In Conversations With – Rakul Preet Singh

RS: Volvo XC 40 Recharge is all about sustainability and our issue as well. So, tell me, what has been your experience with an electric car? Have you ever driven an electric car?

Rakul Preet Singh: Yes, but very briefly. However, I want to make my next buy an electric one because we all need to be more responsible towards the planet, and sustainability starts from the smallest things. I’m not saying everyone should buy an electric car, but whoever has the ability to or has the awareness should make that switch. I think we need to have more electric charging stations, and a lot of people would switch to electric.

RS: if you have to go on a road trip with Volvo XC 40 Recharge, where would you go and who would you like to take along?

Rakul: I would drive to Goa or Delhi to Bombay once that expressway is ready, and I would take somebody who could give me a hand in driving, for instance, my friends from the “Spark”. Well, we have a group of five people called Spark, and I would take the entire Spark with me because we are sparks in each other’s life.

RS: How do you maintain your healthy work-life balance?

Rakul: Yeah, it’s all about what your priorities are. I choose a healthy lifestyle as it’s a way of life. It’s not something that I take pressure for. In fact, on the contrary, if I don’t find time for myself, whether it’s my workout or my little peace with myself, then I get very edgy. Also, you can always find time for things you love and prioritise. In easy words, people are busy, but they find time to watch TV, they find time to party, but they don’t find time to work out. So it’s just priorities.

Ramesh: Any tips for staying motivated?

Rakul: You will be motivated if you’re very passionate about something. You don’t need tips for it. Like, there’s a fire up my belly all the time, 24×7, because I love my job and want to do a lot more. Have you seen my Twitter header? It says Build a life you don’t need a vacation from. I love my work; I want to go to shoot every day and be in front of a camera every day, that’s my sanity, and if I take a break, I get anxious.

Ramesh: Do you read books?

Rakul: I do. I am more of a spiritual reading sort of person. So one of my all-time favourite books is The Power of Now. Then there’s Cosmic Consciousness, which is a beautiful book.

Ramesh: Do you read e-books, and what about audiobooks?

Rakul: No, I read on paperback. Anybody who’s a reader will prefer to avoid reading e-books. I tried audiobooks during the lockdown, but my problem with audiobooks is that if I don’t like your voice, I will not listen to it. I think reading is how your brain processes and absorbs the information the book offers. So, for me, reading is a very personal affair, and I can’t read in public. I need absolutely pin-drop silence. I can watch content from anywhere, but when I’m reading, I need to be alone at home because otherwise, I feel I’m not doing a good job; I’m missing something that the author said. I feel like I’m with the book or connected with the matter or the material of the book only when I’m in my piece, in my space, alone; it’s also giving respect to the author.

Ramesh: You have been involved in a lot of philanthropic activities. Tell us more about that.

Rakul: Whatever I’ve done in the past is something I will keep doing again to give back a little to society. When COVID was at its peak, there was a village of 500 families near Gurgaon that I had adopted, which I haven’t shared in the media. We put caterers in our house on the terrace, and every day my dad went and gave the food to the people. Then I love to educate people, especially young girls. Currently, there are four girls I’m helping with their education, and all these girls are my house help’s daughters living in the village while their mothers work in the city.

Ramesh: What are your thoughts about sustainability?

Rakul: I’ll be frank, I’m also new to sustainability, but this is a conversation we must have more often because it has been trending for the last two or three years, mainly since COVID-19 struck the planet. While we were in lockdown, the air became purer, but as we stepped out again, we were back to square one. The climate change is extreme; we’re already running out of water, the Antarctic is melting, and there’s summer in the Arctic region. We should not make a complete switch, but we can always start making efforts with small contributions in our daily lives. In the last couple of years, I started refusing new plates after a one-course meal by saying, “I’m good with my plate. Do we change our plates at home?”

Ramesh: You have a big army of 23 million followers on Instagram. Tell us about your journey to the film industry ?

Rakul: I’m highly thankful to all those 23 million people who have given me love and been my great pillars of support ever since I started my journey because my journey has been of someone who had no clue about the industry. I came from an Army background, somebody who didn’t know about films at all. Yaariyan was my first Hindi film, and then I started working in the Telugu industry. I always wanted to be an actor, and the journey began when I was 18. At first, I started modelling, and within a month of my pictures being shot and circulated, someone saw my pictures, and they called my dad and said, we want to cast her in a film. At that point, I was unaware of any film industry except Bollywood; hence I refused the offer. However, when they called back, I said yes to the movie just for pocket money and wanted to be the first one who buys a car in my friend circle. Then I moved to Bombay when I was 20, started auditioning, standing in Aaram Nagar queues, trying to reach out to people, driving from Kandivali to Bandra every single day as a routine, whether I have meetings or not, in the hope that I would crack something and then I cracked the Yaariyan. I signed a Telugu film after that, which became a hit, and before I knew it, I signed a lot of other films. The journey began when I thought that let me be a star in one place rather than a struggle in the other, and then I focused on Telugu films until I felt that, okay, I’ve worked with everyone, and it’s time to change the ground.

Ramesh: Who do you look up to?

Rakul: If there’s one person, and I’ve said this many times, that I truly look up to is my father because, being an army man, he comes with a lot of sense of dignity and discipline and just the way he is and his personality. You can talk to him about anything under the sun, whether it’s world politics, regional politics, wine or anything.

Ramesh: Tell me something, any quotes or phrases that peps you up on a daily basis?

Rakul: Well, there’s a quote in my living room which says, people who tried to bury you didn’t know you were a seed. So it’s something I see every time I eat my meal in the dining room, and it’s a real motivator.

Ramesh: What parting words would you like to say to our readers?

Rakul: Thank you so much to all of you who supported me and also all the readers of Exhibit; this drive interview in the Volvo XC 40 Recharge has been really fun. And yes, this issue is all about sustainability, so all of you should take small steps towards a sustainable self, towards a sustainable nation and make small changes.

I want to make my next buy an electric one because we all need to be more responsible towards the planet, and sustainability starts from the smallest things

Protect Our Planet – Significance of Earth Day

There was a time in History when a corporation-owned factory could cause black clouds of toxic smoke in the air and dump tonnes of toxic waste into a nearby water stream without facing any consequences. There was no legal body to regulate harm to the environment as no EPA, Clean Air Act, or Clean Water Act was in place. However, things changed drastically in 1970 when US Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day to make environmental issues a national agenda and eventually an international one. 

Over 50 years down the line, Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 and holds great significance not just among environmentalists but also among the general public. Before we go on to the theme of Earth Day 2023. Here is a brief history of the day which celebrated Mother Earth – 

History of Earth Day

Gaylord Nelson was a junior senator from Wisconsin who had grave concerns surrounding the deteriorating environment in the United States. It was back in January 1969 when he witnessed the horrors of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Nelson was inspired by the student anti-war movement and wanted to bring the same enthusiasm to issues like water and air pollution. He announced the idea of a teach-in on college campuses to US media and chose Pete McCloskey as his co-chair. The campus teach-ins were organized by Denis Hayes, a 22-year-old activist on April 22. 

Denis Hayes understood the movement’s potential to inspire all Americans leading him to build a national staff consisting of 85 people to promote events across the country. Soon, other faith groups and organizations latched on to the cause leading to ‘Earth Day’ as we know it today. The name change to Earth Day quickly sparked interest among the media eventually inspiring 20 million Americans to show their support. 

Groups already in place fighting individually against oil spills, raw sewage, toxic dumps, and other environmental causes united on Earth Day as they shared common values. In a rare political alignment, both the Democratic and Republican parties pledged their support to Earth Day in 1970. The end of Earth Day in 1970 led to the formation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency which introduced a number of environment-centric acts. It was back in 1990 when Denis Hayes took Earth Day on a global scale. Senator Nelson also earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in the formation of Earth Day. 

Current Significance

This will be the first time an Earth Day theme is being continued into the next year. Last year’s ‘Invest in Our Planet’ theme will be acting as the continuation of the 2023 theme which is focused on engaging businesses, governments, institutions, and more than a billion people who participate in Earth Day activities to their part. Kathleen Rogers, the President of EARTHDAY.Org previously shared the vision for 2023 saying, “In 2023 we must come together again in partnership for the planet. Businesses, governments, and civil society are equally responsible for taking action against the climate crisis and lighting the spark to accelerate change towards a green, prosperous, and equitable future. We must join together in our fight for the green revolution and for the health of future generations. The time is now to Invest In Our Planet,” 

An official press release by the Earth Day organization announcing 2023’s theme shared that investing in a green economy is the only path to a prosperous future. The statement adds furthermore that human influence is unequivocally to blame for the warming of the planet and some form of climate disruption will now be felt for centuries to come. 

Not just governments, but businesses and humans all need to work together to bring about the revolutionary progress required to save the planet. Here’s how this is achievable – 

1. Businesses including investors and financial markets need to drive value for their institutions and society through green innovations and practices. There have been multiple economic revolutions in the past powered by the private sector which now needs to emphasize the green revolution. 

2. Governments need to incentivize their citizens, businesses and institutions to innovate sustainable practices. Additionally, educating the general public and advancing their interest in creating an equitable and sustainable global system is also required. 

3. Citizens at an individual level need to push for sustainable solutions across the board as both voters and consumers. A push from the citizens can motivate governments to take proactive steps in conserving the environment while moving towards green development. The voice of the people holds great significance in making the changes the planet needs right now.

Earth Day Facts You Probably Didn’t Know 

1. April 22 was chosen as the date for Earth Day because it fell between Spring Break and final exams leading to maximum student involvement

2. About 10 per cent of the US population took part in the first Earth Day demonstration 

3. The passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts was inspired by the first Earth Day in 1970 

4. Nearly 1 billion people across the globe take part in Earth Day activities 

5. On Earth Day 2022, 28 million trees were planted in Afghanistan under the ‘Planet Trees Not Bombs’ campaign

6. Humans today use 50 per cent more natural resources than we did 30 years ago

7. An average American today produces 4.5 pounds of trash every day 

8.Nearly 80 per cent of all plastic waste ever created by humans is still in the environment

Tech for women on the go

In today’s fast-paced world, women are busier than ever. Whether juggling work, family, friends, or hobbies, women need technology to keep up with their busy lifestyles. Luckily, there are plenty of portable devices and apps available that can help women stay organised, connected, and productive on the go. Let’s explore 10 of the best portable devices and apps for busy women.

Portable Devices:

Woman with VR headset at home
Smartphones:

Smartphones are essential for women on the go and shouldn’t be on the list, as everyone has a smartphone in hand. They allow you to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues while providing access to essential apps like email, calendars, and social media. When choosing a smartphone, look for one with a large screen, long battery life, and a good camera, as these features are essential for women who use their phones for personal and professional purposes.

E-readers:

E-readers are a must-have for women who love to read as they allow you to carry thousands of books wherever you go without the added weight of a physical book. E-readers also come with built-in lighting, making them ideal for reading in low-light conditions. Look for an e-reader with a long battery life and a high-resolution display, and if you’re old school, having a physical book is not a problem, classics are irreplaceable.

Fitness trackers:

Fitness trackers are perfect for women who want to stay on top of their health and fitness goals. They allow you to track your steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns, giving you valuable insights into your overall health. While buying a fitness tracker, look for one with a heart rate monitor and GPS tracking, as these features are helpful for tracking workouts.

Wireless Earbuds:

Wireless earbuds are perfect for women who love to listen to music or podcasts on the go. They’re lightweight and portable and don’t require wires or cords, making them ideal for women who are always on the move. Look for earbuds with good battery life and noise-cancelling capabilities for the best experience.

Portable chargers:

Portable chargers are essential for women who rely on their devices throughout the day. They allow you to charge your smartphone, tablet, or other devices while on the go, ensuring you never run out of battery power. Look for a portable charger with a high capacity and fast charging capabilities.

Productivity apps:

Evernote:

Evernote is a versatile app that can help women streamline their lives in various ways. It offers a digital platform to store notes, ideas, to-do lists, and other important information. With Evernote, women can manage daily tasks, set reminders, and organise schedules. The app lets them capture and save important documents, receipts, and photos. Evernote also provides a safe and secure platform for women to store sensitive information, such as medical records and financial documents. 

Fitbit:

The Fitbit app is a powerful tool for women who want to track and monitor their physical activity and overall health. The app allows women to set fitness goals, monitor progress, and analyse their workouts. It also offers personalised insights and tips to help women stay motivated and on track with their fitness goals. Additionally, the app provides features such as sleep tracking and food logging to help women maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Headspace:

Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app that can benefit women’s well-being. With daily meditation sessions, Headspace can help reduce stress, and anxiety and improve sleep quality. The app provides a variety of guided meditations that cater to different levels and lifestyles along with unique features such as “SOS meditations” to use during moments of crisis and “mini-meditations” for busy schedules. Headspace is an excellent app for women who want to prioritise their mental health and wants to develop a sense of calm, clarity, and focus in their daily lives.

Duolingo:

Duolingo is a language-learning app that can benefit women in various ways. Learning a new language can open up opportunities for travel, work, and personal growth. Duolingo offers interactive lessons and games that make learning a new language fun and engaging. The app provides personalized learning plans based on individual strengths and weaknesses, allowing women to progress at their own pace. Duolingo’s social features enable women to connect with others who are learning the same language and practice speaking skills. It is an excellent app for women who want to expand their horizons and learn a new language.

Pocket:

Pocket is a valuable app that can benefit women who want to stay up-to-date on news, trends, and industry developments. It offers a platform for saving and organising articles, videos, and other online content for later reading or viewing. With Pocket, women can curate their reading lists and categorise content based on interests or themes. The app also provides personalised recommendations based on saved content, making discovering new and relevant information easy. Ladies, if you want to stay informed and knowledgeable about various topics and industries, Pocket is a must-have app to have on your smartphone.

Trello:

Trello is a popular app that can be an asset in a woman’s daily life. It provides a flexible platform for visually organising tasks, projects, and ideas. Trello allows women to manage their daily tasks and track their progress using customisable boards, lists, and cards. Trello’s intuitive interface makes it easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The app also enables women to collaborate with others on group projects or assignments, making it an excellent tool for both personal and professional use.

Asana:

Asana is a versatile app that can help women streamline their personal and professional lives. It provides a digital platform for managing tasks, projects, and teams. With Asana, women can organise their schedules, set reminders, and assign tasks to themselves or others. It also enables them to collaborate on group projects or assignments with colleagues or friends. The app also offers a comprehensive suite of features for project management, including timelines, calendars, and progress tracking.

MyFitnessPal:

MyFitnessPal is an app designed to help women manage their diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It offers a platform for tracking calorie intake, setting weight goals, and monitoring progress. With a vast food database, women can easily log their meals and snacks and scan barcodes for easy tracking. MyFitnessPal also offers personalised recommendations for nutrient intake based on individual goals and preferences. The app offers community support and motivation through its active user base.

Mint:

Mint is a financial management app that can benefit women in various ways. It offers a comprehensive platform for tracking expenses, creating budgets, and monitoring financial health. With Mint, women can connect their bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts to view all their finances in one place. The app provides personalised insights and tips for saving money, reducing debt, and achieving financial goals. It also offers alerts and reminders for bill payments and other financial tasks.

Video Conferencing Apps:

Video conferencing apps, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Skype, have become essential for women (or perhaps everyone) in both personal and professional settings. They enable women to connect with colleagues, clients, friends, and family from anywhere worldwide, making communication more accessible and convenient. With video conferencing, women can conduct virtual meetings, attend online classes, and stay in touch with loved ones despite the distance. These apps also offer screen-sharing and recording features, making collaboration and documentation more efficient.

In Talks With – Siddharth Kanan

Ex. You have made a name for yourself in the hosting space. When did you first know you had this in you? 

Siddharth Kanan: My Amma (Radha Kannan) and Appa (V. Kannan) were ahead of their times and always encouraged me in debates, elocution & sports.

In fact, my father used to write my debates and train me in how to say my lines. Since then, I had an inner feeling that I would not choose a conventional field in the long run.

I started very young, at the age of 14. I am in the Limca Book of Records for being the youngest RJ in the country. So, I guess I was always made for this. And since I always think that I am a mazdur in my head, I keep working hard and evolving every day.

Ex. You have interviewed almost every celebrity in the county. Who according to you is the most interesting personality among all?

SK: Honestly, I can’t pinpoint one person, since I have done thousands of interviews in my career. But I have been inspired by the biggest superstar our country has ever seen, Mr Amitabh Bachchan. His work ethic, his discipline, how he is the first person to reach the sets always, constantly learning and reinventing himself. My interviews with him have always been motivating, and inspiring and I get a renewed vigour after interviewing him. In fact, he always says that I get him to share anecdotes like never before.

Ex. Who is the easiest and the most difficult to talk to?

SK: I would like to rephrase this question. How do you get your celebrity to bring out their most unheard stories? Well, there goes a lot of research behind it. Whenever I speak to a celebrity, even though he/ she has been a friend for years, when I speak to them, I think like the audience. I want to know what the audience would want their favourite star to talk about. What would the audience like the celebrity to confess about? And when you think like that, the magic happens. And that’s been my mantra since the beginning of my career.

In fact, I feel the audiences feel ‘I am their voice’ and relate to me and my chat shows. Maybe that’s why I have crossed 1.12 million subscribers, 350 million views and have loads of trending videos on youtube throughout the year.

 

Ex. Hosting is a difficult arena to step into and requires an excellent presence of mind. Do you feel anxious before stepping up on the stage?

SK: My parents have taught me to not be ‘Scared to Lose’! Hence, I am fearless in my approach. I have a tremendous amount of inner confidence and self-belief. The only thing I have always been hopeful of is giving the best show each time to the audience and giving an experience to them that they have never seen or felt.

When the audiences feel on top of the world, I feel the happiest. I am extremely well prepared for my shows, and my team and I work throughout the year on my content, I am well-read and have been blessed with spontaneity.  I feel like a student every day of my life, hence I do not take a minute of mine for granted and maybe that’s my shows have been extremely successful and am blessed to booked throughout the year with brands and agencies and have clients who keep giving me repeated business

Ex. What are the apps that you use the most?

SK: Instagram and YouTube

Ex. How tech-savvy are you? What is the most expensive piece of gadget that you own?

SK: My iPhone 13 Pro Max and Apple MacBook Pro

Ex. What is that one event you dream of hosting once in your life?

SK: I dream of an event where millions and millions of people are watching me and I have touched every single person’s life in that event with humour, inspiration and soul.

Ex. How has worked for the radio changed and shaped you in your professional journey?

SK: Radio shaped my professional career in the biggest way. Even though I have left the radio and have gone independent, I still owe a lot to the radio! Radio taught me to be spontaneous, think on my feet, and be real. When I started radio, there were no radio software, so I learnt the art of ‘One Take’ which means there was no chance of retakes. The ability me doing scripts in one take and ad-libbing has helped me in events, digital content, voice-overs and in every walk of life.

Ex. One thing that you often say to your guests is, ‘tu mera bhai hai’. Who exactly in Bollywood is your bhai in the true sense?

SK: I have been around for a long time. My biggest asset is my relationships with people which have withstood the test of time…hence, I have made loads of solid relationships within and outside the industry. People have faith in me and value my ethics and believe in my integrity.

I am proud to say that I have a number of people in Bollywood that have a love for me and vice versa but I choose not to name them because those friendships are extremely dear and sacred to me.

Ex. Tell us something about yourself no one knows about.

SK: I might look very outgoing, flamboyant and bindass but there is a huge part of me which is very emotional and sensitive and only the ones very close to me know and see that side.

Ex. What was the last time you were surprised or shocked?

SK: Nothing shocks or surprises me. The only thing that I look forward to each day is a great experience! I am an eternal optimist!

Ex. What is that one book you recommend?

SK: I recently read The Secret. And I love Suits, the show. Highly recommended.

Auto news from CES 2023

Every year, the world gathers for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is kind of like the Auto Expo for electronics and technology. Although we typically get a sneak peek at upcoming technology, several automakers frequently use CES to reveal their newest technology, concepts, and even new models. The top auto news stories from CES 2023 are listed here. This year’s CES is no exception when it comes to some crazy mind boggling concepts and other automotive news.

Sony Afeela

The Japanese technology behemoth Sony will produce EVs, although this is not really surprising given that Sony has already shown off two prototypes at prior CES conferences. The Afeela, however, is a brand-new sedan that was created in collaboration with Honda this time. Although the Afeela’s technical specifications are all secret, we do know that deliveries will start in 2026 and that the sedan will come equipped with cutting-edge technology, including AI assistance and autonomous capabilities.

Volkswagen ID.7

The ID.7, Volkswagen’s first electric sedan, has been presented with its camouflage still on. It will join the brand’s wide range of electric vehicles in 2023. The vehicle will compete against Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3 with a potential range of about 700 kilometres. The ID.7 will have the longest range of any Volkswagen EV when it is introduced. In addition to these technologies, the sedan has augmented reality heads-up and a 15-inch touchscreen with all the necessary functionality.

BMW i Vision Dee

One of the most daring proposals from the German company has been introduced by BMW. According to BMW, the I Vision Dee (Digital Emotional Experience) is a car that can converse with its owners and even convey feelings. It also has body panels that can instantly change colours, enormous kidney grilles with built-in displays, and a windscreen that serves as a sizable display. The new concept car is packed with features, and it may represent the direction the company will take in terms of technology and design.

Volvo EX90

At CES 2023, Volvo unveiled the EX90 flagship electric SUV and said that deliveries will start in early 2024. It will be available with a 111kWh battery pack that has a 600 km maximum range and 517 PS maximum output (WLTP). It has a 14.5-inch touchscreen inside that supports 5G and has Google OS preinstalled. The EX90 receives a variety of safety features like eight cameras, a radar system, and LiDAR in typical Volvo flair and as the company’s flagship EV.

Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming For Cars

We’re not sure how to react to the news that cars will soon be able to use Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming services. To offer a complete gaming experience to cars, the brand is collaborating with automakers including Hyundai, BYD, and Polestar. Technical details are being kept under wraps, but Nvidia claims that while waiting inside the car or while the car is charging, passengers may use a controller to play more than 1000 games, including AAA titles. In essence, this implies that you can play The Witcher 3 while your car is charging.

Dodge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept

Dodge unveiled its Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept at CES 2023, which offers a view into the future and highlights how the sector’s top truck brand can once more transform the pickup truck business. Innovative features that will be found in future Ram trucks, and in particular on Ram’s electrification journey, are on full display in the cutting-edge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept.

In order to better serve its customers, Ram will distinguish itself by delivering a variety of fully electric alternatives, including the Ram 1500 BEV in 2024, which will redefine the market. In the upcoming years, the complete Ram line-up will provide electrified solutions with ground-breaking, cutting-edge technology.

 

Living the Cyborg LIfe

Is blood glucose monitoring the newest craze among athletes? Customers can purchase intrusive sensors from Ultrahuman to be implanted into their arms, where they will use a smart app to continuously check their blood glucose levels. The ultimate result is real-time advice on how to improve one’s lifestyle, together with a vast ecosystem of knowledge relating to metabolic health. After testing the Ultrahuman M1 for two weeks, we’d like to talk about how our lives have changed.

Ultrahuman uses Abbott’s Freestyle Libre 2, which has been on the market since 2019, as its glucose sensor. Additionally, many diabetics use it to keep an eye on their blood glucose levels. There is nothing to worry about because the technology is tried and true, right? However, I find it unsettling to imagine a thin, flexible filament in my skin.

It goes without saying that I had mixed emotions before to the cyborg experiment, especially since I had already looked at too many images of the sensor. I’ll leave it up to you to decide if that’s fortunate or not.

So I worked up the confidence to insert the chip into my arm after putting the sensor in the applicator. Just how did I feel? Absolutely nothing! I was a little concerned about the needle being trapped somewhere during the first two days, especially at night. But in daily life, neither when exercising nor while sleeping, I was unaware of the 0.4-millimetre thin filament in my skin. I only ever got caught on the couch once, giving me a brief feeling of being bitten by an insect. Overall, my fears were unjustified, and Ultrahuman also provides strong plasters to protect the sensor.

By tapping my new sticker with the phone, the sensor and app were first paired. The app cautioned me that the readings could be erroneous for the first 24 hours, but it held me in suspense for another two hours while waiting for the sensor to be fully calibrated. I encountered zero connectivity issues with the sensor and smartphone throughout the review period.

Using a chocolate bar in between meals to circumvent the calorie counter app is more difficult with Ultrahuman. Any food with a significant amount of sugar, even a few grapes or two figs, will cause the Ultrahuman app to send a push notification: “Your blood sugar is currently increasing. What did you consume?”

Now, the software assigns a score to each food item depending on how it affects blood sugar levels. The software uses your personal top lists of the greatest and worst foods to create the best food lists for you. The intriguing aspect of this is how various foods cause varied reactions in various bodies. For one person, what is healthy may induce blood sugar spikes and crashes in another.

Score and Metabolic Vectors

The Ultrahuman app assigns a score between 1 and 100 to each day based on measured data, tracked activities, and diet. Of course, the crucial factor in this situation is the percentage of the day that you spend within the desirable blood glucose range of 70 to 110 mg/dL. However, it’s also crucial to prevent peaks and valleys in the level; a smooth uphill and downward gradient is optimal.

How can this be done? The software continuously explains everything while in use and offers fresh suggestions. For instance, if there is a surge, the app suggests taking a walk after eating or taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar first.

The programme also contains metabolic vectors in addition to the daily score. This depiction of your performance in the three categories of focus, longevity, and athleticism. The less your blood sugar fluctuates, the more focused you are. Your longevity increases with the number of peaks and the amount of time your blood sugar is at its ideal level. And it’s obvious that consistent exercise and healthy blood sugar levels are beneficial for your athletic score.

Additionally, you’ll receive an estimate of your daily HbA1c level, which can help determine if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or neither. The app provides daily tests as well as long-term averages and a summary of your metabolic fitness.

Conclusion

Two weeks spent living as a cyborg

The sensor stopped functioning as expected and stopped producing results exactly two weeks later. I feel like I’ve been robbed of a sense since this shelf life is restricted for hygiene reasons. My body served as a laboratory for two weeks, and the results motivated me more than wearing any other fitness tracker before to be disciplined about exercise and especially food.

I consider the Ultrahuman M1 to be one of the most exciting technological advancements of the last 15 years, and I’m really interested in how blood glucose monitors will become more widely used and advance our understanding of nutrition and fitness in the next years. The utility of fitness wearables will advance dramatically at the latest when blood glucose testing operates with adequate optical precision and hence becomes slightly more accessible to the general public.

Mercedes-Benz GLB and EQB – Luxury meets practicality

Meet the new Mini GLS and Mini EQS

Mercedes has been a leader in the luxury car segment in India for a long time. Challengers like BMW and Audi have always been close seconds. Despite the sales chart buzz, the only 7-seater car in Mercedes-Benz India has been the Mercedes GLS. The GLS demands and commands a presence, but its sheer size and price could be intimidating. A glimpse of Mercedes-Benz’s positive sales figures in India comes from their immense pool of over 7000 pre-orders, including a sold-out GLC. 

Not only is this company successful at making luxury cars, but it also commands one of the largest fleets of premium SUVs. Adding versatility, Mercedes has launched a new platform. Bringing back the B series cars, meet the new Mercedes-Benz EQB and GLB. For the first time in India, Mercedes offers a modular 7-seater platform in three fuel types and multiple SKUs. 

Mini-GLS and Mini-EQS

Mercedes-Benz does not shy away from admitting the B segment launches are highly inspired by the S series. The GLB is also globally termed as the mini-GLS for the design elements, while the EQB looks similar to the global EQS SUV. What’s missing is the sheer size of their elder sibling inspirations. Both these cars are substantial in presence, almost as long as the best-selling GLC. The front fascia might look different on both cars, giving them a unique identity. The side panels on both vehicles are more or less the same, encompassing an overall length of 4,646mm, liberating a healthy 2,829mm wheelbase. The GLB also gets an optional AMG Kit accessory allowing 19-inch AMG rims with AMG steering wheel, Alcantara goodness, metal pedals and more. Thanks to the elder siblings, the GLB and EQB look friendly and welcoming without the domineer dimensions. 

While the GLB follows the GLS split lamp design with neat-looking DRLs similar to the GLS, the EQB is unmistakably an EQ platform from Mercedes-Benz with a connected LED design front and rear. Sharing platforms, the EQB and GLB share the interior design with subtle changes based on the model. Our first drive cars were the top-of-the-line GLB 220d 4-Matic and EQB 300 4-Matic. Featuring AMG-styled flat-bottom steering wheels, turbine-styled AC vents, an ambient lighting package, Alcantara seats with lumbar-lateral support and more, these cars are loaded to the brim considering the segment. Based on the A-series limousine platform also featured on the GLA, the GLB and EQB stand longer than most of its competitors, including the Audi Q5!

Familiarly Merc on the inside 

Mercedes-Benz uses different quality materials and textures with soft-touch leather, metal accents and LED elements on hard plastic, albeit in better quality. The centre console features a floating 10.25” touch infotainment system loaded with MBUX (connected car features and voice commands – Hey Mercedes) and a 4-Matic info-clad 10.25” MID. The functional centre column also brings rollable shutters to reveal a wireless charging pad, 12V connector, USB Type-C port, drive select metal knobs, HVAC controls in see-through design, a touch panel with wrist rest and a deep powered pocket that doubles as the arm-rest. There are multiple bottle holders, and the cabin feels functional yet sumptuous, thanks to the quality materials and ambient LED treatment. The GLB gets a matte aluminium finish on the AC vents, while the EQB features a body-coloured matte finish on the front AC vents.

The middle-row and third-row seats get USB Type-C charging ports with additional recline angles and adjustments for leg space on the middle row. The middle-row armrest also houses rollable cup holders in a 40,20,40 split-seat configuration. The 50-50 third-row seats are best suited for preteens and pets when required. With all the seats up, the powered tailgate liberates 130L boot space, 500L on folding the third row and up to 1055L on folding both rear rows. Limited by space, Mercedes includes a puncture repair kit instead of a spare wheel for emergencies. Breathing more space into the interiors is a two-way panoramic sunroof. 

Impressive when steady and rolling 

Safety first, the entire line-up gets seven airbags, with curtain extensions for the third-row passengers. Apart from a 5-star global NCAP rating, these cars also feature TPMS, HAC, lane keep, brake and driving assists with two high-resolution cameras. Mercedes offers the GLB in 200(P), 220d(D) and 220d 4-Matic(D) + AMG Kit. The EQB 300 receives the top-tier GLB treatments as standard for the electric powertrain. The 1332cc Petrol engine churns 163HP and 250Nm mated to a 6-Speed AT in front-wheel drive. The 2.0L Diesel variants 220d and 4-Matic bring healthy 400Nm and 190HP on tap for a livelier driving experience. The GLB 220d sprints 0-100Km/h in 7.6 secs while the EQB achieves the same in 8 secs despite the battery weight gains. 

Drivers can choose from Eco, Sport, Comfort and Individual settings. We prefer the Individual settings as it allows versatile setup, like setting the engine and steering response to Sport mode, while the suspensions soak bad roads in Comfort mode. The seats are positioned in a commanding position, and the split A-pillar adds a good view of the road. While the GLB offers a round steering wheel, our top-tier unit featured the AMG flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, a standard on the EQB. Shifts are precise on the GLB 220d, while the exact change between various recuperation options on the EQB. The suspensions and ground clearance of 155mm make the drive comfortable and relatively carefree in normal driving conditions. 

The GLB 220d like to be ringed around, and the satisfactory performance is on tap throughout the rev bands. There is some body roll movement, but the overall rigid architecture of the chassis allows for reasonable body control. Despite the additional weight of 469 kg batteries, the EQB with single-gear ASM on the front wheels and PSM driving the rear wheels churns a healthy 229HP and 390Nm of relatively instant torque compared to the GLB. Compare this figure with a better centre of gravity due to the batteries in the floor; the EQB feels nimble.

Mercedes-Benz has bought one of their B series best NVH levels on the market. The GLB gets audible when driven enthusiastically, but the engine and cabin are satisfactorily refined. The EQB gets additional motor insulation, cabin insulation and noise-reduction tyres to make the electric cabin feel silent enough to meditate. What also helps relax are the tonnes of advanced driver assistance features on both the GLB and EQB. From lane keep assist to emergency braking and more, the driving assist feature list can easily rival cars boasting an ADAS level 2 system. The EQB’s 66.5kWh battery is rated up to 423 Km (WLTP) range. Driving the EQB through twisties and highways, it has decent regenerative capabilities, and real-world figures will easily touch upwards of 350 km. This car also supports 100kW DC and 11kW AC charging. Mercedes provide the latter as a complementary accessory for initial buyers. Mercedes claims a 10-80% charge at 100kW in 32 mins. Expect our 50kW chargers to charge this car to the same levels in about an hour. An 11kW AC charger will charge the car from 10-100% in 6 hours and 25 mins. Not bad! 

Verdict 

Overall, the use of materials, utility options, insulation, and driving dynamics on the 7-seater Mercedes GLB and EQB make them a surprising addition to the already populated Mercedes SUV line-up. Mercedes-Benz India provides an eight-year warranty on the batteries of EQB and the engine + transmission of the GLB series. This warranty is also transferable, and this platform, offered in petrol, diesel and electric, seems like a good filler in the 7-seater luxury car segment. Indian units will be imported from Mexico and sold as CBU. We expect pricing for the GLB and EQB to start from 65L, and despite that price tag, the GLB and EQB are unique value luxury propositions. 

 

Shubman Gill: Aggressive, Flawless & Flamboyant

Ex: How was your first experience while playing international-level cricket?

Shubman: I was in New Zealand, and the first experience of playing international cricket was great, except for the fact that we, as a team, got all out for 90 odd runs while playing against New Zealand. The game was very short as they chased down the target very quickly. We lost the match, but the experience was definitely worth it.

Ex: At what age did you start playing cricket? And what is your best memory of playing cricket in your childhood?

Shubman: I started playing cricket when I was three, and my father saw me while I was playing the game, and that’s when he realized my potential and decided to work on my game. About my favourite memory – there was this game called BEAT where you play in a net and don’t need any ground. When I was a kid, I used to play that a lot with my friends.

Ex: What kind of struggles did you have while growing up as a budding cricketer?

Shubman: The struggles that I had while growing up were mostly about facilities, and that’s when my dad decided to shift along with me to Chandigarh, which was predominantly a much better city in terms of facilities. I was very young when we moved to Chandigarh, and I used to play most of my cricket in older groups. The struggle didn’t end here; sometimes, I had to travel by bus alone, going to different cities, and when you don’t have your friends on the team, it gets a bit intimidating. Also, there weren’t many places where I could practice on my own, so I usually used to wake up at three in the morning and practice for a couple of hours from 4-6 in the morning before the academy hit the ground. 

Ex: What is your opinion about the current bench strength of the Indian cricket team?

Shubman: I think the current bench strength of the Indian cricket team is magnificent. We have almost two to three players competing for the same position, which makes us one of the strongest cricket teams in the world. However, for a player, it is a very challenging scenario because if you don’t perform well in a couple of games, or a series, there are always two to three players waiting for their chance. I think that keeps you on your toes all the time, and you don’t take any game lightly. You play with all you have and give your everything every time you play for the nation.

Ex: What sort of a relationship do you have with Rahul Dravid? And how would you describe the team culture since he joined as a coach?

Shubman: I have a special bond with Rahul Dravid sir, and my relationship with him has been quite honest and splendid because he’s been with me from my U19 days. He is someone that doesn’t hesitate to tell me anything, be it about my cricket or anything off the field. Since he’s taken over as a coach, the team culture is more communicative regarding what he wants from the players and what players want from themselves.

Ex: You recently won your first one-day international man of the series award; how was that feeling? And in the last couple of years, where exactly do you think you have improved as a batsman overall?

Shubman: The feeling was quite good when I won the man of the series against West Indies, and talking about my improvement as a batsman, I would say I have gained a lot of experience over the past couple of years while playing international cricket and it has helped me a lot.

Ex: What do you do to motivate yourself when you go through a bad patch?

Shubman: I try to stick to the process, and I try to think about things, what I was doing when I was performing well, and try to go back to the basics and get back into the process.

Ex: What is it like opening with and playing under Shikhar Dhawan, with whom you’ve had a 119-run opening stand?

Shubman: Shikar Bhai has a flamboyant personality and is very encouraging. No matter the situation, he would tell the other person or the other batsman to be patient, and there’s always more time than you think there is. So in terms of that, it’s very helpful when you are under the pump sometimes.

Ex: How would you describe the importance of tech in modern-day cricket?

Shubman: I think it’s helpful if you want to see anyone’s recent performances, what they’ve been doing, and where they have been bowling. In terms of that, it’s pretty useful — me as a player and a batter, I don’t go too much into it, but it is definitely worthwhile.

Ex: I believe you’re strict about your diet. What do you eat to stay fit and fine?

Shubman: I don’t have a set plan, but there are certain things that I definitely avoid. Like, when I’m at home, I prefer Bajra rotis over Wheat. Then, I don’t eat anything gluten and try to eat as many vegetables and fibres. I would probably eat red meat, grilled vegetables or fish twice or thrice a week.

Ex: How much consistency is required to be on top of your game? And do you think being a sportsperson has changed your life?

Shubman: Yeah, I think being a sports person has definitely changed my life in terms of discipline. About consistency, you can never really be on top of your game. So, it’s all about being consistent, even if it’s your diet, even if it’s your performance, your process, or your practice. If you’re consistent, you will get the results sooner or later.

Ex: Do you have any advice for young people who want to start a sports career, particularly cricket?

Shubman: I feel hard work and being consistent in that hard work is one thing that gives you an edge over others who are not as consistent. I don’t consider practising too much as hard work because it’s something that I love doing and want to do. So, if you are willing to put in a lot of effort and like something from your heart, the sky’s the limit.

Quickies:

  1. What’s your favourite shot? – Pull
  2. Three gadgets you can’t live without? – iPad, my phone and my smartwatch
  3. A historic cricket match you would have loved to play in? – 2011 World Cup final
  4. How would you describe your batting style in three words? – Aggressive, Flawless and Flamboyant
  5. One app you can’t live without? – Whatsapp

75 Gadgets that changed the world

The best way to predict the future is to invent it. Every invention is a birth of an idea that was once considered vague and impotent. However, some inventions bring about major changes in everyone’s life and gradually knits themselves closely with our routine and habits. Every invention is a prop for a man to advance his own life and to teach future generations how to be more creative and independent. Why 75 gadgets, in particular, you would ask? Well, it’s the 75th year of Independence for India. To celebrate this occasion, we have brought together 75 gadgets that changed the world for the better and made our lives easier as a country and as individuals.

Toaster

The first electric toaster was designed by Alan MacMasters in London. The electric filaments used in it had a large amount of nickel in their composition, which led them to overheat easily. This discovery came as an accident, and now all we do is just toast and drink.

Refrigerator

Before the early 19th century, people relied on ice, snow, and naturally cool areas in their houses to preserve food. Refrigeration raised the expectations of what food would taste like. People no longer expected that the old food would still taste fresh.

Smartphones

When one thinks of an invention that took over the whole world, numerous things come to mind. However, nothing brought a revolution as a smartphone did. Think of anything, and your smartphone might be capable of pulling it off.

Mobile phones

Cell phones have also changed the way that people interact with each other. When we call someone, we are actually calling the person and not a place. Unlike the telephone, which was mostly at homes or offices, cellphones could now be carried around at our own convenience.

Cars

When one thinks of an invention that took over the whole world, numerous things come to mind. However, nothing brought a revolution like a car did, as it gave people more personal freedom and access to jobs and services.

Geysers

The history of water heaters accelerated quite extremely around the time of the industrial revolution. Fire-heated methods that had been in use for thousands of years quickly went the way of the dodo, while newfangled technology was invented and subsequently popularized as a mainstay of home construction and domestic life.

 

Laptop

There’s no question that laptops have changed the world. They’ve made it possible for people to work from anywhere, and they’ve given us a whole new way to connect with each other. The first laptops were introduced in the early 1980s and were bulky, expensive, and not very powerful.

Computer

Thanks to computers, space exploration came true, new designs of vehicles and other transportation were made, entertainment became more entertaining, medical science made more cures for diseases, etc.

Video Games

As video arcades and home video game consoles gained in popularity, youth culture quickly adapted to this type of media, engaging in competitions to gain high scores and spending hours at the arcade or with the home console.

3D Glasses

In the mid-19th century, Charles Wheatstone discovered that simply viewing a pair of similar (but not exact) images side-by-side can give the impression of three-dimensionality. The images are taken by two cameras that are slightly separated. This way, the photographs mimic what each one of our two eyes would see in reality.

Glasses

The invention of glasses is considered a crucial step forward in humanity’s cultural history: suddenly, people suffering from visual impairments could not only play an active role in day-to-day life, but also study for longer, expand their knowledge and then pass it on to others.

Watches

Explorers needed the time to navigate at sea. The latitude could already be accurately determined on the basis of the stars, but the longitude was the local time needed. If the clock was one minute wrong, that was already a deviation of 28 km in the tropics. So the origin of the watch stemmed from the need for a precise navigation tool.

Hard Drives

The fact that every year scientists have managed to compress more and more information on hard drives for less and less cost, has led to a revolution just as dramatic as the one triggered by the much more celebrated microprocessor.

Television

Not not only did television re-envision our sense of the world, it remains, even in the age of the internet, Facebook, and YouTube, the most powerful generator of our collective memories, the most seductive and shocking mirror of society, and the most virulent incubator of social trends.

Light Bulb

The invention of the lightbulb was a big one for the people living in the period. It enabled them to work longer days, go home late, and still have supper and do unfinished work, attend social gatherings like meetings and parties, even though it was dark outside.

come in a range of sizes from large Megawatt sizes, which store the power from solar farms or substations to guarantee stable supply in entire villages or islands, down to tiny batteries like those used in electronic watches. However, the term was first coined by Benjamin Franklin in 1749 when he was doing experiments with electricity using a set of linked capacitors.

Voice Assistants

Apple introduced Siri in 2011. Siri was the first Voice Assistant to reach a wide audience. Then in 2014, Amazon introduced the Alexa Voice Assistant and Echo smart speaker. A.I.-based chatbots provide interactions that are far from being capable of having a conversation with a real-life human assistant.

The Printing Press

Before the printing press, books in Europe were hand-scribed, and thus they were costly. Granted, these books often contained beautiful calligraphy and artwork, and illuminated manuscripts were real works of art. The mass-produced books made information more accessible to a middle class that was becoming increasingly literate.

Steam Engine

The simultaneous perfection of the steam engine and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution is a chicken and egg scenario that historians have long debated. The world was becoming industrialized before the advent of steam power, but it would never have progressed so quickly without it.

Guns

The invention of guns followed the development of explosive black powder in China. The first guns were simple tubes from which to shoot explosive charges, but gradually they were made easier to load, aim, and fire. Guns revolutionized warfare and effectively ended the age of the armoured knight and the castle stronghold.

Bike

Motorcycles played an important role in World War I and World War II, as they were a quick, efficient way of transporting important communication to the front lines. Since then, motorcycles have been capturing the enthusiasm and excitement of riders all over the world.

Switches

The first ever switch used on a mechanism is called ‘The quick break mechanism’. It was invented by John Henry Holmes in 1884. The time taken to get together the circuit was reduced which increased the life of the switches.

DVD Player

Home video changed the entire business model of film, giving movies a second life and another chance at turning a profit, from right inside people’s homes. From the beginning, DVDs have had menus and other interactive content, but producers were driven to find more ways to use that space.

Electric Razor

The idea of creating an electric razor came to Jacob Schick while he recuperated from an injury in the early 1910s and found it difficult to shave. Schick drew up crude plans that featured a shaver with a shaving head driven by a flexible cable and powered by a grapefruit-sized external motor.

Binoculars

Honestly, binoculars seem to be one of the coolest things to exist. Credit for the first real binocular telescope goes to J. P. Lemiere, who devised one in 1825. The modern prism binoculars began with Ignazio Porro’s 1854 Italian patent for a prism erecting system.

Smoke Detector

In 1964, Duane D. Pearsall was developing an ionization chamber and found his invention detected smoke particles better than ones made earlier. Since 1964, the low-voltage electronics market has developed electronic smoke detector and smoke alarm models. National awareness of their importance to life safety has propelled them to the head of many “top 100 inventions of our time” lists.

Sony Walkman

In 1979, the new device forever changed the way we listened to music and launched a cultural revolution. All thanks to Walkman, now you could walk down the street, and the music altered the very experience of looking at the world.

Polaroid Camera

The Polaroid camera bypassed the entire process of film development, thus providing photographers an immediate look at their work. Released for sale in 1948, the first version was an “instant” hit.

Calculator

The calculator has profoundly impacted the world, making computations quicker and more exact. In the classroom, calculators have allowed many students to learn about and put complex formulas and concepts into practice more easily.

Wi-Fi Router

The freedom it has afforded is immense, changing how people interact, socialize and form relationships. Wireless connections and Wi-Fi are now central to how governments work with technology, information exchange, finance, and commerce.With the invention of the microphone, news spread quicker, people were also able to communicate easier and quicker. People didn’t have to rely on letters or telegraphs. Microphones also greatly influenced the music industry, allowing recordings to be made and amplification of artists.

Computer Mouse

The computer mouse you use today had humble beginnings back in the 1960s. American computer engineers Douglas Engelbart and William “Bill” English were working on something bigger when the idea of a “computer-aided display control” was realized.

LED

Without blue LEDs, the world wouldn’t have backlit smartphones, TV and computer LCD screens, Blu-ray players, many forms of lighting and countless other technological marvels.

Pager

Long before email and texting, pagers and portable mini radiofrequency devices allowed instant human interaction. Invented in 1921, pagers—or “beepers” as they are also known—reached their heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. To have one hanging from a belt loop, shirt pocket, or purse strap was to convey a certain kind of status.

Electric Guitar

By making music performance more accessible and allowing for more rebellious music, the electric guitar provided much of the soundtrack for the social revolution of the 1960s. Artists like Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and others all sang about radically new concepts not often heard on the radio at the time.

Radio

For just 5 years short of a century, radio has shaped and advanced society like nothing that came before it. Radio has changed the way we communicate with each other, how we share and promote our thoughts, opinions and creations — and ofcourse enjoy good music.

TV Remote Control

Remote controls completely changed the way consumers interacted with their electronic devices. Now people could remain glued to their chairs for hours on end instead of getting a bit of exercise every time they wanted to change a radio station or TV channel.

 

Handheld GPS

GPS has made the human environment safer and easier to live in by keeping track of the children, helping people locate their destination, and knowing the estimated time to reach a particular place.

Electric Kettle

The invention of the electric kettle has, directly and indirectly, impacted society since the ‘supermarket convenience foods’ concept became a thing and companies started making their own version, leading to new jobs. Soon after the invention of the automated kettle, in 1958, Instant noodles were invented in Japan.

Helicopter

Choppers have become a modern mainstay – saving lives in rescue operations, and ending many more in wars from Vietnam to Afghanistan. With private jets, helicopters are the ultimate object of prestige travel, carrying world leaders to key meetings or to their golf courses.

Thermometer

The first crude temperature measure was created by the Italian inventor Galileo Galilei. His invention could show if it was getting hotter or colder but did not have a scale. The invention is now known as a thermoscope and led to the creation of the thermometer.

Vacuum Cleaner

The impact of the vacuum cleaner on society is significant, as electricity was becoming available, and our cultural need to keep things clean was beginning to develop. The vacuum cleaner would increase the frequency of cleaning to once a week and involve fewer people.

Solar Cooker

Not only have solar cookers changed the world, but it has the potential to save the world too. With catastrophic environmental effects, some three billion people worldwide rely on dung, wood and charcoal to cook their food. Cookers powered by the sun provide a cheap and clean alternative.

E-Readers

The increasing availability of e-content is prompting some to read more than in the past and to prefer buying books to borrowing them. The prevalence of e-book reading is markedly growing, but printed books still dominate the world of book readers.

Robots

Although the concept of robots has existed for many years, it’s only been in the last few decades that they’ve grown in complexity and use. Today, robots are used everywhere in industries, military, services, exploration, medical, and entertainment – you just name it.

Virtual Reality and AR

VR is the perfect tool for raising awareness of social and environmental issues and goes beyond the traditional 2D depiction of the situation by putting users in someone else’s shoes. Users are no longer passive spectators but are now capable of taking part in real-time without actually being present.

Digital Currency

Digital currency might be the closest thing we have come to retaining economic freedom. If these are regulated, it could lift many countries out of poverty, improve the lives of billions, and accelerate the pace of innovation.

Water Purifier

In the 1700s, the first water filters for domestic application were applied. These were made of wool, sponge and charcoal. In 1804 the first actual municipal water treatment plant designed by Robert Thom was built in Scotland. The water treatment was based on slow sand filtration, and the horse and cart distributed the water.

Hearing Aid

Hearing aids have not only helped people in hearing better but, to an extent, reduced anxiety and depression. Hearing aids trigger the ability to learn, speak, be understood, belong to a community, and pursue one’s dreams.

Sunglasses

Well, the Chinese invented the first sunglasses in the 12th century. They were crude slabs of smoked quartz that was made to block out the sun’s rays. The primitive frames were roughly framed to hold them against a user’s face. These darkened lenses were however not vision corrected, unable to protect against harmful UV rays and made only for the rich.

Chain Saw

Did you know that chainsaws were initially invented to assist in childbirth? You are probably clenching your teeth right now, but facts are facts. It then evolved into a woodworking tool when people noticed how quickly and easily it was to get through, well, anything.

VCR

The story of the VCR as we know it began much later in the 20th century. By the 1970s, companies began competing with each other by releasing premium in-home video recording systems, which sent Hollywood in a tizzy over copyright concerns.

Electric Toothbrush

It all started when navy submarines thrived on mushy canned food that got almost zero gum stimulant. The electric toothbrush solved that problem in 1959, and this invention inspired another vibrating device (that’s an article for some other day.

Lantern

When W.C. Coleman debuted his Quick-Lite lantern in 1916, he marketed the device to farmers looking to stretch the workday. Until electricity and light bulbs became prevalent in every rural home, lanterns were the way to go.

Old lantern or Old lamp isolated on white background

Hair Dryer

The concept for the handheld hairdryer was developed during the 1920s in Racine, Wisc., where engineers at Hamilton Beach–tasked with developing motorized mixers for making malted milkshakes. They realized the potential utility of a handheld device capable of blowing heated air. Early models were heavy, though, and susceptible to overheating.

Lawnmower

It took over 100 years until the first mechanical lawn mower was invented and patented by engineer Edwin Beard Budding of Gloucestershire, England, in 1830. Budding got the idea after seeing a machine in a local cloth mill. The machine used a cutting cylinder with a bladed reel to trim the irregular nap from the surface of woollen and velvet cloth in order to give it a smooth finish.

Gameboy

Today, portable gaming is a fact of life–most people have games like Angry Birds and Bejeweled on their smartphones. But when the original Nintendo Gameboy was released in 1989, there had never been a successful cartridge-based portable game system.

Bicycle

For a few heady years in the 1890s, the bicycle was the ultimate must-have—swift, affordable, stylish transportation that could whisk you anywhere you cared to go, anytime you liked, for free. For the first time in history, the masses were mobile, able to come and go as they pleased. No more need for expensive horses and carriages.

Answering Machine

Released in 1971, the Phone-Mate Model 400, the first widely used answering machine, was a blessing and a curse. Its tapes could capture 20 messages, enabling selective communication. The downside: phone tag, screening calls, and annoying recorded messages.

MP3 Player

Although iPod wasn’t the first MP3 Player, it was certainly the most successful. The device debuted in 2001 and sold more than 300 million units. The iPod and iTunes helped create a new MP3 era and made listening to music cool.

Cassette Tape

Cassette tapes mostly gather dust these days. But back in their heyday, they fundamentally changed how we communicate in ways we’re still making sense of today. On this week’s On the Media, hear how the cassette tape fueled the Iranian revolution, helped pierce the Iron Curtain, and put the human connection in the palm of our hands.

Car Jack

Richard Dudgeon invented the compact, portable hydraulic jack in 1851 when he was 32. Now available at every auto shop and pit row on the land, its original habitats were shipyards and railroad repair shops.

Old Car Jack over white background

Sewing Machine

The sewing machine shifted the burden of sewing from housewives and seamstresses to large-scale factories, providing greater productivity and lower prices. Women who had been busy at home could now find employment in these factories, increasing their family’s income.

Fitness Watches

What’s better than wearing a watch? Wearing a personalized watch that tracks your fitness and tells you how much more you need to push through. Watches today can tell not just the physical well-being but the mental well-being too, representing how far we have come with technology.

Helmet

The motorcycle helmet that we wear has its own rich history that started almost 80 years ago. It seems inseparable as it is the most important gear that helps keep us safe. It has been guarding our heads against potential damage and made people more sensible on the road.

Stapler

I believe staplers are the most used gadget in the office after pen and paper. An unknown artisan made the first-known stapler for King Louis XV of France in the 18th century. Each staple bore the royal seal, and the King could use the device to hold his decrees and documents together.

Fishing Rod

The history of fishing rods goes back to ancient Egypt and China. When people started to fish in prehistoric times, they used bare hands to catch the fish in shallow water. This method was not practical in deeper water, so someone invented a fishing hook and a line. Thanks to this, fishing has become a sport now.

Lighter

Think about a backyard barbecue, a candlelit bubble bath, or cigars with the boys at a bachelor party. What do all these things have in common? You need a lighter to make them happen! It was a simple act, but it had a monumental impact on the survival of the entire human race.

Hyundai Tucson – A premium SUV with an impressive set of features│Hyundai Tucson – First Drive

The SUV craze has spread like wildfire across territories. They offer practicality, space, comfort, a sense of achievement and in some cases more features than your yearly grocery list. The number of SUVs sold in 2020 was close to 25000, amounting to 22% of the Indian automotive industry. In 2022 this number will come up to 49,000, nearly double the amount in 2020. Currently, the SUV market share is over 41%, and estimated growth is up to 65,000 units by 2025. Catering to the skyrocketing demand for SUVs and premium SUVs in the Indian automotive market, Hyundai has launched their flagship premium SUV in India, known as the Hyundai Tucson. This one is a global bestseller product for Hyundai, and we explore this premium SUV in Nandi Hills, Bangalore. Our drive was made exciting as we drove through windy scenic roads in both the trims offered by Hyundai. 

Lightweight yet strong chassis

Hyundai claims a strong body structure with the hot-stamping application. The body is made of 26.4% mild steel, 17.7% high-strength steel, 15.6% hot stamping, 40.3% advanced high-strength steel and extended application of as high as 74% overall. This rigid, lightweight chassis is aided by HTRAC – All Wheel Drive System with Multi-Terrain modes. Modes include SNOW, MUD, and SAND. While this global bestseller is offered in multiple drivetrains globally, including a hybrid, India gets two options. The first one mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission is a 2.0L petrol engine that produces 156 ps and 192 Nm torque. And finally, a much more robust 8 Speed Automatic Transmission operated 2.0L Diesel engine produces 186 PS and an enthusiastic 415 Nm torque. India gets the LWB – long wheelbase version as standard. 

Handsome or pretty – Choice is yours 

Hyundai Tucson has been in the international market for some time, but there is nothing in its price range in India that looks alike. The front smiling large grille with dark chrome design neatly integrates with nickel chrome metallic semi-deposition inside the 5-point Parametric hidden LED and DRL lens. With the DRLs off, the entire unit looks like a single piece of design mimicking a significant smile. At 4,630mm, the new Tucson has grown significantly more than its predecessor. The wheelbase is more extensive at 2,755mm and is a considerable upgrade from its 2016 avatar. Camouflaging this large SUV is a series of design choices by the Hyundai design team and engineers to make Tucson look premium yet sporty. Complementing the design is the choice of multi-toned elements like a matte silver window sill that ends in an aerodynamic style at the rear. The design makes this large SUV feel more friendly and compact with visual illusions created by sharp lines. 

The most appealing section of this beauty is the connecting rear-LED with unique diamond-cut elements making this SUV prettier in real life. It extends on both sides of the car and makes this rear element a timeless piece of design which will age well. There’s a subtle Tucson batch with a hidden rear wiper under the spoiler. Matte grey skid plates and boxed-out wheel arches add character to the Tucson. Many design elements with creases, lines and cuts make this car feel true to a concept design. The sharp-cut design elements also translate into the large 235 section 18-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloys, with a full-size spare alloy wheel in the trunk. The powered tailgate liberates 540L of cargo space with three levels of gate adjustments. It can be extended to 1860 litres with dedicated levers in the trunk to enable 60:40 split-folding second-row seats. The boot gets a guidance light and extra 12V sockets for added functionality. 

Technophile inside, sharp outside 

Hyundai always offers its customers top features, and the flagship hits the ball right out of the park. Onboard computers in Tucson provide innovative features like Home to Car (H2C), where simple vocal commands to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can operate your car. Voice commands could include, “Alexa, turn on my car’s AC”, “Alexa, turn on my car’s AC, “Alexa, find my car”, “Alexa, check my car’s fuel level”, and “Alexa, lock my car doors.” Advanced connectivity also allows Smartwatch connectivity with TIZEN, iOS and Android. 

Bluelink app offers 60+ connected features, and the car infotainment setup can improve with time thanks to OTA – Over-The-Air updates for the system and map. Tucson also gets Hyundai’s most advanced Voice Control for Seat Ventilation, Sports (Cricket, Soccer), Sunroof, and climate control, while the Voice Assistant has 104 embedded voice commands. 

The large 10.25″ HD infotainment system is India-specific yet global UI supports -10 regional + 2 international languages, including English, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Telugu, Oriya, Gujarati and Korean. Apart from these, the 8-speaker premium Bose sound system can accompany your drive with six built-in ambient nature symphonies, including an open-air café, rainy day, snowy village, warm fireplace and calm sea waves. There’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but Hyundai has missed the mark by not making these wireless. With OTA updates, these wired features may go wireless in the future. 

The minimalistic cabin feels classy with soft-touch plastic, textured soft-touch fabric and multi-toned colours. The seats on our cars were light beige, making the cabin feel roomier. A smart one-touch panoramic sunroof accentuates the roof-line of the cabin. Apart from the usual wireless phone charger, the large 10.25-inch touchscreen and touch-sensitive controls keep the central dashboard neat. The overall cabin feels like a cockpit with the large 12.3-inch floating MID displaying ample information, including TPMS. The gear Knob is chunky and yacht-inspired, while the steering feel is perfectly round, chunky enough to get a sense of this large vehicle and also comes with ample buttons to control the MID and infotainment setup. The soft lid of the central arm-rest reveals open enough space to house your smaller pets. 

Both the front seats get electric adjustments, with the driver seat getting 10-way adjustments while the co-passenger seat is getting 8-way adjustments and two memory seat functions. There is also a chauffeur mode on the front passenger seat walk-in device that enables left rear seat passengers to recline and adjust the front seat to their liking from the rear with the help of electric buttons on the front left seat. Overall the design is ergonomically designed to aid the driver. Even the front ventilated and heated seat controls are integrated into the central arm-rest. Advanced climate control technologies ensure a remarkably comfortable cabin atmosphere with dual-zone climate control with Multi-Air Mode and a hidden type AC vent with diffuse mode. This feature is inspired by aircraft. A diffuse button sits in the centre console along with drive select modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. All the buttons feel tactile and perceive a sense of quality associated with a premium feel. 

The rear seat experience of the Tucson is excellent with rear AC vents, Type-A illuminated USB ports, deep recline angles on the seats and a large arm-rest with cup-holders. Thanks to bright leather seats, the premium feel of the multi-toned cabin with minimalistic yet functional design approaches, and one of the most prominent panoramic sunroofs, the Tucson interiors are a great abode on wheels. 

Hyundai SmartSense

Hyundai has included level 2 ADAS driver assistance on their flagship. They call it Hyundai SmartSense. It’s a combination of a front camera, front radar and rear radar. Overall, there are 19 ADAS level 2 features enabled by Hyundai SmartSense. Some of these features include – Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist + Junction Turning, Front collision warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & GO (SCC with S&G), Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and Surround View Monitor (SVM). The 360-degree cameras are sharp at resolution and enable dynamic parking assist lines for added convenience. 

Drive impressions 

Petrol trim: Hyundai Tucson gets a 2L petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission churning 156PS and 192Nm. The power delivery on the petrol trim is linear, and power builds gradually as the revs build. The lightweight steering feedback makes manoeuvring this car in the city a child’s play while the steering satisfactorily weighs up as speeds rise. Eco mode dulls down all the responses and almost feels like the valet mode in the car. Normal is the best of both worlds, while Sport mode makes responses a bit tighter, including the heft on the steering wheel. Impressive bits include good insulation on the engine bay, keeping engine NVH levels to their minimum and overall cabin NVH levels as silent as physically possible. Suspensions perform at par for Indian road conditions, and the car manages to gulp most road undulations. Ride quality is supple and further enhancing the confidence are non-intrusive ADAS features. 

First seen in the Alcazar, the turn indicators work in tandem with the 360-degree cameras to give a real-time side view on the MID console. The ambient lights are soft and offer tons of customizability. Vanity mirrors with individual light buttons and extended sunshades bring versatility to an overloaded technophile Hyundai Tucson. The Bluelink app makes remote car operations, real-time usage information, GPS features, remote unlock, and engine controls. The only thing missing here is the summon feature we see on Teslas. The gear shifts are seamless and refined, but the car’s responses take a while to get going with sudden throttle responses. Drivers sit with a commanding view of the road, and the large front windshield with large door windows enables a massive point of view. On the go, the 18-inch wheels perform great and four disc brakes with a big safety net brake on a dime. Tucson manages to lose its sense of weight when on the go, thanks to clever engineering, which enables a straightforward approach and ease of driving a premium SUV. 

Diesel trim: Most of our overall feel of the chassis, body weight and minimum body roll with excellent body control remain the same on the diesel trim. But, we guess this to be the bestseller among the two trims thanks to a healthy 400+ NM torque accessible from the lower rev range and throughout all rev bands enabling 186PS of power. This added power is managed by an intuitive 8-speed AT transmission, which is smoother and more responsive than the petrol version. The diesel feels enthusiastic when driven, accentuating with Sport mode. Even in Normal mode, the diesel is peppy to drive in comparison. The NVH levels on the diesel are as impressive as the petrol trim. Almost no vibrations are felt inside the cabin, even when revving and driving this car at triple-digit speeds. 

Hyundai Premium Assurance

Hyundai offers an unlimited kilometre 3 Years warranty with 30 000 km complimentary maintenance. They also assure 3 years of roadside assistance with 3 years Bluelink / Map subscription and 1 Shubhaarambh (Home Visit). 

Verdict 

In our brief drive, this car managed to hide its volume with excellent engineering. It’s easier to drive than its competition. Hyundai Tucson is Hyundai’s flagship model in India, making a bold statement for itself with the plethora of features offered. Both the trims offer great value to the end consumer and assure a car that shall stand the competition of the time. If you are in the market looking for an upgrade to your existing car or want a chunk of the insanely growing SUV market, the Hyundai Tucson is one attractive option with enough tech to keep your next generation happy. The ADAS is non-intrusive and the overall package exudes a sense of sporty premium appeal. 

2.0L Petrol – 156PS | 192Nm | 6-speed AT

2.0L Diesel – 186PS | 415Nm | 8-speed AT

ADAS level 2 – 19 safety features 

360-degree cameras

60+ Bluelink features 

3 years unlimited warranty 

Price: INR 27.70L Ex-showroom

Exit mobile version