T3 India January 2025

FOCAL DIVA UTOPIA French audio brand Focal makes some of the best, most premium sound blasters around, and its latest effort – the Diva Utopia – marks a new milestone for the speaker maker. This new device is Focal’s first wireless active loudspeaker set, meaning you get all the convenience of wireless listening without losing Focal’s signature audio quality. Made using Naim electronics, this three-way bass-reflex floorstanding speaker set offers up near-studio-quality sound for exquisite high-resolution listening. That’s delivered thanks to 400W of amplification power per speaker and ultra-wideband tech for lossless audio streaming. The speakers can connect to each other and external amplifiers wirelessly, and they work with a range of connectivity modes, including AirPlay 2, Google Cast, HDMI eARC, optical and RCA inputs. All in all, they’re ideal…

@girishmallya on X (formerly Twitter) This month, we’re diving into the world of e-commerce in India, focusing on the cash on delivery (COD) system. It’s a double-edged sword for the industry. India has one of the most sophisticated COD systems globally, making online shopping accessible even to those wary of digital payments. However, this convenience comes at a steep price for e-commerce brands. They face high costs for cash handling and suffer from a notably higher rate of returns or refused deliveries. To tackle these issues, some direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, followed by giants like Flipkart and Amazon India, have started charging a small COD fee or offering discounts for pre-paid orders. But there’s room for a better solution. I propose a tech-driven approach - Escrow Accounts. Here, payment would be…

ASUS ROG STRIX GAMING MONITOR 2025 ₹TBA, asus.com A massive 31.5-inch 4K gaming monitor with a 160Hz refresh rate. The ROG Strix XG32UCG has a framerate boost feature that lets you switch between 4K at 160Hz and FHD at 320Hz. It also has FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC compatibility, as well as extensive connectivity options. With 15W Power Delivery, it can also fast-charge smartphones, laptops, and other accessories, and users can also adjust monitor settings, keyboard shortcuts, and custom settings via a mouse using ASUS DisplayWidget Center. T3 SAYS: A monitor for truly immersive FPS and AAA+ gaming experience. TECH-O-METER SEGWAY BALANCING SCOOTER ₹TBA, segway.com This ingenious electric scooter utilises a sophisticated system of gyroscopes, sensors, and motors to maintain balance. By subtly shifting your weight, you can control the scooter’s…

₹21.90 lakh onwards (ex-showroom), mahindraelectric.com First Impressions Intent. Innovation. Fresh thinking. For the next generation. All this is F evident when you look at the XEV 9e and then step inside. Mahindra wants this to be not just another electric vehicle; it’s a declaration of intent. Looking at the XEV 9e, you’re struck by its imposing yet refined design, though some elements remind you of the XUV 700. Its aggressive stance and aerodynamic lines convey confidence and efficiency. Built on the versatile INGLO platform, this SUV promises a seamless blend of innovation and practicality. As a flagship for Mahindra’s next-gen EVs, the XEV 9e sets new benchmarks in style with the grille, the main LED headlights and daytime running lamps. Exterior and Interior Design Bold. Modern. Sophisticated. These words best…

HEAD TORCH EXTRAVAGANZA PETZL SWIFT RL 2 The Petzl Swift RL 2 is an outstanding head torch, combining a lightweight design, impressive 1,100-lumen brightness and effective Reactive Lighting technology. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, it delivers excellent performance, comfort, and versatility for activities like trail running and hiking. ₹8,499, petzl.com LIFESYSTEMS INTENSITY 300 The Lifesystems Intensity 300 LED Head Torch is a reliable and affordable option for outdoor adventurers. Its lightweight design, six lighting modes and weather-resistant build make it perfect for hiking and camping. Simple to use and offering great value, it’s a practical choice. ₹2,999, lifesystems.com BIOLITE HEADLAMP 750 The BioLite HeadLamp 750 excels with its bright 750-lumen output, stable design and easy operation. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers strong battery life, comfortable wear and excellent stability, making…

NEWS ABOUT AUTOMOBILES McLAREN HYBRID The McLaren Artura is a 200mph supercar that also acts as a conventional hybrid. It’ll drive silently through traffic – or at up to 80mph – in electric-only mode, then transform into a fully-fledged supercar with the flick of a switch. HYBRID PICKUPS COMING Ford’s Ranger pickup truck is finally getting a plug-in hybrid option in the UK. The PHEV engine option will arrive early next year on Wildtrak and XLT series models as well as a new Stormtrak edition. FASTER SELF-DRIVING SPEEDS Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot 95 sees the automaker’s level 3 autonomous driving go from 60km/h to 95km/h (around 59mph). This effectively provides motorway speeds of self-driving. It’s coming to Germany next year and other markets soon. LASER PRECISION LOTUS TESTS THE THEORY If…