Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

$3,000 Cybertruck Basecamp Tent is an unpolished homeless encampment missing key features

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Before the release of the Cybertruck (for eager buyers), Tesla was developing an official accessory with Heimplanet to satiate the needs of adventure junkies. Known as the Cybertruck Basecamp Tent, the sleek and stylish add-on would turn the electric truck into a sporty off-grid camping vehicle for nature lovers.

The accessory has finally shipped for people who pre-booked and unfortunately, it looks nothing like the version promised in the 2019 renders and prototype. Just like the Cybertruck’s overblown bubble hype, the Basecamp Tent for the truck bed looks like a gray blob of unfinished and shabby product that’s more like a homeless encampment.

Designer: Tesla

There are a lot of strings attached when we consider the ease of installation as Tesla recommends owners bring the thing to the service center for initial installation of the brackets. Ideally, that should not be the case as one should be able to seamlessly install it on his/her own. A user on the CybertruckOwnersClub forum says that “forcefully popping out the Aeroflap” just feels like a less-than-premium experience. Removing or reinstalling the Aeroflap compromises the waterproofing at the front of the vault. Also, the plastic pieces/clips hooked from the Aeroflap are susceptible to breaking with repeated use.

Strangely the manual lists down the “Tent Mode” – supposed to self-level on a sloped surface – which apparently doesn’t exist right now. So, should we expect some kind of update or add-on fix it? The second-hearted approach in launching this product is evident from the small little gripes. On a positive note, the Roof Peak clips are easy to locate and attach to the roof, as they fit along the triangle section of the truck’s window. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the tent, and once everything is in place, inflate the tent to set up the base for the night. Another advantage is the space under the stowed basecamp to store essentials. Not to mention the lightweight aesthetics and the use of premium materials.

If the price had been reasonable, my perspective would have been different about all the shortcomings in features and the overall design. But shelling out $3,000 for this unfinished accessory that’s a handful while installing and uninstalling, is not at all justified!

 

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Teenage Engineering-inspired Nintendo Switch feels like the minimalist handheld console we deserve

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Teenage Engineering has created a niche in the music tech market with rule-defiying products that tap into the inquisitive nature of things. No matter if it’s a field system, wireless audio, or synthesizers; if it’s from Teenage Engineering, it’s got to be worth talking about. That’s the sole reason we just love everything from the Stockholm-based audio wizard.

This time around though, it’s not something coming out of their creative factory, but rather a culmination of creative thoughts from a designer to muster up a winning product envisioned for TE. A handheld gaming console that’s fun to play around with and also one that doesn’t deviate from the core ethos of the brand. According to the designer the handheld blends into any environment, “triggering the nostalgic feeling and providing fun to the users.”

Designer: Nidharshan Suresh

The primary motivation behind this concept gaming console carrying the DNA of Teenage Engineering is to break the monotony in the design of current handheld consoles and refresh the market with a product that’s a delight to savor. The initial research identified the reason for playing games as an escape from the daily stresses of life. Another couple of motivators are the ability to boost problem-solving capabilities and live a story in pseudo-reality. One fact that was clear from the data was the end-users who are either on-the-go gamers, tech geeks, softcore gamers, or socializers.

Nidarshan employed parallel prototyping using thermocol models to fine-tune the final handheld design that falls right into place. As a TE fan, I immediately found a connection between two different worlds of audiophile bliss and gaming frenzy in this product. A cohesive form that’s minimal while retaining the ergonomic comfort of playing games for extended sessions. The color theme also piques interest in the form of orange, black and white buttons for the joystick and D-pad buttons.

The slim form factor ensures your fingers never get fatigued from constantly hitting the trigger buttons on the top. From what’s apparent this handheld gaming console is quite compact compared to the current market leaders like Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, or Nintendo Switch. That alone is a win for someone like me with small hands.

The titanium silver grey finish brings a new look to the arena which I absolutely love. Whether or not such a handheld is going to disrupt the market, only time will tell, that is if, Teenage Engineering ever designs a handheld gaming console in the near future!

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Apple Car is dead but AI reimagines what the ambitious venture could have been

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After dumping billions of dollars into the idea of an Apple Car, the Cupertino giant has officially scrapped the electric car project. So why are we ranting about it now? That’s because new details have surfaced about the inside stories of how the project was never the real deal from the beginning.

Some inside poking from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has unearthed interesting details about the highly anticipated four-wheeled car that could have been anything from a hatchback or sedan to an SUV or performance sports car. In the report by the trusted Apple tipster, there were some interesting revelations about the ambitious project that lingered on for a decade and finally laid to rest last week.

Designer: Karissa Bell (Engadget)

According to Gurman, the idea pool was divided majorly into two think tanks – ones who wanted less autonomy and others who vouched for a fully autonomous version without any human intervention.  The second option was chosen and that was the real problem on practical grounds. They were confident of breaking the code for a full self-driving vehicle and eventually, it turned out to be a challenge that was more difficult than anticipated. Some of these decisions were taken in the early phase of the 2014s when the reality was not clear and ambitions were high. Of course with Tesla also on the horizon of gaining traction, it was motivation for the Apple Car team to break the code.

Time trickled through and when the Cupertino giant realized the idea was not feasible, it was too late. That said, now the monkey is off the back, we can enjoy some of the details that lie deep in the trenches of the initial design files. Yes, these mock-ups were referred to by the core team but we’ll never get hands on those secret documents since Apple is ultra-proactive when it comes to security. The next best thing is to put in as many details as possible in an AI tool (Meta AI to be precise) and come up with these cute Apple Car designs that Engadget found enchanting.

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Renault reinvents mobility with electric rides to take on the elements of nature

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A showcase of the automotive geniuses for tomorrow, the Geneva International Motor Show 2024, saw some fascinating automobile innovations. Amid them, drenched in eye-piercing yellow theme, was Renault’s collaborative project carried out in association with reckoned French startups in the mobility sector.

Titled the Renault 5 Movements, it is a series of electric vehicles comprising a bicycle motocross, foldable sailboat, sea bike, snow bike, and a surfboard with an electric hydrofoil. This impressive and diverse range of Renault options is a nod to the elements of nature: earth, water, air, and snow, and is an integral part of the company’s 100 percent electric revolution.

Designer: Renault

For the earth, the R5 Evol BMX is an all-electric bicycle motocross designed in association with Olivier Le Quellec. The bike is powered by a 500W motor that can take you cruising at 45km/h. It is designed to combine “dynamism and performance,” which makes it a perfect option for urban commuting and living the bike thrill off the tar.

Taking to the water, Renault has a fantastic foldable sailboat designed with Antoine Simon. Dubbed the Reverso, the versatile and compact boat features a stable, rigid hull. With a payload capacity of 180 kg, this sailboat – that is apt to take a family for an outing – has a folding design. It can be disassembled into four separate floating sections for the convenience of transportation.

Following on is Renault and Flavien Neyertz’s Searacer. This electric sea bike developed for water sports, comes ready with a high-density motor that can give this electric jet ski-style a boost of up to 77km/h. The motor offers a two-hour range, which should appeal to pros and beginners alike. If the bike is not your type, Renault also has the Plume surfboard by Etienne Mombereau for you. Weighing 3kg, this surfboard with electric hydrofoil is designed to take you on water adventures at speeds of up to 35 km with 1.5 hours of run-time.

If your fancy is not satiated by the regular land and water rides, Renault has come up with an electric snowbike called the Moonbike designed by Nicolas Muron. Its chain and belt-free design comprises a track and a front ski that can help the Moonbike achieve top speeds of up to 40km/h. That should be a good speed for treading the snow paths with 3 hours of assured ride time. Whatever your choice, Renault 5 Movements has a ride for you. The information on pricing and any possible availability is in oblivion for now.

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LG’s new Bluetooth speaker will sync with battery-powered StanbyMe lifestyle TV for immersive sound

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LG placed battery in a television set and the StanbyMe was born. The portable, touchscreen display, Korean tech giant sells for $1,000, is completely wireless and comes on a height-adjustable stand so it can swivel in landscape and portrait orientation to facilitate viewing angle depending on the content you are watching. Adding to the versatility of this battery-powered TV, LG has launched StanbyMe Speaker. A soundbar that works standalone or can hook up to the StandbyMe stand using its own mounting cradle.

The cylindrical portable Bluetooth speaker wirelessly syncs with the StanbyMe display offering it a powerful sound without compromising the quality of the internal volume. The speaker weighs roughly 2.2 pounds making it extremely lightweight and portable to take anywhere you like. It comes with an IPX5 rating, so you can carry it to the poolside, but don’t take it further from there. An accidental splash is doable but it won’t survive being submerged in water.

Designer: LG

Connected to the StanbyMe, and using LG’s Wow Orchestra feature, the audio is delivered in harmony through the StanbyMe Speaker and the display’s internal speaker. When the two are linked, the display’s remote can be used to control the onboard speakers and the immersive audio output of the external speaker.

LG claims, the StanbyMe Speaker can provide 16 hours of playtime under normal usage. The Bluetooth speaker can be recharged using USB-C. The impressive run-time means you can use the speaker for viewing a series on OTT, game for hours without a stop, to join friends at home for a house party playing music all night. For the latter, the speaker has LED lights customizable (via app) to the vibe of the music you’re playing and create the desired atmosphere.

Taking care of the most integral aspects, the stereo sound of the StanbyMe Speaker is two 20mm tweeters paired with a single woofer. The dual passive radiator on the speaker helps deliver a deeper and more compelling bass, LG notes. LG StanbyME Speaker is now available in the U.S. and Korea. Through the website, LG.com the speaker is retailing for $200 in the US. The company has a plan to roll out the speaker in other markets globally, but when, is not clear at the time of writing.

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Firefly’s custom-built foldable titanium-frame bicycle fits perfectly into this Rimowa travel Case

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Ming watches exist for a clock enthusiast like me. No wonder then, I knew a thing or two about the lead founder and designer Ming Thein. I was aware that he is an avid photographer and a horologist, but honestly, I didn’t know he is also big enough a cycling buff to get Firefly to customize him an everyday bike that could fold to fit into his Rimowa luggage for easy travel.

Firefly Bicycles needs no introductions. It is known for customizing bikes to order whether you need a racer, a durable one for off-roading, or something “totally different,” in the case of Ming, a truly foldable commuter with all the bells and whistles.

Designer: Firefly

Tailored to Ming Thein, is the pictured Firefly MiniVelo travel bike. It is by virtue a titanium bicycle designed to fit perfectly inside a Rimowa travel case. The custom-made bike has been specially designed to disassemble and assemble like a puzzle to fit into a briefcase and back to ride without a flinch.

The MiniVelo thrives on its lightweight and durable chassis that can be unfastened into two halves, with other parts following suit, disassembling to fit into a piece of compact luggage. The main highlight here, which makes the entire assembly and disassembly routine interesting, is the hydraulic line couplers built into the bike frame.

The innovation of this bike design extends to the 3D printed forks, SMC Govan tri-spoke wheels, and seat post made of carbon fiber, which together contribute to the lightweight of the MiniVelo travel bike. Furthering the idea of unique travel customized to user style, Firefly allows the titanium frame to be a canvas for anodizing.

The MiniVelo, as mentioned, is made to order for a horologist with a love for travel and cycling. Firefly is not likely to, at least at the time of writing, replicate the idea for mass production. But if you are fascinated by the idea of a titanium mini bicycle, you can fit in Rimowa luggage, head over to Firefly Bicycles, and request a customized option right away.

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SylvanSport GOAT lightweight off-road trailer can haul bikes, ATVs, and sleep up to four

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Overlanding adventures demand fully ruggedized camping trailers that can take whatever the dusty and bumpy roads have to throw at them. SylvanSport did the most spectacular, for the purpose, in the Go Camper, which won numerous accolades, including the title of the “Coolest. Camper. Ever,” by National Geographic. Now, to build on the Go Camper’s off-road capabilities, the outdoor adventure goods company from North Carolina has launched the all-new GOAT.

GOAT, the Go All Terrain trailer, is a lightweight, rugged off-roader that can haul your gear, bikes, and more alongside, giving you an on-site option to pitch your tent and sleep four in comfort. If you have been on the hunt for a compact trailer for camping and hauling, your search will end at the really impactful GOAT, which is towable by anything between a Subaru Wilderness, JEEP, or a Toyota Tacoma and the like.

Designer: SylvanSport

GO All-Terrain with 1,200 lbs dry weight is designed for carrying up to 950lb payload. Its custom exterior powder-coated aluminum frame makes the lightweight trailer a more refined living space with greater versatility than the Go Camper. The GOAT has a 7-foot long, 4-foot wide, and 1.4-foot high versatile cargo area, which can double as a toy hauler for your motorbike or an ATV, if you may. Additionally, the rack system allows you to carry rooftop baskets, kayak carriers, and cargo containers safely.

When you are on the unbeaten path, you want your trailer to perform without a hiccup. To that end, the new SylvanSport’s trailer comes with all-terrain tires cushioned by Timbren HD Axle-Less suspension system, a comfortable 18 inches underbody clearance (with a spare tire hooked on the side to the aluminum body), and a very impressive 42 degrees departure angle. An optional off-read hitch makes it ready for any terrain, while the storage box on the front of the trailer gives 9 cubic feet of additional waterproof storage space.

The real magic of the GOAT is not its hauling capacity, it’s the living quarters it offers for on-the-go comfort. The canopy – ripstop nylon waterproof tent – pulls down from the trailer’s roof, attaches to the frame securely, and can be set up in under 10 minutes by two people, as seen in the promo video.

The roomy trailer is pretty impressive with 6 foot 5 inches of headroom in the center. You have a pull-down table, hooked to the front, for dining and working, while two separate (80 x 30 inch) beds flank it on both (left and right) sides. You have windows on the sides with see-through and privacy layers, and by using two table panels attached to the side beds, you get a king and a half size bed. The GOAT is available for preorder in Stealth Grey and Venture Green colorways. Its base price starts at $18,495. You can prebook now and delivery is expected to begin in April 2024.

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Dodge Charger Daytona electric is a power-packed muscle car that’ll please EV enthusiasts

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The Charger Daytona electric version has been in my crosshair for quite some time now, and Dodge has finally pulled the drapes off. Yes, the production version of an equally potent Daytona with a dual-motor powertrain is finally official. The quiet beast can deliver the same performance as its big brother powered by the Hemi V8 engine.

This highly anticipated electric muscle car is slated to be available for buyers later this year in two variants – R/T and Scat Pack. Both these versions will further have a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan options. Securing the future for such drivetrains, Dodge has already revealed plans for a Banshee performance version of the electric Charger Daytona next year. As and when that one will be released, boy… it’s going to tickle the fancies of the most avid speed demons!

Designer: Dodge

Talking of the technical specifications the electric Charger will be built on the STLA Large platform, the company’s top-of-the-line electric architecture designed for SUVs and heavy cars. There’s a bigger 100.5 kWh battery to provide all the performance-oriented power to the drivetrain. This will be accompanied by the 400V propulsion system for DC fast charging – enabling an 80 percent charge level in just 52 minutes. But we know what all you motorheads are interested in – that’s the acceleration and top speeds. The R/T churns out 456 horsepower, and 404Lb-ft of torque for shooting from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. The Scat Pack has more under its belly with 630 horsepower and 627lb-ft of torque to go from 60mph in just 3.3 seconds.

Having a drag race at those speeds requires massive stopping power, hence, the electric Dodge Charger is fitted with huge 16-inch Brembo brakes and red six-piston front/four-piston rear fixed calipers. This is paired with the “Brake by Wire” intelligent braking system that uses a central module to control vehicle deceleration for “optimum braking force and pedal feedback.” Performance in different sets of conditions should also be a cakewalk given the electric Charger is loaded with Auto, Eco, Sport, and Wet / Snow on the R/T version. The Scat Pack variant will get two additional modes – Track and Drag. As clear from the names, the track mode will optimize the car for “maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces; while the Drag mode is tailored for “optimal dragstrip launch and straight-line acceleration.”

Of course, a muscle car should not only look (with a faux exhaust) and perform like a beast but also need to have that heavy grunt to impart an impact on onlookers. Dodge has that sorted with the low-speed hum that turns into a growl as the car accelerates. Coming on to the interiors, the electric muscle car will have pretty much the same cabin build as the recent Charger models. However, there will be a tad more gadgets and technology to match the electric vehicle theme. On the front there are dual free-standing displays, one is a 10.3- or 16-inch gauge cluster and the other is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The steering wheel is more squared-off and the pistol-grip gear shifter is placed on the center console.

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MagSafe-compatible Belkin mount turns iPhone into a webcam for your Apple TV 4K

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When you pair your iPhone with the new Apple TV, you are been able to bring your family and friends – bigger and more life-like – into your living room. Thanks to the Continuity Camera feature of the latest tvOS, you can have FaceTime calls from the iPhone synced with the TV to enhance your video calling experience.

Now to help take this experience a ‘mount higher,’ Apple is making available a Belkin MagSafe-compatible mount that makes using the iPhone-enabled feature more convenient. The new Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe seamlessly converts the iPhone into a webcam for the Apple 4K TV.

Designer: Belkin

According to the information on Belkin’s website, the versatile mount can be fixed directly to your TV (with a thickness of up to 40mm without wires or tools) to help you use your iPhone’s rear camera for FaceTime or Zoom calls. When you don’t want to use it as a TV mount, you can fold it up to use as an iPhone stand in landscape or portrait mode on a table or wall (via magnetic attachment).

This is not Belkin’s first mount of this kind in any way, it has previously provided a similar mount for iMac and Apple’s external displays. This Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Apple TV 4K is a versatile option that offers negative-20 and 30-degree tilt to place the iPhone at a perfect angle during calls.

The new mount/stand, offered in durable metal construction and premium finish, is now available online from the Belkin website for $49.95. The MagSafe-compatible mount comes with a 2-year warranty and makes for an effective way to let your iPhone and TV work in harmony to make the video calling experience larger than life for you.

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This megayacht with a detachable flying airship is a billionaire’s dream come true

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Superyacht concepts, well, we’ve seen them all, right from the luxury-laden vessels to the ones that rarely crossed noblemen’s imagination. Lazzarini Design Studio has always surprised us with its unique concept yachts just when we think nothing could be better, and this one is right up there with the best.

This megayacht by the design studio reimagines what a multibillionaire would want in a luxury vessel and betters it. The idea is to make water adventures fun, and not let the owner and guests onboard get bored on long adventure trips. So, why not have a huge blimp that would be exponentially better than a helicopter parked on the deck?

Designer: Lazzarini Design Studio

Christened Colossea, the airship expands the possibility of travel and exploration by a couple of notches. It’s difficult to phantom the sheer size of this vessel and the fact that it has a detachable airship that draws inspiration from the Norge blimp. An eye-popping structure for onlookers way back a century ago in Rome, the airship was colossal. Lazzarini reimagines it with design tweaks, material upgrades, and propulsion technologies of current times. To keep the overall weight to a minimum, the airship is crafted out of carbon fiber for the external surface, as well as the internal structure.

All that power to smoothly lift the detachable blimp off the deck of the megayacht comes courtesy of the 8 electric engines. Completely capable of taking a flight between Europe and America, just like the Norge, this modern avatar of the airship houses 22 compartments and LH2 tanks for the liquid hydrogen batteries. The lift is provided by the H2 gas release into the 30,000 mc gas compartments and also the energy needs are sufficed by this system along with the solar panels on top. The advanced propulsion system gives the flying vessel measuring 106 meters, a top speed of 165 km/h. The yacht is powered by the HTS engines for a maximum speed of 22 knots.

A flying vessel so huge can haul a payload of 10,000 kg and the luxurious seating area is good enough for 24 passengers and 10 crew members. On the other hand, the 204-meter megayacht has 22 guest suites, a garage loaded with exploration gear, open-air lounges, and multiple decks with large waterfall swimming pools on the rear. All this ensures the perfect getaway ride for 44 guests and 20 crew members.

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