Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Urwerk’s UR-100V LightSpeed clocks speed of light as it beams through our solar system

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From how I believe, understanding of time is biologically inherent in animals, but humankind has always looked heavenward to keep track of time. It is not astonishing then to say that astronomy and the cosmos have been a deep-rooted inspiration for horologists through time. While the moon phase has seen the most exciting everyday rendition; the speed of light and its usage have been little explored for the wrist.

“Urwerk’s UR-100V LightSpeed is the realization of this dream.” The latest entrant in the long list of time-and-space-related timepieces in the UR-100 series, the UR-100V LightSpeed, as the name suggests, is based upon the concept of light: essentially the time sunlight takes to reach each planet in our solar system. This phenomenon with a wandering hour carousel has been physically depicted through a miniature solar system on the dial of the new UR-100V.

Designer: Urwerk

UR-100V is like most of Urwerk’s black round watches, but it differs in how it lays out the eight planets of our solar system with indications of time, a ray of sunlight takes to reach them. For instance, it needs 8.3 minutes to reach the Earth, and for the furthest planet, Neptune, it requires 4.1 hours. This is overly perplexing when you reflect on the fact that light travels at a speed of 299,792,458 km/s (symbolized mathematically by the letter “c” that forms the foundation of Einstein’s theory of relativity and the conceptual hyperspace travel in Star Trek and Star Wars universes).

This incredible beauty of distance, time and light in our solar system is embodied by the UR-100V LightSpeed, where the ultimate reference is the Sun, which is the inspiration for the black PVD-treated aluminum rotor in the back, visible through the sapphire caseback. “Starting from the Sun, we calculated and illustrated the time taken for a ray of light to reach each of the planets,” Urwerk’s artistic director and co-founder Martin Frei says.

“Wearing this creation is like having a piece of the universe on your wrist, a vision of the cosmos in miniature, on a human scale,” Martin notes. The display of the cosmic bewilderment and time telling in the UR-100V LightSpeed is powered by self-winding, in-house movement regulated by a Windfänger airscrew. The movement gives it 48 hours of power reserve, and runs three rotating satellite arms along an arc toward the bottom of the dial to mark time in hours and minutes (no hands required).

All this wonderful haute horology is packed within a durable 43mm case made from grade-5 titanium. It is adorned with layers of black carbon DLC coating, sand and a shot-blasted finish. Urwerk pairs this fascinating machinery with a red textured rubber strap featuring a folding clasp. Surprisingly, there is no mention of this being a limited edition. If you have CHF 65,000 (roughly $75,000) to spare, you can grab a celestial wonder for your wrist now!

 

 

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Lightweight, stylish Brillant Labs Frame AI-assisted glasses lets you engage more with the world

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The idea of putting a wearable on the eyes that takes immersive interaction up close and personal is a mantra every tech company wants to recite. After the bigger ones like Google and Apple doing their bits in VR and AR glasses, a startup, Brillant Labs has developed a pair of AI glasses called the Frame that promises to put the power of generative AI in front of a person’s eye. This, as the company says, will introduce a paradigm shift in an individual’s daily living.

The Brillant Labs Frame is designed as the first-ever glasses with an integrated multimodal AI assistant. This assistant is built in-house and can learn with the usage to carry out tasks for you. On that point, some of us would remember the Rabbit R1, but the little rabbit is a handheld and the Frame is a circular pair of spectacles that resembles – in design – the ones made extraordinary by the likes of Mahatma Gandhi and Steve Jobs.

Designer: Brillant Labs

With a primary focus on AI capabilities, the Frame is backed by AR John Hanke, CEO Niantic, company behind the popular Pokémon Go. The dual combination of technology is accompanied by a small display. The 640 x 400p micro-OLED display can show graphics and text overlayed on a real-world environment. In the middle of the Frame is a camera and the battery powering it is stationed at the back.

The Frame weighs only 40g and to ensure it is a new leap in wearable technology, it comes with the always-on AI assistant called Noa. The assistant taps into generative AI models like GPT-2, Whisper AI, and Stability AI, to generate text and graphics from the images captured by the camera, in response to the user query. The multimodal generative AI assistant therefore performs real-world visual processing and real-time speech recognition and translation to permit a user to engage more with the world around.

Courtesy Noa, the Frame will bring new experiences to everyday life, in workplaces, or even in classrooms. This is as the glasses can respond to what you ask by voice or text, and also to what you are seeing through them. So, you can, in real-time have the Frame tell you the price of jeans you are looking at in the store (by checking up online) and take notes of the content you are reading from your textbook.

Brilliant Labs has left the Frame as an open-source project with files for hardware and software available through GitHub. Additionally, it comes with support for prescription lenses for an additional price of $99. The lightweight, stylish, and visually distinguishing Brillant Labs Frame itself costs $349 and is now available for pre-order. Shipping is likely to start from April 15, 2024.

 

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Aston Martin officially unveils track-special Vantage GT3 for its 2024 racing calendar

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Aston Martin chose the present day to reveal three of its new car models designed for three different platforms. Yes, the new generation of the Vantage is here alongside the GT3 version of the road racer and of course, the brand new AMR24 F1 that’ll hit the paddock for the 2024 Formula-1 season.

Our focus however is set on the Vantage GT3 that briefly made its debut in Daytona last month. The official reveal of the race track-oriented car developed in collaboration between Aston Martin Racing (AMR) and Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT) happened today, and it replaces the outgoing Vantage GT3 that debuted in 2018. The latest version comes with an upgraded chassis, improved aerodynamics, and obvious cosmetic changes – making it more appealing.

Designer: Aston Martin

The striking GT3 has a very attractive nose section highlighted by the fender-mounted headlights. It gets even more boxy with the fenders having integrated louvers and a massive wing complemented by the new diffuser. The circuit-oriented car gets the same aluminum chassis as its road-legal counterpart. Every mechanical part is covered by carbon fiber panels, lending the performance vehicle a good balance of power-to-weight ratio.

GT3 also gets the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 as the more toned-down Vantage but the unit is tweaked to comply with the FIA GT3 class regulations. Suspension on this one is majorly improved from the last model to give it better handling characteristics. This results in way better driving dynamics of the GT3 for professional and novice drivers as well. Also, the British marque promises the car has more stable braking and wears its tires more evenly.

According to Gustavo Betelli Racing Head of Performance at Aston Martin, the new GT3 is adapt for any “circuit, on any tire, and with any driver.” As we saw during the 24 Hours of Daytona the three Vantage GT3’s seemed like a complete package on the track. The number of cars in this lineup will be produced to a limited number of 30 by the end of season 2024.

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Designed for professionals, Dyson Supersonic r has a redesigned heater for precise hair drying and styling

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After revolutionizing vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, Dyson has become a design language for most of us. This is aligned with the company’s philosophy of pioneering technologies that stand out for their authenticity and innovation, whether it is the bagless vacuum, air purifier, or Supersonic hair dryer.

The Supersonic is now redesigned for the professionals in the USA. The new Supersonic r hair dryer will be exclusively available for certified stylists starting April 2024, while individuals like us will have to wait a little longer to get our hands on this reworked blow dryer.

Designer: Dyson

Designed to be half the size of the original Supersonic, the r – which is symbolic of its lower case “r”-like shape – is reckoned the lightest and most precise hair dryer from the design house. To stand true to the claims perhaps, Dyson has stuck with the professional stylist exclusive offering only. After finding a sweet spot here, Dyson knows, the sales will skyrocket the moment it opens retails.

Beyond the size and design that would make the hair dryer more comfortable to use and easier to control, the Supersonic r, comes with a re-engineered heater that bends at the end of the shaft, along the hair dryer’s r shape to ensure even heat airflow. The heater tech is the first of its kind in the industry that along with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensors, makes Supersonic r a special product in the category.

The RFID sensors can communicate with the Supersonic r to allow the pro stylist to adjust the heater and Hyperdymium motor to a precise temperature and airflow. On board, there are three airflow controls and four heat modes for the user to toggle. With the benefits of precise heat and airflow, the blow drying is made effortless with no heat damage to the hair, which is further ensured with a range of attachments for varied styling needs: from quick hair drying to defining curls all for an asking price of $570. The Supersonic r was unveiled recently at the New York Fashion Week.

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Folding Magsafe wireless charger for iPhone 15 series fits in your pocket

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Getting an iPhone 15 series smartphone brings with it the need to get those new-age accessories that make life a tad easier. A good example is the wireless charger that gets rid of any wire clutter and the freedom to charge multiple Apple devices at once. You have the option to choose from Apple’s inventory or go for the more modesty-priced, yet time-tested options from Belkin or Anker.

Also, you have the lure to choose from not-so-popular third-party Apple accessories makers who bring the latest in technology but are not 100 percent foolproof in their implementation of multi-device charging capabilities. This holds true, especially when you go beyond anything capable of charging two devices at once. 3-in-1 Magsafe wireless chargers to be precise.

Designer: 苦 口

Add to the mix of options the ability to completely fold down your Magsafe wireless charger and you’ve got yourself a utilitarian accessory that’s going to take care of juicing up every Apple gadget you own without having to worry about carrying it around. Sticking to the safer and more accepted tech trend of dual gadget wireless chargers is this Qi2 certified 2-in-1 wireless charger that folds down to a very compact size. I would even go to the extent of calling it a pocketable accessory.

This 15W Magsafe compatible concept iPhone 15 charger can orient in a laid down position or an alternate orientation where the phone can be set up in a portrait mode for productivity. Of course, the alternate pad can be used to charge your earbuds or Apple Watch in the laid-down position. While the 3-in-1 chargers give you the extra option of hanging the Watch in the third vertical slot, I would refrain from doing that, especially with kids around.

While still in the concept phase, the idea is interesting enough to be implemented by renowned accessories providers for the Apple ecosystem!

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Pagani Huayra R Evo with pop-out roof panels is optimized for performance and safety

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Pagani has unveiled its latest open-top hypercar, which pushes the boundaries of both performance and design. The latest Huayra R Evo derives inspiration from the IndyCar and the iconic Le Mans performance cars that are built for endurance to the limits. The long-tail form is influenced in particular by the Huayra R, since Horacio Pagani got majorly attracted to the single-seater’s design during the Formula Indy race in Nashville.

Horacio couldn’t help but appreciate the aeroscreens, the protective polycarbonate surfaces that replace the two roof panels for an immersive connection to the outside while experiencing the sweet rumble of the engine in the ears. From that moment on the idea of creating a beautiful, strong and harmonious car sprouted. The result, this descendant of the Huayra R took two years to complete.

Designer: Pagani

At its heart, the Electrified R Evo is powered by the Pagani 6.0-liter V12-R Evo engine, capable of generating 900 hp (at 8,750 rpm and 567 lb-ft torque). That extra power is delivered from the trumpet design for the camshafts, intake manifold and modified exhaust system. Now that level of performance on paper should rival the gasoline-powered icons of endurance racing. The six-speed sequential gearbox weighing just 176 pounds (designed in collaboration with HWA AG), 280/680 R19 Pirelli P Zero Slick tires at the front and 345/725 R20 at the rear, helical springs, electronically controlled shock absorbers, heave damper and double-wishbone suspension further optimizes handling.

The race-ready electric Pagani can hit a top speed of 218 miles per hour and is equally capable when it comes to the stopping power, courtesy of the new CCM-R self-ventilated carbon ceramic brakes and bespoke racing pads. Increased downforce of 45 percent can be attributed to the four inches extended front splitter (with integrated ductwork cooling system support), 7/5-inches longer rear, central stabilizing fin and the rear wing of course. The open-top configuration further adds a boost of 5 percent better downforce. The result is that Huyara R Evo generates more downforce than its 2,337 weight at 199 mph which is utterly impressive.

On the inside, the hypercar is snug in fireproof material with a six-point harness system and the carbon-fiber headrests with lateral protection pay an ode to safety. Pagani will give the buyers the option for left or right-hand drive configuration which is expected from the ultra-proactive client-oriented Italian marquee.

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Nissan’s interactive robots team up to make in-car parenting a breeze and favorite activity for babies onboard

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Experts suggest, going out with your fussy infant for a drive can lull them to sleep and smoothen their peace. But sitting in the car, facing the other way around in their chair, a child may not always be the happiest and you may not have all the control you desire. To your rescue, Japanese auto giant Nissan has designed cute robots that will make in-car parenting a breeze and a favorite activity for your tiny winy.

This is being made possible by Nissan through Iruyo: The Intelligent Puppet. The automaker has collaborated with compatriot Akachan Honpo, a baby goods retailer, to make the Iruyo, furry babysitter. It comes built-in with a range of sensors and communication devices to ensure parents get an affordable toy robot they can safely have around their baby.

Designer: Nissan x Akachan Honpo

To cut the chase, Iruyo: The Intelligent Puppet is a moniker used for a set of two similar-looking state-of-the-art robotic companions that vary visually in their size and come in thoughtfully fashioned red and subtler pink and white colors. The little one, aptly called the Baby Iruyo, is designed to sit near the driver – essentially in the cup holder – while the elder Iruyo rests in the backseat, facing the child sitting in their chair.

Baby Iruyo is programmed to understand voice commands; guess, only in Japanese for now. So, when the child gets cranky in the backseat, the parent can speak some consoling commands such as “I’m here” or “play peek-a-boo” and the little Iruyo relays that to the Iruyo, facing the child, which then makes suitable gestures to keep the kid entertained.

Well, Iruyo is either avatar is only a concept for now, but already the highly researched companion robot has been found to be a preoccupying activity in 90 percent of babies. Half of this percentage of babies have even experienced mood enhancements with the robot by their side. This data is instigating the makers to continue with trials and general experience sessions. One such event is slated at the Akachan Honpo store in LaLaport Yokohama on February 10 and 11.

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Leica EDC Multitool was designed for camera tinkerers as well as seasoned outdoor enthusiasts

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Multitools have a special place in an adventurer’s life, who must always be prepared for an emergency when venturing outdoors. The best preparation against the unforeseen is having a multitool in the everyday carry gear. Offering a number of simple and effective ways to tackle a range of problems when outside the house, or in the everyday routine at home, for that matter, a multitool in its portable format is a constructive option.

If you’re an enthusiast, or for the knowledge of the not-so-familiar, Victorinox and Leatherman are arguably the two most prominent names in the multitool industry. With the use of new materials and formats, many competitors and young designers are reinventing the wheel. A case in point is the Leica Multi, which is an EDC designed for the famed optics giant with impressions of its cameras reflected in the form factor.

Designer: Marco Barbosa

Over the years with its unrelenting simplicity and compactness, the Leica cameras have paved the way for all types of modern photography. Now the Leica M forms the basis for the design of a multitool that draws more than its looks from the SL2 camera. The Leica Multi has a similar machined aluminum body and is manually assembled for precision and quality.

The smallest of design features of the Marco Barbosa’s multitool reflect the Leica brand image and closely represent its analog camera details, which would allow the familiar customers to use the multitool easily due to the acquired knowledge from using Leica cameras. To keep it in line, and more productive for Leica users, the Multi is made to stick (through a housing) to the bottom of a Leica camera where the tripod does. To ensure the everyday carry gear is even more versatile to use its housing includes a spatial reading photometer that harks back to the analog days.

Talking of versatility, the Leica Multi is designed in two parts. The screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, saw, knife, scissors, corkscrew, and cap opener are located on one side, while the precision instruments like the flashlight and goldsmith’s keys are placed on the other. Opening these individual tools is easy: select the tool and rotate the handle.

When the particular tool is fully open, it locks into place so it is hassle-free to use, and pressing the shoot button unlocks the tool to retrieve it back to its residing space. All the tools have a magnetic tip and the flashlight on the Multi goes on and off with the press of the Leica logo onboard. The Leica Multi, bare bone is directed toward Leica customers, but its design and effectiveness, I presume, will leave many outdoorsy yearning!

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The 1,642 piece LEGO Mercedes-AMG W14 E Performance will arrive in March 2024

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LEGO Technic has found a deep-rooted fancy for motorsports lately with the release of the McLaren F1 MP4 Ayrton Senna LEGO set and Speed Champions 2023 McLaren. Now the group has revealed the Mercedes-AMG W14 E Performance and a smaller pull-back version. The scaled replica of Lewis Hamilton’s 2023 Mercedes-AMG W14 F1 car is highly intricate and one to get for Formula-1 fans who follow the sport passionately.

The seven-time world champion sparked the interest of audiences worldwide with his domination at the pinnacle of motorsports for nearly a decade. This has earned the team millions of fans who come to witness the driving craft of Lewis and his machine. Sadly the team has tumbled from the top spot as Red Bull hit back with a flurry of wins but that doesn’t take anything away from the champion and his glory years. This LEGO set celebrates that winning spree and domination etched forever in the hearts of Mercedes fans.

Designer: LEGO Group

LEGO Technic is expanding its ever-growing collection of motorsports replicas with the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance LEGO set. The 1/8 scale model can be built piece by piece from the individual 1,642 LEGO bricks to form the W14 measuring 13 cm tall, 63cm long and 26 cm wide. Symbolized by the black color to keep the carbon parts from being painted to reduce that minuscule amount of weight, the F1 car is crafted to the most fine details.

The see-through V6 engine has moving piston parts, a working steering wheel, suspensions, differential, slick tires (without the Pirelli branding) and a DRS rear wing to complete the build. The original livery in the form of stickers has been replicated on the bodywork, making it a very inviting final form if you love the Silver Arrows for what they are.

The LEGO set will be released on March 1, 2024, for interested buyers and I’m sure there will be many takers. Also, LEGO will release a smaller version for kids in a pull-back form to have maximum fun.

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Hotel on Wheels: Vision Pullman Express redefines luxury travel honed by Level 5 Autonomy

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Traveling luxuriously in modern times is synonymous with names like the Maybach S Class, Rolls Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera and Bentley Continental GT. Such is the lure of luxury that once you get a taste of it, you never want to go back. The same holds for the future where clean energy vehicles will overtake their gasoline-powered counterparts.

Even at that time luxury will be at the forefront for those who can afford to own. The Hotel on Wheels: Vision Pullman Express culminates from that inner desire for comfortable mobility for a premium experience. The concept vehicle designed by Arya Kani holds merit for short-term travelers as well as those who prefer more adventurous escapades wrapped in the best luxury available.

Designer: Arya Kani

The car is equipped with level 5 autonomy, dripping with utmost comfort and flexible options for traveling while working or resting. There are swappable seats, dedicated sections for rest and work for professional travelers. The buck doesn’t stop at that as there are options for flexible drop-offs, mobile bot room service and even the option to hop on one of the integrated micro-mobility scooters and bikes. Yes, these micro vehicles are housed within the huge Hotel on Wheels which justifies its name threefold.

Since we are more levied towards the design aspect let’s throw some light on the semi-flat front cabin contrasted by the elegant rear section. The front grille bears the Mercedes-Benz influence with the apparent logo muting any inquisitiveness. The daylight opening with the semi-flat glass and a front seat row seems out of place but has a valid purpose. The wavey exterior is inspired by the West Coast of the United States for that cool overall vibe.

On the inside, the car has an airy large glass roof for maximum natural light to seep in. Comfort and functionality are given precedence here with dual zones for seating and dining. There are adjustable rising seats to enjoy the panoramic view outside, whether parked or traveling. For the more flamboyant type, there is the lookout bar with the perfect ambiance for weekend fun. The interior can be turned into a private oasis with the push of a button to reduce the natural light coming in which comes in handy for the summers too.

This concept sees Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Group join forces to plug this huge gap in the futuristic vehicle market that concentrates solely on clean energy and minimalism. The designers envision a future where people will be able to rent out such vehicles for a quality-of-life experience amidst the choking strains of going minimalistic. The premium urban travel-themed aura of the vehicle will be 100 percent tailored to the needs of discerning travelers.

The choice of the two brands to develop this EV concept seems logical since Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Group have evolving businesses in travel and mobility. Take, for example, the Mercedes Sprinter and Orient Express trains by Belmond.

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