Tag Archives: feature

News, Technology

First Major Meta Threads Update Is Here With Some Much-Needed Features

The latest update for Threads introduces several important features that were sorely needed. One notable addition is automatic post translations, although it works differently compared to Instagram or Twitter. When you encounter a post in a language other than English, you’ll notice a translate icon next to the number of likes and replies. However, unlike Instagram’s dedicated “See Translation” button, Threads generates a translated version of posts directly beneath the text.

Keep in mind that the translation feature, like Instagram’s, is only suitable for basic translations. It may struggle when it comes to capturing colloquial phrases and idioms accurately.

If you’ve recently updated Threads on iOS but don’t see all the mentioned features, try closing and reopening the app. If they still don’t appear, be patient as the updates are rolled out gradually. According to Roth, Threads relies on server-delivered flags, and it might take some time for them to be fully released. Android users who are interested in testing the latest features can join the Threads beta testing program.

Cars, News

Tesla Introduces ‘Charge On Solar’ Option for Environmentally Friendly EV Charging

Tesla has launched a new feature called Charge on Solar that addresses a common criticism faced by electric vehicles regarding the source of their power. This feature allows Tesla owners to charge their vehicles using excess solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions.

Charge on Solar is not only a sustainable way for Tesla owners to charge their cars, but it also contributes to the wider adoption of renewable energy for transportation. Currently, this feature is only available in North America (the U.S. and Canada), and there is no information about its availability in other markets.

However, it is likely that Tesla is actively working to make this feature available in Europe and other regions. While there are no indications of extending these benefits to non-Tesla electric vehicles, Tesla has previously shown openness in sharing access to their proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS) with other EV manufacturers.

Featured

Upping The Coolness Quotient Quite Literally: Cars With Dual Zone Climate Control Under Rs 30 Lakh


Only one of the cars on this list offers this feature as standard, and the brand of the car may surprise you

Cars with dual-zone climate control

Cars have evolved significantly over the past few decades. They are no longer just a means of transportation, but also a place where we spend a significant amount of time. To enhance the in-cabin experience for occupants, carmakers, especially mass-market brands like Mahindra, Maruti, and Kia, have been equipping their cars with premium features, including dual-zone climate control. With the recent addition of dual-zone climate control in the Kia Seltos facelift, we have compiled a list of other cars priced under Rs 30 lakh that offer this luxury feature:

2023 Kia Seltos

The new Kia Seltos will be the first compact SUV in India to come equipped with dual-zone climate control. This luxury feature will be available from the higher-spec HTX variant onwards. The Kia Seltos is expected to be the most affordable car on the market with dual-zone air conditioning, at least until the facelifted Hyundai Creta is launched.

Price: Rs 15 lakh onwards (expected)

Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700, launched in mid-2021, caused quite a stir among fans due to its extensive list of premium features that were previously only available in more expensive cars. It was the first Indian midsize SUV to offer integrated dual displays (10.25-inch each), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and dual-zone climate control. Mahindra offers this comfort and convenience feature only on the range-topping AX7 variant of the SUV.

Price: Rs 20.56 lakh onwards

Mahindra Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio N, launched in mid-2022, saw a significant increase in premium features compared to its predecessor. As part of the update, dual-zone climate control from the XUV700 was introduced. However, this feature is only available on the top-spec Z8 variant of the Scorpio N.

Price: Rs 18.05 lakh onwards

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass, launched in 2017, was one of the earliest models on this list to offer dual-zone climate control. The facelifted Compass now offers dual-zone AC on all variants except for the base-spec Sport. However, the variant lineup has been reduced, with the premium comfort starting from the Longitude variant.

Price: Rs 25.64 lakh onwards

Toyota Innova Hycross

The third-generation Toyota Innova, known as the Innova HyCross, surprised everyone with its unique characteristics and premium feature additions. One of these additions is the dual-zone climate control, which is available in the top-spec ZX and ZX (O) Hybrid variants. Unlike other models that offer dual-zone AC for the front occupants, the Innova Hycross splits the convenience feature between the front and second-row passengers.

Price: Rs 29.62 lakh onwards

Maruti Invicto

The Maruti Invicto, essentially the Toyota Innova Hycross underneath with some cosmetic revisions, offers most of the same premium comforts. This includes dual-zone climate control, which is available only on the range-topping Alpha+ variant. The Invicto marks Maruti’s entry into the premium space with prices starting above Rs 20 lakh.

Price: Rs 28.42 lakh

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is the only model on this list to come with dual-zone climate control as a standard feature. It is also the most premium offering and, fortunately, the base variant falls within our price limit. Currently, it is the only car in Hyundai India’s lineup to offer this comfort and convenience feature, but we can expect the upcoming 2024 Creta to feature it as well.

Price: Rs 28.63 lakh

Do you consider dual-zone climate control as a valuable comfort in a car? Are there any other features from premium and luxury cars that you would like to see more of in mass-market models? Let us know in the comments.

All prices, ex-showroom Delhi

Motorsport

Lamborghini Huracan Successor Plays Engine Soundtrack In First Spy Video

Lamborghini is set to electrify its lineup with the successor to the Huracan, which will feature a hybrid setup similar to the Revuelto model. However, there is some uncertainty around the powertrain that will be used in the upcoming Huracan replacement. A recent spy video captures the exhaust note of the coupe, but it’s difficult to determine the exact type of engine responsible for the noise.

Last year, Lamborghini CEO Rouven Mohr mentioned that the Huracan’s successor would have between 6 and 12 cylinders. However, a later report suggested that the automaker might depart from the current car’s naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine and opt for a twin-turbocharged V8, similar to the one used in the Urus. The noise in the video is too loud to ascertain whether the test vehicle has 8 or 10 cylinders, but it does have a distinct raspy and guttural burble.


News, Technology

BMW’s New Smart Glasses: Enhancing Safety and Comfort for Motorcycle Riders

BMW has introduced the Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses to provide motorcycle riders with a range of smart and connected features. These glasses can be paired with smartphones via Bluetooth using a dedicated app. The projection position can also be adjusted according to the rider’s preference. With two size options available (medium and large), the glasses are designed to fit various helmet sizes and face shapes. BMW claims that these glasses are comfortable for long durations, providing nose pads in different sizes for optimal comfort for all riders.

In addition to their technological features, the smart glasses come with two sets of lenses: a tinted lens and an 85% transparent lens, both incorporating a certified UVA/UVB filter. To ensure clear vision, the RX adapter allows for vision adjustments of up to 4.5 diopters. The Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses are powered by a lithium-ion battery that offers up to ten hours of operation. The battery can be recharged using a supplied USB-C cable.

Although BMW has introduced the smart glasses at the BMW Motorrad Days event in Berlin, they are expected to be available to consumers before the end of 2023, as stated in their official release. The global availability details are not provided at this time, but the recommended retail price for the Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses is 690 euros ($750).

Featured

Explained: 2023 Kia Seltos And Its Variant-wise Colour And Powertrain Options


Apart from design changes inside and out and feature additions, the 2023 Kia Seltos also receives a new Pewter Olive exterior shade.

Kia Seltos

  • Bookings for the 2023 Kia Seltos will start from July 14.

  • The compact SUV will now be offered in three broad variants: Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line.

  • The facelifted Seltos now also gets the option of a new 160PS 1.5-litre T-GDi (turbo) petrol engine.

  • Now gets an enhanced feature list, including a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone control and full suite advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features.

  • Expected to be priced from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

The 2023 Kia Seltos has been unveiled in India, showcasing its refreshed design and improved range of features. While the prices for the updated Kia SUV are yet to be revealed, interested buyers can start placing their orders from July 14. Ahead of that,  the carmaker has provided a list of variant-wise color and powertrain options for the 2023 Seltos. 

The 2023 Seltos can be had in three broad variants – Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line. The Tech Line variant is further categorised into HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX and HTX+ trims, while the GT Line gets a single fully loaded trim, namely GTX+. The X-Line variant on the other hand comes in an exclusive Matte Graphite colour option. 

Colour Options

Sparkling Silver (HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+)

Kia Seltos Sparkling Sliver

(New) Pewter Olive (HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+)

Kia Seltos Pewter Olive

Gravity Grey (HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+)

Kia Seltos Grey

Intense Red (HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+)

Kia Seltos Red

Imperial Blue (HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+)

Kia Seltos Blue

Glacier White Pearl (HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+)

Kia Seltos White

Aurora Black Pearl (HTX, HTX+ and GTX+)

Kia Seltos Black

Glacier White Pearl With Black Roof (HTX+ and GTX+)

Kia Seltos White DT

Intense Red With Black Roof (HTX+ And GTX+)

Kia Seltos Red DT

Clear White (HTE and HTK)

Xclusive Matte Graphite (X-Line variant)

As seen above, the 2023 Seltos is available in two distinct white shades. The Clear White color is offered on the base-spec HTE and HTK variants, while the Glacier White Pearl option is available on all other higher-spec trims starting from HTK+. Furthermore, the dual-tone paint schemes are exclusively offered in Glacier White Pearl and Intense Red color options, limited to the top-spec HTX+ and GTX+ variants.

On the other hand, the Aurora Black Pearl shade is not offered with HTE, HTK and HTX+ variants of the facelifted Kia SUV. The Sparkling Silver colour is standard across all trims of the 2023 Seltos.

Variant-wise Engine/Gearbox Options

 

HTE

HTK

HTK+

HTX

HTX+

GTX+

X-Line

1.5-litre Petrol MT

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

      

1.5-litre Petrol CVT

      

Yes

      

1.5-litre Turbo-petrol iMT

    

Yes

  

Yes

    

1.5-litre Turbo-petrol DCT

        

Yes

Yes

Yes

1.5-litre Diesel iMT

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

    

1.5-litre Diesel AT

      

Yes

  

Yes

Yes

The 2023 Seltos is offered with a total of three engine and five transmission options, with their combinations varying depending on the chosen variants. The 1.5-liter engine delivers an output of 115PS and a torque of 144Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission. As for the 1.5-liter diesel engine, it generates 116PS of power and 250Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed clutchless manual (iMT) or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Seltos now also come with a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, which makes 160PS and 253Nm, and comes paired with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).

Expected Price and Rivals

Prices of the 2023 Kia Seltos, with its updated looks and amenities, are expected to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. Once launched, it will continue its rivalry with other compact SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor.

Read More on : Kia Seltos diesel

Gaming

Understanding How Nintendo Switch’s Controllers Track Movement

The Joy-Cons, the controllers for the Nintendo Switch, come with a range of features that enable them to track movement. One of these features is motion controls, which should ring a bell if you remember the success of the motion-sensing Wii Remote from the Nintendo Wii era. The Joy-Cons possess similar technology but in a more advanced form.

The motion control setup of the Joy-Cons consists of two primary components: the gyro sensor and the accelerometer. The gyro sensor measures the orientation of the controller, such as whether it is being held vertically, horizontally, or upside-down. On the other hand, the accelerometer detects physical movement. It captures the speed and intensity of your movements as you wiggle, swing, or sway the controller. By combining the data from the gyro sensor and the accelerometer, a Joy-Con can determine when it is being swung, the direction of the swing, and the force applied. Each Joy-Con has its own set of these systems, allowing them to detect motion independently of each other.

In addition to motion input, it’s worth mentioning the Joy-Cons’ HD rumble feature. This technology enables the controllers to provide subtle and customized haptic feedback based on the events happening in a game. Alongside the movement-detection systems, this means that if you were to swing a Joy-Con like a sword, the HD rumble would make it feel as though it were actually colliding with a hard surface.

Featured

Lower Variant Of Facelifted Kia Seltos Spotted Uncovered Ahead Of July Launch


It will finally be receiving one most-awaited feature: a panoramic sunroof

Kia Seltos facelift spied

  • Kia will launch the facelifted Seltos on July 4.

  • New spy video shows a Tech Line variant of a white Seltos with black roof.

  • Its exterior changes include new alloy wheels and connected LED taillights.

  • The video also gives a quick glimpse of the cabin showing the connected screens setup.

  • New features onboard to include dual-zone AC and ADAS.

  • To be provided with the same 1.5-litre petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engines as the Carens.

  • Prices are likely to begin from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

We are just a week away from the launch of the facelifted Kia Seltos in India. Leaked images and videos of the updated compact SUV have been surfacing online, with the latest sighting revealing an undisguised Tech (HT) Line variant of the new Seltos.

What Does The Video Uncover?

Kia Seltos facelift alloy wheel design spied

The spy video shows the facelifted Seltos in a white with black roof exterior paint option, without any camouflage. It showcases the SUV’s bigger grille, new alloy wheel design, and connected LED taillights. The video does not confirm if the spotted model had the panoramic sunroof or not.

Interior Updates

Kia Seltos facelift interior spied

While there isn’t much revealed about the SUV’s interior in the video, a brief glimpse shows an all-black cabin and the connected screens setup. Kia is expected to offer the Seltos with a revamped cabin and dashboard layout, featuring newly designed central AC vents and a more premium climate control panel.

More Tech To Play With

Kia Seltos facelift cabin

In addition to the new climate control panel and panoramic sunroof, the Kia Seltos is likely to come with a digital driver’s display. The touchscreen options will remain the same, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch screens. Key features like ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and an air purifier are expected to be retained.

The SUV’s safety kit will include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Other safety features onboard are expected to be six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and a 360-degree camera.

A Familiar Set Of Powertrains

The new Seltos will be offered with the same 115PS, 1.5-litre petrol and 116PS diesel engines as the current model. The petrol engine will continue to be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a CVT, while the diesel engine will get a 6-speed iMT and a 6-speed AT. Instead of the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit, the facelifted Seltos will receive the Carens’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160PS/253Nm), paired with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT.

Launch And Price

Kia Seltos facelift rear spied

The facelifted Kia Seltos is set to go on sale on July 4, with prices expected to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross.

Image Source

Read more on: Seltos diesel

Technology

Why you should disable Telegram’s People Nearby feature

Telegram’s People Nearby feature allows you to find other active users near your location who are browsing the same content or participating in local group chats. The purpose is to connect with people who share similar interests.

However, there are two main issues with this feature:

  1. Increased risk of unwanted attention: By revealing that you’re online to individuals nearby, you make yourself vulnerable to potential scammers and individuals with malicious intentions. It’s highly likely that someone will try to engage with you to sell you something.
  2. Potential privacy concerns: This feature has the potential to reveal your exact location in real life. This poses a significant risk, especially for those dealing with stalkers or abusive individuals. Even if you don’t have a stalker, it’s unwise to expose your location to strangers.
Featured

You Can Only Book The Top-end Maruti Invicto Strong Hybrid Ahead Of July 5 Launch


The Invicto will feature a panoramic sunroof, ADAS, and a strong-hybrid powertrain

Maruti Invicto MPV

  • Bookings for the Invicto were recently opened and the website only offers one variant option.

  • It is the fully-loaded Alpha+ variant with the strong hybrid powertrain. 

  • The Invicto is equipped with a 2-litre petrol engine and strong-hybrid technology that could provide a fuel economy of around 23kmpl. 

  • The top-end variant will come with a 10-inch touchscreen system, ventilated front seats, dual-zone AC, 360-degree camera, and ADAS. 

  • The expected price for the single fully loaded variant is around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The bookings for the Maruti Invicto are now open and its prices will be announced on July 5. It is based on the Toyota Innova Hycross and will offer the same powertrains and features. However, the Maruti Nexa booking portal suggests that the MPV will only be available in a single top-end trim – the Alpha+ strong hybrid at launch. 

Why might Maruti not offer more variants of the Invicto?

Maruti Invicto

The Innova Hycross, upon which the Maruti Invicto is based, is available in six broad variants. The Hycross is in high demand and the soaring waiting period has forced Toyota to temporarily stop taking fresh orders for the top-end strong-hybrid variants. Since Maruti is essentially sharing the Innova Hycross, high waiting times of the latter could be a primary reason for the Invicto to not have multiple variants at launch. 

Related: CD Speak: Get Ready To Pay Over Rs 30 Lakh For A Maruti MPV

Invicto hybrid details

Maruti Invicto

This also suggests that the Invicto won’t get the combustion-only 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine option, whose variants would have also been more affordable.. The hybrid powertrain that it will offer is rated at 186PS and 206Nm, while being mated with an e-CVT (single-speed transmission). The Hycross claims an efficiency of up to 23.24kmpl and we’re expecting similar figures for the Invicto. 

Comparison: Kia Carens Luxury Plus vs Toyota Innova GX

Feature-loaded only

Toyota Innova Hycross

The flagship Maruti will feature panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual-zone AC, ventilated front seats, and second-row powered Ottoman seats. Features like six airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and ADAS will take care of the safety. 

If the Maruti Invicto is actually coming in a single fully loaded variant, expect its prices to be around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be positioned as a premium MPV alternative to the Kia Carens, Tata Safari, and Mahindra XUV700.