CES is the most influential tech event globally, and just like ordinary people awaits a new year, tech enthusiasts wait for the CES event, which offers them a head start to begin the new year on a good note. The event is underway and has unveiled numerous out of the box products for which it is known. Due to the ongoing pandemic and fear of new variants like Omicron, many publications, including us, are not physically attending the CES 2022, making the show kind of Hybrid. However, after spending many months in lockdown, we’re now getting used to the new normal.
BMW iX – The Color Changing Car
Invention arises directly from idleness, sometimes out of laziness to save oneself from troubles, and that’s human nature, which BMW grasped and created a colour-changing car, which will keep you sane from the boredom of having one coloured vehicle. The BMX iX fully electric car debuted at CES 2022, and it has body panels made from E Ink displays, similar to the ones we find on the screen of a Kindle e-reader. The demo version only allows two colour-changing patterns, Black and White, but more colours will be added to excite the customers in the future.
Freestyle TV Projector by Samsung
Drive-in theatres were one of the fascinating approaches towards entertainment as they allowed people to enjoy the cinema from the comfort of their car. Unfortunately, it lapsed out from our lives, but if you’re one of those people who likes to stay on the road and enjoy movies on the go, particularly on big screens, then Samsung has launched something for you, the all-new Freestyle TV projector, which weighs less than a kilogram and comes with a 180-degree cradle stand. Get an additional USB-C battery, a waterproof case, lens caps, and the projector allows you to project anything onto walls, screens or anywhere else from 30 to 100 inches.
LG Omnipod – World on Wheels
LG has always been a company that introduced humanity to many unbelievable products and ensured we would stay on the line of innovation. Micro apartments are already creating hype worldwide due to the shortage of space and ever-rising prices. And now, to make things easier for us, LG has introduced an Omnipod – a connected car concept that blurs the distinction between home and car. Fundamentally, it is an entire world on wheels with lights, windows and even seems to have a driver’s seat. The Omnipod has a refrigerator, drink dispensers, TV panels, a virtual assistant “Reah” to help you and access Metaverse via the giant floor-to-ceiling screen.
Noveto N1 – Invisible headphones
We often find people exaggerating the size of the headphones or even earbuds, and to cure that problem, Noveto has launched N1, an audio device with built-in Alexa intelligence and Noveto’s proprietary innovative audio beaming technology. The premium soundbar works on ultrasonic waves and offers a headphone-like experience with spatial 3D audio, and the speciality of N1 is only the listener can hear the music. The company has recorded up to 90% (20dB) audio drop when it is 1 meter away from the listener means only 10 per cent of the N1’s audio can be heard beyond 1 metre, more like a whisper.
Sony Vision-S-02 EV
The one conference that surprised everyone was Sony, as they bring a reasonable interest in their electric vehicle, the Vision-S, and its further development and production. The company stated in a blog post that they will establish an operating company, ‘Sony Mobility Inc.’ in the spring of 2022, which means Sony could take on Tesla with its EV’s. The newly introduced all-electric SUV model, Sony Vision-S-02, is definitely for a future commercial release. Along with advanced sensors and safety systems, it allows you to play PlayStation games through a remote connection to a console at home; what more you could ask for in a car?
When you travel with friends, you spend most of the time either waiting for them to get ready or deciding where to go first! And when you get bored with such lousy holidays, the thought of solo travelling hits your mind. But did you follow through with it? If you answered yes, you’re already a part of the solo travel fraternity, but if you answered no, you need a hit.
Travelling solo is one of the most pleasant experiences you can have. It helps you build confidence, self-love, and mental health, along with the freedom to take all the shots. People usually turn their back on solo trips due to a fear of loneliness, but solo travelling doesn’t necessarily mean being alone, and you never know who’ll come across your path?
The Benefits of Solo Backpacking
People will not believe in what you’re trying to convince them unless they know the beneficial part of the narrative. We work hard to fulfil our needs, but along with our needs, we need to focus on ways to reclaim our mental health and much-needed headspace. Solo backpacking provides you with both of these essential things, which helps you clear your mind.
It makes you focus on yourself.
Sometimes being selfish is not a bad approach, especially when planning a solo trip. Travelling with others means you have to stick to the itinerary, but what if you want to spend 6-hours in a single museum, staring at the artefacts or start your trek when light first appears in the sky? To experience such things, you have to be selfish and go on a solo trip.
When you travel solo, you unconsciously start thinking about yourself, which gives you time to reflect on your life, to think about your actual likes/dislikes and where you want to go in the future. Solo trips don’t promise to solve your problems, but it certainly helps you get ready to face anything as it makes you confident, strong, smart and self-reliant.
It helps you in making new connections.
Being a solo traveller, I’ve met marvelous people whilst travelling alone, be it fellow travellers or locals. When you travel alone, you are more likely to reach out to people you meet on the road and interact with them, which helps you make new connections. Sometimes, it leads to building meaningful relationships, even if they’re locals.
A conversation over a cup of tea or at a breakfast joint can broaden your knowledge about many things, such as trying different food, understanding the local language, different cultures, art and indulging yourself in those experiences you could not do while travelling in a flock. Also, in my experience, it is easy to strike up friendships on the road.
It reduces your stress levels.
Everybody is dealing with some stress, which you can’t speak out in front of people. It is a silent killer, living inside your body like a parasite and feeding on your health. In such cases, travelling solo is one of the best antidotes to relieve your senses. Breaking free from the group, deadlines, and chaos of mundane routine will help you reduce the stress and come back strong.
Travelling solo boosts your confidence and releases happy hormones in your body, taking your mind off stressful thoughts. Also, taking time off from work makes you feel calm and composed as it relieves the tension and stress of your work life. Once the stress is gone, you’ll have a more productive and focused work life.
It improves your mental health.
I travel by myself most of the time. When I went on my first solo trip, it initially seemed challenging, but soon I realized how the solo trip helped me enhance my mental health, and since then, I haven’t turned my back on it. Backpacking solo and living someplace where your heart belongs or you feel excited about can help you toughen up mentally and emotionally.
When you travel solo, there’s no one to judge you, making you try your hands on the wildest things. You suddenly become more adventurous and start attempting more unexpected things, which helps reset your body and mind. Travelling solo brings mental peace, which benefits you from quickly getting over stressful situations and teaches you to handle such situations calmly.
It increases your creativity.
Solo travel is particularly constructive for people who’re dealing with creative blocks. It helps people to boost their creativity and come up with diverse ideas. Travelling solo is beneficial for improving brain function as well as creativity, and kicking yourself out of your comfort zone is an excellent way to embrace your artistic imagination.
New colours, patterns, sounds, food and immersing yourself in the local environment will help you enhance your creativity. When you explore new places and experience other cultures, it opens your mind and activates positive energies. So, once you’re home, you can channel the energy from your adventure to reactivate your creative subconscious.
It helps you to discover the real you.
People often ask me why do you travel alone, don’t you have any friends? I do have friends, and I travel with them, but backpacking solo has a special place in my life. Over the years, it has helped me discover the real me, and the one-on-one time is beyond priceless, you can’t have that when you travel in a group.
When you travel alone, from booking a hotel room to deciding what to eat, you regulate everything, which helps you learn more about yourself than you ever imagined. Solo travelling acts like therapy and provides you with a perfect time for deep introspection, which assists you in increasing your mental resilience and discovering the real you.
It improves your adaptability.
“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost”, and to discover such paths, you must have to be adaptable. The mundane routine forces you to stay within the comfort box, weakening your adaptability skills. In contrast, you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and adaptability skills when you go on solo trips.
Travelling alone comes with greater responsibility and gives you greater flexibility. While travelling solo, you learn things you couldn’t learn anywhere else, and it helps you become more flexible and responsible. Also, when you travel without a plan, it gives you incredible flexibility and can lead you to exciting and unplanned adventures.
It helps you grow as an individual.
Don’t travel ‘for the gram’; travel to explore the inner you. Solo travelling is best for personal growth, as it lets you spend a lot of time with yourself, which allows you to figure yourself out and find peace within yourself. We often find it difficult to approach strangers, but when you’re on your own, you have no other choice than to ask strangers.
Travelling solo allows room for meaningful connections with strangers, which ultimately makes you humble and sharpens your troubleshooting skills. Sometimes you meet people and hear fascinating stories that help you to inspire in life. Also, when you venture out alone, you’ll bond deeper with yourself and come back as a different person.
It teaches you that setbacks are a part of life.
Whenever something terrible happens in our lives, we ask ourselves, “why is it happening to me?” and hold on to the point about what happened, which leads us to frustration. We can not alter life events, but we can always learn how to deal with the issues. Travelling solo helps you deal better with setbacks because we come across many while travelling alone.
Setbacks that arrive while you’re travelling solo add extra spice to your adventures and fill your pocket with experiences. It teaches you to go with the flow and not get plastered with the past life. So, if you’re wondering how to deal with setbacks, go on a solo trip, and you’ll come back as a solid person who knows how to stay patient and deal with the problems.
Travelling alone is often considered a risky venture, but the world is not what the media shows on TV. It still has great people with whom you can become friends in no time and even if you face some problems, they’re only going to help you in life. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and take a solo trip to experience more by yourself.
Since the last couple of years, we have witnessed many top-notch companies launching their audio sunglasses, which ultimately helped the audio sunglasses section to grow and have a category of their own. The original Bose Frames delivered surprisingly pure sound, and with the arrival of three new models, Tempo, Tenor, and Soprano, Bose stands tall in the audio sunglasses market. Bose Tempo is a sporty looking gadget, while the other two, Rectangular shaped Tenor and Cat Eye shaped Soprano, are best for everyday use. The company has done a lot to improve the sound quality, which helps the sunglasses to deliver crisp and clear sound. The audio sunglasses are the best gift option for the person who likes listening to music while riding a bike, resting by the pool/beach, walking, running, or hiking.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack – Price: ₹10,900
Apple is one of the top-ranked smartphone manufacturing companies in the world, but at the same time, it is infamous for its battery backup. However, the company has understood the issue and has come up with a solution in the form of an Apple MagSafe battery pack. The rectangle-shaped and white coloured MagSafe battery pack fits perfectly on the back and is compatible with iPhone 12 series and iPhone 13 series. The slim and sturdy battery pack is small enough to slide into a pocket or bag. The MagSafe Battery Pack offers a 1,460mAh capacity which sounds low, but the numbers are deceiving as the battery pack easily adds a few hours of use to your iPhone. If you have experienced frequent cries related to battery backup from your loved one who uses an iPhone, then the MagSafe battery pack is a must-buy gift option.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) – Price: ₹13,999
Amazon has been a leading company in manufacturing smart speaker displays over the years, and its recent launch, the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen), is the best smart display in the lineup. The 2nd gen Echo Show 8 offers a superior 13-megapixel wide-angle camera for enhanced video calls along with a faster processor and an auto-framing feature, which lets the device pan and zoom automatically to adjust the frame while making video calls. The Echo Show 8’s sound output is way better than the top trim Echo Show 10, but the flagship smart home device Echo Show 10 steals the show when it comes to other features. If the person you’re planning to gift this Christmas is a newcomer to the smart home space, then Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) would be a great gift choice.
Ember Mug² –
Price: Various options available from ₹16,000* on amazon.in or get it from ember.com for $129.95 USD
The winter is coming, and all we need to survive the chilliness is a cup of hot tea or coffee by the table, but every time we plan to enjoy the hot drink, it turns cold before we finish it and ruins our mood. Well, if you know someone who is a big-time hot tea or coffee lover, then gift them the Ember Mug² temperature control smart mug, and it will never let their tea or coffee go cold again, at least for up to 1.5 hours with Ember Mug² 10 oz and up to 80 minutes with the Ember Mug² 14 oz. The smart mug is designed for home or office use, and it allows you to set an exact drinking temperature so your coffee is never too hot or cold. The washable smart mug allows you to set and control your prefered temperature with your smartphone via the dedicated Ember app.
Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds – Price: ₹14,499
Apple purchased Beats in 2014, and since then, every product Beats launched was somehow tied up with the Apple ecosystem. Then Beats decided to ditch the traditional Apple H1 and W1 chips and launched Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds with MediaTek chipset. The change in the chip helped Beats to go beyond its competitors and suit Android phones along with Apple devices. The Beats Studio Buds are Beats’ smallest earbuds to date and the best-sounding earbuds Beats has ever manufactured. The wireless noise-cancelling earbuds fit perfectly in the ear, and the solid grip makes sure they’ll not fall out even during intense workouts. So, if you’re looking for a gadget to gift your gym-addict friend, then these stand-out earbuds are the perfect little thing.
GoPro Hero10 Black Action Camera – Price: ₹54,500
GoPro recently launched the new Hero10 Black, with a new faster custom processor. The Hero10 Black sports a 2.27-inch touch screen main display on the back and a 1.4-inch display on the front. It arrives with Incredible video stabilization and a new GP2 chipset, enabling new slow-motion frame rates, faster transfer speeds, and improved image quality. The camera can record smoother videos up to 5.3K @ 60fps, and for slow-mo videos, it can go up to 4K @ 120fps and 2.7K @ 240fps. The waterproof Hero 10 Black is powered by a GP2 sensor and packs a 1,720mAh battery. The GoPro Hero10 Black could be the best gift option if your loved ones are travel enthusiasts, vloggers or into adventure sports.
WD My Passport Go Portable SSD – Price: ₹11,469* (for 1TB on flipkart.com)
SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster and more power-efficient than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), and that’s the reason they’re always in demand. WD is one of the most popular SSD and HDD-making companies globally, and their recent addition, WD My Passport Go portable SSD, is one in a million kinds of devices. The My Passport Go portable drive has a shock-absorbing rubber bumper and no moving parts, making it drop-resistant up to 2 meters. The square-shaped, rugged SSD is 2 times faster than typical portable hard disk drives and compatible with both Windows PC and Mac computers. The Pocket-sized drive has a built-in cable for convenient portability and is available in three variants, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB. You can gift the SSD to the person who never feels satisfied with the in-built storage of their respective devices.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro – Price: ₹10,990*
Samsung has tasted success with the launch of exceptionally built Galaxy Buds Plus and failure with the launch of not so excellent Galaxy Buds Live, which helped the South Korean tech giant analyse the segment well and come back hard with the Galaxy Buds Pro, the best true wireless earbuds that the company has ever made. The Buds Pro includes active noise cancellation, wireless charging, speech detection mode, and support for the Scalable advanced Bluetooth codec. When paired with a Samsung smartphone or tablet, the earbuds offer the best sound quality and go beyond these key features. The Buds Pro also offers IPX7 water and sweat resistance features along with improved mic performance. So, if you’ve someone who owns a Samsung smartphone or tablet and likes to play along with music and calls, then go for these earbuds and make your loved ones happy.
E-book readers are reliable and handy instead of the traditional paper-based books because e-book readers offer thousands of books in one gadget, and when it comes to choosing the best e-book reader in the market, you’ll never find anything better than Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (10th Gen). The waterproof e-reader has a 6-inch e-ink display, and it is available in different variants that range from 8GB to 32GB of storage. The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the most popular e-readers on the market with good battery life, and if you have someone in your friend circle who’s an avid book reader, then this 10th Gen Kindle Paperwhite could easily replace your place in your friend’s life.
Budget Gifts (Below ₹10,000)
LG XBOOM Go PL2 Water Resistant Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Price: ₹7,990
The LG XBOOM Go PL2 is the smallest and least expensive portable Bluetooth speaker from the PL range of speakers. The IPX5 water-resistant portable speaker offers a Sound Boost mode, USB-C charging, stereo pairing, and up to 10 hours of battery life. The PL2 speaker can be controlled with your smartphone’s voice assistant and can make any party fun in no time. The rounded design, compact and lightweight speaker has a good build quality and is best suited for travel enthusiasts. If you know someone who is a travel addict and likes to do weekend campaigning by the lake or hill, then LG XBOOM Go PL2 portable speakers can be a good companion for such personalities.
Oral-B Pro 2 2000N Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush – Price: ₹4,199
Technology has evolved our daily needs from smart home devices to electric toothbrushes. A decade ago, Oral-B was making regular manual toothbrushes, but then the company decided to take a look at the big picture and started manufacturing electric toothbrushes to cope up with the new age of connected tech. The Oral-B Pro 2 2000 electric rechargeable toothbrush offers only the necessary features for your dental health and works without any app support. The electric toothbrush helps you to remove more plaque and leave gums healthier than a manual toothbrush. The Oral-B Pro 2 200 electric toothbrush features two brushing modes and a pressure sensor, making it the simplest yet elegant electric toothbrush. It can be an excellent gift for people with sensitive teeth who have never experimented with an electric toothbrush.
Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller – Price: ₹9,321* on amazon.in
Everyone has their own choice, and not all people want a regular PlayStation or Xbox controller. Some people go beyond the ordinary world and prefer exciting gadgets such as Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller, which offers a seemingly lag-free gaming experience on the phone. The go-to mobile gaming controller has a split apart design, and it can connect directly through the USB-C charging port. The Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller fits most smartphone devices and offers a solid grip that lets the gamer have great control over a device. If you’re friends with someone who follows mobile gaming like a devotion, in that case, you should consider gifting Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller to them this Christmas as this killer gadget will not only please them mentally but will permanently change their mobile gaming experience.
Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device with Alexa Voice Remote – Price: ₹5,999
Amazon has acquired almost all crucial markets, from online shopping to smart house gadgets to streaming services and even streaming devices. The business strategies and tough competition in the market have made consumers’ lives easy as many widgets are available at affordable prices, and the list includes 4K streaming devices. Since the Fire TV Stick 4K launch, Amazon has emerged in this market, and the latest Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K includes the Alexa voice remote in the box. The latest 4K stick offers improved performance and is slightly larger than the standard Fire TV Stick but has the same colour and texture. The latest 4K stick features a guide button that can quickly take you to live TV and offer Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG like the standard stick. If you’re looking for a budget gift this Christmas, then the Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with Alexa Voice Remote could be a perfect one.
Bellroy 3 Card iPhone Wallet Case – Price: from $68 to $88 (including $9 express shipping charges)
We often see people, mainly Indians having a 50 or 100 rupees/dollars note on the back of their smartphone cover. Some even put their credit or debit cards on the back of their smartphone cover, and when asked, they defend themselves in the name of emergency needs. Well, Australian accessories making brand Bellroy decided to provide a stylish look to the regular habit and created a multi-functional smartphone wallet case that holds up to 3 cards, slots devoted to a SIM tool and SIM card. The professional-looking case has a smooth, barely textured premium leather sheath covering the back panel, and you can even use the card compartment door as a kickstand to watch videos. So, if you know someone who prefers a luxury lifestyle and owns an iPhone from 12-series or 13-series, then Bellroy 3 Card iPhone Wallet Case will be a great gift and add a style statement to their life. Though the case is only available on the official website of Bellroy, if you want to purchase one, hurry up because it will take a few days or even a week to ship in India.
Noise ColorFit Pro 3 – Price: ₹3,999
Noise, India’s homegrown brand, has already acquired the top position in India’s wearables market. The budget smartwatch, Noise Colorfit 3 Pro, comes with many features and specifications, such as a SpO2 monitor for blood oxygen monitoring, a stress level monitor, and a bigger-better display. The lightweight smartwatch sports a 1.5-inch HD touchscreen colour display and follows the subtle design language like an Apple watch. The water-resistant smartwatch features about 14 workout modes, including Outdoor Walking, Outdoor Running, Outdoor Cycling, Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Cricket, Hiking, Yoga and Workout. The Noise Colorfit Pro 3 comes in 6 colours and offers several high-end features, which we usually find on Apple & Samsung smartwatches. So, if you’re looking for a budget Christmas or new year gift, then Noise Colorfit 3 Pro could do the math.
Wagr’s GPS & Fitness Tracker for Dogs – Price: ₹3,499
The world is getting smarter with smart wearables, and along with us, our very canine best friend also needs smart wearables because about 6 lacs dogs get lost every year in India. The pain of losing our pooch friend can cause severe sickness to dog parents, and this thought made IIT alumnus Advaith Mohan and two of his friends, Siddharth Darbha and Ajith Kochery, come up with a solution. The trio created a dog wearable Wagr, India’s first GPS tracker for dogs which tracks the dog using high-precision GPS and even allows you to create safe zones. Once you attach the Wagr tracker to your pup’s collar, it will help you track your dog’s activity, walks, safe zones, and it will also alert you when they leave the safe zone you’ve created. If you have a dog of your own or someone from your friend’s circle who owns a dog, then Wagr’s location & fitness tracker is a must-have gadget.
Netflix’s dark, heavily dramatic, anti-hero lead show YOU recently returned for a third season with a bang, and like the previous two seasons, the third season quickly became one of the most discussed shows on Netflix. The show’s first two seasons featured the relentlessly creepy-stalker Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) and were packed with all the right ingredients required for a psychological thriller, but season 3 brings a new setting to the show.
Yes, season 3 of YOU takes us to an entirely new place called Madre Linda, a fictional town in the California suburb as Joe and his equally bloodthirsty wife Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti) decide to escape the hustle and bustle of New York and Los Angeles to deliver a better future to their newborn. However, in a nosy suburb, it gets hard for Joe and Love to stay unnoticed by the people, which puts the season’s suspense on the top tier.
In season three, Joe is not operating alone as he used to in the last two seasons. Now, he has a companion to help him with the aftermath of the killing, which shifts the fundamental geometry of how the show works. The stalker-narrated murder drama shows Love to be even more erratic than Joe, keeping up the thrill of the show. The third season features the continuation of Joe’s fraught relationship with Love and, of course, a lot of slayings in the neighbourhood.
The bizarre third season of the show manages to pull us into Joe and Love’s world of hatred, revenge and power politics by crafting an ironic take on a suburban murder mystery. The series has already been renewed for a fourth season as Joe is not satisfied with the love of his life and is going to look for ‘the one’ in the next one. So, until Mr Joe Goldberg shows up again with a new twisted murder story, watch these 5 breathtaking shows to feed your thrilling hunger.
Bates Motel
Platform – Peacock
Seasons – 5
In YOU, Joe Goldberg has created almost the same level of magic as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) but with multiple twists, misleads and surprises. The show depicts Joe having a tough life growing up but didn’t converge more on why he turned up as into a psychopath. Meanwhile, Bates Motel, which is based on the storyline of the iconic horror film Psycho, shows how Norman Bates grew up to become a serial killer. The show has a similar theme to YOU, and fans will see shades of Joe’s relationship with his mother in Norman (Freddie Highmore) and Norma’s (Vera Farmiga) connection, where Norman is dealing with constant manipulation that leaves him wanting independence and turns him into a serial killer.
Mindhunter
Platform – Netflix
Seasons – 2
David Fincher is a modern-day master filmmaker of dark, moody and disturbing films. He debuted on an OTT platform with a hit show, House of Cards, the first TV show produced by a studio for Netflix. Later on, he produced and directed a few episodes of a masterpiece called Mindhunter, a show based on a non-fiction crime book titled Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. Fans of YOU will enjoy the dark theme, unsettling characters and gripping suspense of Mindhunter that stars Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany in the lead. The show is set in the 70’s/80’s and revolves around two special agents of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit who try to get into and understand the brains of notorious serial killers, including Ed Kemper, Charles Manson, and the Son of Sam.
Dexter
Platform – Amazon Prime / Hulu
Seasons – 8
Dexter, one of the oldest crime thriller TV shows, is set to hit screens with a new season, Dexter: New Blood. The celebrated TV series’s titular character, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), acts and functions similar to YOU’s charming and brilliant Joe Goldberg. Like Joe, Dexter, too, believes in strategies and planning that always help him stay 10 steps ahead to protect himself and predict the worst. Dexter, who plays the role of a forensic technician by day and serial killer by night in the show, is very much senior to Joe. He has survived eight seasons dodging the law, defending his actions, and even successfully raising a family while still being a murderer. If you love YOU, you’re going to see a massive bit of Joe in every move of Dexter.
Hannibal
Platform – Amazon Prime / Hulu
Seasons – 3
The Silence of the Lambs is probably one of the best psychological horror films made in Hollywood, and its lead character, the cannibalistic serial killer Dr Hannibal Lecter, is the scariest character we’ve ever witnessed in Hollywood movies. Hannibal is an American psychological horror-thriller television series that runs on NBC, and its lead, Dr Hannibal Lecter, has an ability to fool everyone around him, very relevant to Joe Goldberg. The NBC series focuses on the complex but emotional relationship between the brilliant psychiatrist Dr Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and the FBI criminal profiler and hunter of serial killers, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy). Together they trace complex serial killers by thinking like a serial killer, but Hannibal has something mysterious that Will is unaware of.
Killing Eve
Platform – Hulu
Seasons – 3
We have seen women playing the role of a psychopath in very few Hollywood films, but when they did, they did it with full passion. Kathy Bates and Charlize Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress by playing the roles of a psychopath in Misery (1990) and Monster (2003), respectively. The Emmy award-winning spy series, Killing Eve, is one such show that depicts similarities with Joe Goldberg’s YOU. The British spy thriller follows a wild game of cat and mouse between psychopathic assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer) and badass British intelligence investigating officer Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh). The 3-season Hulu series is binge-worthy and will remind Joe’s obsessive love-hate relationship throughout YOU.
When it comes to the video and audio streaming fields, only two names gather out from our brains: Netflix and Spotify. Though they have various rivals in their respective fields, still these two always stand apart. Yesterday, Spotify announced that it is collaborating with Netflix to launch a dedicated Netflix hub that will serve as a one-stop-shop for all Netflix-related media, some of which is exclusive to Spotify.
On the hub, free and premium listeners from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and India can access the media content, which includes official soundtracks and playlists from Netflix shows and movies, including popular shows such as Stranger Things, La Casa De Papel, Narcos: Mexico, Squid Game, Bridgerton, Virgin River, and Andrew Garfield’s recently released movie Tick, Tick… Boom!.
The dedicated Spotify-Netflix hub also includes Netflix-tied podcasts, like Okay, Now Listen, Netflix Is A Daily Joke, 10/10 Would Recommend, You Can’t Make This Up. It also has enhanced albums for select titles, such as the new film ‘The Harder They Fall’, where along with the soundtrack, users can access a behind-the-scenes look of the soundtrack creation led by Jay-Z.
The exclusive content of the hub is accessible from the mobile as well as the web version of the service. All you have to do is search “Netflix” in the Spotify app, and you’ll be able to enjoy exclusive content. In addition, Spotify has refreshed a content destination in honour of the “La Casa De Papel (Money Heist),” Part 5 Volume 2, where fans can play a game of which character they’re from La Casa De Papel.
The Netflix hub is very much similar to what Spotify created for Disney a few years ago, which also features soundtracks, playlists, and podcasts surrounding the various Disney media. Spotify recently rolled out its real-time lyrics feature globally, which was introduced in 26 markets last year, including India. The Netflix-Spotify collaboration may further enhance the competition with Apple as they plan to roll out more exclusive content to the Netflix Hub in the coming months.
With the Indian market currently obsessed with SUVs, no carmaker is leaving the stones unturned to attract buyers to their park. Fast performance road monsters are the favourite choice for many celebrities and wealthy folks out there. With the recent outburst of super-fast goliaths like the Audi RS Q8, BMW X5M, the AMG’s from Benz and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo, JLR isn’t falling back. And to bridge this gap and to make others feel shy, the Range Rover Sport SVR is here to give a good game to the rest of the lot at this price range.
So, how much does this thing cost? A wee more than 2.19 Crore. And for that whopping amount, what do you get? A five-litre supercharged V-8 petrol engine that produces 567bhp of power and 700Nm torque and can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.5 seconds. That’s quite a bit for a luxury SUV.
The SVR is the most powerful Range Rover you can opt for. Designed, engineered and developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations, the luxury performance SUV is hand-finished in Coventry, UK.
How different is it from the regular Range Rover Sport SVR, you ask?
For starters, the chassis bespoke enhancements, the SVR delivers more dynamic handling without compromising traditional Range Rover comfort or all-terrain capability.
The brilliantly engineered design of the vehicle ensures a controlled pitch under heavy acceleration and braking, and the damping hardware is tuned to provide exceptional turn-in, mid-corner grip and body control.
Styling on the outside of the Range Rover SVR?
The redesigned front bumper design lends the Range Rover Sport SVR an aggressive appearance, with the massive vents designed to improve brake cooling and gulp and squish the air through its turbos. The performance brake pads and discs provide enhanced performance at higher temperatures, ensuring the braking system is more resistant to fade during dynamic driving.
Body-coloured detailing along with blacked-out accents all across the body adorns and gives it a distinctive look you cannot mistake it for anything else. At the rear end, an SVR badge also helps to identify the SVR. A contrasting black roof gives it an even sportier stance.
How’s it like from the inside?
The lightweight SVR Performance seats create an athletic silhouette and provide exceptional comfort on long journeys. Finished in high-quality perforated Windsor leather, the SVR Performance seats reflect the SVR’s status as the ultimate high-performance luxury SUV. Seat backs finished in satin black with an embossed SVR logo on the headrests also deliver heightened exclusivity. The supportive seats also create more rear legroom and the impression of a cosseting four-seat interior while retaining flexible five-seat capability. The dual-tone tan leather coupled with sporty carbon fibre trims, gives it an uber-luxury cum sporty feel.
Continuing the high-performance theme, sound quality comes from a 19-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System, which combines 825 watts, a dual-channel subwoofer and Trifield technology for a thrilling personal sound experience in every seat.
Rohit Suri, President and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “ Range Rover SVR redefines & further elevates performance and luxury in an SUV by leveraging the best of bespoke British design and engineering. I am sure that Range Rover Sport SUV enthusiasts and fans will simply love this latest offering combining formidable British engineering craftsmanship with high end and refined luxury. ”
The Indian Automobile Industry is ranked as the 5th largest in the world and is expected to move up to be the 3rd largest by 2030. Despite this impressive growth, India still needs a dramatic shift in the mobility sector so as to cater to its vast, ever-growing population. With the crude oil prices drifting up internationally, as well as the rocketing fuel prices, the existing models might not suffice in the coming years; as technology needs to be environment-friendly and cost-effective at the same time. What, then, should be the alternative?
Electrification certainly seems to be the talk of the town in this regard. It would do a great deal in reducing vehicular emissions – which are a key contributor to air pollution, a major and looming issue today in all the big, crowded cities of the country. The Indian auto industry has been buzzing with new innovations and trends with respect to this in the recent years. It all started with the “Reva” electric car which made its debut in the year 2001 (and later got acquired by Mahindra), and a few e-rickshaws which entered the market at that time. Since then, there have only been a few automakers (both four & two wheelers) to fill the gap. But the concept of electric vehicles, that used to turn just a few heads, is now catching everyone’s attention. It can definitely be said that electric vehicles are on their way to becoming a lucrative solution & a bright reality.
Besides the strengthening of EV and related component manufacturing, the battery prices are also expected to fall by more than 30% by 2025, which will make electric vehicles more affordable over the period of time. Also, the government of India has announced various tax redemptions and subsidies to further encourage more people to consider EVs. Under the Make In India programme, the manufacturing of EVs and their associated components is expected to increase. On the economic front, large-scale adoption of electric vehicles is expected to bring down the dependency on foreign oil & petroleum imports. The running cost of EVs, as compared to fuel could fall as low as Rs 1.1/km from that of Rs.6-10/km of a diesel or petrol vehicle , helping an electric vehicle owner save up to Rs. 20,000 for every 5,000km traversed.
Further, a holistic e-mobility ecosystem is complete only with an effective charging infrastructure & e-mobility service providers (rentals, charging spots, battery swapping stations etc.) and related regulations. Currently, charging infrastructure for EVs is an area of concern; however, there have been some positive developments with more and more OEM’s entering the market with their products and collectively helping set and grow the infra across the country.
The demand for electric vehicles in our country is driven by the concern of fast-charging batteries coupled with great performance & extended driving range. Indians are known for being value-conscious & thus the number of EVs selling today is less. Talking money, the running cost of a diesel/petrol vehicle can be tremendously more than that of an EV, but the initial investment is what gets heavy on the pockets. It is this mentality which needs to be changed.
For automotive players today, the primary challenge is to develop quality battery packs with extended range and longer lifespan; batteries which are safe and can store & deliver a lot of energy. In the current ecosystem, lithium ion batteries have emerged as the most suitable option.
Reservations do exist among consumers today due to the limited range of these vehicles and the lack of charging facilities, as well as the high operating costs behind setting up Public Charging Stations (PCS) – the burden of which would be passed on to them in the form of higher tariffs. As a result, EVs are only used for short, irregular trips and have yet to become the norm. However, despite these infrastructural limitations, continuous investments are taking place in the research and development arena to make EV and associated technology more cost-effective. Along with this, an increasingly facilitative role is being played by the Government in providing concessions to encourage their adoption. Finally, with the realization of the practical realities surrounding traditional vehicles and their externalities, these factors will cumulatively begins to shape the consumer’s preferences favourably towards EVs. They will surely become a viable and optimal alternative in the coming future, with immense potential to transform the landscape, and usher in a new era for the automobile sector.
India can benefit on a large scale with the widespread adoption of e-mobility. Various government interventions can definitely play a vital role in advancing electric mobility in the country. Indian policymakers have been actively pushing EV adoption in the recent years, by introducing various plans like NEMMP (National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, 2020) , the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) and other electric campaigns under different state governments.
Being a part of the ongoing pandemic and information age, we all or at least most of us, prefer Work From Home over a traditional office. Whether you’re in your home or a corporate office, or anywhere else for that matter, we all use computers or laptops to make our life more accessible and smoother. Now, talking about the keyboard, it is an essential part of modern tech-based life. Without it, we can’t do much on our computers or laptops and being honest, most of the time when we’re not in a generous mood or when we’re typing a prompt mail or playing games, we use our keyboards like a punching bag and smashes every key of it like we’re a war zone soldier.
Though most keyboards are built to handle such pressures, what will you do if you lose a key or any key stops working? Well, for computers, you’ll have to buy a new keyboard or depend on the on-screen keyboard for that particular key but in the case of laptops, once you lose a key, restoring everything to its original state can be burdensome for some of us.
So, it’s better not to use in-built keyboards all the time, especially when you type for a long span and have a habit of pressing the keys in a vivid manner. Accidents can happen at any time, and to prevent them, we would recommend you to use Wireless keyboards, and if you’re looking for the same, you’re at the right place.
Why Wireless Keyboards?
Wireless keyboards are life-saving when you prefer a neat, decluttered desk or like typing comfortably with your keyboard on your lap. They help you type faster and are ideal for pairing with laptops or even computers at workstations or home. Wireless keyboards are travel-friendly compared to their counterparts and work best not only on your computer/laptop but also on your tablet, your phone, or even your TV. Nowadays, wireless technology is everywhere and has done an impeccable job in the past few years and finding the best one is tricky, and it all depends on how you’re going to use it, for work or a gaming purpose? So, before we hit the list, let’s take a quick look at specs to consider.
A perfect sized keyboard is always going to help you and light up your life. If you travel a lot, then go for a light one and if you’re a gamer, go for a smaller than average keyboard, as you’re not going to use it for typing. If you’re a writer or doing some sort of work related to heavy use of the keyboard, go for a more oversized keyboard to hit the keys comfortably. Look for a keyboard according to your preferred operating system because sometimes special characters matter. Gamers, keep in mind, if you’re an avid gamer, you’re going to need keyboards that connect to multiple devices with the press of a single button and a customizable option for RGB lighting or at least backlighting.
Logitech MX Keys
Price – ₹12,995/-
Logitech MX Keys is one of the best wireless keyboards out there for iMac users. It offers the best typing experience with its full-size structure, and it features a built-in number pad and backlit keys to equip you with a great user experience and maximum productivity. The low-profile keyboard could be your perfect office companion. Its wireless connectivity empowers you to pair a total of three devices over Bluetooth or its USB dongle, and you can easily switch between these three connected devices.
The typing experience is smooth, and people sitting next to you can’t complain about losing concentration over a keyboard noise. The keyboard has a rechargeable battery, and it offers an impeccable 10 days of power backup. So, if you’re looking for a keyboard with a great blend of comfort and features that provide a versatile typing experience along with a premium price and durable build and have enough space on your desk, we recommend Logitech MX Keys for you.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
Price – ₹14,999/-
Are you one of those who type for long hours, are tired of repetitive strain injuries, and looking for a comfortable keyboard to avoid arm, wrist, or shoulder pain? In that case, you should definitely try ergonomically designed keyboards such as Microsoft’s Sculpt wireless ergonomic keyboard that offers a pain-free experience and even take care of your bad posture. The keyboard offers a split layout and design and a nicely cushioned palm rest to keep you in an ideal typing position and avoid additional pressure on the wrists.
The keyboard is split in half and offers a separate number pad, making it significantly different from its equivalents. The affordable ergonomic keyboard connects via a 2.4 GHz wireless USB dongle and requires two AAA batteries to work, which seems a little outdated. However, this ergonomic keyboard by Microsoft will surely help you recover lousy posture, but only if you stay put with it during those initial days.
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard
Price – ₹3,195/-
Logitech has a rich history of creating excellent computer accessories, and the name Logitech will often pop up when you’re looking for computer accessories, especially keyboard and mouse. The comfortable and compact Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard is one of the best budget-friendly keyboards out there in the market, which offers great design and compelling battery backup of up to 2 years with its AAA batteries.
The keyboard arrives with round-shaped keys, and it takes a while to adapt to it; and it also lacks a backlighting feature and macro programmable keys. The smart-looking keyboard could be paired up with three devices via Bluetooth (it doesn’t come with a USB dongle), and one can easily toggle between the devices such as smartphones, tablets, Apple TV, and most computers using the F1-F3 hotkeys. The tiny and well-built wireless Bluetooth keyboard is offered in three colours: dark grey, rose, and off-white.
Apple Magic Keyboard With Numeric Keypad
Price – ₹12,500/-
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, the name itself suggests it has something magical in it, and we can’t deny the fact because it’s a fact. The aesthetically designed Apple Magic Keyboard will undoubtedly add a slight tint to your modern office, and if you’re a follower of a minimalist lifestyle, it’s clearly the best buy for you. The Magic Keyboard sports light and bouncy keys to satisfy your typing experience.
Previously, it was available without a number pad and only bundled with Apple’s 5K iMac Pro, but now it is available in full size with Numeric Keypad, and the company even sells it separately. The flat designed Apple Magic Keyboard is ideal for gaming, reading or working with spreadsheets as it offers an impressive battery life of one month, on a full charge. The ultra-sleek space-grey keyboard offers keys based on a scissor mechanism to enhance your typing experience, but unfortunately, it is only compatible with Apple products.
Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Price – ₹15,999/-
Corsair is one of the few companies that manufacture a wireless alternative of its popular gaming keyboards, and their latest addition, a refresh of the old Corsair Gaming Lapdog but slimmer and wireless, Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, is an exceptional one. The new K63 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is almost similar to its wired sibling, and if you’re familiar with Corsair keyboards in the past, then while using this one, you’ll feel super comfortable as the keyboard is specially made for people who prefer to operate from the comfort of the couch. The K63 keyboard has a frameless and straightforward design, and users can pair the keyboard with either a wireless USB receiver or Bluetooth. The keyboard features dedicated media controls, linear Cherry MX Red switches, excellent compatibility with various operating systems, but at the same time, it lacks backlighting as it is limited to a single blue colour. However, the K63 wireless keyboard is still a good option for gaming and also for work too.
Virtual Reality (VR) has opened up new learning surroundings and involved so much in just a few years that it is no longer a new name to most of us. We’ve witnessed a number of VR headset launches in the last few years; from high-end consumer devices to affordable ones, the market of VR headsets have come a long way, and if you’re looking for a few of the best VR headset options in the market, then here’s a list of top 5 VR headsets to make your search simpler.
Oculus Quest 2
The Oculus is the big name in the world of VR’s and its latest VR, Quest 2, is unquestionably one of the best VR headsets in the market. The compact, comfortable, and powerful Quest 2 is the most advanced all-in-one VR system yet by the Facebook-owned company Oculus. The new Quest is the successor to the Oculus’ 2019 Quest, and it is only the third wire-free standalone headset from the company, after the Oculus Go and the Oculus Quest. The sleek Quest 2 looks decent, be it on the desk or your head and features a standalone signature Quest design. The Quest 2 is a bit smaller and 10% lighter than its predecessor.
Oculus is popularly known for making all-black flagship devices, but the Quest 2 has a pure white plastic chassis and a black foam eye mask behind it, making it appear more stylish. The VR headset features four camera sensors, all mounted along its edge. On the right side, it has a power button and its volume rockers rest on the underside, along with two pinhole microphones. The left side holds a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for charging and audio. The headset features 6GB of memory instead of 4GB, and its base model offers 64GB of storage.
The Oculus Quest 2 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 chipset and offers a battery life of two and 2.5 hours for a gaming session. The VR headset has everything you need right in one device, and once you are done with the setup, you’re good to go. The VR headset arrives with two newly designed motion controllers that feel as good as ever and offer a screen resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye instead of the Quest’s 1440 x 1600. The new Quest VR is one of the lowest-priced VR headsets in the market, but overall you won’t be disappointed by the performance of Oculus Quest 2.
HTC Vive Pro 2
If you’re looking for the best VR headset in the current market and you’re not a gamer, then HTC Vive Pro 2 can be your best companion. The first HTC Vive VR headset was launched five years ago, and it was way ahead of its time, but the company failed to dominate the market even after a great head start. HTC Vive Pro 2 is aimed to fulfil needs like killer visuals, accurate possible tracking and comfortable wearing for a long time, in short, it is more inclined towards professionals. The VR headset features high-res visuals and 120Hz detailed and crisp 5K displays for smooth frame rates.
The Vive Pro 2 appears and feels very identical to its predecessor but in the darker spirit, but once you mount it on your head, you’ll quickly realise the difference. The head-mounted display of HTC Vive Pro 2 helps you rotate the headset backwards without completely removing it, which eventually works best for answering a quick phone call, checking the time, seeing who’s staring at you while you’re occupied in the VR world and, of course, having a quick check of the real world. The headset offers an excellent top strap and rear tightening knob to keep your headset stable on your head.
The 5K lenses of the HTC Vive Pro 2 offer a 120° horizontal field of view to make you feel more like a real-world appearance. Its view angles are sharper and more detailed than its rival Oculus Quest 2, making Vive Pro 2 stand tall. The VR headset requires a robust system with at least an RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 to work best in every way, especially when you’re eying on 120 HZ or higher resolutions. The headset offers a two-month subscription to HTC’s own VR software store, Viveport Infinity, granting unlimited access to a wide selection of VR games and experiences.
Sony PlayStation VR
Sony recently launched its PlayStation VR (or PSVR) headsets to bring a more advanced and immersive Virtual Reality experience into their PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Pro consoles. The Japanese multinational conglomerate has thoughtfully launched its VR a few weeks before the holiday season to get more attention from consumers. The PSVR was first released in 2016 under a code name ‘Project Morpheus’, and since then, it has become popular among VR newcomers as it is one of the most affordable VR’s in the market.
PlayStation VR offers a massive library of experimental and action-packed titles that are exclusive to PSVR. The headset is uniquely designed and quite comfortable compared to its rivals, but it lingers a little behind the more expensive PC-powered HTC Vive and Oculus Rift in terms of specs. The Sony VR headset is a little heavier device (weighs about 600 grams) and has a single solid headband that rests around the back of your head. Currently, PSVR is the best-selling high-end VR headset globally, and it has turned into a game-changing piece of hardware in a short while.
The company has recently launched Hitman 3 for their VR and has brought big-budget games like Resident Evil 7, No Man’s Sky, and Skyrim to stay ahead in the race. The PSVR offers immersive gaming quality and comes with more than 21.9 million VR games and apps. The PSVR, of course, has its drawbacks, but at the same time, it is enjoyable too. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t trade PlayStation VR as a sole product; instead, they offer the VR headset either along with PS VR with a PlayStation Camera or a PS VR with a PlayStation Camera and two Move controllers. Whatever the company bundles up, if you look at the cost, the headset remains the most affordable in the market.
Valve Index VR Kit
The list of Top 5 VR headsets can’t be completed without adding the best VR headset for gamers, and the time has come to take a quick look at it. Valve Index VR Kit is the next-generation VR headset and the first to be entirely manufactured by the American video game developer, Valve. The company offers an Index headset, Valve’s finger tracking controllers and two SteamVR base stations at a magnificent price of over one lakh rupees, making it one of the most expensive PC-tethered VR systems worldwide, but at the same time, the Steam VR platform on which the headset runs is still inconsistent, making it not so suitable as a troubleshooter.
The Valve Index VR headset features an eye-watering 144Hz refresh rate and a massive 130-degree field of view, offering you one of the best visual experiences of your life. Being a SteamVR product, it demands placing two sensors at different corners of your room. The headset is a bit heavier than the Rift S, but the strap provides adequate support around your head. Speaking of comfort, the finger tracking controllers of Valve Index have a convenient strap that locks them onto your hands, helping you have an exceptionally well hold. The strap material of padding is extra soft and makes sure you stay comfortable even after a long gaming session.
The Index has built-in near-field speakers, which offer outstanding three-dimensional surround sound and are very useful if you like to stay in the VR world for an extended period. They help you to have an incredible audio experience along with a more spatialised audio environment. The Valve Index VR headset features an unimaginable industry-leading tracking with fixed lasers clearing 100 times per second to track your movements. The hardware requirements for the Valve Index headset is relatively light, it can work well even with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 480 GPU though the company recommends a quad-core CPU and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 or better GPU for better execution.
HP Reverb G2
HP Reverb G2 is one of the top VR headsets that offer high resolution at an affordable price, making it one of the best VR headsets for newcomers. The Reverb G2 looks very much like a mixture of an HTC Vive and an Oculus Rift. The headset has been developed in collaboration with Valve, and that’s why it features Valve’s unique near-field speakers that produce high-quality sound. The Reverb G2 headset also features a 90Hz refresh rate, an ultra-high-resolution sharp screen offering 2,160 by 2,160 pixels per eye, and a 114-degree field of view.
The VR headset comes out of the box with luxurious cushioning throughout the eyepiece and rear strap, making it a more comfortable device. The Reverb G2 is the first Windows Mixed Reality headset with four tracking sensors helping it to ensure more accurate VR tracking. It also helps when you’re playing fast-paced games where your hands are all over the place. When it comes to visual performance, the Reverb G2 shines bright like a sun.
The Reverb G2 is a lightweight VR headset that offers comfort and convenience at its best. The plastic finish looks cheap, but it is finely crafted and has thick foam padding encompassing the lenses and headband. Underneath, you’ll find a slider while on the front and sides, four cameras are fitted to track the movement. The Reverb G2 is a wired Vr headset, and that’s why it doesn’t have as much freedom as wireless offerings, like Oculus Quest 2, but you can manage your play with a 6-metre straight long wire.
We had surpassed those days when people used to hire Interior Designers after considering what kind of taste they had for colour, decor, and fabrics. Over the years, the role of an Interior Designer has changed dramatically, from creating the layout of the internal space in a building or structure manually to creating numerous designs on software and computer-aided design tools, which allows them to present their creativity in a more delicate and sophisticated way.
In a technology-driven world, humans are more prone to inventing tools that can change the perspective of our lives. Technology is serving us in almost every industry and has successfully changed how we live around. Barely a decade ago, Interior Designers were sending paper statements or meeting with every client face to face, and if you look at how they work now, it’s completely different from old-school practices. Thanks to the technology, which has been proven itself as a time-saver tool for designers.
Nowadays, being an interior designer is not limited to honing traditional interior design skills, including drawing layouts and mastering plans. To survive and thrive in today’s technology-driven world, the designer must have a deep knowledge of the latest design software, computer-aided design (CAD) tools and, of course, business skills. The interior design industry took a little while to accept and incorporate technology, but in a short span, as expected, it has influenced the future of interior design- here’s how:
Digital Drafting
Gone are the days when interior designers used to carry drafting boards and set squares. Today, the business of interior designing is more focused and based on technology which includes new-age software platforms such as AutoCAD, AutoDesk, and SketchUp. These platforms allow designers to showcase their designs digitally and help them in convincing their ideas to clients on how their office/apartment could look if they implement a particular design. The designers can convert their 2D designs into the 3D form or even in videos to help their clients understand the structure better through interactive walkthroughs.
Smart Design Tools
Technology has shielded us from head to toe, and we can’t think of a life without it. Back in the day, interior designers used to meet clients in person to discuss the design and to have a quick idea about the project, but with the arrival of technology in the field, it all vanished and was replaced with more advanced tools where designers and clients mutually prefer online meet-ups. Online communities like Houzz allow digital space for architects and interior designers to showcase their work on their website, which helps them get clients. However, word of mouth still stands tall and is considered the best marketing option in all industries.
Smart Homes
We can’t predict what the world will look like in the next 50 years, but we can surely say it would consist of smart homes, advanced robots, driverless cars, and maybe weekly mars trips. Well, here, we’re only concentrating on smart homes, which heavily influence our day-to-day world and are already everywhere. Almost every day, a new tech giant launches some connected device or gadget to attract our attention, and we can’t deny the fact that we all crave such innovations.
Google Home has already occupied the smart home market, and we can’t say no to the gadgets that offer a personal assistant and work according to our command, such as turning off the television, playing your favourite music, waking you up on time and creating schedules for you. Along with Google, Amazon has also invented a number of smart home gadgets to make our home-life smoother and smarter. Smart home gadgets can also help us control the lighting situation through our phones, set automated timers on bedroom lights, and many more.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The endless possibilities in technology are assisting us in experiencing the smart world of interiors, and the Internet of Things is unquestionably one of the finest technologies amongst them. The Internet of Things has emerged as an absolute game-changer for house owners in recent times, and it plays a crucial role in the lives of modern-day interior designers.
The IoT technology, which is entirely based on the internet, helps us define physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to further communicate with each other and create a smart home environment. Thanks to the IoT based smart-connected gadgets and appliances, it betters interior designers to fulfil the demand of tech-savvy youth.
3D Printing
3D printing benefits interior designers to demonstrate their design quickly to the clients with the miniature model. With 3D printing, designers can unleash the best of their creativity as it allows them to implement the plan in a few hours with minimum resources, and they can even make changes according to clients’ requirements instead of traditional paper draftings, where executing changes was a complicated job. Immediate customer feedback helps designers to create a good rapport which ultimately helps them to gain more customers. Along with all these benefits, 3D printing is environmentally friendly as the miniature models can be created using natural resources such as wood and bamboo.
Sustainable Design & Micro Apartments
The interest in sustainable designs has increased over the past few years, and considering the future of the interior designing industry, it primarily relies on sustainable development. If you look at the newly constructed apartments by developers, they feature wide-open windows, and developers purposely keep these giant windows throughout the apartments to fill the void with more natural daylight sources and to offer health benefits for their clients.
Along with this, looking at the rate of migration in urban areas, many builders and developers in India have started following the American movement of creating micro apartments that typically fall under 400 square feet of space. The micro-living lifestyle has helped us to reduce our carbon footprint, and it indeed created opportunities for people to purchase their own houses within an affordable budget, even in developed cities, but the option will also lead to an innumerable urban population.
Role of Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality in Interior Design
Earlier, interior designers used to draw and sketch designs on paper in 2D format, but these kinds of designs were hard to understand for clients, and they used to struggle to follow and understand the designers’ visualization. Then, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality arrived in the designing field and changed the entire scenario. The arrival of Virtual Reality helped the designer to explain to their clients what the project could look like if they followed a particular design, and that too in a 360 degrees viewing option, to see it from every angle.
In the case of Augmented Reality, it enables new-age clients to visualize the project even before it is developed, and they can even try numerous outcomes for their new project, such as the furniture, without paying a single rupee. Augmented Reality allows interior designers to showcase their vision to clients in the most straightforward possible manner. IKEA, a Swedish-origin company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories, has adopted AR in their new printed catalogues to help their clients overlay the physical world by using their phone’s camera and an AR app.
