Tag: Exhibit Magazine

MemeChat meme exchange app: A memetastic venture!

A meme is universally recognized as a reason to smile.  Mere images posed in funny angles or clever snippets of film dialogues inserted in correct situations can turn any situation comical. In the times that we are currently living in, it is difficult to find reasons to be happy. With sadness and despair running rampant, we can safely say that the world needs a laugh. Luckily for us, we have some entrepreneurial geniuses who are keen on pushing away the fog of gloom and opening up to sunny skies. One such entrepreneur is Kyle Fernandes, the CEO of MemeChat. In an exclusive interview with Exhibit Magazine, he revealed some of his efforts from the beginning and some of his plans for the future.

  1. What is one truth you believe that most people disagree with you on?

Memes will eventually become powerful enough to sway the opinions and judgments of Gen Zs and millennials.  Memes are what they relate to, and it’s going to be a potent tool.

  1. How has the journey of MemeChat been so far?

The journey of MemeChat has been very empowering in terms of our learning because we’ve been able to take an app from 0 to a million monthly active users despite a small team and limited resources. It’s a learning process that I would imagine very few people can access since it requires a lot of money to reach a million monthly active users. 

  1. One thing you believe is necessary for sustained growth.

The only thing necessary for growth is constantly evolving your app or your product based on what people want to use and see while removing features that fail to meet the test of functionality and usability. Creating relatable, trendy, and newsworthy content is a significant factor for growth in our industry.

  1. How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance?

There is no work-life balance; life is work. It is work if you are thinking of it as a means to reach a number or a goal, but that’s not how we feel about it. We have fun doing what we are doing: it’s fun to analyse user insights, data insights, and growth strategies. So for us, work is life, and life is work.

  1. How does meme marketing help on a commercial level?

Companies are skillfully leveraging meme marketing because Gen Z and millennials trust a brand associated with memes.  That gives you higher sales, higher conversions, leading to organic growth. Meme marketing will become an even bigger tool for companies in the future.

  1. How does the meme world pose as a vocational aspect for youngsters?

If AI doesn’t take over, businesses will get creative professionals to make memes for their companies. We will see more copywriters and meme creators who will be creating content for a company’s social media handles and various other outlets because that will be the language of the future. As a meme platform, we are also paying creators to make memes.

  1. How do you plan to take things ahead in the coming years?

In the coming years, we are going to push the social networking elements of a meme. We will use it to bring that entire viral effect and widen our network.  We are excited to see our plans come into effect.  We are currently growing at a pretty good pace, but we will see something incredibly new and exciting when our strong network kicks in. 

Riding tips that save lives! In conversation with Rajeev Kapoor

Riding a two-wheeler is a considerably different experience than driving a car. Along with complete exposure to the natural elements, a biker is also subjected to a lot more risks and dangers than the occupants of a vehicle. While a two-wheeler might seem pretty mainstream, following these tips can indeed extend your lifespan and decrease the chances of accidents considerably!

Although this has been repeatedly emphasised for ages, helmets are surprisingly still overlooked when riding. Helmets help protect the rider in an accident, but they also improve the riding experience. The visor present on a good helmet eliminates any air, dust or other small particles from entering the eyes, thus letting the rider see clearer and farther than while riding without a helmet.

Not just in India, but helmet safety is a global concern. Luckily for us, we have an indigenous brand keen on improving helmet awareness and coping with the lack of helmets in developing countries, Steelbird. Steelbird is credited with being one of Asia’s largest helmet manufacturers and an Indian brand supplying worldwide. Due to its expansive worldwide distribution network, manufacturing capacity, high quality, and affordable range of helmets, the Indian manufacturer and the FIA have collaborated for its global road safety programme. With the support of the FIA Member Clubs’ worldwide network, the programme aims to provide high-quality helmets meeting United Nations Regulation 22.05 in those territories that have faced problems with low-quality helmets in their local market.

In an exclusive interview with Exhibit Magazine, Steelbird’s Managing Director, Rajeev Kapoor, shared some insights about the company’s plan. Among the top priority was providing sturdy, attractive and durable half-face helmets to countries like Uganda, post which its distribution will spread throughout Africa. The company also plans to improve helmet standards in India by increasing its already considerable array of helmet options. Apart from being the managing director of Steelbird, Mr Kapoor is also the  President of the Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association in India. He confirmed that the helmet standards would get stricter by the year, and the quality offered to the consumers will drastically improve, leading to more incentives for wearing helmets.

Apart from helmets, there are also some other tips that you can follow to improve your riding skills or stay safe in general. Not every person is a born racer; even professional racers have their share of crashes and broken bones. Hence, it is most important to understand your limits! More than having the financial capacity to ride a particular motorcycle, ask yourself if you have the mental ability to do so. Being overwhelmed and intimidated by your bike can lead to disastrous consequences, as displayed multiple times by crashing videos available on YouTube. These videos also serve as a makeshift premonition, so thou hast been warned!

Batman might look cool on his jet-black motorcycle, clad in jet-black armour. But he is Batman, and he can do whatever he feels like. However, for us, regular folks, that is one of the most disastrous ideas one can come up with. As a biker, night riding is incredibly challenging as the visibility is drastically reduced, and the risk is consequently higher. Even during the day, outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) of cars have certain blind spots that drivers can look at. Riding in one of these blind spots can be hazardous, as the driver is unaware of your presence and can manoeuvre to your disadvantage. Hence, always stay visible!

Often motorcyclists develop a personal bond with their machines, sometimes even giving them names. While it might seem silly, it is, in fact, a valuable practice. Taking care of your motorcycle and keeping it in prime running condition is of utmost importance. This prevents any major mechanical problems and drastically reduces the risk of faulty mechanics leading to a significant accident.

These tips might not make you the best rider in the world, but they will keep you alive!

Samsung Galaxy M42 5G I Mini Review

In this video, we’re reviewing the Samsung M42 5G smartphone. It is the latest budget entry from Samsung targeting a price range of Rs. 21,000 to 25,000. This affordable smartphone comes with features like a quad-camera setup, 5G connectivity, and Snapdragon 750G chipset. It goes against the likes of Oppo A72 5G, Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Audi S5 Sportback makes its debut in India!

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced the launch of the new Audi S5 Sportback in India. Powering the latest Audi S5 Sportback is a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo TFSI petrol engine delivering 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. The four-door sports coupe is being brought to India via the CBU route and is priced at Rs 79.06 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The Audi S5 Sportback is the second product launch this year, and we are excited to launch this beauty in India. The Audi S5 Sportback stands out for its distinctive styling, engaging driving experience, on the one hand, everyday usability and five-seat comfort on the other. Glamorous, powerful and practical, it is an enticing proposition for buyers who want it all. The introduction of the Audi S5 Sportback will further strengthen our performance cars portfolio in the country.”
The Audi S5 Sportback receives revised styling elements that add in even more visual drama. The Singleframe grille is now with sleeker slits above, forming a link to the iconic Audi Sport Quattro from 1984. S model bumpers with more oversized air intakes and a slick blade that includes the lower edge of the front bumper also lend the Audi S5 Sportback a bolder look. The 48.26 cm, five double-arm S Design alloy wheels and optional red brake callipers add to the sportiness of the S5 Sportback. Simultaneously, the redone diffuser only helps embellish the perfect proportions and flowing four-door coupe shape. 
Inside, the Audi S5 Sportback offers a brilliant blend of comfort and sportiness. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, sporty front seats and Alcantara leather upholstery set the tone for the cabin. Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, an updated MMI system and a panoramic glass sunroof are amongst other highlights inside. A heads-up display and a 19 speaker, 755W Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound system with 3D sound are optional upgrades available to buyers.

At the heart of the Audi S5 Sportback is a 3.0-litre TFSI engine with direct and indirect fuel injection, turbo-charging, and Audi valvelift, putting out 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque. All this power is sent to all four wheels via Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, with a self-locking differential, and propels the car to 100 km/h in a quick 4.8 seconds.  
Mr Dhillon further added, “With the introduction of new products, we focus on customer delight across segments. Our sales in tier-II and III cities are also growing, and we expect it to pick up further during the year. 2021 is an exciting year for Audi India, and customers will be thrilled with what lies ahead for the brand Audi. All I can say at this moment is, stay tuned for lots of action in the coming months!”
Customers can visit the official website and experience the Audi S5 Sportback in Augmented Reality. Through Augmented Reality and the 360-degree product visualiser, customers can view the inside and outside of the Audi S5 Sportback and book it online from the comfort of their home or register their interest at the nearest Audi India dealership. Potential customers and enthusiasts also get access to features including Augmented Reality, placement of test drive requests, product brochures, and service cost calculators, amongst other things, on the latest version of the ‘myAudi Connect’ App.
Exterior Design: 
Effortless grace and intelligent design

  •  Large surfaces, sharp edges, an exciting play of light and shadow – the exterior design of the S5 embodies the progressive Audi design language. 
  • Striking shoulder line arches dynamically above the wheel housing. 
  • The wide, low single-frame grille features three-dimensional aluminium struts and is flanked by standard Matrix LED headlights. 
  • U-shaped clasps structure large, pentagonal air inlets, partly filled with honeycomb grilles and separate openings, allowing direct airflow into the wheel housing for improved aerodynamics. 
  • Exterior mirrors have aluminium-look housing, and the powerfully contoured side sills are particularly eye-catching. 
  • The Audi S5 Sportback has a spoiler integrated into the luggage compartment lid. LED rear lights with dynamic turn signals are standard. 
  • There is a choice of eight paint finishes, including Turbo Blue, Daytona Gray, and Tango red.
  • The 48.26 cm, five double-arm S-style Graphite Gray alloys and optional red brake callipers add to the sportiness of the Audi S5 Sportback.

Users can select an optional black styling package to make the Audi S5 Sportback stand out even more.

Interior design:
Style and functionality

  • Horizontal lines characterise the design. A wide band of air vents, an elegant air conditioning panel, and a large decorative surface define the instrument panel layout.
  • The large glass panoramic sunroof provides a glorious view of the sky from inside the car. 
  • Electrically adjustable front Sports seats with driver-side memory are standard.
  • Seat coverings are available in a leather/Alcantara combination, and you can choose from the Black and Rotor Gray colours. 
  • The illuminated door sill strips, the sport leather flat-bottom steering wheel with multifunction plus, and the clasp on the Tiptronic selector lever bear the S logo with a red rhombus. 
  • The pedal caps and footrest are stainless steel; the inlays are made of matt-brushed aluminium with additional options to choose from.
  • Contour Ambient lighting that you can control and choose from 30 different colours.
  • The S5 Sportback features 3-zone automatic air conditioning as standard.

Controls and infotainment: 
Well-connected and informed 

  • The MMI system onboard the S5 model offers a highly modern control logic.
  • Features an intelligent free-text search function and a voice control function that recognises inputs from everyday speech. 
  • Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus offers a fully digital instrument cluster for the flexible and need-based display of information relevant to the driver. 
  • Innovative, fully digital 31.24 cm instrument cluster in full HD resolution, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus comes with three customisable view modes: Sport, S performance & Dynamic.
  • The optional heads-up display projects essential data onto the windshield as symbols and digits. 
  • The infotainment system is modular, with MMI navigation plus MMI touch and a 25.65 cm monitor topping the infotainment range. 
  • Audi Sound system is standard and can be upgraded to Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound system with a 3D sound with 19 speakers with a maximum of 755W. 

Smart features:

  • The Audi smartphone interface helps you get easy access to your phone system, navigation, music, and third-party apps via the MMI touch display or smartphone.
  • The optionally available Audi Park Assist works in tandem with the Parking System to identify suitable bay and kerb-sized parking spaces using ultrasonic sensors. While the driver accelerates and changes gears, the system automatically steers the vehicle during parking. 
  • Optional Comfort Key with sensor-controlled luggage compartment release.

Driving Dynamics:
3.0 TFSI: Firepower

  • The 3.0 TFSI, V6 petrol engine, uses turbocharging and a combination of direct injection and indirect injection for best efficiency and performance.
  • The output is 354 hp (260 kW), and 500 Nm of torque is available between 1,370 and 4,500 rpm. 
  • A sporty exhaust note provides a fitting soundtrack
  • The start-stop system helps reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by switching the engine off when the vehicle is stationary. Users can deactivate the system at any time via a button.

The eight-speed Tiptronic: lightning-fast and smooth 

  • The 3.0 TFSI transmits its power to a lightning-fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic transmission system.
  • Lower gears feature short, sporty ratios, while the upper gears are long enough to reduce revs and fuel consumption.
  • Let the torque converter automatic transmission work independently, or one can choose to switch to manual for more control. 
  • Shift sequence and connection logic are optimised for the rapid development of traction. 

Quattro permanent all-wheel drive and sporty suspension:

  • Self-locking centre differential with Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system transfers power from the eight-speed Tiptronic to all four wheels. 
  • Torque is typically distributed in a ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axle.
  • S Sports Suspension is standard and can be upgraded to the sophisticated S Sports Suspension with Damper Control that contributes to the sporty driving dynamics of the Audi S5 Sportback. 
  • The S Sports suspension with Damper Control comes with damper settings for more direct contact with the road and sportier handling.

Ranveer Allahbadia | Influencer of The Month

Ex: Ranveer, we’ve seen you grow & your journey is so inspiring for the youth. Whichever field you step into, you face it. Tell us about how it all started and how your journey has been till now?
Ranveer: I always wanted to do something entrepreneurial because if I take a task in hand, I always give my 100 % into it. Post my engineering, I decided to start my own fitness-based start-up. But I understood the role of social media in making it successful. This was when I made the decision to start my social media page ‘BeerBiceps’. But the underlining has and will always be to create a successful and creative business venture.

Ex: What started as a fitness channel is now about everything a man needs to know, you create content that is relatable, motivational & there’s so much to learn from. What’s the inspiration behind these concepts that you come up with?
Ranveer: The inspiration behind this has always been related to my personal life. For example, two years post-college when I started the “BeerBiceps” page, I only focused on the fitness-based content. In those two years, I learned a lot about grooming, fashion styling, and communication skills. After that, I focused more on mental health and career-related content.
Currently, I am focused on entrepreneurship-based concepts aimed at improving the audience’s decision-making and career skills. After that, I might move towards emotional health and spirituality-based content.

Ex: We have also seen you addressing Mental Health issues, how important are these issues in today’s time?
Ranveer: Mental health is paramount. Especially with this Covid-19 situation and everyone being locked up in their houses. Thus, positive content from creators worldwide plays a very important role in turning the situation positive. It’s the need of the hour and I think it will be at least for the next 10 to 20 years.

Ex: What was that moment when you felt that this is it; people have started liking you and are getting inspired by your work?
Ranveer: Honestly, I think we were right from the start since we grew pretty fast and the feedback we received was overall positive. It also made me realize that audience-focused content will result in a lot of love and encouragement. It feels pretty special when people walk up to you for a photo or just appreciate your work. With the Jio Boom of 2016 & 2017, things changed pretty fast for me.

Ex: Having a large fan following and being a public figure, what kind of responsibilities do you have & how do you make use of this fame?
Ranveer: The amount of responsibility is pretty huge given the number of followers I have. If I am putting out any content related to fitness or anything else, I do a lot of research beforehand. I believe that through video content, you can create something that’s mentally uplifting. Also, with this Covid-19 situation, I am glad my team and I got a chance to create such positive and uplifting content. I truly use my fame to make something positive for the audience and also to expand and fill the employment gaps in the country in whatever small way I can.

Ex: The world has changed with the pandemic and everyone has accepted the new normal. What is the new approach/idea to keep moving in the new age of digital media?
Ranveer: The approach to keep moving into the new age of Digital Media would be to create content in large quantities. Since working from home is now a reality, content creation is a side-hustle for many people. When you’re beginning your content creation journey, you cannot take it as a full-time job since your work life/studies would collide with it and make it hectic.
Currently, Instagram reels are the best way to move forward along with Twitter. Create short-form textual content as well as video content and you’ll see your online brand grow faster.

Ex:  You have invited a lot of significant personalities in your show, with whom did you have an instant connection or who inspired you the most?
Ranveer: On the business front, Siddharth Roy Kapoor and Ronnie Screwvala because I feel that they have a strong mental match. And on a deeper emotional level, I think Gaur Gopal Das and Jay Shetty since they both have a similar career. From the world of glamour, obviously Ayushmann Khurrana
and Priyanka Chopra, with whom I felt a strong and ambitious connection with.

Ex:  Ranveer Allahbadia: Techie or a PetrolHead?
Ranveer: I’m that weird guy who’s neither but if I had to choose, I’m probably a Techie. My internal engineer enjoys tech that helps us create- professional cameras, mics, software, and mobile phones.

Ex: What does a normal day look like in Ranveer Allahbadia’s life?
Ranveer: A normal day for me is all about creation, business strategies or video content. There isn’t a day when I can just switch off because I really enjoy my job. Even if I’m on a vacation I keep vlogging and finding inspiration for my future content. Creation is a massive part of my life. I like waking up late because I usually sleep late at night.

Ex:  What’s next for Ranveer Allahbadia?
Ranveer: Many more businesses, podcasts, vlogging, video games – it won’t stop. We’re on a creation and experimentation spree. One thing I have understood about content is that it is just a game of consistency. You just need to keep putting out stuff. Even if you’re having a low phase, you’ll bounce back. I currently started a lot of poetry-based content which is being received really well and would like to continue down that tangent for a while.

Quickies:

1. Most expensive tech you own: Bought a 3-4 Lakh Lens for our professional camera
2. If you could invent a gadget, it would be: Artificial Intelligence based camera assistant that allows people to record videos, editing and help with the video creation process.
3. On road trips, Would you sit at the back seat & relax to soft music or play loud music and take control of the wheels: I’m the type of guy who plays music loudly and takes control of the wheels (but if with that someone special, you got to switch to soft music).
4. A fitness gadget/app you use religiously: Any generic fitness app like Samsung Fitness or Google Fitness just to track my walks and jogs
5. Who you stalk on Instagram: LeBron James
6. Your go-to book: Autobiography of a Yogi
7. If you had to describe yourself in a hashtag: #babyfacedassassin

BMW G 310 GS review: No BS, GS.

When BMW Motorrad and TVS collaborated to share their engineering and technology, there was no doubt about its results’ brilliance. Among the trifecta of motorcycles that spawned in 2018 was the G 310 GS, that bore the BMW badge. It filled the gap of an entry-level adventure tourer in the German manufacturer’s lineup, thus enabling a significant audience to experience the off-road life. Although the erstwhile model had no flaws, BMW felt it needed a periodic update.

Enter the 2020 G 310 GS. Along with aesthetic updates, the motorcycle also gets a fresh appeal and a BS6 motor. Although the engine has become cleaner, its power output has remarkably remained unchanged at 34bhp and 28Nm. The bigger GS siblings inspire the three new colour schemes in its lineup, and you will be forgiven if you mistake the 310 GS as one of its bigger brothers, mainly due to the new “rally e” colours. BMW has also replaced the levers with adjustable ones, just to add that extra bit of personalisation. Apart from that, the engine, chassis, brakes, tyres, and frame, among other components have been carried forward. Not that they needed a change anyway.

Having long legs means I don’t find many motorcycles accomodating. But that was nothing that worried the G 310 GS. I was snugly nestled in its seat, and the 835mm seat height meant I could put my foot down without having to bend it much. Also, the raised handlebars meant standing on the motorcycle was equally comfortable and manoeuvrability was hardly compromised, regardless of the riding stance. Though the older G 310 GS was 5 kilos lighter than the one I reviewed, the weight was quite manageable, and I hardly noticed the change. The combination of the seat, handlebars, and slightly rear-set footpegs offer a comfortable ride, even making long distances bearable. However, its sheer bulk makes it difficult to push by hand.

The bike’s happy place is between 6000 and 7000 rpm, with peak torque kicking in at 7500 rpm. Beyond that, the engine does not complain, but instead, the vibrations that seep through all points of contact will let you know that it has begun to grumble. Nevertheless, the engine stayed faithful and pulled all along; even then, I had twisted the throttle wide open. Also, the 5th and 6th gears are impossible to redline. Trust me, I tried. The bike can cruise comfortably at three-digit speeds and tops out at 142 kmph, though it might go higher with a lighter rider. Who knows.

With a heavy clutch, riding in peak traffic does become cumbersome after a while. The motorcycle itself can be taken through tight gaps, but the clutch action means the engine might conk off a couple of times. At least till you get used to it, anyway. However, it is an entirely different scenario when munching miles on the highway or taking the unbeaten path. The brakes, on the other hand, work in reverse. While they offer good bite in city rides, they will suck the fun right out of off-roading. Why, you ask? Well, BMW has opted out of switchable ABS, and as a result, you cannot lock the rear brakes. Get the point? No. Slides.

BMW has equipped the G 310 GS with 41mm USD forks and an adjustable rear monoshock. Though the suspension setup has been carried over, what’s new is the LED lights. Along with a long and bright throw, the LEDs also add to the motorcycle’s visual appeal. However, there are some chinks in the otherwise glistening armour.

TVS updated the Apache RR 310 with almost superbike level technology, offering different ride modes, a feature-packed colour TFT instrument cluster and much more. It is somewhat disappointing that BMW did not share this technology with TVS, which would have significantly improved the G 310 GS as an overall package. Nevertheless, it is a solid deal.

With a Rs 2.85 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag, the G 310 GS might seem a little pricey. But BMW has cut Rs 65,000 from its previous price, offering a much better value-for-money deal now. However, with the competition getting stiffer, the G 310 GS will be given a run for its money by the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the KTM 250 Adventure. How will it fare against them is something only time will tell, but until that happens, you can be assured that this GS is no BS!

Amen, Omen: HP Omen 15 review

Hewlett Packard, known in the computing world as HP, has always been keen on providing maximum performance at a minimal price. Well, minimal if you consider the value on offer and the competition. When Intel came up with the latest 10th series mobile CPUs, HP jumped on the bandwagon to upgrade its offering in the gaming industry.

While the baseline HP Pavilion Gaming gets a 16-inch model as an update, the flagship Omen series has undergone considerable changes. While the Omen X acts as the top boss in the lineup, I will be exploring the Omen 15 in detail, which I got a chance to review. Here are my thoughts.

First Impressions:

If the Omen had to mean what it is named after, it would be a rather good omen. Not that it doesn’t have its share of drawbacks and shortcomings, but more on that later. A glance at the laptop defines its purpose and HP has done a fantastic job keeping it straight, sophisticated, and subtle. The lack of RGB lighting on the exterior gives the laptop an understated look, but probably that’s where its stealth factor comes in. Displaying its logo in a shiny diamond background is the only telltale sign of what lies underneath. The new update has made the laptop sleeker and stealthier, making it more powerful and purpose-oriented. 

As I opened the lid, I was greeted by the ‘015’ branding on the keyboard deck. This is the first sign of the laptop being a gaming-oriented machine. Its chassis has a metal finish and a matte black colour. While it does look appealing, it tends to attract a lot of smudges. The shiny logo will immediately start to look worn and used if not taken proper care of. The lid itself is quite flimsy and was unable to hold its position as I moved and jerked the laptop around. Not that it was a pressure test, but HP Omen 15 could use a bit better build quality. 

Another parameter that seems unnecessary is the 180-degree flat hinge. It appears useless as there would be hardly any ardent gamer who would lay the laptop flat on the table to play. Add to that a weight of 2.36 kilos, and you have a good “chunky” laptop at your disposal.

According to HP, the Omen 15 gaming laptop has the smallest footprint in the 15-inch gaming laptop segment. However, it is in no way lightweight and will give you a decent arm workout should you choose to carry it around in a handbag. However, carrying it on your back is relatively easier.

Display

The unit I reviewed displayed all its content on a Full-HD (1920×1080) resolution, with 144Hz refresh rate screen (though it can scale up to 300Hz as per the model) compatible with Nvidia G-Sync. The IPS panel offers 300 nits of brightness, 72 per cent NTSC, and 90 per cent sRGB colour gamut coverage.

While it isn’t the best offering for gamers, it is a pretty solid deal for the price tag it commands. Narrow bezels surround the display on three sides, which offers a decently immersive experience. Continuing the “matte finish” theme, the laptop also features a non-reflective display which is great for gaming.

Connectivity and Hardware

HP does not like to comprise on connectivity and it shows. Armed with three USB-A ports, a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, an HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm connector for your headphones or microphone, the laptop can connect to practically anything you throw at it. It also gets an SD card reader, should any content creator or photographer wish to unload the data onto its super-fast 1 TB SSD, more on that later.

The laptop charges via a standard barrel charging pin and can sustain light to medium use for 6-8 hours a day on a full charge. However, for heavy gaming, it is recommended to keep the charger plugged in as AAA games will drain the battery otherwise.

 

Coming to the keyboard, it is a pleasant sight to look at. With full-sized arrow keys, it took us straight back to the time when I used to play 8-bit games with blocky controls. The keyboard has RGB lighting, though the one present under the keyboard isn’t the best of the lot either.

I found it best to use a single light, or switch it off altogether. The keyboard misses out on the Numpad, though it compensates for it with a few handy shortcut keys.

Typing on the keyboard for prolonged periods would have been easier if it wasn’t for the laptop’s jagged edges, starting digging into the wrists after some time. 

HP has sent me the Omen 15 with a 10-gen Intel Core i7-10750H, 16GB of RAM  and GeForce GTX 1660Ti with 6GB VRAM. Since I had to use the laptop for general office work, it neither took load on itself nor gave me trouble.

For the average office-goer, the laptop will be a boon as it will be lag-free and sustainable for as long as you would like. Ardent gamers, however, will be slightly underwhelmed by the hardware. However, this should be the perfect pick for someone running on a budget.

The heat dissipation was also remarkable, and the laptop managed to stay cool as I enjoyed hours of gameplay! The fan did become slightly noisy and could be heard over the keyboard, but it wasn’t too intrusive or distracting. Bang and Olufsen have provided a sound system for the laptop, which sits under a somewhat quirky design on the keyboard’s top.

While the sound output is decent, I didn’t use the speakers a lot as my headphones were almost always plugged in. Overall, I’d like to say that HP Omen 15 is a compelling package at its price point if you overlook its few drawbacks.

Verdict

Priced well above the Rs 1 lakh mark, the Omen has to be a well-researched and thought out pick for someone looking for a good gaming experience. While it does its job well, its shortcomings might dissuade some buyers who have a higher budget. Nevertheless, it is a value for money machine that’ll be capable enough for your productivity and gaming needs. 

HyperX SoloCast: A clear choice for a clear voice

HyperX recently sent us its premium live streaming microphone, the QuadCast. While it was an eyecatcher and served its purpose flawlessly, it was also rather bulky and complicated to use. Luckily, HyperX soon followed up with its more compact and user-friendly version, the SoloCast. While the SoloCast might seem minuscule compared to the bigger QuadCast, it packs a powerful punch nevertheless. Here is how my experience with SoloCast was:

First Impressions:

Right off the bat, the Cast, as I like to call it, makes its presence and its intention of being a streaming microphone quite clear. With a plain black body with the HyperX insignia embossed and a simple LED indicator at the front, the SoloCast is a pleasant and simple piece of equipment to look at. Nothing too fancy, nothing too gaudy. But that is where HyperX scores over the rest. Despite having minimalistic aesthetics, SoloCast is powerful and competent hardware and a considerable option for streamers looking to set up their streaming equipment on a tight budget.

Usage:

Since capturing voice and audio as clearly as possible is the goal, HyperX has kept that in focus. Akin to other HyperX aural devices such as headphones, the SoloCast takes the “sound over everything else” approach.” It utilises a single cardioid polar pattern as its name suggests (QuadCast uses four!). It also skips out on some fun parameters in the QuadCast, such as a headphone jack, gain control, shock mount, internal pop filter and complete RGB lighting inside. While the SoloCast does its job perfectly, the lack of these manual controls means you will have to fine-tune its settings using software like OBS or XSplit. If not, a simple plug-n-play also works perfectly well.

Standing almost half as tall as the QuadCast, the SoloCast has a rather compact and easy-going design. Apart from the stand it comes with, it also features a slot for a boom arm, should you wish to mount it so. For other connections, a USB Type-C connection does the job seamlessly. It also has a tap-to-mute sensor on top, allowing the user to quickly mute the microphone if the need arises. The aforementioned LED indicator also displays the status of the mic, so that it isn’t accidentally muted.

Verdict:

HyperX says that it has been certified by TeamSpeak and Discord and there is no doubt about it. The SoloCast is not only versatile, but it is also quite flexible and can be adjusted to fill any spot the user wishes. With a price tag of Rs 5,790, it might seem pricey but it is a pretty value for money deal. Well, that is if you are looking for simplicity and ease of use. It will go on sale on Amazon from January 28th.

Kingston Previews NVMe SSD Lineup and Workflow Station with Readers at CES 2021

Kingston Technology today announced the launch of its upcoming NVMe SSD roadmap along with Kingston’s Workflow Station and Readers at the all-digital CES 2021. Despite adopting a new format this year, Kingston will bring its industry-leading SSDs to the forefront for attendees to experience the best-in-class technology virtually. 

Kingston’s Workflow Station and Readers give users the freedom to create and customize a file offload setup that fits their needs, allowing them to transfer video, photos, and audio from multiple sources at once. Whether on a 4K/8K multi-cam shoot with portable audio recorders or filming B-Rolls with drones and GoPros, with a customizable Workflow Station dock, the user can simultaneously connect to the USB miniHub, SD or microSD readers that the shoot requires to transfer footage quickly. Workflow Readers can also be used standalone by connecting to a laptop via the included USB-C cable, giving users the flexibility to have their workflow on-the-go.

“It’s not just the flexibility of the Workflow Station and its readers that is sure to aid content creators, but also the speed,” said Kingston. “Workflow Station products support incredible USB 3.2 speeds, which together with Kingston’s high-performance memory cards and USB flash drives get users through the post-production process faster than ever.”

Kingston is poised to continue its SSD market leadership position with both new clients and data centre U.2 NVMe drives this year. 

The new offerings include its first PCIe NVMe Gen 4.0 SSD as well as an external USB 3.2 SSD:

  • Ghost Tree: Our upcoming High-Performance Gen 4.0 drive is perfect for content creators and power users. Codenamed “Ghost Tree,” Kingston is targeting speeds of 7000MB/s read and write, stretching PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 8-channel to its limit with capacities ranging from 1TB-4TB.
  • NV Series: The latest Gen 3.0 x4 SSD is the ideal entry-level drive for first-time NVMe users with capacities up to 2TB.

  • XS2000: Kingston’s all-new USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 external drive with 500GB – 2TB storage capacity is perfect as additional storage for photos, videos and other files. The USB Type-C interface allows for super-fast data transfers up to 2,000MB/s.

  • DC1500M: The Data Center 1500M is an update to the DC1000M adding support for multi-namespaces. The U.2 NVMe SSD is designed to support a wide range of data-intensive workloads including cloud computing, web hosting and virtual infrastructure.
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