself leaning towards warm colors for most purposes.

At night, drift can be used as an accent light. It is not bright enough to be a light for the entire room, not even a bedroom, but it does emit light in a larger space.

On the first day of use, I played with nearly 12 designs. Watching small balls roll and bring complex patterns to life is addictive. HoMedics positions the device as a device for health. Watching it should promote a sense of mindfulness and calmness. I can see how Drift can do this for some people. For me, this is not so much a peaceful existence as a neat ornament. It is modern and simple and can be incorporated into it, but with its light, it can be as eye-catching as you want.

I have no problems running the equipment day after day. I'm not sure it will eventually decompose due to long-term use, but for now, that little ball has been plowing in the sand. Running all day is enough. Unless the room is quiet, I can't hear it creating a pattern. When the room is completely quiet, my daughter compares the sound it does make to light rain. Whether this noise level is acceptable at night in the bedroom is entirely up to the individual.

Although I haven't used up the new patterns that Drift can make, they are not limitless. I currently count 51 available designs. I think this number is very good. It would be great if more things are available in the app in the future, the company said there will be more available, but even if this will never happen, I think people will be satisfied with the amount of change currently available.

It should be noted that there is currently no way to create a custom sand design. I am not sure if I am willing to take the time to create a custom mode, even if the feature is available. Nevertheless, it seems natural to be able to manipulate the sand through a mobile phone one day.

In a sense, HoMedics Drift has no effect. This is a blank page that is constantly changing. On the other hand, the device provides a lot of reminders of some basic ideas: paying attention to details can produce huge results, and steady progress can lead to a big goal.

I didn't expect this dynamic sandbox from HoMedics to impress me so deeply, but I was pleasantly surprised. I suspect that as long as you don't have high hopes for it, you may also be very happy and surprised by it.

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