Author: Sohil Nikam

Casio is expanding its PRO TREK lineup in India with the launch of the new PRJ-B001 and PRG-340 series, bringing together lightweight construction, solar-powered technology and a suite of features aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. The new watches also introduce bio-based materials, while the PRJ-B001 adds smartphone connectivity to the mix. The PRJ-B001 series is built around a compact, lightweight design that weighs approximately 44 grams. Its standout feature is a rotary guard bezel that can be positioned to protect the buttons during everyday use or rotated 45 degrees to expose them for easier access during outdoor activities. The watch uses…

BMW is bringing a slice of the Nürburgring to India with a highly exclusive collection of “100 Jahre Nürburgring” editions, created to celebrate the legendary German circuit’s upcoming centenary in 2027. The limited-run lineup combines five BMW M cars with one BMW Motorrad motorcycle, with pre-orders now open through authorised dealers. The highlight is arguably the first-ever BMW M5 Touring to officially arrive in India. The performance estate combines the M5’s high-performance credentials with the practicality, versatility and long-distance comfort expected from a Touring model. It joins the M2 Coupé, all-new M3 Sedan, M4 Coupé and M5 Sedan in the…

Race day means something different to every runner. For some, it is about shaving seconds off a personal best; for others, it is simply about making it to their first starting line. Nike is leaning into that diversity with a new race-day system of speed, bringing together three shoes designed around different goals, experience levels and approaches to racing. At the top of the lineup sits the Nike Apex, positioned as the brand’s most advanced expression of racing speed. It is aimed at runners chasing every possible second and pushing the limits of marathon performance. Alongside it is the Alphafly…

I’ve used Alexa for years, mostly for the usual stuff: timers, alarms, music, weather, and the occasional “Alexa, what’s the capital of…” when I’m too lazy to reach for my phone. Alexa+ feels like a fundamentally different proposition. I spent a few days using Alexa+ in Early Access on the Echo Show 8, and the biggest difference is that it remembers more, understands context better and can increasingly act on what you tell it. The promise is of an assistant that learns how you and your family live, rather than one that simply waits for a command. And that distinction…

Tata Cars is entering another significant phase in its design evolution. With the Sierra marking the beginning of a new generation of products, the company is now extending that thinking across facelifts and upcoming models. At the centre of this transformation is Martin Ulharik, Tata Motors’ Global Head of Design, who believes the challenge isn’t simply creating a recognisable family look, but giving every Tata its own character. Ahead of the launch of the new Tata Aeris, we spoke to Ulharik about designing a new identity around an existing silhouette, balancing family resemblance with individuality, and how much freedom designers…

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit this, but until now, I had never actually used a pair of Sony WH-series headphones. The reason is fairly simple: I’ve always been perfectly happy with my AirPods Pro 2, while for studio monitoring and serious listening at home, I’ve relied on my wired Audio-Technica ATH-M50X. I review a lot of headphones and audio gear in between, but somehow a pair of Sony’s WH-series headphones had never found its way onto my desk. Until now. So, naturally, I was quite excited to finally see what all the fuss was about. And, thankfully, the WH-1000XM6…

Samsung has introduced on-device biometric authentication for UPI payments through Samsung Wallet in India, allowing Galaxy smartphone users to authorise transactions using their fingerprint instead of entering a UPI PIN. The feature is available for UPI payments of up to ₹10,000. Users can authenticate a transaction through the fingerprint sensor on their Galaxy device, making the payment process similar to unlocking the smartphone. The company said the move is aimed at making everyday digital payments faster while reducing the need to enter sensitive PIN information in public. Samsung also claims that biometric authentication could reduce transaction failures resulting from incorrectly…

A bumpy auto-rickshaw ride in India may seem like an unlikely test for a smartwatch, but for Samsung’s Noida R&D team, it became a useful lesson in how wearable technology needs to account for local conditions. Samsung Research Institute-Noida (SRI-N) is contributing to health and wellness capabilities on the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, while also testing software against conditions and behaviours specific to India. The centre, established in 2007, works across Samsung’s global Galaxy ecosystem, with digital health among its key areas of focus. Among the features receiving contributions from the Noida team are Vital Tracker, Daily Cardio…

Nothing is preparing to spin off CMF as an independent, majority Indian-owned smartphone company, with Optiemus set to join its upcoming Series A funding round. The partnership will also see CMF build an end-to-end smartphone R&D operation in India. CMF, the consumer technology brand founded by Nothing, is set for a significant restructuring that could see India become the centre of its product development and engineering operations. Nothing has announced an expanded partnership with Indian electronics manufacturer Optiemus, under which Optiemus will participate in CMF’s upcoming Series A investment round. The move is expected to put CMF on a path…

The creator economy is changing the way people approach photography and videography, with smartphones lowering the barrier to entry and AI reshaping what is possible behind the lens. As creators move from casual content to more ambitious, professional storytelling, the demand for versatile imaging tools is evolving with them. The other day, I sat down for a virtual chat with Vishesh Magoo, Assistant Director (Head of Camera Business Unit), Canon India, about the rise of India’s creator economy, the growing role of hybrid cameras, how AI will influence visual storytelling, and where dedicated cameras fit into a smartphone-first world. SN:…

Canva has launched ‘Aap Aur Canva, Jodi Wah Wah!’, its biggest brand campaign in India to date, focusing on how AI can make creative tools more accessible to creators, professionals and small businesses. The campaign builds on the company’s earlier ‘Dil Se Design Tak’ initiative and shifts the narrative from encouraging people to believe they can create to helping them turn ideas into finished work. The campaign features Farah Khan, Raghu Ram and Terence Lewis, who take on a familiar reality-show judging format. Instead of critiquing performances, the trio reacts to creators, working professionals and entrepreneurs who use Canva to…

boAt has introduced its new ‘Intelligent Ears’ proposition, bringing AI-powered capabilities to its latest range of earbuds through boAt CREST AI, built with Google Gemini. The company says the new platform is designed to move earbuds beyond traditional audio, enabling them to listen, understand, converse and assist users without requiring a phone or screen. At the centre of the experience are three features: Crest Ask, G-Assist and Crest Translate. Crest Ask allows users to have natural conversations with AI, ask questions and follow up on responses directly through their earbuds. G-Assist extends this into everyday productivity, with integration across Google…

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…