T3 India

Technology

Review: Xgimi Horizon Pro

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Price: ₹1,87,500

Xgimi is a popular projector manufacturer based in China. Their portfolio includes portable projectors designed for extreme convenience and with cutting-edge technology. The Horizon Pro is a portable DLP projector that won the EISA Award for Best Buy Projector.

Well-designed would be an understatement for the Xgimi horizon pro. We have reviewed quite a few projectors in the past, but none of those affords the portability and ‘clean’ design that this device offers. Measuring 208.4 x 218.4 x136.2mm and weighing 2.9kg, the projector is extremely portable and comes with an equally well-designed and sleek remote control.

This 4K (3840 x 2160) projector can be used to project at up to 300 inches, however, we would put this at 200 inches for optimum image quality. Though this is not an ultra-short-throw model, the device features Intelligent Screen Adaption Technology, which offers the convenience of automatically finding and setting up the ideal projection area in a matter of seconds, making the whole process a breeze. To elaborate a little, the Horizon Pro uses automatic focus and keystone correction along with AI object detection to set up your projection area intelligently. It even incorporates an Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance system to avoid obstacles such as power sockets and furniture in the room to find the ideal projection surface even if you are using a wall to project the image. It also automatically matches your screen size with the size of the projected image in case of a screen being used. This eliminates the requirement of having the projector in straight line and perfectly parallel with the screen. If you are not satisfied with the result, you can always use the manual alignment option, which allows you to finely shift the position of each corner of the image area.

At 2200 ANSI Lumens, the Horizon Pro delivers bright projection with a wide dynamic range and excellent sharpness. The device uses Xgimi’s X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine for clarity and realistic colour reproduction. With MEMC (Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation), the projector delivers low latency with the least image blur aided by proprietary 60Hz motion compensation technology, making it ideal for gaming too. The device offers HDR 10 and is 3D compatible. Further, the AI Brightness Adjustment feature ensures that the projector adapts to ambient light changes. Xgimi claims life of 25,000 hours for the lamp. The Horizon Pro offers two HDMI 2.0 ports along with two USB 2.0, LAN and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It uses dual-band 2.4/5G Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity. A TÜV Rheinland certification assures you of low blue light for better eye care.

Movie watching experience is only as good as the sound reproduction, and the Horizon Pro got you covered here as well. Professional sound design by Harman Kardon ensures immersive DTS studio surround sound with the help of two 8W, 45mm full-range speakers. The system provides low distortion and high dynamic response along with a virtualised surround sound experience. The result is truly mesmerising for such a small device.

The projector integrates Android TV, Google Play Store and Google Assistant for a seamless OTT experience. You can use the remote to access the voice assistant and control your connected smart devices. It also comes with Chromecast built-in so that you can cast your content, apps, and games directly to the device for a more immersive experience.

RATING

★★★★★

WE’RE IMPRESSED Portable and neatly designed, intelligent framing and focussing, excellent image quality, impressive surround sound

WE’D IMPROVE No backlighting on remote, no optical zoom

THE LAST WORD This device projects its brilliance in every department. Need we say more?

Havells new water heater features induction heat transfer technology

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Havells India has given the Indian market some unforgettable products, and now, this FMEG company has launched a new water heater called “Magnatron” which, according to Havells, is one of India’s first water heater with heating element free induction heat transfer technology. The Magnatron packs in some state-of-the-art features and is an example of Havells endeavour to be at the forefront of pioneering innovation.

The Magnatron water heater is equipped with an ultra-thick superior quality steel tank that provides protection from corrosive elements which could possibly cause cracks in the inner tank. The newly-launched water heater also consists of other unique features such as digital temperature display, smart mode setting, feroglas coating, shock safe plug, and faster heating technology for better heat retention and safety.

Magnatron helps consumers save 25% electricity with its ability to heat quicker by about 10-12 minutes. Havells claims that the energy consumption of the Magnatron’s energy consumption remains the same throughout its life. The high density CFC-free polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation also offers maximum energy efficiency and helps to keep the water warmer for a longer time.

Mr. Ravindra Singh Negi, President-Electrical Consumer Durables, Havells India said, “Aligned with our philosophy of ‘Making a difference’, the water heater is designed to offer consumers enhanced safety, advanced technology, longer product life and convenience. We are confident that Magnatron water heater will enjoy similar success in our target markets as we have witnessed with the previous products. Our latest addition ‘Magnatron’ is again a testament of our ability to launch innovative products designed to meet evolving needs of consumers and elevate their overall showering experience.”

Havells Magnatron comes with a 7-year warranty and is priced at Rs. 32,990. It is available across Havells brand shops in India, offline dealers and on Havells’s online e-store.  

The new Robovac X8 Hybrid vacuum cleaner features intelligent navigation and multitasking capabilities

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The new Robovac X8 Hybrid robotic vacuum cleaner is equipped with smart features to make life much easier for today’s busy hustlers who need reliable cleaning capabilities. The motto of the device is “Double down on power, double down on life”, and the device features an intelligent laser navigation system and the ability to vacuum and mop floors.

The X8 Hybrid is equipped with two turbines, each generating up to 2000Pa of intense suction pressure. These twin turbines boost the cleaning efficiency of the X8 Hybrid, by increasing the overall airflow by 80%, and by cleaning up to 57.6% more pet hair through the appliance’s unique pet hair magnet. The increase in airflow reduces entanglement on the roller brush for more efficient vacuuming around the house.

Along with a dust-compression technology which increases the dust box volume utilisation, this multitasking device also mops while vacuum-cleaning. It contains a large 250ml water tank, which is enough for 140 minutes of mopping.

The X8 Hybrid’s intelligent navigation system is powered by the unique iPath Laser navigation which memorises the user’s home environment along with the possible obstacles in its path. The Map 2.0 technology, allows the X8 Hybrid to customise cleaning areas and functions across one’s home. The X8 Hybrid also builds a virtual map to follow for the most efficient cleaning routine.

The Robovac X8 Hybrid comes with a 12-month warranty and is available for Rs. 34,999 on Flipkart. For more information, please visit this page.

Ambrane launches the AeroSync Wireless Powerbank which is autographed by Ravindra Jadeja

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One of the country’s forerunners in developing mobile accessories, Ambrane, have launched a limited edition wireless powerbank which is signed by Ravindra Jadeja, one of the Indian cricket team’s best all-rounders who is also Ambrane’s brand ambassador.

The AeroSync PB houses a 10,000mAh lithium-polymer battery and it supports both wireless and wired charging with 15W and 20W QC/PD outputs, respectively. This compact and sleek powerbank is designed keeping the modern work and streaming culture in mind and it also comes with a unique Mag-Safe technology with a non-slip finish and firm magnetic grip to ensure safety. This technology is compatible with iPhone 12 and above.  

The 20W fast-charging output can charge any mobile to up to 50% within 30 minutes on an average, Ambrane claims. The powerbank can be charged through a Type-C port and it takes a little over 3 hours to charge it fully. The AeroSync powerbank is compatible with all devices charged through a USB or Type-C port. A multi-layer charging protection technology ensures a safe charging experience for the users.

“I am thrilled to partner with Ambrane and launch the unique powerbank in India. The powerbank truly defines my personality, being fast, powerful, and robust. I am certain my fans would love to use the handy gadget, as much as I do,” says Ravindra Jadeja, Brand Ambassador, Ambrane.

The AeroSync powerbank comes with a 365 days warranty and is priced at Rs. 3,999. For more information, please visit this page.

A Simple 5-step Path to Setting up a Home Theatre: Audio POV

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Over the last year, the importance of quality home entertainment has increased. To better understand the impact 2020 has had on entertainment, Dolby conducted a consumer study with Wakefield Research, which revealed that Indian consumers are prioritizing and seeking better experiences possibly driven by long hours spent at home. Indian consumers are spending more on quality to better connect with content—and to connect with each other.

There was a clear shift in consumer preference for premium content experiences. Consumers are willing to invest in premium quality content and in devices and are being able to have an enhanced audio and visual experience. The study reveals that 94% of consumers in India are willing to pay more for a premium subscription for enhanced video & audio quality, whereas 96% of them will upgrade their entertainment equipment in the span of the next 6 months.

There is a variety of equipment available in the market, depending upon one’s budget, area, and technology upgrade. Many of us hear “home theatre” and think of soundproof rooms, cushioned seats, and a large screen. However, building a home theatre does not need to break a bank.

Whether you want to upgrade the audio in your living room or invest in a full home cinema set-up, here are our recommendations to ensure you get a seamless entertainment experience.

Space Optimisation

Where you plan to set up your system can dictate what you will need. If you have a fairly large room, invest in a home theatre system but for a smaller room, you could go with a soundbar with a sub-woofer.

If you are doing up a big room and want surround sound with a theatre experience, go for a 5.1 or 7.1 channel surround sound system. This has 5 or 7 separate speakers, including a centre speaker, and an audio-video receiver or home theatre. For an immersive experience, get a Dolby Atmos-enabled sound system.

Large speakers can overwhelm a small room. Hence, when setting up a home entertainment system in a smaller space, consider getting a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar.

Another important aspect is to buy a home theatre system that has a Dolby Vision compatible logo. This will pass High Dynamic Range Dolby Vision video through the home theatre to the television and will enable you to enjoy the HDR content.

Allocate the right budget

When you plan the home entertainment system, it is important to understand how to divide your budget. Don’t neglect the speakers. They are a critical component in experiencing great sounding audio. While planning the setup, allocate the bulk of your budget (up to 80%) on speakers and about 20% on the amplifier. Don’t spend large amounts of money on unnecessary features or a very expensive amplifier.

A common misconception is that all home theatre devices which deliver a cinematic experience are expensive. Today, an Indian consumer can find living room audio devices with next-generation object-based immersive audio technology like Dolby Atmos, at various price points that suit the needs of the price and quality conscious Indian consumer.

Choose the right supporting equipment

Video accounts for a major part of the cinema experience. The right television can enhance your entertainment manifold. It is recommended to go with 4K (or UHD) televisions that support Dolby Vision HDR and are Dolby Atmos enabled. Another important consideration is the eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) feature found in most new smart televisions. This enables you to transmit the original full-resolution audio signal back through the HDMI cable to your home theatre or soundbar and reproduce immersive audio without compromise. The home theatre should always be connected to the ARC/ eARC port of the television.

If there is no eARC port available on the television, it may be better to connect your media streaming device (TV stick) directly with the home theatre system for enhanced audio output.

Everything In the Right Place

Nowadays, most home theatre systems and soundbars are easy to plug and play. However, one needs to consider the positioning of the speakers while setting it up. For optimal effect, place your Dolby Atmos enabled speakers at the height of your ears when seated, with no obstructions between you and the speakers.

A soundbar should be placed beneath the television screen. Some Dolby Atmos enabled soundbars have speakers which point upwards and reflect sound off the roof for an enhanced immersive experience. If you have one of these, take care that these speakers don’t get obstructed by the TV. Keep the soundbar below and slightly ahead of the TV.

The Final Touches

The most crucial part after installing a home theatre system is the final alignment of the system. 90% of home theatres have an auto-alignment feature. A small microphone is usually provided, which should be placed at the listening position while running the auto-alignment process. This usually results in optimum quality output. Make sure to keep the listening environment completely silent during the alignment process to guarantee the best results. 

To get the best immersive experience, it is recommended that you stream content in Dolby. Stream your favourite content from Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video or any other streaming service in the unmatched combination of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. People often assume that setting up a home theatre is an overwhelming task, but the key is to get the basics right. Plan it right and enjoy an immersive cinema-like experience in your home

About the Author

Pankaj Kedia is Managing Director for Emerging Markets at Dolby Laboratories and has been with the company since 2009. In his current role, he has developed and executed strategy for growing Dolby’s business across the Emerging Markets region. He has also helped in driving the adoption of Dolby’s technology across the Consumer Entertainment ecosystem. Prior to this, he has worked with Autodesk as their Business and Regional Manager for 11 years. He has an experience of over 25 years in digital entertainment and technology.