Latest news with #AnujBhatia
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Dylect launches smart dashcam series to boost road safety in India
Dylect, a lifestyle electronics brand, has entered the automotive accessories space with the launch of its smart dashcam lineup. With prices starting at ₹3,499, the range aims to make in-car surveillance and safety features more accessible to drivers across all categories — from first-time car owners to families and commercial fleet operators. The newly launched range includes single channel, dual channel, and three channel dashcams. These models come equipped with features such as Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensors for superior low-light performance, G-sensors to lock important footage during impact, and supercapacitor technology for durability in India's extreme weather conditions. All models support real-time control, playback, and downloads through Dylect's mobile app, available on Android and iOS. Affordable and Feature-Rich Road Safety Devices The single channel dashcam — a category-first with an inbuilt display — is designed for entry-level users. Meanwhile, the dual and three channel variants cater to users seeking comprehensive coverage, with features such as 4K resolution, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), wide-angle lenses, built-in GPS, and cabin-view options for taxis or ride-sharing vehicles. 'Our goal with this launch is to offer reliable, feature-rich dashcams that combine smart tech with affordability, helping Indian drivers stay more aware and protected behind the wheel,' said Anuj Bhatia, Founder of Dylect. Rannvijay Singha Leads 'Scam ya Dashcam?' Campaign To raise awareness around the need for dashcams in an era of rising road accidents and fraud, Dylect has roped in actor and automobile enthusiast Rannvijay Singha as the face of its new campaign titled 'Scam ya Dashcam?' . The two-part digital film series is aimed at highlighting the role of dashcams in offering real-time evidence during on-road incidents. 'Driving has always been more than just commuting for me — it's a lifestyle. But with so much happening on our roads, having a dashcam isn't optional anymore,' said Singha. The Dylect dashcams are available through the company's official website and e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Customers purchasing from Dylect's website can avail an exclusive 10 per cent discount for a limited time. With this launch, Dylect aims to expand its portfolio beyond lifestyle electronics into smart automotive technology — providing Indian drivers with affordable yet robust road safety tools.
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event 2025 LIVE Updates: Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and more on the docket
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event 2025 LIVE Updates: In just a matter of hours, we'll be learning all about Samsung's latest line-up of foldable phones, including the much-anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7, at an in-person event in Brooklyn, New York, US, today (July 9). The South Korean electronics giant is also rumoured to be launching a more affordable version of its clamshell foldable, alongside the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. The event will be livestreamed on Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung's YouTube channel from 7:30pm IST onwards. While Samsung's smartphone sales continue to see solid growth, the company is facing business uncertainty from various trade policies such as the 25 per cent tariff on non-US-manufactured smartphones proposed by US President Donald Trump. Some of its other key businesses such as chips are also seeing weakness in financial performance. The Indian Express' Anuj Bhatia will be on the floor, going hands-on with every new product that is launched by Samsung at Galaxy Unpacked July 2025. Tune into our live blog to catch all the announcements from the event.
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Google's realistic 3D conferencing setup comes to life with the help of HP — but it comes with a $25,000 price tag
When Google showcased its 3D conferencing booth — 'Project Starline' — last year at I/O, it took video conferencing to a whole new level. Last month, at Google's developer conference, Project Starline was rebranded as Google Beam. Now, Google is turning its sci-fi technology into a commercial product, with HP becoming the first company to launch a Beam device. However, the price is an eye-watering $25,000. Called HP Dimension, the device is an AI-powered communications solution that makes video calls feel more three-dimensional and lifelike. The system uses a light field display that creates a visual depth effect of the person on the call, and it integrates six cameras into three surrounding bezels for head tracking — essentially becoming a 3D, glasses-free TV. HP says the special light field display renders participants realistically in terms of size, depth, colour, and even eye contact. AI is used to merge multiple 2D video streams of a person into a '3D light field with perfect tracking.' HP Dimension with Google Beam aims to address a major challenge in many workplaces: staying connected in remote settings. HP shares that 73 percent of knowledge workers report wanting to feel more connected to their coworkers. According to internal testing, HP Dimension with Google Beam has effectively addressed workers' connectivity concerns — showing a 28 percent increase in memory recall, a 29 percent rise in non-verbal behaviors displayed, and at least a 14 percent increase in focus on meeting partners. The HP-made Beam model features a large 65-inch display, but eventually, Beam systems will be offered in multiple screen sizes. Google says it is working with companies like Zoom, and organizations including Citadel, Deloitte, Duolingo, Hackensack Meridian Health, NEC, Recruit, and Salesforce have expressed interest and plan to bring the technology to their teams. HP stated that the Dimension will be made available to select customers later this year. The device is aimed at enterprise use — not designed for home consumers. At last year's Google I/O, in a rare opportunity, The Indian Express' Anuj Bhatia tried Google Beam (then still called Project Starline). Here's an excerpt from his hands-on experience with the 3D video calling booth. 'As I walked into the Project Starline demo room, I met Andrew Nartker, General Manager, Google, who has been the lead on this project. Nartker asked me to take a seat, assuring me that he would join me on a call in seconds. I couldn't understand what he meant by that, but I complied. I took the seat, and the screen in front of me lit up, revealing Nartker. He greeted me as if we were meeting face-to-face for the first time in a normal meeting. Within the next few minutes, I completely forgot I had just met Nartker. However, Nartker had gone to the other room and was being projected in front of me through Google's Project Starline.'
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Nintendo expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles as launch nears
Nintendo on Thursday said it would sell 15 million units of the Switch 2 console in the current financial year, but the outlook may seem conservative, likely due to unpredictability of US tariffs that could impact its bottom line. This is the first time Nintendo has publicly forecast how many units of the Switch 2 it plans to sell. The Switch 2, the successor to the Switch—the third best-selling console in history—will hit the market on June 5. Over the years, Nintendo has diversified its offerings into movies and theme parks, but 90 per cent of its revenue still comes from the video game business. However, analysts warn that Nintendo has given a more cautious Switch 2 sales outlook than expected, with many estimating sales to reach 16.8 million units. The original Switch, launched in 2017, was a surprise hit, thanks to its hybrid form factor that allows consumers to play games in handheld mode or connect the console to a TV like a traditional system. Nintendo has managed to sell over 150 million units of the Switch since its launch. For the financial year ended March 31, Nintendo reported a 43.2 percent fall in net profit to 278.8 billion yen ($1.9 billion), which was expected as consumers eagerly await the Switch 2. Nintendo forecast a net profit of 320 billion yen ($2.2 billion) for the current financial year but warned that US tariffs could impact its earnings. Investors are closely watching how the Switch 2 will perform in the market when it launches next month. The Switch 2 will be priced at $449.99—a steep $150 increase over the original Switch, which launched at $300. First-party titles will also cost more, with the flagship game Mario Kart World priced at $80. Nintendo is launching a new video game console amid concerns over US tariffs, as many tech companies scramble to respond to shifts in global trade triggered by Washington's trade policies. The US is Nintendo's largest global market, accounting for 40 per cent of its revenue. However, Nintendo is more vulnerable than some rivals, given that it imports all of its consoles to the US from Asia, where it manufactures most of its hardware. Preorders for the Switch 2 went live earlier in other countries, but Nintendo cancelled the original April 9 preorder window for the US market to assess the potential impact of the tariffs. The company has since resumed taking US preorders for the console, while keeping the price at $450. Meanwhile, rivals including Microsoft and Sony have raised console prices in certain markets, as uncertainty continues over the impact of tariffs on device costs. Nintendo has seen higher-than-expected demand for the Switch 2 based on early interest in Japan and the US, two of its key markets. Experts say the Switch 2 could become the fastest-selling console, but many are also questioning whether the veteran gaming company has enough units available to meet the overwhelming demand. Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle gadgets 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. 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
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Indian Express
Why Nothing's CMF Phone 2 Pro has the potential to make smartphones fun again
When I began my career as a tech journalist, smartphones were still a new concept for the average Indian, and their mainstream adoption was years away. Over a decade later, they are everywhere. But now, a dullness has crept in, and I don't feel as excited as I did a few years ago when I saw a new smartphone. Ask any tech journalist, and they will tell you the same. Anxiety kicks in as soon as I have a new smartphone to review, and somewhere in the back of my mind, I find myself thinking: What's there to write? Although I have drastically reduced the number of phones I review these days, I have largely lost hope that established brands will make meaningful or drastic changes to modern smartphones. However, a newer brand like Nothing is attempting to make phones fun again—at least, that's what they are promising based on my interaction with the executives at the London-based company co-founded by OnePlus fame Carl Pei and the devices I have reviewed so far. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a different type of budget smartphone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) Last year, I tried the CMF Phone 1 (review)—the first phone launched under Nothing's sub-brand—and was impressed by its clever design and semi-modular elements, which made it the best budget phone of the year. Now, Nothing is once again attempting to create a different kind of budget phone—this time with a sequel: the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Story continues below this ad While it's not exactly competing with high-end smartphones, Nothing is trying to recapture the modularity and accessible pricing that made the CMF Phone 1 stand out, while also adding a touch of novelty—or perhaps both—to its successor by once again exploring the fun side of using a smartphone. After spending some time with the CMF Phone 2 Pro (starts at Rs 16,999), I can't help but wonder: can Nothing continue to experiment with hardware and software to maximise the fun at a time when innovation in smartphones is becoming a rare sight, and making bold, creative choices is no longer as easy—or as viable—as it once was? Nothing is still a relatively new brand, and perhaps that gives it the freedom to take risks with its products—much like Apple once did. But as the company grows, I can't predict the path it will take. What I can tell you, however, is how I felt after using the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Making modularity mainstream but with lesser ambitions I remember modularity being a trend in the early 2010s, with several phone brands showing interest in exploring the concept. Some, like Motorola and LG, went ahead with it, while others—like Google's Project Ara—ended up in the graveyard of failed ideas. Modularity in smartphones was complex, challenging, and ultimately too ambitious, which is why it never caught on. Now, after so many years, Nothing is once again attempting to bring modularity to smartphones—but with a different approach. It's a scaled-down version, at least from what I have experienced. The CMF Phone 2 Pro carries forward the modularity concept introduced with the CMF Phone 1, but within more confined boundaries. Use the included screwdriver to pop off the screws and you can attach an external cover. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ Indian Express) The idea of add-on accessories is still alive (and kicking), though Nothing has tweaked the execution. On the previous version of the CMF Phone, if you recall—or not, no worries—it was possible to remove the backplate and attach accessories after manually unscrewing four screws with a provided screwdriver. That option is no longer available. Instead, accessories now attach to a screw-on case that fits over the back of the phone. Once the case is on, you can connect accessories like a kickstand–card wallet combo, a bright orange lanyard, or a pair of swappable camera lenses. You still need to remove four screws yourself using a screwdriver, though. I have loved fiddling with hardware since childhood, and this experience feels both nostalgic and satisfying. To me, it's like the simple pleasure of building a LEGO toy from scratch—even if just for a few moments—as you add and remove accessories. I am not entirely sure what made Nothing change its approach from the Phone 1, but I suspect it could be due to the newly added IP54 water resistance (an upgrade from the IP52 rating on the original CMF phone). However, even with the concept of an external backplate with built-in magnets, I didn't see any drastically new accessories. The current ones are fine—like the lanyard, which was also available with the CMF Phone 1 (review). Then there's the magnetic wallet/kickstand combo accessory that attaches to the back of the phone. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a DIY smartphone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) For me, the most exciting new additions are the two camera lenses. With the backplate attached, you can snap on either a fisheye or macro lens to the main camera. Just click them into the plastic ring around the main lens, and you are good to go. These lenses let you capture ultra-wide-angle shots or extreme close-ups. The Macro lens requires you to get closer to the subject. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) I took several photos, and the results were satisfactory. Macro lenses on budget smartphones are typically underwhelming, so it's impressive to see Nothing finding a way to let users experience macro photography on a more affordable device. These lenses add new capabilities to the camera system, bringing a refreshing sense of versatility. However, I do wish Nothing had figured out a better way to carry or store the lenses—perhaps a pouch or some other solution—as they can be easily lost. That said, the concept of external lenses isn't entirely new; you can easily find 3-in-1 mobile camera lens kits online. Story continues below this ad The big question mark is that none of the accessories launched alongside the CMF Phone 1 work with the CMF Phone 2 Pro—except for the lanyard. The commonality between the two phones is the Accessory Point, a removable circular section on the bottom-right corner edge of the phone that can be used to attach accessories like the lanyard. It's a bit of a letdown because Nothing isn't creating a true modular accessory system—which is exactly what's needed to build a modular smartphone. Another concern is that Nothing hasn't introduced any new accessories since the launch of the CMF Phone 1, which makes me wonder whether the brand plans to release a new set of accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. I am not questioning the intent or criticising the current execution, but there needs to be consistency if Nothing truly wants to build a modular ecosystem and the platform to support it. Nails the basics One look at the CMF Phone 2 Pro, and you'll instantly know this isn't your typical budget phone. Nothing has distinguished its devices with a unique translucent design language—the latest examples being the Phone 3a and 3a Pro—and that design philosophy continues with the CMF Phone 2 Pro. However, unlike the Phone 3a, this budget smartphone features a glass-like frosted texture on the back (my review unit came in a lighter shade of green) paired with a metal frame. There are other colour options available as well, with the orange variant standing out as very summer(y) and vibrant. The phone is impressively thin at 7.8mm—though that's without the backplate. It's also designed to be more durable, with an IP54 rating that offers some protection against water. The physical buttons on the side are well-positioned with good spacing between them. Story continues below this ad New to this phone is Nothing's Essential Key, which recently debuted on the Phone (3a) series. It activates Essential Space, an app that functions as a combination of a dictaphone and a note-taking tool. A short press captures a screenshot and lets you add a text note to it, while a long press allows you to record voice notes. All of this data is saved in Nothing's Essential Space app, and over time, the brand will add additional features and AI-powered optimisation. I like Nothing's AI implementation on a smartphone; it's practical and not in-your-face like others. Geeks will love the NothingOS and the user interface. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) From the front, the phone features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. This isn't a fancy LTPO panel capable of dropping down to 1Hz, but Nothing does give you the option to choose between fixed 60Hz, 120Hz, or a dynamic setting. The display is pin-sharp and bright, and even under Delhi 's bright sunlight. The performance of the phone is surprisingly impressive, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (expandable via a microSD card slot). There's more than enough power here for most everyday users. The device performs on par with other budget and mid-range phones, and I didn't experience any issues when switching between apps or playing games like Alto's Adventure. Most phones in this price range usually start to hang after a week, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro doesn't feel sluggish at all. In terms of software updates, Nothing promises three years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. That's not bad, considering the price of this phone. It ships with Android 15, with Nothing OS layered on top. I am a big fan of Nothing's take on Android; it's mostly free of bloatware, features gorgeous widgets, and offers an interesting monochrome home screen. The user interface will likely be appreciated by geeks, nerds, and anyone with a penchant for vintage tech, especially fans of '90s computers like myself. Story continues below this ad Battery life is excellent. The 5,000mAh battery easily lasted a full day with heavy usage. I wouldn't be surprised if it stretched to a second day on a single charge. Unfortunately, there's no wireless charging, though the phone does come with a power brick included in the box, a rarity to find these days. The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a triple-camera system, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, and an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. On the front, there's a 16-megapixel selfie camera. While some of the advanced features and photographic capabilities found on more expensive iPhones and Android smartphones are missing, the camera still delivers strong results in both stills and video. It's also great to see a proper telephoto lens on a budget phone like this. CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) A budget phone with a difference There's something different about the CMF Phone 2 Pro in a sea of smartphones. I love the philosophy behind this device. It's truly unique, and you can't find anything quite like it elsewhere. It's very old-school, retro-chic, yet designed for modern consumers. Maybe the CMF Phone 2 Pro isn't particularly powerful or premium-feeling, but the way Nothing is positioning it—and the overall package—makes it a strong selling point in itself. I think that's because Nothing seems to understand that smartphones have become boring and predictable, and that the sense of playfulness has long been lost. The CMF Phone 2 Pro has got a triple rear camera system. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) All said and done, I can see that the spirit of creative experimentation is still alive. Am I excited about modular smartphones? Absolutely—100 percent yes. As silly as it may sound, I would love to see someone step in and create some wacky accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro—something that could attach to the phone and offer useful features for specific situations. A sincere request to Nothing: build a true modular ecosystem and continue launching new accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Only then will consumers gain confidence in a device like this. Otherwise, the CMF Phone 2 Pro may remain niche to the average smartphone user.
