Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Ford debuts Bronco and Mustang themed e-bikes for the eco-conscious motorheads

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Bronco and Mustang are Ford’s acclaimed models that have redefined the performance car industry. Now the US-based automotive giant wants to ride the e-bike wave just like Jeep, Porsche and GM have done. They’ve collaborated with bike company N Plus to create two e-bikes inspired by the legendary models.

The high-performance two-wheelers not only carry the aesthetical legacy of the Bronco and Mustang but also deliver with their high-performance hardware. The Bronco version has an off-roading character while the Mustang one has the pure muscle to beat any other e-bike in a drag race.

Designer: Ford and N Plus

According to Tyler Hill, Ford’s global brand licensing manager, “These new e-bikes will allow more people to experience the adventurous spirit of a Bronco and the exhilaration of a Mustang from the moment they grip the handlebar.” That’s evident from the specifications of the two models. Both these variants will have four-piston hydraulic brakes and a center-aligned colored LCD panel to display vital information including speed, battery life and range.

The Bronco e-bike gets a 750W hub motor for superior torque of 85 Nm to conquer steep hills and a dual-suspension system to counter the punishment of the rugged terrain. Ford calls this G.O.A.T (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain). This e-bike with a motorcycle-styled comfortable saddle is rated as Class 3 as it can hit top speeds of 28 mph. The battery range is promised at 60 miles on a single charge, and it can be topped in 3.5 hours. This one will ride on Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hardwall 27.5 x 2.6-inch tires for better grip and traction out of tight corners.

The sporty Mustang e-bike will further come in two variants with specifications more or less same as the beefier Bronco variant. One will be a standard model and the other a limited-edition Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition for purists. Both versions will get the Pirelli Angel GT semi-slick tires. The seat is going to be more conventional and you will instantly like the Mustang-style triple-bar tail light.

Coming from the house of Ford, these celebrated models will have a steep starting price of $4,500 for the Bronco’s Area 51 blue model and $4,000 for the Mustang Carbonized Gray Metallic version. Buyers can also choose from 10 custom paint color options that’ll add $390 to the cost. The e-bikes can be pre-ordered right away from the company’s website. Deliveries are expected to commence later this year.

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Transparent Game Boy with detachable projector promises uninterrupted gaming on the big screen

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Nintendo Game Boy is one of the bestselling consoles of all time, owing to its competitive pricing and gamer-friendly features. Right from the original version to the consequent variants released in the 90s, the handheld gaming console has been popular across generations and inspired similar designs all these years.

While Nintendo has no plans to release a Game Boy version in the future, a concept design puts the handheld right in the realms of ultra-advanced gaming accessories. The gaming handheld visualized here solves your gaming needs indoors and outdoors sans any restrictions on whether you prefer playing it on the native small screen or the bigger one.

Designer: LFD Official

That’s possible with an integrated mini projector that can be taken right off the back of the handheld and positioned to project on any room wall, outdoor tent, or anything with a plain surface. This detachable projector module seamlessly switches the gameplay output, so you can enjoy games on the big canvas anytime. The transparent aesthetics of the handheld are inspired by the clear transparent version dubbed Game Boy Bros. released in 1995.

The display is much bigger, using most of the screen real estate with minimal bezels. Right below it are the gamepad controls that are much bigger and more tactile for improved gameplay and ergonomics. The tiny hardware of the gadget is enclosed in a transparent polycarbonate housing protected by the gorilla glass layer. To make this modern Nintendo handheld stand out, the designer envisions it in cool color options – Flame Scarlet, Greenery, Ultra Violet and Blue Grotto.

The back panel of the handheld holds the detachable projector in place and adjacent is the speaker to enjoy multimedia content and favorite games on the go. The UI of the gadget is heavily influenced by the Game Boy cartridge and the pixelated Gill Sans font evokes the neo-retro feel.

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This watercraft turns into a submersible as the seating compartment lowers down underwater

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The Titan submersible implosion was a grim reminder of the serious dangers involved in deep-sea expeditions and explorations for eco-tourism. While some might argue that it is way better than exploration on the sea surface, there’s got to be a better and safer way to experience the wonders of the underwater world in person.

François-Alexandre Bertrand has a solution in the form of Platypus Craft prototype, a semi-submersible vessel for safe and feasible underwater exploration. This is in line with breaking the notion that water adventure activities and environmental responsibility are hard to coexist. Clear from the naming convention, the zero-emission craft is inspired by the amphibious Playptus mammal.

Designer: Playptus Craft and Evoy

The five-seater watercraft is developed in partnership with Evoy who have developed the high-output electric motors for the vessel. Platypus Craft has some cool trickery up its sleeve for underwater exploration. The seating platform can be lowered down completely to submerge the riders safely for a whole new experience. It comes with an array of safety equipment like retractable air hoses connected to an onboard compressor.

This dual configuration has many benefits, including multi-functionality and fewer chances of harming the marine ecosystem. One can use it for riding the waters for scenic trips or more intense underwater explorations within the safety norms.

The watercraft gets twin Evoy Outboard Breeze 120+ electric motors mated to a 63KW twin battery pack. This makes the vessel having a catamaran hull design, reach a top speed of 25 knots and have a cruising speed of 15 knots when riding the surface. When submerged underwater, Platypus Craft prototype’s speed is reduced to a comfortable 3 to 5 knots for unobstructed views of the marine life. In the submerged mode, the craft can cover an impressive distance of 30 to 80 nautical miles.

Initially, the maker is going to release the Platypus Yacht Edition in 2025, fueling a new era of submersible explorations sans the inherent dangers of deep-sea explorations. The watercraft will be the first ever commercially available submersible to feature Evoy’s electric motor system that comes with zero-emission promise and also eliminates the typical fuel slicks and bilge water problems with non-electric versions.

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Breville’s new Oracle brews barista-quality cold and hot coffee at “Jet” speeds with precision

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I’m a coffee buff but have a limited sense of good coffee. A simple machine keeps me satisfied but a nice brew at a café really tells the difference. I wouldn’t say I’m going to translate into someone keen on brewing specialty coffee at home anytime soon. But if you’ve been yearning for barista-level precision and control over your cup of coffee, you can settle for the new Breville Oracle Jet, which is now available in the US.

A keen coffee machine that can produce hot or cold-press espresso, most of it automatically, the Oracle Jet is Australia-based Breville’s first-of-its-kind option on the market. From how it appears, it’s an impressive coffee machine with a brushed stainless steel finish (available in a range of exclusive colors) featuring a touchscreen display that would let you control it in most cases. Interesting however is the fact that the intuitive machine automatically does the grinding, dosing, and tamping to eliminate the human intervention, yet enhancing the brew quality in return.

Designer: Breville

What really distinguishes Breville’s new entrant in the world of specialty brewing at home concept is its ability to brew perfect cold espresso drinks. In fact, it’s the first in the Breville’s portfolio that makes cold brew but then the price of the machines really makes me skip a beat. Not that I was going to make an effort to secure finances for purchase, but $2000 for the coffee machine will have many like me deterred and setting in return for a regular drip coffee maker.

This doesn’t at all mean that the Oracle Jet does not have its mouth where the money is. Of course, the price is nothing for a good shot of cold brew espresso that this machine has been designed and manufactured to achieve with little to no effort. A definitely lift up of your stature from a barista visitor to a full-blown coffee specialist at home!

As an auto cold-brew espresso machine, it requires a bit of doing to install it and get the beans and water calibrated. Thereafter the process is pretty automatic and straight-forward. The touchscreen panel onboard is where all the controls are for you to set the grind size, switch between hot and cold brew or add your choice of milk to the coffee. The controls on the screen are generated with the tech-based ‘barista guidance,” and the machine helps execute the moves to brew you a perfect temperature espresso every time of the day.

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This compact off-road trailer with staircase to the rooftop tent can park in any Aussie garage

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It’s an adventurous world full of competition to the brim. When every camping trailer manufacturer is distinguishing itself from the pack by expanding the living space for the better of the occupants; HardKorr, a company from Australia, known for its Xplorer trailer, is trimming the height of the famous model so that its little brother can fit comfortably within a standard size garage of a typical Aussie home.

Fascinatingly, that’s not just the brightest aspect of the Xplorer 2.0, happily called the ‘Shorty.’ Shorty is designed – with all the features and skills of the OG – to allow you to live comfortably in the outdoors for weeks and months with your family, without compromising the comfort and living space, and return home to stow the trailer conveniently in your city apartment garage until it’s required the next time.

Designer: Hardkorr

Of course, Xplorer 2.0 is one of the few garage-compatible trailers down under. It is also one of the very few with an integrated staircase to the rooftop tent. This feature makes it a rooftop camper trailer that’s easily accessible by kids and pets you may have along on your journey. And since the Shorty is not all too small, it gives you enough living space under the awnings and a sizable kitchen area for your culinary escapades on-the-go.

To that accord, the Xplorer ‘Shorty’ 2.0 has a slide-out outdoor kitchen complete with a two-burner stove, a large prep area, and a removable sink. Just behind is the slide-out 96-l fridge with another pull-out tray just underneath it, which creates an additional prep space. On the opposite side of the trailer are two separate hatches for carrying batteries and gear, and above that is a drop-down privacy tent that can be used when taking a shower. The shower here is attached to the kitchen sink and draws water from the instant water heater.

Comprising a lightweight aluminum body, the new Xplorer 2.0 is conveniently towable with any offroad-capable vehicle. It can set up in under five minutes and pack back in almost the same time. On the roof, you have a spacious queen-sized tent, and the trailer itself is loaded with plenty of storage sections, combining to give you upward of 3,450-l of storage space. While the integrated staircase makes it easy for everyone to get up into the bed, the robust off-road suspension, galvanized chassis, and all-terrain tires allow the Xplorer camper trailer to easily handle tough terrains and off-road journeys you want to make by yourself or with your family. These can be extended adventures in the Shorty that comes with a 170W solar panel and 2,000W inverter taking care of the power needs. Retailing for about $24,000 (AUD 35,990), the camper trailer is worth the contention more so as it may be available in the US as well.

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BMW Motorrad x Vagabund electric bike has integrated umbrella and Teenage Engineering speaker

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BMW Motorrad Austria has joined forces with design studio VAGABUND to create a custom CE 02 eParkourer ride. The electric bike has a futuristic vibe and retro flair that’ll appeal to Gen-Z and millennials too.

Unlike other electric scooters, this one-off ride gives a sneak peek of where the future of two-wheelers is headed. That’s because it has an integrated BT speaker, hidden umbrella and a strapped skateboard grip tape for all your city riding needs.

Designer: BMW Motorrad

The urban commuter will spark interest in electric bikes that can otherwise have the style and feature-rich element missing. It has a two-tone look which goes perfectly with the needs of the modern crowd. Coming on to the BMW CE 02 bike, it tops at a speed of 59 mph and we expect this special version to have the same 48-volt electric motor and drivetrain. It churns out a peak output of 11 kW and offers a range of 55 miles on a single charge. This bike differs in visual appeal as it has a bit more spark with the contrasted white accents. This white influence is carried onto the half-white wheels.

What makes this electric scooter distinct is the integrated OB-4 Magic Radio by Teenage Engineering and a running board with skateboard grip tape. That cool exhaust that you see is for aesthetics, as well as storing a foldable umbrella for the untimely downpour. All these added elements resonate well with the retro-futuristic vibe of the EV. Mixed with the white and black tones is the lively tan of the saddle.

BMW Motorrad has not detailed a lot about the CE 02 x Vagabund edition, however, it is ultra-exclusive simply because of the $549 TE speaker that has a minimalistic theme.

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This limited edition 4×4 off road camper van discreetly fits two double beds in the roof

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We have been through various iterations of 4×4 off-roading camper vans that adventurers swear by. Yet there is scope for new entrants, not so much because of the market demand, but because of the scope for innovation, which companies try and explore at every given opportunity. The latest in the league is the Vanyx 4×4 off-roader which distinguishes itself with its robust yet lightweight construction, ensuring top-notch performance on any terrain.

Conceived for long-term travelers, the camper allows you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty while keeping safe and self-sufficient for weeks on the trot. It is therefore designed with the idea of eliminating the reliance on diesel and maximizing self-sufficiency in electricity and water.

Designer: Vanyx

Loosely termed as “A Game-Changer in Camper Vans,” the Vanyx could revolutionize the camper van market with its carbon fiber “Luxury Edition,” of which only 99 units will be produced. Its exclusivity is not in the limited nature, but the ingenious split separate floors design that puts sleeping and living areas on different levels.

This German-built all-wheel-drive van home is packed with sufficient features and impresses especially with spaciousness and comfort on both levels. It allows occupants to explore and live autonomously and sustainably for extended days on the treks off the road. The motorhome comes with the option to choose from three distinct interior styles, comprising wood finish, stone surfaces, leather colors and even different mattress options.

A standout luxury feature is the specially developed underfloor heating. It is coupled with stationary air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable temperature inside the camping van no matter how the elements are behaving outdoors. On the outside, the Vanyx camper van is made to be durable. It features Line X protective coating and is equipped with LED light bar, a snorkel and an electric outdoor awning to stretch the living space further out when need be. For off-roading efficiency the van is provided with automatically leveling full-air suspension, that lifts for up to 15 cm ground clearance, 18-inch forged alloy wheels, and all-terrain tires.

On it inside, on the bed level of the van, you have a living area comprising an L-kitchen kitchen, a bathroom complete with a dry toilet and shower, and a dinette section. On the front is the elaborate cockpit. The sleeping area is sectioned in the high roof, the roof is made from carbon fiber and is designed to accommodate (by splitting in the middle) two double beds of which one is shorter and the other is a standard queen size. The space may seem crampy but the room height is comfortable enough to give you a nice cozy sleep under the starry sky. The off-roading experience in a camper van is incomplete if the ride doesn’t ensure off-grid living. Besides the mentioned conveniences like the complete kitchen and dry toilet; the Vanyx comes with a 1200 Ah LiFePo4 lithium battery, 800W solar panels, and a 700-l fresh water tank. Starting at around a million-dollar mark, the high-luxury camper also includes a 6 kW diesel heater.

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Disrupt the norm and liberate your charging woes with UAG’s robust and foldable SRGE 3-in-1 Travel Charger

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Some gadgets have become an integral part of our lives. Arguably, these are the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods when you’re in the Apple ecosystem. Whether you are at your desk or on the road, the power in your devices is a must. The two common ways to keep them powered are to either have three different chargers plugged into as many ports, or one charging solution waiting to take turns with different devices.

This is where versatile charging solutions like the Urban Armor Gear’s SRGE 3-in-1 Travel Charger come in. A charging solution tailored to handle all three of your devices simultaneously so that they are ready to go throughout the day; the lightweight, foldable, and immensely compact charger is a one-stop solution you will need to power the devices on the go.

Designer: UAG

Urban Armor Gear is known for providing stylish yet rugged phone cases that meet US military Standards for protection against accidental drops and shocks. There is no such certification assurance for this SRGE 3-in-1 Travel/Desktop Charger, but it does have a very robust smooth PU finish exterior accompanied by a slim and folding form factor to facilitate storage and transportation.

Featuring dedicated charging slots for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and a pair of AirPods, the charger shares 5W to 15W of power to keep them wirelessly charged. The charging solution opens up like a book to reveal a MagSafe charging stand for the iPhone, while the provided 25W adapter – with three different charging tips to ensure convenience during international travel – powers the folding charger to deliver maximum possible output.

The built-in magnetic stand for the iPhone flips up to charge. It can also securely hold the phone at an optimal viewing angle if you want to consume media while the devices are charging. Designed to be carried in the backpack, or used on the nightstand, the SRGE 3-in-1 Travel Charger comes packed in a premium accessory pouch with a 4-foot braided cable and the 25W adapter (with attachments) in the box. Compatible with iPhone 12 and later; Apple Watch Series, Ultra, SE; and AirPods Pro 2nd and 3rd Gen, the UAG charger is retailing for $169.95 in gray and black colors.

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Honda HP-X Concept revived after forty years has the signature wedge-shape and futuristic vibe

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This year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will have a head turner in the shape of a classic supercar resurrected to showcase the vision of the future back in the 80s. The Honda HP-X Concept unveiled five decades ago at the 1984 Turin Auto Show is going to debut again at the North American Auto Show.

The mid-engine supercar was designed by Iconic Italian design firm Pininfarina and was marked by its sharp wedge profile. The concept immediately caught attention for its jet-engine-inspired cockpit and Knight Rider-like advanced tech. This will be the first time in more than 50 years that a Japanese vehicle will be showcased at the Pebble Beach event. The prized car restored by the two brands will take on other competing models for the “Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes” class at the 73rd Annual event on August 18, 2024.

Designer: Honda

According to Dave Marek, Acura design executive and honorary Pebble Beach Concours judge, HP-X was more than just a concept as it inspired the design and engineering of future cars like the Acura NSX. Even after so many years, the car is a living proof of Honda and Pinnifarina’s innovative spirit.  Felix Kilbertus, Pininfarina’s chief creative officer rightly stated that the vehicle had a major influence on “subsequent Honda models and the broader automotive landscape is undeniable.”

The mid-mounted 2.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine car has a fighter jet-like entry (yes no doors, not even scissor ones) into the cockpit as the Perspex canopy comes off. It also aids in aerodynamics and doubles as an air brake. HP-X was far ahead of its time with a lightweight body crafted out of carbon fiber, Kevlar and honeycomb paneling. All these materials were rare at that time and of course, cost an exorbitant amount.

This restored version retains the two-tone white and navy blue paint job with red accents. The cockpit has a nostalgic red and white suede interior, along with a button-dominated center stack console. Functionality and comfort take precedence as the car had an in-house developed Electronic Drive Support System, for real-time telemetry data, GPS navigation and adaptability to road conditions.

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This pair of hiking pants with adjustable & motorized carbon fiber module lets you climb with less muscle fatigue

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Would it be fair to set out in a pair of robotic pants to cover all 47 miles of the West Coast Trail in Vancouver, British Columbia, in record time without breaking a sweat? You’d say why not, but anyone who’s been there in excruciating pain and sweat will call out cheating. Of course, it wouldn’t be fair to make a record claim with MO/GO on but it may surely be worth bragging.

Exoskeletons and wearable mobility devices have been around for decades. Obviously, the main focus of such devices has been on assisting seniors or those with mobility issues in rehabilitation, to gain strength and independence. But if you have been following us closely, you’d know that there is a new trend on the way. Wearable robots, such as the WIM mobility assist wearable device created by WIRobotics, are being built to assist the healthy strengthen their lower limbs or walk with more confidence and freedom saving up to 20 percent energy.

Designer: Skip x Arc’teryx

Now, MO/GO is a wearable pair of robotic pants conjured up “to support and inspire adventure in a new kind of way.” Short for mountain goat, MO/GO is designed by Skip – a Google’s research and development wing, X, spinout – in collaboration with Arc’teryx, to help people tackle any elevation with less muscle fatigue and body exertion. It “makes you feel up to 30 pounds lighter as you move,” the developers suggest.

Skip is taking pre-orders for the $5,000 MO/GO, right now for a $500 discount. The $5K powered pant is the first of its kind clothing featuring an adjustable boomerang-like carbon fiber module that snaps onto the pants – at the knees and extends over the quadricep and hamstring muscles – to provide up to 40 percent boast to your legs on the way up. It gently supports the legs on the way down, and can snap off effortlessly to be stowed away when you don’t need it.

When you think of putting on something like the MO/GO on your legs, you would be concerned about the weight it would add on. Interestingly, the carbon fiber construction makes it exceptionally lightweight. It weighs only two pounds (with an onboard motor) and is powered by a battery for hours of usage. Charge it once on your way out be rest assured, you’ll make it safely back home no matter the strenuous trail you’re climbing up.

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