Author: Sohil Nikam

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…

Royal Enfield has updated the Continental GT 650 with a set of styling and practicality-focused changes, while retaining the mechanical package and cafe racer character of the motorcycle. The updated model is available across India in four colourways. The latest Continental GT 650 gets a black-painted instrument cowl, new LED trafficators and a USB Type-C fast-charging port. Royal Enfield has also introduced a blacked-out treatment for the engine, exhaust and cast alloy wheels on the Rocker Red variant. The Apex Grey variant continues with the blacked-out mechanical components and alloy wheels. Mechanical specifications remain unchanged. The motorcycle is powered by…

India’s independence story is often told through its great political moments. Yet nations are shaped just as profoundly by the ideas that enter everyday life. The way we make a phone call, hail a cab, pay for dinner, watch a film, build a company or travel across a city can reveal as much about a country’s transformation as any economic statistic. The India of 1991 was a very different proposition. The economy was opening up, technology was beginning to find its place, and a new generation was growing up with aspirations shaped by a rapidly changing world. Over the next…

The best charging accessory is often the one you stop thinking about. That was my experience with the URBN 200W GaN Power Hub. I carried it with me on a four-day trip to Delhi, initially treating it as a convenient way of reducing the number of chargers in my bag. By the end of the trip, it had become the only charger I needed. My laptop, two phones, Apple Watch and a handful of smaller accessories could all live off the same unit, without constantly swapping plugs or hunting for another power socket. That convenience is the real proposition here.…

Sennheiser has entered into a multi-year partnership with Formula E, becoming the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s Official Sound Provider. The collaboration will see the audio specialist integrate its professional audio solutions and AMBEO immersive audio technology across the global electric racing series. The partnership is aimed at changing how Formula E’s races are experienced by audiences both at the track and at home. The two companies will explore advanced audio capture and encoding workflows designed to deliver more immersive sound across different viewing devices. A key focus will be capturing the distinctive soundscapes of Formula E’s GEN4 era,…

Google’s Pixel phones are the latest victims of the global smartphone price squeeze triggered by the memory crisis. Google had already warned that soaring memory costs would force price adjustments, and the Pixel 11 generation is where that pressure becomes visible. The result is a lineup that feels very much like a basic upgrade. Prices are up while hardware changes are incremental. Moreover, there is still no move to silicon-carbon battery technology, and the Pro models also make a compromise on RAM despite the ₹10,000 price rise. In India, the Pixel 11 starts at ₹89,999 for 12GB RAM and 256GB…

Written by Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications, OPPO India Every generation leaves behind a cultural signature. For our parents, memories lived in photo albums. For millennials, they moved to digital folders and social media timelines. Generation Z has taken this relationship with memories one step further. They don’t just capture moments, they curate them. A weekend trip becomes a travel dump. A concert transforms into a cinematic reel. An ordinary coffee run turns into an aesthetic story. Today, memories are no longer just preserved; they are carefully crafted to reflect personality, emotion and identity. This shift reflects something much larger…

Bumble has introduced changes to its messaging experience that allow either person in a match to send the first message, moving away from its earlier model where women were required to initiate conversations. Under the new system, recipients will have 72 hours to respond, up from the previous 24-hour window. Bumble says the longer timeframe is intended to give users more flexibility, particularly as busy schedules can result in potential connections expiring before a conversation begins. The new format still retains a structured approach to initiating conversations. Only one initial message can be sent, and the chat opens only after…

After entering the smart projector space recently, boAt has now expanded its home audio portfolio with the launch of the Aavante Bar Prime soundbar series, comprising the Aavante Bar Prime DA600, B450 and Thunder-D. The new range is aimed at home entertainment, with features including Dolby Atmos, dual subwoofers and up to 600W of claimed boAt Signature Sound. The flagship Aavante Bar Prime DA600 offers up to 600W output and a true 5.2-channel surround sound configuration. It combines dual wired subwoofers with two rear satellite speakers and supports Dolby Atmos. The B450 also features dual subwoofers, with the company highlighting…

boAt has entered the smart projector market with the launch of its CineHead F1 Series, marking the audio and wearables brand’s expansion into visual entertainment. The series comprises two models, the CineHead F1 and F1 Pro, both offering 1080p Full HD native resolution, 4K support and Official Google TV 5.0. The projectors can display images ranging from 40 to 120 inches and come with Dolby Audio. Google TV provides access to more than 10,000 apps through the Google Play Store, along with features including personalised recommendations, multiple user profiles and Kids Mode. Both models also include Google Assistant, while their…

POCO has announced that the POCO M8 Power is now on sale in India, bringing one of the largest batteries seen in a mainstream smartphone to the market. The device is centred around an 8000mAh silicon-carbon battery, a technology that enables higher energy density without significantly increasing the phone’s size, positioning the M8 Power as a smartphone built for users who prioritise battery life for streaming, gaming and everyday use. The smartphone features a 6.99-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 1800 nits peak brightness, a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio and DCI-P3 colour gamut support. Complementing…

Ai+ has announced Project Trust+, a new long-term security initiative that aims to strengthen the safety of its smartphone ecosystem through community participation. As part of the programme, the company has committed ₹100 crore over the next five years, allocating ₹20 crore annually to encourage ethical hackers, independent security researchers and developers to identify vulnerabilities and help improve the security of its devices. Unlike traditional bug bounty programmes, Project Trust+ has been designed as an ongoing collaborative effort that invites the wider technology community to actively test Ai+’s software, challenge its security architecture and report potential weaknesses before they affect…