Author: Advait Berde

Saregama is a name synonymous with music, such that these syllables can define Indian music. In a bid to appeal to the generations of fans that it has garnered over the years, the company has ventured into the audio device segment with its Carvaan lineup. Among its latest offering is the Carvaan musicbar, which we recently got a chance to review. Along with a sleek, minimalistic body, the soundbar offers a plethora of features that we tried out. Here’s what we think so far: First impressions: The soundbar comes in a rather large box. Still, it includes various accessories such…

Nowadays, all leading smartphone brands are offering 5G ready devices. Not only do these smartphones make your network access faster and better, their greater bandwidth and lower latency compared to 4G and 3G networks often translate into redefining the way all of us live, work and play. While many may assume that 5G ready devices are exorbitantly expensive owing to their excellent features and 5G support, nothing can be farther from the truth. You can grab a 5G phone with Avantgarde features for as little as INR 30,000. Let us have a look at some of the best 5G Smartphones…

There is no doubt that PC gaming requires more dedication and a lot bigger paraphernalia than other kinds of gaming. There is just the choice of a TV, extra controllers, or VR headsets at the most on a console. In mobile gaming, the options further dwindle as there is already a screen present on all smartphones. For PC gamers, however, there are a lot of parameters to be considered. Not only what goes inside the cabinet, but what peripherals surround it as well.  Mousing away! A keyboard and mouse set is considered perhaps the most crucial component of PC gaming.…

How often do you feel that your laptop is lacking a second screen? For those who do, Asus has come up with the perfect solution. With the new ZenBook Duo 14, Asus aims to fill the gap that the market didn’t know existed. But is it a value addition or a marketing gimmick? We got a chance to find out when we reviewed the Asus ZenBook Duo 14. Here’s how it went: First impressions: Asus is known for offering uber luxury and distinction, which the ZenBook Duo carries forward seamlessly. The laptop gets two almost same-sized screens that provide a…

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 war victory, and Jawa Motorcycles has come to the fore to offer a tribute to the gallantry of our Forever Heroes. Continuing its #ForeverHeroes initiative, the brand has introduced two new colours of its modern classic Jawa to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 war victory.  To further contribute to the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations throughout the year, Jawa Motorcycles will be a part of various celebratory rides with the Indian Army that mark important landmark occasions like Kargil Vijay Diwas, Battle of Turtuk and Battle of Longewala, with the…

Colorful Technology Company Limited recently launched the COLORFUL X15-AT gaming laptop powered by the latest 11th generation Intel Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics. The gaming laptop comes equipped with a 15.6-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB coverage for fluid gameplays and vivid colours. It also features Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and fast Wi-Fi 6. It uses a durable CNC milled aluminium chassis with an ultra-thin 23.9mm thickness and weighs just 1.93 kilograms. Powerful Configuration The COLORFUL X15-AT gaming laptop comes with an 11th generation Intel Core i7-11800H 8-core, 16-thread processor with a boost clock…

Nature has always inspired technology, and there is no denying that all our advancements are shameless mimics of Natural aspects. Nevertheless, “imitation is the best form of flattery,” and copying Nature is all too beneficial for humanity. To achieve a balance between technological advancements and our innate connection to nature, many automobile manufacturers worldwide are researching ways to blend natural processes with technology. Among them is Hyundai Motor Group, which recently announced a research collaboration Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). It explores new relationships between advanced technologies, public environments and personal experiences.  These interactions are defined as “adaptive ecologies”:…

Today, Jaguar Land Rover India announced that following a successful Defender 110, Defender 90 is now available in India. The Defender 90 is available in three powertrain options. These include a 2.0 l petrol delivering 296 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque, a 3.0 l petrol producing 394 bhp and torque of 550 Nm and a 3.0 l diesel delivering 296 kW and 650 Nm. Rohit Suri, President and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “Demand for Defender 110 continues to be strong and introduction of Defender 90 will further enhance the appeal of Defender and the Land…

Both motorcycles are equipped with a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT display. Integrating operation via the BMW Motorrad multi-controller gives the rider quick access to vehicle and connectivity functions.

If there is a brand synonymous with variety, it has to be Samsung. Right from bank-breaking technological marvels to pocket-friendly mobiles, the Korean tech giant has something for everyone. Its latest offering is the Galaxy M32, which we recently got our hands on. With a price tag comfortably below the 20k mark, let’s see if this smartphone is yay or meh.  First impressions: The box it comes in is quite simplistic and not extravagant, which is evident for a smartphone in this price range. Apart from the smartphone, users will also get a charger, ejector pin and manual. The phone…

If this were a Hollywood movie script, the title would perhaps sound sarcastic or even satirical. But unfortunately, it is a thorough reality that John McAfee, undoubtedly one of the most famous names in the tech world, is no more. According to the Spanish outlet El Mundo, the antivirus software entrepreneur who faced extradition from Spain to the U.S. on tax-related criminal charges is dead. The authorities made futile attempts to resuscitate McAfee and are now investigating the cause of death. Earlier today, the Spanish National Court approved the extradition of McAfee to the U.S., where the government wanted him…

Taiwanese tech giant ASUS recently launched the  ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED in India. The base model comes equipped with Intel Core i7 and is available for Rs 2,39,990 Whereas, the second and the variant featuring Intel Core i9 is available for Rs 2,79,990.00. While we wait to review it, here are some interesting facts about the laptop: It gets a 15.6-inch OLED 4K UHD NanoEdge touch-enabled display. The display has a 178-degree viewing angle and 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage. Asus has also given the laptop a 14.1-inch ScreenPad secondary display. Gamers will be highly pleased with the 8GB…

Samsung recently launched a bunch of Galaxy products, albeit in the budget segment. Among the lot was the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, which is expected to fall in the mid-range tablet segment. While we are yet to explore it fully, here’s a quick review of what we have learnt so far: First Impressions: The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite comes in a simple white box. Apart from the tablet, its contents include a travel adaptor, a data cable, an ejection pin, and a manual. Samsung has also provided a book cover for the Tab, though I doubt it will be offered…

BMW Motorrad India recently launched the S 1000 R in India. Along with three variants, the naked roadster is available with a plethora of electronic and mechanical upgrades. The German manufacturer has ensured to offer class-leading features at a competitive price. Here are some of the best ones: It is derived from the BMW S 1000 RR and enhances its character as a dynamic roadster.  The ‘tail up – nose down’ look gives the all-new BMW S 1000 R a significant visual impact along with its new body elements.  The new LED headlamp lends an even more muscular look. The…

JLR India today announced that it had begun deliveries of the new Range Rover Velar in India. The SUV is available in the R-Dynamic S trim on Ingenium 2.0 l petrol and diesel powertrains. The 2.0 l petrol engine delivers a power of 184 kW and 365 Nm of torque, and the 2.0 l diesel engine provides a power of 150 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The new Range Rover Velar is priced from ₹ 79.87 Lakh, ex-showroom in India. Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “Range Rover Velar is one the most aspirational…

Benelli motorcycles might not be as famous or as appealing as Ducatis or MV Agustas of the world, but they nevertheless have a concrete and rich history. What began as a small garage opened by a grieving widow has bloomed into one of the most prolific motorcycle manufacturers worldwide. If you have wondered how Benelli motorcycles came to being, here is how it all started: Beginning Teresa Benelli was a widow and mother of six sons who hoped to provide her sons with a secure job and a stable income source. To that extent, she used all of the family’s…

Jaguar Land Rover India recently began deliveries of the new F-Pace in India. Available for the first time in the R-Dynamic S trim on Ingenium 2.0 l petrol and diesel powertrains, the F-Pace gets some exciting updates and features. Here are a few of the unique ones:  The F-Pace gets a new front bumper with redesigned air intakes and dark mesh details that visually widen the SUV.  It also gets new all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL).  At the rear, new slimline lights feature Jaguar’s double chicane graphic, first previewed on the all-electric I-Pace. In R-Dynamic…

Coinciding with the arrival of the first models, Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE celebrate the new all-electric Taycan Cross Turismo with a video that showcases the model being pushed to its limits in two remote locations with opposing climatic extremes. It is the first time an automotive brand released a campaign video captured entirely by a first-person view (FPV) drone. Two identical race tracks, one in the sandy desert in Liwa (UAE) and the other on a snow-blanketed frozen lake north of the Arctic circle in Levi (Finland), play host to the project titled Drive2Extreme. Drone innovator Johnny Schaer,…

Škoda Auto India recently unveiled the all-new Octavia at an ex-showroom price of Rs 25.99 lacs nationwide. In its fourth generation, the sedan carries forward Škoda Auto’s model offensive campaign for India that it began two decades ago. Along with a new look, here are some exciting updates that the sedan gets: The new Octavia is 4,689 mm long, 1,469 mm tall, 1,829 mm wide,  and comes with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm.  In Octavia’s front section is a classic robust grill, followed by narrower, new headlights featuring Bi-LED technology and daytime running lights as standard. The Octavia is available…

In collaboration with the Lego Group, Automobili Lamborghini has built a life-size replica of the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37, using over 400,000 Lego Technic elements. Following the launch of the 1:8 scale Lego Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 last year, this life-size model replicates the limited-edition Italian super sportscar on a much grander scale. Using 154 different types of Lego elements, including 20 moulded specifically for this project, the 2,200 kg model embodies the unmistakable design of the Lamborghini Sián down to the most minute details, perfectly mirroring the car’s dimensions to the millimetre. “Lamborghini is a dream for people…

Kia Corporation recently revealed the official images of the all-new Sportage, one of the most popular models in its stable. While the updated SUV is yet to go into production, the pictures reveal pretty exciting car features. Here are some of the best: The elongated grille links Kia’s modern signature Tiger Nose grille, which acts as the car’s visual focal point – to the distinctive futuristic-styled boomerang-shaped DRLs (daytime running lamps) to create solid boundary lines for the striking headlamps.  The side profile of the all-new Sportage stays true to its sports utility DNA, with taut lines cutting across pure,…

Lamborghini recently unveiled the Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder in India. The new V10 model brings the freedom of open-air driving and lightweight engineering, with rear-wheel drive and a specially tuned Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS). With a 0-100 km/h acceleration of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 324 km/h, like its coupé stablemate, the Spyder is an intuitive driver’s car, delivering a fun-to-drive experience via hardware rather than software. India’s first Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder in Blu Sideris was delivered today. Francesco Scardaoni, Regional Director for Automobili Lamborghini in the Asia Pacific, said, “Huracán EVO RWD…

Mercedes-Benz, the country’s largest luxury carmaker recently broke into the ultra-luxurious SUV segment with the introduction of the first-ever SUV in its Maybach range of vehicles. The pinnacle in refinement and comfort, Mercedes-Maybach represents ‘Ultimate Luxury’ in its most contemporary, purest form. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC sets a new benchmark in India’s luxury SUV segment and is unmatched with its exquisite offerings.    Apart from being the first Maybach SUV, the GLS Maybach 600 will only be the second Maybach model rolled out in the Indian market, following the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Launching this ultra-luxury SUV in India, Martin Schwenk, Managing…

Kingston Technology recently announced its new high-performance, enthusiast and gaming brand: Kingston FURY. The leading gaming manufacturer and parts maker has rebranded its DRAM, flash and SSD gaming line into Kingston FURY. “We are extremely proud to debut the new Kingston FURY brand representing the highest-performing memory modules for PC enthusiasts and gamers,” the company stated. “Kingston’s core strength and global leadership as a manufacturer of quality DRAM and flash solutions brings resources and enthusiasm to the brand and firmly demonstrates our dedication to both performance and reliability.” The company will soon unveil its full line of FURY DDR4 and…

Porsche Centre Mumbai recently delivered its first 718 Cayman GT4 through its newly opened dealership under Infinity Cars. The keys of not only a GT4 but a Macan as well were handed over to the proud owner through an intimate celebration yesterday. The Cayman GT4 costs around Rs 2 crores (ex-showroom). The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is the perfect sports car for those who like to push the limits, for those who take fun seriously and would rather sit in a sports seat than a leather armchair. The 718 Cayman GT4 is fitted with everything which makes your pulse race.…

Kia India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kia Corporation, has introduced an integrated solution application called ‘Kia Digi-Connect’ to further enrich the digital buying experience for its customers. This is an industry-first video-based live sales consultation solution by the Korean carmaker, which is offered through website scheduling and integration with the company’s CRM system. This one-of-a-kind customised application will enable customers to connect with their nearest dealerships and get complete assistance using a video conference platform, offering them a showroom-like experience. Developed bearing in mind the current pandemic situation, the innovative solution will ensure customers’ safety and expedite and improve their…

Data storage has evolved from storing bits of data in room-sized devices to uploading unlimited data on the cloud. Here’s a quick rundown of some fun trivia! 1725 was when Basile Bouchon invented the first storage device, called a punch card. 1928 was when the replacement of punch cards, the magnetic tape was patented 48 KB was the capacity of a Magnetic Drum Random Access Memory (RAM) was invented in 1948 Initially, RAM stored only 1024 bits. Magnetic tape had a storage capacity of 231 KB. The first HDD had a purchase price (per GB) of $10,000,000. The first HDD…

Electric vehicles have firmly established themselves as the imminent future, and while the world is adapting to them, manufacturers are already racing to be the best in the lot. While some are yet to find the recipe for success, others have created true masterpieces. Be it the fastest electric motorcycle or the most luxurious one; we can safely say that the electric future is indeed upon us. Consider The Arc Vector. From its thoughtful, trendy neo-cafe racer design to the innovative tech it offers, something is awe-inspiring about this premium motorbike for everyone. Powered by a Samsung battery, the Arc…

Maserati has been determined to redefine modern parameters of automobile technology. Following the 2018 launch of Levante Trofeo, the SUV’s most extreme, most potent version, the new Quattroporte and Ghibli Trofeo are now available. To highlight Maserati’s all-Italian identity, the colours chosen for the Trofeo collection launch are those of the country’s flag: green for Quattroporte, white for Levante and red for Ghibli. Among the plethora of features it has to offer, here are some of the best: The heart of Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo is the 3.8 litre Twin Turbo V8 that makes 580hp of maximum power and a…

When it comes to gaming, there is hardly any doubt that DotA is one of, if not the most influential and lucrative game of all time. Since its inception, it has amassed a large and loyal following of millions of players. Despite DotA being a free-to-play game, its community ensures that its creator, Valve, is heartily remunerated. Be it via skin grabs or tournament passes, but player transactions have admittedly been one of the significant sources of funding for DotA 2 prize pools. But how did it go from being a simple mod to an international sensation? Well, it’s quite…