Summer is here, making it essential for everyone to take care of their skin. During summers, we all look for non-oily, lightweight, and refreshing products to use. Winters make our skin dry due to low moisture in the air, and summers make our skin look oily. Hence, changing our skincare products for each weather is necessary. Today, we bring you some summer skincare essentials.
SPF
Sun Protection Factor is an essential skin care product in summer. Wearing sunscreen helps protect the skin against fine lines and wrinkles caused by UV and reduces the risk of skin cancer. A minimum of SPF30 is what we all should use.
Light Moisturizer
Like sunscreen, moisturizer is also essential for skin throughout the year. For the sunny weather, our skin needs lightweight moisturizer. Generally, gel-based moisturizers are preferred for summers to keep the complexion hydrated.
Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are a must-have to keep your face clean and moisturized on the go. They help clean your face and keep it refreshing while you are out and about in the scorching heat.
Body Scrub
As summer arrives, our chances of wearing shorts, skirts, and short dresses also increase. To slough off the dirt and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, one must have a moisturizing body scrub.
Face Oils
Facial oils work well to nourish the damaged skin as they are highly antioxidant and reparative. Oils give a natural summer glow, hydrate, and illuminate the skin. Dry and combination skin types are recommended to use facial oils.
Serums
A good serum is the one that soothes, enhances skin texture, and hyper pigments the skin during summers. Sun damages our skin and makes it red and patchy. Therefore, effective face serum for smooth skin is suggested.
Lip Balm
Dryness of the lips and summers go hand in hand. To keep the lips moisturized and smooth at all times, a lightweight and neutral lip balm is endorsed. A good lip balm will last long and soothe the lips without making them look heavy on lips.
We all have experienced dating apps at least once in our lives. Now, don’t spoil the excitement by saying you haven’t. Chalo, let’s assume you haven’t because we live in a country where matrimonial apps have more subscriptions than dating apps, and we’ve met many people in their twenty-somethings who are either interested in playing video games instead of dating or have lost faith in love due to several bummers.
Alas! We wish we could help you get a date, but we can’t. However, we can surely help you know more about the dating industry, where you might find something interesting that you can use to show off on your d-day. For instance, do you know back in the 20th-century, when newspaper ads became an integral part of human lives, “lonely soldiers” of World War I started connecting with their women over personal ads?
Now, please don’t overdo it by using the above reference while you’re on a first date. Getting back to the point, as technology started emerging in our lives, in 1965, a team of Harvard undergrads created the world’s first computer dating service, Operation Match, and since then, we have come a long way from launching the world’s first dating site in 1995 to inventing several mobile dating apps in the 2010s.
The Rise of Online Dating
When Gary Kremen and Peng T. Ong founded match.com in 1995, the internet was already booming, at least in first-world countries. Later on, within a short span dating culture spread out in the rest of the world like a pandemic, and people started focusing on its benefits, especially singles looking for a match. However, dating culture is still considered taboo in many countries, including India. Though, the recent reports tell a different story.
Thanks to Millennials and Gen Z, India has about 31 million people on dating apps.
Nowadays, if you ask 10 people how they met their partner? At least 7 of them will answer online instead of through family or friends, which speaks volumes about the rise of online dating. It all happened in the last decade only, when dating sites were replaced by dating apps. At first, at least during the initial days of their service, they were trying to help singles get a partner/date, but as they understood the growth prospects of the field, it became a business of love.
Algorithms played a massive role in developing dating apps as the developers tremendously improved their basics to match couples more efficiently than ever before. Besides algorithms, another thing that helped the dating industry grow was numerous couple studies that say couples who met online and got married have a subordinate share in the overall contribution of divorce. The global online dating market is currently worth $8 billion and is expected to hit the mark of 10 billion by 2025, which shows how much people enjoy dating online.
Valuation of the Online Dating Industry
The online dating industry has grown tremendously well in such a short amount of time and is currently valued at approximately USD 8-billion. However, if you look at the matchmaking success rate of dating apps, it is far below what you might expect. Only 40-45% of the users get their ideal matches, while the rest either wait or uninstall the app.
The industry is expected to reach a value of USD 10-billion by the end of 2024, and users will pass the 500 million mark. Some of the top companies in the online dating industry, such as Tinder & Bumble, are already setting up their dating metaverses to develop more user-friendly options in the future. As a whole, the industry seems to have a bright future.
Why doesn’t online dating work for most people?
Now that we’ve shared the list of top 5 dating apps, you (especially if you’re a male) must be wondering, I’ve tried most of them or, in some cases, all of them, but they didn’t work for me, forcing you either waiting for a match or playing the game of install and uninstall the app after every other month. In some cases, people get a response now and then, but not from the one they want to date.
Don’t worry about it, you’re not the only one who’s dealing with it, and if dating apps were perfect, people would use it once, find their soulmates and end up uninstalling the app happily. The dating apps are here to stay, to earn profits, and they’ll only get it done if they’re bad at it. So, don’t get frustrated and annoyed by the results. Work on where you’re going wrong and hone your skills.
Why you’re failing at online dating?
Physiognomy
You’re always swiping right on the basis of looks, appearance and hotness. Well, there are thousands of people who do the same, which means that one attractive person receives thousands of requests and you end up being a part of the highly competitive race.
The first impression
Your profile picture and bio play a crucial role in online dating, and if it doesn’t instantly connect with the person at the other end, you’ll end up swiping right and left for a long time. Also, don’t try to impress with a fancy name, be authentic as possible.
Don’t skip the questions
Skipping questions on the dating apps will harm your match score just like it does in the exams. Why would someone make an effort to reply to your text or pick-up line when you’re not even taking a minute to fill up those forms that ask simple questions about you.
That lame icebreaker
Don’t expect a reply if you’re sending boring variations of – hi hottie, hello there, and hie sweetheart as they’re not going to even look at it. Now, don’t go on google to search for creative icebreakers, because google is accessible to everyone. Be a little innovative, and create your version to drive them crazy.
Don’t try too hard
When they’re not replying to you, don’t bombard them with lots of messages asking why are they not responding! Take a deep breath, dude, and move on to the next profile. That person might be not interested, and there are plenty of fishes in the sea. I like betta fish, though – they’re pretty aggressive.
Yes, we have solutions too!
The right app before the right swap
Every dating app has a different purpose and people, mostly girls do a little homework before installing the apps. So first, decide what’s your purpose and what do you want from the app. Only then things will fall in place otherwise, it would look like you’re fishing in a dead sea.
Appear as impressive as possible
Like I already said, the first impression is a key in online dating, but that doesn’t mean you’ve to wear branded clothes and pose like a runaway model. Just try to appear confident, and presentable but don’t overdo anything and upload only those photos which can trigger them to swipe right.
The anecdote
Don’t dare to describe yourself with a borrowed bio or with all the things mentioning you, you and only you. Write your bio in an interesting way, and mention a few of your hobbies along with interests while focusing at least 30% on what are your expectations from the other person.
That one icebreaker
Please don’t spend too much time reading about him/her profile and trying to understand what’s her view! It’s a complete waste of time, but that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to send messages out blindly. Tailor your one icebreaker and try to play around it according to the profile.
ONLY FOR MEN
Your male friends are not going to be a great help when choosing the right pictures. Instead, try to get female feedback, and if you don’t have any female friends, ask someone who’s hardcore straightforward. Trust me, they’re the only species that gives blunt answers without any second thought.
“Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase” – Percy W Harris.
Photography can never be learned thoroughly; it comes by practice and perseverance. As one starts capturing images learning and unlearning happen daily. But some basic rules mustn’t be forgotten.
1. Rule of Thirds:
As the name suggests, the frame is divided into three equal parts horizontally and vertically. The intersection points of each square grid are essential to place the elements on those lines. This will help in a visual appeal and enhance the photograph.
2. Exposure Triangle:
ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture make up the exposure triangle in photography. A balanced triangle will give a more appealing image and sharp photographs. The ISO controls the camera’s sensitivity to light. Shutter speed controls the time for which the lenses shutter will be open while clicking a photo. Aperture controls the amount of light entering the camera lens.
3. White Balance:
To capture clear and accurate photos, the camera’s white balance should be adjusted. It is done according to the light being used to click pictures. Automatic white balance (AWB), Fluorescent, Tungsten, Daylight, Cloudy, Flash, Shade is the most commonly used white balance settings.
4. The Golden Ratio:
The focus is more on the centre according to this ratio. It is a ratio of approximately 1.618 to 1. It has been used for centuries by architects artists and can be found naturally in our surroundings.
5. Leading Lines:
These lines appear in a photograph showing the viewers’ attention from one part of the photograph to the other. The leading lines direct the viewers’ eyes to the main subject of the composition.
6. Depth of Field:
In photography, the depth of field (DOF) is the distance between the nearest object in the foreground and the farthest object in the background. A shallow or a deep depth of field can significantly impact a photograph.
7. Avoid Camera Shake:
Avoiding pictures looking blurred is the most essential and fundamental aspect of photography. To make sure the photograph is sharp and clear, one’s hands must be steady at all times. Using a tripod stand is also a great way to click clear images.
8. Shoot in RAW:
Starting to shoot in RAW will give higher resolution photos and let one have more control in post-production. The RAW format will not compress the images.
9. Understand Perspectives:
Try and click a photo from different angles to give it perspectives. The more you click from various angles, the more perspective you will get in a single photograph.
10. Avoid Flash Indoors:
Using flash indoors can make the photo look unnatural and harsh. One can use a higher ISO to replace flash, select the required shutter speed, and use the widest aperture.
Oscar Wilde right quoted, “Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets”. Just the mere fact of going on a trip gives the adrenaline rush that none of us can deny. Especially a day before the journey commences. That restive night pondering the thoughts on missing our trains or flights if we do not get up on time. One of the primary concerns on a journey is good quality food. Thanks to the technological revolution, you can pre-book your favourite meal, which will be delivered to you on your seat. But it is a remarkable fact that nothing can beat the pooris and aloo ki sabji packed by our beloved mothers with a pinch of your favourite achaar. Planning a trip is not science but is enough to panic attacks. Thanks to our dads for being so particular about overseeing every minute detail of the journey. Sincere mentions the technology to make planning easy by breaking it down into a step-by-step process.
For that, we can use these suggested mobile apps.
1. Make My Trip: This app is a one-stop place to make all your travel bookings as well as to book your hotels, homestays, rent a car, and fun activities at your destination. They have a chatbot that helps you plan the trip and gives suggestions regarding the
destination.
2. IRCTC: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation is the go-to railway ticket booking site all Indians have been using. The Indian government powers it. It also lets customers book flight tickets, hotels, meals on the train, buses.
3. Google Maps: This app needs no introduction. We all have been using it in our daily lives, and it is a helpful app while travelling to lesser-known and unknown destinations. Google maps let you know the nearest petrol filling stations, restaurants, medical shops, real-time traffic updates, hotels.
4. Google Translate: Communicating in the local language of the place you are travelling to can make your stay easier and help you mix with the locals. Google translate is available across 100 languages and translates words, phrases, and web pages.
5. Ola / Uber: Having a smooth commute inter and intra city can make so much of a difference when you are on holiday. Both are the leading cab services in India, providing 24*7 cabs at our doorstep.
6. Paytm/ Phone Pe: After covid, everyone has shifted to online payments, which are more accessible and cash-free. All that you need to do is link your bank account and start with your transactions. Sending and receiving money from others has also been made easy; it is done with one click on our mobile apps.
7. Red Bus: Booking inter-city buses are made easy with the red bus. It gives you plenty of options to choose from and your preferred location to board the train. Complete information regarding the bus, facilities and stops is given to the customer before booking the bus ticket.
8. Audio Compass: This mobile app turns your mobile into a personal audio tour guide. Having over 1200 attractions across countries like India, Oman and Singapore. Audio compass is the official audio partner with Incredible India.
9. Spotify: Music is a great companion while travelling, whether solo or with someone. Having your playlist can make you feel more comfortable while travelling and avoid unnecessary noises.
10. Couchsurfing: on a solo trip and want to make new friends at your destination? Well, this is for you. It tells you verified hosts in your city, fellow travellers, events happening around you.
Gone are the days when fans would fill their room with posters of Shah Rukh Khan, or girls writing letters to Rajesh Khanna with their blood, or people just resorting to any level of insanity to meet their icons. The euphoria around a star has watered down. Now, we have online superstars.
Today, almost every actor is omnipresent; they are in our bedrooms, dinner tables, workspaces, and bathrooms(well, not quite literally). The ‘I wonder’ factor of the actors that we once frowned upon went in absolute absentia when their daily-life updates got conveniently displayed on our smartphones. We became aware that these superstars, whom we considered Demi-Gods, sit, walk, and talk like us.
It feels like yesterday when everyone was just too invested in Vines, and Dubsmash, a lip-syncing platform, gave birth to a new generation of content creators. And boom! There was TikTok. The lip-sync platform magnetized the whole of Generation-Z in creating feature skits and dance videos lasting for 15 seconds.
Today everyone has become fair game, with the rise of new products germinating around the contemporary cultural landscape – the social media influencers.
This relationship of the rising generation with these creative platforms is very telling of what they stand for. Across different socio-economic backgrounds, the present generation reject prejudices, stereotypes and gender-norms, and practice identity expressions with pragmatism. They are open to changes and are much more aware of the world around them.
What I have noticed being on social media for a while is that while millennials prefer consuming feeds, it is the Gen-Z who are more actively creating the content.
15 Seconds of Fame
Tik-Tok introduced the concept of showing your creativity in 15 seconds, and the world went bananas. Why should I wait for a film so eagerly if I could conveniently swipe through raw and more authentic short videos of people who look like you and me?
A while back, a man from rural India, who lives in a small hut with his wife and other family members, went viral for his extraordinary dance moves. This story is just a wave in an ocean of opportunities that these ‘nobodies have been provided through this platform. The thing is, you never know what clicks among the audience until one day you turn your life upside down with millions of followers.
TikTok’s ‘cringe-including’ content is a potential meme material for Internet inhabitants, but it is a source of liberation and a confidence booster for millions of users. So mocking TikTok is alright and quite fashionable, but dismissing the platform is just plain foolish.
When TikTok got banned in India due to the rising tension between India and China, Instagram saw an opportunity there and cloned the concept in their Reels that now allows you to create content over up to a minute.
Cashing it Out
Instagram and TikTok have enabled everyone to be a creator. You don’t need high-end equipment anymore to bring your creativity out in front of the lens. You might be an actor, artist, dancer, doctor, financial advisor, student, or anything under the sun; you could be a star on Tik-Tok if you know the art of connecting with the audience.
I will be lying if I say I do not get covetous of the influencer’s ability to produce easy money through brands and advertisements while I work my ass off to afford the basic necessities. But there’s no hate here; infact, there’s a sense of understanding that they are moulding themselves to what today’s ‘social media generation’ needs, while individuals like are satisfied with just consuming or disdaining it.
The present generation has lost a sense of attentiveness when it comes to consuming content. The attention span has seemingly gone down with the introduction of the Internet. We now want to jump from one content to another without even trying to find any sense in what we have just watched. We do not know what it is to wait and think about what we just witnessed. In a sense, we are leeches in a human skull, which are harmless to none but to our own intelligence.
Now coming back to the content creators, have you ever wondered how much do influencers earn? These influencers can be 17 years old or can go up to 50, but their pay is directly related to their number of followers. Depending on the followers and their niche, they can charge from Rs 15,000 to over a lakh for a post. Moreover, a lot of people pay them for collaborations and appearances. I kid you not; there was a whole reality show on some streaming platform based on these social influencers’ lives. Such is the height of success, they get to taste.
Brands have understood that in order to connect directly with their customers, they need to give up the traditional way of advertising their products through television and instead use the tool of social media, which is much more convenient and cost-friendly.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter whether you hate the content or love to make or consume it, you cannot ignore the fact that platforms like Instagram, Youtube, TikTok have given a chance to young minds from all nooks and corners of the world to make a universe for their own self and get to be a hero in it. Isn’t that all we want deep inside or something we dream of with our eyes wide open?
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.
Bharti Airtel and Jio are two of the largest and most preferable telecom operators in India. When Reliance launched Jio and endeavoured various competitive prepaid and postpaid plans, Airtel was the only telecom operator who stayed put and fought hard. The two rivals not only offers their users physical SIM cards but also offer eSIM functionality for supported devices. The two telecom stalwarts also grant an option to convert your physical SIM to eSIM for devices that support it.
What is eSIM?
eSIM or embedded Subscriber Identity Module is installed directly into your smartphone or any device and can connect you to any operator offering eSIM services. The eSIM option allows smartphone makers to save space in a device and add more features instead. The Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G smartwatch was the first device to implement an eSIM. Currently, only Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola offer phones that support eSIM functionality in India.
Step-by-step guide for Airtel SIM holders:
Let’s take a look at the step-by-step guideon how to activate your Airtel eSIM, but before you go ahead, make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi throughout the activation process.
Send a message – eSIM <space> registered email ID to 121.
If your email ID is valid, you will receive an SMS from 121 to confirm the initiation of the process.
Reply to this SMS with 1 and confirm the e-SIM request within sixty seconds.
If your email ID is invalid, then an Airtel representative will call you to take the final consent to reinitiate the process under the correct email ID and guide you through updating the email.
If the provided email ID is valid, you will receive another SMS from 121 asking you to provide consent over call.
Once confirmation is done, you will receive a final SMS from 121 regarding the QR Code, which you will find on your registered email ID.
The QR code is unique and applicable for one device and the one-time purpose only.
While scanning the QR code, be sure not to select the Delete option for the settings, as this will permanently delete your eSIM profile.
If you don’t receive an email with the QR code within 30 minutes, or the scanning process gets aborted in the middle, you will have to send an SMS NOSIM to 121 to avoid disconnection of the physical Airtel SIM.
The process takes 2 hours for eSIM activation; till then, your physical SIM will continue to work.
Further Steps- for iPhone users:
Go to Settings and tap on Mobile Data
Tap on Add Data Plan
Scan the QR code received on your registered email ID to activate the e-SIM and follow the prompts.
Further Steps- for Samsung users:
Head to Settings and tap on Connections
Tap on SIM Card Manager and select Add Mobile Plan
Tap on Add Using QR Code
Scan the QR code received on your registered email ID to activate the e-SIM and follow the prompts.
Further Steps- for Google Pixel users:
Go to Settings and select Network & Internet
Select Mobile Network and tap on Advanced
Tap on Carrier and then Add Carrier
Scan the QR code received on your registered email ID to activate the e-SIM and follow the prompts.
Further Steps- for Motorola Razr users:
Head to Settings and select Network & Internet
Select Mobile Network and tap on Carrier, followed by Add Carrier
Scan the QR code received on your registered email ID to activate the e-SIM and follow the prompts.
Further Steps- for Motorola Razr 5G users:
Go to Settings and select Network & Internet
Tap on + sign besides Mobile Network and Hit Next (Download your SIM).
Scan the QR code received on your registered email ID to activate the e-SIM and follow the prompts.
Step-by-step guide for Jio SIM holders:
Now, it’s time to take a look at the step-by-step guideon how to activate your Jio eSIM, but before you go ahead, make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi throughout the activation process.
Head to Settings and then About phone for EID and IMEI numbers. (Please note down the EID and IMEI numbers to avoid hassle during the process)
Send SMS GETESIM <32 Digit EID> <15 Digit IMEI> to 199 and soon you will receive a 19-digit eSIM number and eSIM profile configurationdetails.
Next, send SMS SIMCHG <19 digits eSIM number> to 199
You will get an update on eSIM processing in the next two hours.
Once you get the message, confirm by sending SMS 1 to 183
Then, you will get an automated call that will ask you for the 19-digit eSIM number.
After successfully confirming the 19-digit eSIM number, you will receive a confirmation SMS for your new eSIM.
If you receive a notification to configure the profile, click on it, select Install data plan, and press continue.
Further Steps- for iPhone users:
Head to Mobile Data in Settings
Tap on Add Data plan and then tap Enter details manually on the bottom
In the SM-DP+address column, enter smdprd.jio.com
Enter the activation code you received (Step 2 – eSIM profile configuration details) in the Activation code section
Tap on Next and then tap on Add Data plan
Choose the Data Plan Labels, press continue, and your Jio eSIM should now be activated.
Further Steps- for Samsung users:
Go to Settings and tap on Connections > SIM card manager> Add mobile plan
Select Scan Carrier QR code and Tap on Enter code instead
Enter the Activation Code in this format- LPA:1$smdprd.jio.com$ followed by the 32 digit activation code received via SMS/ email with space and tap on Connect
Your Jio eSIM should now be activated.
Further Steps- for Google Pixel users:
Go to Settings and tap on Network & Internet
Select Mobile network and tap on Download a SIM instead
Tap Next and enter activation code manually by tapping on Need help?
Enter the Activation Code in this format- LPA:1$smdprd.jio.com$ followed by the 32 digit activation code received via SMS
Select Activate, then tap on Done, and your Jio eSIM is now activated and configured.
Further Steps- for Motorola users:
Head to Settings and select Network & Internet
Select Mobile network and tap on Next
If you have a Motorola Razr Select Mobile network, tap on Advanced > Carrier > Add Carrier > Next
Tap Next and enter activation code manually by tapping on Need help?
Enter the Activation Code in this format- LPA:1$smdprd.jio.com$ followed by the 32 digit activation code received via SMS
Select Activate, then tap on Done, and your Jio eSIM is now activated and configured.
You may have played many games in your life. But have you ever tried hands-on Google Maps? Yeah, it’s true. The app that you feel you are using is draining your battery can be a play for sure—all you need to pull your shirts up and start learning with tricks related to Google Maps. In this Exhibit blog, we dedicate you to grasp key and crucial Google Maps tips and tricks.
No more Arrow
You select the point from where you will start and the destination and click on the “Start” option. An arrow will start projecting the direction and let you follow the path. But, if this arrow icon has become obsolete in your eyes, try something different. How? Just click on this arrow icon, and some options will open in front of you: car, car-pickup, and SUV.
Downloading Map
You are driving on a long journey, and you know that an instance will arise when you will not get internet in between. At that time, if you are relying on Google Maps, you can feel utter frustration. But there’s a solution to it. Just click on the vertical ellipsis icon and tap on the “Download offline map” option. Through this, you can keep track of yourself by checking it with the map offline mode.
Where did I leave my car?
Yes, it happens. We are often unable to recall where we have parked our car. To avoid such scenarios, Google Maps allows you to save your parking space. Just click on the icon that is showing your current location after you come out of your car and hit the Save your parking/ Set as parking location option (depends on whether you have an Android or iOS smartphone). It will help you in a very good manner.
Location Labelling
What if you want to open a location between your home and a restaurant. You will have to enter the address of your home every time. Congrats! you don’t need to take this burden. Just add a label to the location pin by pressing on the location and label like ‘Home’ or ‘Office’. Rest Google Maps will remember how to extract information from these labels.
Location Sharing
Sometimes you are returning late to your phone. An Indian mother or partner will always worry for you by calling you frequently to know your whereabouts. You can simply suppress their worries through Google Maps by sharing your live location. Yeah, this option is also available with Google Maps, apart from WhatsApp. All you need is to tap on your profile icon and select the Location sharing option. After that, options will open where you can choose the medium through which you want to share the location.
Google Maps History
You need evidence even in normal life. If you have to prove your location on a particular date or time, Google Maps stores it. You can check the places you have visited. Google Maps will present all the data in the form of a timeline.
Final Remarks
Hope you have learnt some key and crucial Google Maps tips and tricks that can be handy for you at some instance. Use them as per your comfort.
Working from the comfort of our homes has its perks like we don’t have to commute daily, and we can wear pyjamas or boxer shorts even during a zoom meeting. Still, after a certain period, it all started looking like a monotonous century-old pattern, and we felt infirmity between the four walls, which eventually led us to unhappy work life.
Earlier, before the pandemic, when things affected our creativity and productivity, we always used to go out for a short vacation, but it’s not a viable option during current times. So, to get rid of the negativity, we must have to look for the solution within our beloved homes and for that matter, here are a few tips on how to boost your home office productivity.
Office Space
What’s the first thing you do when you sit down to start work? If it’s checking email, then congrats, you’ve entered a graduation phase of working from home, but if it’s YouTube or other social media sites, then you need to get back on track soon. A dedicated work area will always help you activate your work mode. Start with decluttering and keep your desk organised as well as clean; these little efforts will help you improve your concentration and productivity. Also, set some boundaries to keep yourself away from distractions and create a dedicated schedule to stay more focused during office hours.
Start Early
Wake up early and seize the day before it seizes you; the quote looks nice for our Instagram post but fails when it comes to applying it in our lives, but we can always give it a try. Nowadays, zero commuting ultimately adds a few more hours in life, but we spent those hours watching movies and stuff during the night, resulting in keeping those curtains closed till we receive the zoom check-in. Sleeping till late will harm your well-being and then your performance. So, why not wake up early and start the work as early as possible, don’t you want to spend a little time on your other skills?
Lighting
Light travels faster than anything and plays a significant role in every kind of work; whether you’re on a movie set or working from home, a well-positioned light will never disappoint you. The first step to turning back to your productivity is creating a positive atmosphere around you with better lighting, as it makes a huge difference to your productivity and quality of life. When it comes to choosing a source of light, always go for a natural source as it is more beneficial for you. According to a few studies, exposure to sunlight directly affects your mental health and helps you be more productive.
Appropriate Technology
Technology is one of the best aspects of work from home culture, but only if you use it as a wise guy. Set your home office like a professional, install all the necessary tools you need to give it a more commercial office look. Here, we’re not talking about 15-feet glass windows or a piece of cubicle furniture. With appropriate technology, we’re trying to convince you to install a Wi-Fi router close to your home office desk, invest in quality headphones to avoid tussles during a zoom meeting, and put all the necessary apps on a taskbar to make them handy.
Colors & Decor
The work from home culture turned us into lazy fellows, and we even started withdrawing the basic required things to create positive vibes, but we still have time to make the most out of the situation. Start from the wall colour and decor, choose a colour palette or theme that will make you feel good and set a few soothing, peaceful paintings or art frames on it. Also, add an air purifier and some scented candles to your cart, it will help you get pure fresh air and improve your quality of life along with productivity. Shop a little, as it’s worth spending a small amount for creating a nice vibe.
Indoor Plant
A little greenery around your desk will help you reduce stress and sickness and make your home office space more attractive. A little indoor plant will liven up your workspace, helping you increase your attention span and improve your creativity and productivity. According to a few studies, plants have psychological effects, and they help us stabilise our mood, lower our blood pressure, enhance our sleep and mental health. Along with a plant, you can even get an office pet, but only if you’re comfortable working around them and sincere enough to take care of them. Start small with a goldfish or budgie or even a baby turtle.
Small Breaks
One can not concentrate for a straight 8 or 9 hours; we all have our limitations, and sitting for long hours is not even advisable by experts as it leads to having pain in several body parts. If you want to boost your productivity and stay healthy at the same time, then don’t forget to take a 5-10 minute break after every one or two hours. Use your break time to walk a little around your house and stretch your muscles with some exercises. Meditation and a light session of Yoga before work will help you stay focused. Also, make sure you have easy access to snacks and drinks during a busy workday; an empty stomach will make you slow, leading you towards distractions.
All of the above hacks will take care of most of your home office productivity if you dedicate yourself to them, but during the journey, don’t force these guidelines on yourself. In the end, what matters most is your happiness and health. So, make sure you’re keeping yourself happy, active, motivated, and a little relaxed while following your home office schedule.
