Advait Berde, Author at Exhibit Tech

Audi S5 Sportback makes its debut in India!

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced the launch of the new Audi S5 Sportback in India. Powering the latest Audi S5 Sportback is a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo TFSI petrol engine delivering 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. The four-door sports coupe is being brought to India via the CBU route and is priced at Rs 79.06 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The Audi S5 Sportback is the second product launch this year, and we are excited to launch this beauty in India. The Audi S5 Sportback stands out for its distinctive styling, engaging driving experience, on the one hand, everyday usability and five-seat comfort on the other. Glamorous, powerful and practical, it is an enticing proposition for buyers who want it all. The introduction of the Audi S5 Sportback will further strengthen our performance cars portfolio in the country.”
The Audi S5 Sportback receives revised styling elements that add in even more visual drama. The Singleframe grille is now with sleeker slits above, forming a link to the iconic Audi Sport Quattro from 1984. S model bumpers with more oversized air intakes and a slick blade that includes the lower edge of the front bumper also lend the Audi S5 Sportback a bolder look. The 48.26 cm, five double-arm S Design alloy wheels and optional red brake callipers add to the sportiness of the S5 Sportback. Simultaneously, the redone diffuser only helps embellish the perfect proportions and flowing four-door coupe shape.
Inside, the Audi S5 Sportback offers a brilliant blend of comfort and sportiness. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, sporty front seats and Alcantara leather upholstery set the tone for the cabin. Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, an updated MMI system and a panoramic glass sunroof are amongst other highlights inside. A heads-up display and a 19 speaker, 755W Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound system with 3D sound are optional upgrades available to buyers.

At the heart of the Audi S5 Sportback is a 3.0-litre TFSI engine with direct and indirect fuel injection, turbo-charging, and Audi valvelift, putting out 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque. All this power is sent to all four wheels via Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, with a self-locking differential, and propels the car to 100 km/h in a quick 4.8 seconds.
Mr Dhillon further added, “With the introduction of new products, we focus on customer delight across segments. Our sales in tier-II and III cities are also growing, and we expect it to pick up further during the year. 2021 is an exciting year for Audi India, and customers will be thrilled with what lies ahead for the brand Audi. All I can say at this moment is, stay tuned for lots of action in the coming months!”
Customers can visit the official website and experience the Audi S5 Sportback in Augmented Reality. Through Augmented Reality and the 360-degree product visualiser, customers can view the inside and outside of the Audi S5 Sportback and book it online from the comfort of their home or register their interest at the nearest Audi India dealership. Potential customers and enthusiasts also get access to features including Augmented Reality, placement of test drive requests, product brochures, and service cost calculators, amongst other things, on the latest version of the ‘myAudi Connect’ App.
Exterior Design:
Effortless grace and intelligent design

Large surfaces, sharp edges, an exciting play of light and shadow – the exterior design of the S5 embodies the progressive Audi design language.
Striking shoulder line arches dynamically above the wheel housing.
The wide, low single-frame grille features three-dimensional aluminium struts and is flanked by standard Matrix LED headlights.
U-shaped clasps structure large, pentagonal air inlets, partly filled with honeycomb grilles and separate openings, allowing direct airflow into the wheel housing for improved aerodynamics.
Exterior mirrors have aluminium-look housing, and the powerfully contoured side sills are particularly eye-catching.
The Audi S5 Sportback has a spoiler integrated into the luggage compartment lid. LED rear lights with dynamic turn signals are standard.
There is a choice of eight paint finishes, including Turbo Blue, Daytona Gray, and Tango red.
The 48.26 cm, five double-arm S-style Graphite Gray alloys and optional red brake callipers add to the sportiness of the Audi S5 Sportback.

Users can select an optional black styling package to make the Audi S5 Sportback stand out even more.

Interior design:
Style and functionality

Horizontal lines characterise the design. A wide band of air vents, an elegant air conditioning panel, and a large decorative surface define the instrument panel layout.
The large glass panoramic sunroof provides a glorious view of the sky from inside the car.
Electrically adjustable front Sports seats with driver-side memory are standard.
Seat coverings are available in a leather/Alcantara combination, and you can choose from the Black and Rotor Gray colours.
The illuminated door sill strips, the sport leather flat-bottom steering wheel with multifunction plus, and the clasp on the Tiptronic selector lever bear the S logo with a red rhombus.
The pedal caps and footrest are stainless steel; the inlays are made of matt-brushed aluminium with additional options to choose from.
Contour Ambient lighting that you can control and choose from 30 different colours.
The S5 Sportback features 3-zone automatic air conditioning as standard.

Controls and infotainment:
Well-connected and informed

The MMI system onboard the S5 model offers a highly modern control logic.
Features an intelligent free-text search function and a voice control function that recognises inputs from everyday speech.
Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus offers a fully digital instrument cluster for the flexible and need-based display of information relevant to the driver.
Innovative, fully digital 31.24 cm instrument cluster in full HD resolution, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus comes with three customisable view modes: Sport, S performance & Dynamic.
The optional heads-up display projects essential data onto the windshield as symbols and digits.
The infotainment system is modular, with MMI navigation plus MMI touch and a 25.65 cm monitor topping the infotainment range.
Audi Sound system is standard and can be upgraded to Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound system with a 3D sound with 19 speakers with a maximum of 755W.

Smart features:

The Audi smartphone interface helps you get easy access to your phone system, navigation, music, and third-party apps via the MMI touch display or smartphone.
The optionally available Audi Park Assist works in tandem with the Parking System to identify suitable bay and kerb-sized parking spaces using ultrasonic sensors. While the driver accelerates and changes gears, the system automatically steers the vehicle during parking.
Optional Comfort Key with sensor-controlled luggage compartment release.

Driving Dynamics:
3.0 TFSI: Firepower

The 3.0 TFSI, V6 petrol engine, uses turbocharging and a combination of direct injection and indirect injection for best efficiency and performance.
The output is 354 hp (260 kW), and 500 Nm of torque is available between 1,370 and 4,500 rpm.
A sporty exhaust note provides a fitting soundtrack
The start-stop system helps reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by switching the engine off when the vehicle is stationary. Users can deactivate the system at any time via a button.

The eight-speed Tiptronic: lightning-fast and smooth

The 3.0 TFSI transmits its power to a lightning-fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic transmission system.
Lower gears feature short, sporty ratios, while the upper gears are long enough to reduce revs and fuel consumption.
Let the torque converter automatic transmission work independently, or one can choose to switch to manual for more control.
Shift sequence and connection logic are optimised for the rapid development of traction.

Quattro permanent all-wheel drive and sporty suspension:

Self-locking centre differential with Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system transfers power from the eight-speed Tiptronic to all four wheels.
Torque is typically distributed in a ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axle.
S Sports Suspension is standard and can be upgraded to the sophisticated S Sports Suspension with Damper Control that contributes to the sporty driving dynamics of the Audi S5 Sportback.
The S Sports suspension with Damper Control comes with damper settings for more direct contact with the road and sportier handling.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste review: Hasty Jerry

HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a mouse that will put most gamers in the same doubt, is lighter indeed better? Well, the answers might differ; but everybody who has experienced the mouse will agree on one thing: lighter is faster!

First impressions:

The mouse fits in the hand like it has been customised for the player. With a black matte colour on a hexagonal comb shell, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a sleek and minimalistic mouse. The cover exposes the internals too, which is an interesting touch. However, that’s not the only purpose it serves. The shell primarily helps to shed off a considerable amount of weight while retaining its strength and durability.

The box it comes with also has extra rubber grips for the buttons and the sides. It also has an extra set of PTFE skates that can keep the mouse running smoothly for longer. Since the honeycomb shell design extends to the mouse buttons, the rubber grips provide much-needed functionality.

Usage:

Being customisable up to 16000 dpi, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is lightning fast. It also has six programmable buttons, including the left and right clickers, to increase the accessibility on-screen. However, since the mouse has a compact design, the buttons can feel too clumped-up and a little cumbersome to use.

The mouse also features RGB colours only under its scroll wheel, which makes it look slightly underwhelming. Nevertheless, it is a nifty indicator of the mouse’s position if you are playing in darkness and lift your hand off the mouse. The HyperFlex cable also ensures zero entanglements no matter how you jerk or pull the mouse. Being lightweight and petite, it does not tire the hand, and I could use it effortlessly for hours on end. The open design also massively supports airflow and ventilation, preventing the mouse from overheating at any point.

Verdict:

The mouse will ensure long hours of use without exhaustion and add slight flair to your setup. However, its compactness proves to be a hurdle for people with rigid palms or oversized hands. Not that it is a drawback, but that is where its bigger competitors will hold ground better. With a price tag of Rs 3,890, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste might not be the cheapest option on the market, but it is indeed the sleekest. It will be available on Amazon from March 22nd.

ASUS India Introduces Industry-First Features with Latest ROG Strix Series

The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced a new range of PC lineups featuring the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Mobile Processors in India. The new range of laptops includes ROG Strix SCAR 15/17, Strix G17/G15, TUF A15 and ROG Strix Desktop GA35, which feature the art technology state and are designed to give the best gaming experience to consumers. These machines are engineered from the ground up to provide esports players and enthusiasts with an uncompromising gaming experience in competitive tournaments.

The flagship Strix SCAR 15 and Scar 17 integrate the latest innovations to keep the most demanding gamers at the top of their game. It introduces a fast laptop display with a 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. They come further equipped with powerful new GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs and Ryzen 5000 H-Series Mobile Processors that help the hardware reach its full potential with radically redesigned fans and other cooling upgrades.

Both Strix SCAR 15 and 17 are the first in the Strix series to come with an optical-mechanical keyboard, delivering rapid response and high durability at the same time. While a higher screen-to-body ratio puts the user closer to the action, a smaller footprint and a bigger battery with Type-C charging support maximise portability. Laptops are built with quad speakers backed by Dolby Atmos technology to offer a more immersive audio experience, while the Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation processes both input and output audio to make your chats crystal-clear and disturbance-free.

ROG today also launched the ROG Strix G15 and ROG Strix G17, which incorporate the new ROG gaming laptop DNA, making stylish designs accessible to all gamers. These systems complete a 2021 ROG Strix family engineered to enhance the everyday gamer experience and give serious esports players the edge they need to succeed.

Today, ASUS ROG also introduced the ROG Strix GA35 gaming desktop for those looking for extra power and the freedom to upgrade and customise. The device’s top variants come with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card and AMD’s 12 core Ryzen R9-5900X CPU. The cabinet has been designed to maintain optimal airflow to keep the device cool.
In addition to the Strix range, ASUS ROG also introduced its brand new TUF A15, featuring AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 H-series Chipset, and it is equipped with a Ryzen 7 mobile CPU built with cutting-edge 7nm technology. The device is built to handle any workload, from gaming and game streaming to content creation. The laptop is also equipped with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with real-time ray tracing that provides realistic in-game lighting and other effects and accelerates content creation tasks video and photo editing.
Commenting on the launch of a new range of gaming computers, Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, stated, “At ASUS we have always been proud of being able to give our customers the best possible experience when it comes to Gaming. Our new range of devices comes packed to the brim with the latest technological innovations that give competitive gamers an edge and casual players a whole new level of immersion. We have introduced the industry’s fastest display and innovative cooling solutions to boost gamers’ in-game experience. With the new set of devices, we are further positive to alleviate India’s consumers’ gaming journey.”
“2021 is about technology innovation and creating immersive experiences, where hardware capabilities like AMD Ryzen Processors further elevate PC and mobile gaming,” said Vinay Sinha, Managing Director, India Sales, AMD. “ASUS and AMD’s long-term commitment to gaming has enabled us to enthral consumers with our premium gaming designs. With the launch of the new ROG Strix range, AMD’s “Zen 3” core architecture lets the Ryzen HX series processor deliver elite-level performance to gamers and creators who demand the best.”

ASUS India launches TUF Dash F15 Gaming Laptop

ASUS India today announced the expansion of its TUF laptop portfolio in India with the new TUF Dash F15. This super-slim 15-inch device represents portability and a thin and light design. Engineered to empower users with the ability to game, work, and stay productive anywhere, the new Asus laptop comes with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H processor and GeForce RTX 3070/ 3060 GPU for unbeatable performance. The laptop was unveiled globally during a virtual conference at CES 2021 and is finally set to mark India.
The powerful core experience is equipped with high-end features not typically seen at accessible price points, such as a tournament-level gaming panel with up to a 240Hz refresh rate, a versatile Thunderbolt 4 port and a Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation technology. With an extended battery that nets up to 16.6 hours of video playback and Type-C charging that extends battery life from various adapters and power packs, gamers can be productive longer on the go. The TUF Dash F15 fits all these features in a stylish chassis that is easy to carry and boosts productivity without sacrificing the TUF Gaming series’ signature military-grade durability.
Commenting on the launch, Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, stated, “We at ASUS aim at empowering our consumers with products that boost their productivity while uplifting their performance with industry-leading technologies. Our TUF Gaming series resonates with this synergy and is designed to augment your gaming experience by making it accessible to all. Powered by 11th Gen Intel Core processors, TUF Dash F15 is set to create new experiences and replicate its success by creating new milestones in the Indian market. We are attuned to evolving consumer requirements and have them at the core of our product development strategy. With our latest offering, we further aim at elevating their gaming experience.”
Rahul Malhotra, Director – Consumer Sales, Intel India, said, “Intel’s new line of 11th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processors pushes the limits of what is possible for enthusiast-level gaming in ultraportable form factors. This combination of performance and sleek design is built for anyone who needs a laptop that can go anywhere and do everything.”

Slim and stylish design to suit every lifestyle:
The all-new Dash F15 is lighter and thinner than standard TUF Gaming laptops, with only 19.9 mm thin and 2kg weight, while still meeting MIL-STD-810H military standards. It has been rigorously tested to survive everything from extreme environments and ambient vibrations to accidental knocks and bumps, making it a device that’s reliable to take on the road.
Because it represents such a new direction for TUF Gaming, Dash F15 was designed with a streamlined new look and feel. Moonlight White and Eclipse Gray colour options are both professional and understated, accentuated by bolt blue backlighting on the keyboard. The refreshed TUF logo boasts a modern look that evokes the series’s strength, while the thin lettering across the lid underscores the slim new design direction.
Latest 11th Gen Intel Core laptop that goes everywhere and does everything:
Users can play more than a game with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H processor. The CPU clocks up to an astounding 4.8GHz, nearly matching the fastest desktop processors’ frequency – enabling fantastic performance in a thin chassis. It also features four lanes of CPU-attached PCI Gen 4 for high bandwidth to connect the latest discrete graphics, accelerating everything from gaming and streaming to intensive tasks like compiling code.
Intel shares ROG’s vision of rugged ultra-slim gaming laptops that let users work and play in more places. TUF Dash results from close collaboration with a fine-tuned performance that allows the processor to reach its full potential and sustain high speed while gaming.
Room for up to 32 GB of DDR4-3200MHz memory means there’s enough RAM for productive multitasking and content creation. Everything loads at warp speed thanks to a PCI Express SSD that makes systems feel more responsive. Up to 1 TB of space holds a massive collection of games, while an additional SSD slot makes it easy to add terabytes of extra capacity for massive multimedia files and more.
Dash F15 features an easy-upgrade design that puts the SO-DIMM slot and both M.2 slots just behind the bottom panel, held in place with standard Philips screws. A special pop-open screw pushes the bottom corner away from the chassis, so it’s easy to get under the hood fast. The surrounding hooks holding the edges together are smaller and more robust than conventional counterparts, making it easier to lift off the panel without scuffing the body or special tools.

Powered by Ampere
Graphics power is assured with up to a GeForce RTX 3070/3060 GPU clocked up to 1390 MHz at 80W with ROG Boost, allowing it to pump out massive frame rates in the latest blockbuster games and popular esports titles alike.
Built on NVIDIA’s latest Ampere architecture, this all-new GPU blends traditional CUDA processing cores with 2nd generation RT and 3rd generation Tensor cores to accelerate ray tracing and artificial intelligence. This combination of cores enables realistic in-game lighting and effects, and it also speeds up other computationally intensive work like AI deep learning.
A powerful GPU puts triple-digit FPS within reach in popular games, but a fast display is essential to get the full effect. A gaming panel with up to a 240 Hz refresh rate offers gamers the same edge as esports athletes, with a 3ms response time that reduces motion blur to make fast-paced target tracking more precise. This top IPS-level panel option covers 100% of the sRGB spectrum, the most widely used digital colour space, letting users game, create, and do more in true colour.
Other configurations of the Dash F15 feature a 144 Hz display that still offers competitive gaming speed, more than doubling conventional laptop displays’ refresh rate. The panel maintains colours and contrasts across wide viewing angles, so you can set off to the side while playing games or streaming videos with friends.
Adaptive-Sync support across all display options enables ultra-smooth gameplay by synchronising the refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate, reducing lag, minimising stuttering, and eliminating visual tearing. The display is framed by 6.2 mm super-narrow bezels that minimise distractions from the action. The slim border shrinks the footprint of the chassis, too, making the laptop more compact.

Portable power
Working anywhere is more flexible with excellent battery life. Up to 16.6 hours of continuous video playback time means gamers can stream or take care of other tasks without tethering themselves to an outlet. When a full recharge is needed, the new fast-charging technology takes the battery from 0% to 50% in under 30 minutes. Battery life can be extended even further with Type-C charging support that can top off a charge from compatible adapters and power packs.
Type-C adapters up to 100W are supported, meaning users can travel lighter and save the standard AC adapter for gaming or other intensive tasks that require full performance. The Type-C port works with Thunderbolt4 and USB4, connecting to the latest generation of premium devices.
Thunderbolt4 lets users plug in a docking station to drive a desktop setup or hook up an external GPU to boost gaming performance and overall graphics power on demand. Dash F15 is also equipped with a wide variety of additional ports that keep users flexible for any situation.
Three USB 3.2 Type-A ports make room for vital peripherals like a gamepad, mouse, and external storage. HDMI 2.0b can be connected to a wide range of displays at resolutions up to 4K. The Type-A port also doubles as a DisplayPort 1.4 output, making it simple to connect to a secondary display. Getting online is comfortable with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). It’s hard to beat wireless networking convenience, but wired connections have lower latency for severe multiplayer gaming, so Gigabit Ethernet is also included.

Comprehensive cooling
Advanced cooling enables the Dash F15 to fit top tier processors in a super slim form factor. A substantial heat spreader and five copper heat pipes distribute thermal energy from the CPU, GPU, VRAM, and VRM into four heatsinks, each lined with thin fins that maximise surface area for heat dissipation and minimise resistance to airflow.
Dual fans channel air through four outlets that expel heat faster and less noise than typical ultra-slim designs. The N-Blade fans are specially sculpted to move more air. They’re made from a special liquid crystal polymer that creates enough space to fit 83 blades per fan and ensure that each edge is strong enough to hold high RPMs. Such high blade density means each fan can draw and push more air per rotation, cooling components faster. With 0dB Technology, the fans switch off completely when CPU and GPU temperatures drop below 50°C in the Silent operating mode. This makes cooling truly silent under light workloads.
The self-cleaning cooling module maintains long-term stability and performance by preventing the build-up of critical components like fan blades and heatsink fins. Updated anti-dust tunnels are shorter to create more airflow space around the fan while still redirecting particles away from necessary hardware. Users can take fine-tuned control of Dash F15 with Scenario Profiles, in which users can switch seamlessly between three operating modes that mix different cooling and performance profiles.
Turbo mode delivers maximum performance and fan speeds for intensive tasks, while Performance mode optimises speed and acoustics for the best gaming experience. Silent mode reduces power and noise for lighter loads like web surfing and video streaming. Users can set scenario Profiles to trigger when they launch specific apps and games automatically. They can also change additional system settings, like the display profile and behaviour of the Windows key.

Premium sound
Dash F15 is topped off with a range of premium features that enhance its everyday user experience for gaming, entertainment, and more.
Voice chat is crystal clear thanks to the new Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation technology. This advanced technology removes a broad range of unwanted background noise from both input and output audio, meaning that both the user’s voice and incoming communications are fuzz-free. It supports any input device, and noise cancellation settings can be applied and adjusted for specific apps, so unwanted sounds can be filtered out of voice chat software without adversely affecting game audio or music apps. Best of all, this technology runs on the CPU, allowing the GPU to focus all its resources on maximising gaming performance.
A new, quiet keyboard design keeps inputs under 30dB. Commands can be input freely and discreetly, no matter where users want to play. Its desktop-style design is optimised for gaming, with four dedicated hotkeys that allow quick access to essential features like volume, mic mute, and Armoury Crate. Function keys are separated into the usual groups to make shortcuts more intuitive, while arrow keys are offset for effortless navigation. The stealthy keyboard switches have a 1.7mm travel distance that makes typing more comfortable.
Entertainment experiences are more immersive with DTS:X Ultra technology that brings 7.1-channel virtual surround sound to stereo headsets and speakers. Users can choose between built-in presets for games, movies, and sports or customise their tuning with an embedded equaliser.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICING:

Product	Colour and Price	Availability
ASUS TUF Dash F15	Eclipse Grey – Rs 1,39,990/ Moonlight White – Rs 1,40,990/	End of March’21 – Across all channels – Online (Flipkart * Amazon) and Offline, ASUS Exclusive Stores and ROG Stores

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor

11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H

Graphics

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 6 GB GDDR6 VRAM

Operating system

Windows 10 Home

Display

IPS FHD, 240Hz/3ms, 100% sRGB, Adaptive sync
IPS FHD, 144Hz

Memory

DDR4-3200MHz
1*Onboard support up to 8GB, 1*SO-DIMM support up to 32GB

Storage

Up to 2 x M.2 2230 PCIe SSD 1TB

Keyboard

1.7mm travel distance/Bolt-blue backlight

Audio

Two speakers, DTSX: Ultra
Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation

WiFi / Bluetooth

Wi-Fi 6 802.11AX + BT 5.2 (The Version of BT may change as OS upgrades)

I/O Ports

1 x Thunderbolt4 (Support USB4.0, Display port 1.4a, PD3.0)
3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Type-A)
1 x HDMI 2.0
1 x 3.5mm audio jack
1 x Kensington lock
1 x RJ45

Battery

76 Wh

Power Supply

200W power adapter
Support for 100W PD Charging

Size

360 x 252 x 19.9 mm

Weight

2 kg

ASUS ROG Phone 5: Evolution complete

Gaming expert and tech giant ASUS has officially launched the latest entry in its ROG Phone series, the ROG Phone 5. Built with dedicated gaming hardware and supported by an extensive list of gaming paraphernalia, the ROG Phone 5 poses as a serious competitor in its segment. That said, here is everything you need to know about the ROG Phone 5.

Display:

ASUS has equipped the ROG Phone 5 with a 6.78” HDR10+, 144Hz, AMOLED display custom made for ROG Phone 5 by Samsung. It is one of the fastest displays available. The display is 23% brighter than the previous ROG Phone while allowing a minimum brightness of only 5 nits.

Processor:

The ROG Phone 5 gets a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform paired with up to 18GB of RAM. It incorporates an overclocked Adreno 660 GPU that delivers 35% better performance than the last generation of the ROG Phone.

Battery:

The battery utilizes an MMT design consisting of two 3000mAh cells that allow for up to 65W fast charging and produce less heat during demanding tasks such as gaming. The dual-cell design also makes it possible to position the SoC in the middle of the frame, creating a perfect weight balance and superior cooling solution via an external cooler (sold separately).

Hardware:

The ROG Phone 5 has two symmetrical 7-magnet 12×16 Super Linear Speakers powered by Cirrus Logic CS35L45 mono amplifiers. ASUS has reintroduced the 3.5mm jack that was missing from the ROG Phone 3. The phone has a side-mounted port that gamers can use to charge the phone while gaming in landscape mode. It also works with USB-C to HDMI, USB-C headphones or the AeroActive Cooler 5.
However, the phone’s highlight is the AirTrigger 5 – touch-based ultrasonic buttons & motion sensor trigger. It offers better sensitivity, better positioning (closer to edge for smaller hands) and plenty of new motion control gestures. Up to 18 specific touchpoints on the screen can be mapped (with the AeroActive Cooler 5 and ROG Phone 5 Pro or Ultimate). Users can even use the AirTrigger 5 system outside of games to activate useful actions or apps with a simple squeeze motion while in portrait mode.
The company’s signature AeroActive Cooler also gets upgraded with a new layout. The GameCool 5 cooling system sits right above the CPU and can, without much noise, deliver up to a 10°C drop in CPU temperature without any external power needed. It also adds two physical AirTrigger buttons, a kickstand and a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can charge the phone while using the standard 3.5mm headphones without any cables getting in the way.

X-Mode & Armoury Crate:

X-Mode and Armoury Crate are the cornerstones of performance tuning and customization in the ROG Phone series. X-Mode allows the user to set a wider variety of performance parameters, from CPU/GPU performance to touch sensitivity settings and display refresh rate.
Through Armoury Crate, users can customize performance, touch, display and network-related settings on a game-by-game basis.

Multiple Optional Gaming Accessories:

ROG Kunai 3 Gamepad for ROG Phone 5 (updated version) – A modular gamepad with two sizes that Users can also attach to the phone via a special bumper. You can control any game with the ASUS Game Genie Key Mapping feature.
Professional Dock – An expansion dock that allows ROG Phone 5 to connect to an HDMI display and two more USB devices to utilize the ASUS Game Genie Key Mapping feature.
ROG Clip – Attach your phone to a PS4, Xbox or Stadia controller with an adjustable arm.
Lighting Armor Case – Protective case designed for the ROG Phone 5. It has a big light-up ROG logo powered via pogo-pins. It does work with the Pro and Ultimate editions, but the ROG Vision display will, of course, be covered.

The ROG Phone 5 will be on sale in India from April 21, 2021, and will be exclusively available on Flipkart. It will have a base price of Rs 49,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and will go up to Rs 79,999 for the top-spec 18GB+256GB Ultimate edition.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V launched – The ‘Most Powerful’ in its class

TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers worldwide, introduced the 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V motorcycle today. The motorcycle continues to stay true to its racing pedigree by offering increased power and torque in line with its customers’ evolving needs, thereby ensuring the best performance and power of 17.63 PS – making it the ‘Most Powerful’ motorcycle in its class.
Speaking on occasion, Mr Meghashyam Dighole, Head – (Marketing) Premium Motorcycles, TVS Motor Company, said, “Backed by 38 years of racing pedigree, the new 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers best-in-class performance with enhanced power to weight ratio and increased torque, offering our customers better-riding experiences along with advanced technologies. TVS Apache has always been committed to scaling higher benchmarks for customer satisfaction. We are confident that these enhancements will further strengthen the success story of our TVS Apache RTR 160 4V motorcycle.”

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V motorcycle gets an advanced engine 159.7 cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve, oil-cooled engine, that now churns out 17.63 PS at 9250 RPM and 14.73 Nm torque at 7250 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed super-slick gearbox that offers an authentic and powerful riding experience. The motorcycle comes with an all-new dual tone seat with a carbon fibre pattern and LED headlamp with claw-styled position lamps adding to its overall premium appeal. Additionally, the motorcycle has become lighter with a two kg weight reduction, with the disc variant weighing 147kg and the drum variant weighing 145 kg.
The new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V motorcycle will be available in three colours: Racing Red, Knight Black and Metallic Blue. It will be available in two variants at the current price; Disc priced at ₹ 110,320 (ex-showroom Delhi) and the Drum priced at ₹ 107,270 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Kia teases upcoming EV, confirms new platform

Kia Corporation has revealed the first official images of the EV6 – it’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), built on its new EV platform (Electric-Global Modular Platform, or E-GMP).
EV6 is also the first of Kia’s next-generation BEVs to be developed under a new design philosophy that embodies Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification.
“EV6 is the embodiment of both our brand purpose, ‘Movement that inspires’, and our new design philosophy. It has been designed to inspire every journey by offering an intuitive and natural experience that improves the daily lives of our customers and provide user ownership that is simple, intuitive and integrated,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. “We aim to design the physical experience of our brand and to create bold, original and inventive electric vehicles.”

Kia’s new naming strategy for upcoming dedicated BEVs

As part of its brand transition, Kia’s new reliable battery electric vehicles will be named according to a new naming strategy. The new approach brings simplicity and consistency to Kia’s EV nomenclature across all global markets.
All of Kia’s new dedicated BEVs will start with the prefix “EV”, making it easy for consumers to understand which of Kia’s products are fully electric. This is followed by a number that corresponds to the car’s position in the line-up.
Designed and engineered to embody Kia’s new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’, EV6 will make its world premiere during the first quarter of 2021.

MINI launches in locally-produced Countryman in India

The new MINI Countryman was launched in India today. Locally-produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the new MINI Countryman will be available in two petrol variants – MINI Countryman Cooper S and MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired. Bookings and test drives are open at all MINI authorized dealers and the MINI Online Shop.
Mr Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “The new MINI Countryman inspires you to take the path to new experiences and new horizons of the mind. This versatile sports activity vehicle (SAV) is just like home to an urban jungle as it is to the great outdoors. Its adrenaline-pumping engine, elegant interior design features and latest technology blend harmoniously together. The new MINI Countryman guarantees exciting new experiences, whether on a planned holiday or a spontaneous getaway. We are pleased to launch the new MINI Countryman for the first time with an all-in ‘Absolute Value’ offer for our customers that ensures a comprehensive ownership experience.”
The ex-showroom prices of the two petrol engine variants are as follows:
MINI Countryman Cooper S: INR 39,50,000 MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired: INR 43,40,000
The new MINI Countryman adds a refreshed look with its inspiring design, new features and technology, making it a perfect companion for long journeys or city drives and comes for the first time with an all-in ‘Absolute Value’ offer. For a fixed EMI, customers can own the versatile new MINI Countryman for a period of 3 or 4 years with a secure and comprehensive ownership package that includes Service Inclusive Plus, Repair Inclusive, MINI Secure, Assured Buy-back Value with MINI 360°, Loyalty / Trade-in offer as well as an attractive 20% discount on MINI Accessories & Lifestyle. The all-in “Absolute Value” offer will be available on both variants of the new MINI Countryman until the end of June 2021. Further details on the offer are available at all MINI authorized dealerships.
The new MINI Countryman introduces two new colour options – White Silver and Sage Green, newly designed front and rear bumper, radiator grille, LED headlights and LED Rear Lights, now with Union Jack Design. The new 5.5-inch/13.97 cm Multifunction Full Digital Display, new Leather Chester Upholstery in Malt Brown and Satellite Grey with matching colour line, MINI Yours Interior Style Shaded Silver Illuminated interior surface trim, John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit and 7- Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Sports Transmission are exclusive to the new MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired.
The new MINI Countryman will be available in six striking colours, including Sage Green (new), White Silver (new), Midnight Black, Chilli Red, Island Blue and British Racing Green.
The exterior of the new MINI Countryman expresses the vehicle’s versatility, agility and premium character. Its powerful proportions lend a particularly distinctive presence that combines iconic MINI design language with enhanced functionality. Precise contours on the surface underline the car’s athletic shape and vertical orientation. Contrasting roofs, new LED headlights, LED rear lights in Union Jack Design, a new radiator grille, a new front and rear bumper and a 17-inch/43.18 cm Imprint Spoke Wheel in the Cooper S variant add a fresh new look to the already captivating design. The roof-rails in satin-finished aluminium are combined with silver-coloured side sill tops, thereby lending greater visual emphasis to the car’s height. The slightly asymmetrically rounded contour of the LED headlamp, together with the radiator grille, produces a distinctive front view. The John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit and 18 inches/ 45.72 cm John Cooper Works Thrill Spoke Wheel in the Cooper S JCW Inspired variant with Runflat tyres add to the overall style quotient of the vehicle.
The exquisite interior style blends modern aesthetics and refined craftsmanship with practical functionality. The typical MINI cockpit impresses with its clear horizontal structure, stretched lines and generously sized surfaces. MINI Countryman Cooper S comes with Interior Surface Piano Back with Leatherette Carbon Black Upholstery. Simultaneously, MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired offers a new trim MINI Your Interior Style Shaded Silver with options of either Leather Chester Malt Brown or Leather Chester Satellite Grey Upholstery. The colour lines are seen along the door panel, armrest surfaces and knee pads under the dashboard are now matched with the individual upholstery colours.
The MINI Excitement Pack features LED interior and ambient lighting, which illuminates the cockpit with a choice of selectable colours and a projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when opening and closing the car door.
John Cooper Works continues in the illuminated cockpit with the JCW Sports Leather Steering Wheel. The car is equipped with premium features such as the Harman Kardon Hi-Fi Speaker System, Panorama Glass Sunroof, and the MINI Wired Package, including the MINI Navigation System with Touch Controller Bluetooth mobile connectivity.
MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired introduces a new Multifunction Full Digital Display that offers a clear view of speed, gear, fuel level, mileage, temperature and navigation instructions. The Head-Up Display further helps keep eyes on the road without missing essential details such as driving speed and navigation instructions. The iconic circular central instrument panel is surrounded by an LED ring offering a brilliant colour display of 8.8-inch/22.35 cm touchscreen (6.5-inch/16.51cm in the Cooper S variant). The controller complements the intuitive use of the middle console for easy multimedia, phone and car functions. Wireless charging is also offered as standard in this variant.
The electric seat adjustment (with memory function for the driver) now offers enhanced head and shoulder space for both the driver and front passenger. The three full-fledged seats at the rear make for ample and comfortable seating for rear passengers. Using the cargo function, boot capacity can be increased from 450 litres to 1,390 litres by folding down the rear backrest with its 40:20:40 split. The new MINI Countryman can be parked in a scenic space, and you can enjoy the view with a unique Picnic Bench that folds out of the luggage compartment to provide seating space for two while protecting the clothing with a fender dirt protection flap. Automatic Tailgate combined with the Comfort Access System allows the boot to be opened and closed just by waving the foot under the rear fender.

When it comes to power, the new MINI Countryman makes no compromises. It is powered by the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, offering outstanding performance and efficiency. The 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo Technology puts the new MINI Countryman high on fuel performance and light. It mobilises a peak output of 192 hp/141 kW at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,350 – 4,600 rpm. It sprints to 100 km/hr in 7.5 seconds, and the top speed is 225 km/hr.
The new 7-Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Transmission in Cooper S and the 7-Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Sports Transmission in Cooper S JCW Inspired offers even more efficient, comfortable and sporty driving due to a broader gear spread and smaller engine speed steps. MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired features paddle shifters for an even sportier driving experience.
According to the driver’s preference, MINI Driving Modes enable an individualised vehicle set-up focusing on ride comfort, enhanced sportiness, and efficiency. In addition to the standard MID mode, there is a choice of SPORT and GREEN mode. Driver Assistance Systems include Cruise Control, Park Assistant, Rear View Camera and Head-Up Display.
The new MINI Countryman is stacked with cutting-edge safety technology. Standard safety equipment comprises front passenger airbags, Brake Assist, 3-Point Seat Belts, Dynamic Stability Control, Crash Sensor, Anti-lock Braking System, Cornering Brake Control Run-flat tyres as standard.
The standard MINIMALISM technology includes auto start/stop function, brake energy recuperation, active cooling air flaps and electromechanical power steering.

AMD amps up the game with the Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card!

AMD today introduced the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card, providing exceptional performance, stunningly vivid visuals and advanced software features to redefine 1440p resolution gaming.
Representing the cutting edge of engineering and design, the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards harness breakthrough AMD RDNA 2 gaming architecture, 96MB of high-performance AMD Infinity Cache, 12GB of high-speed GDDR6 memory, AMD Smart Access Memory and other advanced technologies to meet the ever-increasing demands of modern games. Delivering up to 2X higher gaming performance in select titles1 with unique new features compared to the current installed base of older-generation graphics cards and providing more than 165 FPS in select esports titles, the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card pushes the limits of gaming by enabling incredible, high-refresh 1440p performance and breathtaking visual fidelity.

“Modern games are more demanding than ever, requiring increasing levels of computing horsepower to deliver the breathtaking, immersive experiences gamers expect,” said Scott Herkelman, corporate vice president and general manager, Graphics Business Unit at AMD. “The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card hits the sweet spot for 1440p gaming. For most gamers still playing on three-to-four-year-old graphics cards, it is the perfect upgrade solution designed to deliver incredible visuals and no-compromises, high-refresh 1440p gaming performance at maximum settings.”
More than 40 system builders and OEMs are expected to launch high-performance desktop PCs powered by the new graphics card, taking advantage of this incredible performance. HP is expected to refresh two desktop gaming systems this Spring – the HP OMEN 25L and 30L – featuring AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards and AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Desktop Processors.
“Gamers are routinely on the lookout for the latest cutting-edge technologies to excel and immerse themselves in their favourite games,” said Judy Johnson, gaming platform head, HP Inc. “We’re thrilled to add the new AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards to our OMEN 25 and 30L Desktops to help power epic adventures across the globe.”
Exceptional 1440p Performance, Stunning Visuals and Unmatched Gaming Experiences
The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card is built on 7nm process technology and AMD RDNA 2 gaming architecture, designed to deliver the optimal combination of performance and power efficiency. Additional features and capabilities include:

AMD Infinity Cache – 96MB of last-level data cache on the GPU die provides up to 2.5X higher bandwidth at the same power level as traditional architectures to provide higher gaming performance.
AMD Smart Access Memory – Unlocks higher performance when pairing AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series graphics cards with AMD Ryzen 5000 or select Ryzen 3000 Series Desktop Processors and AMD 500-series motherboards. Providing AMD Ryzen processors with access to high-speed GDDR6 graphics memory can deliver a performance uplift of up to 16 per cent.
12GB High-Speed GDDR6 VRAM – Designed to handle the increasing texture loads and greater visual demands of today’s modern games at higher resolutions and max settings. The new graphics card with 12GB of GDDR6 memory allows gamers to efficiently power through today and tomorrow’s demanding AAA titles.
AMD FidelityFX – Integrated into more than 40 games and counting, AMD FidelityFX is an open-source toolkit of visual enhancement effects for game developers available at AMD GPUOpen. Optimised for AMD Radeon graphics, it includes a robust collection of rasterised lighting, shadow and reflection effects that the user can integrate into the latest games with minimal performance overhead.
Direct X Raytracing (DXR) – AMD RDNA 2 architecture-based graphics cards are optimised to deliver real-time lighting, shadow and reflection realism with DXR, providing a captivating gaming experience. When paired with AMD FidelityFX, developers can combine rasterised and ray-traced effects to offer an ideal balance of image quality and gaming performance.
AMD Radeon Anti-Lag – Now with support for the DirectX 12 API, AMD Radeon Anti-Lag decreases input-to-display response times, making games more responsive and offering competitive edge gameplay.
AMD Radeon Boost– Now with support for Variable Rate Shading, AMD Radeon Boost delivers up to a 27 per cent performance increase during fast-motion gaming scenarios by dynamically reducing image resolution or by varying shading rates for different regions of a frame, increasing framerates and fluidity, and bolstering responsiveness with virtually no perceptual impact on image quality.

“We’re excited to partner with AMD to bring the latest, much-anticipated entry in the Resident Evil franchise to PC gamers,” said Peter Fabiano, a producer at Capcom. “With the powerful Radeon RX 6000 Series graphics coupled with next-generation features and technologies, including AMD FidelityFX, raytracing and Variable Rate Shading, gamers can experience the ultimate fight for survival with visually stunning, insanely detailed characters and environments and high-performance gameplay.”
Driving High-Octane Performance with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team
AMD also announced a new collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team’s esports arm. Mercedes has selected the powerful combination of AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series graphics cards, AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Desktop Processors and advanced AMD Radeon Software technologies to power their Esports gaming rigs, delivering the highest framerates, low-latency gameplay and the smoothest driving experience, unlocking the drivers’ full potential. AMD provides an unmatched competitive edge in virtual racing.
Specifications, Pricing and Availability

Model	Compute Units	GDDR6	Game Clock (MHz)	Boost Clock (MHz)	Memory Interface	Infinity Cache	TBP	Price (USD SEP)
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT	40	12GB	2424	Up to 2581	192 bit	96MB	230W	$479

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards are expected to be available from AMD.com, from AMD board partners including ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, PowerColor, SAPPHIRE and XFX, and from etailers/retailers on March 18, 2021, starting at $479 SEP. The refreshed HP OMEN 25L and 30L desktop gaming systems are expected to be available this Spring. Other pre-built systems from OEM and SI partners are expected to become available in the coming months.

Urus marks its 100th footprint in India!

Urus, the Lamborghini Super SUV, has reached a prestigious milestone in delivering the 100th Urus in India. Since the first Urus delivery in India in September 2018, Urus has contributed significantly to India’s super sports car brand’s growth.

Commenting on the incredible achievement, Sharad Agarwal, Head of Lamborghini India, said, “The Urus has created a unique position for itself in the super-luxury car segment in India, not just by creating a completely new category but, more importantly, growing the entire segment. Urus has proven to be a game-changer for Lamborghini and currently contributes over 50 per cent of India’s brand’s volumes. While it offers an SUV versatility, it offers a super sports car’s driving dynamics and emotions. It has also, remarkably, helped penetrate tier 1 and 2 cities, gaining significant popularity among our group of clients.”
Embodying the Lamborghini DNA, the Urus opens new doors for customers to experience unprecedented SUV performance with a distinctive dynamic design and versatility for everyday usability. It is multi-dimensional and has a dual personality. Urus provides easy driving in the city, maximum comfort during long journeys, thrilling super sports car dynamics on the road and track, and versatile off-road abilities in various environments.
The Urus is equipped with a new front-mounted, 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbo engine capable of delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, a maximum of 6,800 rpm, and 850 Nm of maximum torque already at 2,250 pm. With 162.7 hp/l, the Urus is one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3.38 kg/hp.
The Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.8 seconds and with a top speed of 305 km/h, it is the fastest SUV available. Braking is no less impressive: the Urus decelerates from 100 km/h to 0 in 33.7 m.
Urus has up to six driving modes. The Tamburo driving mode selector on the centre console controls all dynamic vehicle systems and allows the selection of driving dynamics according to surface conditions or drivers’ preference, via STRADA, SPORT and CORSA as well the additional NEVE (snow) mode. As an option, two further off-road settings are offered: TERRA (off-road) and SABBIA (sand).