The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD has been praised for its performance and features. We conducted a thorough test of the product and presented a detailed review.
DESIGN & BUILD
The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD is currently available with an optional heatsink, but the one we received already had a built-in heatsink. This thick heatsink will help maintain optimal performance by effectively dissipating heat. This design is particularly attractive for users who want to install the SSD inside a personal computer with a professional and minimalist look.
PERFORMANCE & SPEED
The WD Black SN850X is a Gen 4 solid-state drive that utilizes the high-speed PCIe 4.0 interface. This SSD is widely recognized for its outstanding performance, boasting impressive sequential read speeds of up to 7300 MBps and sequential write speeds of up to 6600 MBps. The drive’s exceptional speed makes it particularly beneficial for tasks that require rapid data transfer, such as gaming and other high-bandwidth applications. Additionally, the drive’s high performance and reliability will be a good choice among professionals who require fast and dependable storage solutions. Overall, the WD Black SN850X is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a top-performing SSD that can handle even the most demanding workloads.
DURABILITY & SUPPORT
The SN850X is an impressive piece of technology that you can rely on. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty, which ensures that you’re protected against any potential manufacturing defects or malfunctions during the first five years of ownership. Additionally, this device has an Endurance of up to 2400TBW, which means that you can write up to 2400 terabytes of data onto it before it reaches the end of its lifespan. This level of endurance is highly competitive in its class, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting device.
VERDICT
The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD is a robust choice for gamers and professionals seeking top-tier storage solutions. Its performance is near the top of its category, and it offers a thick heatsink for heat dissipation. While it is a bit expensive, its speed and reliability could justify the investment for users who require top-tier performance from their storage devices.
Exhibit: How did you get started in content creation?
Saloni: I started creating content when I was in college. I had plenty of time and very little to study. I mean exactly like how a college student behaves. I was doing the exact same. I was really into stand-up comedy. I used to perform at a college fest, but then it used to get over. At that time, there were very few creators back then. So I thought, why not try this? So I thought, let’s give it a try to pass my time, and eventually, it picked up.
Ex: What sort of reaction were you expecting when you first started posting online?
Saloni: When I first uploaded a video, I was obviously expecting a huge reaction from the public, but then I remembered that my account was private. So all the views that came on my video were from my friends and family who used to follow me, and it didn’t bother me at all. I mean, I was doing it for myself and just to make my friends and family happy. I loved making them laugh. It was my favourite thing to do.
Ex: How do you go about writing your skits?
Saloni: Writing is something that takes most of my time in my work. I mean, it usually takes one or two hours to shoot it, but it definitely takes up to three to four hours to write something. It depends on the script and how I go about it. I mean, if I am doing a character who is mimicking someone, then it takes probably an hour to write something because most of the work is done by them, the character that I’m mimicking. I mean, they set the premise, and I just have to add the punchline. However, if I am doing a character of my own, it usually takes up to two to three hours to write something. You have to get into the skin of that character, and you have to think like them according to their mindset. All my characters are inspired by someone or another, as I have not taken up any course on how I should write. Writing funny skits comes to me naturally, and sometimes when I am stuck, I feel like I have the most funny people I have ever met.
Ex: What’s the inspiration behind your relatable humour and skits?
Saloni: As I said earlier, it’s definitely my family. Obviously, the laughter challenge was one comedy show that I watched for the first time, but it was definitely my family and their humour. I mean, my grandmother is very funny. You have to be around her to understand her humour. She’s very straightforward and sarcastic, but it’s in a way that you will never feel bad about it. My father has a dramatic humour, while my mother has a very self-deprecating humour. So, these are the basic examples of my inspiration.
Ex: How did it feel to expand your career?
Saloni: Expanding my career felt great. Who doesn’t want to earn money and get famous? Some people don’t, but I always wanted to. When I was in school, I used to say that one day, I’d become a famous personality. I don’t know how, but I was sure one day I’d be. And when it happened, it felt great.
Ex: Who are some of your favourite comedians?
Saloni: Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Carr, Zakir Khan, and Ali Wong.
Yahoo was a leading company in the late 1990s and the early 2000s, possibly one of the best web services available. However, if you mention Yahoo now, you’d have to ironically Google it. Over a decade ago, it was holding its own against Google and Microsoft. With its peak valuation at $125 billion in 2000, it must have been hard to predict such a tech titan facing a downfall this unfortunate.
What exactly happened to Yahoo? Yahoo now serves as a wake-up call to other companies to step up their innovation and create better strategies. Our article has broken down their story and mistakes.
The founders of Yahoo! – David Filo and Jerry Yang
What is Yahoo?
In January 1994, Jerry Yang and David Filo created Yahoo (often stylised as Yahoo!) as a small project. This small project was initially named, “Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web,” with the vision of a directory-style search engine.
Fun fact: The full form of “Yahoo” is “Yet Another Hierarchically Organized Oracle” or “Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle.”
Their services include– a web portal, Yahoo search engine, personalised page My Yahoo!, Yahoo Mail, Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Sports, and Yahoo! Native. These were all active and regularly visited in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
These Grave Mistakes Cost Yahoo
Google: In 1998, Yahoo had the chance to buy Google for a mere $1 million and yet refused the offer. In 2002, Google’s offer raised to $5 billion which Yahoo countered for $3 billion, an amount the former rejected. This was one of the biggest mistakes Yahoo ever made as Google’s worth now sits at more than $1 trillion.
Facebook:Yahoo tried to obtain Facebook for $1 billion in 2006. While their current valuation of $562.19 Billion is leagues above, Facebook was rapidly growing in 2006 and is a still remembered platform. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta Platforms (originally Facebook), rejected the offer. However, reports have said that Facebook’s board of directors pushed for $1.1 billion which Yahoo then refused for reasons unknown. Settling for that price difference would have acquired them one of the most visited social media platforms.
Microsoft: Now the turns were turned on Yahoo for the opportunity of a lifetime. Microsoft recognised Yahoo and offered to acquire them in 2008 at $46 billion. Despite their generosity, Yahoo rejected the offer, priding themselves to be worth more than the offer price.
Yahoo’s valuation continued to decline over the years, with all of these strategic moves amounting to nothing when they could’ve proved to be beneficial. Ultimately in 2016, their several mistakes led to Yahoo being sold to Verizon at a mere $4.8 billion.
Strategies That Proved Yahoo’s Lack of Vision and Care
Strange Deal with Microsoft:The two companies then made a deal where Yahoo! Search would be powered by Microsoft Bing’s search engine. However, Yahoo’s failure to innovate its search engine, not prioritising quality for a smooth user experience, is a whole other downfall.
Failing to Power the Niche of Tumblr and Turning Down Netflix: After investing in Tumblr at $1.1 billion in 2013, it was made known that Yahoo could have purchased the streaming service, Netflix, at $4 billion. However, due to their lack of creativity, a quality Tumblr needed, Yahoo dragged Tumblr’s valuation down to $260 million in just 3 years. Now, Netflix sits at $261.74 Billion.
Lack of Consistent Leadership: Yahoo began a vicious cycle of switching and hiring external executives. Filo and Yang relinquished leadership to others, which led to confusion in direction. As the saying goes, “Too many cooks spoil the broth” and Yahoo’s leadership style proves it. The constant change and variety left them with no clear-cut vision. A company needs a vision and Yahoo severely lacked one. With too many possible futures and ideas, their leadership ruined any chance of forming a plan.
The Data Breaches of 2013 and 2014: Any web service provider should arrive with the promise of data protection. Consumers should have confidence that their privacy will not be compromised. However, Yahoo betrayed that trust. Despite Yahoo’s popularity in the 2000s, the 2010s were a different story altogether. In 2013, over 3 billion accounts were exposed, revealing their names, passwords, emails and phone numbers. This wasn’t the last as 2014 saw another 500 million accounts violated. This jeopardised their trust and connection to the general public.
How They Could Have Used Alibaba:Yahoo decided to invest $1 billion in 2005 in the Chinese e-commerce website, Alibaba. Alibaba was a much younger company and Yahoo’s investment gave it a rush of growth. However, when their business became expansive, Yahoo failed to make the correct decision. Alibaba’s value in 2014 was $168 billion, an impressive number that should have encouraged Yahoo to make a move. However, Yahoo’s CEO during that period, Marissa Mayer, decided to instead sell a portion of their shares with Alibaba.
Where is Yahoo Now?
Initially sold to and merged with AOL (America Online) by Verizon Communications in 2017, Yahoo has now been acquired for 90% division by Apollo Global Management in September 2021. The former CEO of Tinder, Jimmy Lanzone, now serves as the CEO of Yahoo.
Here are the best lessons we can learn from Yahoo’s mistake:
Embrace Innovation and Seize Opportunities:Yahoo’s decline serves as a stark reminder of the importance of innovation and seizing opportunities when they arise. Yahoo had the chance to acquire Google for a mere $1 million but passed it up. Fast forward to today, now Google is worth over $1 trillion. This highlights the importance of recognizing innovation and acting swiftly to capitalise on it.
Value Quality Over Quantity: Yahoo’s failed attempt to compete with Google in search engine technology demonstrated the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity. Despite partnering with Microsoft’s Bing search engine, Yahoo’s lack of innovation and failure to prioritize user experience led to its downfall. Companies should focus on providing high-quality services that meet customer needs rather than simply expanding.
Maintain Consistent Leadership and Vision: Yahoo’s frequent changes in leadership and lack of a clear vision contributed to its downfall. With each new leader came a different direction, leading to confusion and a lack of focus within the company. Companies need to maintain consistent leadership and a clear vision to guide their strategic decisions and ensure long-term success.
Recognize and Nurture Investments:Yahoo’s failure to fully capitalize on its investment in Alibaba, Tumblr and others is a valuable lesson in recognizing and nurturing investments. While Yahoo’s initial investment in Alibaba provided a significant boost to the e-commerce giant’s growth, it ultimately failed to capitalize on Alibaba’s soaring valuation. Companies should carefully evaluate and nurture their investments to maximize their potential returns and incite future growth.
Protect Consumer Trust and Data: Yahoo’s data breaches in 2013 and 2014 severely damaged its reputation and eroded consumer trust. Companies must prioritize data security and take proactive measures to protect customer information. Building and maintaining trust with consumers is crucial for long-term success and brand reputation.
Lights, camera, action! But wait, let’s rewind a bit and insert some laughter into the mix, shall we? Bollywood, the world of vibrant colours, melodious songs, and dramatic plot twists, is also home to some of the funniest movies ever made. Bollywood comedies have carved their niche in the hearts of audiences, providing much-needed doses of laughter therapy. Let’s have a bite!
Hera Pheri (2000)
Hera Pheri is a cult classic that continues to tickle funny bones with its absurd plot, memorable characters, and iconic catchphrases. The characters from Hera Pheri, such as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, Raju, and Shyam, remain etched in the history of Indian Cinema.
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)
Laughter is the best medicine, especially when prescribed by Munna Bhai and his trusty sidekick, Circuit. The heartwarming comedy follows the misadventures of a goon-turned-doctor as he navigates the world of medicine with unconventional methods and infectious charm.
Dhol (2007)
Get ready for a wild ride with Dhol, a madcap comedy that follows four friends on a quest for fortune and love. From mistaken identities to hilarious misunderstandings, this film is a laugh riot from start to finish, guaranteed to leave you in stitches.
Welcome (2007)
Welcome to the world of chaos, confusion, and comedy, courtesy of the Majnu and Uday Shetty duo. This laugh-out-loud comedy of errors takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the underworld, complete with eccentric characters, outrageous situations, and unforgettable punchlines.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Enter the haunted haveli of laughter with Bhool Bhulaiyaa, a spine-chilling yet side-splitting comedy thriller. Akshay Kumar shines as the sceptical psychiatrist trying to unravel the mysteries of a possessed mansion, while Vidya Balan adds her own brand of charm to the mix.
Bheja Fry (2007)
Who would have thought that a simple dinner party could turn into a laugh riot? “Bheja Fry” serves up a delectable dish of humour with Vinay Pathak’s impeccable portrayal of a bumbling tax inspector who unwittingly becomes the life of the party. With its witty screenplay and brilliant performances, this film is a recipe for laughter.
Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006)
Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, a rib-tickling comedy that lives up to its name. With a stellar ensemble cast led by Ajay Devgn and Arshad Warsi, this film is a madcap ride through misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and mayhem.
Hungama (2003)
What happens when you mix love, lies, and a whole lot of confusion? You get Hungama, a laugh riot that explores the hilarious consequences of mistaken identities and tangled relationships. With a stellar cast and a generous serving of comic time, this film is pure comedy gold.
Dhamaal (2007)
Get ready for some dhamaal with this comedy caper that follows four bumbling friends on a quest for hidden treasure. From slapstick humour to outrageous stunts, Dhamaal delivers laughs aplenty, making it a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts.
Phir Hera Pheri (2006)
The gang is back for another round of hilarity in Phir Hera Pheri, the sequel to the beloved comedy classic. With Baburao, Raju, and Shyam finding themselves in yet another pickle, this film serves up laughs by the truckload, proving that lightning can indeed strike twice.
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009)
Who knew that the world of sales could be so uproarious? “Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year” takes a comedic spin on the corporate world, following a young man’s journey from a lowly salesman to an unlikely hero. With Ranbir Kapoor’s endearing performance and sharp humor, this film is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
If there’s one film that deserves the crown for the ultimate Bollywood comedy, it’s Andaz Apna Apna. Starring the dynamic duo of Aamir Khan and Salman Khan as two lovable goofballs competing for the affection of a wealthy heiress, this film is a riot of slapstick comedy, hilarious misunderstandings, and unforgettable one-liners.
Andhadhun (2018)
Who said comedy can’t be dark and twisted? Andhadhun turns the traditional Bollywood comedy on its head with its tale of a blind pianist who unwittingly gets embroiled in a web of murder and deceit. With its clever plot twists and pitch-black humour, this film is a rollercoaster ride of laughs and gasps.
Khosla Ka Ghosla! (2006)
When a middle-class man’s dream of owning a plot of land is shattered by a conniving real estate tycoon, he enlists the help of his motley crew of family members to outsmart the villain. “Khosla Ka Ghosla!” is a heartwarming comedy that celebrates the indomitable spirit of the common man with laughter and love.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron (1983)
The film is a dark satire on Indian politics and corruption. It revolves around two friends who are trying to protect themselves from gangsters, mafia and politicians. The characters are extremely funny, and Naseeruddin Shah and Ravi Baswani’s performances are sure to make you laugh. The climax features a stage recreation of Mahabharata, possibly the funniest scene in the history of Hindi cinema.
We are joined by an industry exemplary for an exclusive interview. Canon India’s President and CEO, Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, led an amazing ceremony for Canon’s new platform NorthStar, a holistic advisory platform for enthusiasts looking to create studio setups, photography setups, and so on. Mr. Yamazaki has carefully ingrained his philosophy towards his career and his devotion to his consumers is admirable. We had the pleasure of speaking to Mr Yamazaki directly about the innovation platform NorthStar and his professional journey with Canon.
Exhibit: Introduce us to Canon and your new platform, NorthStar.
Yamazaki: It’s a platform where our target customers are studio owners, production owners or someone in this imaging industry, creating content and providing deliverables. To really review and see the opportunities, with the latest technology and how to do a makeover. They need a proper advisory, so we provide advisory services, and consultations, and involve specialists. In a nutshell, where there is expertise needed, Canon comes in. This is also B2B, for entities and not for individuals.
Exhibit: How did you come up with the idea of NorthStar?
Yamazaki: In a nutshell, we see a fragmented market. People are somewhat lost in the industry. For example, augmented reality, AI, AR, and all kinds of new technologies are coming. So how do they take in these technologies and properly optimise their existing setup into this new age? So they can cater to their needs. They need advisory. That’s how we picked up from the market and came up with NorthStar.
Exhibit: What makes the NorthStar platform unique?
Yamazaki:Because no one does it today. So that’s already unique in itself. It’s very practical, in a way, that we involved many people. We’ve done a lot of studies in this market in the last couple of years and seen many changes and shifts in technology. As to create the latest content in imaging, it requires different types of products to make them–software, hardware, tools, expertise, setup, wiring, everything. We need to involve integration of a kind but that needs specialists in each case. We have all these contacts so this network of people has actually joined this school of thought to do this. Along with product vendors, like Dell, Sennheiser, and Adobe. We don’t do everything in terms of product technology so we engage people who do that and we work with them. Then, we bring in the system integrator to put this together so at least if there’s a new investment from them, they can talk to the system integrator. However, we come as an advisory board. So it’s a team of professionals running the new-age studio. That’s basically why it’s unique because no one else is doing it.
Exhibit: You have mentioned Canon uses the Japanese term, ‘Gemba,’ previously. How did this integrate into NorthStar?
Yamazaki:‘Gemba’ is a keyword that means ‘On-Site.’ You go visit the customer. We have transactions every day, every minute, with all kinds of customers on a professional scale. With a country as diverse as India, it probably holds the largest number of OTT, studio setups, cinema, movie productions, and YouTube users available. I think for the videography and still photography industry, all in all, India is the big hub of all things happening. This is the Gemba as a market for us. That’s what happens to every one of us in the organisation. Not just me. Everyone’s going out there, and engaging people.
Exhibit: How does Canon India tailor its strategies to address the needs of different regions within the country?
Yamazaki:We have divided India into 4 locations in terms of directions – South, North, East and West. In each location, we have a regional headquarters function where they pick up and extract the regional intelligence. They do their own research. Instead of looking at India as one country and approaching this blanket-wise, every state has a different agenda and different sets of practising. So, we’ve basically based ourselves regionally too and given some accountability in managing how to strategise our approaches regionally. So that’s how we do it.
Exhibit: What are the future benefits you are predicting with NorthStar?
Yamazaki:We are creating this universe that makes people stay relevant enough to date with the technology. As you know, technology today is accelerating its speed. Technology a year ago is probably already archaic or outdated. So this space, how do we play and stay relevant? We are setting a scene for all of us in this community, to stay relevant and staying up-to-date by using each other’s relevance. All these people, the industry players, have their own areas of speciality. So, that is the importance of this union. This is a league of specialists.
Exhibit: Can you share some significant obstacles you’ve faced in your career?
Yamazaki: I think providing something like this would require very meticulous project management. So project management is something that we have to pay careful attention to. We made a commitment to the customer so this management is not an obstacle. It is a challenge that we have to commit to.
Exhibit: How has your journey led you to your current role as President of Canon India?
Yamazaki:I worked in various locations before, doing different things. Coming from this company, we have 4 different types of products. I have been in touch with 3 of them actually. Being in touch with different types of products in the actual market as well as being in different regions and speaking different languages–helped me in bringing me over here. This is probably the biggest market with the most potential, in terms of scale and depth. That probably required my expertise. That’s how I see it, I’ve never asked anybody for this.
Exhibit: What’s your personal philosophy with your business?
On April 8th, 2024, Dell Technologies announced a brand new lineup of AI-enabled consumer and gaming PCs in India. The launch unveiled 3 new lines of PCs – XPS 14 & 16, Alienware m16 R2, and Inspiron 14 Plus. The devices are powered by top-of-the-line Intel® Core TM Ultra processorswith integrated AI to enhance the speed and performance capabilities of the PCs. The new lineup is perfect for students, gamers, professionals, and content creators.
What’s New?
With the expansion of the XPS series, the XPS 16 is Dell’s most powerful laptop yet with supercharged performance more complex workload. The XPS 14 is the ideal laptop for travellers who need portability with its lightweight but stunning design. The new additions to the XPS series are powered by neural processing units (NPU), which means they no longer need to solely rely on a CPU or GPU for processing and performance.
The XPS 14The XPS 16
A special opportunity arose at the event where Exhibit got exclusive quotes from Pujan Chadha, Director for Product Marketing, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India. In our conversation about the novelty of the new PCs, he said, “There are typically 4 things that every product guy at Dell keeps in mind. One is the design factor, the other is the performance, then is the immersive experience, and lastly, sustainability. These are the 4 cores that every person within the Dell fraternity, from a product team standpoint, keep in mind at the time of designing new products.”
Pujan Chadha – Pujan Chadha, Director for Product Marketing, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India.
Keeping their core vision in mind, the Alienware m16 R2is designed specifically for gamers. Alienware m16 R2 focuses on portability without compromising on performance and speed. It includes Intel Core Ultra H Series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics for a stunning, smooth performance. The key change is the use of the cryo-tech thermal solution to balance out the performance capability and also has a Stealth Mode button, eliminating the pesky loud fan noise that draws attention. Last but not least, the Inspiron 14 Plus is a powerful PC with a range of AI-powered assets, including auto-framing and better visual enhancements. The creativity within one device is perfect for your work-from-home needs.
The Inspiron 14 PlusThe Alienware m16 R2
Pricing:
The XPS 16 (9640) starts at INR 2,99,990 and releasing on April 25, 2024.
The XPS 14 (9440) starts at INR 1,99,990 and releasing on April 25, 2024.
The Alienware m16 R2 starts at INR 1,49,999 and released on April 9, 2024.
The Inspiron 14 Plus (7440) starts at INR 1,05,999 and released on April 8, 2024.
Dell Technology Recognises AI as an Asset
Dell Technologies is bold with its AI capabilities and development. This range of products is powered by AI for seamless performance. The new XPS 16 & 14 include a personal AI assistant to do your heavy lifting. The Inspiron 14 Plus has AI-enabled auto framing that dynamically adjusts to keep your person centred on the camera and the eye contact feature is on even when you look away. Despite the great potential of AI, there is still hesitation around the functionality. At the launch, they had guest speakers demonstrate AI’s potential.
To this, Pujan Chadha assures, “We look at each and everything as an opportunity. Even internally, we look at AI in terms of empowering our own team members. We encourage them to adopt AI wherever possible and then take it to another level. Our ethos from a Dell standpoint remains clear whatever technologies we create are more to fuel the potential of human beings. So human beings continue to be the key to each and everything we do. From that standpoint, we are pretty excited about what AI can bring in the next few years. It is still in the very niche stage of coming up so a lot of it is wait and watch.”
Raj Kumar Rishi, the Vice President and Managing Director, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India, brilliantly sums it up at the ceremony itself:
“We are at the intersection of AI and personal computing and have the unique position to lead the PC experience revolution. Dell Technologies is just as excited today as we’ve ever been about the future of PC, of it being and will continue to be our customer’s true digital partner. We’re focused on being the leading consumer PC provider for the AI era with new AI-enabled lineups that are more intuitive, efficient, and adaptable for everyone. The next generation of CPUs, GPUs, and the addition of NPUs and accelerators will enable our customers in India to handle even more complicated AI workloads and that’s a winning opportunity for the PC.”
Final Thoughts
Chadha also finally reflects on the future of Dell, “We have always been very positive. Our motto is always the same. We simply want to make our customers very happy, to choose us, and to participate in their success and growth. That’s it, we want to make our customers happy.”
It’s a dedication and devotion to better performance and natural growth that Dell promises with their products. The new consumer portfolio upholds Dell’s reputation as the Leader in Technology and presents a bright future for them and their customers. The ceremony buzzed with the energy and excitement of a new era.
Canon India has launched a one-of-a-kind platform for all aspiring photographers and videographers out there. NorthStar is a one-stop solution for enthusiasts that provides equipment and advisory services to create their ideal studio setup. Canon has collaborated with the finest in the industry to offer holistic and high-quality services.
What is NorthStar?
NorthStar, like its namesake, is the guiding light of the photography/cinematography industry and covers a diverse range of customers. The platform consists of two layers. The first is the advisory layer that collects its advice from industry legends and professionals. They provide deep insight and knowledge of setup solutions. The second layer is the delivery of seamless integration of cutting-edge tech for a complete setup ecosystem. Where you might be confused about where to start, Canon has you covered.
Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, President and CEO of Canon India
The grand launch was held in Mumbai and led by the President and CEO of Canon India, Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, along with Canon management, talented panellists, and industry partners.
“During COVID we realised the growing potential and upcoming demand of this sector and seized the opportunity to pioneer a first-of-its-kind, one-stop solution. As the industry continues to grow with rapid advancements in technology and emerging trends such as digital streaming platforms, 4K and 8K resolution, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), there is a need for a unified platform to cater to these requirements by providing adequate solutions and services under one roof, ensuring convenience and efficiency. Building onto our legacy of imaging technology, we are taking a big leap by setting up an end-to-end imaging ecosystem, bringing together leading brands and industry experts, thereby providing a catalyst for propelling industry growth.”
– Mr. Manabu Yamazaki
Who are the collaborating companies of NorthStar?
This careful lineup shows the dedication of Canon India’s NorthStar to providing the best services to its clients.
Adobe (Post-production solution)
Western Digital (Data Storage solution)
Dell (Infrastructure Solution)
Sennheiser (Audio solution)
Aputure (Light solution)
SanDisk (Flash Storage solution)
Atomos (Monitor solution)
Along with the industry collaborators, the launch involved a talented panel of speakers – Kavita Bahl (Cinematographer/Documentary), Nandan Saxena (Cinematographer/Documentary), Sapan Narula (DOP/CG visual effects and post-production), Neil Sadwelkar (Data Storage/Post-production), Vijay and Ajay Bedi (Wildlife Filmmaker/Documentary), Simran Gill (Cinematographer/Documentary), Goutham Shankar (Post-production/Data Storage), and Ratan Sil Sarma (Director of Photography/Colorist).
So who can use NorthStar and how does it tailor itself to different situations?
Canon explains the potential cases where NorthStar is the perfect solution.
Production Studios: NorthStar provides tailored solutions for studio setups, catering to various production levels like AD films, fashion, lifestyle, and jewellery design, guided by industry experts.
Podcast Studios: NorthStar offers customized setup solutions for podcast creators, ensuring smooth production and broadcasts, aligned with their specific needs.
Educational Institutes: NorthStar delivers end-to-end solutions for universities and academies, facilitating seamless content creation and delivery for virtual classes and pre-recorded educational sessions.
Virtual Production Setups: From news and broadcast to VFX and CGI workflows, NorthStar offers cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance immersive virtual production experiences.
Colour Grading Studios: NorthStar equips professionals with essential tools and expertise for achieving top-tier visual quality and consistency in colour grading.
OTT Channels: NorthStar empowers content creators on OTT platforms to produce high-quality original content efficiently, ensuring precision in their output.
Samsung has launched two new smartphones, the Galaxy M55 5G and the Galaxy M15 5G. This new addition to the Galaxy M series promises to offer users a superior smartphone experience with several industry-leading features.
According to Samsung, both phones come with a Super AMOLED Plus display, monster battery, and powerful processors. Additionally, these phones sport a sleek and elegant design that exudes sophistication.
The Galaxy M55 5G and Galaxy M15 5G are powered by 4nm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen1 and MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processors, respectively. The Galaxy M55 5G boasts a 5000 mAh battery with 45W super-fast charging. In comparison, the Galaxy M15 5G has a segment-best 6000 mAh battery that can power the smartphone for up to two days.
The Galaxy M55 5G features a 6.7″ Full HD+ Super AMOLED Plus display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy M15 5G boasts a segment-best 6.5″ Super AMOLED display. Both phones have high brightness modes and Vision Booster technology, ensuring users enjoy their favourite content even under bright sunlight.
The Galaxy M55 5G has a 50MP (OIS) No-Shake Camera. The Galaxy M15 5G sports a 50MP triple camera setup with Video Digital Image Stabilization (VDIS). Both phones have AI-enhanced features such as Image Clipper and Object Eraser.
Samsung has also integrated several security features on both phones, including best-in-class defence-grade Knox Security and Samsung Knox Vault. This hardware-based security system offers comprehensive protection against hardware and software attacks.
The Galaxy M55 5G and Galaxy M15 5G come in different storage variants. Samsung has committed to providing four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates, ensuring users can enjoy the latest features and enhanced security for years.
The Galaxy M55 5G will be available in two refreshing colours – Light Green and Denim Black, while the Galaxy M15 5G will be available in three stylish colours, including Celestial Blue, Stone Grey, and Blue Topaz. The Galaxy M55 5G will be available on Amazon, Samsung.com, and at select retail stores, while the Galaxy M15 5G will be available on Amazon and at select retail stores starting today, April 8.
Product
Variants
Price
Offers
Net Effective Price
Galaxy M55 5G
8GB+128GB
INR 26999
Amazon / Samsung.com : INR 2000 Instant Discount on all Bank Cards
Retail Stores : INR 2000 Instant Discount on HDFC Bank Cards or INR 2000 off on exchange
INR 24999
8GB+256GB
INR 29999
INR 27999
12GB+256GB
INR 32999
INR 30999
Galaxy M15 5G
4GB+128GB
INR 12999
INR 1000 Instant Discount on HDFC Bank Cards or INR 1000 off on exchange
If you have invested in expensive cameras and camera equipment, it is important to take extra care to ensure their longevity. Keeping them in a home environment can lead to the equipment slowly degrading over time, often requiring costly servicing. Fortunately, we have found an excellent product that can help you safeguard all your expensive cameras and equipment.
BUILD & DESIGN
The Digitek DS-130S Dry cabinet is an excellent storage solution for your valuable camera equipment. Its unique design resembles a refrigerator, with a transparent see-through front that lets you view your equipment without opening the cabinet. The cabinet is built of sturdy metal and weighs approximately 22 kg, making it a durable and long-lasting storage option for your camera gear.
The Digitek Dry cabinet comes in various sizes, depending on your equipment storage needs. You can choose the one that best suits your needs, whether you have a small collection of equipment or a large one. Its robust build quality makes it one of the safest dry boxes available. The DS-130S cabinet has four racks to store your equipment: cameras, lenses, memory cards, and hard drives. The racks are adjustable, so you can customize them to fit your specific equipment. The cabinet also features a digital display that shows the current humidity level and the temperature inside the cabinet. This helps you keep your equipment safe from moisture damage, which can cause irreversible damage to your camera gear.
FEATURES
Digitek Dry Cabinet is an advanced storage solution that provides a highly effective way to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels necessary to protect your valuable items from potential damage caused by moisture, mildew, moth, rust, dust, mould, fungus, oxidation, and other harmful elements. The cabinet utilizes the latest thermoelectric cooling technology that is quick, quiet, and heatless, making it an ideal choice for storing temperature-sensitive items like camera lenses.
In addition, the cabinet features a highly accurate humidity sensor that provides precise humidity control with a ±5% difference, which ensures that the humidity levels inside the cabinet remain at the desired level. You can easily adjust the relative humidity level inside the cabinet to anywhere between 25% and 60%, providing complete control over the storage environment. What’s more, as soon as the cabinet is powered on, it instantly starts dehumidifying, ensuring that your stored items remain safe and protected at all times. The cabinet’s advanced storage system also comes with a built-in hygrometer, which measures the current humidity levels inside the cabinet, allowing you to monitor the storage conditions easily.
The Digitek Dry Cabinet DS-130S is an excellent investment for anyone who owns expensive camera equipment and wants to ensure its cameras and equipment longevity. Its robust build quality and dehumidifying system make it one of the safest and most effective dry boxes available. The cabinet’s ability to regulate temperature and humidity levels using the latest thermoelectric cooling technology provides an ideal environment for storing temperature-sensitive items like camera lenses. Overall, the Digitek Dry Cabinet is a reliable and efficient storage solution that can safeguard your expensive camera equipment and help you avoid costly servicing in the long run.
With a series going on as early as 1987, Final Fantasy is one of the longest-running video game franchises. The game was developed by Square Enix, and created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and the incredible art is by Tetsuya Nomura. The main characters are on a journey to battle a great evil while going through their struggles. The series overall has 16 games and is ongoing.
First release: Final Fantasy (December 18, 1987)
Latest release: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (February 29, 2024)
The various protagonists of Final Fantasy games.
Persona
Another series with a strong history,Personais a spin-off series of developer Atlus’ Shin Megami (a series even bigger)franchise. Persona is the more popular franchise after gaining traction worldwide with Persona 3 in 2006 and has gained a cult following since. The series always follows a silent protagonist meeting a group of people and unlocking their “true selves.” The franchise has 13 games in total so far.
First release: Revelations: Persona (September 20, 1996)
Latest release: Persona 3 Reload (February 2, 2024)
The thrilling historical action game series by Ubisoft almost needs no introduction. Assassin’s Creed is the childhood of many gamers, especially the Ezio Trilogy. The integration of historical figures and events is one of the most narrative buildings in video game history. Moreover, the open environment, action-packed combat and stealth, and their unique parkour are the backbone of the series.
First release: Assassin’s Creed (November 13, 2007)
Different characters you can play as in Assassin’s Creed.
Dark Souls
With an entire subgenre named after them and notoriously challenging gameplay, Dark Souls has a loyal following like no other. Immersing yourself in this dark, medieval fantasy world is easy with the gorgeous yet daunting visuals of dragons, demons, and other supernatural entities. Hidetaka Miyazaki has further expanded the Dark Souls games with spiritual successors and similar Soulslike games such as Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elder Ring.
First release: Dark Souls (September 22, 2011)
Latest release: Dark Souls: Remastered (May 24, 2018)
Dark Souls III
The Legend of Zelda
The long-running series began in 1986 and created a generation of open-world games. The Legend of Zelda follows the different incarnations of Link, a brave young Hylian man, and Princess Zelda, the incarnation of Goddess Hylia. Every version of Link and Zelda has different backstories but his signature left-handedness and green clothing are always retained, and Zelda is always associated with light and prophecy. It’s one of the most magical experiences in the video game industry and is available on Nintendo.
First release: The Legend of Zelda (February 21, 1986)
Latest release: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (May 12, 2023)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Mario
Mario is a beloved series enjoyed by both children and adults alike. While it is primarily a video game franchise, Mario has expanded beyond barriers unforeseeable (but so enjoyable). Mario has over 200 games, a theme park, several movies, TV series, etc. You can even enjoy real-life Mario Kart racing in Tokyo. With loveable characters and addictive gameplay, Mario is a surprising icon in the industry.
This is a choice for die-hard horror fans. Resident Evil, or known as Biohazard in Japan, is a terrifying survival horror series with protagonists fighting against zombies and other monsters. The game is usually played in a third-person shooter and first-person shooter. In recent years, they have focused on remaking their earliest games with better graphics and improved character development.
Famous playable characters and villains from Resident Evil
Ace Attorney
Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a defence lawyer? Ace Attorney has got you covered. The series is a satire on the Japanese justice system. You primarily play Phoenix Wright, the titular protagonist, as he navigates enticing and strange cases. Your main rivals change with each instalment but you can never forget the legendary prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth.
First release: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (October 12, 2001)
Latest release: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy (January 25, 2024)
The main characters of the Ace Attorney series.
Hitman
If you’re a fan of stealth and the thrill of a hunt,Hitman is the series for you. It has a good balance of challenging and fun as the game requires strategy and timing to execute your missions. You play as a cloned contract killer and get to travel around the world to assassinate your targets. It gives you the freedom to play how you want, especially if you enjoy some ridiculous ways to subdue targets.
First release: Hitman: Codename 47 (November 21, 2000)
Latest release: Hitman 3 (January 20, 2021)
Hitman, Agent 47
Life Is Strange
Life Is Strange is a choice-based game revolving around life-changing events and you, as the protagonist, gaining control over your supernatural powers. Each game’s ending connects to the butterfly effect theory, where even a small decision can change your future drastically. With a unique art style and an interesting cast of characters, Life Is Strange is a great series for people who want to focus on a story. They have 3 different instalments, each with different protagonists and storylines, and are in talks for a 4th game.
First release: Life Is Strange (January 30, 2015)
Latest release: Life Is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection (September 27, 2022)
Every main Life Is Strange game (so far)
Yakuza
Yakuza, known as Ryū ga Gotoku in Japan, and also known as Like a Dragon in more recent games, is a big mix of RPG, beat ‘em up, and action-adventure genres in this crime drama narrative. While the overall story of the game is incredibly serious and filled with violence, the side stories are the main attraction and their mini-games are possibly the most comical in the industry.
First release: Yakuza (December 8, 2005)
Latest release: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (January 26, 2024)
Various protagonists and major characters of the Yakuza series.
Fallout
Fallout is a classic series, set in a post-apocalyptic world and the far future, with elements of RPG and action. You get the freedom to create from scraps and build whole communities within the games. The series is inspired by American post-war culture from the 50s and built around the fear of nuclear annihilation.
First release: Fallout (October 10, 1997)
Latest release: Fallout 76 (November 14, 2018)
The Fallout game series
Kingdom Hearts
Do you loveDisney and Final Fantasy? Then Kingdom Hearts by Square Enix is the series for you. This world is a blend ofDisneyand Final Fantasy characters, locations and lore with their original characters. It’s a heart-warming and thrilling fantasy franchise where you follow Sora and his journey but it’s more complicated than it seems. Kingdom Hearts IV was formally announced in 2022 but no known release date.
First release: Kingdom Hearts (March 28, 2002)
Latest release: Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory (November 11, 2020)
Check out the Kingdom Hearts 4 reveal trailer above!
Tekken
Tekken, meaning “Iron Fist”,is one of the best fighting games and has been going strong since 1994. The hand-to-hand combat is competitive and energising to play. The series has raised the standard for fighting games and their main selling point is the replay value. That’s right, play as much as you want and you’ll never get bored.
First release: Tekken (September 21, 1994)
Latest release: Tekken 8 (January 26, 2024)
Tekken 8
God of War
Every gamer must have heard about the God of War, even if you haven’t played it yourself. God of War is a must-play for everyone. You play and embark on the journey with the Spartan warrior Kratos who becomes the titular God of War and gets into multiple conflicts with mythological characters. Their recent games are based on Norse mythology and focused on Kratos’ redemption with his son Atreus.
First release: God of War (March 22, 2005)
Latest release: God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (December 12, 2023)
God of War (2018)
Grand Theft Auto
You don’t even need to be into gaming to know this series. The infamous Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is one of the funniest and bravest franchises to get into. With its meme-ability and crazy storylines, GTA brought out everyone’s chaotic side. After more than a decade, GTA 6 is to be released in 2025.
First release: Grand Theft Auto (November 28, 1997)
Latest release: Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (November 11, 2021)
Check out the first GTA VI trailer above!
Pac-Man
Pac-Man is a throwback for many gamers. The Pac-Man franchise is 45 years old and still on our minds. It maintains a classic gameplay style that instils nostalgia. This is one of the longest-running series in the industry and is a huge symbol of 80s culture.
First release: Pac-Man (May 22, 1980)
Latest release: Pac-Man World Re-Pac (August 26, 2022)
Pac-Man game screenshot.
Red Dead
Another classic is the Red Dead series by RockStar Games. This is a Western-style game with an open-world and action-adventure setting. Red Dead has some of the best storytelling elements and character developments you will witness. Will RockStar release a Red Dead Redemption 3? The prediction is 2026 and we are keeping our hopes high!
