Author: Sohil Nikam

Samsung has expanded its smart-home portfolio in India with its 2026 Bespoke AI appliance range, bringing artificial intelligence, connectivity and automation across refrigerators, air conditioners and laundry appliances. The lineup was unveiled at Samsung’s experiential event, The Brief Gurugram, with the company positioning AI as the connective layer between different parts of the home. Leading the range is the 32-inch Family Hub refrigerator, which integrates AI Vision and Google Gemini-powered contextual experiences. It can recognise food items, suggest recipes and help users track use-by dates, while features such as Video-to-Recipe, Family Care and Pet Care extend its functionality beyond conventional…

Nike has unveiled the Alphafly 4, the latest iteration of its marathon racing shoe, with a focus on improving efficiency and maintaining speed as runners tire over the course of a race. Positioned for everyone from elite marathoners to recreational runners chasing personal bests, the shoe has been redesigned as an integrated system rather than a collection of individual components. According to Nike, the Alphafly 4 delivers 10 per cent more energy return than its predecessor and is five per cent lighter in a men’s US size 8.5. The shoe introduces a new Atomknit upper, ZoomX LT foam, updated Air…

The camera is no longer just a tool for photographers. As India’s creator economy expands, imaging is finding new relevance across filmmaking, OTT, advertising, live events, social media and an increasingly diverse professional landscape. At the same time, smartphones have made high-quality imaging more accessible than ever, forcing dedicated cameras to evolve with greater portability, smarter autofocus, AI-assisted features and faster workflows. In this conversation, Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Imaging & Professional Solution, Sony India, discusses the changing landscape of India’s digital imaging market, why dedicated cameras still matter in the smartphone era, how AI is reshaping the creative process,…

Some laptops you appreciate more the longer you use them. They aren’t necessarily the fastest machines in the room, nor do they have the longest spec sheet. Instead, they are the laptops you reach for when you’re heading to the airport, working from a cafe, sitting in a hotel room or simply don’t want to think too hard about which computer to carry with you. The Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 has become that laptop for me. I’ve spent a fair amount of time travelling with it, including busy trips to Delhi, Leh, Kochi and elsewhere, and it has proved remarkably…

The GA-2100 has become one of G-SHOCK’s most recognisable modern designs, bringing the brand’s signature toughness into a slimmer and more understated form. Conceived as a reinterpretation of the traditional G-SHOCK aesthetic, the watch combines an octagonal bezel inspired by the original DW-5000 with a slimmer profile enabled by the Carbon Core Guard structure. In this interview, Junichi Izumi, Product Manager at Casio India and creator of the 2100 series, discusses the thinking behind the GA-2100, the challenge of balancing heritage with contemporary design, and why preserving the watch’s fundamental identity is just as important as evolving it. SN: The…

Oral-B has launched its iO Series 2 (iO2) electric toothbrush in India, bringing the brand’s iO magnetic cleaning technology to a more streamlined, single-touch design. The toothbrush is available exclusively through Flipkart, with prices starting at Rs 2,449 and going up to Rs 2,999 depending on the variant. The iO2 uses Oral-B’s frictionless magnetic drive motor, which replaces conventional mechanical gears with magnetic energy delivered directly to the brush bristles. The system is paired with the company’s round brush head and uses micro-vibrations designed to clean individual teeth. Oral-B claims the toothbrush can remove up to 100 per cent more…

G-SHOCK has evolved from a watch defined primarily by extreme durability into a global cultural icon spanning fashion, music, sport, design and street culture. In India, the brand is witnessing growing engagement from younger consumers, collectors and watch enthusiasts, while continuing to balance its core identity with changing consumer tastes. In this interview, Takuto Kimura, Managing Director, Casio India, discusses G-SHOCK’s evolution, the importance of self-expression, what makes the Indian market unique, the brand’s approach to collaborations and why the GA-2100 remains an ideal introduction to G-SHOCK. SN: G-SHOCK has evolved from being a tool built for extreme durability into…

For Xiaomi, the next phase of its India journey is taking the company beyond the devices consumers carry in their pockets and deeper into their homes. The company is now looking to strengthen the ‘Home’ pillar of its global Human x Car x Home strategy with the introduction of Mijia, its home and lifestyle sub-brand. According to Mr. Sudhin Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, Xiaomi India, the move is a natural evolution of the company’s presence in the country. “We started with smartphones, expanded into personal technology, and over time, consumers began bringing more and more Xiaomi products into their homes.…

PYIE has announced brand associations with global technology companies Inateck, AUKEY and ARZOPA at IFA 2026 in Berlin, as it looks to expand its house-of-brands strategy and bring more international technology products to Indian consumers. The association will see PYIE act as the three brands’ extended arm in India, covering their global operations, products and market presence in the country. The announcement builds on PYIE’s debut at CES 2026, where it introduced its house-of-brands vision and announced a long-term partnership with mechanical keyboard maker Keychron. At IFA, each of the three brands is showcasing products spanning different areas of consumer…

It’s no secret to folks around me that I have been a diehard Pixel fan from the very start. I bought the first-ever Pixel back in 2016, then bought three of its successors, and after a short drought, I joined Exhibit Magazine, and ever since then, my work phone has almost always been a Pixel. Whichever model was available in the office, I haven’t cared. At one point I had shunned latest flagships in favour of a three-year old Pixel 8 Pro. That’s how comfortable I am with Pixel devices. It’s their clean, no-nonsense software and their simple yet gorgeous…

Remember when ₹20,000 used to buy you a “flagship killer”? Times have changed. The smartphone market is in a weird place right now due to the memory crisis. Components are getting pricier, inflation is hitting hard, and brands are backed into a corner. To keep phones under that crucial 20k sweet spot, manufacturers are forced to make a choice: either hike the price tag into the next tier or aggressively spec-down parts of the phone to protect your wallet. The POCO M8x is a poster child for the latter approach. It is a fascinating, deeply compromised experiment that sacrifices core…

Motorcycle manufacturers have a curious habit. They launch a new bike, invite journalists to ride it, collect months of feedback from owners and reviewers, and then proceed as if none of it happened. A new colour arrives, perhaps a new decal, but the issues that kept coming up remain firmly on the checklist. Aprilia has taken a different approach with the Tuono 457 Special Edition. Calling it a “Special Edition” is slightly misleading because it replaces the previous Tuono 457. Think of it as a thoughtful facelift rather than a limited-run celebration. The engine remains the same 457cc parallel-twin, producing…

The phrase “entry-level BMW” might sound like an oxymoron for some, primarily because the German brand is known for selling a certain philosophy. Rear-wheel drive, near-perfect weight distribution, straight-six engines and steering that seemed hardwired to the driver’s fingertips have become the brand’s calling card. Buying into BMW meant buying into that ethos. Then came the new 2 Series Gran Coupé. Right now, it’s the most affordable BMW on sale in India, priced at around ₹45 lakh, and on paper, it appears to challenge almost everything enthusiasts associate with the blue-and-white roundel. It sends power to the front wheels, relies…

Samsung switched its foldable strategy this year by unveiling its anticipatory answer to Apple’s foldable in the form of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which gave the company the opportunity to call the regular book-style foldable the Fold 8 Ultra, while adding a good ₹25,000 premium to it. Amidst the limelight hogged by those two handsets, the quiet entrant is the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the vertically foldable handset that has gained a few upgrades of its own. Now, if you happen to be a ‘foldables’ person, you are either a Flip person or a Fold person, and if you’re…

Tata Motors has partnered with Tata Communications to bring in-built 5G connectivity to the newly launched Sierra EV, marking a step towards the company’s broader adoption of Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) technology in India. The collaboration integrates Tata Communications’ MOVE Connected Vehicle Platform with Tata Motors’ new N.IO SDV platform. The integration is designed to provide the Sierra EV with continuous cellular connectivity and enable a range of connected services. According to the companies, these include faster over-the-air software updates, secure in-car connectivity for content streaming, and a simplified onboarding process. Customers will also have the option to purchase additional subscription…

Royal Enfield brought its GRRR Nights × Underground event to Mumbai on August 23, marking its biggest edition yet. Built around the character of the Guerrilla 450, the event brought together motorcycles, motorsport, music and underground culture in an action-packed showcase. One of the biggest attractions was the Guerrilla Maut Ka Kuan, which saw the Guerrilla 450 take on the iconic motoring spectacle for the first time. The event also featured a multi-machine stunt arena, bringing together motorcycles, drift cars, tractors and professional stunt athletes in displays focused on precision, skill and machine control. Also Read: Royal Enfield MotoWave X2 Review:…

Nester has launched the Home Cook 6.2L Glass Air Fryer in India, bringing together a borosilicate glass cooking bowl, proprietary SteamLock Technology and a cook-serve-store design. Priced at ₹16,999, the appliance is positioned as a premium addition to the growing home-air-fryer segment. The centrepiece of the Home Cook is Nester’s SteamLock™ Technology, which is designed to retain natural moisture during cooking while keeping food crisp on the outside. The transparent borosilicate glass bowl is intended to give users a direct view of the food as it cooks, removing some of the guesswork associated with enclosed air-fryer baskets. Also Read: A Month…

Qualcomm appears set to change its approach to flagship smartphone processors this year, with the company teasing two high-end Snapdragon platforms ahead of its annual Snapdragon Summit. The move could mark a shift from Qualcomm’s traditional strategy of introducing a single flagship mobile chipset at the event. In a teaser shared ahead of the summit, Qualcomm prominently references “Dual 8 Elites”, while hinting at improvements across connectivity, imaging and gaming. The company has not yet disclosed the official names or specifications of the processors, but existing reports suggest they could debut as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon…

Nike has unveiled the Pegasus Plus 2, the latest addition to its long-running Pegasus franchise, positioning the new running shoe as a tempo trainer that brings race-day-inspired performance to everyday miles. At the heart of the Pegasus Plus 2 is an exposed, curved Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, paired with Nike’s lightweight and responsive ZoomX foam midsole. According to Nike, the combination delivers a smooth, propulsive ride with at least 18 percent more energy return than the first-generation Pegasus Plus. The shoe is designed for runners looking for a balance of speed, longevity and versatility, whether they are logging…

CMF is expanding its Buds lineup into even more affordable territory with the Buds Neo. At ₹1,999, these are firmly positioned as an entry point into the CMF ecosystem, and that makes their proposition quite interesting. They can be someone’s first pair of true wireless earbuds, or perhaps the only pair they ever need. But CMF is also pitching them towards existing TWS users as an inexpensive backup pair that you can throw into a bag, keep at the office or carry on a trip without worrying too much about them. The company’s own positioning is clear: these are its…

BMW has launched the new X1 Long Wheelbase (LWB) in India, adding more cabin space, increased performance and new digital features to its entry-level luxury SUV. Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the X1 LWB is available in a petrol variant and is priced at an introductory ₹49.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings are now open across BMW dealerships in India. Alongside, the German carmaker has also revealed some key details of the all-electric BMW i5 LWB that’s slated to launch in the coming months. It’s the biggest car in its segment, at 5175mm long and has a wheelbase of 3105mm.…

Sony India has launched the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS, a new full-frame Alpha E-mount super-telephoto zoom lens aimed at wildlife photographers, travellers and content creators. The lens combines a 100-400mm focal range with a compact build, fast autofocus and optical image stabilisation, while an optional teleconverter can extend its reach to 800mm. Weighing 654 grams and measuring 165.5mm in length, the lens is positioned as a portable option for shooting wildlife, sports and travel. Sony says its lightweight construction is designed to make longer focal lengths easier to carry and use during extended shooting sessions. The optical system comprises two…

Fossil has launched the Machine X-1, the latest iteration of its iconic Machine collection, in India. Featuring actor Varun Dhawan, the new collection takes the design language of the Machine series further with a racing-inspired aesthetic and an emphasis on exposed mechanical detailing. The Machine X-1 is built around a 42mm stainless-steel tonneau case with multi-piece construction and industrial knurling. Its fully skeletonised black dial exposes the inner workings of a Japanese automatic movement, which features 24 jewels and offers a 41-hour power reserve. The movement can be viewed through the sapphire crystal as well as the exhibition case back.…

boAt could be preparing one of its most ambitious moves yet in the audio segment, with sources suggesting that the Indian brand is developing a new AI-led experience for its audio products. The technology is reportedly aimed at going beyond conventional voice assistants by enabling real-time, conversational interactions directly through compatible audio devices. According to sources familiar with the development, the AI is being designed to sustain natural conversations rather than simply respond to individual voice commands. This could mark a significant shift in how users interact with audio devices, turning them from simple playback and command-based products into more…

AXOR, the premium helmet brand from Vega Auto, has unveiled the MX Carbon, an off-road helmet that the company claims is the world’s lightest triple-certified model. Weighing approximately 1,050 grams in the large shell, with smaller shell sizes expected to be around 50 grams lighter, the helmet uses a predominantly carbon-fibre shell and meets ECE 22.06, DOT and ISI certification requirements. According to AXOR, the MX Carbon has been developed around the challenge of reducing helmet weight without compromising the certification standards expected from performance-oriented riding gear. The company has optimised the use of carbon fibre, along with the helmet’s…

Some cars are bought as much with the heart as with the head. Defined by striking design, exhilarating performance and a sense of occasion every time they hit the road, roadsters and coupes occupy a special place in the automotive world. From open-top grand tourers to cutting-edge electric sports cars and timeless performance icons, each model on this list offers a unique interpretation of driving pleasure. Together, they represent some of the most desirable and exciting cars available in India today. MG Cyberster Price: Starts at ₹82.49 Lakh (ex-showroom)  The MG Cyberster brings a bold new dimension to the world…

CMF is set to expand its audio portfolio in India with the launch of the CMF Buds Neo on August 20 at 12pm IST, positioning the new true wireless earbuds as the most accessible entry point into the CMF ecosystem. The company has kept most details under wraps so far, with pricing and specifications expected to be revealed at launch. A teaser shared on X offers the first glimpse at the Buds Neo and suggests that the earbuds will be offered in three distinct colour options, staying true to CMF’s preference for products that bring a strong visual identity to…

If you have been waiting for the festive season to finally make the jump to a premium smartphone, particularly a foldable, the usual strategy of waiting for the biggest sale of the year may need a rethink. Industry sources indicate that prices of foldable smartphones could rise by up to 14 per cent by the first week of September, making the next couple of weeks an interesting window for buyers who have already decided to upgrade. The timing is significant because the Indian market has just received a fresh wave of premium foldables. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z lineup is now…

I’ve been using the Lenovo LOQ 27Q-10 for a week as my daily workstation monitor, and that has probably given me a better sense of its appeal than a week spent purely gaming would have. I have to be honest, I didn’t manage to game as much as I would have liked (work has its way of keeping you away from fun), although I did squeeze in a few sessions of The Witcher 3 on the PS5. For the rest of the week, this was my screen for writing, browsing, spreadsheets, research and everything else that makes up a working…

boAt has launched its new PartyPal speaker series in India, expanding its party-focused audio lineup with features aimed at karaoke, DJ-style playback and social gatherings. The range comprises eight models, namely PartyPal 650, PartyPal 600 Plus, PartyPal 500, PartyPal 390 Plus, PartyPal 230, PartyPal Boom, PartyPal Ultra and PartyPal Rumbl, with prices starting at ₹9,499 and going up to ₹24,999. A key feature across the new range is Karaoke ProTuner, an auto-tuning feature designed to enhance vocals in real time. boAt says the feature is intended to make karaoke more accessible regardless of the user’s singing ability. The speakers also…