Gadgets Weekly: Alienware Area-51 desktop and more
Alienware Area-51 Desktop.
Credit: Dell India
Alienware Aurora Desktops.
Credit: Dell India
BenQ launches new monitors
BenQ EW90U series desktop monitor.
Credit: BenQ
Vivo T4 Lite
iQOO 13 in Ace Green
Sashikumar Sreedharan to become new MD of Google Cloud India
Xiaomi brings Champagne Gold variant of Redmi Note 14 Pro and 14 Pro+
Mivi AI Buds
Mivi AI Buds.
Credit: Mivi
Tecno Pova 7 series
Tecno Pova 7 series.
Credit: Tecno Mobile
Boult Fluid X series headphones
Boult FluidX series headphones.
Credit: Boult
Epson opens India's first inkjet printer manufacturing unit
[From Left to right] Mookan Muthu Sivan, founder and managing director, RIKUN with Junkichi Yoshida (centre), Global President of Seiko Epson Corporation, and Samba Moorthy, President of Epson India
Credit: Epson
Samsung adds more entertainment channels on Samsung TV Plus portal
Four new B4U channels debut on Samsung TV Plus.
Credit: Samsung
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Recover excess payment for imported ITI panels: Govt
Mumbai: The state govt issued an order on Monday to recover Rs 2.13 crore paid for Made in China interactive panels, a year after TOI reported on how norms favoring indigenous products were violated to procure devices for smart classrooms in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). An inquiry has also been initiated against 13 officers in the procurement section of the Department of Vocational Education and Training (DVET). The vendor, who acknowledged to the inquiry committee that it supplied Made in China panels, is now replacing them at no extra cost. The govt's order says Rs 2.13 crore was paid over and above the right price. That excess amount will have to be recovered from the vendor in 15 days. In two of the four purchase orders, price per panel ballooned by 151% with a warranty period of 5 years. In the remaining two, the markup soared to a staggering 227%, with a warranty period of merely one year. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai TOI had reported on Dec 18, 2023 about the procurement of interactive panels at an inflated cost as part of a plan to install smart classrooms in ITIs. The majority of the Chinese-made panels were procured through funds received under Strive, a skills strengthening project of the World Bank and Govt of India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The tender was floated on the govt e-marketplace portal after disabling the "Make in India" purchase preference, contrary to what procurement agencies are encouraged to choose. The manufacturer was subsequently blacklisted on the portal and no state govt could purchase any of these panels. The govt inquiry, while acknowledging the allegations, found that all the bidders submitted their bids from the same IP address, thus inferring that there was no real competition: "it is clear that all the tenderers who are suppliers of BenQ submitted their tenders from the same IP address in both the tenders." Other observations include that "the period of warranty published in the tender was reduced in the supply and re-warranty orders and financial benefits were given to the suppliers". Moreover, "the tenderers were given illegal exemption in Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and they were given financial benefit". "The country of origin was deliberately ignored. Therefore, it was possible for the supplier to provide the Chinese-made interactive panels." Additionally, the report said, "BenQ manufacturer was biased towards other manufacturers by conducting a tender process which was favourable and materials were procured at exorbitant prices reducing competition." Also, "an assembled OPS was purchased from another manufacturer, Digital Audio Video Solutions, Nagpur, pretending to be an OPS manufactured by BenQ. OPS or Open Pluggable Specification is a slot in interactive panels that allows for quick access to various applications and features. " The connivance between DVET and the manufacturers was clear as the inquiry report said, "The specifications prepared by the technical specifications committee were exchanged at the directorate level in both tenders published and thereby assisted BenQ suppliers in qualifying." The report concluded: "As per the detailed investigation as above, it is pointed out that there was a serious irregularity in the procurement process carried out through both the tender processes. "
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Dell Pro 14 Premium review: Business done with style
Dell's rebranding spree has transformed the familiar Latitude lineup into something called the Dell Pro series, and the Pro 14 Premium sits at the top of this new hierarchy. It's essentially what would have been a Latitude 9000 in another timeline. Now, think of Pro 14 Premium as the Dell's attempt to bring XPS-level polish to the boardroom, complete with a sleek magnesium chassis and Intel's latest Lunar Lake processors. But rebranding is easier than reinventing, and the Pro 14 Premium finds itself caught between Dell's premium aspirations and the practical realities of corporate computing. At Rs 1,77,593, this isn't a machine that's asking for your casual consideration. It's positioning itself against the likes of Lenovo 's ThinkPad X1 Carbon and HP's EliteBook Ultra series, laptops that have spent years refining their formula for executive-level computing. The question isn't whether Dell can build a competent business laptop (they've been doing that for decades), but whether they can justify the premium price tag with genuinely premium experiences. Modern aesthetics, featherlight presence by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Your Daily Profit By 11 AM With This Superclass By Mr. Bala TradeWise Learn More Undo The Pro 14 Premium immediately impresses with its 1.14-kg weight and 0.71-inch thickness. Dell's switch from aluminium to magnesium has paid dividends in the portability department, making this one of the lighter 14-inch business laptops you can buy. The chassis feels modern and sophisticated, with clean lines that wouldn't look out of place in a design studio. But here's where the premium branding starts to show its cracks. The magnesium construction, while effective for weight reduction, doesn't inspire the same confidence as the aluminium builds found on higher-end XPS models. There's noticeable flex when you grasp the screen corners, and the overall build quality feels more like a well-executed mid-range laptop than a premium business machine. Although, don't mistaken it for being fragile. Dell has embraced the zero-lattice keyboard design that debuted on XPS laptops, creating a seamless surface where keys flow into each other without gaps. It looks undeniably sleek and modern, but the typing experience tells a different story. The keys feel shallow and somewhat mushy, lacking the satisfying feedback that makes long typing sessions comfortable. If you're coming from a traditional keyboard, the adjustment period will be noticeable. The fingerprint reader is built into the power button and provides Windows Hello option. While trackpads on Windows machines are as forgettable they could be, Dell's Collaboration Touchpad (it's just a fancy corporate name for the trackpad) deserves a mention for its creative approach to video conferencing. During Zoom calls, camera and microphone controls appear directly on the touchpad, allowing you to mute or disable video without hunting for on-screen controls. The limitation is compatibility, it only works with Zoom and Microsoft Teams , leaving Google Meet and other platforms out in the cold. The port selection strikes a reasonable balance between modern connectivity and legacy support. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports handle charging and high-speed data transfer, while a USB-A port ensures compatibility with older peripherals. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 and a 3.5mm audio jack shows Dell understands that business users still need these connections, even if they're not the flashiest options available. The placement is thoughtful too, power ports on both sides mean you can charge from either direction, which is surprisingly convenient in cramped airplane seats or crowded conference rooms. The security lock slot acknowledges the realities of corporate IT policies, even if it looks decidedly old-school next to the sleek Thunderbolt ports. Screen gets the job done The 14-inch FHD+ display (1920x1200) represents the most conservative choice Dell could have made. In an era where even mid-range laptops are shipping with higher resolution screens, the Pro 14 Premium's display feels like a step backward. The 16:10 aspect ratio is welcome for productivity work, offering more vertical space than traditional 16:9 panels, but the pixel density leaves something to be desired. Colour accuracy is decent, covering 100% of sRGB and around 75% of Adobe RGB, which is adequate for business applications but uninspiring for any creative work. The 400-nit brightness is sufficient for most indoor environments, though you'll struggle with outdoor visibility. The anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections, but it also gives the screen a slightly washed-out appearance that becomes more noticeable when placed next to glossy alternatives. Dell also has Tandem OLED options in the store, but they're yet to come, and while they'll surely be a visual treat, the OLED options will also cost a lot more than over this, so that's something to think about. It's all about being dependable The Intel Core Ultra 7 266V is Intel's thoroughbred for power efficiency race, and it largely wins that. It's a 17-37W processor with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, designed to sip power during light tasks and ramp up when needed. This is a processor designed for all-day computing rather than workstation-level performance, and it holds for its own. Single-threaded performance is respectable, with the chip hitting up to 5GHz under boost conditions. For typical business applications, email, web browsing, Office suite work—the Pro 14 Premium feels snappy and responsive. The integrated Intel Arc graphics are surprisingly capable, handling casual gaming and media consumption without breaking a sweat. But the efficiency focus comes at a cost. Multi-threaded performance lags behind what you'd expect from a premium business laptop. Tasks that can utilise multiple cores, like video encoding, complex Excel calculations, or running multiple virtual machines, will expose the limitations of Intel's current architecture. The 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, while fast, feels limiting for power users who might want to run memory-intensive applications. The 512GB SSD provides decent storage performance, though the capacity feels stingy for a premium machine. The lack of upgradability means you're stuck with what you buy, which makes the storage decision more critical than it should be. The Pro 14 Premium also knows how to keep its cool. The thin profile doesn't lead to excessive heat buildup, and the fan rarely becomes intrusive during normal use. Even under sustained load, the laptop remains comfortable on your lap, and the fan noise stays at reasonable levels. This is particularly important for video calls, where sudden fan noise can be disruptive. If there's one area where the Pro 14 Premium truly justifies its premium positioning, it's battery life. The 60Wh battery, combined with Intel's efficiency-focused Lunar Lake architecture, delivers genuinely impressive endurance. Real-world usage consistently yields 7-8 hours of productivity work, with lighter tasks stretching even further. The ExpressCharge capability means you can quickly top up during short breaks, and the fact that you can charge from either side of the laptop adds practical convenience. For road warriors who spend long days in meetings or working from various locations, the battery life alone might justify the premium price. Power management is intelligent too, the laptop automatically adjusts performance based on whether you're plugged in or running on battery, maximising efficiency without requiring manual intervention. It's the kind of transparent optimisation that makes the laptop feel more premium than its spec sheet might suggest. Practicality for the pros Dell has fitted the Pro 14 Premium with an 8MP sensor that has HDR support and delivers remarkably sharp and well-lit video calls, putting many laptops to shame. The 4K still capture capability is genuinely useful for quick document scanning or impromptu headshots. The sliding privacy shutter is positioned on the top edge of the screen rather than the front, which is both more secure and less visually intrusive. The camera also supports presence detection, automatically locking the screen when you walk away and waking it when you return. It's a subtle feature that becomes surprisingly useful once you get used to it. Windows Hello facial recognition works reliably, though the backup fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button provides a nice alternative. As a Copilot+ PC, the Pro 14 Premium gets access to Microsoft's latest AI features, though the practical benefits remain limited. The 48 TOPS NPU can handle local AI processing, but most users will find cloud-based solutions more capable. Windows 11 Pro brings enterprise-grade features like BitLocker encryption and domain joining, which are table stakes for business laptops. The AI-powered features that do work well include improved Windows Search with semantic indexing, allowing you to search for files by description rather than just filename. It's a small quality-of-life improvement that adds up over time. A solid professional choice The Dell Pro 14 Premium succeeds in most of what it sets out to do, delivering a portable, efficient business laptop with dependable performance, excellent battery life, and professional features. The design is modern and appealing, the build quality is adequate for business use, and the feature set addresses real business needs. The webcam quality alone makes it worth considering for anyone who spends significant time on video calls. While everything seems to be tipping in favour of the Pro 14 Premium, one thing that isn't is its merely adequate screen. The complaint isn't that it lacks an OLED panel, but rather that it's fairly under-specced for the price. Competing products offer similar or better screens at lower prices. Though that entirely doesn't write off the Dell Pro 14 Premium. It does make for a solid choice rather than an obvious one. For business users who prioritise peace of mind above all else, the Pro 14 Premium makes sense. It's a competent professional tool that will serve most business users well. Our rating: 3.5/5 AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Indian Express
20 hours ago
- Indian Express
BenQ MA32OU review: This 4K monitor is made for your Mac
I spend a lot of time in front of a computer. In fact, I frequently switch between a variety of devices, jumping between my MacBook, Mac Mini, and iPad throughout the day. Although all of these products are complete in themselves, one thing I haven't been able to get right is finding a monitor that works well with Apple devices. I have been looking for a Mac-friendly monitor that's easy to set up, offers the right connectivity options to enhance the experience, and even helps reduce neck strain. Just when I had almost forgotten that such a monitor could exist, BenQ approached me to review its new MA320U, a monitor primarily designed for use with Macs. The MA320U is a 32-inch 4K display that offers expansive screen real estate, impressive detail, and excellent color reproduction. The result is a versatile monitor that works seamlessly with devices like the MacBook Air and Mac Mini. Here's my review of the BenQ MA320U. What: BenQ MA320U | Price: Rs 51,998 The MA320U takes design cues from Apple products, aiming to match their aesthetics, though the plastic build quality doesn't quite deliver a premium feel. That said, the monitor features clean lines and a minimalistic look. It also comes with an excellent stand, offering some of the most flexibility you will find in any monitor, and the entire setup takes just seconds. In contrast, Apple charges extra for the stand with its high-end Studio Display. The MA320U's stand also allows the monitor to rotate 90 degrees into an upright (portrait) position, which can be useful for graphic design or photo-editing work. I found the inclusion of a rubber patch on top of the monitor stand to be an interesting design choice, as it lets you place MacBooks, iPhone or AirPods on it without worrying about scratches. I wish the rubber pad had a built-in wireless charging, which could be a great addition. The main controls are located at the bottom, with the power button placed separately. All display outputs are positioned on the lower-left side at the rear of the monitor, including a pair of HDMI 2.0 ports, one of the two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports – the second of which can supply up to 90 watts of power to a connected device, such as a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. On the right side of the display chin, you will also find the second USB-A port alongside a headphone jack. There are no dedicated DisplayPort connectors, but one of the USB-C ports supports DisplayPort for video input when connected to a Thunderbolt port on your Mac. The MA320U has also built-in speakers, but they are quite weak. I prefer using my Bose computer speakers instead. The 32-inch 4K (3840×2160) screen is a pleasure to look at, offering good contrast and brightness. Although it doesn't feature an OLED panel, and therefore lacks the rich, high-contrast visuals OLEDs are known for, it does support HDR, which adds great impact to the viewing experience. I found the 'M-Book' mode to be a clever integration, designed to match the colours of a MacBook display. The monitor also supports 99 per cent of the sRGB colour space and 97 per cent of the DCI-P3 standard, making it suitable for basic graphics work, photography, and video editing. Essentially, this monitor is great for semi-professional use. However, creative professionals may look elsewhere, and understandably so, as they require more precise colour calibration and advanced controls. BenQ also offers app support through its Display Pilot software, which is compatible with both Macs and Windows PCs. The app provides access to monitor controls that are otherwise inaccessible through the on-screen display (OSD), allowing you to quickly adjust settings such as the colour profile or toggle HDR on and off. Although the app is useful, it does require some technical knowledge to understand and choose the right colour profiles and HDR settings. I don't think the average user would need this app, but for those who are into photo or video editing, it could be a valuable addition. The BenQ MA320U is designed first and foremost as a Mac-centric monitor, and the fact that it comes with pre-tuned colours by default is a great feature. It offers ample brightness, supports 4K resolution, and includes HDR as well. That said, the monitor isn't exactly budget-friendly, but it's still quite affordable compared to the Apple Studio Display. A monitor is a long-term investment, and I suggest always considering factors like display technology, size, weight and mounting options, ports, and overall connectivity before making a decision. Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: ... Read More
