PC gaming is a vast market, and it’s only getting bigger. Mobile PC gaming is also catching heat thanks to technological advancements, both hardware and software. Just like full-grown consoles vs handheld consoles, a good gaming PC will outperform a similar-priced mobile gaming solution. Games are becoming increasingly demanding, and to get the most out of your hardware, you might want to overclock your CPU and GPU. The gains come at the cost of more power draw and heat generation.
With the latest generation of hardware, the amount of heat and power draw is more than ever. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing this or don’t want to risk damaging your hardware, you can underclock it instead. This will still give you a performance boost and is more efficient, meaning your hardware will last longer. This is great if you intend to use your PC for many fruitful years with minimum hiccups.
Intel processors – CPU
Intel processors are some of the most popular on the market and some of the easiest to overclock. However, underclocking is just as simple. To underclock an Intel processor, you need to use the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU). This free download from Intel’s website is compatible with all their latest processors. Once you’ve installed XTU, you can open it up and click on the “Performance” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
AMD processors – APU, CPU and GPU
AMD processors are more challenging to overclock than Intel processors but are also more powerful. Underclocking them is a little simpler, but you must still use a tool like AMD OverDrive.AMD OverDrive is a free download from AMD’s website and is compatible with all of their latest processors. Once installed, you can open it and click on the “AMD OverDrive” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
Nvidia processors – GPU
Nvidia processors are some of the most popular on the market and some of the easiest to overclock. However, underclocking is just as simple. You need to use the Nvidia Control Panel to underclock an Nvidia processor. This free download from Nvidia’s website is compatible with all their latest processors. Once you’ve installed the Nvidia Control Panel, open it up and click on the “Manage 3D Settings” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
Trials and Errors
Like overclocking, underclocking, too, requires some trials and errors. Sometimes the voltages need to be higher for the processor to maximise its full potential. It is advisable to go down a couple of points at a time when underclocking and not more than 5-10 points when overclocking on the under-volt settings. It is advisable to check similar settings on the internet to get the best results as tried and tested by more experienced users. Under-volt and sometimes underclocking with more headroom for boost allows the processor to perform great under increased stress loads, especially when gaming for long. PCs produce heat with vigorous power delivery, and controlling it on some parameters allows us to enjoy the best of PC performance while allowing us to beat the heat.
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, from smartphones and laptops to appliances and transportation. However, the environmental impact of our reliance on technology has become a growing concern. The good news is that many companies are now investing in sustainable tech solutions that can help reduce our carbon footprint. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the sustainable tech innovations we use daily.
Renewable Energy
One of the most significant contributions to sustainable tech is renewable energy. Solar, wind, and hydropower are rapidly becoming more accessible and cost-effective. Solar panels can now be installed on residential and commercial buildings, and some cities are implementing wind turbines for energy production. Some companies are even developing portable solar panels for outdoor activities.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is another sustainable tech innovation that has become increasingly popular. Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats and smart lighting, can help to reduce energy consumption in our homes. One example is the Nest Learning Thermostat, which uses machine learning to learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjusts the temperature to save energy. The thermostat can also be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, allowing you to make adjustments from anywhere. Smart lighting systems can also be programmed to turn off when not in use or dim during low-traffic hours. Smart home technology not only helps to reduce energy usage, but it can also save homeowners money on their utility bills.
Electric Cars
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, but electric cars offer a sustainable alternative. Companies like Tesla, Nissan, Tata and Chevy produce electric cars that are becoming more accessible to the general public. Electric cars have zero emissions and are much more energy-efficient than traditional gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, electric car charging stations are becoming more widely available, making it easier for electric car owners to travel long distances.
Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are another innovation in sustainable tech that is becoming more common. Energy Star-certified appliances, like refrigerators, washers, and dryers, use less energy and water than their non-certified counterparts. Smart appliances can also be programmed to run during low-traffic hours or when energy is cheapest. Some appliances even have sensors that can detect when they are not in use and automatically turn them off.
Eco-friendly gadgets
Sustainable smartphones and the use of materials in producing gadgets are not uncommon. Another essential device in our daily lives is the laptop, and there are several eco-friendly options. One such option is the Dell XPS 13, which is made from recycled ocean plastics and other recycled materials. The laptop also uses low-energy components and has an energy-efficient design, helping to reduce its carbon footprint. In addition, Dell offers a recycling program for its products, ensuring they don’t end up in landfills.
Sustainable Packaging
The packaging used for products can also have a significant impact on the environment. Sustainable packaging materials, such as biodegradable plastics and compostable materials, are becoming more common. Some companies are even using recycled materials for their packaging. In addition to reducing waste, sustainable packaging can also reduce the amount of energy needed for production and transportation.
Eco-Friendly Accessories
Even the accessories we use with our tech devices can be designed with sustainability in mind. For example, phone cases made from recycled materials or bioplastics can help to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of our devices. Companies across the globe offer eco-friendly phone cases and other stylish and sustainable accessories.
Sustainable tech innovations are becoming more accessible and affordable, offering a way to reduce our environmental impact. Renewable energy, smart home technology, electric cars, smart appliances, and sustainable packaging are just a few examples of sustainable tech we use daily. As consumers, we can make a difference by choosing products and technologies that prioritise sustainability.
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.
A self-motivated leader and a passionate professional ready to take up challenges with a pragmatic approach
An enterprising leader with great people management skills leading towards the accomplishment of common goals & objectives
guided by my life mantras – to be a student for life, to be open to learning from one and all
Q2. What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
Leaders need to learn that leadership is no longer about the title(s) or designation(s). It fundamentally revolves around influence, impact, inspiration, ideology and integrity
Influence: doing or getting things done in line with larger organizational goals
Impact: how your internal & external stakeholders perceive you
Inspiration: how your superiors and subordinates always look up to you
Ideology: the right exposure, experience and understanding that you have gained over the years
Integrity: your love, passion & commitment towards your job/organization/team/society at large, even when no one is watching
Q3. One thing you believe is essential for sustained growth
I believe in maintaining relationships, whether it’s old customers or making new ones. The effort in building a new relationship is 10 times the cost of maintaining an existing one for sustained growth.
Q4. One book that you love and the one you’ve bookmarked?
To be honest, there are quite a few, but IKIGAI & “Wings of Fire” – The autobiography of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is my absolute favourite.
Q5. Leadership quotes that inspire you.
“Be the player who runs for the GOAL and not a referee who looks for FAULTS.”
“If you want to change the FRUITS, you will first have to change the ROOTS. If you want to change the VISIBLE, you must first change the INVISIBLE.”
Q6. What is your unique way of maintaining a work-life balance?
The key is to avoid carrying workplace baggage back home and personal baggage to the workplace. Always find substantial time for a workout to maintain a healthy mind and body.
Q7. Significant learning in the past couple of years?
In the past few years, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in consumer behaviour, and it has become significant for brands to adapt their strategies, prioritize them and eventually deliver the right product or message to the new-age consumers.
Q8. To cite a few must-haves Marketing Strategies:
Trust is built on privacy
The omnichannel offering is appreciated
Revisit / Rework / Reconsider your messaging to Consumers
Flexible & empathetic customer service, along with state-of-the-art products and competitive pricing, is the key
Tangible benefits lead to brand loyalty
Keep innovating
Q9. Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
My must-haves are MS Teams, Dropbox, OneNote, etc., and of course, a smartphone.
Q10. What is your technology detox?
I like to indulge in activities like running, road travel, photography, reading, cooking etc.
Q11. If money was not a bar, what piece of tech and automobile would you own?
I am happy with what I have, but if I must choose one thing if money was not a bar, I would preferably be a Philanthropist.
SC Ans: If you think like a child, your imagination is
firm and nothing is impossible.
Ex: What is your dream road trip destination?
SC Ans: Ladakh, I’ve been there a couple of times, but I would like to go there again and again.
Ex: Going beyond the appearances of an individual, what do you notice in people?
SC Ans: Attention span, as it’s quite rare nowadays.
Ex: Describe this car (Audi Q3) in one word.
SC Ans: It’s a statement in itself
Ex: What is the most expensive gadget you’ve gifted to yourself?
SC Ans: Harley Davidson Sportster S
Ex: What three cars would you like to have in your dream garage?
SC Ans: The Hummer, Mustang (American Muscle) and G-Wagon
Ex: Define comfort in your own words.
SC Ans: Just chilling at home in my boxers. I mean,
feeling free is what it is.
Ex: Quattro (4) things you practice daily.
SC Ans: Reading, writing, watching films and
drinking a lot of water.
Ex: OTT show you’ve binged on recently?
SC Ans: Panchayat seasons 1&2
Ex: Audiobooks or physical book copies? Which one do you prefer, and name your favorite?
SC Ans: Physical books. 21 lessons for the 21st century, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Raag Darbari and The Almanack Of Naval Ravikant.
Ex: If you had to give three tips to newcomers, what would they be?
SC Ans: Travel the country by train, read a lot of good books, and watch a bunch of bad films.
Ex: Do you read your comments and interact with your followers on social media?
SC Ans: Yes, I’m all ears for the feedback as it helps grow and understand audience taste.
Ex: What do you know about AI, or in particular, AI in films?
SC Ans: I play many games, and I can see it growing exponentially in the gaming industry. There’s still some time for AI to blend in with the movies, but it’s pretty close. In the future, the characters may be a mixed breed of actors and VFX.
Ex: Any experience working on sets with many automobiles and tech-related stuff?
SC Ans: Yes, my upcoming film Yudra where we have a bike chase sequence. I got to do some stunts with the bikes on my own,
which was quite thrilling. I also drove a mustang in Inside edge 2 in Georgia.
Ex: How did you prepare to go beyond the ordinary when acting in the industry?
SC Ans: I have watched many films and have done theatres which give me a bit of confidence, and with that, inhibitions fade away.
Ex: Tell us about your upcoming projects.
SC Ans: The upcoming projects are Kho Gayein Hum Kahan, which is about relationships in the social media digital age, and another is an action thriller on a crazy scale.
Ex: In a multifaceted profession, what is your mantra for commitment and versatility?
SC Ans: Keep it simple, do what you love, and never compromise with your dreams. Make smart choices only to create more choices in the long run.
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.
Hey, social media fanatics, welcome to our channel. Let’s discuss the Social Media Fiasco. What’s happening to the most consumed form of media across the globe? It’s 2023, and social media is more ingrained in our daily lives than ever! Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, WhatsApp, etc., if you are familiar with any of these social media platforms, you are at the right place. As it’s popularly known – The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance. Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has changed how we communicate, shares information, and consume news. The role of social media in society is both positive and negative.
On the positive side, social media has allowed individuals to connect with people worldwide. It has also made it easier for people to stay in touch with friends and family living far away. Social media has also played a crucial role in the spread of information, particularly during times of crisis. For example, social media has been used during natural disasters to disseminate important information to affected communities.
However, there are also negative aspects of social media. The constant use of social media has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Additionally, the spread of misinformation on social media can have serious consequences. For example, false information about COVID-19 has led to confusion and mistrust among government officials and health experts. Another concern is the impact of social media on privacy. Many social media platforms collect user data, which could be sold to third parties for advertising or other purposes. This has raised concerns about protecting personal information and the potential for data misuse.
The impact of social media on society is complex and multifaceted. While it has brought many benefits, it has also created new challenges. It is essential for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and to use social media responsibly. Society must be critical of social media’s role in their lives and ensure they know the potential negative impacts. It’s also important to use the platform responsibly and to be mindful of the potential risks, such as spreading misinformation and protecting personal information. But as we scroll through our feeds, we’re increasingly confronted with a dark side to these social media platforms. From the misuse of user data to the proliferation of misinformation, nudity and inappropriate social influence, a series of scandals question the role of social media in our society.
Let’s start with Instagram, the once-photo-sharing platform owned by Facebook, which has been at the centre of several controversies. Humans are getting better at tricking AI. There’s borderline nudity when you scroll and wide-spread video categories for people of different interests to flood something that matches their psychological and emotional consciousness. Researchers have found that this is, in fact, the most commonly used drug-like service which gives you short doses of dopamine. Mind you, we do not have an unlimited source of dopamine in our brains. Think of it like your energy. Every on your screen that makes you smile or feel something good or disastrously wrong consumes your daily power. Result – The more you scroll, the more you crave. The more you scroll, the more you are depleted from your brain’s happy hormones. This is a significant concern in viewers of all age categories resulting in widespread anxiety, depression and loneliness. AI algorithms are well-defined to be user-specific while also being addictive. Instagram has also been criticised for its role in promoting unrealistic and harmful beauty standards. The platform has been accused of promoting a culture of perfectionism, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and negative body image.
The most common form of addiction is repetition. Did you find yourself getting bored, instantly reaching out to your phone for some information, and then noticing minutes passed as you scrolled your favourite channels or random videos? In recent years, the platform has been criticised for not doing enough to combat nudity, hate speech and online harassment. Many users have reported feeling unsafe and unwelcome on the platform, and there have been calls for Instagram to do more to combat this addiction. Additionally, Instagram has been scrutinised for not doing enough to protect the well-being of its younger users, who risk developing mental health issues due to the pressure of maintaining a perfect online persona. Twitter, another popular social media platform, has faced its fair share of controversies. The platform has been criticised for not doing enough to combat misinformation. The CEO has a funny bone and particularly in the USA’s Presidential elections blunder. False and misleading information was spread through Twitter, which led to confusion and mistrust among the electorate.
YouTube is one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, with over 2 billion monthly active users. However, the platform has been plagued by several controversies in recent years, leading many to question whether it is a viable and safe place for users. One of the most significant issues with YouTube is the proliferation of fake news and conspiracy theories on the platform. A report from the New York Times found that YouTube’s algorithm tends to promote sensational or controversial videos, regardless of their accuracy. This has led to spreading misinformation on the platform, particularly regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Limiting 4K content and thousands of ads, sometimes larger than the actual video, do Youtube a fantastic free service with its idiosyncratic elements. The platform has been criticised for not doing enough to remove hate speech and harmful content. YouTube’s advertising problem is also worth mentioning. The platform has been criticised for allowing ads to run on videos that contain hate speech or other offensive content. This has led to several major brands pulling their advertising from the platform, causing a significant loss of revenue for YouTube. In addition to these issues, YouTube has also been criticised for handling children’s content on the forum. The company has faced several legal challenges over collecting data on children and the inappropriate content found on the platform.
In conclusion, YouTube is a social media platform plagued by many controversies in recent years. From spreading fake news and conspiracy theories to hosting hate speech and harassment, the platform has faced several challenges that have led many to question its viability and safety for users. While YouTube and others have made some efforts to address these issues, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to regain the trust of its users. Other social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and LinkedIn have also faced similar controversies. Misusing user data, spreading misinformation, artificial idols, nudity and the proliferation of hate speech in many forms, like personal attacks, are issues that affect all social media platforms.
Hope is a waking dream
The good news is that many social media companies are starting to take these issues more seriously. Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other platforms have begun to invest in new technologies and tools to combat misinformation, and many have pledged to improve transparency and user privacy. However, more needs to be done. Social media has the power to connect us, inform us, and bring us together. But it can also be used to divide us, deceive us, and harm us. It’s time for social media companies to take responsibility for their impact on our society, for people to be more aware and for governments to step in with more robust regulations.
In conclusion, social media has become an integral part of society, but it is essential to be aware of the potential negative impacts and use it responsibly. It has the power to connect people and share information, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks and use it to benefit society as a whole. Ultimately, it’s up to us, the users, to be more critical and selective about the information we consume and share on social media and to push for more accountability from the companies that control these powerful platforms. We must use these platforms with caution and consciousness and demand that these companies take more responsibility for their platforms’ impact on our society. Use social media responsibly. Conscious choices will safeguard many unconscious life decisions.
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.
Smartphone launches have been a never-ending epidemic for the past few years. Smartphones have become so good that most phones, irrespective of their price tag, are sufficient for most users. The number of smartphone users is still astounding in China at 865.04M. India is the second largest smartphone market in the world, with 606.57M active users. This makes smartphone manufacturers value our shores more than ever. Here is a list of all recommended smartphones under each price category.
Under INR 10K
Redmi A1
Performance
Quad Core, 2 GHzMediaTek Helio A22 2 GB RAM
Display
6.52 inches (16.56 cm)269 PPI, IPS LCD
Camera
8 MP Primary CameraDual LED Flash5 MP Front Camera
What time is it? It’s time for some tech news. Did you know that Google, the name is actually a product of a hasty spelling mistake? Larry and Sean aimed to register Googol, a mathematical term for the number 1 followed by a hundred zeros. Sean accidentally registers the word Google, and it is what it is. Let’s get to the news.
Elon finally bought Twitter
On Thursday night, Elon Musk finally bought Twitter, and reports say many top management authorities at Twitter are now searching for new jobs. These include the CEO, CFO, people who mislead the number of bots on the platform and the one authorizing Donal Trump’s account ban. The hip entrepreneur entered the Twitter office with a bathroom sink, symbolizing the term “let that sink in” and also twitted “ the bird is freed”.
Global price increase
Apple is silently increasing its hardware and software solution prices. Subscription services have seen an inflation in their charges across Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+ and Apple One. Some countries have also witnessed price increases on iPads and Macs. Nothing ear (1), the first product from Nothing, has also seen as much as a 50% price increase in some markets right before the launch of their Nothing ear stick, a relatively new and affordable variant with a different form factor. I hope they stick to the pricing in the future. Steam, a popular gaming service, has also increased its regional pricing in some parts of the world to almost 450% hike in game prices. As if PC gaming was not an expensive hobby with insane GPU prices! Global price increase needs to be combated with a global pay increase. Share this with your company heads. After blocking 4K content on Youtube to Premium users, Youtube has increased the prices of Youtube Premium subscriptions in some countries. What is happening to the world?
WTF? There’s a new Nvidia 3060
After the backlash on RTX 4080 and Nvidia pulling out in time, RTX 4090 has witnessed some insane claims. One of the only cards to enable high fidelity 4K and 8K gaming, the power connector cannot handle the amount of power required to juice tasty frame rates from the 4090, burning some connectors across the globe. Nvidia has addressed a couple of buyers who posted this on social media, but a 1.55 lakh rupee card with burnt connectors is not cool. In another news from Nvidia, some countries witnessed a soft launch of Nvidia’s popular 3060 variants with an 8GB VRAM 128-bit bus rate instead of the usual 12GB 192-bit bus rate. This move comes as competition to Intel’s newest ARC GPU releases earlier this month or maybe an offering to gamers on a budget. Whatever it is, thank you, Intel!
Shutterstock partners with OpenAI DallE 2
Did you know that Gettyimages recently banned the use of AI-generated images? Contrary to their move, Shutterstock has partnered with OpenAI DallE 2, and soon users will be able to generate images based on text commands. Shutterstock has also agreed to pay creators a certain sum of money for training the AI when creating newer images. Not too long ago, a similar AI won an award for the best image creation on a platform, and now it is time for Shutterstock to come up with crazy DallE2-created images. What is your take on AI-generated art? Is it still art if thousands of algorithms created it?
Gaming improves cognitive performance in kids
A recent study on the JAMA network performed by ABCD Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development on 2217 children has shown that kids who regularly play video games are better at problem-solving, memory management, impulse reactions and many other tasks, including academic achievements, as compared to kids who do not play video games. Allowing kids to play video games and other games profoundly impacts their brain development. Only if this study were done during childhood would we not be scolded as much over gaming. Kids watching this video, share this news with your parents.
Xbox Series S – Limiting frame rates for everyone
Some game developers are not happy developing games for the Xbox Series S. According to them; the limited capabilities are hindering them from providing more performance in games being developed for the Xbox Series S. Microsoft has made it mandatory for developers to make games compatible with both the Series X and S. Gotham Knights is a prime example of this shortcoming, as the developers clearly stated in a tweet that the game runs on 30FPS even on the more powerful Series X only to ensure compatibility with the Series S. What’s the point of upgrading to a having a massive 4K high refresh rate display when the games are being limited by one puny console?
Photonic chip – the fastest internet chip as of now
A single photonic chip has made a world record by transferring 1.84 petabytes of data per second over a 7.9Km fibre optic cable. That’s like moving all the files across the globe in less than 10 mins! I am still stuck with a few hundred megabytes per second here in India. Researchers from Japan, Denmark and Sweden, managed to split infrared signals into multiple light sources and then combine them together as one on the receiving end.
Amazon data centres in the UK and Ireland get new diesel generators.
Following an energy crisis in UK and Ireland, Amazon data centres in Dublin are installing 105 high-power diesel generators as backups. It is estimated that this data centre is responsible for over 14% power consumption of the entire Dublin.
Intel’s 13th generation i9 breaks an 8-year-old frequency world record
AMD FX 8370 set a world record back in 2014 by overclocking to an insane 8722.78Mhz. Intel’s latest i9-13900K managed to set a new world record by overclocking to a mind-bending 8812.85Mhz, nearly double the core clock speed offered in the retail packaging. Finally, after taking a beating from similar retail-priced AMD competition, Intel has managed to garner a win in some departments. Good job, Intel, on making something such powerful and power-hungry.
Samsung has started development on a smart ring.
Smart wearables come in all shapes and sizes. Samsung is currently developing a smart ring with all the necessary features of a fitness tracker snuggly packaged in a neat ring. Be careful to accept a proposal as a smart ring, as it could spike your heart rates and trigger an emergency service SOS. Would you wear a ring when the occasion calls for dressing neat, well time shall reveal.
Stadia’s service ended, but the gaming did not.
After Google announced that they were pulling the plug on Stadia streaming services, people playing games on the platform are backed by game developers. As a piece of good news, game developers are offering free copies with free save backups for everyone playing their games on Stadia as a platform. These free copies are provided to all the Stadia gamers based on their choice of gaming platform, and also cloud saves are offered as transferable entities to continue gaming on the platform of your choice. Do we even trust Google with anything with the rate at which they keep shutting down services?
These were all the happenings of the week. Let us know what you think about the tech happenings across the globe. Stay tuned as we bring more tech news next week.
