Advait Berde, Author at Exhibit Tech

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe now available in petrol!

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé has been launched in a new petrol variant in India. Introduced in an attractive “M Sport” package, the new BMW 220i is locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai. It is available at dealerships today onwards in addition to the two existing diesel variants.

Mr Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW India continues to expand its product range as per evolving trends in the luxury car segment. We believe in offering the power of choice when it comes to fulfilling the mobility needs and desires of BMW enthusiasts.

Designed with a focus on performance and sportiness, the new BMW 220i M Sport demonstrates a powerful uniqueness that suits the requirements of motorsport fans. With the dynamics of a petrol engine, first-class driving characteristics and the highest comfort, ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ is guaranteed every time.”

The BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine melds maximum power with exemplary efficiency and offers spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces an output of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1350-4600 rpm. The car accelerates from 0-100 km/hr in just 7.1 seconds.

The eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel. The quick-shift control has been updated once again in the interest of rapid manual gear changes. The long seventh gear keeps revs low, helping to cut fuel consumption when out of town or on the motorway.

The transmission can also allow the car coast in neutral in certain situations, while a special low-viscosity oil brings about a further reduction in CO2 emissions.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé seamlessly transfers the elegant aesthetics of its larger stablemates. The exterior embodies a modern and athletic design with precise lines and sculpted surfaces creating a fascinating interplay of light and shade.

The standout characteristic is its stretched silhouette, four frameless doors and prominent shoulders with a side taper at the C-pillar which gives it a sporty, low and broad-set stance. Slightly angled full-LED headlights form the prominent BMW four-eyed face and draw attention to the BMW kidney grille, giving a fresh interpretation of the classic BMW icons.

The full-LED taillights extend into the centre of the rear end and provide an all-new take on the familiar BMW ‘L’ shape with a single slim light element and a distinctive sweep to the side.

Despite its sporty appearance, the interior is designed to accentuate cabin spaciousness and the driver-focused cockpit with exquisite materials. The newly designed Sport Seats with electrical memory function offer greater long-distance comfort.

The elegant coupé form with generous cabin space welcomes the rear passengers with easy entry and ample knee room. Adding to the sense of space is the standard large panorama glass sunroof. The large 430 litres luggage compartment can be expanded by folding down the 40/20/40 split rear seat backrest.

The rear seat can be folded down completely to create more space. The illuminated trim, segment-first, retains a normal appearance in daylight but functions as decorative lighting elements with a space-shaping effect in the dark. Ambient lighting with six dimmable designs creates an atmosphere for every mood.

The car has front-wheel-drive architecture in which the engine is positioned transversely, thereby saving space without compromising on the driving dynamics.

To reduce understeering, an ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation system) works in combination with DSC (Driving Stability Control). The BMW Performance Control system increases the stability of the car by targeting the braking of the wheels.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine melds maximum power with exemplary efficiency and offers spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of the BMW 220d produces an output of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 km/hr in just 7.5 seconds.

The eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission performs smooth, almost imperceptible gearshifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency.

For even greater driving pleasure, it comes with steering wheel paddle shifters and cruise control with braking functions. Using Launch Control, ambitious drivers can achieve maximum acceleration with optimized traction from a standstill. Using the Driving Experience Control switch, the driver is able to choose between different driving modes to suit the driving conditions – ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport.

A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continue to break the innovation barrier in the automotive industry. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes 3D Navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch Control Display.

The occupants can operate several car functions simply by speaking to their BMW Virtual Assistant. Hands do the talking with BMW Gesture Control, which recognizes six pre-defined hand movements for control of many functions. The smartphone holder integrated into the centre console allows inductive, Wireless Charging for mobile phones.

Parking Assistant with Rear View Camera makes parking in tight spots easier. The Reversing Assistant provides unmatched support in reversing out of a parking spot or through narrow driveways. It keeps a record of the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering. Wireless Apple CarPlay ensures seamless smartphone connection with the car to access several functions.

BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic Transmission, Auto Start-Stop, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and ECO PRO mode in Driving Experience Control.

BMW Safety technologies include six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation system), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.

ViewSonic India and Ingram Micro boost Indian LCD technology

ViewSonic Corp. recently collaborated with Ingram Micro for the exclusive distribution of ViewSonic’s LCD monitors in the Indian market.

The LCD monitor business in India is at a matured state and high-end professionals and gaming professionals have been the key players in fostering its growth. Mr Eric Wei – Senior Director, Asia Pacific ViewSonic said, “We are glad to cooperate with Ingram Micro, a reputed national distributor, to jointly develop business in India. With Ingram’s strength and ViewSonic’s advantage, I believe we can create the value and share the value with partners and customers. Then eventually make life more convenient and make business more efficient.”

“We are excited to expand our offerings from ViewSonic to their LCD business. This partnership further strengthens the relationship between the two organizations and gives an opportunity to offer LCD monitors to our channel partners. It complements our existing portfolio. The best-in-class products from ViewSonic and Ingram Micro’s wide channel footprint will be mutually beneficial to both the organizations in advancing the business”, said Mr Sanjay Achawal, Executive Director, Ingram Micro India.

Commenting on the association with Ingram Micro, Mr Sanjoy Bhattacharya, IT Business Head, ViewSonic India said, “We are happy to welcome Ingram Micro as National distributor for ViewSonic range of LCD monitors in India. Ingram Micro is India’s largest distributor, and they have a vast product portfolio of computer peripherals/hardware, with ViewSonic monitor they have completed the basket.”

He also added, “ViewSonic is a global leading display brand with a futuristic product line up. I am sure this association will do wonders and together we give the best display solution to the Indian consumer & commercial customers.”

The exclusive distribution partnership with Ingram Micro will strengthen ViewSonic’s LCD business in India. The company has been steady in developing ergonomically designed LCDs in pursuit with the latest technology and best in class smart features for its end users. In this year, ViewSonic will be adding new and innovative products in its portfolio compelling with its end customers. This sole partner will ease the distribution process benefiting both. Ingram Micro has commenced its business with ViewSonic from 1st January 2021.

BLADE India helicopters set to soar Karnataka skies with their charter services

BLADE India, a pioneer in urban air mobility, today announced the launch of its services in Karnataka. After a hugely successful launch of its by-the-seat services in Maharashtra (Mumbai-Pune-Shirdi) and its personalised charter service, BLADE Anywhere, the company is all set to expand its unique and differentiated urban air mobility offerings in the Karnataka region. With air travel reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and travellers increasingly sceptical of crowded spaces, BLADE’s personalised charter services address the need of the hour by providing a more exclusive, hassle-free and convenient travelling option for consumers.

BLADE will currently offer charter services anywhere within Karnataka to both leisure and religious destinations such as Coorg, Kabini, Chikmagalur and Hampi, and will gradually move towards ‘by-the-seat’ offerings as well.

A joint venture between USA’s BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc. and Hunch Ventures, BLADE India’s precision-engineered crafts and refined services are a natural extension of its international pedigree of success, style, and safety. BLADE’s expansion into the South India market is well-timed with consumers emerging out of a lull in travel and at the same time grappling with concerns over safety and hygiene issues related to flying.

On entering the Karnataka market Karanpal Singh, Founder, Hunch Ventures and BLADE India says, “BLADE is an urban air mobility company designed to connect locations more efficiently. BLADE Anywhere is our personalised charter service that will allow customers to fly safely and conveniently. Going forward, we are working with the relevant stakeholders to bring in our by-the-seat services to various locations in and around Karnataka.”

BLADE operates from a network of vertiports (helipads and lounges) out of several city centres in India. Initially, it started charter services from various pickup locations within Bengaluru to places such as the Evolve Back, Coorg and The Serai.

“It is wonderful to hear about “BLADE Anywhere” in Karnataka and we at Evolve Back eagerly look forward to the launch. There is a definite need from our high-end clientele for these short-haul helicopter services and will definitely be a big boost for tourism (both Domestic and Foreign) to our destinations at Coorg, Kabini & Hampi,” says Thomas Emmanuel Ramapuram, Joint Director – Sales at Evolve Back.

The company flies from strategically located vertiports from multiple locations connecting them as part of the solution. It currently offers charter flight options and will soon begin by-the-seat option as well to various destinations in Karnataka as well as Intra-City flights in Bengaluru to reduce daily friction from traffic and in turn improve quality of life. BLADE has implemented industry-leading health and safety protocols designed by BLADE USA, keeping in mind safety and sensitisation as its priority. Contactless temperature checks, staff to wear masks and gloves during travel and the fleet being electrostatically decontaminated using an airline-grade fogging system before take-off and after landing are few measures taken.

Flight schedules, rosters and various other BLADE services are accessible on the BLADE India website upon signing up and their mobile application BLADE; available for iOS and Android.

Survive in Style! Luminox Bear Grylls Survival MASTER Series 3749 Watch Review

Often luxury is confused with comfort and survival is mistaken to be bare-boned. Well, Swiss luxury watchmaker Luminox seems to be adamant on changing that notion. It recently collaborated with survival expert and everything-eater Bear Grylls to debut a series of new Bear Grylls-branded watches. Called the “Bear Grylls Survival” series, it comes in six varieties based on Luminox’s Land, Sea, and Master series ranges. I got a chance to review the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival MASTER Series 3749 watch and this is how it went:

First impressions:

Okay, practically speaking, there are hardly any chances that a person who buys a watch north of Rs 70,000 will ever find him/herself on a deserted island, in the middle of nowhere or just stranded in general. Nevertheless, Luminox has ensured that even if such a disaster occurs, you are well-equipped to face it. Right from basis SOS Codes to Bear Grylls’ signature statement of “never give up”, everything has been smartly yet artistically inscribed on the watch. Such is the inclusion of Grylls in the watch design that I felt that the former British SAS agent would swoop in anytime and whisk me away on an adventure!

I might have exaggerated there a little, but there is no exaggeration in the opulence of the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival MASTER Series 3749 Watch. Yes, that is a long name and still, I feel like using it in its entirety. The bright orange strap that has been produced from natural rubber hold the watch firmly on your wrist but does not make it uncomfortable. Wearing the watch for the whole day and going for outdoor activities didn’t bother me much, and that is saying something as I can sometimes get extremely sweaty.

Usage:

Being an office-goer and living right in the heart of Mumbai means you don’t find much adventure around (unless you count travelling in bumper-to-bumper traffic every day as an adventure!) Nevertheless, I found many small bits of useful tech on the watch to increase your chances of survival. I was enamoured by the watch dial itself, which glows in the night. Despite being 45mm wide and 14mm thick, I did not feel its weight on my wrist at all. Even its 24mm wide straps did not cause trouble, which I was frankly surprised by. One of the main contributing factors to this was the lightweight of 98 grams, thanks to “Carbonox”, a special type of forged carbon material from Luminox.

The case is not only water-resistant to 300 metres, but it is also protected by an anti-reflective (AR)-coated sapphire crystal. The dial is surrounded by a uni-directional Carbonox-made rotating bezel and gets a protected tritium gas tube at the midnight position. This, along with self-illuminating tritium gas tubes on the hands and hour markers accounts for the effortless and sufficient nighttime illumination.

The dial itself is quite easy to read and the chronograph subdials are not at all intrusive. The watch runs on a Swiss-made RONDA 5030.D analogue quartz movement. It includes the time, date, and 12-hour chronograph that also gets a split-second function. The watch offers over 50 months of battery life, meaning you don’t have to worry about it faltering for quite a while.

Conclusion:

The Luminox Bear Grylls Survival MASTER Series 3749 isn’t a watch for everyone, but then again, not everyone will be able to afford it. For those who do, I recommend you try it out first, especially if you have a smaller wrist. Considering its sheer features, it has a justifiably large size as compared to usual watches and might look odd on the wrong wrist. Also, it will be a value for money deal only if you are an ardent adventurer or just like the look of rugged things on your person. Nevertheless, Luminox watches are a delight to use and the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival MASTER Series 3749 is no exception.

Specifications:

| Origin | Swiss Made |

| Always Visible | Constant glow for up to 25 years |

| Size/Diameter | 45mm |

| Water Resistance | 300 meters, 30 ATM, 1000 feet |

| Movement | Ronda 5030.D |

| Case material | CARBONOX™+ |

| Bezel | CARBONOX™+, uni-directional turning, count-up and compass |

| Case back | 316L stainless steel, screw-in |

| Crystal | Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating |

| Crown | 316L stainless steel, screw-on |

| Case Height | 14mm |

| Weight | 98g |

| Standard Strap | Orange rubber EPDM strap, stainless steel buckle |

Kingston launches three new OTG USB Flash Drives in India

Strengthening its endeavour of bringing best-in-class storage experience, Kingston Technology, a world leader of memory products and technology solutions, today announced the launch of three new compelling USB flash drives- Kingston DataTraveler Kyson, Kingston DataTraveler 80 and Kingston DataTraveler Duo in India. The new USB flash drives aim to provide versatility, flexibility and ultimate connectivity on-the-go.

Kingston DataTraveler Kyson (DTKN) -It is a high-performance Type-A USB flash drive with extremely fast transfer speeds of up to 200MB/s read and 60MB/s write, allowing quick and convenient file transfers. With up to 256GB of storage, you can store and share photos, videos, music and other content on the go. The capless metal design will save you the trouble of losing a cap, and the functional loop makes it easy to be taken wherever you go. DataTraveler Kyson is a stylish, dependable USB-A Flash drive that comes with a limited 5-year warranty.

Kingston DataTraveler 80 (DT80)-It is a high-performance USB flash drive that supports next-generation Type-C laptops, desktops, smartphones and tablets. Designed for professional and business use, DataTraveler 80 features fast speeds of up to 200MB/s read and 60MB/s write which allows for quick and convenient file transfers. The compact and capped design has a durable casing and key ring loop making it ideal for on-the-go storage.

Kingston DataTraveler Duo (DT Duo)- It features dual USB connectors that work with both standard USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports to easily share files between laptops, desktops and mobile devices. The dual-interface drive is also ideal as extra storage with 32GB and 64GB capacities. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds allow users to easily access and transfer documents, photos, videos, music and more. Dual sliding caps protect the connectors when not in use. DT Duo is the latest addition to the Duo family of plug-and-play drives that complement mobile needs:

DataTraveler microDuo 3C (DTDUO3C): Dual interface that works with both standard USB and USB Type-C with fast read speeds up to 100MB/s. Available with up to 128GB capacity providing plenty of extra storage for the latest smartphones, tablets, PCs and Mac computers.
DataTraveler microDuo 3.0 G2 (DTDUO3G2): Dual interface micro-USB and USB Type-A for Android™ smartphones and tablets that support USB OTG (On-The-Go). DTDUO3G2 can be plugged into micro-USB ports that are used for charging devices as expanded storage (up to 128GB) for quick and easy file, photo and video transfers between mobile devices and PCs.

Kingston DataTraveler Duo, Kingston DataTraveler 80 and Kingston DataTraveler Kyson USB drives are backed by a five-year warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston reliability. All three USB drives are now available on tatacliq.com.

DataTraveler Kyson
Part Number	Capacity	MRP
DTKN/32GB	32GB	INR 850/-
DTKN/64GB	64GB	INR 1350/-
DTKN/128GB	128GB	INR 2250/-
DTKN/256 GB	256GB	INR 4800/-

DataTraveler 80
Part Number	Capacity	MRP
DT80/32GB	32GB	INR 1200/-
DT80/64GB	64GB	INR 1700/-
DT80/128GB	128GB	INR 2900/-
DT80/256GB	256GB	INR 4700/-

DataTraveler Duo
Part Number	Capacity	MRP
DTDE/32GB	32GB	INR 750/-
DTDE/64GB	64GB	INR 1100/-

Lamborghini SC20: Race the roads, roofless!

Lamborghini Squadra Corse presents the SC20, a unique specimen of an open-top track car type-approved for road use. The SC20 is the second one-off engineered by the motorsport department and designed by Centro Stile in Sant’Agata Bolognese: the car was created following the customer’s wishes, who was involved in the project from the very first drawings by Lamborghini’s designers.

The common goal was to build a unique vehicle, extreme in its design and performance, and able to combine aerodynamic solutions taken from racing Lamborghinis incorporating unprecedented lines and exclusive details. “Two years after the SC18 Alston, the SC20 was a new, intriguing challenge. The chief sources of inspiration were the Diablo VT Roadster, Aventador J, Veneno Roadster and Concept S, and the result is a dramatic combination of creativity and racing attitude,” commented Mitja Borkert, Head of Design Lamborghini Centro Stile.

The carbon fibre body was polished and slicked down by hand by the Lamborghini aerodynamic engineers to deliver optimal airflow for both performance and the cockpit’s occupants, ensuring comfortable open-air driving even at high speeds. Two fins frame the pronounced front splitter, and the air intakes on the front hood are inspired by those of the Huracán GT3 EVO, while the sculpted body sides reflect the solutions adopted on the Essenza SCV12. The muscular rear is topped by a large carbon fibre wing that can be set in three different positions: Low, Medium and High Load.

The SC20 features exclusive details starting from the body colours on a Bianco Fu (white) base, created for the customer, on which the Blu Cepheus (blue) livery stands out. The same shade is found in the interior, alternating with Nero Cosmus (black) and Bianco Leda (white). The most significant element of the passenger compartment is the visible carbon fibre used for the dashboard cover, rear wall, door panels, centre console and steering wheel trim, in addition to the monocoque. ‘

Carbon fibre is also used for the shells of the seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather. The door handles, on the other hand, are machined from solid aluminium. Lastly, the air vents are created using 3D printing technology at the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory.

Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini, stated, “The SC20 is a combination of sophisticated engineering, Italian craftsmanship, sportiness and advanced design. It is also an example of applying our V12 engine and carbon fibre to a radical open-top vehicle that unmistakably carries the Lamborghini DNA.”

Its engine is based on Lamborghini’s flagship V12: the 6,498 cc, naturally aspirated twelve-cylinder that delivers 760 bhp at 8,500 rpm and develops 720 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. It is managed through the optimized seven-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox. The power is discharged to the ground by the four-wheel-drive system with central electronic differential, and the Pirelli PZero Corsa tires are mounted on single-nut aluminium rims, 20 inches in front and 21 inches at the rear.

Giorgio Sanna, Head of Lamborghini Motorsport, commented, “The SC20 is one more technical and styling exercise that associates Squadra Corse experience with Lamborghini design, masterfully interpreted by our Centro Stile based on the customer’s wishes, which was the focus of the project during the entire vehicle development and construction process.”

Vivacious Vivo! Vivo V20 Pro reviewed

Vivo has been a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone game since a long time and is consequently prone to keep stepping up its game periodically. Mere months after the introduction of its sub-25k model the V20, Vivo recently introduced a slightly more premium version, the V20 Pro. With a price hike of Rs 4,000 over the standard V20, is the V20 Pro a viable update or just a spot-filler in this already competitive segment? I got a chance to find out.

First impressions:

Carrying an almost identical design to the standard V20, the V20 Pro automatically becomes a good-looking smartphone. It gets a flat Gorilla Glass 5 back along with a curved polycarbonate side frame. The camera array behind also follows Vivo’s layered design, making the hump feel a little less contradictory. The front sees the return of Vivo’s broad notch, though the bezels are considerably narrow. The screen, that gets Schott Xtension Glass.

The in-screen fingerprint sensor is snappy, but it did take some time to register my fingerprint many times. Vivo had to sacrifice an SD card slot and the 3.5mm audio jack to keep the phone from fattening up, though it has placed the power button and volume rocker at accessible spots.

I got to review the Midnight Jazz colour of the V20 Pro, which I found to be quite subtle and appealing. Its alternative, the Sunset Melody colour might be an interesting choice, but it was a little too gaudy for my taste.

Hardware:

The Vivo V20 Pro expresses its vibrant colour gamut on a 6.4-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display. It has three colour profiles on offer, though the default one works best for me. The operating system is called the Funtouch OS 11 and is based on the Android 10. This is a smart upgrade over the previous version, as the V20’s OS was based on Android 11 and felt lacking. Equipped with a Snapdragon 765G microprocessor, the V20 Pro offers 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of non-expandable storage.

These specifications immediately put the V20 Pro in the same league as the OnePlus Nord, among others. Consequently, it has significant gaming potential as well as the ability to handle heavy tasks with ease. Its interface is quite intuitive and is easy to navigate.

A 64MP primary camera is assisted by an 8MP wide-angle lens and a 2MP mono lens. Selfie lovers can make use of the 44MP eye-AF selfie camera which is mated to a wide-angle shooter. The peculiarity of the eye-AF is the ability to track your eyes to auto-focus, which is quite nifty to use. The front camera also gives an output resolution of up to 4K, while the Vivo V20 offers an option of shooting from both front and rear cameras simultaneously. The Ultrawide lens clicks 108-degree wide images, though not of the highest quality.

With moderate usage, the 4000mAh battery on the V20 Pro lasted for just over a day. Though it might seem like slightly less battery life, the 33W fast charger that the phone comes with can charge it up to 60 per cent in 30 minutes, while fully charging it in a little more than an hour.

Verdict:

A price tag of Rs 29,990 means the V20 is a viable option for everybody looking to upgrade to heavy-duty specifications without burning a big hole in their pockets. It is sleek to handle, smooth to operate and is also decently stylish. The AMOLED display also handles its job pretty well and the camera will appeal to most customers immediately. Competing against the likes of OnePlus Nord and Google Pixel 4a, the Vivo V20 Pro is a good alternative to mainstream brands in the market.

Master Quality, Authenticated? ASUS ROG Delta S review

If you are confused about the reason behind this headline, I was in the same place a while ago. Taiwanese technology giant ASUS’s gaming division, Republic of Gamers (ROG) used this term to describe the quality of its latest gaming headset, the Delta S. It is supposed to be a considerable upgrade over its predecessor, the already excellent ROG Delta. But is it a significant upgrade or just an aesthetic makeover? I got a chance to confirm that.

Same same, yet different:

If you were to glance across the room at a person wearing the Delta S, you’d be forgiven if you thought it was its predecessor, the Delta. Aesthetically, apart from a few subtle updates to differentiate the newer model, the Delta and the Delta S are practically identical. However, there has been a considerable weight loss during the upgrade, with the Delta S now weighing just 300 grams. The headband has also been slimmed down but has apparently been made more durable.

While the Delta S is an update over the Delta, there are a few shortcomings. The default PU earcups have been updated with a cross-hatched texture, but the clamping force has somewhat lessened. This not only causes the bass to leak considerably but also has reduced the passive sound isolation.

Along with that, the RGB lighting has also gotten a modern touch. It is still as bright and seamless as the previous generation, but now gets an added “Soundwave” mode, which can be accessed via the lighting toggle switch on the left earcup. This Soundwave mode allows the RBG lighting to sync with your voice (if the mic is plugged in) or with the on-going soundtrack and flash according to the volume.

Operating the headphones:

The highlight of the headphones (and the possible reason for their name) is the triangular ear cups (Triangle is called Delta in Greek), which offer a snugger and more comfortable fit as compared to conventional round ones. The headphones are quite light and easy to wear and even extensive usage won’t cause too much discomfort. However, what is uncomfortable are the body-mounted volume controls. It is a rocker that doubles as a mute button, which can get quite irritating sometimes if you wish to adjust the volume in the middle of intense gameplay. It is not intuitive to handle and it took me some time to get used to, during which I was mostly unhappy with the volume control.

Above the volume control rocker is the lighting toggle switch. As mentioned above, it gets a new notch for the Soundwave mode that allows you to change the RGB lighting pattern on the go. The mic is the same AI noise-cancelling detachable unit as before and can be attached to the headphones via a 3.5mm audio jack. It does a splendid job of keeping the unwanted noise out and even has an LED indicator to tell you if you are muted. Funnily enough, I attached the mic to the 3.5mm jack on my phone and my phone detected its input! A rather fancy way of connecting an external microphone to your smartphone, don’t you think?

Case in Point: MQA!

ROG has emphasized significantly on the Delta S being the bearer of an award-winning audio technology called “Master Quality Authenticated” or MQA. It can connect to an MQA core signal on global streaming services and unfold a whole new level of audio quality. Long story short and to keep it simple, MP3 files are usually compressed to reduce their file size, which makes the song lose most of its finer elements. With MQA, the user is able to access the original file quality of the song or soundtrack and enjoy all its elements to the fullest.

However, the file size remains compact, meaning you won’t have to worry about filling up your storage after a few songs.
Confusing, right? Well, the important part is that MQA is supposed to let you enjoy “higher than CD-quality” audio on any device. When paired with an MQA decoder like the one in the ROG Delta S, the original master recording is revealed.

Honestly, there is hardly anybody who would feel a noticeable difference by the presence of MQA. For most, an immersive aural experience is satisfactory enough, regardless of the technical intricacies. Stress your ears long enough and you might begin to notice some difference (Like I did), but at that point, you’d begin to wonder if you really feel it or it is purely psychological (Like I did!). It might be a revolutionary update for ardent audio enthusiasts, but for the average gamer like me, it is just a reason to increase the price point.

Should you buy it?

There is no denying that the ROG Delta S is a masterpiece when it comes to gaming audio. However, the primary point of the Delta S being costlier than the Delta is the addition of the MQA. Now, the Delta is priced well above Rs 15,000 which implies that the Delta S will be priced even higher. Apart from that, there is no significant reason to choose the Delta S over the standard Delta. Regardless of the choice, going for a ROG Delta headset ensures that you are treated to some of the best gaming gear available in the market!

Lexus launches new guest experience in Hyderabad

Lexus India today announced the launch of its new Guest Experience Centre (GEC) in Hyderabad, making this the fourth Lexus landmark in India. Post its successful launches in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, Lexus is all set to further strengthen its footprint in the Southern market.

Situated in the luxe greenery of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad and spanning over 7,000 Sq. ft., the Guest Experience Centre is a space where design and technology coalesce with sustainability and luxury. Lexus Hyderabad combines the Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi with the Indian spirit of “Athithi Devo Bhava” which takes guests on a journey of the senses. The exterior of the GEC is inspired by the flowing lines of Lexus’ signature spindle grille and the ‘L’ finesse design language is subtly incorporated into different aspects of the architecture.

The interior is an expression of modern, conscious luxury with sophisticated wooden interiors and hints of lush greenery set the tone of the space. As you enter, you hear the sounds of nature complemented with the scent of local flowers. Discerning guests can relax and indulge in the Lexus experience at the lifestyle café lounge. The Guest Experience Centre is intended to make guests feel the comfort and luxury of home.

Commenting on the launch, Mr P.B. Venugopal, President, Lexus India said “We are constantly trying to bring the Lexus experience closer to our guests across the nation and are committed to building lifetime relationships. The overwhelming response we received from Hyderabad to our self-charging hybrid electric portfolio is what prompted us to bring the Lexus Guest Experience Centre here. To mark this special occasion, the Lexus flagship luxury coupe LC 500h is also on display at the GEC. We look forward to welcoming more guests to the Lexus carbon-neutral family and embarking on a journey of amazing experiences together.”

Lexus offers a portfolio that is the choice of new-age conscious luxury consumers consisting of LC 500h the luxury coupe that instantly drew industry attention for its elevated design and unmatched performance, LS 500h the flagship sedan that rocked the luxury vehicle market and led to numerous breakthroughs and refinements, LX 570 the flagship SUV that exudes urban sophistication, RX 450hL the SUV that has made history as the first in the luxury segment to offer a self-charging hybrid powertrain, NX 300h a game-changing urban-focused SUV that fuses agility with dynamic individuality, and ES 300h luxury sedan that was created to anticipate every move and provide a heightened drive experience.

Lexus continues its commitment to the Indian market as announced in January 2020 during the launch of the ‘Made in India ES 300h’ & LC 500h and will continue their strategic network expansion to new Guest Experience Centers in Kochi, Chandigarh and Chennai. The expansion showcases the brand’s dedication to bringing amazing experiences to guests across India.

Creative Technology Launches Creative Stage V2 in India

Creative Technology today announced the release of Creative Stage V2, an upgraded successor to the well-received Creative Stage which packs some nifty new features. Debuting with new audio technologies powered by Sound Blaster and sporting bigger dimensions, it offers users not only better and clearer audio, but also wider surround soundstage that delivers more bang for the user’s buck with high-quality audio at a pocket-friendly price.

The Stage V2 packs a bigger audio punch and features better connectivity than its predecessor. With the new Clear Dialog audio technology, users can hear each syllable clearly without cranking up the volume as the spoken dialogue is extracted and amplified without compromising the ambient effects. On top of that, the Surround technology adds an expanded soundstage to offer the ultimate movie experience right at the comfort of one’s home. Fitted with two custom-tuned mid-range drivers along with a powerful subwoofer, the Creative Stage V2 can fill the living room with rich audio and impactful bass that will bring users closer to the action.

Creative Stage V2 also comes with a wide range of connectivity options —TV ARC, optical, AUX, Bluetooth, and even audio streaming via USB— making it a one-stop audio entertainment system for devices including TVs, computers, mobile phones, or even gaming consoles. In addition, the soundbar is conveniently accessible via remote control, and users can switch input sources, adjust treble and bass settings as well as toggle Surround and Clear Dialog on or off with a simple press of a button. With a sleek and minimalistic design, the Creative Stage V2 can fit right into any room and be wall-mounted to deliver a truly immersive audio experience.

Creative Stage V2 is priced at the MRP of Rs 17,999 but will be available at the attractive marketing operating price (MOP) of INR 9,999 on Amazon and Flipkart around the third week of December 2020.