Author: Sohil Nikam

Tommy Hilfiger Watches & Jewellery has introduced its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, bringing together performance-led design and classic styling. The new campaign is fronted by Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez and model Leni Klum, reflecting a blend of motorsport energy and contemporary elegance. The collection continues the brand’s “Classic American Cool” philosophy, with a clear emphasis on versatility and modern craftsmanship. Perez, a long-time ambassador for the brand, features prominently in the campaign, adding a sporting edge to the lineup. In a statement, he highlighted the collection’s mix of heritage styling and modern innovation. Also Read: Titan Names Gukesh D ‘Titan of…

At ₹39,999, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is no longer playing the underdog. This is a segment where expectations are unforgiving, and the competition is sharply defined. You’re looking at credible alternatives like the Google Pixel 10a, known for its computational photography prowess, and even entry-premium devices like the Apple iPhone 17e, which bring ecosystem strength and brand gravity into the equation. And the Nothing handset is undercutting both devices by big margins. The brand has historically leaned on design and software differentiation, but at this level, that alone doesn’t suffice. The Phone (4a) Pro needs to feel complete, and…

ZENO has introduced a new AI-powered voice recording device, the Weaver, aimed at professionals who require accurate documentation of meetings, interviews, and discussions without manual note-taking. The ZENO Weaver combines hardware recording with AI-driven transcription and summarisation. It is designed to capture conversations through a multi-microphone setup with noise cancellation and then convert speech into text across multiple languages. The system can organise these transcripts into structured outputs such as minutes of meetings, interview notes, blog drafts, and video scripts, with support for over 50 formatting templates. The device features a slim, credit card-like form factor and supports MagSafe compatibility,…

There are phone launches, and then there are experiences engineered to make a point. My first interaction with the POCO X8 Pro Max happened in the passenger seat of a Porsche Macan Electric, hurtling down the Coastt track in Coimbatore. As the car delivered its signature instant torque, I was carefully unboxing a device that promises speed of a very different kind. The day was built around performance. A launch control blast in the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS pinned me to the seat, followed by an autocross session where—purely as a data point—I happened to clock the fastest lap. Throw…

Hard Rock International is making an unexpected pivot in India. Even as the iconic hospitality brand shuts down its Hard Rock Café operations across the country, it is simultaneously entering a completely different category: that of premium kitchen appliances. The company recently confirmed that it has ended its licensing partnership with JSM Corporation Pvt Ltd, the operator responsible for running Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops in India. The decision brings an end to the operator’s run of Hard Rock Café locations across 10 sites, including Bengaluru (city cafe and Bengaluru International Airport), Bengaluru Whitefield, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Hyderabad Hitech…

Watch retailer Just In Time has opened a new flagship boutique in Connaught Place, New Delhi, and announced Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana as its brand ambassador. The 3,000 sq. ft., two-level store is one of the brand’s largest formats, featuring dedicated brand zones for what the company describes as an “immersive” watch retail experience. Khurrana inaugurated the boutique alongside Founder and MD Raju Chheda and CEO Ronak Shah at an event attended by media and industry partners. Chheda framed the Delhi expansion as part of a broader national push, citing Khurrana’s appeal as a reason for the tie-up. “He represents…

Bluetooth-enabled helmets have quietly carved out a niche in the riding gear space over the past few years. Not too long ago, if you wanted Bluetooth connectivity inside your helmet, you had to buy a separate communication device and manually install it by routing wires through padding, mounting control units on the shell, and hoping everything stayed secure. Today, things are far more convenient. Manufacturers are integrating Bluetooth functionality directly into helmets, making the setup cleaner and far easier to use. While Axor isn’t the first brand to explore this space, the Axor x Apex Altor brings one unique feature…

Sonos has introduced two new speakers, namely the Sonos Play and the Sonos Era 100 SL, as part of a broader effort to strengthen and simplify its connected audio ecosystem. The announcement aims to further enhance the company’s focus on multi-room listening and modular audio systems. The Sonos Play is positioned as the company’s most versatile speaker to date. Designed for both home use and portable listening, it connects over Wi-Fi to integrate with existing Sonos setups while also supporting Bluetooth for use outside the home. Users can group it with other compatible speakers across rooms or pair two units…

That the Echo Show 8 (2026) is Amazon’s most advanced mid-size smart display yet is quite obvious, given it’s the fourth-gen model of the concept. The update isn’t just cosmetic, as the company has redesigned the hardware, added new sensors, improved audio architecture, and introduced contextual automation through a platform called Omnisense. With an 8.7-inch edge-to-edge display, spatial audio speakers, and a new AZ3 Pro processor, the device aims to function as a true ambient home assistant rather than just a voice speaker with a screen. After spending a few weeks with it, here are my thoughts on it. Design…

A big part of my job is to test wearables, and I’m still picky. That’s because my nights are sacred, my workouts are habitual, and I get suspicious of any gadget that hands me a score and calls it “recovery.” Over the last month, I wore a Whoop strap (Whoop 5 series), the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) one after the other. I slept in all three, trained in all three, and let their companion apps narrate my rest, readiness and heart data. Below, I break down what each device does, what it actually…

In a smartphone market where prices continue to climb, it’s rare to see rugged durability offered at entry-level pricing. The newly launched itel Zeno 100 aims to change that by bringing MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability to a phone that costs well under ₹7,000. Launched by itel and available exclusively on Amazon, the Zeno 100 is priced at ₹6,866 for the 3GB RAM variant and ₹7,285 for the 4GB RAM model. In a segment dominated by basic entry-level devices, this level of rugged certification is unusual, as such standards are typically seen in much more expensive smartphones. The device also introduces a…

On my trusty old desk now sits the MSI Vector 16 HX AI laptop, an eye-grabbing piece of technology that promises premium performance. What makes it special is that it’s built around the high-end HX-series Intel processor and paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU. This combination positions it as a machine designed for demanding workloads that obviously include AAA gaming at QHD resolutions. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM, fast NVMe storage, and a 16-inch 240Hz display, the hardware configuration clearly targets users who require sustained performance. At ₹2,26,990, its base A2XWHG-227IN model competes in a space where raw capability,…

After spending a few days with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select, it becomes clear that Amazon’s approach here is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The device doesn’t try to reinvent the streaming stick formula. It instead focuses on delivering a smooth, dependable smart TV experience, with an added dash of cloud gaming surprises. However, there are a few compromises that become noticeable once you begin using it extensively, especially if you’re someone who expects premium audio-visual formats or likes to tinker with your streaming setup. Design The Fire TV Stick 4K Select follows the familiar design language that Amazon…

Water purification has traditionally been treated as a purely functional piece of infrastructure that’s essential, but rarely innovative. Boon, however, is attempting to reframe the category entirely. Founded by Advait Kumar, the company is building what it calls an “operating system for water,” where advanced purification hardware is only the starting point for a deeper intelligence layer powered by data and machine learning. Through technologies like UltraOsmosis membranes and its WaterAI platform, Boon’s systems continuously monitor water quality, consumption patterns, and system health, turning every installation into a connected node in a growing data network. We sat down with Kumar…

We rolled out of Edapally at first light, the kind of soft Kochi morning that makes you want to take the long road home. Instead of pointing the new Punch EV straight toward Athirappilly, we traced the quieter outskirts that were made of narrower state highways, patches of broken tarmac, and stretches of smooth open road. They were the sort of mixed-use environment that actually tests an EV beyond spec-sheet claims. By the time we found our serene stop near the fringes of the falls, the car had revealed both its strengths and its caveats. Pricing That Deserves Credit Let’s…

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4 alongside the Galaxy S26 series, positioning them as its most advanced wireless earbuds yet. The new lineup focuses on refined hi-fi audio, improved comfort, and deeper AI integration within the Galaxy ecosystem. The headline upgrade comes in the form of enhanced sound hardware. For the first time, the Buds 4 Pro features a wider woofer design that increases the effective speaker area by nearly 20% compared to the previous generation. Combined with a dedicated tweeter, the earbuds support 24-bit/96kHz audio and deliver a frequency response range of 20Hz…

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S26 series in San Francisco, introducing what it calls its most intuitive and proactive AI smartphone lineup yet. The new range includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra, and marks Samsung’s third generation of AI-first smartphones designed to simplify everyday tasks. At the core of the S26 series is a shift toward “agentic” AI, which is technology that works quietly in the background, reducing the steps between intent and action. Features like Now Nudge proactively suggest relevant content based on context. For example, if a user receives a message about…

Embarking on a fitness journey often begins with motivation, but real progress requires consistency, commitment, and the right tools. Among all fitness disciplines, cycling stands out as one of the most efficient, low-impact, and sustainable ways to build cardiovascular health, leg strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Yet in India, many riders start on entry-level cycles that are heavy, inefficient, and ultimately discouraging. A truly capable, high-end bicycle doesn’t just roll faster; it reduces fatigue, improves comfort, and makes you excited to ride again tomorrow. That psychological and mechanical edge can make all the difference when trying to stick with fitness…

Starting a fitness journey has never been easier, or more overwhelming, for that matter. Between contradictory workout plans, fad diets, influencer advice, and unrealistic transformations on social media, many people don’t fail because they lack motivation, but because they lack clarity. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) could come to your rescue, as it did for me. I did not look at it as a futuristic gimmick, but as a practical, everyday tool that can help me start, sustain, and succeed in my fitness journey. Tired of having lost my fitness drive due to the lack of clarity, I decided…

The Alienware Aurora 16 is not a laptop designed to be subtle. It makes a statement the moment you lift the lid, and more importantly, the moment you push its hardware. At ₹1,54,990, this is not an entry-level gaming machine or a casual upgrade from a mainstream laptop. It is positioned as a serious performance device aimed at gamers, creators and power users who want desktop-class capability in a portable, albeit substantial, form factor. The unit I tested was powered by Intel’s Core 7 240H processor, a 10-core chip with 24MB cache and boost speeds up to 5.2GHz. It was…

Tata Motors has taken the veil off its new Punch EV, adding what look like meaningful upgrades across design, tech and battery capability. The subcompact eSUV gets a starting price of ₹9.69 lakh (ex-showroom), but a new BaaS model has also been introduced that brings down its upfront cost to ₹6.49 lakh, with the usage billed at ₹2.6 per kilometre. Fresh Exterior Design Visually, the Punch EV now gets a sharper front-end treatment. The updated fascia features new LED DRLs connected by a black strip, stacked headlamps housed in triangular pods, and a redesigned bumper. At the rear, the silhouette…

I sat down with Anand Kulkarni, Chief Products Officer, Head of HV Programs and Customer Service, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., to discuss the evolution of the Punch EV, the engineering decisions behind its latest updates, and the brand’s broader electric mobility roadmap. From real-world customer feedback to battery technology, torque calibration and future-ready EV innovations, the conversation offered insight into how Tata Motors is refining its electric portfolio for a more mainstream Indian audience. SN: What feedback from early user clinics or pre-launch trials influenced the final feature set of the Punch EV? AK: The Punch EV was launched…

There’s a strange kind of poetry to riding the Yamaha XSR 155 in India. It’s a motorcycle that doesn’t scream for attention yet turns heads; it makes no bold claims of blistering performance yet delivers enough zip to keep you grinning; and it wears retro aesthetics not as a costume, but as an honest expression of design. In a market that oscillates between naked commuters and supersport replicas, the XSR 155 stakes its claim as something refreshingly balanced, if not entirely without compromise. I spent a week with Yamaha’s neo-retro contender on city streets and open highways. What emerged from…

Some scooters try to impress you with sharp styling, flashy screens, or outrageous performance claims. The River Indie Gen 3 takes a very different route. After riding it as my daily commuter for a week, it became clear that this isn’t a scooter built to chase trends or spec-sheet glory. It’s built around one word: utility. And in the chaos of Indian cities, that focus makes a lot of sense. The Indie has always looked different, and even today, it stands out instantly. The slab-sided design, chunky proportions, and almost industrial aesthetic make it unmistakable on the road. You either…

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Instagram is rolling out a set of limited-edition creative tools aimed at making Stories, Reels and DMs feel more festive — and more personalised. Alongside it, Edits, Instagram’s companion creative app, is introducing themed tools that will remain available beyond the holiday window. On Instagram, the Valentine’s Day updates are temporary, live from February 12 to 16. The platform has added new fonts and animated text effects tailored to the occasion, allowing users to inject themed typography into Stories and Reels. Love-themed photo sticker frames offer another visual layer, while custom mention stickers make…

itel has expanded its entry-level smartphone portfolio in India with the launch of the new A100, positioning it as a durable yet affordable device aimed at mass-market users. The latest offering from itel focuses on longevity, practical features, and aggressive pricing, targeting consumers who rely heavily on their smartphones for everyday use. A key highlight of the itel A100 is its military-grade durability. The smartphone comes with MIL-STD-810H certification, designed to withstand tough usage conditions and accidental drops, a feature rarely seen in this price segment. The device also introduces itel’s Ultralink technology, which enables limited connectivity even in areas…

While reviewing storage devices in 2026, there’s no doubt that we will all be forced to address the rather large elephant in the room. I’m talking, of course, about the spike in prices of these products. RAM units and storage devices of all shapes and sizes have seen almost a twofold increase in their prices. And the Kingston Dual Portable SSD with 1TB of storage isn’t immune to that. That said, this new product is clearly aimed at a very specific audience. It features a Type-C connector on both ends, neatly solving compatibility issues whether you’re working with smartphones, tablets,…

Qualcomm has marked a major milestone in advanced semiconductor design with the successful tape-out of its 2nm chip, a development that sharply underscores India’s growing role in shaping next-generation global technology. Achieved through close collaboration with its engineering teams in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, the breakthrough highlights the depth and maturity of India’s semiconductor design ecosystem. The 2nm tape-out is among the most advanced achievements in chip engineering worldwide and reinforces Qualcomm’s long-standing commitment to India as a core pillar of its global operations. With its largest engineering workforce outside the United States based in India, Qualcomm has steadily expanded…

IWC Schaffhausen has teamed up with George Russell to create two limited-edition Pilot’s Watches that translate the Formula One driver’s racing identity into high-performance watchmaking. Developed in close collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team star, the collection includes a chronograph and an automatic model, both crafted in black zirconium oxide ceramic. Visually, the watches stand out for their bold yet restrained aesthetic. Black dials are accented with printing and Super-LumiNova in Russell’s unmistakable signature blue, a colour long associated with his helmet design and personal racing brand. The same blue extends to the integrated rubber straps, creating a…

Audi has introduced a new in-vehicle digital experience called My Auras, aimed at transforming traditional vehicle ownership into a more personalised and lifestyle-oriented offering. The feature aims to integrate multi-sensory cabin controls into a single interface designed to enhance comfort, emotional engagement, and convenience during daily drives. The My Auras feature is available through the MyAudi Connect platform and is integrated directly into compatible Audi vehicles. It allows users to simultaneously adjust several cabin elements such as ambient lighting, temperature, seat ventilation, massage settings, aromatization, and music playback through a single tap. The system also supports integrated streaming via Apple…