Category Archives: news

Scuderia Ferrari and HP Unveil Special Livery for Miami Grand Prix

Scuderia Ferrari and HP Inc. have revealed a bold, co-designed livery ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, celebrating one year of their title partnership. Unveiled by drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton alongside Team Principal Fred Vasseur. This is the first time in Scuderia Ferrari’s history that an asymmetric graphic design has featured on their Formula 1 cars.

Key Highlights:

  • Collaborative Innovation: Ferrari and HP engineering teams in Maranello and Barcelona co-developed the livery using advanced materials and technologies.
  • Design & Technology: The new wrap features Ferrari red with HP’s electric blue and white, applied using HP’s latest latex technology. It’s up to 14% lighter, 17% thinner, PVC-free, recyclable, and offers enhanced thermal resistance.
  • Asymmetric Design: For the first time in Scuderia Ferrari’s history, the SF-25s of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sport asymmetric graphics, white wheels, and blue accents.
  • Matching Gear: Drivers’ suits and helmets have been redesigned to match the special Miami livery.

The livery showcases cutting-edge materials and wrapping technologies. It marks a significant leap forward in how design and innovation meet on the racetrack.

Blue accents appear on the front and rear wings, while the wheels are painted white to complement the electric blue and red colour scheme. The drivers’ race suits and helmets also reflect the special design created for the Miami event.

Beyond aesthetics, the partnership is transforming how Ferrari operates. HP has equipped the team’s headquarters and mobile offices with powerful laptops, monitors, and printers, improving efficiency and collaboration.

Enrique Lores, CEO, HP Inc. said — “Together with Ferrari, we’re co-engineering breakthrough innovations on and off the track.”

Benedetto Vigna, CEO, Ferrari said — “This livery symbolizes our shared belief in technology, design, and pushing boundaries.”

Lexar Announces World’s First Stainless-Steel SD Cards

Lexar has launched its new ARMOR GOLD and ARMOR SILVER PRO UHS-II SD Cards in India, introducing the world’s first stainless-steel SD cards. Designed for photographers and content creators, these cards are built to withstand challenging conditions. They are IP68-rated, offering resistance to dust, water, and drops from up to 5 meters.

Both cards support Video Speed Class 60 (V60) and read speeds up to 280MB/s. GOLD offers write speeds up to 210MB/s and the SILVER PRO up to 160MB/s. Their rib less design and absence of a write-protection switch also seeks to improve durability.

Tested for thermal, shock, and static resistance, the cards comply with SD Association (SDA) thickness standards to ensure compatibility with most professional cameras. Lexar also includes its Recovery Tool for file restoration.

Available at major retail and online platforms, prices for the SILVER PRO start at ₹7,750 (128GB) and ₹12,250 (256GB), while the GOLD version is priced at ₹9,250 (128GB) and ₹16,250 (256GB).

What’s on Your Display? – Dr Chris Bai, Chief Colour Scientist, BenQ Global

Users often are unaware of how harmful blue light emitted from a device can be. Dr Chris Bai, Chief Colour Scientist, BenQ Global is responsible for patenting Low Blue Light technology at BenQ and Bhavya Desai spoke to him about its importance, colour accuracy for professionals and what sets BenQ apart from other companies. Excerpts:

You’ve patented and worked on the Low Blue Light technology at BenQ, which is critical. How did that happen?

Over 10 years ago, we observed that blue light’s effects on people’s daily lives. Hence, we introduced the low blue light technology, initially it was the first gen, which eventually turned into the second generation. The difference between the first and second generation is that the latter was a hardware-based solution. We fine-tuned all the LED wavelengths so you don’t get distorted colour temperature. It’s not going to be yellowish, but you still get the benefit of having a good colour and picture quality and more importantly people can have a good night’s sleep.

This was important. In terms of colour science, why are accurate colours important for both a consumer and a professional?

These are two very different aspects we’re looking at. For the consumer, they don’t really care about the colour reproduction because they look at colours from a fashion colour perspective, which are more saturated, more pleasing to the eye. They don’t care if this red or this green looks correct or not.

But a professional cares about these things since they would like to have a correct image in order to reproduce what they really look like. Hence, we have two aspects of the colours currently. One for consumers, where we’re having what we call glazing colour, so that we do some colour adjustment to best represent what we’re interpreting of the colour or the images. But for professionals, we do not make any adjustments on the monitor, which just truly represents what your artwork, what your videos look like. So, it lets professionals do their adjustment

So, this allows them to layer and colour grade the way they want?

Yes and also allows them to interpret the colours the way they want. It is a blank canvas and you do all your creativity on this canvas. And this is the most diffiuclt part for us, because adjusting the monitors is easy, but to do none of it, like it’s a transparent layer, that’s very difficult.

Do you feel consumers prefer more saturated colours?

Well, this is just a preference. Some people will believe in more saturated colours, some people believe in more neutral colours. From my perspective, when we look at those more saturated colours, like the first 10 seconds, we’ll be like wow. But after 30 seconds, you’ll feel tired, you’ll have fatigue, you don’t want to look at it anymore.

But more subtle colours, more natural colours will last longer because you’ll feel it’s more day-to-day life. This is just your take on what kind of premise you’re looking at – If you want to just impress your viewer within the first 15 seconds, then saturated colour is what you should go for. But if you want your viewers to enjoy your video or artwork for a longer period of time, I think maybe go for subtle colours or neutral colours.

How much time does it take for you to make any subtle changes on a display when it comes to the colour science?

This is really hard to put a number on, but I’ll give you a rough idea. To do adjustment on the monitor itself will take me about a month – to do a really good adjustment. But do some fine tuning, I’ll say several weeks. I need to consider all the aspects though.

How difficult is it to replicate that into a mass market product? From a test bench to final product?

Yes, yes, definitely. There will be variance. So that’s why all our professional monitors come with factory calibration. That’s what makes sure that everything’s on the standard platform. And then we add adjustments. And all of our mainstream monitors, we also come with some basic calibration as well.

What are the three USPs that BenQ has?

I think the first is definitely colour. And secondly, we have a complete solution for professional users, which is colour consistency. We have screen-to-screen colour consistency across different devices. That’s a powerful tool for a creative workflow. And third, that we have a really knowledgeable group of colleagues to help professionals achieve the goal they want to.

What is a good standard display from a consumer’s perspective?

We have standards and take measurements to tell the difference between them. For example, the colour temperature definitely should be 6,500K and any large deviation from that, is not acceptable. For example, the gamma curve should be 2.2 or 2.4 in the industry. Anything deviating from that should not be acceptable. So, we do have measures, thresholds, and targets to follow.

OPPO A5 Pro 5G: Setting New Standards for Durability and Performance

OPPO India has launched the A5 Pro 5G, redefining smartphone durability with industry-leading IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings and Military Grade certification. Extending OPPO’s commitment to ruggedness, the A5 Pro 5G features reinforced double-tempering glass, Sponge Bionic Cushioning, and an aerospace-grade AM04 aluminum frame for superior resistance to drops, water, and dust. It also supports Splash Touch technology for smooth use even with wet or oily hands and glove-friendly operation.

Maintaining the slim, lightweight A Series design, the A5 Pro 5G measures 7.76mm thick and weighs 194g. It offers a 120Hz Ultra Bright Display with 1,000-nits peak brightness for outdoor clarity. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 platform and a 5,800mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge, it ensures fast performance and all-day battery life.

Photography features include a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera, 2MP Portrait Camera, and 8MP Front Camera, enhanced by AI innovations like LivePhoto, Underwater Photography Mode, AI Eraser 2.0, and AI Clarity Enhancer. Connectivity is optimized with AI LinkBoost 2.0, Beacon Link Bluetooth calling, and Ultra Volume Mode for clear audio in noisy environments.

With 48-month Fluency Protection, AI productivity tools like AI Summary and AI Writer, and robust gaming enhancements, the A5 Pro 5G is designed for Indian users who demand reliability, speed, and intelligence from their smartphones.

The OPPO A5 Pro 5G is available in Mocha Brown and Feather Blue colour variants, priced at INR 17,999 for the 8GB+128GB model and INR 19,999 for the 8GB+256GB model.

Nikon India Launches Z5II at ₹1,49,995

Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. has unveiled the Nikon Z5II, its latest full-frame mirrorless camera. Designed for both aspiring professional creators, the Z5II delivers a perfect blend of advanced imaging technology and user-friendly design.

Sensor and Processing

  • 24.5MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS sensor
  • EXPEED 7 image processor
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization (up to 7.5 stops of VR)
  • Autofocus performs in low light down to -10EV
  • Enhanced AF-A mode for smoother subject tracking

Video and Usability

  • Supports 4K/60p and Full HD/120p recording
  • 10-bit N-Log and 12-bit N-RAW internal recording for advanced video workflows
  • Vari-angle touchscreen for flexible framing
  • High-brightness electronic viewfinder (EVF) for improved visibility in bright conditions
  • Aimed at filmmakers, wedding professionals, and content creators

With seamless compatibility across Z Mount lenses and connectivity options like USB-C and HDMI, the Z5II is built to support creators across genres.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, said, “The Z5II is crafted for hybrid creators, offering rapid autofocus, superb low-light performance, and support for formats like N-RAW and N-Log—making professional-grade imaging more accessible.”

Availability: The Nikon Z5II will be available from April 24, 2025, across India at INR 1,49,995.

OmniVision Launches New OV50X Sensor Boasting 18 Stops of Dynamic Range

OmniVision has introduced the OV50X, a flagship-grade Type-1 (1-inch) image sensor designed for premium smartphones, boasting what it claims is the highest dynamic range in the mobile industry—“close to” 110 decibels, or roughly 18 stops. This marks a major leap in smartphone imaging, rivaling even some medium-format sensors in theory.

Powered by TheiaCel and DCG HDR technologies, the OV50X uses lateral overflow integration capacitor (LOFIC) to enhance low-light performance and minimize motion artifacts by capturing dual-gain exposures in a single frame. With 50 megapixels, 1.6-micron pixels, and quad phase detection autofocus, it promises sharp, high-quality images across diverse lighting conditions.

The sensor supports 4-cell binning, producing 12.5MP images at 180 FPS and three-channel HDR at 60 FPS. It can also shoot 8K video using dual analog gain HDR and on-sensor crop zooming. Built with PureCel Plus-S stacked technology, it delivers enhanced low-light efficiency and autofocus coverage across the entire frame.

While real-world performance remains to be seen, the OV50X sets a high bar for mobile photography. Sampling is underway, with mass production expected in Q3 2025. If it delivers on its claims, it could pose serious competition to dominant players like Sony and Samsung in the smartphone camera space.

iPhone 17 & 17 Pro Max: What To Expect From Apple In September

Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, with leaks hinting at a debut between September 11–13. The lineup is expected to bring major upgrades across the board.

The iPhone 17 is expected to start at ₹79,900, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max may be priced around ₹1,44,900. Design-wise, both phones will likely feature aluminium-glass builds, with anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and scratches. The iPhone 17 may retain a vertical pill-shaped camera, while the Pro Max could flaunt a rectangular camera bar with triple lenses.

Camera upgrades are significant: the iPhone 17 may feature a 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide lens, while the Pro Max could boast three 48MP lenses, including a tetra-prism telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Both models may get a new 24MP front camera.

The iPhone 17 is expected to have a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max may offer a 6.9-inch screen. ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) could finally arrive on the standard model. Under the hood, the iPhone 17 may run on the A19 chip, with the Pro Max powered by the A19 Pro.

More details are likely as the official launch nears.

Nikon India Launches Z5II

Nikon India has launched the Z5II, a full-frame mirrorless camera designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Built to perform in demanding conditions, it offers exceptional image and video quality, even in low light, thanks to its advanced autofocus, powerful stabilization, and cutting-edge EXPEED 7 image processor.

The 24.5MP Z5II features a 5-axis in-body Vibration Reduction (VR) system with up to 7.5 stops, and an impressive -10EV autofocus detection range — the lowest in Nikon’s camera line up. It supports 4K video recording at 60p in DX mode, 30p in FX mode (oversampled from 6K), Full HD at up to 120p, and 12-bit N-RAW, with support for N-Log, HLG, and SDR, offering enhanced colour grading options for creators.

Its deep learning-based AI enhances real-time subject recognition and exposure optimization, ensuring sharp focus and accurate results. It can track people, pets, and various vehicles, adapting seamlessly to dynamic shooting scenarios.

The Z5II introduces Nikon’s first dedicated Picture Control button on an FX-format mirrorless body, allowing quick access to up to nine customizable Imaging Recipes, promoting creativity and ease of use. It also features a bright 3.2” vari-angle LCD, a 3000 cd/m² EVF for excellent visibility in sunlight, 273-point Single-Point AF and 299-point Auto-Area AF for composition flexibility, and up to 125 minutes of continuous video recording.

Compatible with Nikon’s Z Mount system and various connectivity options, the Z5II is a versatile, high-performance tool tailored for modern content creators.

Apple Intelligence Features Available in India

Apple has introduced Apple Intelligence, a personal AI system designed to enhance productivity while prioritizing privacy. Available in multiple languages, including localized English for Singapore and India, it is integrated into iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4.

Key Features

Image Playground & Genmoji
  1. Writing Tools: Users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in Mail, Messages, Notes, and third-party apps. They can refine tone, improve grammar, and generate summaries in various formats.
  2. Photo Enhancements: The Clean Up tool removes unwanted objects from images. Memories lets users create movies by simply describing a theme, while Natural Language Search enables easy content retrieval in Photos.
  3. Image Playground & Genmoji: Users can design images with themes, costumes, and accessories in distinct styles (Animation, Illustration, Sketch). Genmoji allows custom emoji creation based on descriptions or personal photos.
Priority Messages & Notifications
  1. Enhanced Siri & ChatGPT Integration: Siri is more conversational and can maintain context. ChatGPT is integrated into Siri and Writing Tools, allowing users to generate content or seek expertise without switching apps. Users retain full control over when and how ChatGPT is used.
  2. Visual Intelligence: Helps identify plants, animals, and landmarks, translate text, and create calendar events from images. Users can also use ChatGPT to explain complex diagrams.
  3. Smarter Notes & Calls: Users can transcribe and summarize recordings from the Phone and Notes apps.
  4. Priority Messages & Notifications: Important emails are highlighted in Mail, and smart summaries help users quickly scan messages. The Reduce Interruptions focus mode filters only urgent notifications.

Privacy & Security

Apple Intelligence prioritizes on-device processing, ensuring most AI tasks run locally. For complex requests, Private Cloud Compute leverages Apple’s silicon-powered servers while maintaining user privacy. Independent experts can inspect server-side code to verify security.

Apple Intelligence represents a major step forward in AI-driven productivity, while upholding Apple’s commitment to privacy.

Canon India Announces RF 20mm F/1.4 L VCM

Canon has also expanded its RF Hybrid Primes line up with the RF 20 mm f/1.4 L VCM lens. Joining the 24 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm f/1.4 lenses, this ultra-wide-angle lens offers smooth autofocus, minimal focus breathing, and a physical iris ring for video shooters. Weighing 519g, it has a 67 mm filter thread, a rear filter holder, and is dust-resistant. 

Designed for both stills and video, the lens features built-in focus breathing reduction for stable compositions, smooth subject tracking, and silent operation. Its high-thrust VCM ensures precise, rapid autofocus, while a clickless iris ring allows seamless aperture adjustments during filming. The lens shares consistent size, weight, and controls with Canon’s other f/1.4L VCM primes, reducing the need for rebalancing when swapping lenses.

Optically, the RF 20mm F1.4L VCM introduces BR optics to minimize chromatic aberration, along with aspherical elements that correct distortions like sagittal coma flare—perfect for astrophotography. ASC and SWC coatings reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring crisp, high-resolution images even in challenging lighting. With its outstanding image quality and future-proof design for 8K imaging, this lens is a must-have for professionals seeking both precision and versatility.

The Canon RF 20mm F/1.4 L VCM is priced at ₹1,58,995.