A tank bag might be extra handy than a tough prime case and is a must have accent to your Kawasaki should you’re in search of storage options. You’ll need to be sure to get the best bag for the best mannequin in order that it suits correctly and there isn’t any probability of it sliding off throughout your trip. The Ninja 500 is one in every of the most popular Kawasaki motorcycles for new riders, so should you’re one of many many bikers who personal this mannequin, you may get this specialized tank bag (product code #99994-0803) for $223. (Unfortunately, the Tank Bag Bracket wanted to mount the bag is bought individually.)
The bag is 17 x 11 x 6 inches and may broaden a further three inches of vertical storage, giving it a capability of 18-21 liters. It will maintain its form even when empty due to its bolstered physique, and its waterproof nylon building means it will not put on down on you, even after many rugged rides. A rain cowl can be included. Plus, it is designed with reflective piping to make you extra seen in the dead of night.
A transparent window tray means that you can see contents from the skin, resembling change for tolls, making them straightforward to seize rapidly. An inner mesh pocket may also hold smaller, easy-to-lose objects separate and simpler to seek out. One significantly helpful characteristic is the tube port on the prime of the bag, granting you direct entry to energy banks or water bladders that may recharge your cellphone or quench your thirst. The tank bag can be straightforward to take with you on the go, due to a conveniently positioned deal with that is connected to it.
So many issues go in trunks to by no means be seen once more. It’s in all probability essentially the most handy and eliminated space for storing in existence. Garbage, forgotten purchases, discarded clothes, trash luggage you did not take to the dump — all of them merge collectively throughout activates the street till molding into one large mound of refuse that requires the jaws of life for elimination. And it is normally the case that the stuff you really need for the time being — motor oil, tire chains, windshield cleaner, jumper cables — are buried beneath all of the ineffective extra.
Trunks can get so dangerous that if you drive somebody to the airport, it’s a must to put their baggage within the backseat. If they attempt to open the trunk and look inside, you sort out them. To keep away from this, set out a day, weekend, or yr to cope with that abyss, and inform your loved ones you’re keen on them earlier than diving in. It could take a number of makes an attempt, however if you lastly see the trunk liner for the primary time in years, it will be price it.
The tailgate has developed together with the pickup trade, providing handy and safe cargo transportation.
The new Pro Access tailgate on the Ford F-150 permits for straightforward loading and unloading with its swinging door design.
The Ram 1500’s Multi-Function tailgate affords much more versatility with dual-hinged doorways for wider mattress entry and the power to deal with bigger hundreds.
As Ford has reminded us upon the discharge of the refreshed 2024 Ford F-150, the tailgate has seen nearly as a lot evolution because the pickup trade itself. The tailgate has been a no brainer because the early days of the pickup, relationship again to mid-1920s pickups by Ford. The thought of hauling something within the mattress of a automobile solely is smart if the cargo will be secured or at the least contained. A tailgate ensures that you will at the least have 4 partitions to conveniently carry cargo.
Not surprisingly, when the pickup developed with automotive development, so did its parts, together with the tailgate. The pickup is commonly a essential device on and off the worksite, however it’s additionally a helpful and succesful automobile for anybody who sometimes hauls issues. The attraction of such a utility automobile ranges from full-time employees to weekend adventurers and hobbyists who benefit from the rugged manners of a pickup. Regardless, your complete inhabitants of pickup house owners discover themselves interacting with the tailgate of their pickups sooner or later.
This evident reality has led to many alternative approaches to the trendy tailgate, together with various opening capabilities, work surfaces, and multipurpose options. As we method 2024, we seem like on the level of automotive, or pickup, climax by way of tailgate potential. Ram 1500’s Muilti-Function tailgate affords next-level loading and mattress entry privileges, whereas Ford adopts the same recipe to supply their Pro Access tailgate. And whereas these two best-in-class pickups supply related choices, they every have distinctive options that they do not share with the opposite.
We examine the three heavyweights in an effort to search out out the very best half-ton pickup on sale right this moment, and this is what we discovered
In order to provide the most recent and correct data doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Ford, Ford Authority, Stellantis Media, Honda, and KBB.
Ford’s Refreshed F Series Pickup Sports The New Pro Access Tailgate
The mid-season refresh that befell the ever-popular F-150 in 2023 introduced with it upgraded commonplace tools, cheaper EcoBoost choices, a cheeky worth hike throughout all 2024 fashions, oh, and the brand new Pro Access Tailgate. The tailgate design primarily follows the development of giving the standard tailgate barn-door-style swinging doorways. This technique permits simpler entry to the mattress of the pickup, which makes loading and unloading simpler.
The horizontal-opening tailgate doorways additionally present a technique to entry the mattress when in tight areas or when hitched to a trailer. This extra stage of ease has gained traction within the pickup panorama and is slowly catching on, with Dodge and Ford providing the upgraded tailgate choice on their top-selling pickups.
Pro Access Tailgate Functions
Ford
The Pro Access tailgate consists of a single door built-in into the tailgate that’s hinged on the passenger aspect. A specifically built-in deal with on the motive force’s aspect reduces the space one has to stroll to succeed in the deal with. This building permits the motive force to entry the mattress in a rush, because the deal with is positioned nearer to the motive force’s aspect of the automobile. Opening the swinging door grants entry at preset, various ranges.
Built-in stops and detents maintain components in place to assist keep away from over-swinging the door and knocking it in opposition to a hitch or any close by obstructions. The various levels at which the door opens are first 37 levels, then 70 levels, and at last, a full 100 levels, at which period the utmost quantity of entry supplied by the swinging door might be obtainable. Sadly, the swinging door building on the Pro Access tailgate solely supplies one door, whereas the Ram 1500’s Multi-Function tailgate options twin side-hinged doorways.
2024 Ford F-150 Refreshed Equipment
Along with the Pro Access tailgate, the F-150 acquired some inside facilities and commonplace tools upgrades. This features a heads-up show and a bigger touchscreen, together with the revamped security suite and Blue Cruise. The 2024 F Series also reduced the price of the EcoBoost hybrid powertrain choice, making financial energy choices extra accessible.
Though the 2024 line-up acquired a worth hike, its providing simply obtained sweeter. Ford has been creating its reverse digital camera and alert system, extra particularly concerning towing and tow help tech. The Pro Trailer help options make maneuvering and reversing with a trailer simpler because of a complicated radar system and enhanced cameras that talk with the onboard pc. This is all to say Ford’s self-parking tech simply realized the way to park a trailer.
The Sierra 1500 and RAM 1500 are identified for his or her premium options, and this is how these two pickups stack up in opposition to one another
Ram 1500 Multi-Function Tailgate Sets The Modern Tailgate Precedent
Debuting in 2019, the Ram 1500’s Multi-Function tailgate introduced its unique take on the two-in-one tailgate. Boasting each the standard open-down tailgate and the favored barn-door-style horizontal opening doorways, the Multi-Function tailgate supplies consumers with ease of entry and prolonged floor functionality. The Ram 1500 sits close to the highest of its class in lots of classes, together with best-in-class journey, dealing with, and inside. The addition of the Multi-Function tailgate additional builds the Ram 1500’s case as one in all America’s most succesful pickups.
Ram 1500 Multi-Function Tailgate Configurations
Open the left door solely
Open the correct door solely
Open each doorways concurrently
Open full tailgate down historically
The key distinction to remember when discussing the Ram 1500 and F-150’s fancy tailgates is the Ram’s twin side-hinged doorways. The Ram 1500 allows both tailgate doors to open outward, that means the mattress entry is wider and extra fitted to loading greater cargo. The F-150’s single-door design is nifty, however for those who wanted to load a pallet or something wider than 60 p.c of the mattress width, you’d need to drop the tailgate “the old-fashioned way”.
Ram 1500’s Design Focuses On Making Work Easier
The Multi-Function tailgate permits simpler entry to the mattress, it additionally makes loading heavier or bigger cargo extra possible. The 60/40 break up tailgate accommodates a trailer hitch and, when absolutely opened, can obtain hundreds from a forklift if want be. The lowered step and adjustable air suspension make entrance and egress simpler and safer by offering helpful stabilization and straightforward entry factors.
All of those enhanced options make the Ram 1500 extra helpful in addition to safer. Think of it as a Swiss military knife however in pickup type. Making the Ram 1500 a device is a giant a part of its attraction, because the rugged high quality and sturdiness enable for such rigors. Also, the go-anywhere angle paired with the skilled and mature look of the Ram 1500 is a win-win; making it simpler to make use of is simply icing on the cake.
Ram 1500’s Tailgate Can Withstand A Hefty Payload Cap
The load capacity is rated at more than 2,000 pounds. Meaning for those who had to make use of the standard drop-down tailgate, it is robust sufficient to hold greater than its weight. This can also be necessary to recollect, because the 60/40 break up provides separation within the tailgate’s construction on the level of the latch. This could make loading heavy cargo onto the tailgate sketchy. I imply, nobody desires to interrupt the flamboyant barn doorways. Knowing that the tailgate can deal with the work is a crucial notice.
2024 Ford F-150 And 2023 Ram 1500 Tow And Payload Cap.
Beyond its conventional V-8 and easy demeanor, discover out why the soon-to-be-discontinued and underrated Nissan Titan needs to be in your radar
Which Modern Tailgate Is Better?
Ford
This query can solely be answered by you, the client, or the reader. Both the F-150 and Ram 1500’s upgraded tailgate capabilities supply their checklist of perks, some not shared between the 2. For occasion, the Ram’s barn doorways enable extra entry by opening up your complete tailgate, whereas Ford’s Pro Access doesn’t. However, each retain their conventional drop-down tailgate potential.
A giant issue when deciding which is the highest canine would undoubtedly be the pickup as a complete. Each affords various trim ranges and improve packages. With the upgraded tailgates being an add-on, one has the liberty to match totally different trim ranges inside every model to resolve which pickup really fits your life-style -inside and out.
Best-In-Class And Notable Accolades From Both Pickups
The Ford F Series is America’s most awarded pickup and has lengthy been on the helm in the case of powerful vehicles. The 2023 F Series Super Duty pickup holds best-in-class towing and payload capacity, including an additional layer of road cred to the all-American pickup. Yet, the ram has been acknowledged by real-world check teams, together with Car And Driver, as a best choice for extra than simply work.
The light-duty Ram 1500 is a good choice for hobbyists and off-road lovers in search of a bit extra grit than the Jeep. The Ram TRX particularly is a sizzling choice, because it boasts fierce efficiency and the choice so as to add the Multi-Function tailgate. Providing each easy accessibility and high quality of efficiency. The F-150 Tremor can obtain the Pro Access tailgate, taking Ford’s ingenious rear finish off-road.
Other Notable Uncommon Tailgate Designs
Nic Sena
The hottest non-traditional tailgate not talked about on this article is that of the Honda Ridgeline. The Ridgeline is exclusive in that its tailgate opens each horizontally and vertically like The Ram 1500. The Ridgeline holds the “Industry-first” title for its dual-action tailgate. But, whereas the F-150 and Ram 1500’s horizontal-opening doorways are break up 60/40, the Ridgeline’s tailgate door opens as one lengthy door.
This affords the total entry that the Ram 1500 Multi-Function tailgate does. However, because the Ridgeline’s tailgate door is one lengthy piece, it may well restrict the place you open the tailgate horizontally, as you’d want a large berth away from obstructions. That would not bode properly for the worksite. Not to fret, although, the Honda Ridgeline is not tailor-made for the job website, it is principally made for pure enjoyable.
In addition to making opening your lock as convenient as ever, this discounted lock additionally comes with superior safety. The very first thing is, clearly, no person has your fingerprint, so that you’re secure there. It additionally comes designed with sturdy anti-theft development and an extended standby time of as much as three months. For comfort, you’ll be able to unlock it with a single contact, and the lock’s 360-degree sensor means you’ll be able to contact it on any facet to activate it.
A lock this small and handy has the potential to assist vacationers out, so it helps to know that it comes fully TSA-approved.
Using Discord voice channels instantly in your Xbox is a handy function that can actually be welcomed by many followers of each platforms. However, there are a couple of caveats to pay attention to, which is to be anticipated since they’re two separate companies which might be owned by two completely different firms. For one factor, the comparatively new function is not obtainable in all nations or areas — if Discord is not working in your Xbox, you could be situated in one among these areas. It’s at present unclear if or when the function will develop to extra markets.
You can also’t mix Discord chats with native Xbox chats. If you’ve gotten mates with solely one of many platforms, you will not be capable to group everybody into the identical get together. You additionally will not be capable to broadcast audio from Discord on Xbox to your Twitch stream should you’re streaming instantly out of your console. You additionally will not be capable to use a webcam on Discord whereas dwell streaming from Xbox. Similarly, you will not be capable to watch Discord dwell streams out of your console. Other points with dwell streaming your Xbox gameplay by Discord might also pop up and require sure adjustments to your account settings on one or each platforms.
Additional caveats embrace a limitation to decision and body price choices which might be solely obtainable to Discord Nitro subscribers, or should you’re utilizing older consoles that may solely help decrease body charges and resolutions. However, you could discover these limitations value it should you’ve been wanting to talk on Discord instantly by your Xbox whereas gaming.
A 360-degree camera is a convenient and safety feature which comes into play when driving on congested roads or in tight parking spaces
In recent years, comfort, convenience, and safety features that were typically associated with luxury cars have become more accessible in mass-market vehicles. These features include a digital driver’s display, ventilated seats, and even a 360-degree camera. The popularity of the 360-degree camera has grown so much that it is now even available in hatchbacks.
What is a 360-degree Camera?
A 360-degree camera is a useful feature that provides an all-around view of your car and its immediate surroundings, compensating for any blind spots. It eliminates the need to adjust your rearview mirrors frequently. Usually, a 360-degree camera system consists of four cameras: one at the rear (similar to a rearview parking camera), one at the front (usually integrated into the grille design), and one on each side mirror. These cameras capture images that are then stitched together by the software to create a 360-degree view. This view can be displayed on the touchscreen infotainment unit, allowing you to rotate and view the surroundings from different angles.
The 360-degree camera is particularly useful when parking in tight spots or navigating congested roads. It is also known as a “surround view monitor” or “surround view camera.” While the clarity and depth of the camera view may vary based on the price range, even the most affordable options provide significant benefits.
Here are the top 10 most affordable cars that offer a 360-degree camera:
Maruti Baleno/ Toyota Glanza
Both the Maruti Baleno and Toyota Glanza received the 360-degree camera feature in their midlife update in early 2022, making them the most affordable models in India to have this feature.
Only the top-spec trims (Alpha and V) of these models come equipped with the 360-degree camera.
The Maruti Baleno Alpha starts at Rs 9.33 lakh, while the Toyota Glanza starts at Rs 9.73 lakh.
Nissan Magnite
The Nissan Magnite, introduced in late 2020, was the first model in its segment to come with a 360-degree camera.
Nissan offers the 360-degree camera feature only on the fully loaded XV Premium variant, which is priced from Rs 8.59 lakh. The upcoming Magnite Kuro Edition is also expected to offer this feature at a lower price point.
Maruti Fronx
In early 2023, Maruti introduced the Fronx, a Baleno-based crossover aimed at the sub-4m SUV segment.
The Fronx shares most of its equipment with the Baleno, including the 360-degree camera, which is available only on the top-spec Alpha trim.
The Fronx Alpha is priced from Rs 11.47 lakh.
Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon facelift, one of the most premium sub-4m SUVs, was updated in 2023 with several new features, including a 360-degree camera.
Tata offers the Nexon with the 360-degree camera feature starting from the Creative+ trim, priced from Rs 11.70 lakh.
Maruti Brezza
In mid-2022, Maruti launched the second-generation Brezza, which now comes with many premium features, including a 360-degree camera.
The 360-degree camera is available only on the range-topping ZXi+ trim of the sub-4m SUV.
The Brezza ZXi+ is priced from Rs 12.48 lakh.
Maruti XL6
The Maruti XL6, the only MPV on this list, received a facelift in early 2022, adding features such as a 9-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree camera.
The 360-degree camera is available from the mid-spec Alpha variant onwards, with prices starting at Rs 12.56 lakh.
MG Astor
The MG Astor was one of the first compact SUVs in India to offer the convenience of a 360-degree camera.
MG provides this feature on the higher-spec Sharp and Savvy variants of the SUV.
The Sharp trim is priced from Rs 15.15 lakh onwards.
Maruti Grand Vitara/ Toyota Hyryder
Both Maruti and Toyota entered the compact SUV space in 2022 with the new Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder, respectively.
As latecomers to the segment, they come packed with premium features including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree camera.
Maruti offers the 360-degree camera on the fully loaded Alpha and Alpha+ variants of the regular and hybrid versions of the Grand Vitara, respectively. The top-spec V variant of the Hyryder also comes with the 360-degree camera.
The Grand Vitara’s Alpha trim starts at Rs 15.41 lakh, while the Hyryder’s V variant is priced from Rs 16.04 lakh.
Tata Nexon EV
The facelifted Tata Nexon EV, launched alongside the refreshed Nexon in September 2023, offers even more features. It is the only electric vehicle on this list.
The Nexon EV’s range-topping Empowered trim comes with a 360-degree camera setup and starts at Rs 17.84 lakh.
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos was the first compact SUV in India to offer a 360-degree camera when it was launched in 2019.
The facelifted Seltos continues to offer this feature, which is available only on the top-of-the-line GTX+ and X-Line variants with automatic transmissions.
The GTX+ trim is priced from Rs 19.80 lakh, while the X-Line variants are priced at Rs 20 lakh.
Other popular mass-market models that come with a 360-degree camera but didn’t make it to this list include the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, and Toyota Innova Hycross/Maruti Invicto.
Which other mass-market models would you like to see with this feature? Share your thoughts in the comments.
It’s always convenient when the many portable devices we use on a daily basis interact with and complement each other. Fitness apps on a smartphone and a smart watch, for instance, are just one very logical and natural pairing. More outlandishly, though, the Nintendo Switch’s small but mighty Joy-Con controller can serve as a controller for something else: your smartphone’s camera.
If you’ve ever tried to use your camera’s timer feature and then rushed into a group shot, only to get questionable results, you’ll appreciate this rather obscure functionality of the Joy-Con. Here’s how it works.
In September 2021, Bluetooth audio was added to the Nintendo Switch for connecting headphones. However, months prior to that, a Reddit user named Byotan showcased the Bluetooth functionality that the system already had. It’s a niche feature but impressive nonetheless.
In Byotan’s demonstration, a single Joy-Con is used (via the “A” button) to activate the shutter of an Android phone’s camera, which is set up on a stand at a short distance. You can easily set this up for yourself too.
Android and Bluetooth Versatility Strikes Again
Martin-dm/Getty Images
Here’s how to set up your Joy-Cons for remote photography on an Android device:
Open your Android smartphone’s Bluetooth settings.
Press the Sync button on your Joy-Con. It’s the small circular button between the SL and SR buttons. The indicator will quickly cycle through the player positions, indicating that the Joy-Con is searching for a Bluetooth device to pair to.
On your smartphone, you should see either Joy-Con R or Joy-Con L (depending on whether you’re using the right or left Joy-Con) in the Available Devices list. Tap it, and your Android will start pairing with the Joy-Con automatically. If you’re connecting both Joy-Con, repeat this process for the second one.
Open your smartphone’s camera app.
With the connection set up like this, pressing up on the D-Pad (left Joy-Con) or the A or B buttons (right Joy-Con) will take a photo on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, while pressing down on the D-Pad (left Joy-Con) or the X button (right Joy-Con) will close the camera app.
The specific functionality may vary depending on your device (for example, pressing A on the right Joy-Con will take a photo on a Pixel device), and the easiest way to utilize it is to configure the photo settings to your preferences using the app as usual first, and then experiment with the Joy-Con buttons afterwards. With their movement-tracking capabilities, the Joy-Cons are very capable little controllers.
Google Translate offers a user-friendly interface for translating text. However, ChatGPT can also function as a translation tool, albeit with a different approach. While it lacks dedicated language selection boxes, it is still a sophisticated option. Users can provide additional information in the text boxes to specify the desired translation perspective or context.
Make Use Of suggests that by adding phrases like “Translate [text to translate] to English from the perspective of someone discussing the COVID-19 pandemic,” the translation can be tailored accordingly. This contextual information helps ChatGPT use the most appropriate words in the translated output, enhancing the accuracy beyond a literal translation.
By providing such details to ChatGPT, users can potentially overcome challenges like gendered forms in languages such as French. However, there are several factors to consider, and ChatGPT may not always be the optimal choice for translation purposes.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
