Latest news with #AnujBhatia
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Nintendo expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles as launch nears
Nintendo on Thursday said it would sell 15 million units of the Switch 2 console in the current financial year, but the outlook may seem conservative, likely due to unpredictability of US tariffs that could impact its bottom line. This is the first time Nintendo has publicly forecast how many units of the Switch 2 it plans to sell. The Switch 2, the successor to the Switch—the third best-selling console in history—will hit the market on June 5. Over the years, Nintendo has diversified its offerings into movies and theme parks, but 90 per cent of its revenue still comes from the video game business. However, analysts warn that Nintendo has given a more cautious Switch 2 sales outlook than expected, with many estimating sales to reach 16.8 million units. The original Switch, launched in 2017, was a surprise hit, thanks to its hybrid form factor that allows consumers to play games in handheld mode or connect the console to a TV like a traditional system. Nintendo has managed to sell over 150 million units of the Switch since its launch. For the financial year ended March 31, Nintendo reported a 43.2 percent fall in net profit to 278.8 billion yen ($1.9 billion), which was expected as consumers eagerly await the Switch 2. Nintendo forecast a net profit of 320 billion yen ($2.2 billion) for the current financial year but warned that US tariffs could impact its earnings. Investors are closely watching how the Switch 2 will perform in the market when it launches next month. The Switch 2 will be priced at $449.99—a steep $150 increase over the original Switch, which launched at $300. First-party titles will also cost more, with the flagship game Mario Kart World priced at $80. Nintendo is launching a new video game console amid concerns over US tariffs, as many tech companies scramble to respond to shifts in global trade triggered by Washington's trade policies. The US is Nintendo's largest global market, accounting for 40 per cent of its revenue. However, Nintendo is more vulnerable than some rivals, given that it imports all of its consoles to the US from Asia, where it manufactures most of its hardware. Preorders for the Switch 2 went live earlier in other countries, but Nintendo cancelled the original April 9 preorder window for the US market to assess the potential impact of the tariffs. The company has since resumed taking US preorders for the console, while keeping the price at $450. Meanwhile, rivals including Microsoft and Sony have raised console prices in certain markets, as uncertainty continues over the impact of tariffs on device costs. Nintendo has seen higher-than-expected demand for the Switch 2 based on early interest in Japan and the US, two of its key markets. Experts say the Switch 2 could become the fastest-selling console, but many are also questioning whether the veteran gaming company has enough units available to meet the overwhelming demand. Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle gadgets actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: ... Read More
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Indian Express
Why Nothing's CMF Phone 2 Pro has the potential to make smartphones fun again
When I began my career as a tech journalist, smartphones were still a new concept for the average Indian, and their mainstream adoption was years away. Over a decade later, they are everywhere. But now, a dullness has crept in, and I don't feel as excited as I did a few years ago when I saw a new smartphone. Ask any tech journalist, and they will tell you the same. Anxiety kicks in as soon as I have a new smartphone to review, and somewhere in the back of my mind, I find myself thinking: What's there to write? Although I have drastically reduced the number of phones I review these days, I have largely lost hope that established brands will make meaningful or drastic changes to modern smartphones. However, a newer brand like Nothing is attempting to make phones fun again—at least, that's what they are promising based on my interaction with the executives at the London-based company co-founded by OnePlus fame Carl Pei and the devices I have reviewed so far. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a different type of budget smartphone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) Last year, I tried the CMF Phone 1 (review)—the first phone launched under Nothing's sub-brand—and was impressed by its clever design and semi-modular elements, which made it the best budget phone of the year. Now, Nothing is once again attempting to create a different kind of budget phone—this time with a sequel: the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Story continues below this ad While it's not exactly competing with high-end smartphones, Nothing is trying to recapture the modularity and accessible pricing that made the CMF Phone 1 stand out, while also adding a touch of novelty—or perhaps both—to its successor by once again exploring the fun side of using a smartphone. After spending some time with the CMF Phone 2 Pro (starts at Rs 16,999), I can't help but wonder: can Nothing continue to experiment with hardware and software to maximise the fun at a time when innovation in smartphones is becoming a rare sight, and making bold, creative choices is no longer as easy—or as viable—as it once was? Nothing is still a relatively new brand, and perhaps that gives it the freedom to take risks with its products—much like Apple once did. But as the company grows, I can't predict the path it will take. What I can tell you, however, is how I felt after using the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Making modularity mainstream but with lesser ambitions I remember modularity being a trend in the early 2010s, with several phone brands showing interest in exploring the concept. Some, like Motorola and LG, went ahead with it, while others—like Google's Project Ara—ended up in the graveyard of failed ideas. Modularity in smartphones was complex, challenging, and ultimately too ambitious, which is why it never caught on. Now, after so many years, Nothing is once again attempting to bring modularity to smartphones—but with a different approach. It's a scaled-down version, at least from what I have experienced. The CMF Phone 2 Pro carries forward the modularity concept introduced with the CMF Phone 1, but within more confined boundaries. Use the included screwdriver to pop off the screws and you can attach an external cover. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ Indian Express) The idea of add-on accessories is still alive (and kicking), though Nothing has tweaked the execution. On the previous version of the CMF Phone, if you recall—or not, no worries—it was possible to remove the backplate and attach accessories after manually unscrewing four screws with a provided screwdriver. That option is no longer available. Instead, accessories now attach to a screw-on case that fits over the back of the phone. Once the case is on, you can connect accessories like a kickstand–card wallet combo, a bright orange lanyard, or a pair of swappable camera lenses. You still need to remove four screws yourself using a screwdriver, though. I have loved fiddling with hardware since childhood, and this experience feels both nostalgic and satisfying. To me, it's like the simple pleasure of building a LEGO toy from scratch—even if just for a few moments—as you add and remove accessories. I am not entirely sure what made Nothing change its approach from the Phone 1, but I suspect it could be due to the newly added IP54 water resistance (an upgrade from the IP52 rating on the original CMF phone). However, even with the concept of an external backplate with built-in magnets, I didn't see any drastically new accessories. The current ones are fine—like the lanyard, which was also available with the CMF Phone 1 (review). Then there's the magnetic wallet/kickstand combo accessory that attaches to the back of the phone. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a DIY smartphone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) For me, the most exciting new additions are the two camera lenses. With the backplate attached, you can snap on either a fisheye or macro lens to the main camera. Just click them into the plastic ring around the main lens, and you are good to go. These lenses let you capture ultra-wide-angle shots or extreme close-ups. The Macro lens requires you to get closer to the subject. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) I took several photos, and the results were satisfactory. Macro lenses on budget smartphones are typically underwhelming, so it's impressive to see Nothing finding a way to let users experience macro photography on a more affordable device. These lenses add new capabilities to the camera system, bringing a refreshing sense of versatility. However, I do wish Nothing had figured out a better way to carry or store the lenses—perhaps a pouch or some other solution—as they can be easily lost. That said, the concept of external lenses isn't entirely new; you can easily find 3-in-1 mobile camera lens kits online. Story continues below this ad The big question mark is that none of the accessories launched alongside the CMF Phone 1 work with the CMF Phone 2 Pro—except for the lanyard. The commonality between the two phones is the Accessory Point, a removable circular section on the bottom-right corner edge of the phone that can be used to attach accessories like the lanyard. It's a bit of a letdown because Nothing isn't creating a true modular accessory system—which is exactly what's needed to build a modular smartphone. Another concern is that Nothing hasn't introduced any new accessories since the launch of the CMF Phone 1, which makes me wonder whether the brand plans to release a new set of accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. I am not questioning the intent or criticising the current execution, but there needs to be consistency if Nothing truly wants to build a modular ecosystem and the platform to support it. Nails the basics One look at the CMF Phone 2 Pro, and you'll instantly know this isn't your typical budget phone. Nothing has distinguished its devices with a unique translucent design language—the latest examples being the Phone 3a and 3a Pro—and that design philosophy continues with the CMF Phone 2 Pro. However, unlike the Phone 3a, this budget smartphone features a glass-like frosted texture on the back (my review unit came in a lighter shade of green) paired with a metal frame. There are other colour options available as well, with the orange variant standing out as very summer(y) and vibrant. The phone is impressively thin at 7.8mm—though that's without the backplate. It's also designed to be more durable, with an IP54 rating that offers some protection against water. The physical buttons on the side are well-positioned with good spacing between them. Story continues below this ad New to this phone is Nothing's Essential Key, which recently debuted on the Phone (3a) series. It activates Essential Space, an app that functions as a combination of a dictaphone and a note-taking tool. A short press captures a screenshot and lets you add a text note to it, while a long press allows you to record voice notes. All of this data is saved in Nothing's Essential Space app, and over time, the brand will add additional features and AI-powered optimisation. I like Nothing's AI implementation on a smartphone; it's practical and not in-your-face like others. Geeks will love the NothingOS and the user interface. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) From the front, the phone features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. This isn't a fancy LTPO panel capable of dropping down to 1Hz, but Nothing does give you the option to choose between fixed 60Hz, 120Hz, or a dynamic setting. The display is pin-sharp and bright, and even under Delhi 's bright sunlight. The performance of the phone is surprisingly impressive, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (expandable via a microSD card slot). There's more than enough power here for most everyday users. The device performs on par with other budget and mid-range phones, and I didn't experience any issues when switching between apps or playing games like Alto's Adventure. Most phones in this price range usually start to hang after a week, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro doesn't feel sluggish at all. In terms of software updates, Nothing promises three years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. That's not bad, considering the price of this phone. It ships with Android 15, with Nothing OS layered on top. I am a big fan of Nothing's take on Android; it's mostly free of bloatware, features gorgeous widgets, and offers an interesting monochrome home screen. The user interface will likely be appreciated by geeks, nerds, and anyone with a penchant for vintage tech, especially fans of '90s computers like myself. Story continues below this ad Battery life is excellent. The 5,000mAh battery easily lasted a full day with heavy usage. I wouldn't be surprised if it stretched to a second day on a single charge. Unfortunately, there's no wireless charging, though the phone does come with a power brick included in the box, a rarity to find these days. The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a triple-camera system, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, and an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. On the front, there's a 16-megapixel selfie camera. While some of the advanced features and photographic capabilities found on more expensive iPhones and Android smartphones are missing, the camera still delivers strong results in both stills and video. It's also great to see a proper telephoto lens on a budget phone like this. CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) A budget phone with a difference There's something different about the CMF Phone 2 Pro in a sea of smartphones. I love the philosophy behind this device. It's truly unique, and you can't find anything quite like it elsewhere. It's very old-school, retro-chic, yet designed for modern consumers. Maybe the CMF Phone 2 Pro isn't particularly powerful or premium-feeling, but the way Nothing is positioning it—and the overall package—makes it a strong selling point in itself. I think that's because Nothing seems to understand that smartphones have become boring and predictable, and that the sense of playfulness has long been lost. The CMF Phone 2 Pro has got a triple rear camera system. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) All said and done, I can see that the spirit of creative experimentation is still alive. Am I excited about modular smartphones? Absolutely—100 percent yes. As silly as it may sound, I would love to see someone step in and create some wacky accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro—something that could attach to the phone and offer useful features for specific situations. A sincere request to Nothing: build a true modular ecosystem and continue launching new accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Only then will consumers gain confidence in a device like this. Otherwise, the CMF Phone 2 Pro may remain niche to the average smartphone user.
Indian Express
04-05-2025
- Indian Express
I found a perfect affordable OLED laptop for students, and it's made by Motorola
It was the early 2010s, and I was still adjusting to a new city and university life. I had just started writing for a blog. I clearly remember all the chatter about the Motorola Atrix 4G—a phone that could connect to a laptop dock, transforming into a laptop-style device with full web browsing and a physical keyboard. Although it didn't do well commercially, it was a wild and ambitious concept. Now, years later, Motorola is once again trying its hand at laptops—but this time, a real Windows notebook, without the baggage of being overly different. Instead, it's offering a sleek-looking notebook aimed at students or anyone with basic computing needs. The Moto Book 60 isn't trying to be the best or most premium laptop out there, but it keeps its core audience in mind: those who appreciate a nice OLED screen, a thinner and lighter body, and, quite frankly, respectable performance. I have had the Moto Book 60 for a few days now, and rather than dive deep into every new feature and tech spec, I wanted to review it from the perspective of someone simply using it as their main home computer and occasionally share the laptop with family members. Here's my review. Moto Book 60 specs 14-inch 2.8K (2880×1800) OLED, 120 Hz display Intel Core 5 210H processor 16GB (8G+8G 2 Slot) DDR5-5600 RAM 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 lntel Integrated graphics 65W USB-C (3-pin) power adapter Price: Rs 62,990 (as reviewed) Sleek and looks premium Like many people these days, I either work from home or the office, and I also spend a lot of time on the road, mostly travelling from one corner of the city to another via metro or cab. Since the pandemic, my computer habits have changed. A dedicated home computer isn't the necessity it once was. In my case, I spend a lot of time using my computer while sitting on the couch. Sitting for long hours in front of a computer often leads to back pain, and I know I am not the only one dealing with it. It's nearly impossible for me to sit on a chair for extended periods; I much prefer the comfort of a couch. Fortunately, a large part of my daily work doesn't require an elaborate setup, and the kind of work I do can easily be done on a laptop. I also feel far more productive doing the same tasks on a computer than on my phone, any day. It's a well-built, premium feeling machine, with a spacious keyboard. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) The Moto Book 60 feels great in hand and is visually striking. The purple-blue colour stands out and is a refreshing departure from the usual work-issued laptops. Motorola is also offering the notebook in a bright green scheme, which I think will appeal to students or anyone who likes fun, vibrant colours on their gadgets. The notebook is instantly recognisable, thanks to iconic 'M' bat logo in the center of the lid. The notebook weighs 1.4 kilograms, making it light and easy to travel with. It's made of aluminum, feels impressively thin in hand, and the lid is smooth and can be opened with one hand. I didn't notice any flex, which is great. There are plenty of USB-C ports, and the laptop covers all the essential connectivity options: HDMI, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and even an SD card slot. Story continues below this ad OLED display is beautiful Upon lifting the lid, you immediately notice the 14-inch OLED non-touch display (2880×1880)—the same type of screen found on high-end smartphones. Coming from an IPS LCD, the screen on the Moto notebook felt like a giant leap forward. Its OLED panel produces deep, inky blacks that make everything look incredible. While watching a trailer for Mario Kart World, an upcoming game for the Nintendo Switch 2, I was impressed by the vivid colours and how the display captured the stunning visuals and cartoonish style of its characters, who are brilliantly animated with superb attention to detail. The 14-inch OLED screen is stunning. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ Indian Express) I love watching anime and cartoons after work, and an OLED display really adds a bit of excitement when consuming that kind of content. With an average maximum brightness of 500 nits, the Moto Book 60's OLED screen is crisp, bright, and gorgeous, rivalling many premium notebooks if not the best in the market. These are the kinds of features you would typically expect on laptops costing over a lakh or more, not on a budget -to-mid-range notebook. There's also a faster 120Hz refresh rate, which makes reading news on or scrolling through a Facebook feed feel noticeably better, with scrolling and animations smoother. The slimmer bezels are also immediately noticeable, giving Motorola's laptop a cleaner and more modern look. Motorola has also fitted an infrared-based face recognition camera, which integrates with the Windows Hello biometric authentication system, allowing you to log into Windows just by looking at the screen. It works seamlessly, logging you in the moment you open the notebook. It's fast, secure, and convenient. The 1080p camera is good enough (and so is the microphone) for students and remote or hybrid workers who spend a lot of time on Zoom sessions and Google Meet calls. For added privacy, a physical camera shutter is also included. Story continues below this ad The speakers on this notebook leave a lot to be desired. There are two speakers, one on each side of the keyboard deck, and although they are optimized with Dolby Atmos, I generally had to keep the volume at maximum just to hear the other person, especially when I am surrounded by noise or in a crowded environment. If you are into video calls or Netflix binges and want immersive surround sound, you will probably want to invest in external computer speakers. The keyboard is a dream I can type on this keyboard for hours at a time without any pain or frustration. In fact, this entire review was written on this excellent keyboard, and not once did I feel any irritation or discomfort while typing. The keyboard isn't silent, but the noise is relatively low, so I am not disturbing the people around me. Of course, keyboard feel is very subjective, and individual preferences may vary. Microsoft 's Copilot is a fun AI chatbot, which can be opened with a dedicated key on the keyboard. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) The trackpad is okay—smooth and responsive—but it's still not quite as fantastic as what you get on an Apple MacBook Air. That said, I should mention that the keyboard deck may feel a bit small for people with larger hands. Good-enough performance I have used the Moto Book 60 for basic computing tasks—things like paying bills, budgeting, writing and filing stories, editing, researching, and watching movies or YouTube videos. None of these tasks put much strain on the Intel Core 5 processor(another variant has an Intel Core 7 processor) paired with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, which is more than enough for everyday use. In my daily workflow, I typically have several Google Chrome tabs open, including WhatsApp, ChatGPT, Gemini, Google Drive, YouTube, Medium, Reddit, and LinkedIn. For this kind of usage, I didn't experience any performance issues or signs of overheating. For basic tasks, the Moto Book 60 does the job well. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) If you need a computer to handle more intensive tasks such as professional image or video editing, programming, or data analytics, then getting a more powerful notebook makes sense. But if you are the kind of person who doesn't care much about specs and just wants a thin and light laptop for general web browsing, writing, watching videos, and editing documents, the Moto Book 60 sails through well. This is not a gaming notebook, so keep your expectations low on that front. Battery life is good, but not class-leading. It lasts for about 5 to 6 hours with the brightness set to 50 per cent. Depending on your daily workflow, you'll likely get similar battery life. I think the OLED display still takes a toll on the laptop's runtime. Frankly, Apple's MacBook Air is the undisputed leader in terms of battery life, but the newer models are also priced high. The device is powered by a 60Wh battery with 65W fast charging. Oh, one more thing. Motorola is also adding a suite of its own features like Smart Connect, Smart Clipboard, and File Transfer. These features make it easy to transfer data between the laptop and your Motorola phone, allowing you to do things like copy and paste from one device to another, which is pretty convenient. I think this strategy is part of a larger push into the ecosystem Motorola is building, giving users more reasons to stick with a Motorola phone. Conclusion After spending several days with the Moto Book 60, it's clear that this notebook is built for average consumers and designed for everyday home use. If I were a power user, the aspects I would focus on would likely be different. Personally, I absolutely love the lightweight form factor—it's incredibly handy, especially since I use the laptop in nearly every corner of the house. I also appreciate being able to open the lid and get straight to work (or play) with just a tap of a button. I like thin and light notebooks. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) The OLED screen is stunning, and the performance is solid for basic computing tasks. That said, the battery life could be better, and the built-in speakers leave room for improvement. As I mentioned earlier, my use cases are fairly simple—I didn't need the Moto Book 60 for high-end performance or flashy features, because I am neither a prosumer nor a content creator. Clearly, the Moto Book 60 is made for the average user, and it shows—Motorola has made the notebook more appealing by offering it in a variety of fun colours.
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Indian Express
I tried Perplexity's new AI voice assistant on my iPhone 16 Pro, and here's where it excels and falters
My first thought after using Perplexity's new AI voice assistant on my iPhone 16 Pro (review) over the weekend was whether it was trying to be Siri. I wasn't surprised to see Perplexity's new iOS app aiming to replace Siri, especially for users like me who have had a love-hate relationship with Apple's voice assistant over the years. Although Siri was meant to offer a wide range of tasks, I mostly use it just to set alarms. To my surprise, though, Perplexity's iOS app and its AI-powered voice assistant do everything I always wished Siri could do. That said, Perplexity still doesn't come close to matching Google Search. So here's my experience using Perplexity's AI voice assistant. How to try Perplexity's new iOS voice assistant If you are using Perplexity for the first time, head to the Apple App Store and download the app. Just make sure you're running the latest version. Once installed, open the app and sign in using your email address or with your Apple or Google account. At the 'Ask anything' prompt, tap the audio icon on the right to speak your request. The Perplexity app user interface on the iPhone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) Before you start using the app, you can customise it by tapping the settings icon at the top. You can turn subtitles on or off, switch between two conversation modes, and choose from six different voices. Do keep in mind that Perplexity offers both a free plan and paid plans with higher usage limits. The app may use the information you provide for training purposes, but you can opt out of this in the settings. Do check out the full privacy policy before you use the app. Siri feels stuck in the past I remember when Siri was unveiled over a decade ago — Apple promised its voice assistant would do the kinds of things people like me would want to do on an iPhone. Simple things like making hands-free messaging effortless. The idea was that you would be able to talk to technology and get your work done. Also read | Perplexity calls for an end to Google's search dominance, urges for real consumer choice Honestly, I felt it was a new kind of interface — a very voice-heavy UI. But a decade later, Siri still feels stuck in the past and hasn't adapted to modern technology. Not that Apple promised Siri would replace Google, but the voice assistant hasn't gained new features over time, and most people have realised that Siri is still limited to a handful of simple tasks, such as setting timers and playing music. Perplexity performs Siri-type functions very well But after using Perplexity on my iPhone, it feels like the AI assistant I always thought Siri would become. In fact, there is a huge difference between how Siri and Perplexity listen when you ask a question, with both responding very differently. Perplexity listens carefully, and acts accordingly. There are pauses, and the tone is not robotic — it's more like how a human listens to you. To test the app, I asked Perplexity's iOS assistant to draft an email. In response, the assistant said, 'Sure, I can help you with that. Could you please provide the details for the email, such as the recipient, subject, and the message you would like to include?' Once you grant permission, the assistant will ask for further information. It works just as I expected. Perplexity is a smarter Siri, for sure. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ Indian Express) During my conversation with the assistant, there was a lot of background noise, and my voice wasn't clear. However, the assistant managed to figure it out and asked me to repeat myself once there was less background noise. What caught my attention, though, was that Perplexity didn't stop when I moved on to other tasks. The assistant kept working even when I left the app. It's interesting because it doesn't lose the information or context and acts as a true assistant. I then asked the assistant to play 90s dance songs on Apple Music, and it randomly picked a song from that era and played it. Perplexity works with Apple Music. Apple Music is, if not the most used, definitely among the top five apps I use most throughout the day. I asked the assistant to play a song of my choice on Apple Music, and it instantly found it and started playing. No wonder Perplexity also works well with Uber. The way it integrates with third-party apps, at least those I use the most, is a game changer. …But not a Google replacement Although I feel Perplexity's iOS assistant works great as a Siri replacement, it's far from replacing Google for me. To test where Perplexity stands as a search engine, I asked the assistant to find the top tech news of the day from the past two days. The app did find top tech news using trusted sources like Reuters, but during my first attempt, it listed 5-6 tech stories, one of which was 'Apple's quarterly results have been strong.' This puzzled me, and as someone in tech journalism, it was easy for me to figure out that Apple announced its latest financial results on January 30. The next financial results will be declared next week, on May 1, 2025. You can use Perplexity iOS assistant for tasks like writing emails, playing music and setting alerts. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) Maybe Perplexity is getting better at search engine tasks, but I still don't trust it as a news source. I would rather go to Google or get my news from a trusted source like I went back to the app and this time, I tested whether it could recognise the brand of the indoor cooler I have on my balcony. I took a picture of the cooler and asked Perplexity for the brand name. Once again, Perplexity gave me the wrong information, identifying the brand as Kenstar. The app's visual intelligence is nowhere near Google's. Early impressions It's been a few days with Perplexity's iOS assistant, and while I am still getting used to it, one thing is clear: the AI company, led by Aravind Srinivas, seems to have gotten things right — things I always wished Siri excelled at, like making reservations, sending emails, and calendar invites. Perplexity is promising to be an AI agent (and I hope it will become one someday), drastically reducing steps. I still want to test Perplexity's AI agent capabilities and see how far I can integrate the app into my daily life. That being said, for now, Perplexity has sort of replaced Siri. I would still say the app is not perfect; there are flaws, but Perplexity handles the majority of tasks I care about and does them better than Siri ever did.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
HP EliteBook X Flip G1i review: This laptop is CEO material
Imagine you are the CEO of a company and searching for a laptop? A lightweight design for easy travel with premium looks, a bright and vibrant display, the power to run everyday apps and legacy programmes, long battery life, an excellent webcam for video calls, and strong security to keep sensitive information private. If I told you that the HP EliteBook X Flip G1i 14 meets all these criteria, it might change how you imagine a business notebook. After using the EliteBook X Flip G1i 14 for the past few days, I felt it was truly 'CEO material' — it has everything a high-flying business executive could wish for. Here's my review. Refined design The EliteBook X is a 14-inch notebook — small and light enough to be comfortably held with just one hand. Its size falls right in the middle, which makes a big difference if you travel frequently for work, and need to stay productive on the go. The speakers are full, loud, and seem to be comimg from everywhere. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) Like other high-end HP devices, the build quality is excellent. The body is made of metal and has a premium, expensive feel — no surprises here. The design has been slightly refreshed, and although it's a business notebook, the EliteBook X looks far more modern. It's the kind of notebook that pairs perfectly with your Rimowa bag for business travel. Its 2-in-1 design allows it to be used in multiple ways. The 360-degree hinge works smoothly, yet it's tight enough that the screen never feels unstable. The touchscreen is responsive, and my fingers glided easily across the surface. Another design feature I care a lot about is the ports, and the new EliteBook X delivers. It includes two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, an additional USB-C port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a headset jack. The inclusion of an HDMI 2.1 port is especially important for business professionals who frequently give presentations or need to share their screen in different meeting rooms. However, it doesn't have an SD card reader or a LAN slot. Terrific audio and display, but I wish it had an OLED screen I have always been a big fan of how Apple's MacBook Pro sounds. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the EliteBook X now matches the MacBook Pro in terms of sound quality. Since HP acquired Poly, formerly known as Plantronics, I have noticed a significant improvement in their audio performance. The acquisition has clearly helped boost HP's audio game. The notebook has a 14-inch IPS screen, although I would have preferred an OLED panel at this price. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ Indian Express) The quad speakers and discrete amplifiers on the EliteBook X sound better than my 55-inch TV. The top- and side-firing speakers create a powerful, immersive sound. While watching Minnal Murali, the speakers never sounded muddy or harsh, and made watching a full movie enjoyable. Not only were the vocals clear, but there was also a sense of realism in the sound, which gave the viewing experience a completely different level on a laptop screen. The 14-inch, 1980 x 1200 IPS touchscreen is solid. It's bright, the colours look good, and I haven't noticed any glaring issues. The bezels are now slimmer, yet you still get the full 16:10 aspect ratio. For content creators, a 14-inch screen might feel small for studio-level production work. However, for business executives, it strikes the right balance — offering enough portability while still being large enough to stay productive, whether it's working on presentations, managing Excel sheets, or checking emails. That said, I do wish HP had gone with an OLED panel on the EliteBook X — it would have made a huge difference. The notebook also supports a stylus and comes bundled with the Active Pen G3. I did multiple Zoom calls, and as far as I could tell, the quality of the 5-megapixel 1080p webcam was excellent. If you are on a lot of video calls, you will definitely appreciate the improved quality. The keyboard is a huge upgrade The keyboard is a jot to tytpe on. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) The keyboard feels a bit different from the one on the previous HP notebook I tested. The keys are well-spaced, and the keyboard on the EliteBook X produces a deeper, more satisfying sound. I really like this keyboard. The F11 key can be customised for various functions using the MyHP app, while the power button also doubles as a fingerprint reader for secure logins. And of course, the trackpad has vastly improved too — it's larger, more responsive, and works brilliantly. Good performance and battery life Intel -powered laptops have always been reliable and powerful, and I found the same to be true for the EliteBook X. I'm not necessarily a power user, and the EliteBook X isn't designed for content creators or gamers. My review unit came with an Intel Core Ultra 7 268 V processor, 32 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 1 TB of SSD storage, and Intel Arc graphics. The bottom panel is secured with just four screws. Inside, you get access to the battery, fans, a replaceable Wi-Fi module, and the SSD. However, the RAM is not expandable. There are rarely any points in my day-to-day that this machine feels taxed. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) I won't go too deep into CPU performance or the technical details. It's fast, has a built-in NPU for handling heavy AI workloads, and the chip can even manage tasks like image editing. But since this is a business notebook, I doubt most business users would use it for content creation, 3D modelling, or colour grading on a device like this. The EliteBook X is more suited for browsing the web, working on Google Docs and Sheets, building presentations, and maybe doing some light creative tasks using tools like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT. As a business laptop, the EliteBook X includes several security features — something no business executive or company can afford to overlook, especially in today's environment where privacy and security are more important than ever. The EliteBook X comes with HP Wolf Security, which provides protection against malware and phishing attacks, monitors critical applications, and can restore the operating system in case of an infection. Meanwhile, HP Sure Click is designed to protect your PC from browser-borne malware. HP has also introduced its own AI companion in addition to Microsoft Copilot. Currently in beta, this AI companion performs many of the same tasks as Google Gemini and Copilot, such as summarising your documents and emails. It also functions as a chatbot that can help you create to-do lists or assist with other everyday tasks. The laptop doesn't produce much noise or heat. The battery usually lasts between 13 and 14 hours for me, and I think it can last even longer. I am a heavy laptop user, often running multiple apps and Chrome tabs in the background. Overall, the EliteBook X offers good power efficiency and battery management. Closing thoughts Coming in at Rs 2,58,985, the HP EliteBook X Flip is an expensive business notebook (the range starts at Rs 172,000). I wouldn't say it's the best business laptop I have ever used, but it definitely comes close. A thin and light design becomes critical for users like me. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) The EliteBook X Flip is designed for CEOs and CXOs, but it's also a decidedly professional laptop (with a price to match). There are many positive aspects of this notebook: a lightweight design, a small footprint, long battery life, good performance, a terrific keyboard, fast Wi-Fi 7, and a number of security features. If you are planning on using it professionally (or someone else is buying it for you), the HP EliteBook X Flip is one of the best business laptops I have used in a while.
