By Ashwin Rajagopalan
Your monthly ‘how to spend it’ guide to all the cool new gadgets
SHUT THE WORLD OUT
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro becomes the first Google buds to boast of ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). The unique pairing process includes a 20-second ear seal test that Google calls ‘Silent Seal’. The buds adapt to your unique ear shape and maximise the noise blocked while delivering sound directly to your ear without leakage. There’s a single 11mm dynamic driver inside each bud but it’s the digital signal processing and noise cancelling that elevates the acoustic experience. Google opts for an elegant two-tone colour finish on the inside that contrasts the white case. Google Smarts like Live Translate and seamless Google Assistant integration make it a compelling proposition for Android users. Rs 19,990
THE MULTI-TASKING CHAMP
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 is clear evidence that foldable smartphones have transitioned from concept devices to ‘do it all’ multi-task champs. It’s a hair thinner and about 8 gm lighter than its 2021 predecessor. At its heart is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. The big change is the rear camera. The 2022 Fold comes with a 50MP primary lens and a 3X optical zoom on its telephoto lens. It’s also one of the first devices to ship with Google’s Android 12L specifically designed for larger screens. It adds to the multi-tasking abilities of the Fold 4. But it’s the primary display that stretches to 7.6-inches (with a 120Hz refresh rate) that is its calling card. Rs 1, 54,999
DEEP PURPLE
The new Apple iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max debut in a brilliant new deep purple shade aside from three other finishes. But it’s more than just a colour refresh. We’re delighted to see the Notch make way for ‘Dynamic Island’ — a new pill-shaped cut-out that houses Face ID components and the front-facing camera. It adds a whole new, intuitive navigation experience that allows you to stay on your primary display as you control multiple apps from the cut-out. The Pro Twins are powered by the new A16 bionic chip with two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. The new camera system includes the first-ever 48MP main camera on an iPhone featuring a quad-pixel sensor, and Photonic Engine, an enhanced image pipeline that dramatically improves low-light photos. Rs 1, 29,900 onwards
BRING THE THEATRE HOME
The Blaupunkt SBW600 makes a strong case for a soundbar with a satellite solution. This home entertainment solution packs 360 watts of power. Blaupunkt has positioned it as a 5.1 Dolby Audio Home Theatre Surround Soundbar that includes two satellites plus an 8-inch sub-woofer for an immersive experience. With multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Coaxial, USB, and Aux-in, it’s easy to pair multiple devices. Rs 19,990
WFH CHAMPION
Whether you need to work on split screens or need extra screen real estate for a virtual meeting screen, WFH and hybrid workflows have seen the rise of the AIO; all-in-one desktops with gigantic screens. Lenovo’s Yoga AIO 7 is a case in point. The display lives up to the ‘Yoga’ suffix; it rotates so you can flit between portrait and landscape mode. The 27-inch UHD touchscreen (3840 x 2160 pixels) is the star of the show; it peaks at 360 nits and delivers vibrant colours. We’d recommend the variant with the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor with AMD Radeon RX 6600M 8GB GDDR6 graphics card. It’s complemented by 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. Rs 1,71,990
CABIN PROOF
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is just what you need on a transatlantic flight or a long WFH day with multiple virtual meetings. It’s designed for all-day use minus the fatigue with a lightweight form, a richly-padded headband, and deep-cushioned earpads. Audiophiles will appreciate the acoustic system powered by a 42mm transducer that provides brilliant dynamics, clarity, and musicality. Its next-generation Adaptive Noise Cancellation ensures users stay immersed, hearing every thrilling detail, even in noisy environments. You can choose between Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which allows you to immerse yourself in your playlist, and the transparency mode with a flick of a button. Sennheiser’s Smart Control app allows you to customise your experience with built-in EQ, sound modes, and the new Sound Personalisation feature. Rs 34,990
Reproduced with permission from Mansworldindia.com
