Aamir Khollam, Author at Exhibit Tech

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review: A True Companion

2023 is definitely the year where Samsung does not bring in any major upgrades to its existing lineup. First were the Galaxy Flip and Fold 5 which refined the design factor with the devices finally closing without a gap in between. Now, Samsung’s Watch 6 is the latest device to hop on the minor update trend and redefine what the best of Android smartwatch looks and feels like. We’ve been testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 44mm LTE (SM-R945F) for nearly a week now and it graciously falls into the ‘Easy To Recommend’ category of devices. This might not be a monumental upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 5 but it undoubtedly is one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now! Jump right in for the full review of the Galaxy Watch 6 –

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Design

The Galaxy Watch 6 pretty much keeps the same design as last year’s Galaxy Watch 5. There’s the staple two size options here – 40 & 44 mm. I tested out the 44 mm LTE version of the watch with a silver strap. The Watch 6 also gets an interesting Gold colour variant which screams extravagance. Samsung might not have made major changes to the design of the Galaxy Watch 6 but there really is nothing to complain about it either. It is a known form factor which works well & is also comfortable. Even with the 44mm size, users will not feel the watch to be bulky or heavy on their wrists. A good indication of a comfortable smartwatch is when I do not have to remove it while typing my hours away at work, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 excels in that arena. The in-box silicon strap looks premium and feels comfortable.

While the design factor remains the same, Samsung has now introduced a ‘One-Click’ solution to swap the strap. Users just need to hold the button placed at the base of the band and pull it to remove the strap. While the general user will most likely not swap the silicon bands often, it is a welcome addition to the smartwatch lineup.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Display

Smartwatch displays are pretty much a standard affair. The pack and parcel of the smaller displays include users having to cover the screen with their hands in order to see the finer details under direct sunlight. Samsung fixes this issue and goes miles ahead by 2,000 nits of peak brightness with the Watch 6. The previous iteration only featured 1,000 nits of peak brightness making the Watch 6 a notable upgrade in that aspect. Mumbai’s September bipolar weather sports both heavy rains & bright sunny days; I did not witness any issues while using the watch outdoors in either of those weather conditions.

The Galaxy Watch 6 series uses a Super AMOLED panel across the lineup. However, the size and resolution of these displays are not the same. The 44mm model sports a 1.5-inch 480 x 480 screen whereas the smaller 40mm model rocks a 432 x 432 screen at 1.3-inch. There is nothing but a small 0.1-inch difference between the Watch 5 and Watch 6 but it makes a bigger difference when it comes to a small display. You can scroll around the bezels of the smartwatch which will never NOT be cool!

Performance & Health Features

There is a plethora of health features on the Galaxy Watch 6. Samsung uses an activity tracking UI which is similar to Apple. Three rings which count your steps, active time, and calories close up every day, and in all honesty, it is fun and simple to follow. Samsung has gone all out when it comes to health features of the Watch 6, including a temperature sensor which automatically measures your skin temperature while you sleep. I tested out the sleep features more than the fitness tracking features on this watch as I am at least consistent with sleeping as opposed to hitting the gym.

The Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor allows users to scan their skeletal muscle, body water & fat, BMI, basal metabolic rate, and fat mass. It is crazy how far technology has come where we can find complex information about our bodies with just a few clicks on a smartwatch. The automatic workout detection feature remains my favourite feature of this watch. Besides this, Watch 6 offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, cycle tracking, blood oxygen tracking, ECG, and much more. Samsung Health application allows us to streamline all these features really well.

It runs on the Exynos W930 dual-core processor clocking in with 1.4GHz speed. The performance here is reliable without any lags or jitters. It is running on Wear OS 4.0 with the prowess of Samsung’s One UI 5.0 layered on top of it. I did not face any problems in the overall UI experience of the Watch 6. Be it notifications or the vibration motor, everything works as expected. Receiving and making calls on the Watch 6 is also smooth sailing. Users can also pair their Galaxy devices with the smartwatch to get a preview of their camera, a feature which came in handy for me while clicking a picture of my dog without alarming her!

The Galaxy Watch 6 has an exceptionally good battery life for a device which packs in this many features. I am not entirely a fan of always on display on smartwatches as they tend to become a distraction. However, the AOD on the Watch 6 is subtle and does not beg for your attention all the time. I was easily able to get through the day with the AOD feature with 30-40% battery remaining. The watch was connected to my Galaxy S23 throughout the entire testing period and the battery life was simply dependable. The charging experience is also a smooth sail. Ultimately, there is a lot to love and virtually nothing to complain about the Galaxy Watch 6.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best smartwatch for Android users right now. Its extensive health features and simple design make it an easy pick.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Transhuman Tomorrow: Exploring the Evolution of Humanity

The concept of transhumanism has been gaining momentum in recent years, sparking debates and discussions about the potential future of humanity. Transhumanism, in essence, is the belief in using advanced technology to enhance and evolve the human condition beyond its current biological limitations. It envisions a future where humans merge with machines, surpassing natural abilities and achieving unprecedented levels of intelligence, longevity, and even physical prowess. As we stand at the threshold of technological advancement, it is crucial to explore whether the future is truly transhuman and what implications this transformation might have for society.

The Drive for Enhancement

Humanity has always sought ways to enhance its capabilities. From the invention of the wheel to the development of the internet, our relentless pursuit of progress has led to remarkable achievements. Transhumanism represents the next logical step in this journey. With rapid advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, we are on the cusp of achieving feats that were once relegated to the realm of science fiction.

One of the most intriguing aspects of transhumanism is the idea of merging humans and machines. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are at the forefront of this movement, allowing direct communication between the human brain and computers. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine, enabling paralyzed individuals to regain mobility and people with neurological disorders to regain their independence.

The Pursuit of Immortality

One of the most audacious goals of transhumanism is the pursuit of immortality. Through genetic engineering, regenerative medicine, and other cutting-edge technologies, proponents of transhumanism aim to extend human lifespans indefinitely. While this concept may seem far-fetched, significant progress has already been made in understanding the ageing process and finding ways to slow it down.

However, the pursuit of immortality raises profound ethical questions. How would society grapple with the consequences of a population that never dies? Would it exacerbate existing inequalities? And how would we reconcile the philosophical and existential aspects of our mortality? These are questions that must be addressed as we contemplate a transhuman future.

Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas

The path to a transhuman future is fraught with challenges and ethical dilemmas. Privacy concerns, for instance, become paramount when we consider the integration of BCIs and other invasive technologies into our lives. Who would have access to our thoughts and personal information, and how would this impact our autonomy and individuality?

Moreover, the potential for a technological divide between the enhanced and the unenhanced is a pressing concern. Access to these transformative technologies could become a privilege reserved for the wealthy, further deepening societal inequalities. It is essential to establish ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure that transhumanism benefits all of humanity rather than a select few.

The Human Experience

As we contemplate the future of transhumanism, we must also reflect on what it means to be human. Will the integration of technology into our bodies and minds fundamentally change our essence? While proponents argue that enhancing our abilities and extending our lifespans align with our inherent drive for self-improvement, the flip side also brings about the worry that we may lose something essential in the process – our humanity.

The future may indeed be transhuman, with technology offering us the potential to enhance our physical, cognitive, and emotional capacities. However, as we embark on this transformative journey, we must approach it with caution and a keen awareness of the ethical, social, and philosophical implications it carries. Striking a balance between technological progress and preserving our humanity will be the defining challenge of the transhuman era. In the end, the path we choose will determine whether this future is a utopia or a dystopia, and it is our responsibility to shape it wisely.

Xiaomi X Series 65-inch (L65M8-A2IN) Review: Bigger & Affordable

Televisions have evolved to become an integral part of our lives. While some users are glued to the screen enjoying their favourite shows and movies, others prop up their living room with a television that compliments their aesthetics. However, one thing I thoroughly appreciate about television in the last decade is that they have become accessible. A buyer can now spend as little as 9-10K to get a TV up in his room, on the other end of the spectrum we also have TVs which cost upwards of 10 Lakhs. Xiaomi however, has always played its cards right offering feature-packed Smart TVs at an affordable price. The latest in the roster is the Xiaomi X Series 2023 variant. This time around, Xiaomi is offering the X Series TV at the massive 65-inch option which simply stuns with its superior picture quality. So at ₹61,999, is this the television you should be going for? Let’s find out –

Design

With the latest X-series, Xiaomi sticks to the tried and tested design aesthetic. It is a pretty standard design which does not scream premium but surely is minimalistic. The design is pretty much synonymous with the previous X series TVs. There is only a single colour option (Black) and I stand firm on the belief that Xiaomi should introduce TVs with a wide range of colours now, it’s high time! Xiaomi’s logo is placed right at the centre which is not a distraction in any way. The bezels around the screen are slim and do not bother the viewer while watching films, etc. However, the bottom bezel is slightly larger than the others. The television isn’t entirely slim but not thick to the point where it’s a hindrance. We tested the TV using the in-box plastic stands which hold their ground really well. The remote also maintains pretty much a standard Xiaomi design. During our interaction with a Xiaomi India spokesperson for the briefing of this television, we recommended Xiaomi integrate a better remote design for future televisions. Let’s see if that comes to fruition in the near future.

Performance

Xiaomi clearly does not like to experiment when it comes to the software experience of its televisions. While some might call that playing it safe, I call it playing with sense. The singular software experience across all its televisions builds a UI language that has become synonymous only with Xiaomi TVs and no other brand. The Xiaomi TV X-Series is powered by a quad-core processor powered with 2GB of RAM. The internal storage available here is also just 8GB with 4.3GB available for users. This surely works for people who stick to a few mainstream streaming applications. People keen on side-loading third-party app stores and downloading heavy games to test them out will not exactly have a pleasant experience.

A 65-inch TV is definitely Xiaomi’s flagship offering and 2GB RAM does not ring flagship in any sense. Additionally, having more space would also be beneficial. The UI works smoothly and shifting between apps will not be a hassle for users, at least until they don’t load up the storage with apps. The software here is the latest Google TV UI which is patched along with the Patchwall. Google TV’s features like Assistant and Chromecast work without any issues.

Thanks to home entertainment reaching its full potential due to the pandemic, there is a lot of UltraHD and high-dynamic content readily available on streaming services for viewers to enjoy. I watched hours’ worth of content on the immersive 65-inch screen of this television which left me truly stunned. Mission Impossible: Fallout was the one film that looked the best as it took advantage of the entire screen real estate using a bigger aspect ratio in certain scenes. Watching shows like Taali & Barry on JioCinema was also a surprisingly delightful experience given the streaming service is notorious for having a low bitrate even for 4K content. UHD content was the sharpest to watch, however, some details looked washed out. Watching series/films in a well-lit room with natural light was also not a hassle at peak brightness. The speakers here provide 30W of sound output. We do not get support for Dolby Atmos from this set of speakers. However, the TV is loud, crisp and clear even at moderately low volumes. The latest Patchwall+ service which brings a traditional cable TV experience to the smart TV is definitely a welcome addition.

Verdict

Xiaomi X-series 65-inch is one of the best affordable big-size TVs you can buy right now. It brings a classy minimalistic design coupled with a powerful performance for a complete package.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐

The Virtual World: Is It The Future?

In recent years, technology has surged forward at an astonishing pace, ushering in a new era of interconnectedness and virtual experiences. One prominent innovation that has captured the imagination of millions is the concept of a virtual world. These digital realms, accessible through computers or immersive devices, offer users an unprecedented level of interaction, communication, and creativity. As we stand at the cusp of the third decade of the 21st century, the question arises: Is a virtual world the future we are moving towards?

The Rise of Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds have made remarkable strides in recent years, thanks to advancements in computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and network technologies. Platforms like Second Life, VRChat, and Roblox have already demonstrated the appeal of virtual environments, attracting millions of users worldwide. These digital landscapes transcend traditional gaming realms, providing spaces for social interactions, economic transactions, education, and even virtual tourism. As the technological infrastructure supporting these worlds continues to evolve, the potential applications and user experiences they offer are likely to multiply.

The Virtual Reality Revolution

One of the driving forces behind the increasing popularity of virtual worlds is the rapid development of virtual reality (VR) technology. VR enables users to immerse themselves fully in digital environments, blurring the lines between the physical and the virtual. With VR headsets becoming more accessible and affordable, the potential for widespread adoption of virtual worlds is on the horizon. From education and training simulations to therapeutic applications and remote workspaces, VR offers a myriad of possibilities to revolutionize various aspects of our lives.

Escapism vs. Real-World Impact

Young excited man in helmet experiencing virtual reality. Elements of this image are furnished by NASA

Critics argue that the proliferation of virtual worlds may exacerbate societal issues like social isolation and detachment from reality. They fear that individuals might resort to escapism, seeking refuge in virtual realms to avoid confronting real-world challenges. While this concern is valid, proponents of virtual worlds argue that they can have a positive impact by fostering global connectivity, breaking down physical barriers, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Additionally, these platforms present opportunities for meaningful collaborations, creative expression, and entrepreneurial endeavours, which can translate into real-world benefits.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

An area that warrants significant consideration is the environmental impact of virtual worlds. As these digital landscapes grow in scale and complexity, they demand substantial server power and energy consumption. Developers must prioritize sustainability, exploring energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to mitigate the environmental footprint of these platforms. Moreover, as virtual worlds continue to flourish, regulations need to be in place to address potential issues such as digital privacy, security, and virtual property rights.

Education and Training in Virtual Realms

One of the most promising aspects of virtual worlds lies in their potential to revolutionize education and training. Immersive learning experiences can transport students to historical events, distant planets, or microscopic realms, making complex subjects more engaging and accessible. Training simulations in virtual environments can equip professionals with practical skills and expertise in various fields, such as medicine, aviation, and military operations, all while minimizing real-world risks. However, striking a balance between virtual education and face-to-face interactions remains crucial for comprehensive learning and human development.

The future undoubtedly holds intriguing prospects for virtual worlds. As technology continues to evolve, these digital realms will likely become more immersive, interactive, and impactful. Whether the world embraces virtual environments as a dominant mode of existence remains uncertain, but the potential for meaningful applications is undeniable. Striking a balance between utilizing virtual worlds to augment human experiences while maintaining meaningful connections to the real world will be key to harnessing their full potential responsibly. As we embark on this transformative journey, society must carefully navigate the ethical, social, and environmental implications of this bold digital frontier. Only then can we truly unlock the vast opportunities that virtual worlds present for the betterment of humanity.

LG S95QR Soundbar Review: Sets a New Benchmark in Surround Sound

What comes into your mind when you think about a soundbar? If you ask me, it is a singular wide bar that does not have a style aesthetic but is designed to produce optimum sound. LG looked at this traditional design language of the soundbar and said “Nah, we’re not doing that” with the LG S95QR as it just might be the most aesthetically pleasing soundbar to have launched in the Indian market. LG has a good reputation in the audio market which the LG S95QR Soundbar not only maintains but goes beyond to deliver an immersive sound experience.

Design

The LG S95QR soundbar sports a unique 9.1.5 configuration coupled with a dedicated wireless subwoofer and two wireless rear speakers. This makes it an out & out home theatre system as opposed to just a soundbar. What you get in the box is one soundbar, one wireless subwoofer, two wireless rear speakers, one HDMI cable, four AC power cables and one remote. On the design front, the soundbar itself maintains a slim form factor that sits below your TV without being obstructive. The highlight of the soundbar design has to be the three grilled circular up-firing speakers on the top edge which compliments the overall aesthetic of the system really well. The design is both futuristic and minimalistic. This is the first time that we’ve seen a soundbar feature three top-edge drivers, most soundbars feature just two. The rear speakers, wireless subwoofer, and the in-box remote are pretty much a standard affair when it comes to the design.

Performance

The LG S95QR takes the high road when it comes to the channel count claiming a massive 9.1.5 channel experience. During our time with the system, we watched a number of movies like Top Gun: Maverick & Avengers: Infinity War where the surround sound experience was truly ecstatic. LG is clearly not focused on creating a clear surround sound with the S95QR but has gone a step further to make an immersive experience that wraps the audience in a ‘Meridian’ of sound.

The humongous 810W of claimed power is shared amongst the drivers of this system which was more than enough to rock the entire room during our testing. LG’s flagship soundbar is capable of playing both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats which are standard to the current audio formats in home entertainment. The soundbar as a standalone act also ended up creating an immersive experience in my small room. The massive range of format support options like Dolby Vision HDR (through compatible TV), HDMI eARC & Lossless Dolby Atmos or DTS:X is a treat for cine and audiophiles alike.

Verdict

The LG S95QR soundbar is one of the best in the premium segment for both music and movies. It’s a versatile system that delivers an immersive experience through its 9.1.5 channel.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lost in the Crowd: Existentialism in the age of social media

“If something burns your soul with purpose and desire, it’s your duty to be reduced to ashes by it. Any other form of existence will be yet another dull book in the library of life” – Charles Bukowski

We live in a time where the very essence of the human experience has been reduced to the scrolling timelines of social media. We’re stimulated throughout the day and the idea of being bored has certainly become a thing of the past. We do not ponder a thought anymore, and when we do, we wonder how the thought can be manipulated and drafted into a social media post that will bring traction. Amidst dancing reels, funny trends and mini travel vlogs packed and parceled to please your dopamine receptors, humans have somewhere diminished their sense of individuality.

While travelling from work to home in the Metro, I often see people using their phones to consume content on the go. Most of the content is usually short-form social media reels that hit your system like a line of cocaine and give you a rush of dopamine. I am not different as I spend a big chunk of my day on social media consuming content too. This no-commitment content consumption model which switches genres with every swipe has ingested an existential angst inside me.

The minds of young adults can be easily captivated by the heightened reality presented on social media. We have influencers on social platforms who promote a certain lifestyle and target young men in order to gain followers and use subliminal marketing to sell products. The Andrew Tates and Dan Bilzerians of the world have polluted the minds of growing men to the point where they do not refrain from insulting the opposite gender. Treating women like sex objects and considering their entire existence is based upon serving men is not a thing of the past, however, one would expect changing times would bring about a positive change. Thanks to social media, we’ve gone back.

The question of ‘Where are we heading as a species’ is as old as time with many philosophers basing their life’s work on it. However, in the modern sense, this question leans more on the negative side.

“If you don’t like it, don’t consume it” is a line people in support of such content creators throw around casually. However, allowing toxic viewpoints to be nurtured on any platform toxicates young minds. As a 25-year-old, who also happens to run a meme page, I often come across users who bash people with independent ideologies. Most of these are young users who feel it is alright to go around saying anything they wish to the opposite gender or people with different sexual preferences. This brings out the Jean-Paul Sartre inside me who wonders where are we heading as a species.

The basis of the existentialist theory states that ‘Everyone must create their own values and live according to their own beliefs and passion’ However, in the age of social media, we find ourselves following trends. We hop on trends like a hungry bunny hopping on carrots, and the hunger here is for likes. The sense of individuality gets diminished in a society which believes in and enjoys following trends be it as simple as visiting a restaurant which has been garnering millions of views on social media.

We feel validated by doing what others are doing on social media. It gives us a sense of community but also strips us of our individuality. Continuing to live hooked to social media is going to trigger an existential crisis among people sooner than one anticipates. However, the depth of this existential crisis will be limited to why we’re not getting likes and comments on our social media posts. I believe it is high time for people to unhook themselves from the actual Matrix, that is social media.

India’s Leap to the Moon: Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Odyssey Nears Culmination

ISRO’s ambitious third moon mission – Chandrayaan 3 has the entire country excited in anticipation. Chandrayaan-3’s Lander Module (LM) is all set for a soft landing on the lunar surface on Wednesday evening. This is a historic mission not just in Indian space research, but the entire globe as India aims to become the first country to reach the uncharted south pole of the moon. The LM Consisting of the lander (Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan), is scheduled to make a soft-landing near the south polar region of Earth’s only natural satellite at 6:04 PM on Wednesday (23 August)

Chandrayaan-3’s Landing Process

After a successful lift-off on July 14, ISRO’s launch vehicle, Mark-3, propelled Chandrayaan-3 into orbit. Chandrayaan-3 took multiple elliptic circles of the Earth gaining velocity. After a long journey of 3.84 lakh km, on August 5, the Chandrayaan-3 satellite entered the moon’s orbit and stabilised there for a few days. Now, the Vikram lander has been brought closer to the moon’s surface before the much-anticipated landing descent can begin.

The twenty minutes of terror, or T-20, begin on the day of landing, setting up a suspenseful conclusion. The Vikram lander will start descending towards the moon’s surface from a height of 25 km upon receiving commands from Bengaluru. The powered fall of the Vikram lander will send it hurtling into the moon’s surface at a speed of 1.68 km/s, or approximately 6048 km/h—almost ten times that of an aeroplane.

This is known as the rough braking phase and lasts for roughly 11 minutes. The Vikram lander will then begin to slow down with all of its engines operating, but the lander is still practically horizontal to the surface of the moon. The lander will touchdown with just two engines firing which will shut down once the sensors on the legs feel the lunar surface. The Vikram lander and rover are both designed to last one lunar day (14 Earth Days)

According to ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 is on schedule and the smooth sailing continues. After the successful landing, India will become the fourth country to master the technology of soft landing on the lunar surface after the US, China, and the Soviet Union.

ASUS ROG ALLY Review: Your True Gaming Ally

I remember the time when the PSP was an aspirational piece of tech. The handheld gaming market may have been revived by the Nintendo Switch but it was during my testing of the ASUS ROG Ally is when the nostalgia hit me hard. The ROG Ally is going up against two main beasts i.e. Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck, so how well does it hold its own? Here’s what we found out during our time with the ASUS ROG Ally –

Design

ASUS has managed to cramp in a whole Windows PC at lightweight 608 grams. It fits extremely well in hand. Being a first-time user of a handheld gaming PC, It didn’t take me a long time to figure out how the controls work. We get a familiar ABXY button pad coupled with a D-Pad on the left. One gripe would be the absence of a touchpad, however, the ample button choice makes up for it.

The power button also doubles up as a fingerprint sensor which works well and is reliable. The top of the Ally also rocks a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type-C port, a microSD card reader, and a Gen 2 display port. The white and black colour aesthetic of the ASUS ROG Ally is eye candy!

Performance

This is where scepticism rises as I did not expect a handheld gaming PC to hold up this well. The entirety of our office spent considerable time with the ROG Ally as each one of my team members wanted to try it out. We played titles like The Witcher 3, COD, Asphalt 9, Paladins, and Moving Out. Extended periods of gaming did not result in a drop in performance. The 7-inch 1080P display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 120Hz refresh rate is a treat to look at. While it would be good to have an AMOLED display here, it can be excused as the display is vibrant and punchy.

The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip is backed by 16GB LPDDR5 RAM which results in top-notch performance overall. The battery life of the ROG Ally is disappointing as it lasted us only an hour while playing graphic extensive games. Whereas, playing lighter games also did not get us past the three-hour mark. The haptic response and sound quality of the ROG Ally is simply phenomenal.

Verdict

Being a first-gen product, the ROG Ally does all things right when it comes to gaming performance. The battery life could have been better but the handheld gaming PC does not disappoint.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐

From Twitter to X: What’s in a name?

Twitter was undoubtedly one of the strongest brands in the world. The brand was so significant that the Oxford dictionary included the word ‘Tweet’ in it, no other social media platform has been able to do that yet. However, under the leadership of Elon Musk, Twitter came crashing down literally. It started off with major layouts followed by user complaints about the new leadership. The introduction of the paid verified check mark titled ‘Twitter Blue’ (now known as X Premium) changed the face of social media entirely. The verified check mark was considered a status symbol which is now also sold by Zuckerberg’s Meta.

The evolving phase of Twitter and Elon Musk’s leadership changed the face of the platform entirely, from Twitter to X! Before you jump in to understand what the change means, here’s why Musk decided to change the iconic brand name shared by the man himself on X –

“Twitter was acquired by X Corp both to ensure freedom of speech and as an accelerant for X, the everything app. This is not simply a company renaming itself, but doing the same thing. The Twitter name made sense when it was just 140-character messages going back and forth – like birds tweeting – but now you can post almost anything, including several hours of video. In the months to come, we will add comprehensive communications and the ability to conduct your entire financial world. The Twitter name does not make sense in that context, so we must bid adieu to the bird.”

So… what will the app do now?

Elon Musk has been nothing but vocal about his goal of Turning X (fka Twitter) into an all-purpose platform. China’s WeChat can be considered a goal Musk is trying to achieve as there is no American or global equivalent to such a versatile application. X already allows users to engage in live audio conversations in the form of Spaces, longer posts and broadcasting live videos have also become a thing on the platform.

In simple terms, Musk envisions X to be your go-to platform for everything ranging from news to entertainment. While many users including me believe that the change of brand from Twitter to X is downright unnecessary, one cannot overlook the fact that the platform is indeed evolving for the good. However, the term ‘X Premium Subscription’ reflected in my bank balance sheet does not sit well with my parents!

What about Twitter?

To put it nicely, it’s dead!

The tech billionaire has done away with Twitter and its familiar blue bird logo. Several parts of the platform have also made a switch like X Premium and the Twitter Help Center changing to X Help Center.

Musk has wiped his hands clean from the Twitter branding to the point where more than 580 items of the former Twitter brand will be auctioned off in mid-September. So, whether we agree with Musk or not, we all have to bid goodbye to the iconic Twitter brand forever. Rest it peace little blue bird!

Barbenheimer: How Two Blockbusters Revived Cinema

Being Indian film fanatics, it is common for us to witness two big films going head to head against each other at the box office. It was just recently when two tentpole blockbuster films, Gadar 2 and Oh My God 2 clashed at the box office with both emerging as successes. However, this phenomenon is quite a rarity in the West. Major Hollywood studios do not shy away from shuffling release dates to avoid clashing with other major films. As a result, audiences are yet to witness both DC and Marvel Studios releasing their major films on the same day. While DC and Marvel are juggernaut IPs which generate billions in revenue, studios do not generally pitch even their non-superhero blockbusters against each other. Well, that was until July 2023 when the landscape of blockbuster cinema was changed forever with Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer!

The summer of 2023 at the cinema was a lacklustre season where films tanked left and right. Major blockbuster franchise films failed to impress the audiences. Be it Vin Diesel’s family affair with Fast X, DC’s self-proclaimed cinematic pinnacle The Flash, or Harrison Ford’s return as the iconic Indiana Jones, nothing made a major mark at the domestic box office. To save grace, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 and Across the Spider-Verse did perform well at the box office saving Hollywood from a total downfall. However, nobody expected the storm which was brewing up in the form of Oppenheimer and Barbie.

Nolan’s highly anticipated biopic of Robert J Oppenheimer was a topic of interest amongst moviegoers ever since its announcement. To add fuel to the fire, the news of the director blowing up actual bombs to capture the true essence of an atomic explosion took the hype of the film to the next level.

On the other hand, we had pop-culture darlings Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling taking over the roles of Barbie and Ken. The first teaser of Barbie recreated the iconic opening scene from 2001:A Space Odyssey which intrigued audience members. The teaser was followed by a peppy trailer and a massive promotional campaign where it felt like the entire USA was painted pink.

The equal anticipation around these films coined the term ‘Barbenheimer’

Whenever two films release on the same day, audiences are usually divided between the two. It is always “Which one will you watch?” and never “Which one will you watch first?” which was the case for Barbie and Oppenheimer. It was a celebration for true cine fans for whom July 21st became the day of the ‘Barbenheimer’ double feature. I and many film-loving people like me spend their entire day at the cinema watching the two films back to back.

Barbenheimer was all over the internet with fans celebrating Barbie wearing pink and having a change of clothes to a black outfit and walking straight in to watch Oppenheimer. Both films were loved by critics and audiences alike which led to box office history.

The opening weekends of Barbie and Oppenheimer collectively brought in $244.5 million. While Barbie brought in a massive $162 million, Oppenheimer scored $82.5 million. This was the first time since the pandemic that the box office witnessed such humongous numbers at the domestic level. At the time of writing, Barbie stands at $1 billion at the global box office, whereas, Oppenheimer stands at $600 million.

Barbie has gone on to create history at the box office making Greta Gerwig the first woman to have a sole directing credit on a billion-dollar film. On the other hand, Christopher Nolan successfully managed to depict the horrors humans are capable of causing in a twisted tale which was widely accepted around the world. India showed more love to Oppenheimer than Barbie where the film has garnered a massive 117 crore box office at the time of writing. If films like Barbie and Oppenheimer continue to shine at the box office, then there won’t be any doubts about the cinema business going anywhere!