14dfvdvf

099 FEBRUARY 2017

THE HOTTEST NEW TECH FOR 2017 100 February 2017

stuff.tv/in stu t n

THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLING GADGET MAGAZINE

THRILL

100 www.stuff.tv/in

MUSTANG Stuff wakes up to the ultimate muscle car! p58

RIDES What's inside

the world's best theme parks?

WELCO When more than 7000 of dope-hungry journos gather at a single venue, it’s bound to be a tech fest beyond compare and that’s what this year’s CES was. The focus was back on innovation, and after a couple of dull years, there was finally something to write home about. OLED televisions became the cynosure and every major brand finally jumped on to the bandwagon, with Sony and Panasonic being the closest on the heels of LG in the race for the slimmest display ever. Artificial Intelligence and Voice recognition joined hands to propel the consumer robot market too, inspired by the likes of Amazon Echo and Google Home. But surprisingly, while there was a lot of talk of VR and it has been the poster child for future tech since Oculus first showed a working prototype in 2013, it hasn’t managed to penetrate the consciousness or lives of technocrats. We have scoured the CES high and low and through our coverage, you are bound to get a taste of the finest that the tech community has to offer.

As you might have spotted on the cover, we have a little pony that took us for a ride this month and we were bedazzled by its lineage and character.

Read up on the Ford Mustang and the stories behind its illustrious and iconic career to be as amazed as we were! Smartphones, wireless earphones, 4K TVs and many more indulgent recesses exist. So, feel free to explore!

OUR LOGOS EXPLAINED...

The bearer of this accolade has gone up against its peer(s) and emerged victorious.

A gadget sporting this badge is a five-star product, and the one we would buy, if we were us.

T TES ER NN I W

T HO Y BU

...and a word about prices Generally, we show the manufacturer’s recommended price. Two exceptions: • Asterisk marked prices (*) are indicative prices and subject to change depending on geographic location.

• All prices in the Top 10s are the best we could find at the time of printing.

Nishant Padhiar, Editor / nishant@haymarketsac.com / twitter.com/nishantpadhiar

www.stuff.tv/in Email us stuff@haymarketsac.com Call 022-2378 7500, 2378 7400 Raheja Xion, 4th/5th Floor, Opp Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027.

Editorial Editor Nishant Padhiar Deputy Editor Yatish Suvarna Senior Correspondent Kaizad Billimoria Features Writer Infancia Cardozo Editor, Stuff.tv/in Farhan Kapadia Staff Writer Khumail Thakur Editor Special Projects Vaibhav Sharma Sr. Art Editor Sahaya Johnson Deputy Art Editor Kritika Dayal Senior Designers Sukhdeep Singh Marketing Sr. Manager Kunal Marjadi Executive Jayson Lobo

facebook.com/stuffindia Advertising Group Head Harvinder Pal Singh National Head Amjad Khan Managers Ashok Kumar (Bengaluru) Assistant Manager Jasman Nunes Advertising Coordinators Sonal Jain Production Manager Prasad Gangurde Distribution and Sales General Manager Gilbert D’souza Head-Circulation Satish Kumar (North), P Vijayakumar (South) Manager Circulation Saravana D (South), Ashok More (West), Vimal Sharma (North) Assistant Manager Circulation Yogesh Sanap, Anil Raghav, Tapan H Circulation Coordinator Rajesh Salian Manager Subscription Mahesh Malusare

@stuff_india

Contact Mumbai Raheja Xion Bldg., 4th/5th Flr., Opp. Nirmal Park, Dr. B. Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (E), Mumbai 400 027.

Tel: 022-23787500/23787400 New Delhi A2/9, Lower Ground Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, Africa Avenue Road, New Delhi 110 029 Tel: 011-46020600, 46020634 Chennai MHV Pinnacle, First Floor 8/27 Govindu Street, T Nagar Chennai 600 017.

Tel: 044-65446363 Telefax: 044-42123230

@stuffindia

Stuff (UK) Global Editor-In-Chief Guy Cocker International Director Alastair Lewis Head of Partner Development, Europe & ROW David Ryan david.ryan@haymarket.com Head of Partner Development, Asia Lisa Vernall lisa.vernall@haymarket.com Partner Account Manager Luc Higham luc.higham@hotmail.com Partner Account Manager Giuseppe Messina giuseppe.messina@haymarket.com Managing Director David Prasher Chief Operating Officer Brian Freeman Chief Executive Kevin Costello Chairman Rupert Heseltine

Bengaluru No. 811, 'A' Wing, 8th Floor, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bengaluru - 560001 Ph: 080 - 2559 3775 Secundrabad C/o. IBH Books and Magazine Dist. Ltd., #3-5-587, Vittal Wadi, Himayat Nagar, Lane Opp. ICCI Bank, Hyderabad 500 029

All rights reserved. All the data contained in this magazine is based on the information available with the publisher at the time of going to press.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct. However, he can accept no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions. Unsolicited material – including photographs and transparencies – is used in STUFF India, but is submitted entirely at the owner’s risk, and the publisher accepts no responsibility for its loss or damage.

Advertisements are accepted by us in good faith as correct at the time of going to press.

Printed and published by Hormazd Sorabjee on behalf of Haymarket SAC Publishing (India) Pvt Ltd, Raheja Xion, 4th/5th Floor, Opp Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027.

Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd., Kondapur Unit, Survey No 185, Kondapur Village, Serilingampally Municipality RR District 500 133, Telangana.

Published at Haymarket SAC Publishing (India) Pvt. Ltd., Raheja Xion, 4th/5th Floor, Opp Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027.

News-Stand Price 100 Volume 09 Issue 3 February 2017 All prices and content correct at the time of going to press. (*denotes indicative pricing)

Editor: Nishant Padhiar CIN No. U22120MH1998PTC116780 This magazine contains 108 pages including both covers

ON THE COVER Cover Model Neha Sharma Photographer Vikram Bawa Stylist Nazneen Parmar Assisted by Jeenali Desai Make-up and Hair Varsha Sugandh Tilokani Assisted by Siddhesh Shinde Outfit: Velvet Bodysuit Flirtatious Sheer Jacket Shruti Sancheti Black Heels Tresmode Earrings Sameer Madan

3

CON S p16

ON THE COVER P82

p19 Indie Robots?

HOT STUFF 08 CES Special The biggest electronics show right in the palm of your hand 28 Apps Squeeze more fun into your phone 33 Icon HP Pavilion Wave A hi-fi speaker? A PC? Take a look 38 Games Giddy up for the best upcoming titles

TESTS p58 Fiery Pony!

p69 Thrill drill 4

41 Supertest Superphones Stuff’s verdict on the finest phones of 2016 54 First test Porsche Panamera Turbo No, it isn’t just a facelift. It’s an all-new car 56 First test VU Pixelight HDR 4K and HDR is a recipe for movie binging 64 First test LG V20 Two screens and Hi-Res support 66 First test Fujifilm X-T2 A great compact made better with 4K 74 Tested Tom Tom Touch Little module with big features 75 Air pods Versus Sony Cable-free in-ears that just refuse to die 76 Tested Xiaomi Note 4 Upgraded Note 3. Noteworthy?

77 Tested Acer Switch Alpha 12 Hybrids still live. This one’s a keeper 78 Tested Honor 6X Two cameras and a phone for the price of one 79 Tested Beats Solo3 Wireless Cans that beat to your wireless tune 80 Approved The latest apps put through their codes 82 Tested Games Final Fantasy XV and The Last Guardian

02.17

SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR BIG SAVINGS OFF THE NEWSSTAND PRICE!

p87

P58

P69

FEATURES 58 Feature Automobile Icon The American Pony breathes fire and has a rumble in its tummy that can frighten the gods up above. We flex this muscle 69 Techspedition Natural Born Thrillers If you think Essel World and Imagica are decent for a picnic, check these bad boys out and know what you’re missing out on

TOP 10 OF EVERYTHING Looking to buy something but need a bit of advice? Turn to our Stuff Top Tens: our expert listings of all gadgetry, from p89.

T HO Y BU Canon EOS 750D ★★★★★ Great entry level DSLR p98

5

S P E C

I

MAN FARADAY Faraday FF-91

Hold your breath. Actually, you don’t need to. Because the Faraday is an all-electric beast. Which means cleaner air! It also means it’s smarter than you. You get a unique FFID profile that syncs your preferences with the car. It remembers and learns everything from your seating position to your song preference. So, it’s almost like getting into a new relationship.

The more you hang out, the more you know each other. Oh, and just like your new partner, it will recognize your face and open its doors. Once you enter the door, you’ll absolutely love the ‘Zero Gravity Seating’ in which your body posture is the same as when it’s in space. NASA scientists call it the Neutral Body Posture.

Sleep/drive away!

8

A L

S P E C

I

A L

ALL THE TECH A CAR COULD HAVE OR WANT...

I on Lithium Faraday claims its Lithium-ion cells have the world’s highest energy density and that means the FF-91 can go on for a handnumbing 595kms on a single charge.

GOT YOU ON RADAR

A LOT OF VARIABLES

APPS OLUTELY

The Faraday FF-91 uses a Lidar system that uses laser pulses teemed with 30 odd cameras, radars and ultrasonic sensors all just to you safe.

The FF-91 is built on a Variable Platform Architecture that puts the battery beneath the floor of the car. This gives it a low centre of gravity and lessens roll-over risk.

As if the tech wasn’t enough, the car also comes with its own app.

You can switch the lights on, disable the alarm, open the hood and the trunk and auto valet! Beat that.

9

S P E C

I

A L Size matters The Bravia A1 is all set to offer our retinas the pleasure of HDR in 55,65 and 77in screen sizes.

Pricing for India is yet not announced though.

A FOR ART Sony Bravia A1

There are few gadgets and electronics that have what it takes to be called art.

The Bravia A1 might just be one of those.

Look at it! We could just stare at it all day even if the damn thing Is off! But we’d rather have it on because it will display in beautiful 4K resolution that’s made better with HDR and OLED. No, you won’t need a soundbar too because the screen vibrates. Yes, the Acoustic Surface tech means the telly makes sound via its vibrating screen. We’d want it just to frame it and stare at it everyday.

10

S P E C

I

A L

Visual vibrations While making sound through a vibrating screen is pretty cool on paper, if it doesn’t work out, a soundbar will be needed.

And that’ll be a problem.

11

S P E C

I

A L

Lenovo Smart Storage Have a brother in Dubai with whom you want to share family pics? Lenovo debuted its Smart Storage network-attached 6TB hard drive with dual-band wireless capabilities and autosync features that lets you do that securely. It has on-board facial recognition.

Lenovo Smart Assistant (Harman Kardon edition) What do you call an Amazon Echo lookalike with a less creative name, but better audio? The Lenovo Smart Assistant, of course. The Alexapowered assistant features audio from Harman Kardon, and you can control it through the Alexa app.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet The ThinkPad series has always been a pinnacle of quality and durability. These machines last for years and needless to say, Lenovo is doing a great job at it. This tablet can turn into a laptop and a projector too by slotting in the Projector Module and a detachable keyboard.

12

S P E C

I

A L

POINT AND SHOOT Seven Hugs UniversalRemote

Imagine a magical device that you could point at anything and magically control your AC, TV and more. Well, Seven Hugs is just that remote control you’ve always dreamt of. So far, the product is compatible with over 25,000 devices including Samsung Smart TVs, Philips Hue and LIFX smart bulbs, Sonos speakers, Nest Learning Thermostat, and many more with the number only set to increase. It communicates to devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IR and is the first consumer product to combine motion tracking sensors and an indoor positioning system. We just love technology that ensures we get lazier!

Avatar Eywa E1 Now here’s a product that will give your watchman a run for his money. The Eywa E1 educates and entertains kids with a multifunction player and comes with a built-in Wi-Fi speaker. The main task, however, is protecting your home like a good security camera would.

13 3

Audio Technica AT-LP3 Turntable Audio Technica has something audiophiles ought to like. The AT-LP3 fully automatic belt-driven turntable features an AT91R Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge and you don’t have to be a nutty Hi-Fi aficionado to enjoy this!

Earin M2 Wireless In-ears The new and improved M2 earbuds from Earin are fully wireless and the addition of touch controls separate these from the M1s feature wise. You can now tap on the earbuds to invoke play/ pause functionality. Earin promises three hours of battery life .

UBER EXPENSIVE HEADPHONES UB Focal Utopia by Tournaire

Toute T ed as the world’s most expensive headphones at $120,000 (around `80 lacss) a pair, this Focal Utopia headphone by Tournaire better deliver what it p omises. And what does it promise? Bragging rights, for one. There’s 18 pro caratt gold mounted with six carats of diamonds, all hand crafted in Tournaire’s w kshops. The design is based on the mark of the Trilogy, which represents work th hree stages of life: the past, present and future. If you have the money to the th h w, here’s an additional perk to buying this pair when it becomes available throw ortion of the profits from the sale go towards the P’tit Louis association, - a po dedicated to saving eight-year-old Louis Biscini who suffers from a rare d degenerative disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 1.

14

S P E C

I

A L

ALL DOLLED UP Lenovo Legion Y720

We’ve all heard of Dolby Atmos and its surround-sound capabilities. Well, now you can have it on your gaming laptop. The new Legion Y720 is the world’s first to feature it and it kind of makes sense.

Sound is very important when gaming and you need to know where exactly that bullet is coming from, hence surround sound helps. Other goodies include the Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU, Intel Core-i7 processors and VR prowess.

Ditch the board If a keyboard is not your kind of key to press then the Lenovo Y720 would say, “Ditch it and connect the Xbox One controller wirelessly mate, I have an adapter.”.

15 5

S P E C

I

A L

EYE EYE CAPTAIN Acer Predator Z301CT

While it announced the ridiculous 21 X curved laptop, Acer also announced a notso-strange curved Z301CT gaming monitor. With a response time of a superb 4ms, this is one monitor that’ll make sure there’s no excuse left to win in any game. It also features Tobii Eye Tracking so you can aim at your enemy faster and more precisely than just with the keyboard and mouse. With a 2K display and ergonomic tilt and height adjustments, we’d love to have one of these sitting in front of us.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Panasonic EZ1002 OLED TV Panasonic announced its second OLED TV at CES 2017. The EZ1002, to be made available in Europe from June 2017, boasts of a whopping 65in screen. This flatscreen TV is an improvement over its conventional OLED TVs and claims to offer double the peak brightness of its predecessors at 800 nits. What’s more?

The flagship EZ1002 is HDR-capable. To further beef up its credentials, the EZ1002 is driven by Panasonic’s Studio Colour HCX2 video processing – it draws on the company’s professional film-making and monitoring expertise and is claimed to be the most powerful video processing ever incorporated into a consumer TV.

16

Kingston Data Traveller Ultimate GT

S P E C

I

A L

The world’s highest capacity ty USB Flash drive is something you y absolutely need right now. Because B the DataTraveler UltimateG e GT offers up to 2TB of stora age space and USB 3.1 Gen n1 (USB 3.0) performancce.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD Lego Boost

At CES this year Lego unveiled a supercharged building and coding set that lets children bring their LEGO creations to life by adding movement, sound and personality. It combines the ease and intrigue of a traditional LEGO set with an endless variety of movement and sound capabilities made possible through an easy-to-use, app-based coding environment. For $159.99, we’d say it will be money well spent when it hits the market in the second half of 2017. The set includes building instructions for five diverse models; Vernie the Robot, Frankie the Cat, the Guitar 4000, the Multi-Tool Rover 4 (M.T.R.4), and the Autobuilder, each designed to give children basic building and coding skills .

17

S P E C

I

A L

BYE BYE SPLIT ENDS

Withings Smart hairbrush Now here’s a hairbrush that will have even Ariel trading in her fork for it. Created in collaboration with Kérastase, Withings and L’oreal, this smart brush, with the help of motion sensors, will determine whether your hair is fragile and has split ends. And that’s not all. The brush also has a microphone that listens to your hair management techniques and paired with an app, shows you data on your hair brushing techniques and insight into the kind of hair management required based on humidity, temperature, UV and wind.

You’ll also get personalized tips and product recommendations from Kérastase.

Love Box Connected Here’s a smart, connected wooden box rigged with a mirrored digital screen inside that displays your love messages sent through a companion smartphone app.

Unread messages are indicated by a heart spinning outside the box.

18

S P E C

I

A L

Qualcomm R-8 and R-9 smartglasses These glasses let you take photos, stream live video, listen to music, play games and even check your email on them. These slick shades are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor.

YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND Yuri Robot

Remember Rosie, the home robot from the Jetsons? The day’s not far when each of us will have such a luxury. Introducing Kuri, a smart robot targeted at homeowners who wish to automate the way their home is run. The “family companion” can play music via Bluetooth, take pics using its built-in 1080p camera, answer trivia questions and basically just run your home for you. If you’ve been undecided about getting a dog because of the commitment, this is the next best thing to Fluffy. It reacts to verbal cues and pats on the head.

19 9

S P E C

I

A L

Razer’s Project Valerie No, you’re not seeing triple. This three-headed beast, still a concept at this stage, will draw you into an immersive gaming experience .

Just like the keyboard the screens have a rainbow-colored Chroma underglow.

CLEAN INDOORS Netatmo Healthy Home Coach

Colours the way The companion app’s color coded background makes it easy to see how healthy the room where you put your Coach is. So, keep it clean. Yes?

20 0

This smart indoor climate monitor analyzes noise levels, humidity levels, air quality and temperature “to provide the healthiest home possible” for your family.

It claims that a single glance at your smartphone is enough to tell you whether your home is healthy, after which you can take appropriate steps to ramp up the health of your home. For example, if your child suffers from allergies, high humidity levels will be detected and shown on your phone screen, following which you can decide whether you need to invest in a proper dehumidifier.

S P E C

I

A L

P FLEX?

Acer Predator 21 X A curved phone is ridiculous yet digestible, a laptop with a curved display is just taking it to another level of crazy.

But Acer isn’t afraid of crazy. The Predator 21 x features a 21in curved screen and weighs close to 9kgs. It packs in two Nvidia GTX 1080 GPUs and seventh-gen Intel Core i7-7820HK (overclockable) CPU. It has a mechanical keyboard with Cherry switches and the trackpad can be extracted and flipped over to be used as a number pad.

The monster takes two power supplies to boot. Expect the price to be as heavy as the machine.

21

S P E C

I

A L

SMOKE S E ON THE WATER WA

M Misfit Vaporr smartwatch The makers of the pretty Shine fitness T veiled yet another tracker have unv w d - the h Misfit f t Vapor. This fitnesswonder f d smartwatch keeps the circular focused s ne and striking red shape of the Shin p nd the edge, giving it a progress ring aroun v y mysterious y lloo ok. The dark grey ring very a d the h touchscr h reen AMOLED display around tua be e th that works as a touch iss a virtual bezel wheel. The wattch boasts water metres and a two-day resistance upto 50 m b y life. l f It can a also play music and is battery e d to h helves later this year. expected hit she

FREELANCER HEAVEN

Samsung Chromebook Plus You’ve come to the right place if you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate mobile productivity gadget. Samsung’s Chromebook Plus is light (around a kilo), with a 12.3in QHD display, runs Chrome OS, and there’s even a built-in ilt in pen perfect for sketching and taking notes. n h ARM This laptop also has a memo y card d reader, d ory two USB Type-C ports, 32GB onboard b d storage and 4GB RAM. Pretty P much all you need to work k, isn’t it?

23 3

Power Ray drone

S P E C

I

A L

Now here’s the fishing companion of your dreams. This underwater drone from PowerVision can go underwater by up to 30 meters, detect fish upto 40 meters away and lures them with a blue light. It is accompanied by a VR headgear.

Neonode Air Bar Now available for Windows PCs and Macs, the Air Bar attaches to your laptop and projects an ‘invisible light field’, letting you interact with whatever’s on screen. So stop feeling jealous of your friends who jumped onto the touchscreen bandwagon.

STROKE REHAB Raphael smart glove

South Korean company Neofect has created a smart glove aimed at stroke survivors looking for rehabilitation of their limbs. Gamified exercises are at the crux of this app connected exoskeleton which has nine-axis movement sensors, bending sensors and 32-bit microcontrollers.

Since data is recorded and analyzed, the stroke patient is shown his progress and is therefore motivated to continue his treatment. Available for rent at a monthly fee of $99 (`6751*), the smart glove is an affordable and fun way on the road to recovery for stroke victims.

25 5

H

O

T

S

T

U

F

F

Get out, get fit

PANASONIC RP-BTS50 Winter’s nearly over and so’s the festive season. The best time to start exercising if you’ve really packed away the food (and packed on the pounds)? You bet. So, here’s something to get you excited about a training regimen – Panasonic’s new waterproof (IPX5) Bluetooth headphones. The RP-BTS50 uses 12mm drivers and offers ‘safety lighting’ if you like running on our dangerous roads. Other features include support for aptX and AAC audio, a flat, tangle-free cable, six hours of playback and quick charging (70-min playback from a 15-min charge).

8999 / panasonic.co.in

Speedy li'l chap

Sony A6500 Looking for an alternative to a bulky, heavy DSLR? Very smart of you. Guess what, there’s a new compact APS-C mirrorless camera out from Sony. The A6500 has a 24.2MP resolution and uses Sony’s 4D Focus tech, which can lock onto your subject in 0.05 seconds.

Other stuff that stands out includes 425 phase detection AF points, 169 contrast detection AF points, 5-axis OIS, 11fps shooting, a touch screen that lets you just tap to focus, and of course, 4K, 30fps video.

1,19,990 /sony.co.in

Everything but the kitchen sink

SAMSUNG GEAR S3 Samsung’s Gear S3 might take the road less travelled by picking Tizen as its OS, but don’t let that worry you. Instead, pick between the two versions: The Classic (leather-and-steel) and the Frontier (‘Navy Seal on shore leave’ look), both of which sport a 360x360, 1.3in Super AMOLED display. And yup, you can heave a sigh of relief – there’s no ‘flat tyre’. There’s also Gorilla Glass protection, a speaker, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS, 768MB RAM, 4GB storage, barometer, heart-rate sensor, ambient light sensor and wireless charging.

From 28,000 / samsung.com/in

26

H

O

T

S

T

U

F

F

For a walk lk in space e

O G MOONWATCH OMEGA OO CH Want to don a piece of history on your wrist? How about this n edition of the ‘moonwatch’ that has been used by Apollo new astronauts reaching the moon with Apollo 11 in 1969? The Speedmaster Moonwatch d h Automatic resurrects on its dial d la g l k and d motorsports-inspired d minute track k from f vintage-look a 11968 Speedmaster. d h watch h has h a matte black bl k dial d l and d The orange highlights all throughout. At 4.25mm, its stainless ste eel case is the thinnest model yet due to newly retooled sapphirre c c crystal.

The bezel sports a proprietary material, Liquidmetal, for hy l The h black bl k leather l h strap has h an orange ge its tachymeter scale. e r bb section that’s h l d via micro-perforations f dd n ng rubber revealed addin g visuall interest and d complementing l g the h dial. d l. tba /flipkart.com p m

Once you go black...

ADIDAS TRIPLEBLACK ULTRABOOST Want to go back to your college days and rock a W got g thic look again? These all-black edition sneakers from Adidas will let you do just that. Everything fr fro f om the ribbed Primeknit upper and heel counter to tthe TPU cage and Boost midsole is decked out in b ack. Adidas seems to have gone the other way bla after having previously released an all-white colorway earlier in 2016. $200 ( 13950*) / adidas.com (US only)

Keep background sound away

SENNHEISER HD200 PRO Gone are the days when you’d have no choice but use heavy headphones that make you sweaty and annoyed.

Enter the HD200 Pro from Sennheiser. These overthe-ear cans allow you to listen to music for hours on end thanks to its soft ear and headband cushions. The company claims that it offers “excellent comfort and isolation from external ambient noise” and we’re taking its word for it. There’s a 2m straight, single-sided tangle-free cable and a 6.3mm stereo adapter. The cans weigh just 184 grams without the cable and have a frequency of 20-20,000 Hz and impedance of 32 ohms. Helping it churn out excellent sound is the company’s proprietary ‘neodymium magnets’.

6490 / shop.sennheiserindia.com

27 27

A P P S

This month’s mobile must-downloads

1

2

3

APP

SPOTLIGHT FITSTAR PERSONAL TRAINER free Android, iOS

The revamped Fitstar app has arrived, with 4

5

6

plenty more in the way of workout plans.

Fitbit users get suggestions based on their activity history, there’s music streaming built into the app, a bigger library of exercises,

8

routines that can be done in as little as seven minutes, and even support for Chromecast.

7

28

9

1 Google Primer

2 Freedom Desi

3 Microsoft Clip Layer

free / Android, iOS Starting up your own website ? You’ll need to pick up some ‘l33t’ web marketing skills to stand out from the crowd. And Google Primer can help with its quick-and-easy lessons on web marketing for businesses.

free / Android, iOS You want to shop ‘offline’? Strange.

But if you’re intent on doing so, this app will help you make the most of your shopping trip with loads of info on nearby malls, including opening hours and any promotions or sales.

free / Android Fat-fingered smartphone users, rejoice. This Android app doesn’t just let you copy text from fields where it’s normally verboten, but also makes it easier than the standard ‘squint hard and drag slider’ approach.

4 FastKey Launcher

5 Towaga

6 Twilight Struggle

free / Android This launcher app adds an always-on keyboard to the home screen, helping you save time each time you launch an app or search for a contact. No more hunting around for icons, and no more scrolling down an endless list!

200 / Android, iOS Bored of mobile games? Then you haven’t seen Towaga . Play as a masked sorceror exorcising the scary creatures around you.This 2D arcade shooter is absolutely gorgeous. And it’s fast and frenetic.

340 / Android, iOS This legendary strategy boardgame finally comes to your phone. Play against the in-game AI or find human challengers from around the world as you win over allies and conquer rivals.

Just don’t start World War III.

7 Android Auto

8 Tapzo

9 Fitso

free / Android No, you no longer need a compatible infotainment system. Android Auto now works directly on your phone. So, attach it to a cradle and fire up the app - it’s the safest way to use your phone for navigation or music while driving.

free / Android, iOS Helpchat’s back in an all-new avatar, Tapzo. This all-in-one app lets you hail cabs, order food, pay your bills, recharge your mobile, follow cricket, and even check news stories trending in your area. Phew!

free / Android, iOS There’s quite a glut of fitness apps, right? But Fitso’s amongst the better designed ones. Fire it up to track your daily runs and what you eat, get customised workout plans, and even consult a dietician.

H

O

T

S

T

U

F

F

Budget shootout

ACER ASPIRE VX15 Gamers on a budget can now aspire (excuse us) to own a gaming laptop that comes with enough performance and oomph to match some of the pricier rivals. The VX15 features the 7th-Gen Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics with GDDR5 VRAM (delivering up to 32GB/s bandwidth). It comes with an option of a 512GB SSD or 1TB HDD with 16GB DDR4 RAM. The 15.5in Full HD laptop will hit Indian shores soon.

55,000 (Approx) / acer.co.in

Almost a new car

SONY XAV-AX100 Don’t trade in your old car just yet. We recommend a new car stereo - that’s usually the best bang for the buck upgrade that make you feel like you’ve got a new buggy. So, get something like Sony’s new XAV-AX100. It’s got a 6.4in display, Bluetooth connectivity, Sony’s Extra Bass and Dynamic Stage Organiser tech and even reversing camera input. But we’ve saved the best for last - Android Auto and CarPlay support means you don’t have to worry which mobile OS camp you fall in.

26,990 / sony.co.in

Take the course

CORSAIRE K55 RGB Well, it is probably the most important bit after the CPU. A decent gaming keyboard can make the difference between winning and losing in battle or a race. And for MMO games, it is almost a necessity. You also need a sturdy one for when you rage quit and smack your friend in the head with it at a LAN party. Welcome the K55 RGB. It consists of quiet, responsive keys, six programmable macro keys and dedicated volume as well as media controls. And that low price means it’s perfect for gamers with a tight pocket.

4599 /corsair.com/en-in

29

H

O

T

S

T

U

F

F

Our best b pal

BEYO OND EVOLUTION BETTY You ain’t living in an Archie comic. Life’s just too hectic for thatt. So, get something to make things easier.

Something like the Betty smart plug. Turn on the geyser while you’re still curled up under the duvet, switch on the aircon from your car, make sure your settop box x is on to record Bigg Boss when you’re out at a pub... b But this Betty’s a smart one and has another trick up its (her?) (h sleeve - a detachable motion sensor to help it d doubl ble up as an intruder alarm.

2499 9 / beconnected.in

So, we have a deal

BENQ CH100 Ever heard of a guy go “Yup, you have a deal because we were impressed by the quality of your projector in your conference room.”. No? Well, now there’s a possibility that might happen. According to the press release we received, "the CH100 is the first portable LED projector specially designed to maximize the few key minutes of a critical presentation for web designers, graphic artists, and all visionary storytellers who never compromise when bringing ideas to life". It features an exceptionally wide color gamut of 90% NTSC, 20,000-hour LED light source and is extremely portable. None of that matter however with a pitch like that. Bring ideas to life.

1,50,000 / benq.co.in

A load of hi-fi

ZEBRONICS MONSTER PRO X15 Don’t let the crappy gym music put you off your workout.

Instead, block out the EDM din and tune into some meaty metal instead with Brainwavz’s M3 in-ear headphones.

This noise-isolating set boasts of a balanced sound, has 10.7 mm drivers, a 1.3m tangle-free cable, 20Hz-20 kHz range and 10mW of rated input power. It also comes with six sets of ear tips and another set of Comply foam tips. And if you’re the careless sort, the two year warranty should give some peace of mind.

22,222 / zebronics.com 30

H

O

T

S

T

U

F

F

Budget-friendly lappy

IBALL COMPBOOK I360 In another “me too” development, iBall has launched a convertible 360-degree rotating laptop. The good news is that it costs only `12,999. It sports an 11.6in HD touchscreen display and is available in Vogue Soft Gold colour. This is the second 360-degree rotatable touchscreen display from iBall after its launch of CompBook Flip-X5 in October last year.

The laptop has been aimed at students, small-businesses, and even first-time users. The i360 is powered by a 1.84GHz Intel quad-core processor and gives you 2GB of RAM. It comes with an internal storage of 32GB, expandable via microSD card (up to 64GB).

12,999 / snapdeal.com

Siri, read out my messages

JABRA HALO FREE If you’re tired of using Siri or Google Now on your phone, here’s a godsent from Jabra. The wireless Halo Free Bluetooth ear buds have a dedicated button to make calls and schedule appointments via either personal assistant.

The Bluetooth headphones are dust and water resistant and feature 8mm drivers. Jabra Halo Free also reads out calendar notifications, emails, text message and social media posts.

What’s more? The headphones comes with three fitting styles – EarGels, EarHooks and EarWings – ensuring that the headphones stay in place regardless of what you’re doing.

3499 / amazon.in

Time to make the switch

KARBONN 4G VARIANTS Haven’t made the switch to 4G yet? If it’s because you haven’t been able to buy one that’s budget friendly yet, Karbonn has you covered with four new 4g phone launches.

While K9 Smart 4G and Karbonn Titanium Vista 4G are 5in phones, the Karbonn Aura Note 4G and K9 Viraat 4G are 5.5in phones with HD displays. When making a to-buyor-not-to-buy decision, keep in mind these are 4G variants of the company’s bestseller range. from 5090 /snapdeal.com 31

I C O N

HP PAVILION WAVE

THIS WINDOWS 10 PC LOOKS LIKE A SPEAKER BUT CAN STREAM TO YOUR TV IN 4K

from 64,990 / hpshopping.in Why, it’s surely a B&O speaker.

A fair assumption, given the available visual information, but wrong. It’s something far better, with many more talents than a mere speaker. Hold on to your beret… it’s a new Windows 10 PC. But… the size, the shape, the freakin’ B&O logo! What gives?

Bang & Olufsen were involved in the design. And so, though it isn’t primarily a speaker, it will speak – thanks to an upwards-firing driver that will bounce noise off the underside of the top bit to give you 360° sound. How will you verify the truth of this? By running circles around it like a dog on a string, that’s how.

And there’s still room inside for computery bits?

Plenty. It’s not a cylinder like the Apple Mac Pro, but a curved triangular prism, and HP says this shape is well suited to efficient PC construction. Motherboard, CPU, GPU and SSD sit on one side, the cooling setup on another, and the main hard drive on the third. And there’s still space for a trio of USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.

Hmm. In my book, ‘efficient’ rhymes with ‘dull’.

Your book is pish. For this type of PC, ‘efficient’ means being small enough to sit next to your TV, quiet enough not to be heard over that TV and yet powerful enough to squirt 4K to that TV. Final specs are yet to be announced, but sixth-generation Intel Core processors and up to 8GB of RAM are being teased. It’s probably not suited to a VR setup, though.

For those, you’ll want something three times the size with steam coming out of its rump, not this pretty PC with Bach coming out of its hat.

33

H

O

T

S

T

U

F

F

The Tardis of home stereos

BOSE LIFESTYLE 650 Soundbars might be convenient if you’re short of space but then you usually have to settle for faux-surround. Instead, get an ultra-compact 5.1 system – something like Bose’s Lifestyle 650. It comes with four teensy-weensy OmniJewel speakers, which are the smallest satellite units Bose has ever made. These get paired to a centre channel and a bass module. The Lifestyle 650 also features Adaptiq tech for optimising the audio for a specific room, NFC for easy pairing and 4K passthrough with six HDMI inputs.

3,99,999 /boseindia.com

Circle of Zen

ASUS ZENWATCH 3 It’s the first Android Wear smartwatch to give you a perfectly round display and an ambient light sensor at the same time.

And it’s got Qualcomm’s new smartwatch SoC – the Wear 2100. Yup, that’s gotta be good enough to convince you. But if you still need more persuasion to pick up the ZenWatch 3, here it is: The 480x480 AMOLED display is covered in Gorilla Glass, it’s got 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, a 340mAh battery with quick charging (yes, you heard that right) and IP67 water resistance.

17,599 / asus.com/in

34

Suited in black

SWIPE ELITE MAX This classy onyx black smartphone has a slim appearance with a 7.7mm bezel and an ultra-narrow frame of 1.0mm. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the Elite Max features an Octa Core CPU, 64-bit capabilities and ultra-fast 4G LTE speeds, letting you reach new levels of performance for video, photography and gaming.

Multitasking is a breeze thanks to its 4GB of RAM. Its 13MP camera is capable of autofocusing in 0.2 sec, capturing images faster than the blink of an eye. It comes bundled with Android Marshmallow 6.0.

12,999 /flipkart.com

STUFF GADGET SHOW 2017

36

SHOW REPORT

W

e at Stuff India love gadgets and all the cherry-topped tech treats that the world has to offer.

So every year, we bring together the best tech-treats from around the world in one cozy place for you to feast your eyes upon. A happy place we like to call The Stuff Gadget Show.

Audiophile? Speed-demon?

Gamer? Music lover? Fridge-raider?

We’ve got the best brands down for you and this year was no exception.

From the feature-packed Hexa

by Tata Motors to the nimble little hoverseat by Ultimate Striders.

Stuffed your gadgets with viruses?

Let Kaspersky kick it out for you.

Add a little groove to your stuffed experience with Osaki’s portable amps and speakers or simply dance along with the dancing robots by Merlin Digital.

Wondering how to tech up your home? We got Koryo onboard to smooth out your life with their appliances. And if you love doing stuff with your eyes covered, try the VR gaming section by MSI. Finally walk away wearing LeChal’s Haptic footwear. It will make sure you never lose your way.

37

G A M E S

FIRST LOOK THE LAST OF US PART II PS4 Some stories are better left alone. It’s why there’s never been a Con Air 2: Now Boarding or ET Returns: Even More Terrestrial. So when the credits rolled on The Last Of Us, deep down many people hoped that was the last they’d hear from Joel and Ellie, even if the ending left questions unanswered.

But after secretly teasing a follow-up back in September without anyone realising, developer Naughty Dog has shown off the first trailer for its sequel to Stuff’s favourite PlayStation game of all time.

38

The Last Of Us Part II is set five years after the first game. Ellie is now 19 years old and as she plucks out a tune on an acoustic guitar, with tattoos snaking up her bloodied arm and a dead body lying at her feet, she looks a long way from the vulnerable young girl we met at the start of the first game.

This newly militant Ellie will be the main playable character this time around, and her Liam Neeson-esque promise of revenge is very much a sign of things to come. Co-writer Neil Druckmann says this game is

“about hate” where the first one was about love. Does that mean Joel and Ellie will turn on each other? Who is Ellie so keen on killing? Will the Fireflies militia be involved?

With the game probably not due until 2018, Naughty Dog is understandably keeping many details under wraps; but we do know it’ll run on an updated version of the Uncharted 4 engine, no doubt with some extra gloss applied for the PS4 Pro, so you can expect those dastardly Clickers to be even more terrifying than before.

H O

T

S

T

U

F

F

FIRST LOOK INTERGALACTIC GAMING

ASTRONEER Xbox One, PC If Pixar made No Man’s Sky: The Movie it’d probably look something like Astroneer – a cross between Minecraft and Wall-E set during an interplanetary goldrush in the 25th century. With pound signs in your eyes you’re fired off into space in the hope of hitting the jackpot, with a galaxy full of procedurally generated planets to hop between and plunder.

Fortunately you’ll have more than just a shovel and the pockets of your spacesuit at hand to help you gather

your extra-terrestrial booty. You’re armed with powerful tools that let you tunnel down into the surface of each planet, forge bridges out of space rock to help you reach previously inaccessible areas, or flatten out locations in order to build bases on them, which will allow you to store resources and accumulate wealth.

While No Man’s Sky is a largely solitary experience, Astroneer promotes drop-in/ drop-out co-op with up to three other

explorers. You’ll be able to climb behind the wheel of a buggy to traverse the ground more quickly and find somewhere to lay down the foundations for your base – or seek out any hidden artefacts that could help your quest to colonise space.

How long do you have to wait till you can blast off on your first exploratory mission? No time at all. It’s out on Steam’s Early Access and Xbox One’s Game Preview Program right now, with a proper release to follow later in the year.

REASONS TO REVISIT NO MAN’S SKY (WITH FOUNDATION UPDATE)

1 BUILD A BASE

You know that planet you found that’s covered in big blobs of gold? It’d be nice to stay there harvesting the lot, wouldn’t it? Find an abandoned outpost and you can claim it as your own, shacking up to develop new tech while expanding it to hold your scavenged loot. You can even teleport to it from space stations.

2 TRY THE NEW MODES

Switch to the Minecraft-style Creative mode and it’ll give you free rein to expand your base, while the restrictions on your intergalactic travel will be removed too, allowing you to hop around from planet to planet. Go for Survival mode, however, and the universe will do everything it can to make you an ex-astronaut.

3 PIMP YOUR RIDE

You might think your current vessel is big, but wait until you see the purchasable freighters from the Foundation update.

Big enough to hold multiple ships, grow crops and stockpile resources, they’re basically flying bases that can be summoned across the galaxy or flown to wherever trade prices are highest.

INCOMING THIS MONTH ● FOR HONOR ● SEA OF THIEVES MARCH ● HORIZON ZERO DAWN ● GHOST RECON WILDLANDS APRIL ● BULLETSTORM: FULL CLIP EDITION AUTUMN ● RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2

39

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

LORD OF THE RINGERS Which smartphone will go down in legend as the best of 2016?

5

3

6

4 1 2

Now that 2016 is in the can, we know the best phones of the year. We’ll have to wait and see how 2017 hits the reset button and the tech rollercoaster starts all over again. For now, the big innovations from last

1 Google Pixel The first ever 100% Google phone is here, and it could mark the beginning of a new era.

2 Sony Xperia XZ The Xperia Z6 in all but name, this phone has a 23MP camera and a new design.

year’s flagships include cameras so advanced they sound like they’ve been teleported out of someone’s daydream, and batteries that charge faster than it takes a cup of tea to go cold. So, is it still

3 OnePlus 3 An amazing phone for the money, this can go head to head with any mobile… is it still our favourite?

worth spending big on the tech wizardry of the likes of Apple and Google, or should you give your bank balance a break and pick an affordable over-achiever? We’ve got the answer…

4 Apple iPhone 7 Plus

5 Motorola Moto Z

6 Samsung Galaxy S7

Another year, another iPhone.

But this time you get an extra ‘zoom’ camera.

You can chop and change the Moto Z more often than your Lego set. Can it steal a victory?

With its ace camera and sumptuous build, this was the year’s early front-runner.

41

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

Google’s first ever phone shows its class (and its glass) We’ve had Google phones for years, but the Pixel is the first to be 100% Google-made. Well, OK, HTC actually made it, but it had no say about the weird glass panel on the back.

A part-glassy backside will let you spot one of these pricey Androids from 50 paces, but it’s what’s inside that makes the Pixel special. It’s the first phone to have

Android 7.1 and the Pixel Launcher.

It’s a whole new look and feel for Android, and you can only get it with a Pixel for now.

Part of this new software is the reborn Google Assistant, now designed to comprehend your love poems and drunken ramblings. In reality, it’s just a lot more like Siri, and will generally spit you out to a Wikipedia page if you ask anything

too obscure. On the bright side, it won’t gain sentience and take over the world until at least 2018.

Where software smarts really come good is in the camera. The Pixel has a 12MP rear camera (pretty common nowadays), but it also has some of the smartest photo-boosting software outside of Blade Runner. Not to mention it’s HDR’d to the max.

Like every Google phone to date, the Pixel is partly a fancy container for new software.

And while this phone is as snappy as any, there are more desirable containers to be found. Still, we’re not going to complain too much about a handset that’s this easy to pocket.

● GOOGLE PIXEL FROM 57,000 ★★★★✩

OS AND APPS

Gestures galore The Pixel UI is a vision of Android’s potential future.

There are more gestures than normal – to bring up the apps menu, for example, you flick up on the homescreen rather than press a soft key. Familiar but different. ●●●●●●●●●●

DESIGN

A clear message Aluminium and glass. That’s what you get here, and lots of it. Don’t worry if you don’t instantly fall in love with the glass back panel; you get used to it after a while, and at least it’s not boring. Aside from a rear finger scanner, what you need to note is how small and friendly the Pixel feels. With a 5in screen it’s a great choice if holding an iPhone 7 Plus makes you feel like you’re handling a gigantic plank of a phone. The Pixel isn’t the slimmest, but its aluminium curves feel great. This is a phone you’ll grow to love.

Crack shot

We’re looking at the dinkier of the Pixel twins. This one has a 5in 1080p OLED screen rather than the 5.5in one of the XL (see opposite). This keeps it pocket-friendly, if a bit small for films on the go. But it’s a high-quality, punchy screen.

On paper, the Pixel’s camera doesn’t sound like a killer. It has a high-end 12MP sensor, but no optical stabilisation to counteract hand-wobbliness.

In reality, though, it’s fab. It’s fast, churns out great images and – while night shots are a bit noisy – is one of the best non-stabilised low-light shooters around. Having a fancy-pants sensor from Sony helps. It doesn’t have a ‘zoom’ lens like the iPhone, or two cameras like the Honor 8, but we still care most about the image quality and hit rate. The Pixel is a star on both fronts.

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

SCREEN

Pocketable punch

42

CAMERA

Allo

Dashlane

If you really want to get on board with Android 7.1, you need to try Allo. This is Google’s very own WhatsApp-a-like.

It’s similar but smarter, as it suggests replies before you’ve even started typing and has integration with Google Assistant. free / iOS, Android

No one likes remembering passwords, but using the same one is a BAD idea. Dashlane lets you create super-complex passwords and then stores them.

You’ll only have to remember one master password, or use the finger scanner instead. free / iOS, Android

NOW APP THIS

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES The phone uses toughened glass on the front and back to avoid ugly scratches. It’s Gorilla Glass 4. We’d prefer even stronger Gorilla Glass 5, but you can’t have everything.

● GOOGLE PIXEL XL 67,000 SCREEN Pixel plenty For an extra 10,000 you can upgrade to the Pixel XL. This has a 5.5in screen instead of the standard phone’s 5-incher, with millions more pixels thanks to its ultra-sharp QHD AMOLED display.

DESIGN Bigger deal The XL has the same blend of aluminium and toughened glass as the basic Pixel. It’s much bigger, though, so make sure your pocket is up to the challenge.

CAMERA Cam again With the same 12MP main camera and 8MP front camera as the other handset, the XL has one of the best cameras around even without handshake-zapping OIS. Those software smarts rule.

This is the first smartphone we’ve tried that uses the new Snapdragon 821 CPU. Not too different from the Snapdragon 820, which uses less power for an identical performance.

OS AND APPS Android and more With Android 7.1 and the Pixel UI, the XL’s software looks and feels identical to that of the Pixel. The extra screen space is handy, though, as this fresh version of Android has more going on.

STUFF SAYS ★★★★✩ Upgrade your Pixel for plenty more pixels

43

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

Sony takes a different angle with its heir to the chic Z5 Wondering what happened to the Xperia Z6? You’re looking at it. This is the successor to the Z5, and the new ruler of Sony’s Android kingdom. But despite the name change it’s basically business as usual.

That means you get a sharp and serious-looking phone with camera sensor tech not seen elsewhere. Sony makes most

phone cameras’ hardware, you see. Other things to pick up on include its severe lines, giving the Xperia XZ a monolith-like presence that’s designed to make iPhones look a bit squishy in comparison. It’s also the only phone here to have a finger scanner on the side, because Sony really isn’t into ‘me too’ phone design. It’s meant to look

like the daddy, not like the other phones on the high street.

What it doesn’t have is a killer USP. All the other phones here have that one bit of tech to make you go “Ooh!”, but the Xperia XZ to rely on that indefinable, slightly smug aura that comes with every Sony flagship.

Look down the spec list and you can point out the camera,

which has more megapixels than some DSLRs. But we’d rather use an iPhone 7 Plus or a OnePlus 3 – the pictures aren’t quite as hot as we hoped. In fact, it’s possibly the worst camera here.

That aside, this is a solid all-rounder. But with such strong competition from all angles, you really have to dig that Sony style for it to be considered a top buy.

● SONY XPERIA XZ FROM 49,990 ★★★★✩ PS4 REMOTE PLAY Remote Play lets you play PS4 games on the Xperia XZ. Well, as long as you have a PS4 console and speedy Wi-Fi. free / Android

There’s a rubber seal around the SIM/memory-card tray that means this handset can withstand being dropped in water. Pro tip: don’t do this deliberately.

NOW APP THIS

LIFELOG An exercise tracker with a difference, Lifelog tallies up much more than your steps.

It’ll keep an eye on how much you read and play games. free / Android

44

A new colour sensor on the back is designed to give your photographs the perfect tone without fail… but it works only some of the time in our experience.

DESIGN

SCREEN

CAMERA

OS AND APPS

Sony has dropped its obsession with glass and finally arrived in the present. An aluminium rear means you can stop worrying about shattering both sides of your phone when you take a tumble while busting a move.

Sony pours colour into its LCD phone screens like they’re reservoirs for the stuff. The Xperia XZ has the liveliest tones of all these phones: great for a punchy look. It’s a 1080p screen that looks sharp across 5.2in.

Play Tech Top Trumps with the Sony Xperia XZ and it rules: a 23MP rear camera sounds like a killer.

In reality it’s the worst camera in this test, making fine details look fuzzy and lacking the OIS needed for quality night photography.

Sony puts its ‘we’re so slick’ stamp on Android 6.0.1 without ruining the layout. It does use old-fashioned app pages, though. There are custom Sony media apps and you can hook up to a PS4 with Remote Play.

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

Take a break

NOW APP THIS

Fountain of colour

No great shakes

Sony-fied

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

A smartphone equation that gives all the right answers When people talk about bargain phones, they normally mean ones that cost around 10,000.

OnePlus has proved a 28,000 mobile can be a steal too, because in most respects the OnePlus 3 matches phones that cost way over 40,000.

A faultless aluminium frame, good software, 64GB storage and a solid camera will make you

wonder whether it’s really worth spending the extra on a Samsung or Apple model. (Spoiler: it probably isn’t for many people.)

Until recently, you still had to be a bit bold to buy one of these – no shops on the high street sold the OnePlus 3. But now you can buy one from an Idea store. OnePlus is ready for the masses.

A couple of little extras are

missing, like “dunk me in the bath, I dare you” water-resistance and expandable storage. But when you look at how much you save, it’s hard not to be drawn in.

If we were to look for potential problems, one of the few that pops up is size. A 5.5in screen means this is a big phone, so do consider that if you have the pockets of a pixie or the hands

of a heavyweight boxer. It is still a lot smaller than the iPhone 7 Plus, mind you.

It’s David vs Goliath with the OnePlus 3 going up against the juggernauts in the industry, but we all know what happens. Can the underdog do it again? When you consider the price, all that’s left is to wonder what to do with that other 20K left with you.

● ONE PLUS 3 27,999 ★★★★★ EVERNOTE The OnePlus 3 is a bloat-free phone, but you’ll need a lot of apps to get up to speed.

This is an everyday note-taker, perfect to keep you organised. free / iOS, Android

A slider on the left side lets you switch between only letting in priority notifications or no bleats and bloops whatsoever.

It’s a nice, chunky switch.

NOW APP THIS

MXPLAYER A 5.5in screen makes the OnePlus 3 a great movie player, but there’s no decent movie app installed.

Try the free MxPlayer. free / iOS, Android

Despite being comparatively cheap, the OnePlus 3 has a great fingerprint scanner on the front, which also acts as a home button. You can also use on-screen soft keys.

DESIGN

SCREEN

CAMERA

OS AND APPS

Showing Apple how to design a 5.5in phone, the OnePlus 3 is manageable despite its big screen. Its all-aluminium frame feels gloriously expensive given the price. A nice extra is the silent mode switch, perfect for the cinema.

The OnePlus 3 has had some flak for its inaccurate screen colours. You’ll need to play with the colour to get it right, but it’s only as oversaturated as the other Androids. This 1080p panel is big and sharp enough to satisfy most.

Today’s trend is to use a lower-res camera than the OnePlus 3’s for better low-light performance.

But as it has OIS, you can still take good night pics here – and with manual mode you can push stabilisation to the max.

OnePlus has pulled quite a trick with the Oxygen UI. It looks and feels like normal Android 6.0, but has loads more customisation options, as well as a bonus homescreen. It’s called Shelf and holds notes and any widgets you need.

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

How to do big

NOW APP THIS

Untrue colours?

Shot in the dark

Shelf interest

45

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

More camera, more tech, more money… more iPhone?

Why do you hate us, Apple? We almost wish the iPhone 7 Plus wasn’t as jaw-droppingly good as it is, because it doesn’t have an output jack. We love headphones at Stuff. But we don’t love using a headphone adaptor.

The rest of the iPhone 7 Plus does a good job of making up for it. First, this phone has an added 2x zoom camera, letting you take

close-up portraits and gig pics without your shots looking like they’ve been drawn with crayons.

And the new Portrait camera mode has a best-yet stab at the ‘blurry background’ effect you can normally only get with a giant high-end camera lens.

Next up, Apple has updated the iPhone’s Taptic Engine – the part that makes the Home button

click. This is not just about the button, though – it’s used all over the phone as very precise percussive feedback.

Let’s not forget the pressuresensitive screen either. This lets you access particular parts of an app by just hard-pressing the icon on your homescreen. And it isn’t just for Apple apps — you can use this feature to zip straight to your

recently played Spotify albums, for example.

The iPhone 7 Plus also has dual speakers: in addition to the normal driver at the bottom, the earpiece also acts as a speaker for stereo-effect sound. It’s still a phone speaker, but it does have better bass than the other phones here.

● APPLE iPHONE 7 PLUS FROM 72,000★★★★★

OS AND APPS

Siri-ous update Everyone knows iOS now, right? You might not know about the new extras that iOS 10 added, though. Siri now works in third-party apps, 3D Touch adds a new layer of interaction, and there are widgets for your lock screen. ●●●●●●●●●●

DESIGN

Glossy is the new black One annoying thing about the iPhone 7 Plus is that it’s big – bigger than almost all the 5.5in Android phones. It’s otherwise as lovely as ever and there are new shades: black and glossy black. The glossy one is the stealth bomber of phones – seriously cool – but it’s also a fingerprint magnet par excellence and isn’t half easy to scratch. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Still, at least everyone will know you have a 7 Plus, because this is the only iPhone with two cameras on the back. Bragging rights come as standard.

Zoom, zoom

The screen specs won’t blow you away. It’s 5.5in across, an LCD and 1080p. In person, though, it’s up with the best: great contrast, deep blacks and colours that look vivid while being more natural than the punchier-looking Androids.

Loads of two-camera phones have appeared over the last few years, but none quite like this. The iPhone 7 Plus has a normal camera and a 2x zoom one that lets you take sharper shots of far-away subjects.

The killer app is Portrait. Not only can you stay a bit further away from your muse; the new Portrait mode also blurs out the background so your photos look like they’ve been taken by a pro with a 80,000 camera. Instead of, errr, a near- 80,000 phone. But hey, a DSLR can’t play any of those brain-rotting casual games.

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

SCREEN

Defying the specs

46

CAMERA

Alto’s Adventure One of the first games to make use of the iPhone 7’s new Taptic Engine is Alto’s Adventure, quite possibly the artiest endless runner in the universe. You’ll feel a haptic tap when you pick up a llama – say no more.

250 / iOS, Android

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom The iPhone 7 Plus can shoot RAW photos. These are shots untouched by noise-reduction jiggery-pokery.

Open them in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and you can bring out more detail for even better results. free / iOS, Android

NOW APP THIS

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES The iPhone 7 Plus has two separate cameras. One has a 28mm lens like older iPhones, the other a 56mm that’s a smash for portraits, getting you a 2x zoom view.

● APPLE iPHONE 7 FROM 60,000 SCREEN Same old view No huge changes this year: the basic iPhone still has a 4.7in 1334x750 screen. Aside from just-OK resolution, it’s a great-quality display with cracking colour and good contrast.

DESIGN What a drain Just like last year, the ‘normal’ iPhone is much smaller than the Plus. It’s a friendlier size. However, battery life is much worse too – one of the few problems with the iPhone 7.

CAMERA Cam down You can expect the same awesome photos and selfies from the smaller iPhone 7, but it lacks the 2x zoom camera: great quality, but without the revolutionary tech that makes the Plus so exciting.

With no room for a headphone jack thanks to the new Taptic motor, you’ll either have to make do with the Lightning EarPods, buy a wireless set or use the adaptor in the box.

OS AND APPS Squinty, not Ninty A smaller screen isn’t quite as good for more console-like games, but otherwise you get all the same software chops as the full-fat Plus. Storage starts at 32GB, but you can get a 256GB iPhone 7 for 67,172.

STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ Keeps your pockets lighter and your wallet heavier

47

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

Welcome to the mod house: Moto rolls out the changes It’s a mod world if the Motorola Moto Z is anything to go by. With a range of Moto Mods, the Z offers more flexibility and customisation than any of its competitors. It’s the first Moto to go modular, and that decision could very well be a masterstroke.

Speaker not got enough boom? Boost your sound with a new upgrade. Battery dies more

frequently than Kenny in South Park? Expand its lifespan with the power pack. Camera not flashy enough? Well, you get the picture.

And it’s dead easy to get each Mod working: you simply have to stick it on the back and it’ll snap into place.

It’s not all about the Mods either. The QHD 5.5in screen is an absolute eye-popper and this

phone has plenty of power, being able to whip through Android Marshmallow without any lag.

Multitasking and 3D games won’t slow you down either.

But it’s the decision to go modular that could give the Moto Z the edge in this contest for some people – at least, those people who like to chop and change their gadgets. It’s not

the cheapest at 40k, especially when you consider that you’ll have to fork out extra on the Mods to get the most out of it.

But Motorola is clearly onto something with how its Mods attach and work, as they’re as simple as can be. Are they enough to boost the Moto Z to the top of our list?

● MOTOROLA MOTO Z FROM 39,900 ★★★★✩

OS AND APPS

In stock

The Moto Z keeps one of our favourite bits of Motorola phones: stock Android. Or rather, almost stock. This spin on Google’s OS isn’t entirely pure, but it’s uncluttered. If you’ve used a Nexus phone before, you’ll feel right at home. ●●●●●●●●●●

DESIGN

Join (to) the dots This is not the flashiest of flagships, and it’s a complete smudge magnet. But it’s on the back where the magic happens. Those 16 metal dots connect and lock each Mod into place. It seems a bit odd to have all of that exposed on a smartphone, but there’s no danger in holding the phone without a case – it just feels awkward. Without a Moto Mod plugged into the back, the Z is a remarkably slim phone.

We’re tempted to call it too thin. But the real bummer is the lack of a headphone port.

Why is this now a thing?

Slow Moto

A resolution of 2560x1440 makes the Moto Z’s 5.5in screen a beauty. LCD has been ditched in favour of AMOLED, which gives dark pictures and video incredible depth and contrast. Colours still pop, but look lifelike while they’re at it.

Optical image stabilisation, laser focus, twin LED flash and “zero shutter lag” – the 13MP rear camera sounds brilliant on paper. In our hands, though, it feels a little sluggish; snaps sometimes take a couple of seconds to save, and you’ll get scolded for moving the phone while it’s working its magic.

On the upside, photos are consistently impressive. You get lots of detail, especially in close-up shots, with bright colours and (mostly) naturallooking results. It can also record some pretty stunning 4K video.

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

SCREEN

Depth charged

48

CAMERA

Photoshop Fix

Audible

Android phones can finally run Adobe’s mobilefriendly version of Photoshop. iOS owners have had tools like faceaware Liquify for a while, but now there’s no excuse for a dodgy selfie.

And with the Moto Z’s camera Mod, you’re going to want this. free / iOS, Android

OK, so none of Audible’s audiobooks are going to give the Moto Z’s JBL speaker Mod a real test; but the extra volume means you can leave your phone on your bedside table and drift off to the sounds of a novel you don’t have time to read. free / iOS, Android

NOW APP THIS

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES The camera module pops out of the phone’s rear by a few extra millimetres. This may look a little odd, but as soon as you slap on a Mod, everything looks normal again.

ADDED VALUE BEST MOTO Z MODS

INSTA-SHARE PROJECTOR Hit the wall With absolutely minimal effort, you can project up to a 70in image onto a wall, whether you’re streaming video, playing locally saved media or enjoying a game. As long as your room is dark enough, the resulting picture is solidly bright at maximum settings.

JBL SOUNDBOOST Crank it up The SoundBoost packs a solid punch for what is still a relatively compact size.

This speaker doesn’t produce massive sound, but neither does it seem canned or lacking in punch. It’ll do the trick for a beach party.

Want to run with the big boys this winter? You’d best be packing a Snapdragon 820 CPU and 4GB of RAM. The Moto Z has got you covered here.

HASSELBLAD TRUE ZOOM Camera-flage The True Zoom ups the phone’s megapixel count to 18.9, and offers a 10x optical zoom to improve the quality of your zoomed-in snaps.

It feels good, takes great pictures, and looks just like a compact camera to the untrained eye.

49

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

Six months on, is Samsung’s magnificent S7 still a winner?

It seems like ages since we first laid eyes on the Galaxy S7, but this fantastic phone is still one of our favourites of the year. That’s not least because it doesn’t share the same flammable tendencies as its cousin, the Galaxy Note 7. Better still, it’s a tad cheaper than it was six months ago.

So what makes the S7 an enduring hit? Everything. We’ve

spent a long time poring over this handset for its weak spots, but they’re few and far between. From its thoroughly classy design to a camera that gives killer shots time after time… many rivals have taken a swing at Samsung’s flagship, and most have come away with a bruised ego.

You see, aside from being packed with speed and power,

this phone gets the details right.

It’s waterproof, rarely overheats and has a microSD card slot for all your media-hoarding desires. Oh, and of course it’s got a headphone port as well.

The only thing that’s missing?

The same curved display that you’ll find on its bigger brother, the Galaxy S7 Edge. As achingly cool as that feature is, it’s far from

essential. Trust us, you don’t need yet another widget for checking the weather.

So whether you’re thinking it might be time to hop off the iPhone bandwagon, or you just won’t settle for less than the absolute best, the Galaxy S7 should be near the top of your list.

Remembering that the OnePlus 3 is mighty tempting for a lot less…

● SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 FROM 48,900 ★★★★★ ★★ ★ ASPHALT 8: AIRBORNE This globe-hopping racer offers up some of the finest graphics on Android, and the races themselves are a total thrill. free / Android

Power user? Don’t worry.

The S7’s 3000mAh capacity will see you through the day without breaking sweat.

Worst case, there’s a ‘battery saver’ mode to fall back on.

NOW APP THIS

PRISMA Should you tire of the S7’s fab camera, our Best App of 2016 takes your photos and gives them an added artistic flourish. free / Android

Gamers can push the S7 plenty hard without it tinging their fingers in protest. An innovative water-cooling system makes sure of that.

DESIGN

SCREEN

CAMERA

OS AND APPS

Not so long ago, Samsung smartphones used to be plastic-not-so-fantastic.

The S7 proves that lamentable age is over.

At 152g, it feels pleasingly lightweight in your hands, while looking the business as well.

With 2560x1440 pixels crammed into a 5.1in display, the S7’s screen is sensational – especially if you’re not obsessed with colour accuracy. The vivid shades leap out at you as though you’re reading a colouring book.

Low-light photos are where a smartphone’s camera earns its salt, and the S7 delivers with aplomb. Its wider aperture and bigger pixels ensure a wealth of detail is crammed into photos.

Ideal for Insta addicts.

The S7 runs on Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, which is fine but a bit cluttered and unintuitive at times.

Downloading the free Google Now Launcher will help with this. Plus, Android Nougat should roll out soon.

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●●

One of a kind

NOW APP THIS

All bright by us

Bite the dusk

Nougat boost

51

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

The winner is…

OnePlus 3 How do they do it? This is what you’ll be asking yourself for hours after opening up the OnePlus 3’s box. For less than half the price of the Google Pixel XL or iPhone 7 Plus, you get a big-screen phone that looks and feels amazing, can take fantastic photos and has as much power as phones costing well over 40,000.

Sure, the latest outsized iPhone has more eyebrowraising tech crammed into its aluminium casing. However, when you pay almost 30,000 extra for the privilege, we think maybe you’d get more kick out of spending the cash on a new camera or TV. Or, heck, maybe treat yourself with a week abroad to take the sting out of the Indian weather.

TEST WINNER

+ Now add these OnePlus 3 Protective Case OnePlus has come up with a whole range of cases for its latest handset. There are wood veneers, carbon-fibre-like kevlar and a roughened plastic option. from 899 / oneplusstore.in 52

Creative Muvo 2c The Muvo 2c is one of the smallest Bluetooth speakers to have a passive radiator – a ‘Honey, I shrunk the subwoofer’ driver. It even has a built-in microSD card for use as an MP3 player.

6903 / amazon.in

Google Daydream View Daydream View is Google’s latest offering for mobile VR. While the OnePlus 3 isn’t currently compatible, we bet it’ll work once the Android Nougat update arrives.

8490 / ebay.in

SUPERTEST SUPERPHONES

THE SUMMARY

DESIGN

● OnePlus 3 ● Google Pixel ● Apple iPhone 7 Plus ● Motorola Moto Z ● Sony Xperia ZX ● Samsung Galaxy S7

WHAT’S NEXT? How can phones possibly get better? Weirdly enough, one thing we’ve called a gimmick could soon be a killer feature: the 4K phone screen.

The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium’s 4K screen was almost pointless. It was 1080p except when using a couple of Sony apps. But now that Android natively supports 4K, a phone VR headset could look sharper than the HTC Vive.

You’ll get full HD for each eye with 4K. The Vive only delivers 1080x1200 pixels – no contest. It’s all eyes on Samsung to break through this ceiling in 2017. With Google Daydream about to push mobile VR up several gears, we’re hopeful.

Camera resolutions could start to leap up again in 2017, after many phone-makers decreased their megapixel counts this year. It’s all down to the latest trend for multicamera setups, which – when used right – will let a phone get more out of each pixel.

SCREEN

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

TECH RATER

CAMERA 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

OS AND APPS 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Screen

Processor

Cameras

Storage

Battery

Dimensions

1st

OnePlus 3 Months after its release, no big-name phone can really touch the OnePlus 3 for sheer value in a high-end phone.

27,999 / stuff.tv/in/oneplus

5.5in AMOLED 1920x1080 (401ppi)

Quad-core Snapdragon 820 @ 2.15GHz

16MP rear, 8MP front

64GB (nonexpandable)

3000mAh

152x75x 7.4mm, 158g

2nd

Samsung Galaxy S7 Still a stunner, but it just can’t compete with the OnePlus on price. If money is no object, this is the phone for you. from 59,900 / stuff.tv/in/samsung.com

5.1in Super AMOLED, 2560x1440 (577ppi)

Octa-core Exynos 8890 @2.3GHz

12MP rear, 5MP front

32GB, 64GB (expandable up to 512GB)

3000mAh

142x70x 7.9mm, 152g

3rd

Apple iPhone 7 Plus The giant iPhone is still too big for some, but its camera and inside tech upgrades are genuinely interesting… and useful. from 72,000 / stuff.tv/in/apple

5.5in IPS LCD 1920x1080 (401ppi)

Quad-core Apple A10 Fusion @ 2.23GHz

12MP rear, 7MP front

32GB, 128GB, 256GB (nonexpandable)

2900mAh

158x75x 5.2mm, 136g

4th

Google Pixel The first full-blooded Google phone arrives with a bang, a good camera and an unusual look, but it isn’t half pricey. from 57,000 / stuff.tv/in/pixel

5in AMOLED 1920x1080 (441ppi)

Quad-core Snapdragon 821 @ 2.15GHz

12MP rear, 8MP front

32GB, 128GB (nonexpandable)

2770mAh

144x70x 8.5mm, 143g

5th

Motorola Moto Z Flagship appeal and a fancy screen, but those clever Mods can’t make up for the Moto Z’s shortcomings.

39,900 / stuff.tv/in/motorola

5.5in AMOLED 2560x1440 (535ppi)

Quad-core Snapdragon 820 @ 1.8GHz

13MP rear, 5MP front

32GB (expandable up to 2TB)

2600mAh

153x75x 7.4mm, 158g

6th

Sony Xperia XZ Solid and with a style all of its own, but a fumbled camera and lack of real tech excitement really cost the Sony. from 49,990 / stuff.tv/in/sony/xperia-xz

5.2in IPS LCD 1920x1080 (424ppi)

Quad-core Snapdragon 820 @ 2.15GHz

23MP rear, 13MP front

32GB, 64GB (expandable up to 256GB)

2900mAh

146x72x 8.1mm, 161g

53

F I R S T T E S T P O R S C H E PA N A M E R A T U R B O

Mid-life catharsis The first-gen Panamera couldn’t have won any design awards. So, Porsche has just made an all-new one and it’s... look at it! `tba / porsche.in When Porsche opened the press briefing of the all-new Panamera in Dubai, they were dead serious about one thing. This really is an “all-new” car. In fact, the only part carried over from the older generation is the crest logo on the bonnet!

So, as a complete makeover, you get a wider body, longer wheelbase and a completely redesigned rear section that waves goodbye to the ugly hunch of the earlier car. The replacement of the new four dot signature LEDs and a more sculpted bonnet finally give the Panamera a proper 4-door 911 look. But the changes are more than skin deep and the difference is evident the first time you turn the perfectly weighted steering wheel into a corner.

Sharp, direct and agile, it now benefits from a rear-wheel steering system that justifies its “4-door sportscar” claim. Well, that and the fact that it lapped the green hell faster than last year’s 911 GT3! If you need to get to Goa in a hurry, there might be no better car than this then.

Turbo kick for some serious fun

[ Words Nishant Padhiar ]

Skilled motor

54

The all-new twin-turbo V8 in the Panamera Turbo now produces 550bhp and a stonking 770Nm of that thing that rips roads apart.

But, it’s not just the power that’s addictive here. The new rear-wheel steering lets you dive into corners, and even twisting around the tight slalom that was

set up for us outside Dubai feels natural for a heavy, luxury coupe like this!

Coupled with all-time 4WD, it’s hard to break traction. It’s a genuine treat to drive this car in every condition and the newly developed 4D chassis control helps immensely to harness all drive-based systems.

F I R S T T E S T P O R S C H E PA N A M E R A T U R B O

Back into the future The usual plethora of hard keys on a Porsche centre console are replaced by touch-sensitive virtual buttons that provide accurate haptic feedback too. Up in the dash, a 12.3in display is more of a PC with all-new graphics and Apple CarPlay support. Up in the driver’s line of sight, only the tachometer remains in the analog domain, flanked by two 7in displays that can be customised to show all kinds of data from G-force to lap times. This new system could become the best in the biz!

Tech specs Engine Twin-turbo 4.0lt V8 petrol Power 550bhp, 770Nm torque Acceleration 0-100 km/hr in 3.8secs Top speed 306 km/hr Transmission 8-speed PDK Drivetrain 4WD, rear-wheel steering

Teutonic technology

Backseat driving

A mighty heart

Surrounded by sound

Going with the wind

A touchscreen with hi-res display allows passengers to control AC, ventilated seats, seat squab, blinds, media and more. Comfort is as good as an S-Class.

A brand-new V8 on the turbo is the only version of Panamera India will get to begin with. The sports exhaust makes it sound as epic as Porsche should.

No, that wasn’t a low flying Ed Sheeran. It’s just part of the 21-speaker, 1455W Burmester audio system with exclusive Auro 3D processing.

Like the earlier model, only more beautiful, the hypnotic split-section rear spoiler unfolds like the perfect mechanical ballet of over engineering.

55

FIRST TEST VU PIXELIGHT HDR

How nice of Vu! It’s packed with the latest internet capabilities, is 4K and HDR ready, looks smashing and is sweetly priced 1,56,000 / vutvs.com With 4K content slowly but surely piling up on streaming services and via Blu-ray discs alike, now is a pretty good time to invest in a telly that supports the standard.

It might be a wee bit too early to change your current giantscreen TV for one that supports HDR but if a new TV supports it along with 4K, then just come and take all our money.

Take this utterly gorgeous VU Pixelight TV for example. It is 65in wide and offers a fairly slim frame along with a great build and looks fine enough to not hurt your living room decor. It offers four HDMI inputs and can gobble up any 4K source you yearn to feed it. Have that 4K movie stored on a USB stick? Now is the time to watch it.

The TV also offers internet capabilities and has dedicated NetFlix and YouTube buttons on the remote too. How nice of Vu! For the price you pay, you get a behemoth of a telly with every feature you can imagine. We are truly impressed!

[ Words Yatish Suvarna ]

Good Meh Evil

56

T #1 he m )C e an ga I s bo et x it u ha pa sa lon rriv e? ed Y .C ar es i ha m fo lle so n ng l y f la I e w had .T t hi he st r hi ea ng ch Se is of a l tu m th itt p as e le is siv lo he as e. ng lp sim fro p l m e a t as ea m m ak ...w m ing co e at a m ar e a to pl e r ain e nd as ... t, ab ady ou fo tt ra he ct w ion B ay . W sp ut w it e or o lo ca te ul ok n da dh s. ’t th av in e j ne um rf p ra ed m g B e. le Yo uilt ef uT -in ul ly ub W if i e b it F ut i a to nd no N n t etF he lix 4K re an w p m d e a er ot re for e. n’ m Ni tm a ce ov nce . ing is fro sta m gg T th eri fo he e c ng r m re ou , bo os mo ch y t tp e . c ar on t, t un ro til l is yo ea u n sy ee to d t op o er ty at pe e .

24 hours with the VU Pixelight HDR

4mins

10mins

35mins

40mins

50mins

1hr

2.5hrs

4hrs

FIRST TEST VU PIXELIGHT HDR

The god is in the details We kicked off things with the Blu-ray of Mad Max: Fury Road and boy oh boy, the VU ensured we never moved an inch off the couch. Full HD content looks absolutely stunning, packed with a wallop of detail and the colours bend the senses.

Buttery smooth imagery or gorgeously shallow depths?

Ultrasmooth Motion feature is enabled by default and while some of you may enjoy viewing content this way, we prefer it, with the cinematic shallow depth of field look. If you need to turn it off, simply head to the Picture options menu and fire away.

Famous Blu-ray cope Spin a 4K-laced blu-ray and all you get is imagery that is neater than Bond’s pick-up line. There’s a beautifully natural tone to the moving images and overall motion too is dealt with finesse.

Give the TV a b&w disc and the visual awe continues.

Highly Dynamic Ranger!

HDR’s broad scale of contrast, spanning extraordinary grip over shades of black and bright whites alike are brought to life via this telly. Things get even better when you play content off a Bluray player that supports 4K and HDR out of the box.

O Th pe en n, a yo we uw b s ill ite pu o ll y r se ou ar r h ch T air fo pi hat ct is ou r a ur m t. vid eq a eo ua de . u lit p y fo th r ro by ug t h a he T in her nd go du e th rge lge are ro ou ug s in a p . Y le h. ou th o ar r es ao or f i te np Th d. ut se e st t o tea o f 4 is h K e Bl re u- , n ra ow ys w wh e o er rd e is er t ed ha ? t

Big screen gaming anyone?

When you have a TV this massive sitting pretty in your living room, you ought to try your hand at some of the latest games on offer. The experience will be thrilling to say the least.

The TV handles blacks beautifully and the colour output is absolutely lickable.

16hrs

18hrs

20hrs

24hrs

Tech specs Screen 65in LED, 3840x2160 4K Yes HDR Yes HDMI inputs 4 USB inputs 3 Wi-Fi Yes OS Opera Other inputs RF, SCART, Ethernet, digital audio, composite, component Dimensions (with stand) 1452x895x314mm Weight 31.8kg (32.8kg with stand)

Pair it with We get our hands on the world’s first 4K Blu-ray player that supports HDR

4K+HDR Blu ray player The new OPPO UDP-203 not only features a premium 32-bit DAC from AKM, the AK4458VN, which is an 8-channel DAC with support for formats such as 192 kHz / 32-bit PCM and multi-channel DSD but is also capable of playing the new 4K UHD Blu-ray discs as well

as 4K media files. It supports HDR and will support Dolby Vision too via a software update.

What if you have non-4K content?

Well this player upscales regular content to 4K without a fuss. We will have a detailed review for the OPPO UDP-203 in our upcoming issue.

I bit myself twice as I looked at the price tag of this TV after a thorough review. It packs every single feature you could imagine and then goes ahead and even performs well when it comes to picture quality. Even the sonics do not disappoint. One thing is for sure: when 4K becomes mainstream, I’ll have a TV that’s ready for action! @yatish_suvarna

STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ A 4K HDR TV that trully impresses on performance and features. It is worth every bit you spend!

57

AUTOMOTIVE ICON

THE LEGEND OF

Calling the Mustang a pony car makes as much sense as dubbing a nuke a ‘firecracker’. ‘Cos with 8 cylinders of American muscle rumbling away fiercely, the Mustang GT isn’t a cuddly pony, it’s a veritable fire-breathing wolf. A big, brash, and bold wolf that’ll blow your socks off the instant you step on the gas.

But it’s also the ultimate icon of Americana, with a glorious lineage and a rich heritage that’s wrapped in red, white, and blue. So quickly gobble down that apple pie and join us as we pay homage to the ultimate muscle car [Words: Vaibhav Sharma]

Model Neha Sharma Photographer Vikram Bawa Styled by Nazneen Parmar Assisted by Jeenali Desai Make-up and Hair Varsha Sugandh Tilokani Assisted by Siddhesh Shinde Embroidered bodysuit by Farah Sanjana Jacket from Verandah by Anjali Mehta Gold Heels from Tresmode

58

AUTOMOTIVE ICON

59

AUTOMOTIVE ICON

DESIGN N

The cult of the Mustang defies explanation. Pick a place on the map, no matter how out of the way, and you’ll find a fan who can’t stop talking about why it’s the best car ever made. And it’s a cinch that every argument in favour of this statement will eventually come down to a simple ‘Just look at it!’. And that’s it. The Mustang fan has won. Whether it’s a classic pony or a modern-day, geeked-up-to-the-hilt Mustang, one thing has remained constant: They’re all utterly gorgeous. See for yourself...

W O

The steering wheel pays homage to that from a classic ‘Stang, the roofline harks back to an era when bellbottoms were big, and the grille is inspired by a late-60s variant, but the newest Mustang is NOT old-fashioned.

No, it’s an utterly modern GT car, but it sure doesn’t forget its glorious heritage.

Now in its sixth generation, the Mustang remains the epitome of cool. And how could it not? In the five decades that have passed since the first Mustang rolled out onto the streets, it’s always managed to capture the essence of the era. From the 60s, when songs were written about it, to its modern avatar as a techladen muscle car, nothing else has managed to compare to the cult of the Mustang. There were some lean years too, but the Mustang survived them all, coming back stronger - and more alluring - than ever before.

After all, true legends never die, they just get better with age!

60

NVERT CO I

COBR A ‘78

THE PONY ARRIVES

TOUGH TIMES

FOXY ENOUGH?

Born in 1964 (the ‘65 model, often referred to as 1964½), the Mustang was an instant hit. It kept on gaining more power and by the ‘70s, what started out as a light ‘pony car’ became bonafide ‘American Muscle’.

The Mustang II debuted in 1974 - smaller, less powerful and without a V8 option. Blame it on the oil crisis years! The V8 did come back a year later, but the ‘70s, on the whole, proved to be less than kind to the ‘Stang.

The ‘Fox Body’ years (1979 onwards) saw the Mustang lose its distinctive styling for an altogether more generic (boring?) look. Still, the convertible came back in 1983, so we can’t complain all that much!

‘83

‘68 GT

E BL

SIX GENERATIONS OF COOL

AUTOMOTIVE ICON OBJET D’LUST Can’t afford the real deal? No worries, mate. Here’s some ‘Stang stuff to make your day!

EN TH The fourth generation Mustang arrived in 1994.

It might not have been anything spectacular to look at, but with design cues that harked back to the classic years, it did give us an inkling of what was yet to come.

A near-perfect blend of modern and retro design cues, the all-new 2005 Mustang was, for want of a better word, best described as ‘lustworthy’.

Yes, the pony car was finally back as a bedroom pinup favourite.

Greenlight 1968 GT Make some space on your desk or go vroom-vroom on the sofas as you relive the magic of Bullitt’s car chase scene with this diecast ‘Stang. It’s got doors and a hood that opens, and even comes with a teensy Steve McQueen figure! `5995/ hobbytoys.co

ECOBOO 17

‘

‘0

THE MAGIC IS BACK

What better way to go retro than with this official 4-in-1 music player. It’s got a turntable and a radio for the perfect 1960s vibe, but with modern additions like USB. But what we love the most is how the radio tuner looks like a classic Mustang speedometer. $149.95 / ford.com

ST

GETTIN’ BETTER

ONVERT 8C

LE IB

RA COB CO

E UP

‘96

It might be known as the car which revolutionised the American car industry, but the first-gen Mustang was much more than that - it was a stunning example of industrial design. Looking menacing and yet suave in equal measure, with styling elements that translate well even today, it really was a work of art.

4-in-1 LP Player

THE MEAN MACHINE The sixth-gen Mustang showed up in 2015, taking the retro-futuristic styling a step further. Leaner, meaner and greener than ever before, the latest generation of ‘Stangs are thoroughly fast - and thoroughly sexy.

1967 Fastback sign Doing up your apartment? Add a dash of cool with this vintage wood-panelled sign from Ford’s official collection. What, it’s available in a variety of sizes?

Get one more for your office, that’s what we say. Almost as good as owning the real thing!

From $77 / fordimages.com

61

AUTOMOTIVE ICON

functions. The aircraft-like toggle switches match the exterior for swag value, but it’s when you fire the naturally aspirated V8 to life, does it really take your breath away. With multiple drive modes and a Line Lock mode for maximum smoke off the start line, this is a sportscar that’s LOADED fun and unabashed. Losing the rear end is easy, smileThe India-bound inducing and frightening Mustangs come in top- in the city, all at once! spec trim only and that But that’s what makes means you don’t have to the Mustang so different in spend precious track character to anything else time in deciding options. on the road. It’s a mix of The 8in touchscreen old-world brute and runs on the Ford Sync 2 state-of-the-art design, connectivity system and making it irresistable handles calls, music and and almost a climate control modern-day classic.

JOIN THE FAN CLUB PLAY

WATCH Bullitt

LEARN 1

THAT’S A FUN JOB It took 4 weeks to film the car chase in Bullitt.

2

3

FOREVER IN LOVE The first Mustang sold is still with its original owner.

5

6

The Ford Mustang was just a few months old when it made its first celluloid appearance - in a Bond movie, no less!

Google Play

A Faster Horse

Gone in 60 Seconds

Everyone’s favourite muscle car gets a fitting present for its 50th birthday in the form of this documentary.

Netflix

You’ve seen the Nick Cage remake. But this 1974 flick is where the ‘Eleanor’ legend first began. A don’t-miss movie for the car-mad. iTunes

Asseto Corsa It’s not a game. It’s an insanely moddable and customisable racing sim. Yeah, you’d better be serious for this one.

PC, XBox One, PS4

RACE TO A MILLION It took less than two years to sell a million Mustangs

4

Goldfinger

The legendary car chase through the streets of ‘Frisco made petrolheads swoon and set the bar for every movie to follow.

Google Play

WE ALL WANT ONE Over 9 million Mustangs have been sold so far!

POPULAR PONY 8.5 million ‘Likes’ make it the king of Facebook.

ROADHOUSE BLUES Jim Morrison drove a 1967 Shelby GT500.

READ Ford Mustang: Fifty Years

Complete Book of Ford Mustang

Over 400 photos of the Mustang make this coffee table book ‘car porn’ for the enthusiast. amazon.in

Need a stronger fix?

How about a look at everything Mustang, from prototypes to race versions. flipkart.com

Forza Horizon 3 The legendary Forza heads Down Under.

Gorgeously detailed and has loads of souped-up ‘Stangs?

Perfect, we say.

PC, XBox One

63

F I R S T T E S T LG V 2 0

The V card Who said just one whacky flagship was enough? Here’s another more traditional one with not-so-traditional bits added from `54,900 / lg.com/in

2

LG might not be the top dog when it comes to flagships, but with variants like the G5 offered quite a bite for the buck. However, LG decided to go the traditional way rather then applying the modular approach to the V20 and the result is a jolly good offering.

At first glance, you’ll notice that the dual screen from the V10 is back and the device is pretty slim reminding us of the BlackBerry Z10. It looks and feels much better though, but it’s not flagship-level of quality or looks specially for the money this biggy asks for.

Talking of big, it packs in a 5.7in quad HD display, dual wide-angle cameras on the rear and four DACS paired with an amp and bundled B&O earphones for some serious hi-fi audio. All that is backed up by the Snapdragon 820 with 4GBs of RAM and that dubious second screen to top it all. So, it sounds good on paper, but is the bite as strong as the bark? Or is it all just a gimmick?

1 Old school charm Compared with LG’s other offerings like the G Flex and the G5, the V20 gets a rather greyhaired approach. The design is simple yet elegant and there’s no hardware you can switch. It doesn’t look worth `54k though.

4

1

2 Back off Actually there is one bit of hardware you can switch – the battery. The back panel comes off and the battery is removable.

Under the battery are slots for the SIMs and memory. You don’t get such a privilege nowadays.

3 Pretty performer Even though we thought LG was shortchanging us with the 4GBs of RAM, it works pretty well.

There isn’t a hiccup while multitasking and apps run fast and smooth. Even games are a joy on that big screen.

[ Words Kaizad Billimoria ]

Good Meh Evil

64

O No h g th os ing h, i ev t sa en ys po `5 …b ps 5K th ut ou o e g it tl nt ian ha ike he s t5 a th bo e G x. .7i tin nQ yl 5. i t Oh .. ua tle ca , t dH s n r he c D re ep b di en lac ack sp a lay bo e t ca he n . ve b ba e Se sc tt tte rem re ing ry o en u . N ve is p s ice d s as ho ly o y ea rt re ou sy cut tro as s o .

On dr n t as e ag h tr ha -a e s ug nd nd ec gl u e. se -d on Al is ro d m s p. os ta W rt t dr ing be ow op t st , it pe o b ex ’s d i ec te lou t. om rn d al an e au d di ha o s, w b e’ y ve fa he r, t ar he Di d.

Co sc ul ove dn r ’t ed st th op e sin HD gi Re ng c Pa gu in fo ord f r t in ita ul hr g. r s ren ee tr d um iti ho o ur s s ns s. ou an nd d a pr m Ne es at Re ig tin ure co hb e. rd ou ed rs ev kn ide oc nc k to ei c n 4 om K. pl ain .

24 hours with the LG V20

1min

2mins

4mins 10mins

15mins 20mins

4hrs

4.5hrs

6hrs

F I R S T T E S T LG V 2 0

Tech specs

5

Screen 5.7in 2560x1440 IPS LCD Processor Quad-core Snapdragon 820 @ 2.15GHz OS Android 7.0 Cameras Dual 16MP + 16MP rear, 8MP front Storage 64GB upto 256GB expandable via microSD RAM 4GB Battery 3200mAh removable Dimensions 159x78x7.6mm, 174g

All about that bass?

The second display may be the party trick but there’s a lot left in the magician’s hat, like quad ESS DACs...

5 Two faced Talking about screens, the V20’s second one is quite a charmer.

You get an option to customise it and add your own apps. It will also display your notifications and give a peek inside the mail you just receIved. We love it.

C Lo am w er lig a q ht ua sh lit ot y is sa p Ba re ret no ty qu tt ick ery t b de ad ce ch life to nt. ar is o. ge ju r h st Th as ok Ca e it ay n’ sec td o up . B o nd in ut w s a j th ith cr iff e ou ee y. ni t it s Bu no a r gr nd w ea ea le . lw ta de in lth ar . ou ph gh on e at s ad fro It w ’s ju ba m or s ss B& ks t a he O fla gr av are w ea y. le t p ss h ly on ex e ce . Ev pt er th yt at hi pr ng ice .

4 Neutralla That big screen is also a decent one. Packing in 513ppi, the Quad HD unit does a great job of movies. It is neither warm, nor too cool and has just the right balance of contrast. Even the dark levels are superb.

14hrs

15hrs 18hrs

22hrs

24hrs

■ yESS

■ For the record

Yes, quad DACs mean hi-fi and the LG V20 scores big on the audio front. With support for upto 32-bit/192kHz, there’s hardly anything that the V20 can’t play.

HD audio recording over a soundtrack sounds like a gimmick, but it isn’t with the V20. With features such as a wind and noise filter, recordings do sound crisp and clear.

■ Takes three to...

■ Oh shoot

There’s a total of three high AOP mics that let you capture your sound in lossless. The quality of the audio while capturing video is by far the best we’ve heard.

While most flagship devices shoot 4K video, it comes as no surprise even the V20 does.

Quality however is great and the Steady Record 2 keeps things, well, steady.

LG has added a lot of features in what otherwise seems to be yet another pocket scorcher. This time that second display is also of proper use. And talking about use, LG has also capitalised well on their friendship with hi-fi experts B&O. So, it seems like a well rounded phone that offers a lot, but are you willing to pay that price?@kaizzzad

STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ A feature-rich phone, specially on the audio front, but that high asking price is a bit too much 65

F I R S T T E S T F U J I F I L M X-T 2

Yes sir, I can Fuji The X-T1 was already a great compact system camera, but 4K video and better autofocus make the sequel a real mover tba / stuff.tv/in/fujifilm

3

If Apple made cameras, they’d probably look a lot like the Fujifilm X-T2. As with the iPhone or iPad, Fuji’s new compact system cam melds style with simplicity for a gadget you’ll itch to pick up but won’t want to put down. Like the MacBook, it thumbs its nose at the spec wars but still manages to outperform most rivals. And as with every Apple product, it will cost a pretty penny while seemingly offering only a minor upgrade over its predecessor.

Don’t think it’s all hype and no trousers, though; because while it may look much like the X-T1, the T2 is definitively a far better camera. On the face of it the biggest change here is the new 24.3MP X-Trans APS-C sensor, which gives you 50 per cent more pixels to play with.

That’s no bad thing, but image quality was never Fuji’s problem anyway – it really lagged behind Canon’s recent efforts (and most of its CSC rivals) due to its shoddy video skills and so-so autofocus.

Well, they’ve both been massively improved here – and then some.

1 Film developed If video was the X-T1’s Achilles heel, the X-T2’s been to a top chiropodist: 4K recording is the headline but the fact that it now autofocuses smoothly and continuously is just as big a deal.

Footage is sharp and you can also use Fuji’s lovely filters while filming.

2

2 Focus pocus The X-T2 autofocuses like a champ. With 91 focal points,or a massive 325 if you go manual, it’s uncannily accurate and superfast even in gloomy conditions.

The subject-tracking mode can even be customised according to what you’re shooting.

Good Meh Evil

C an rus tic he lim d b ax y o . It ve lo rw ok h Ac s j elm to tu us in tu all tl g rn y, ike fe an no th elin dn tq eX g u ow ite -T of : W lo th 1. c it’ ow e k sd ! pr dia op ls on Foc er are e b us ly e ef is .Y a or so ay sie e f ! r Lo w as ep tn a s vin re ow en g ss . te the th It fe nc f eb e e w oc ut ls li e’v us n to ke ub e n.

St ne b big ills ve in t o r l ge oo us o. r. k ed Th Th th be at’ at e s fo s ’ll a re do m ! fin e a 4K s e, b Go v ta ef od ide ve ore jo o d ry , b bw o e m ut s e’ n uc ve ’t h. go hal t t f ta w k o e SD up ca sp An rd ac ge d… s. e. tt w he e ’ r ne e o w u du t o al f b ba at Th tte ter – e ry y. or m e gr Ne ou te ip ed r f rin AS to ing g AP er dia . s a l is re to ju o h Lo st a filt vin to rd er g o to fa tu . S th t. r ud e A n de cr o nly s w mo e’r n e a oc ll a hro rt m ist e s!

28 hours with the Fujifilm X-T2

5mins 66

10mins 30mins 35mins 50mins

1hr

3hrs

6hrs

10hrs

F I R S T T E S T F U J I F I L M X-T 2

5

Tech specs Sensor 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III ISO 200-12800 AF points 91 (325 manual) Shutter speed 1/8000-30secs (manual); 1/32,000-30secs (electronic) Video 4K mpeg-4 AVC Screen 3in, 10.4m dots Connectivity Wi-Fi, microHDMI, microUSB, USB3.0, mic/remote, SD/SDHC card

Little wonders The difference between a great camera and a camera that just takes great photos? Touches such as these:

3 Black beauty At first glance the T2 looks nearidentical to the T1, but that’s fine.

It’s a stunner: elegantly retro but at the same time reassuringly well built and impressively weatherproof. It feels great in the hand, with oodles of manual controls at your fingertips.

4 Still got it Fuji continues to forge its own path image-wise, kitting out the T2 with its own X-Trans sensor. That means super-sharp stills with bags of colour. The straight-out-of-camera jpegs are wonderful; you may never need to go near the RAW files.

4

T ou he r 3 185m 55 m kit on le , t ns he is Fu pic go is ji’s s j od ad c us , b a re m t s ut am s n ing wi to ail . th m us a Fu e f nu a U ji’s o a R Io e rm lf ve m ac ocu rh ot ro s. au e a sn Th l is pp ap is se w s.

Ba rio or ks up tt u s e f th ry ly in er ’s ov e b e w go er ut du ith ne e.

DS aga i L Rs n. I Di is? d w fo t’s c r s le Ye e m ta ar s? e m ly W nt in no ell ion a. t I’ll h m ow en f tio ast n i au t a to ga fo in. cu s

5 Filter it out The Fuji’s pics have plenty of pop but for maximum wow factor check out the film sim modes.

These simple filters can be applied at any time and range from the moody Classic Chrome to the gorgeous new Acros B&W option.

Instagram schminstagram.

20hrs

24hrs 25hrs

26hrs

28hrs

■ Dial it up

■ Button boon

Taking photos should be a tangible experience or you might as well use a phone.

Here you get physical dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure, with aperture set on the lens. You’ll barely use the menus.

Round the back there’s a new focus lever which, with so many focus points to choose from, you’ll soon rely upon. Every button can be customised too, giving you the setup that really works for you.

■ Dual delight

■ Screen dream

Like its stablemate the X-Pro2, the X-T2 has dual SD card slots. This is great news: you can back up images to the second card, shoot jpegs to one and RAW to the other, or just use both in turn.

The screen flips sideways as well as up and down, making it easier to grab shots in tricky positions.

It’s not as flexible as Canon’s class-leading efforts, but it’s a step in the right direction.

The Fujifilm X-T2 is a lesson in how to upgrade an already great gadget. There was no need for big changes here – the X-T1 was itself a brilliant camera. Instead, Fuji focused on the first model’s weaknesses, giving it superb video and autofocus skills to go with the already top image quality and build. The result is a truly superb all-rounder. @stuff_india

STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ The X-T2 is a joy to hold and a dream to shoot with; it’s a camera you’ll quickly fall in love with 67

PARKS AND RECREATION

NATURAL BORN S R E L L I R TH

r its next is no secret. Foba f lie be nd yo be f uf it. Du i Parks for supersizinginst on square feet of illi one. m .6 30 k Dubai’s penchant l Th parks. resort al rolled into e a d em an th rk en pa os er ch at s w a act, it’ ree theme parks, ic proportions... ily vacaytraoftionep and Resorts is th m fa A lt? ika Dayal] su Krit s re d En adia Illus [Words Farhan Kap

69

GAME: TO TA BER M L U N

GE MA DA

BLOCK PARTY

PAR K

PARKS AND RECREATION

ON 10.5 BILLI AED WOOT POINT N

LEGO CITY Here’s a little inspiration for your child. Millions of blocks put together to create Dubai’s most iconic structures. Motorised metros and all. Of course, towering above all else is the Burj Khalifa in all its Lego glory.

LEGOLAND Here’s where you park your munchkin-sized guests aged 2-12. They’ll get to pick from over 40 LEGO themed rides, shows, building experiences and other attractions. Being the very first Legoland in the middle-east, it comes packing all bells and whistles. It’s the kind of space equipped to entertain the most demanding of little sires. And you thought your kid never tires.

PARK HOURS Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM Friday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM PRICE ONE DAY: 250 AED ANNUAL: 765 AED

70

HOTSPOTS

DRIVING SCHOOL

FACTORY TOUR

MINDSTORMS

Children between 6-12 years of age can get their very first taste of motoring right here. Their brand new adventure ends with a tasty icing on the cake: a Legoland Driving License.

Want to whet your kid’s curiosity even further? Take him along for a Factory Tour to see the tools that build the toys.

Kids leave with their very own brick fresh off the casting line.

What’s better than a LEGO creation? One that comes to life!

This fun tutorial takes children through the process of building and programming a cuttingedge, computerised robot.

PA RK

ER GAME: AT MB TR U A N

S ION CT

D FU O O G

N

REEL

PARKS AND RECREATION

100+ WOOT POINT

ZOMBIELAND BLAST OFF A walk through the creepy passages that lead to the ride dial your mood to fear. Well, try as they may, you’ll turn truly white at the sheer sight of this 58m drop of a ride.

Test yourself or take revenge on unsuspecting friends / family. Either ways, it’s a freefall that’s not for the faint-hearted.

MOTIONGATE Signing up with powerhouse Hollywood studios such as DreamWorks, Lionsgate and Columbia Pictures, this zone is home to 27 rides and attractions. Feel blue? Then the Smurf’s village could be your fix.

It’s got live animated interactive shows, a studio tour with the spotlight on you, a play park and even a train that meanders around Smurf village.

PARK HOURS Sunday - Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM Thursday- Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM PRICE ONE DAY: 280 AED ANNUAL: 865 AED

HOTSPOTS

GHOSTBUSTERS: BATTLE FOR NEW YORK Who you gonna call? The Ghostbuster in you, that’s who.

Get your trigger finger ready to bust ghosts as you hop on this interactive ride.

CAPITOL TRAIN

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA

If you’re craving a full 360degree experience, quite literally, here’s your stop. The Capitol Bullet Train promises to send you in every direction till you finally make it to Capitol.

A giant castle with 2800 square meters of space is enough room for a bit of monster magic.

Hop into the coffin-like carriage for spooks brought to you by Dracula and company.

71

U O Y DO MI? FIL

UMBERS: E AT NN I ER KS

IES

PA R

PARKS AND RECREATION

+ 0 5

WOOT POINT

RAJMAHAL THEATRE Meet the pièce de résistance at Bollywood Parks: a truly worldclass venue that plays host to the region’s first Broadway-style Bollywood musical shows.

BOLLYWOOD PARKS This song and dance central is the very first of its kind in the world. Divided into five unique zones, expect to take rides featuring only the biggest names in Bollywood. From tasty Indian street eats to 4D rides that bring you closer than ever to your favourite stars, you can dive into Bollywood head first.

Think you’re built to orchestrate all the action? You can get your very first taste of filmmaking.

HOTSPOTS

PARK HOURS Sunday - Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM Thursday - Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM PRICE ONE DAY: 245 AED ANNUAL: 755 AED

RA.ONE - UNLEASHED

CINEMAGIC

The premise? The aftermath of the battle between Bollywood’s own superheroes Ra.One and G. One. A 4D experience takes you one step closer to the heart of a flick that’s floored many fans.

Think you’ve got what it takes to call the shots? Then get a taste of what goes on behind-thescenes based on Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. From filmmaking to post-production, you’ll learn a lot!

72

SHOLAY - THE HUNT FOR GABBAR SINGH With a rustic ravine as your backdrop, step into the shoes of your heroes by taking down Gabbar and his goons using infrared guns. Shoot to kill!

PARKS IN

ANNUAL MU ER: LT B IUM

TICKETS ETS TICK

PASS RK PA

N

PARKS R AND RECREATION

2495 AED

CHECK-IN TIME LAPITA HOTEL, DUBAI

Unless you decide to leg it like Usain Bolt through the Parks and Resorts, you’re going to need at least a couple of days to see what’s what. Enter an option with perks of its own. This Polynesian themed resort hotel has all kinds of accomodations to fit varying budgets. You also get a high-tech upgrade for staying here: a free Q-Fast option to whiz past lesser mortals at all rides and attractions spread across the Parks and Resorts. If time is money, that’s the kind of portal you’d be tempted to pay for. dubaiparksandresorts.com

TECH CHECK APP

GOPRO HERO5

If you’re heading to a place abundantly blessed with sand, stone and sea, you’ll need equipment that’s rugged and capable. GoPro’s latest Hero is what you’ll need to capture your family holiday in 4k glory.

39,990/gopro.com

A variety of experiences that leave no stone unturned Farhan Kapadia

GOOGLE PIXEL

Google hasn’t just made one of the best smartphones in existence today, it’s also thrown in a clicker that’s all class. Hit that power button twice to quickly jump into camera mode for shots that are always on point. from 57,000 /madeby.google.com

Available on iOS and Android, this is your one stop shop for purchasing tickets as well as exploring all venues. Constant updates ensure you don’t miss a thing! free / Android, iOS

Is it the oasis it’s built up to be in the middle of quite literally, a dessert? Let’s count the ways shall we? There’s rides that cover age groups of two and above. There’s a water park to cool off from all the hotspots. A resort that sits at the heart of it all to quickly access all the experiences available. Pick a good time in the winter months of this wonderland, and there’s little room for complaint from just about any member of the family. The good folk at Dubai Parks and Resorts have surely seen to it!

73

TEST TOMTOM TOUCH

Quality composition?

What percentage blueberry cheesecake are you? Press here to find out...

13,999 / stuff.tv/in/tomtom ■ The Touch is an unassuming little module, which sits snugly inside a simple rubber strap.

There’s just one touch-sensitive button, which wakes up the tiny touchscreen. There’s no tilt to wake here, mind. The display is a tiny little monochrome OLED, just big enough to give you one bit of info.

■ It tells time, tracks steps/ calories/heart rate, the usual stuff. The real USP though?

Body composition. Press your finger on the only button, wait a few seconds and hey presto, it’ll tell you your fat percentage. This bit works well, lining up readings with more dedicated devices.

■ TomTom reckons you’ll squeeze five days between charges, but in practice it’ll do three. Takes about 40min to a full charge. Problem here is, the Touch doesn’t indicate battery levels. For that you’ll have to fish out your phone.

■ When you decide to get serious about exercise, you can switch into Sports mode. This knocks the heart rate tracker into a constant readout, rather than regular checkups, and throws a timer up onscreen for tracking how long you’ve been on the running machine/ exercise bike/unicycle.

Tech specs Screen OLED (monochrome) Reports Activity, Sleep Tracking features Activity, calories burned, distance, steps, heart rate, sleep time Compatible platforms iOS, Android, Windows Weight 10grams

■ Ready, set, go!

That tiny screen isn’t great for data, so you’ll need your phone for the lowdown. The app autosyncs with the device when opened and allows you to set goals. Sadly, the app needs the internet to do anything at all.

■ Rubber band

The plain, black rubber strap is more functional than aesthetic.

Swapping it out for something more colourful is quick and easy.

It drags around the wrist a bit so ensure you get a snug fit for accurate readings.

STUFF SAYS A clever new way to keep track of your fitness, but not much else ★★★✩✩ Is this the best companion for my old new year resolution? @ Farhan Kapadia 74

The Touch is equal parts hits and misses. There’s many reasons to slap one on your wrist: a unique and fairly accurate sensor that helps you calculate how fat you really are, the shower-proof body, all packed in a slim profile. But, the display is tiny, it needs constant prodding for viewing info, and you’ll be swiping it a lot to look at different screens.

VERSUS WIRELESS IN-EARS

Wireless music for a wireless future

ST TE ER N IN W

Sony MDR-XB50BS

Apple AirPods

Making a big push for Hi-Res Audio hasn’t diminished Sony’s desire to make wireless headphones. These in-ears are comfortable, affordable and even IPX4 water resistant which should be good for a run in a drizzle, if not more.

1. FEATURES

Packed with tech like optical sensors, Siri voice control, voice acceleremoter and an in-house-developed W1 chip, the AirPods are designed to work with all your Apple devices seamlessly, without ever having to connect individually.

With a strap that goes behind the neck and arc-supported earplugs, there’s no way to dislocate the XB50s from your ear canal. Different plug sizes help with the best fit and tiny but functional controls help track changes or phone calls.

2. IN USE

Plug them in to start the music and take them off to pause.

Flip open their charging case top next to your iPhone and the charge status of both AirPods and charge case is displayed. We got about 6hrs of music per charge.

Sound quality is bombastic since Sony has admittedly tuned the sound here for more powerful bass. The mids and highs aren’t shabby either and overall tonal balance is pleasing. We would want more detail but at this price, they’re super.

3. RESULTS

Forget what you think about the bundled iPhone buds.

These look similar but sound way better. More punch, detail and a fit that is uncannily comfortable and secure, these really are a new way of experiencing wireless sound.

Battery life 8.5hrs Charging time 2.5hrs Wireless interface Bluetooth Connections Micro USB (charging) Weight 22gms

Words Nishant Padhiar

VS

1 2 3

TECH RATER

● Price 5490 / sony.co.in

★★★★★

Battery life 5hrs (AirPods) 24 hrs (charging case) Charging time 15 mins (for 3 hrs) Wireless interface Bluetooth Connections Lightning cable (charging case) Weight 4gms (AirPods) 38gms (Charging case)

● Price 15,400 / apple.com/in

STUFF SAYS

★★★★✩

The Sony is much cheaper and punchier while the AirPods are just... magical!

75

TESTED REDMI NOTE 4

Note it down The powerhouse from last year gets some quality updates, but is it worth noting down? from 9999 / mi.com/in ■ The Redmi Note 3 created history when Xiaomi announced the price. You got a lot of phone for your money and a big one at that as well. And big it still remains. Retaining the understated demeanor of the Redmi Note 3, the Note 4 isn’t much of a looker either. It’s the same standard design and we wish something had changed.

■ Something has changed actually.

That something is the Snapdragon 625.

We got the 4GB/64GB variant for review and right from the get go, it performs like a phone that costs way more than the `12,999 it asks for. That’s all thanks to the 14nm architecture on the new chip. Apps run smooth and multitasking is handled decently. Don’t expect a lot of it though.

■ However, that’s not a deal breaker.

The phone feels pretty solid and well built. We’re pretty sure it can survive a few falls as well. But that’s not likely to happen because it fits in your palm quite well despite that massive 5.5in Full HD display, which again remains unchanged.

■ What you can expect a lot of though, is battery life. With a 4100mAh unit, the phone will easily last you a good two days of light usage or a day and a half of heavy usage like playing games, Netflix binges, using the camera often and watching movies. But even after that there’s enough juice left to last through the day.

Tech specs Screen 5.5in Full HD display Processor 2GHz Snapdragon 625 Octa-core RAM 4GB ROM 64GB Up to 128GB expandable microSD Fingerprint Scanner Yes Camera 13MP (CMOS) rear, 5MP front Connectivity 4G, Bluetooth 4.1 Dimensions 151 x 76 x 8.4mm (HWD) Weight 165gm

■ Camikaze

The camera on the Note 3 was, let’s face it, appalling. So, Xiaomi listened and changed a few things, including the sensor. Voila! Slightly better pictures and low light performance that isn’t too bad for a phone that costs just `9999.

■ Micro busted

A solid battery is one thing.

Charging it, a completely different.

While the world has moved on to Type C, Xiaomi still uses micro USB for charging. We’d love to see Type C, Xiaomi. A fast-charging highcapacity battery will seal the deal.

STUFF SAYS The Note 4 offers a helluva lot for not-so-helluva-lot of money ★★★★★ Is that processor really better than the one on the previous model?

@kaizzzzad d

76

Yes, the new processor is much better and more efficient than the one on the Note 3. It’s got a 14nm architecture and while performing better, it also consumes a lot less power. All this translates to a cooler running device, which further translates to a long lasting one. If you’re planning to buy the Note 4, go for the 4GB/64GB variant. You don’t get more value-for-money elsewhere.

TEST ACER SWITCH ALPHA 12

Some like it hybrid We know you love the simplicity of using a tablet and yet yearn for the features of a laptop on a single device. Today is your lucky day tba / acer.com/in ■ This new hybrid from Acer looks stylish thanks to a brushed aluminium body and stand that smartly can be pulled out into a position you desire. If you feel the need to use the product in the tablet mode, simply detach the keypad and voila! You’re good to go.

■ Turn the Switch Alpha 12 on and a lickworthy QHD IPS 12in display welcomes you to 2160×1440 pixels of real estate. It is a nice display, colour output is punchy and we’re happy with the viewing angles too.

Rest assured, you’ll be spending the evening bingeing on NetFlix or more.

■ To keep things running superslick, you get 8GB of RAM teaming up with the Intel Core i5 processor serving up apps, gaming and all things to indulge in, effortlessly. A fanless design ensures your laptop does not sound like a Mumbai local during peak hours and the CPU won’t complain either as it is put to ease, thanks to liquid cooling.

■ While the Acer Alpha Switch 12 does a lot that makes it a good alternative to the Surface Pro, it could have done better when it comes to battery life. During our tests, we managed to get about seven hours at max, which is not really impressive.

Tech specs OS Windows 10 Home Processor Intel Core i3-6100U 2.30 GHz (Dual core) Screen 12in QHD (2160 x 1440) Memory 4/8GB Storage 128 GB SSD Weight 1.2kg (with keyboard) Connections 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-C ports and 3 x USB Type-A ports, 1 x AV Dimensions 292.1 x 201.4 x 15.85mm (whd)

■ Point to note

Feel the need to take a quick note, or draw your colleague’s face (and fail at it hilariously)?

The Acer Active pen will happily oblige. It is fun to use and offers 256 levels of sensitivity.

■ Standing instructions

While the kickstand does look like the coolest thing on a laptop, using it isin’t the most comforting experience. We struggled to maintain our sanity on the couch after our thighs turned sore.

STUFF SAYS Blazing performance, gorgeous display and keypad, average battery life ★★★★✩ Is it time for me to ditch my laptop? @Yatish Suvarna

It is a good thing that now we have some solid alternatives to the Microsoft Surface Pro. This Acer impresses on many levels, and is a genuinely fun device. It can be used both, for productivity and entertainment. One of the things I believe that could have been better is the overall touchscreen and trackpad response, which goes wonky once in a while. Battery life needs improvement too.

77

TESTED HONOR 6X

Two’s company The dual-camera bandwagon rolls on to enter the budget end of the market `12,999/ /hihonor.com/in ■ Hold the 6X at arm’s length and you just can’t tell we’re talking about a budget-to-midrange device. It’s a good-looking phone, indeed, and while you won’t mistake it for a pricey flagship, it also costs a third (or less) than the fanciest devices around. In fact, you’d have to be a brand snob to look for flaws in the overall design.

■ The Full HD, 5.5in IPS display used in the 6X is pretty good at this price point. It’s not as contrasty or vibrant as the best displays around, but again, don’t ignore its sub-15k price. You can also tweak the colour balance, and it manages to hold its own quite well when used outdoors. Flip it over, and you’ll find a fingerprint scanner which is fast and supports gestures.

■ The 6X uses an octa-core Kirin 655 processor (made by parent company Huawei) which is a big improvement over the Snapdragon 616 used in last year’s 5X. Paired with 3GB RAM, it makes for a great daily driver, even putting up with feverish multitasking.

The only area where it falls short is gaming - the GPU can’t quite keep up at the highest settings.

■ Honor’s EMUI 4.1 interface (running on Marshmallow) is an acquired taste, though we must admit, the main reason why you’d have any complaints at all is not because it’s any less functional, but because it doesn’t quite look as good or low-key as stock Android . On the bright side, it’s quite customisable and offers nice little touches that enhance usability.

Tech specs OS EMUI 4.1 (Android 6.0) Processor Octa core Kirin 655 RAM 3GB Storage 32GB (expandable up to 128GB) Screen 1920 x 1080, 5.5in IPS Battery 3340mAh Connectivity 4G, dual SIM (hybrid), Bluetooth 4.1 Camera 12MP+2MP (rear), 8MP (front)

■ Beefy battery

The large battery and efficient processor means you won’t have trouble making it through the day.

It’s not a ‘two-day’ phone, but it did manage 12.5 hours of video playback. Yup, it’s no slouch.

■ The second eye

The 6X’s dual-lens camera isn’t as fancy as that of the Honor 8, but it takes pretty good snaps.

Decent lighting will give you great results, and while there’s noise in low light it beats the Moto G.

STUFF SAYS A solid budget device, but could have done with more graphics power ★★★★✩ Does the 6X have the right stuff for a very crowded segment? @ta tao ooffdud oof deism eism 78

The Honor 6X makes for a pretty good alternative to the Moto G4 Plus. It looks better, the fingerprint scanner works well, and the camera and display do a good job at this price. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that the 6X is a solid contender in the budget to mid-range end of things, barring the weak graphics performance (which will only really bother gamers) and EMUI, which can be something of an acquired taste.

T E S T B E AT S S O LO 3 W I R E L E S S

The longest Dre Thanks to new Apple tech, nothing Beats these likeable cans for wireless range and stamina 21,999 / headphonezone.in ■ The first Dr Dre / Jony Ive collaboration has clearly been built specifically for the jack-less iPhone 7, with colours matching the new phone range – but Apple’s R&D team has also helped out with the tech underneath. The W1 chipset is a real leap forward for wireless range, ease of pairing and battery life.

■ Normal Bluetooth performance is fine up to 15m away, but the dropouts start quickly beyond that. If you’re using a new iPhone, however, wireless range with the Apple W1 tech jumps up hugely: I could go practically anywhere in our three-storey office, even for a sprinkle, and keep listening to music from the phone on my desk.

■ While Sennheiser’s Momentum 2.0 Wireless cans will keep going for 22 hours, these will nearly double that. In two weeks of use, we didn’t need to recharge them once.

■ ‘Beats means bass’ is as true as ever, but this time the treble is crisp too, even at high volumes. The only downside is that they also leak a lot of noise – if you turn the volume up in mid-funeral, you’re going to annoy people.

■ We’re all ears

With the Beats logo (for playing, pausing and skipping tracks), the circular rim (for volume) and a dedicated power button all within arm’s reach, you can leave your phone in your pocket when you’re on the go.

■ Apples and pairs

Turn on these headphones near an iPhone 7 and an on-screen prompt appears. Check the name and image match your Beats, hit ‘connect’ and you’re good to go.

No messing about in menus or holding down pairing buttons.

■ In design, these headphones are almost exactly the same as the old Solo2s. Aside from the new colours, that is – the glossy and matte black versions really stand out. Even the hinges are the same, folding up to a compact size so you can sling them in a bag or the bundled case.

Tech specs Connectivity Apple W1, Bluetooth, RemoteTalk cable, USB charging Battery life Up to 40 hours Weight 215g

STUFF SAYS Fine-sounding Beats with amazing wireless range and battery life ★★★★✩ Easily the best pair of cans that Beats has ever put out @Stuff_India

Pairing with Apple’s tech team has made these wireless cans even more of a must-have if you’re an iPhone 7 owner. Signal range is pretty much best in class, and battery life is top-notch too. You only need to spend 7000 more to get a pair of noise-cancelling Bose QC35s, which might serve you better on commutes and plane rides; but for everything else, these are a brilliant buy.

79

TEST APPS

App:roved FOR CLEVER CLOGS

● Stephen Hawking’s Pocket Universe

80

FOR MOBILE MOVIES

FOR FREESTYLE FANS

● Loop by Seedling

● Pumped BMX 3

We’re used to clever interactive tomes on iPad, but this effort is perhaps more ambitious, attempting to cram Stephen Hawking’s mind-bending Brief History into a tiny iPhone and not leave you a gibbering wreck.

Friendly animations sit alongside bite-sized chunks of text as the app tracks your progress through subjects such as black holes and space-time. It’s more rewarding than scrolling through never-ending Facebook feeds.

If you fancy yourself as the next Aardman but don’t have time to master complex animation apps, Loop provides tools for crafting a mini stop-motion masterpiece.

Using your iPhone and a steady hand, you shoot individual frames; an optional onion-skin overlay enables you to compare the current and previous positions of what’s in front of you. When you’re done, add filters, mess around with layouts, share your loops online and wait for Hollywood to call.

This finds you barreling along hilly courses, hurling bike and rider alike into the air to perform tricks, and hoping nothing important breaks on landing. Despite a ‘casual fare’ appearance, this is a tricky and relentlessly demanding game of tight timing and nuanced controls – the rider will comically slump over the handlebars as if dead due to the slightest error.

But when it clicks, Pumped BMX 3 becomes a hugely rewarding arcade experience.

Stuff says ★★★★★ $3.99 / iPhone

Stuff says ★★★★✩ free / iOS

Stuff says ★★★★✩ 270 / Android ● $3.99 / iOS

FOR PICCY PROS

● Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Although ‘full Photoshop’ will likely never make it to smartphones, Adobe’s keen on getting some of its photography smarts into your mitts. Lightroom offers superb editing tools and filters, which feel more professional than the contents of competing apps. It’ll shoot RAW too, although those shots can only be synced/exported by Creative Cloud subscribers, which seems daft. Still, the filters alone make this a worthy download.

Stuff says ★★★★✩ free / Android, iOS

TEST APPS

Mini meme

● Sorcery!

Steve Jackson’s gamebook series is realised perfectly on mobile across four separate apps, which immerse you in an epic adventure within a land of monsters and magic. The branching plot and combat system are great, and the rewind feature is extremely smart: die like a total buffoon, go back a few moves, and try something new.

BOOKS THAT ARE GAMES Want to choose your own adventure?

Innovative interactive fiction on mobile is the best it’s ever been – and here’s some of the finest you can get

Stuff says ★★★★★ `285 each / Android, iOS

● Lifeline The original Lifeline kicked off the concept of stripped-back adventuring on mobile, as you attempted to help a stranded astronaut survive. Played in real time, and with some brutally abrupt endings, it remains a smart slice of interactive fiction, where your choices – broad strokes though they are – have serious impact.

Stuff says ★★★★✩ `140/ Android ● `60 / iOS

● Burly Men at Sea

● 80 Days

● King of

● Device 6

In this whimsical, sweet-natured interactive picture book of sorts, you guide a trio of sailors with seriously impressive beards on their seafaring adventures.

Interaction is somewhat minimal and branches are few (offering 12 endings in all), but the game’s visuals and heart ensure its appeal – unless you’re some kind of (sea) monster.

Phileas Fogg has a big mouth, gambling his future on being able to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. As his long-suffering aide, you must juggle inventory and routes, and keep your boorish boss alive – easier said than done in this alternate 1872, full of political upheaval and huge mechanical elephants stomping across the Indian subcontinent.

This fantasy epic mashes up Civ-style resource management and interactive storytelling. Out of our picks, it’s the closest to a living book, drawing at any point from over 500 scenes. It’s also the least accessible, requiring you to swallow a manual. But if you crave depth and replay value, both are here in spades.

Intuitive, ballsy and daring, Device 6 opens with a Bond-like credits sequence before hurling you into an intriguing mystery where you explore corridors formed from the narrative.

There are few choices to make, but clever interfaces, plotting and puzzles ensure this is a superb slice of modern interactive fiction.

Stuff says ★★★★★ `330 / Android ● $4.99 / iOS

Stuff says ★★★★★ `300 / Android / iOS

Stuff says ★★★★✩ `400 / Android ● `620 / iOS

Stuff says ★★★★★ `250 / iOS

Dragon Pass

81

TEST GAMES

Final Fantasy XV Ten years in the making, this open-world RPG is one of the strangest games we’ve played for a long while – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing

PS4, Xbox One / finalfantasyxv.com

our first response to Final Fantasy XV might be one of relief that it finally exists. Your second might well be one of confusion – even though this feels like the most ‘western’ game in the series yet, in some ways it’s quite baffling, especially if you haven’t seen the prequel movie, Kingsglaive.

You play as Prince Noctis, heir to the Lucis throne, with magical abilities to phase in and out of space to warp across the battlefield. Noctis and his three

Y

friends are on a road trip to meet his bride to be, Lunafreya.

She happens to be connected to the enemy nation Niflheim, and this is key to peace between the two warring countries.

Such a middling story is elevated by the characters. Even though they look like a J-pop boy band, the friendship of the four young men is a joy to watch, giving the game plenty of heart.

Useful tweaks to gameplay have also been incorporated.

Levelling up has changed, as

you now bank XP after a fight, and it all levels up later when you rest at a camp. You only control Noctis in a fight, but can have your buddies help out by telling them to use special moves. While it never goes all the way to being a full Bayonetta-style combat system, you can certainly surprise enemies with a backstab or a combo from your team-mates.

It’s rewarding, and looks amazing on screen.

In fact, on a PS4 Pro with HDR turned on and settings on High,

this is a gorgeous game. It may have taken a decade to make but, visually, it can compete with anything on the console.

With so many changes, XV feels like Final Fantasy in name only – it’s a mix of ideas that feel sandwiched together. But the combat remains fun, and the world is so compelling that it begs you to take your time to explore. It might not have seemed possible, but Square Enix has delivered a game that really works for fans and newcomers alike. @Stuff_India

STUFF SAYS Not the best Final Fantasy experience, but an incredible ride all the same ★★★★✩ 82

TEST GAMES

World of their own

With ‘wait mode’ you can pause combat and study the battlefield.

Travelling across the vast open-world map feels like a genuine road trip.

The story is a little shorter than expected from a Final Fantasy game, but XV’s brilliance is in its wonderful open world. It feels vast and, especially in the early stages, allows for exploratory rewards.

People will offer you mundane side quests, sure, but there are also the hunts – basically a mini version of Capcom’s Monster Hunter series.

Each party member has his own skills which play into the open world: Noctis is a keen angler, while Prompto is an amateur photographer who actually takes selfies and snaps pictures at random points as you play, allowing you to pick and share the best ones at camp.

Ignis is a chef, and you can find new recipes for him to cook for you at the end of the day. These also give you a stat boost, adding another layer to the game. And then there’s Gladiolus, the big burly dude who’s an expert survivalist and can find you useful supplies. They’re a nice bunch, and genuinely come across as friends.

83

MUSIC

z

GADGET

z

STYLE

THIRD SOVEREIGN // ADAM & THE FISH EYED POETS // ENKORE

SUBSCRIBER’S COPY

> ISSUE 0094 > DECEMBER 2015 > RS 100 >0094 rollingstoneindia.com > ISSUE > DECEMBER 2015 > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com

INTERVIEW

DAVID GUETTA BATTLE OF THE BEATS

EDM FESTS TO HEAD TO THIS MONTH

GIORGIO MORODER

THE PARTY STARTER

EDM NATION

HOW INDIA STOPPED WORRYING ABOUT THE RIFF AND FELL IN LOVE WITH THE BEAT

David Guetta is among the six of the world’s top 10 DJs who will play in India at various music festivals this month

> ISSUE 0093 > NOVEMBER 2015 > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com

SUBSCRIBER’S COPY

BLAKC BLAKC KC K C/K KA ATATONIA / PLAGUE THROAT > ISSUE SS 00 00107 0 > JANUARY 20 2017 > RS R S 100 00 > rollingstoneindia.com g

SPECIAL FEATURE

Indian Surfing Stories SUBSCRIBER’S COPY

FLYING LOTUS THE GENREHOPPER

NIKHIL D’SOUZA

Back from Nashville RODRIGO Y GABRIELA Instrumental Rock

Adele A Private Life

Beyoncé David Bowie Frank Ocean Chance the Rapper

THE F16S + REHAN DALAL + JOSE NEIL GOMES > ISSUE 0092 > OCTOBER 2015 > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com

SUBSCRIBER’S COPY

Best Albums of 2016

SKRILLEX AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ON THE EVE OF HIS INDIA TOUR

Rolling Stones

BACK TO THE BLUES

Donn Bhat Sanjay Divecha Godless Skyharbor & many more

Sting’s Rock & Roll Salvation

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN IS COMING BACK EXCLUSIVE:

MEGADETH INTERVIEW

15 ALBUMS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS FALL

TAJDAR JUNAID + AISI TAISI DEMOCRACY + CHAOS > ISSUE 0091 > SEPTEMBER 2015 > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com

SUBSCRIBER’S COPY

The

Best Indian Releases

THE CRISIS IN INDIAN ROCK WHY IS THERE SUCH A POVERTY OF TALENT IN THE INDIAN ROCK SCENE?

VOICES FROM THE NORTH EAST: BORKUNG HRANGKHWAL • BLUE TEMPTATION • ALOBO NAGA & BAND • THE SCAVENGER PROJECT • MANGKA LAUIHUI • STREET STORIES • SUMMERSALT • PURPLE FUSION • WE THE GIANTS • GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES

download your digital issue now Available on: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices Subscribe through Magzter, the Digital Web Store, on iTunes and Android Market www.facebook.com/rollingstoneindia | www.rollingstoneindia.com | on ipad at magzter.com

TEST GAMES

PS4 / stuff.tv/in/LastGuardian

The Last Guardian This emotional adventure game can be seriously infuriating at times… but who cares when you get to hang out with the adorable Trico? rico is a cat. Or maybe he’s a dog. And maybe he’s a she. Whatever it is genetically, for the purposes of The Last Guardian’s story this is your giant, feathery, winged companion – and it doesn’t take long to establish a bond.

We’d love to say that the alliance between the two main characters is uneasy, hard-fought and fragile, but actually Trico is your best friend almost instantly.

If your heart doesn’t break a little as you see him become more and more battered and bruised over the course of your journey together, you have no heart at all.

The presentation is beautiful throughout, particularly if you’re playing on a screen that supports HDR. It’s a watercolour-inspired aesthetic, and as you watch Trico’s feathers shimmer in a bright light or take in one of the many vertiginous vistas, there’s nothing to do but marvel.

But that’s not to say that this is a flawless technical achievement.

There’s a stodginess to the controls

T

that sometimes stampedes through the fourth wall. And that annoyance is nothing compared with trying to get Trico to do what you want. There is nothing at all fun about finally figuring out the solution to a problem, then having to spend a further 10 minutes screaming at your telly because a stupid cat/dog/eagle won’t take the blasted jump. You encounter these issues a fair bit over the course of the game’s journey… but at least they’re invariably followed by something brilliant, or beautiful, or both.

And, in the end, that’s where The Last Guardian succeeds. It’s absolutely riddled with flaws and frustrations, but while they annoy the hell out of you in the moment, they’re surprisingly forgettable in the face of an emotional, dramatic and beautiful overall experience.

For all of its issues, this is a lovely, lovely game that will stay with you a long time after its 12-ish hours are done. And there are very few games that have that sort of impact. @Stuff_India

Missing a jump because the game reacted 14 years too late is very, very frustrating.

The boy is beautifully animated, and will hop on the spot when nervous.

STUFF SAYS It has its flaws, but The Last Guardian is irresistible all the same ★★★★★ 85

TOP TEN OF EVERYTHING (Brought to you by)

Smartphones Tablets Hi-fi streaming Headphones Home cinema TVs

90 91 93 94 95 96

Home Computers & Consoles

97

DSLRs & System Cameras Laptops Compact Cameras Fitness Trackers Games Smartwatches Smarthome Geek Accessories

98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105

(Brought to you by)

90 T HO Y BU

SMARTPHONES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

OnePlus 3

“Business as usual” has never been so good. Once again, OnePlus has swanned in with a sub- 30,000 phone that offers a true alternative to phones costing about twice the price. The tech is as aggressively packed-in as ever, but this is also the best-looking, most expensive-feeling OnePlus phone to date. There are slightly better screens and cameras available for twice the price though. But last time we checked, most of our readers like a good deal. This is an unbeatable one.

Samsung Galaxy S7

STUFF SAYS

A big brilliant bargain of a phone that looks and feels as good as a 60K mobile, but costs half the price.

27,999 ★★★★★

Welcome to the age of ‘sensible Samsung’, a smartphone maker of dependable excellence. The Galaxy S7 looks a lot like the old S6 but has been improved all round, not least with a better camera. This sets a high bar for all of Samsung’s competitors.

43,400 ★★★★★

Apple iPhone 7 Plus

from 72,000 ★★★★★

Samsung Galaxy Note 7

from 59,900 ★★★★★

The new 7 and 7 Plus look almost identical to last year’s models, except for the glossy jet black option and Lightning headphone output. But they’re waterproof, processing power and battery life have been improved, and the Plus gets a tasty dual-lens camera.

Just an S7 with a stylus? Nope, it’s the combination of the S Pen with the bigger 5.7in screen and clever software that makes the Note 7 different. Plus it’s a big phone that doesn’t feel like one, and a productivity powerhouse that doesn’t look like one.

HTC 10

This handset barely puts a foot wrong, and is a marketer’s worst nightmare. What’s it good at? Everything. What’s special about it? Battery life. Stamina may be the least sexy of features, but knowing the 10 will survive an impromptu pub trip feels pretty good.

52,990 ★★★★★

Apple iPhone 7

from 60,000 ★★★★★

The iPhone 7’s modest upgrades all come together to make a much more significant whole than you’d expect – in typically Apple fashion, the experience is just so polished.

Losing the headphone port stings, though… and you don’t get the 7 Plus’s ace camera.

LG G5

The scale of the LG G5’s ambition is breathtaking. It’s a unique modular smartphone, allowing you to swap out its parts for improved ones, such as a bigger battery, camera controls or Bang & Olufsen audio tech. It’s a big, ballsy move that we hope pays off.

54,000 ★★★★★

Google Nexus 6P

from 39,999 ★★★★★

Moto G4

from 12,499 ★★★★★

Apple iPhone SE

from 39,000 ★★★★★

The 6P gets the Nexus series back on the rails. Camera? Design? Performance?

Software? All get a serious thumbs-up. Standouts include the finger scanner and the front camera, which are among the very best available at any price.

Motorola once again ups the ante and shows every other big phone maker what can be done for 12,499. With a slimmer design, metal-effect sides and a bigger screen than the old Moto G, this is the new no.1 budget phone. VFM, all the way.

The cheapest iPhone ever made packs pretty much all the power of the iPhone 6s into the 4in aluminium shell of the iPhone 5s. Its compact, no-compromise concept should tempt plenty of newbies into Apple’s world. The SE is the best small phone you can buy.

BEST FOR CUTTING-EDGE GADGETEERS

BEST FOR BUDGET BUYERS

(Brought to you by)

TABLETS 91 T HO Y BU

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Apple iPad Pro 9.7 The iPad Pro 9.7 takes everything we loved about Apple’s original 12.9in Pro tablet, makes it a lot more portable, and even adds in a few extras of its own. The True Tone display, which changes automatically based on ambient conditions, is a marvel, while the 12MP shooter is frankly overkill for those brave enough to use it in public. It’s expensive, but perfection usually comes at a price.

STUFF SAYS

Incredible power, superb features and near-flawless design: the iPad Pro 9.7 is pure tablet perfection

from 49,900 ★★★★★

Apple iPad Air 2

from 28,900 ★★★★★

Apple iPad Mini 4

from 28,900 ★★★★★

The iPad Air didn’t really need to be thinner, but that doesn’t mean 6.1mm isn’t mighty impressive. This combines with reassuring weight and impeccable build quality to make this the most desirable tab on the planet.

This is the mini tab we’ve been waiting for. It’s 1.4mm thinner and 32g lighter, just the right size for a great portable entertainment hub, and subtle display tweaks will do justice to games and graphic novels alike. Plus it will easily last three days on a charge.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7

38,500 ★★★★★

BEST FOR MAGAZINES AND MOVIES

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

from 58,990 ★★★★★

BEST FOR USING ANYWHERE

Apple iPad Mini 2 With Retina Display

from 21,900 ★★★★★

Google Nexus 9

from 28,900 ★★★★★

Slimmer and faster with a brilliant screen and serious stamina, the Galaxy Tab S2 sees Samsung back in the running for the Android throne. Tablets that come bundled with a keyboard offer an edge, but the S2’s a versatile, big-screen tab first and foremost.

At last, Microsoft has delivered on the promise of the tablet-cum-laptop hybrid.

It proves there’s space in the world for a design that’s more productive than an iPad or Galaxy Note, but easier to hump around than a traditional laptop.

The iPad Mini 3 is completely out of contention, but the good news is that the Mini 2 is now down to 21,900, which is frankly bargain-tastic. That’s why the ‘old’ model makes it to our Top 10 – if you’re after a mini-tablet of quality, your choice has just got easier.

The design isn’t as pristine, but this is a real Android contender to rival the iPads. You get the new Android 5.0 Lollipop software, bags of power and a super-sharp display. With 12 hours of video play and two front-facing speakers, it’ll be a great film buddy.

Google Nexus 7

So impressive and popular was the original Nexus 7 that it's believed to be the gadget that finally persuaded Apple to build a smaller iPad. Google had really raised the bar with this one back in 2013. So what if three odd years on, this beauty still entices.

15,999 ★★★★★

Apple iPad Pro

from 67,900 ★★★★✩

The iPad Pro is not for everyone. If you don’t see the value of owning such a large tablet, then its generous curves won’t be enough to persuade you to buy one. As for the rest, make sure you pick up a Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil with your iPad Pro.

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 3 Pro

A genuinely different tablet with great media skills and decent stamina, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro doesn’t play by the conventional rules of the game. It’s quite heavy, pretty chunky and has a projector built into its hinge. No complaints here.

39,990 ★★★★✩

(Brought to you by)

HI-FI & MUSIC STREAMING 93 T HO Y BU

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Bluesound multiroom system B

Fa Fancy a bit of Sonos-style multiroom but with better-than-CD-quality sound th hrown in? You want Bluesound. There are all-in-one speakers, adapters for your existing hi-fi, and a Vault that rips and stores all your CDs. All can handle yo hig gh-resolution audio. It might cost a pretty penny, but for those with a NAS full off high-res music (or a plan to get one) and a penchant for serious audio quality, B uesound’s system is worth every single paisa. Show-off satisfaction? You bet!

Bl

Naim Mu-so

Over 1 lac for a wireless speaker?! Well yes, but what a wireless speaker it is. Naim has ploughed all of its high-end hi-fi experience into delivering a beautifully made, great-sounding device with AirPlay, streaming and aptX Bluetooth all on-board.

KEF Muo

The KEF Muo sounds as good as it looks, which is very nice indeed. It may be the size of a beer can, but it creates a room-filling sound, brilliantly balanced and packed with vim and vigour. The Muo has the audio solidity of the B&W T7, but with even greater detail.

Naim Mu-so Qb

This can-do cube complements its big brother’s more refined character with a confident presentation that pays no attention to its physical size. And its features list makes it more flexible than Madonna’s yoga teacher. A stunning addition to the Mu-so family.

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless

‘Wireless speakers’ and ‘quality’ don’t always go hand in hand. But this is a desirable product through and through – and in terms of sound and design, not a paisa is left unaccounted for. It’s the ultimate wireless speaker for the streaming-savvy audiophile.

Bowers & Wilkins T7

The T7 is B&W’s first attempt at a portable Bluetooth speaker, and its good looks and real hi-fi sound combine to make it a real winner. It’s solid and easy to use, and has an attractive honeycomb structure that helps reduce cabinet vibrations.

Monitor Audio Airstream S200

It may look a bit like a floppy skyscraper, but the Monitor Audio’s Bluetooth-plus-AirPlay speaker makes a lot of sense, mostly because it takes up very little shelf/desk/table space but makes loads of lovely noise. It’s a bit of a steal at this price.

Cambridge Audio Go

There are loads of very cheap Bluetooth speakers out there, but we reckon it’s worth spending that little bit more to get something that’s really good – and that’s the Go. It sounds awesome, it’s really nicely built and its battery lasts a massive 18 hours.

Cambridge Audio Minx Xi

It might not look all that fancy, but the Minx Xi is like that micro system you had at uni, only it gobbles internet music rather than Rage Against The Machine CDs. Just add a pair of quality speakers (try Wharfedale Diamond 220s) and you’ve got a great hi-fi.

Q Acoustics BT3

These ultra-versatile Bluetooth speakers have an optical input for waking up the audio of your flatscreen TV. The styling is simple and so is the sound – brilliantly so, with perfect hi-fi balance and an impressive focus to the stereo image.

STUFF SAYS

Infinite music in every room without the need for custom installers?

Sign us up now, please

from 39,000 ★★★★★ 1,39,875 ★★★★★

BEST FOR ONE-BOX WI-FI HI-FI

35,000 ★★★★★ 99,000 ★★★★★ 58,000 ★★★★★

BEST FOR WIRELESS TUNES

29,900 ★★★★★ 42,200 ★★★★★

BEST FOR PICNIC PARTIES

12,500 ★★★★★

BEST FOR PICNIC PARTIES

51,300 ★★★★★ 43,000 ★★★★★

(Brought to you by)

94 T HO Y BU

HEADPHONES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SoundMagic E10C

SoundMagic has been pumping out quality in-ears for years, but this latest revision is the best yet. You get fantastic sound for the money, a quality cable and plenty of ear tips – and unlike the E10Ss, you don’t need to tell these buds whether you’re plugging into an iPhone or an Android. There’s still nothing out there that can topple SoundMagic as the king of cheap headphones, but the E10Cs prove that it is still possible to improve without hammering up the price.

Bose QC35

The QuietComfort range has long offered a sterling mix of comfort and noise-cancelling, but with the new 35s you can add freedom-enhancing Bluetooth. These QCs are high on clarity and spaciousness, making them perfect for your next long-haul journey.

AKG Y50BT

Proof that good wireless sound doesn’t have to cost the earth: with none of the horrid hiss, whine, crack and pop that’s often a glitch of Bluetooth headphones, these serve up truckloads of detail, with a full charge promising 20 hours of juice.

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless

The brand’s first foray into wireless brings luxury for your ears inside and out: these are the Aston Martin DB10s of wire-free cans. If you like your sound authoritative, dynamic and subtle (and who doesn’t?), you’ll feel right at home with these P5s.

Audeze Sine

If you’re an iOS addict who wants the best sound around, these are easily the best pair of on-ears you can get without spending a whole lot more money. They work with any kit, regardless of whether you’re on Team Android or Team iOS. Win win indeed.

Oppo PM-2

Do we recommend the Oppos? For looks and build quality, it’s a definite yes. Then there’s the insightful presentation and a pristine top-end but the bass fiends could find it lacking playing Major Lazer. Yet,we love their truthful attempt at making music.

Jaybird X2

Still searching for an audio companion on your fitness sojourns? Well, look no further as the Jaybird X2 is pretty much it. Comfy with specially designed Comply ear-tips and wireless connectivity, it is a winner even in the audio quality department.

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0

The original Sennheiser Momentums were an almost perfect pair of on-ears, and we’re pleasantly surprised that the sequel is even more thrilling. They’re pricey, but dapper looks soften the blow, as does the lively, hugely transparent sound.

JBL Everest 100

The size of a pear drop, JBL’s wireless buds are all about fuss-free fit. Their eight-hour battery life will help get you through the daily grind and their sound is one you could easily listen to for that long… if you don’t mind your music on the meaty side.

Jabra Pulse

A tech-packed but easy to use pair of wireless buds with good enough sound. The big draw here is connection to the Jabra Sport app, delivering heart-rate monitoring and pretty much any other stat you might want. There’s also an inline remote and mic.

STUFF SAYS

If you’re still listening to a pair of freebie buds, stop it – and buy a pair of these right now

2399 ★★★★★ 29,363 ★★★★★

BEST FOR SHUTTING OUT THE WORLD

7,990 ★★★★★

BEST FOR GREAT SOUND WITH NO WIRES

28,950 ★★★★★ 39,990 ★★★★★ 67,999 ★★★★★ 15,999 ★★★★★ 24,990 ★★★★★ 14,990 ★★★★✩ 11,499 ★★★★✩

(Brought to you by)

HOME CINEMA 95 T HO Y BU

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Tata Sky+ Transfer HD

The new Tata Sky boxes come with built-in Wi-Fi, to make it easier to access on-demand programming, of which there’s now more than ever, including prerelease blockbuster films. There’s also a 500GB drive available that, with more than 45 channels of HD, might well be worth the outlay. One of the most interesting parts about the Transfer HD is that it allows streaming/transferring recorded content directly to Android/iOS devices anywhere, anytime. It has a slick app to boot.

Q Acoustics Media 4

Sure, it doesn’t look like much. And yet, this soundbar has won awards two years in a row from our friends at What Hi-Fi? The Media 4 combines subtle detail with precise surround effects to be the best-sounding and best-value soundbar you can buy.

Onkyo HTS5805

The Atmos bandwagon beckons but you’re afraid to hurt the piggy? Fret not. This model from Onkyo’s HTIB (Home Theatre In a Box) series offers all the joys of an immersive audio experience with some smart pricing. Not at all a bad option for going surround.

Oppo BDP-103

The Oppo impresses, as its feature set is virtually impossible to beat at the price range – and this alone should be reason enough to buy it. Sonically, the Oppo favours a hefty, powerful sound and won’t hold back anything for a fun movie session, big bangs et all.

Dali Kubik One

Dali knows a thing or two about making great-looking, great-sounding loudspeakers, and the Kubik One is a riveting listen. It can handle high-res files and offers a gorgeous high-end sound. If you’ve got the cash, this is a talented system worth investing in.

BenQ W1070T

If you’re looking for big-screen entertainment on a budget, then this BenQ should be your first port of call. A Full HD 3D projector that delivers an astonishingly good performance, it’s an absolute bargain for its price tag. A must for your first home theatre.

Marantz UD7007

STUFF SAYS

The only choice for serious TV, movie or sport addicts

from 9300 + Subscription ★★★★★

45,000 ★★★★★

BEST FOR TRUE-TO-LIFE SOUND

75,000 ★★★★★

BEST FOR ATMOS AT A SMALL COST

69,999 ★★★★★ 1,05,000 ★★★★★ 1,10,000 ★★★★★ 69,900 ★★★★★

BEST FOR THE ULTIMATE IN QUALITY

54,990 ★★★★★

BEST FOR SMART BAR SURROUND

Let’s put aside the gimmicks for a second and consider what’s most important: the sound. That’s where the Panorama 2 wins. You get a direct and focused sound, clear dialogue and beautiful design and build, although this is all very expensive.

2,11,500 ★★★★★

BEST FOR PREMIUM SOUND

REL S/5

from 1,95,000 ★★★★★

BEST FOR LOW FREQUENCY MAGIC

Pricey like an Aston Martin is pricey and about as satisfying to own, this Marantz can play any disc you like, streams music at high-def resolutions and can withstand an earthquake. If you really, really take movies and music seriously, this is your player.

Philips Fidelio B5

Just a year after cracking a brilliant idea, the Philips Fidelio sound lab launches a better soundbar that promises to adhere to the brand’s strict norms when it comes to sonic perfection. It may not be the audiophile’s choice but it would be dense to dismiss it.

B&W Panorama 2

It’s not often that a single component makes such a significant difference to the overall signature of a system and the REL S/5 is one of those rare components. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill sub and what it delivers isn’t ordinary boom. Period.

(Brought to you by)

96 T HO Y BU

TVs

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

LG OLED65E6T

Any cinephiles dream telly, the new-generation LG E6 4K OLED is a screen that is almost perfect in theory. Infinite blacks, a billion colours and the ability to adapt to every scene of every movie, thanks to Dolby Vision. The webOS adds a dollop of fun to the user experience and the Harman Kardon soundbar integrated into the unit ensure that you can watch a movie without sticking your ear to the telly. This then, may be the best TV on sale currently.

LG OLED55B6T

A gorgeous 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision-supporting OLED TV (future-proofed to the hilt), this set is sensational. Packed full of tech with a jaw-dropping performance, this LG B6 does plenty to justify its prohibitive asking price. This'll surely send you into TV reverie.

Samsung UA55KS7000K

This set sprinkles a little extra stardust on top of its 4K and HDR brilliance in the form of ‘Quantum Dot’ technology, which claims to offer over a billion colours to point your peepers at. The result is an impressively refined performance.

Samsung UA48J6300AK

A 48in screen seems to be the ideal size for most living rooms, and a prominent curve makes this Samsung eye-catching in every respect. The performance is stunning and the colours have the right balance of vividness and subtlety. This is a smart TV bargain.

Sony KD-55X9300D

You get the full 4K and HDR package you want in a set that’s large but not enormoridiculous for the average living room. Indeed, for a 55in television, If you’ve got under 2.5- 3lacs to invest in a TV, you owe it to yourself to check this out.

LG 55EC930T

Not everyone’s got 3 lacs to blow on a flatscreen, and if you have to choose between OLED and 4K, it’s OLED we’d take right now. The awesome colours, super-deep blacks and amazing contrast will make everything you already watch look extra-amazing.

LG 55EG960T

The moment we set our eyes on this OLED beauty, we knew this was a start to a new love affair. The blacks, the colours and the webOS that puts a smile on your face make this the ultraHD telly to have if you’re anal about accuracy. Great torchbearer for OLED!

Samsung UA55KS9000K

Samsung has kept up the pace following the success of last year’s sets, and delivered a superb TV at a competitive price for its level. You get an absolutely stunning picture and performance for the money, proving there’s plenty of life in LCD yet.

LG 55UF950T

This telly comes to life in a flash, and menus don’t waste time loading – it’s a glossy double-page advert for pixel-packing 4K technology. The punchy palette revels in dazzling hues, deep blacks and Colgate-smile whites, and the sound is solid.

Philips 65PUT8609/98

A seriously expensive 4K beast with HDR compatibility, this Philips has the AmbiLux twist – creating a more immersive experience with nine projectors that extend the screen image onto the wall behind.

STUFF SAYS

OLED technology isn’t cheap but if you want the best of the breed, the LG 4K OLED is the only way to go

6,29,900 ★★★★★ 2,79,900 ★★★★★ 2,41,900 ★★★★★ 1,04,900 ★★★★★

BEST FOR VIEWING VALUE

2,64,900 ★★★★★

BEST FOR THE WOW FACTOR

2,69,900 ★★★★★ 3,09,900 ★★★★★ 2,99,900 ★★★★★ 2,09,900 ★★★★✩ 3,72,500 ★★★✩✩

BEST FOR AFFORDABLE BRILLIANCE

(Brought to you by)

98 T HO Y BU

DSLRs AND SYSTEM CAMERAS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fujifilm X-T10

For rich landscapes, detailed macro shots, stunningly sharp portraits and everyday photos of small children doing what small children do, it hands down beats most other choices at any price, let alone for under a lac. It also looks great, handles beautifully and can be paired with some of the most consistently superb lenses you’ll ever find. The X-T10 is easier for a novice to use and much, much cheaper; against that it lacks waterproofing, a big viewfinder and a fast buffer. The Fujifilm X-T10 does have a few flaws but its many charms more than offset them.

Sony A7R II

Yes, it’s expensive, but the A7R II combines impeccable build quality with a class-leading full-frame sensor, 5-axis image stabilisation, huge ISO range, super-fast autofocus, an excellent viewfinder and 4K video recording. Simply the finest Sony camera ever made.

Canon EOS 80D

Imagine a camera that does all the hard work for you. Well, Canon’s only gone and made one.This is the step-up DSLR for anyone looking to learn manual shooting.

Effortless; you pick it up, point it at something, click away some great pictures.

Canon EOS 5DS

A fantastic piece of kit that any pixel-peeping SLR fan will get heaps of enjoyment out of. The astounding 50MP sensor puts an incredible amount of pictorial detail at your fingertips, and the 5DS is very much pitched as Canon’s ultimate stills camera.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

The second coming of the E-M5 smashes it on both design and performance fronts.

Images are gorgeous, and using the camera is a customiser’s dream. It’s small and portable enough for travelling, but also chunky enough to feel satisfying in the hand.

Nikon D5

The D5 replaces 2012’s D4 as Nikon’s flagship DSLR for photographic professionals.

While it looks pretty similar to its predecessor, its insides are packed with innovation – including 4K video recording, albeit for only three minutes at a time.

Olympus PEN-F

STUFF SAYS

The Fujifilm X-T10 would be a great camera at any price, but at this one it’s truly unbeatable, rupee for rupee

74,999 ★★★★★ 2,39,990 (body only)

★★★★★ 78,995 (body only)

★★★★★ 2,52,995 (body only)

★★★★★ 1,25,975 (body only)

★★★★★ 4,45,950 (body only)

★★★★★ 81,990

The first with an electronic viewfinder and 5-axis stabilisation, this is the best PEN by some margin. It’s similar spec-wise to the OM-D E-M5 II, but this is a hugely desirable piece of design and an immensely capable camera for all-round shooting

(body only)

Sony A6300

74,990

★★★★★

It’s the fastest focuser around. It’s hard to find a fault with this camera. Price aside, it delivers everything you could want from a CSC: compact size, low weight, great photo and video performance, fast focusing and user-friendly controls.

★★★★★

Canon EOS 750D

49,995

(kit only)

The 750D redefines what an entry-level DSLR can be: it’s remarkably easy to use, will help you take stunningly good photos whatever your experience level and won’t ever let you down.

★★★★★

Nikon D750

1,34,450

It’s big and bulky, but otherwise this is one of the most comfortable and intuitive DSLRs money can buy. And with a handy tilt screen and some wireless connectivity features, there’s none of the purist snootiness that we saw in the D810.

(kit only)

(body only)

★★★★★

(Brought to you by)

LAPTOPS 99 T HO Y BU

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Apple MacBook Pro 13in (2015)

Apple hasn’t changed too many parts of the MacBook Pro for 2015. There’s a fancy new trackpad and the latest generation of Intel CPUs, which deliver better stamina as well as a chunk more power. This is an incremental upgrade, but given how good the Pro already was, that’s more than enough to keep it right at the top of the laptop honours list. If you need power as well as stamina and portability, this is one of the best laptops money can buy.

Dell XPS 13

This nippy ultrabook packs mucho screen into not much space, without compromising on usability. With a backlit keyboard, decent battery and Full HD screen, only its lack of gaming power holds it back. It’s also thinner and lighter than the average 13-incher.

MSI GT80 Titan SLI

With specs that can kill some of the more ambitious PCs, this behemoth seems to be the ultimate gaming laptop. Yes, at that price, it does seem to be made for the most intense (read rich) gamers and enthusiasts, but it surely is worth the asking price.

Asus ROG G752

STUFF SAYS

If it ain’t broke… it hasn’t radically changed, but the Pro’s performance and trackpad are top of its class

from 89,900 ★★★★★ 76,990 ★★★★★ 2,95,000 ★★★★★

The latest 6th generation Skylake Core i7 with a RAM capacity expandable to 64GBs – the ROG G752 spells absolute madness. Throw in a GTX 980M graphics card and looks to kill for and this makes it an Asus meant for serious gamers with moolah lying about.

1,79,990 ★★★★★

Asus ZenBook UX305

from 54,999 ★★★★★

Acer Aspire Nitro V15 - Black Edition

from 1,06,110 ★★★★★

Apple MacBook (2016)

from 1,06,900 ★★★★★

Asus knows what it’s doing. It knows that the Apple MacBook Air laptops are treading water and the ZenBook UX305 is pretty much everything the 2015 Air should have been, with its fetching aluminium design and as good a display as any 1 lac laptop.

A no-nonsense, affordable gaming laptop that gets all the basics right while packing enough grunt to shame pricier rivals. The Hitman of gaming laptops is here and it shoots big. Go on a gaming rampage , in 4K resolution. Kiss your normal life goodbye!

Prettiness in pink aside, this is much like last year’s 12in MacBook. The 2016 version is skinny and fab to work on, with a lovely screen… but unless you’d lap up the extra hour’s battery life, there’s no real need to upgrade from last year’s model.

Asus ROG G751

The G751 is for the loud and proud PC gamer. While its design is rather brash, the awesome performance, good screen and highly effective fans that keep it pretty quiet under pressure make this one of the best gaming laptops around.

1,33,999 ★★★★★

Acer Predator 15

from 1,76,690 ★★★★✩

Apple MacBook Air 13in (2015)

from 80,900 ★★★★✩

Put the silly name games aside and what you have here is a serious contender. With Benchmark scores of over 6000 in PC the 3.6kg you carry on your back is totally worth it once you know how good the system performance is.

Apple is scraping by with pretty much the same Air design as before. You get a new processor, new connectors and slightly improved battery life, but still no Retina screen.

However, if a portable road warrior is what you’re after, this is still a great choice.

BEST FOR GAMING SHOCK AND AWE

BEST FOR AFFORDABLE 4K GAMING

(Brought to you by)

100 T HO Y BU

COMPACT CAMERAS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Sony RX100 IV

A superb premium point-and-shoot that offers all the versatility, flexibility and dependable all-round performance you could need from a compact. While the price might make you hesitate, as far as compacts are concerned. Still, there aren’t many current pocket-sized cameras that can best it. Sure the RX100 IV is expensive, with respect to the older versions of the same camera, the RX100 III and the RX100 II. The premium you pay is for it’s worthy tweaks and improvements like the High Frame Rate, fast burst mode capabilities and 4K video recording.

Panasonic Lumix LX100

Yet another great Panasonic camera, with a bunch tricks up its sleeve. Its 4K capabilities give it a crucial edge over its rivals – nothing else in this category can do that, yet. The HD video capture and superb stills performance make it a star performer, for basics.

Nikon Coolpix S7000

If small and light is the way you need to go, you can jam the affordable S7000 in your jeans and you won’t even know it’s there. Yet it still packs a 20x optical zoom and back-illuminated 16MP sensor, as well as 4-axis image stabilisation and Wi-Fi.

Sony RX10 III

The RX10 II was a fantastic camera, and the III edition does nothing but improve upon it. This latest version is one of the best all-rounders. If you’re looking for a high performance camera without the hassle of interchangeable lenses, look no further.

Fujifilm FinePix X100S

Fujifilm’s souped up its fixed-lens retro shooter, with faster focusing and a big APS-C sensor. It’s not all new, though, keeping the 35mm-equivalent f/2 lens and hybrid viewfinder from the X100. A less retro version with black finish is now available too.

Fujifilm X70

Fujifilm’s once again produced a very nice camera with bags of appeal. Granted, it isn’t cheap, but you get a lot of bang for your buck with an APS-C sized sensor that’s crammed inside a pocket-friendly package. Small but mighty is the modus operandi.

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

The FZ1000 is incredibly versatile – a fixed-lens camera capable of shooting fantastic stills and video in almost any situation. This brilliant bridge camera might well be the only shooter you ever need; appealing to both enthusiasts and newbies alike.

Sony Cyber-shot HX60V

The HX60V is a top-class all-rounder, the Ian Botham of snappers. Few cameras offer this level of versatility in such a lightweight package: a 30x optical zoom lens, 1080p video, manual controls and GPS for tagging… plus NFC and Wi-Fi for cable-free sharing.

Olympus Traveller SH-2

Bulky? yes. Pricey? Sure, but it also has the largest optical zoom reach and the most “premium” build quality and features. Want full 5-axis image stabilisation to counter the effects of your trembling mitts? This is the camera that delivers.

Panasonic Lumix TZ57

Small camera, big zoom but the big differentiator with this camera is its LCD screen, which can be flipped up 180 degrees to face forwards. Know your “good” side from the bad, and spent far too long perfecting the duckface? - step right this way.

STUFF SAYS

Sony goes fourth to conquer the compact competition; a pocket rocket compact with almost no compromises

from 69,990 ★★★★★ 81,800 ★★★★★ 9950 ★★★★★ 1,14,990 ★★★★★ 83,999 ★★★★★ 88,400 ★★★★★ 57,272 ★★★★★ 22,990 ★★★★★ 41,336 ★★★★★ 19,080 ★★★★✩

BEST FOR TAKING ON HOLIDAY

(Brought to you by)

FITNESS TRACKERS 101 T HO Y BU

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Garmin Vivoactive HR G

S yes, there are other more chic watches that will do some of the same So th hings. But for a few thousand on the other side of 20K, the understated Vivoactive V HR is packed to the gills with long-lasting easy-to-use and re ewarding fitness cleverness. And that gets it several efficiency stars from us.

The Vivoactive HR sits right at the middle of Garmin's range of fitness trackers and is about the amount that most folks want to spend on a device of this kind.

Jawbone UP3

The UP, like your puppy, will integrate into your life, urge you to move and help you sleep. Once you understand it for what it is, you'll realise it’s an incredible package. A truly wearable wearable: meaningful motion data in a sleek and stylish avatar.

Moov Now

It might look like just another wrist-or ankle-mounted movement tracker; it’s anything but. It’s not a tracker, but a trainer. The focus is on active minutes, in whatever form they take. Moov wants the Now to become your new workout guru.

Fitbit Flex

STUFF SAYS

Probably all the fitness watch you'll ever want, crammed with sensors, sports and stamina - and more

from 23,990 ★★★★★ from 11,999 ★★★★★ 3999 ★★★★★

The Flex delivers all of Fitbit’s activity-tracking smarts but in a form factor that’s less fiddly than its belt-clip counterparts. It’s packed with Bluetooth, NFC, vibrating motor and an LED display. See also the new Fitbit Charge, with a full display.

6990 ★★★★★

GOQii Band

from 3999 ★★★★★

A fitness band, its propriety app and a fitness and habit expert who coaches you to achieve your ideal lifestyle is what you'll be signing onto with GOQii. Get a hands-on idea of your progress via collected physical data, complete with statistical analysis.

Garmin Fenix 3

This is a serious sports watch. It’s especially geared for triathlon, with a dedicated race mode, but it’s also a great training tool for each discipline and other sports besides.

It doesn’t do heart monitoring, but a 10-day battery life is your compensation.

Misfit Wearables Shine 2

A tracker that feels anything but cheap: a sliver of silver aircraft-grade aluminium to make Apple fans jealous, its metallic shell packs smarts as sleek as its exterior. The Shine is by far the best budget bounding buddy to use as a standalone solution.

Fitbit Charge HR

Lightweight and quietly stylish, at price it might not initially seem a bargain, but that is a small price to pay for improved features like better strap and infinitely more useful fitness monitoring. Subtle and understated, the Charge HR is fair bargain indeed.

Jawbone Up Move

This is a back-to-basics clip-on. Slap it on your wrist with the bundled strap or use its rubber clip housing to attach it to a belt or anywhere else you feel happy. Pull off 'looking cool' while having a pebble-like piece of plastic dangling from your person.

Xiaomi Mi Band

This Mi band delivers the goods and with its pocket-friendly price, it's the best way to enter the world of fitness trackers. A simple strap in fun colours, a no-nonsense app that counts daily steps and analyses your sleep – perfect for the skeptical ones.

37,000 ★★★★✩ 6495 ★★★★✩ 11,999 ★★★★✩ 3999 ★★★★✩ 999 ★★★★✩

BEST FOR TRACKING YOUR LIFE

(Brought to you by)

102 T HO Y BU

GAMES

1

Uncharted 4: A Thief`s End PS4

Let’s put multiplayer to one side; we want characters oozing charm and funny oneliners, an intriguing, treasure-hunting story and breathtaking set pieces, all wrapped up in the highest fidelity package imaginable. In short, Uncharted 4 delivers. This could well be the most beautiful game ever created, and as Nathan Drake’s story finally comes to a close you’ll be sad to say goodbye to this seminal gaming series, but also satisfied with its conclusion. Farewell, Drake. Here’s to all the good times.

STUFF SAYS

A fittingly epic send off for one of gaming’s most thrilling series. A killer swansong for Nathan Drake

★★★★★

2

Overwatch PC Make no mistake, this is the best shooter of the year so far and our favourite Blizzard game since WarCraft III back in 2002. Overwatch is one long party that you’d be mad to miss so pick up your controller, pick up a hero, and dive in - you won’t regret it.

★★★★★

3

The Division PC/ PS3/ Xbox One A beautiful, exceptionally detailed vision of a disaster-struck New York, deep RPG elements with visceral, gritty action and a Dark Zone that is awesomely tense – The Division ticks all the boxes to be thoroughly addictive and action-packed package.

★★★★★

4

Quantum Break Xbox One A ridiculously ambitious techno-thriller that blends classic sci-fi gameplay with immersive interludes of motion-captured animation, this game promises futuristic thrills a plenty. Inspired yet formulaic, this is an imperfect, essential exclusive.

★★★★★

5 6 7 8 9 10

XCOM 2 PC

Aliens have taken over the world. It’s your job to save humanity in this thrilling turnbased strategy sequel. There’s a greater variety of missions and maps, superb tactical combat and highly involved strategic layer. Tip: Just be prepared to die. A lot.

Ratchet & Clank PS4

On top of the stunning art direction and gameplay refinements, fans can look forward to fresh Clank-starring content, new flying sequences, additional boss encounters, and an addictive collectible trading card game; one of the best reasons to own a PS4.

★★★★★

★★★★★

Dark Souls III PS4

What’s likely to be the final Dark Souls is a fittingly brutal end to the series. Food for the soul, punishment for the body and mind. A worthy sequel indeed with loads of gloriously nightmarish beasties to slay and vast wastes that just beg exploration.

DOOM PS4 It’s bloody. It’s brutal. It’s brilliant. Doom is back, and it’s packing a super shotgun.It’s an enjoyable shooter with a decent campaign. Frenetic, blood-drenched and just a little bit modern – a worthy reimagining of the 90s classic. Welcome (back) to hell!

★★★★✩

★★★★✩

Hitman PC/PS4/ Xbox One

Gaming’s favourite assassin has gone episodic, and with great results. Like Agent 47’s trademark, impeccably pressed suit, the new Hitman game simply fits. A pure, rewarding assassination sim with loads of replay value and a brave release method.

Mirror’s Edge Catalyst PS4

Run, jump and parkour your way across an open world - Faith returns with more freerunning skills. This may not amount to the breakout hit EA was aiming for, but hardcore fans can rest easy. Faith’s status as a cult hero remains intact. Park(our) life is back.

★★★★✩

★★★★✩

(Brought to you by)

SMARTWATCHES 103 T HO Y BU

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Apple Watch Series 2

If you’re looking for a watch that'll motivate you to be a little more active or take up a new sport, and at the same time help you manage your work and social life, the Apple Watch Series 2 is very much it. Now, anyone looking for a proper sports watch should also seriously consider the Apple Watch as well.

IIt’s that combination of sports and smarts that makes the Apple Watch such an exciting device and tempting proposition. The total package, hands down. a

Pebble Time Steel

It’s very similar to the Pebble Time, but the extra Gorilla Glass 3 on the front makes it a bit less damage-prone and the bonus battery life means it’ll last for a solid week of proper use. These tweaks ensure that the Time Steel is the best Pebble you can buy.

Garmin Fenix 3

This is a serious sports watch. It’s especially geared for triathlon, with a dedicated race mode, but it’s also a great training tool for each discipline and other sports besides.

It doesn’t do heart monitoring, but a 10-day battery life is your compensation.

Fitbit Blaze

STUFF SAYS

Apple's small tweaks and renewed sports focus add up to make the Series 2 a watershed wearable

from 32,900 ★★★★★ 15,999 ★★★★★ 37,000 ★★★★✩

This is a sports strap-on that knows its mark and hits it. For those after a smartwatch with sporting pedigree, look elsewhere: the Blaze is well-and-truly a sports watch, and a darn good one at that. Fitness-first, smart-second; Winner: you.

15,999 ★★★★✩

Garmin Vivomove

from 14,990 ★★★★✩

Serious athlete? This is your daytime watch, one you swap out for a serious tracker when it's time to hit the track. Commuter with style - and a sturdy pair of walking boots? Free up a space on your wrist: this is everything you need from a fitness watch.

LG Watch Urbane

The Urbane is easily the best LG smartwatch and is currently the best Android Wear smartwatch around. If your wrists are happy to accept it, then you’ll have a slick device with a very good screen, that’ll easily last you nearly two whole days.

Huawei Watch

Looking for a smartwatch which you can pair with a suit and tie? The Huawei Watch is the one you want. Huawei's playing a different game here as it's counting on design to appeal to the watch lover,not the spec-obsessed gadget nut. Clever indeed.

Samsung Gear S2

The Samsung Gear S2 is a nice enough watch. Its rotating bezel is genius and runs the show, having been near-on fully integrated into the software. Elements of hardware design genius sit atop a refreshing but ultimately very limiting software.

Motorola Moto 360 Sport

Say hello to a sportier Moto but read between the lines: it isn’t a sports watch. Sure, it’s got standalone GPS, a clever display and continuous in-run heart rate monitoring.

Android smartwatch in a sporty avatar. It is what it is and beautifully so.

Pebble Time Round

Honestly, the main problem with the Pebble Time Round is that it is a smartwatch. It’s easy to use and it looks quite nice on the wrist (for the gents and the ladies) and it doesn’t bother you when you don’t want it to. A good option for first timers.

26,290 ★★★★✩ 19,999 ★★★★✩ 22,400 ★★★✩✩ 19,999 ★★★✩✩ 13,599 ★★★✩✩

BEST FOR BATTERY LIFE

(Brought to you by)

104 T HO Y BU

SMARTHOME

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

iRobot Roomba

Scampering around Jesse’s place in Breaking Bad or blasting music for Tommy in Parks & Rec, the iRobot Roomba has long been the stuff of TV and movies. No more. No more will you have to sit there wistfully and wonder what it would be like to have a little robot vacuum cleaner. The Wi-Fi-enabled range of delightfullooking, disc-shaped vacuum cleaning robots that are as smart as they’re cute, is now officially here. That’s right, maids, be afraid... be very, very afraid!

Synology DS214se with DSM 5.0

We’ve been Synology fans for a while, thanks to its affordable and flexible approach to network attached storage (NAS). Within this entry-level hardware beats the best NAS software yet, sporting the latest version of its DiskStation Manager software.

Google Chromecast Audio

The original Chromecast was a very bright idea: a device to stream TV directly from the internet. Chromecast Audio has arrived to do the same to your hi-fi. It’s smart and highly affordable, and makes a huge variety of apps such as Saavn more fun to use.

Blueair Sense+

Wi-Fi compatible, this airpurifier is ultra fast and can be controlled by its Blueair Friend app to set everything from air flow speeds, timers, enable night mode and also switch it on/off from anywhere. Pair it with Blueair Aware air monitor for best results.

QNAP TS-212P NAS

STUFF SAYS

Plug, power and relax and let the Roomba show your maid what cleaning’s all about

from 29,900 ★★★★★ 21,624 ★★★★★ 3399 ★★★★★ 45,000 ★★★★★

A refreshingly straightforward entry in the complex business of NAS drives, we love its ease of use and its array of useful available apps. A NAS drive with everything you’ll ever need for a supercharged home network - and it’s really easy to use.

15,540 ★★★★★

Videocon Aryabot

from 34,000 ★★★★★

This Wi-Fi enabled, app-controlled, IoT-capable wunderkind from Videocon is every techie’s dream AC, with voice prompts, automatic settings based on outside temperature, including an option to connect a webcam to stream directly to the app!

Nest Cam

Exceptional with superb picture quality, the wide-angle lens captures all the action effectively and the ability to zoom in and record is a nice touch, but the Nest stands out thanks to the brilliance of the magnetic mounting and multi-directional head.

Withings Home

25,599 ★★★★✩

The Withings Home is slick, stylish and blends effortlessly into the modern home. Team it with a reliable Wi-Fi signal and you’ll be treated to continuous HD monitoring besides air-pollution alerts, wherever you are. The wide-angle night vision lens is a nice touch.

25,200 ★★★★✩

Nexo Knight wireless charging table

from 10,799 ★★★★✩

Here’s an end-of-day scenario for you: You hit the bed after you fumble around with a charger to charge your phone overnight, versus you just plonk your phone on a good-looking wireless charger-cum-table. Pepperfry, you get us. Yes you do.

Google Chromecast

This USB memory-stick-sized cord-cutter is compatible with YouTube, Google Play movies and more: a cheap, simple way of getting web-sourced movies and shows onto your living-room TV.

2999 ★★★★✩

(Brought to you by)

GEEK ACCESSORIES 105 T HO Y BU

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Raspberry Pi 3

There are a lot of circuit board computers around these days. Some are only really meant for IoT devs. Others are Raspberry Pi copies, to put it bluntly. But no other circuit board computer touches what the Pi offers as a package. The amazingvalue hardware, the mountains of online support and the sheer wealth of other people’s projects you can try without having to think too hard mean it has red-hot p appeal. We love how the Raspberry Pi just keeps getting tastier by the year. a

DJI Phantom 3 Standard

STUFF SAYS

Pi 3’s performance increase is pretty massive. More power, more convenience

3549 ★★★★★

Each of the three variants of the Phantom 3 drone is brilliant, but this most affordable version does more than enough for most quadcopter pilots. The budget Phantom camera drone jettisons some functionality, but its core greatness remains.

45,000 ★★★★★

Amazon Kindle Oasis

from 23,999 ★★★★★

If you’ve got the cash to spare, this e-reader is the best you can buy. We can’t knock its hustle. A jaw-droppingly expensive e-reader that’s the ultimate bookworm’s status symbol. Bonus: every Oasis comes with a complimentary leather cover black. Chic.

DJI Osmo

A game-changing camera for amateur filmmakers requiring smooth, stable footage, the Osmo’s really in a category of its own at the moment. There’s no comparable stabilised camera on the market. You’d end up spending far more money for the same output.

3Doodler

55,000 ★★★★★

Like Hulk, the 3Doodler stepped into the laboratory a normal pen, but emerged many times the size and countless times more awesome, as a shining tool of the future, roaring and squirting out fat 3D ink. The 3Doodler is our new favourite tech toy!

13,365 ★★★★★

DJI Phantom 2 Vision quadcopter drone

from 95,000 ★★★★★

We could “drone on” about the Phantom 2 Vision forever - this is the hottest cameratoting quadcopter on the block. This powerful, easy to fly quadcopter sports not only a built-in anti-vibration camera, but also smartphone compatibility; an absolute blast!

Korg Volca Beats

A diddy drum machine with a huge sound, this is an instant techno classic. With the Volca Beats, Korg has made a Roland TR-808 alternative for a fraction of the price.

This tiny drum machine is the biggest thing to happen in electronic music for 30 years.

Sony Smart Tennis Sensor

Warning: Using this doesn’t mean that you’ll suddenly start playing like the Swiss maestro Roger Federer. The Smart Tennis sensor, with its proprietary app, lets you in on everything that is going with your racquet swing, with stats, no less! Game. Set. Match.

Sphero BB-8 Droid

The new R2-D2; this is a Star Wars toy that’s as fun as it is futuristic, The Sphero BB-8 Droid captures your imagination with an array of futuristic thrills with a simple set up and easy controls. Try one for yourself and you’ll see. If they’re not all sold out already.

Impossible Instant Lab Universal

A camera that turns your smartphone shots into actual Polaroids? Yep! Pointless hipster throwback or ingenious device that evokes a time when photography felt more “authentic”? Who cares, we’re loving the nostalgic throwback to bits.

15,843 ★★★★★ 20,100 ★★★★★ 17,401 ★★★★✩ 28,290 ★★★★✩

NEXT BIG THING?

Person hovering S e s ersonal Hovering Streetlamps?

That’ll make a good band name.

Debut album: Floatilluminati.

Or something. We’re not great musicians, but we know our tech, and this fleet of hovering guardian angels is as techy as things come. We’ve all seen drones before, including ones that automatically follow you around – they’re handy for capturing gnarly 1780° snowflips – but these Fleetlights aren’t designed to capture death-defying stunts.

Quite the opposite – they’re there to keep you safe by lighting up your path along dark

P

and dangerous routes, whether you’re driving, cycling, or trudging along a gloomy winter path.

twisted ankles, broken noses and scraped knees are only ever one or two stumbles away.

Sooo, they make you an easy target?

Granted, walking across a dodgy inner-city park with a personal spotlight lighting you up like a Christmas tree for muggers isn’t the most sensible of ideas. But realistically, you’re more likely to have a close encounter with a UFO-chaser. There’s no doubt that you’ll be (and feel) far safer with your own personal luminary bodyguard. Sticks, potholes, stray dogs – the world is a perilous place, and

Jeez Mum, relax. I can look after myself.

Though I could still do with a few of these…

Sadly, the Fleetlights are just a proof of concept for now, whipped up by Direct Line to show off how future accidents could be prevented. The tech is real, though, and it works. A smartphone app dispatches drones to a user’s exact location. They’ll constantly stay ahead of that user along his or her route, until they’re dismissed at the tap of a button.

DON’T MISS THE NEXT ISSUE! ON SALE 1 MAR

RNI NO. MAHENG/2009/32815. Postal Reg. No. MCE/211/1 -1 Mailing Date 29th & 30th every SUHYLRXV month. Publishing date 1st of every month.