- News Fast
Products
Apple iPad 2
Mar 10th
Yes, the appearance of Steve Jobs on stage might have overshadowed the iPad itself, but there is no doubting that the new iPad does improve the original one in more than one way, even though it retains the same screen size and resolution. There is greater processing speed beneath the hood thanks to the dual core A5 processor, better graphics, a gyroscope and something we had been predicting all along — dual cameras for video calling. But those are just specs — where the iPad really scores is in the fact that it retains its very sleek design (it is now slimmer than the iPhone 4) and the brilliantly intuitive interface, courtesy iOS. Top that off with the fact it still serves up more apps than any other tablet and has managed to maintain its astonishing ten hour-plus battery in spite of the graphics and processing boost, and you can see why it is likely to remain the tablet to beat. A smart folding cover will be sold alongside, giving Apple a headstart over third-party accessory vendors. Some negatives remain; the cameras are not the greatest in town and it still does not have a memory expansion slot.
RIM BlackBerry Playbook
Mar 10th
When it was first announced in September 2010, the PlayBook was seen by many as the perfect antidote to all the ills of the iPad. It had powerful dual cameras, a 1 GHz dual core processor, awesome multitasking, HDMI port, ran Flash effortlessly, had a stunning display—and of course, BlackBerry’s formidable mail and messaging muscle. And all that holds true even today, but six months is a long time in technology, and the PlayBook has lost some of its sheen already. Doubts have been expressed about the number of apps that will be compatible with its new operating system (support for Android apps has not been ruled out) and not everyone is happy with the fact that it will need to be paired with a BlackBerry handset to be able to access a 3G network. That said, it remains very portable thanks to its 7-inch display and at 10 mm is one of the thinnest around. It has the specs to take on any of the tablets in this list. The pricing is going to be critical though.
HP TouchPad
Mar 10th
Palm’s Web OS was considered by many to have been every bit as good as iOS and Android but was unable to match the popularity of those two because of the company’s limited resources at that time. So when HP took over Palm, there was great expectation that Web OS would return not just on phones but also on tablets and HP has confirmed that recently. It may look relatively bulky and even plasticky compared to its sleek competitors, but the TouchPad is no slouch, combining a very powerful processor with a display that is on par with the iPad in terms of size and resolution. Then there is Web OS with its smooth, activity card based multitasking prowess. The TouchPad is also the only tablet in our list to feature just one camera — a front facing one for video-calling – which has triggered speculation that it might actually turn out to be the most economical tablet of them all when it finally gets released.
HTC Flyer
Mar 10th
With almost every Android tablet manufacturer opting for larger displays, dual core processors and Android 3.0, HTC has dug its heels in and gone for a 7-inch display, a single core 1.5 Ghz processor and Android 2.4. Suicidal, some might say (although HTC has since tweeted that the tablet will be upgraded to Android 3.0 ), but then they will have not seen the sleek aluminum frame of the Flyer which makes it one of the best looking tablets around. HTC has also placed its HTC Sense interface on top of Android, giving it a look and feel that is very similar to those seen on some of its handsets — good if you like it, bad if you do not. What we think really works for the Flyer, however, is the fact that it is the most portable of all the tablets in this list and is also likely to be one of the first to be running Android 2.4, which is likely to support more apps than the still nascent 3.0. HTC has decided to swim against the tide in terms of size and specs with the Flyer — only time will tell if their gamble pays off!
LG Optimus Pad
Mar 10th
It was first expected last year but was postponed to this year. Rumor was that LG was not too comfortable with either Android 2.2 or 2.3. Well, the Optimus Pad now runs Android 3.0 and is one of the few tablets in the world to have taken neither the 7 inch display size route, nor the 10 inch one — the display is 8.9 inches, although it has almost the same resolution as seen in bigger Android 3.0 tablets. It is very impressive in the specs department with a 1GHz dual core processor, but what really marks it out from the competition is the presence of dual 5MP cameras on the back which allow users to shoot 3D videos and still pictures (although you would need a 3D display to view them). You can also use the cameras for normal images, of course, which makes the Optimus Pad perhaps the first tablet to actually add significant value through its cameras. What’s more, all this comes in a package that is definitely easy on the eye. Cynics are snarling that no one uses a tablet to shoot images or video, but who knows the Optimus Pad might set off a trend of sorts. Again, a lot depends on the price.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Mar 10th
It might not have quite matched the iPad in the sales stakes (well, no tablet did), but the Samsung Galaxy Tab was considered by many to be the first real challenger to Apple’s tablet with its sleek form factor and smooth interface. Samsung has attempted to up the ante with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 which comes with a larger (10.1 inch) display, a Tegra 2 processor and perhaps the most powerful cameras ever seen on a tablet — an 8.0 megapixel one on the back and a 2.0 megapixel one on the front. And from what has been seen of it so far, it retains much of the sleekness of the original tab, although slipping it into a coat pocket can be ruled out. The fact that it runs Android 3.0 means that it will not suffer from the original Tab’s inability to run all Android apps smoothly (a result of its resolution), but on the flip side, it will have fewer apps, given that Android 3.0 still has limited apps. As we go to print, all indications are that it will be priced more competitively than the original Galaxy Tab was. If it is, the iPad could have stiff competition.
New Royal Enfield Classic
Feb 11th
The Royal Enfield Classic, the very first all new engine the firm has made for its Bullet in over 54 years! No there is nothing snide about this but rather the fact that just like the bullet wafts its way on the roads in the most pleasurable manner, it is but a reminder that to do an all new pushrod engine with the traditional appeal of a big single took some effort!
R L Ravichandran, the CEO of Royal Enfield said that the very essence that helps sell the Bullet is that it is a throwback to the past and they have nurtured this character so far pretty well. While trying to make it relevent for sale in the present emission-legislated times, they had now here to go for technology for engines of their kind. Thus technology sourcing and development is what took them so much time. The Classic in its 500cc EFI guise is a prety delightful time -machine which surely is the perffect antidote to the hyper-performing, high revving small Indo-Jap buzzbomb pleasure on two wheels a’la the latest Bullet.
Maruti-Suzuki’s new Sx4
Feb 9th
The Maruti SX4 has been one of the most underrated cars from Maruti-Suzuki stables lately. But now the company has decided to give a new life to this sedan by infusing it with the latest Suzuki’s VVT technology as well as a 4 speed automatic gearbox as an option.VVT or Variable Valve Timing allows the timing of the intake valve to be changed while the engine is running, which provides more power on tap and also cuts down any power wastage. VVT also helps to improve the efficiency of engine, optimizes fuel consumption and cuts down carbon emission. This property has made this new SX4 amongest the first A-3 segment sedan in the country that already meet the BSIV emission norms, which are shedulded to be introduced in the country by april 2010.
Its 4 speed automatic gearbox, make driving much eaiser on conjested city streets. Maruti claims that this new gear box offers upshifts and downshifts slick enough for even sporty driving.The instrument cluster also includes an electronic display to highlights the engaged gear.Pricing for the new SX4 starts at Rs 6.68 lakhs for the manual and Rs 8.02 lakh for the automatic gearbox variant.
BMW unravels 5 Series
Feb 9th
After multiple teasers and a host of rendering, BMW has finally lifted the covers off its latest 5 series. With sharper looks, cutting edges features and a host of new engines this super saloon looks all set to demolish the competition.
BMW 5 series has been styled to reflect its perfect 50:50 weight distribution with beautifully balanced proportions, short overhangs, a couple-like flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet.Compared to the competition, the new 5 series has the longest wheelbase in its class and offer an extra knee room for rear passengers.
The asymmetrically designed centre consoles are comfortably within the reach while the multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other. The engine being offered is two straight-six turbocharged with a pretty good economy as well.
The BMW 5 series Saloon is offered with a Head-up display, Night vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane change Warning, Speed Limit Info and then some. The new car go on sale by March 2010.
