American tech giant Apple has recently released iOS 15.0.2 and watchOS 8.0.1- further updates to its smartphones and smartwatches with some important bug fixes.

The recent update has come as a fix to the outrage people faced with iOS 15. Apple released iOS 15 on September 20 and already updated it once to iOS 15.0.1 to fix an issue where people could not use their Apple Watch to unlock their iPhone 13 while wearing a mask. As per The Verge, the company is also testing iOS 15.1 in beta, which currently includes features like SharePlay, support for adding a COVID-19 vaccination card to Apple Wallet, and new iPhone 13 Pro camera features.

Here’s what the update includes, including Find My bug fix:

1. Photos saved to your library from Messages could be deleted after removing the associated thread or message

2. iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe may not connect to Find My

3. AirTag might not appear in the Find My Items tab

4. CarPlay may fail to open audio apps or disconnect during playback

5. Device restores or update may fail when using Finder or iTunes for iPhone 13 models

For the iPad and iPhone, it also fixes a security flaw that Apple says may already be under attack, so an update is required as soon as possible, according to The Verge. iPadOS 15.0.2 is also out.

Reportedly, watchOS 8.0.1 has also been released. According to Apple, here is what all has been fixed:

1. Software update progress may not be displayed accurately for some Apple Watch Series 3 users

2. Accessibility settings may not have been available for some Apple Watch Series 3 users

According to The Verge, both iOS 15.0.2 and watchOS 8.0.1 are currently available for download on supported devices.

World’s largest two-wheeler maker Hero Motocorp is lighting up the festive season with back-to-back launches. And it includes a flagship motorcycle and an affordable scooter. In the last few days, the company has launched the all-new XPulse 200 4 valve and which replaces the 2 valve model in the market and the Pleasure+ ‘Xtec, a more advanced version of the popular scooter. Both come in segments where the brand doesn’t really dominate and these launches could play an active role in attracting more buyers, especially in the festive season.

NEW XPULSE 200 4 VALVE

Building on its DNA of adventure experience, the new XPulse 200 4 Valve comes with the 200cc BS6 4 valve oil cooled engine, that offers 6% more power and 5% added torque than before. Hero says this ensures a relaxed and stress-free ride at high speeds. The bike gets an updated oil cooling system, improved seat profile and upgraded LED headlights, making it more appealing than earlier. The XPulse 200 4 Valve is available at a price of Rs. 1.28 lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi).

The new engine produces a power output of 19.1 PS @ at 8500 rpm and torque of 17.35 Nm @ 6500rpm. According to Hero, it provides more power across the mid and top-end speed range and also offers stress free engine performance even at high-speeds, while keeping the vibrations in control. For better heat management in heavy traffic, the cooling system is now updated with a 7-fin oil cooler. The transmission setup is also improved and offers better strength and durability, while the gear ratio has been updated for better tractive effort and acceleration.

The bike also gets enhanced LED headlight which provides better visibility at night. Some other features that are being offered in the bike include full digital LCD instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity and call alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, gear indicator, eco Mode and two trip meters and single channel ABS as standard offering.

The motorcycle features long suspension travel – 190mm front and 170mm rear along with 21” front and 18” rear spoke wheels. It is also equipped with an aluminium skid plate that protects the engine, new toothed brake pedal for maximum grip and control, and an upswept exhaust that enables deep water crossing. The dual-purpose tyres, 10-step adjustable mono-shock suspension, accessible seat height of 825mm and high ground clearance of 220mm also help the adventurous rider.

The new XPulse 200 4V comes in three new colour options – Trail Blue, Blitz Blue and Red Raid to catch all the attention on road. The bike continues to be offered with a Rally Kit which is completely road legal and also homologated for FMSCI approved motorsports events.

HERO PLEASURE+ ‘XTEC’

The Pleasure+ XTec takes the story of the iconic Pleasure brand forward. It features a new LED projector headlamp seen for the first time in the 110cc segment. A new jubilant yellow colour is also now being offered on the scooter. Other features include an Idle-Stop-Start system, digital analog speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity with call and SMS alerts, side-stand engine cut off and a metal front fender. Hero Pleasure+ 110 is available at a starting price of Rs. 61,900 for LX variant and Pleasure+ 110 XTec starts at Rs. 69,500. (Ex-Showroom, Delhi).

Hero says the new headlamp provides 25% more light intensity with a longer and wider road reach and anti-fog advantage that offers maximum on-road visibility. In terms of design, it takes forward the scooter’s retro theme and gets chrome additions on mirrors, muffler protector, handlebar, seat backrest and fender stripe. Hero is also offering a dual tone seat and coloured inner panels on the new scooter. A unique novelty is a seat backrest which takes care of pillion comfort. The digital analog speedometer with bluetooth connectivity displays incoming and missed call alerts, new message alerts along with the phone battery status.

The scooter is available in seven colours, the jubilant yellow specially created for the Pleasure+ Xtec. The Pleasure+ XTec comes with a 110cc BS6 engine which produces a power output of 8 bhp @ 7000 rpm and torque on demand of 8.7 Nm @ 5500 rpm. Hero’s i3S patented technology also ensures good fuel efficiency, something that’s really important in gearless scooters.

The writer is the Senior Editor at carandbike.com

Building on its DNA of adventure experience, the new XPulse 200 4 Valve comes with 200cc BS6 4 valve oil cooled engine, that offers 6% more power and 5% added torque than before. Hero says this ensures a relaxed and stress-free ride at high speeds.

Galaxy Z Flip 3 brings a cheaper, smoother, and more durable version of the flip to the market. Making Flip 3 one of the most desired device in the high-end smartphone market. Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a flip compact device which looks like the makeup compact when folded into its smaller self. Flip 3 is like its predecessor but is for sure thinner, shorter, and narrower and above all the hinge has been refined.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Main screen: 6.7in FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED Infinity Flex Display (425ppi)

• Cover screen: 1.9in AMOLED (302ppi)

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

• RAM: 8GB of RAM

• Storage: 128 or 256GB

• Operating system: One UI 3.1 based on Android 11

• Camera: dual rear camera: 12MP wide angle, 12MP ultra-wide angle, 10MP selfie camera

• Connectivity: 5G, nano sim + esim, wifi6, NFC, Bluetooth 5 and GPS

• Water resistance: IPX8 (1.5 metre depths for 30 minutes)

• Folded dimensions: 86.4 x 72.2 x 17.1-15.9mm

• Unfolded dimensions: 166.0 x 72.2 x 6.9mm

• Weight: 183g

DISPLAY

Compared with the original Flip, the folding 6.7in OLED screen is twice as fast, with a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen feels very smooth, and scrolling is totally seamless. You do see a crease on the screen when folded which is the connecting hinge which seems to not so visible when the screen is off. The biggest physical upgrade is the phone’s water resistance rated to IPX8 standards of 1.5-metre depths for 30 minutes. The device is not dust resistant.

DESIGN

The real winner for me in the Flip 3 is its design. I have been a fan of it since the Flip and with the Flip 3 they have similar made it so much more sleeker and way more compact. The idea of your smartphone becoming as small as a make-up compact is too cool. With the nicely rounded corners and glass body the device oozes out premiumness and class. It is for sure a conversational starter and a head turner when it comes to design.

PERFORMANCE AND SOFTWARE

The Z Flip 3 ships with Qualcomm’s latest top processor, the Snapdragon 888. The daily performance of the device is good and the phone works fast and the app launching and performing faces no issue. The finger scanner for unlocking the device works much better than the predecessor. You will face no issue multi- tasking and even playing games will be an easy task. At the same time, I would say the form factor of the device is not really made for gamers.

The Z Flip 3 runs the same Samsung-customised version of Android 11 called OneUI 3.1 as the rest of the company’s phones. It is a well-designed and does get a few additions for the folding screen. ‘Flex mode’, for instance, splits the screen when you fold it into an L-shape for supported apps. It can move the video to the top and playback controls to the bottom for YouTube, or for the camera put the viewfinder at the top and the shutter button at the bottom.

BATTERY:

Samsung Galaxy Flip 3 gets a 3300 mAh battery. The device runs on a full day charge with a single charge. You wouldn’t have to charge your device before the night even after a heavy use throughout the day.

CAMERA

The dual 12-megapixel camera on the back features a standard wide camera with optical image stabilisation and an ultrawide angle camera. The images shoot in all lighting conditions give nice and desired results. Low light images have gotten better than before. Low light images in the ultra-wide camera might not be the sharpest.

You get a selfie camera when you shut the screen and with the cover screen as a viewfinder. The selfie camera at the top of the main screen is good too. The only downside in the camera segment is missing out a telephoto camera.

VERDICT

What makes Galaxy Flip 3 unique and worth a buy is the design and it being the first of its kind. The device now is water resistant. The style and the form factor of the device is the real winning element for the device. Being non dust resistant and missing a telephoto lens might be a downside for a few. Priced at Rs 84,999 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a real design game changer.

German luxury car manufacturer, Audi is taking a big lead when it comes to launching electric cars in the country. The company has added two fully electric four-door coupes – the e-tron GT and the Audi RS e-tron GT to its range of electric vehicles in India. These are the fourth and fifth electric cars from Audi in the country as just a few months ago the luxury giant had launched the E-tron 50 & 55 along with e-tron Sportback 55 in the market. In contrast both Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover sell just one electric car each in India which are the EQC and iPace respectively.

LOOKS & DESIGN

According to Audi, the styling of both the cars embodies the forthcoming evolution in the brand’s design trajectory, marrying form and function. At the front, the Single frame hints at an all-electric drive train and the honeycomb-patterned radiator grille is available in light hekla gray or with the body colour as an option. Matrix LED headlights come as standard on the RS e-tron GT, while LED headlights are standard on the e-tron GT. The diffuser at the rear sits below the flat light strip that connects the taillights to each other while there’s also an active spoiler above which adds to both functionality and design. Both the cars come with 20-inch 5-spoke black, diamond-turned alloy wheels. In all e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT are available in nine exterior colours and are fitted with a fixed panoramic glass roof as standard, which can be upgraded to a carbon roof.

INTERIORS

Inside the cabin, the instrument panel, which contains the Audi virtual cockpit, draws away from the driver to form an arc while there’s a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel as well with its multifunction buttons. The centre control, holding the central MMI touch display on top, is biased towards the driver and is surrounded by a black piano bezel. Importantly, materials used in the interiors are also available in sustainable fabrics. The RS e-tron GT gets the 16-speaker, 710-watt Bang & Olufsen premium sound system as standard while both cars come deployed with the lane departure warning system and cruise control as standard. Comfort key with gesture based boot lid operation is also standard on both cars while a park assist plus package including 360 degree cameras are optionally available.

PERFORMANCE

The e-tron GT has a power of 390 kW and accelerates from 0 – 100 kmph in a quick 4.1 seconds, while the 475 kW RS e-tron GT achieves the same feat in even faster 3.3 seconds.

The adaptive air suspension helps in changing the characteristics of the cars to make them go from a relaxed GT to a sharp supercar. They also get tungsten carbide brake calipers for better stoppage performance, heat dissipation and reduced brake dust. The launch control function ensures a considerable boost in power while torque vectoring promises superior grip. And don’t fret if you think these are silent cars because an acoustic sound generator with sports sound is there to provide an emotional background. An all-wheel electromechanical steering helps steer the rear wheels in the same or the opposite direction of the front wheels depending on the speed. The e-tron GT exclusively uses an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle for variable distribution of the drive torque between the rear wheels.

CHARGING

The RS e-tron GT and e-tron GT feature 83.7/93.4kWh lithium-ion battery providing the range of 401 – 481 km for former and 388 – 500 km for the latter. Audi says that the cars come with best-in-class charging options – upto 22kW AC and up to 270kW DC. High power charging with 800 Volt technology with up to 270 kW charging power ensures that the cars are charged 5% to 80% in around 22 mins. They also get uniquely positioned charging flaps on both sides to enable flexibility in parking. Audi is also giving a complimentary wall box AC charger in addition to the 11kW charger that comes standard with the cars if they are bought in 2021. Key company dealerships will also be equipped with a 50kW fast charger in a phased manner. Overall, Audi will install 100 chargers across 75 key cities in the country.

PRICES

While the Audi e-tron GT has been priced at Rs. 1.79 crore (ex-showroom) the Audi RS e-tron GT will set you back by Rs. 2.04 crore. Depending on your where you live you might end up paying little or no registration fee as many states are coming out with favourable policies for electric vehicles. Standard warranty on these cars is two years and the battery is coming with a warranty of eight years or 1.60 lakh kms, whichever is earlier. Audi is also providing a complimentary five-year Roadside Assistance with the cars.

September is incomplete without the big Apple announcement. Every year Apple seems to outdo itself. Post iPhone 12 series everyone was thinking of what new? Well, Apple has an answer, and it includes a far more superior camera, bigger and better battery life, and iPhone’s first high refresh-rate display.

SPECS

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2352 x 1170)

Refresh rate: 10-120Hz

CPU: A15 Bionic

RAM: 6GB

Rear cameras: 12MP (f/1.5) main, 12MP (f/1.8) ultrawide, 12MP (f/2.8) telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Front camera: 12MP (f/2.2)

Video: Up to 4K 60 fps, 4K 30 fps ProRes (256GB+), 1080p 30 fps ProRes (128GB), 1080p 30 fps (cinematic mode)

Battery life (hrs:min): 11:42

Charging: 20W wired, 15W MagSafe

Size: 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches

Weight: 7.19 ounces

DESIGN

Post a full revamp last year we all were not expecting a change in the look of the new iPhone. iPhone 13 has taken all its cues from its predecessor, with only two key changes: a bigger camera bump and a smaller notch. Apple claims the notch to be 20% smaller than the one used earlier, and you can see the difference. The notch is smaller, which is much better, as we know with Apple the notch is here to stay.

The stainless-steel frame gives it the oomph factor. This might make the device a bit heavier but we all are used to heavy phone cases—so no complaints.

DISPLAY

No real changes in the OLED panel. The 6.1inch screen is an absolute pleasure to view from all angles. iPhone 13 Pro gets Super Retina XDR technology making the display more interactive and intuitive. You are getting a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate on both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max which makes the viewing experience far more superior than any other device in the market.

The 120Hz display will spoil you for sure. The experience is so smooth and easy to the eye that you would not like anything else. The ProMotion display is a real upgrade that can only be felt when used.

CAMERA

The iPhone 13 Pro camera is the real hero of this device in accordance with me. The device comes with three 12MP rear cameras, including a telephoto lens offering a 77mm focal length and 3x optical zoom. The main shooter features a larger sensor and wider aperture this year at f/1.5.

The 12MP 120-degree ultrawide also received a larger sensor, as well as autofocus for sharper super-wide-angle shots. Low light photography is a real high point for this device. It is not just better than the competition but also outdoes its predecessor.

I have never questioned the effort behind iPhone lenses ever. But the iPhone 13pro is far more superior than my expectation. Especially photographs taken indoors, you will not find the colour bleed or find it leak at all. The output is as good as that you can see from your naked eye.

The ultrawide lens gives you well-balanced images with proper exposure and the autofocus on the ultra-wide makes the experience far better than before.

The telephoto images might be warmer than expected or might be a bit darker than desired but are totally worth posting.

The portrait mode has forever been a favourite of mine and many like me and the bokeh has just gotten better with the iPhone 13 Pro.

The night mode is something Apple has been raving about and why would they not. Especially with the telephoto and ultrawide lens, the results are beyond my expectation. That would work well for people clicking larger groups at parties at night.

Macro mode is a boom for those who want to capture the water droplets and polka dots of a ladybird clearly. You will be easily able to focus and capture your desired images.

The front camera which to gets a 12MP lens with support for night mode helps you get selfies—you can post them on your social media handles without any edit.

Video: iPhone for years has been well known for its good video recording. Many professionals like myself have used the device for multiple shoot events and have been very happy with the result. This time around the upgrade is of great benefit to filmmakers. You get a cinematic mode. Which is truly an artistic mode to shoot in. It can help you record in bokeh. Making the entire experience cinematic.

PERFORMANCE AND SOFTWARE

New with the iPhone 13 series is the A15 Bionic system-on-chip. It features a six-core CPU and a 5-core GPU on the Pro models, plus an upgraded Neural Engine. Paired with 6GB of RAM. The GPU in the A15 Bionic is powerful, with Apple claiming it’s 50% faster than the competition. The iPhone 13 Pro is the most powerful phone you can get right now alongside its own bigger self iPhone13 Pro MAX. The upgrade in the software can be seen in many features. Notification updates, FaceTime enhancements, Focus and you would find a lot of changes in the core app. I had used the updated software on my iPhone 12 Pro Max but enjoyed its real experience iPhone 13 Pro because of the ProMotion display and the A15 Bionic chip.

BATTERY

Battery life has been a forever concern of a lot of Apple users. The problem seemed to have started to get better with iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 Pro lasts 45 minutes longer than the iPhone 12 Pro as claimed. I use the iPhone 12 Pro Max as my primary device for a very long time, so I did feel an enhancement in the new 13 Pro’s battery life. The tradition started with the 12 series continues for the 13 series to have no charger in the box. The iPhone 13 Pro maxes out at 20W wired and 15W via MagSafe.

VERDICT

The iPhone13 Pro is for sure the best device you can get. If you have been an Apple user and are looking for an upgrade, this is the one you have been waiting for. For people like myself who prefer the bigger screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is just as good and with a bigger screen. The phone gets a much better battery life, it is a pure delight for video recording and camera enthusiasts. The hardware and software are so well mated that you will not find a reason to be disappointed. What I miss is faster charging but at the same time, I can see the advancement Apple has made over the years. So, if you are thinking to spend that Rs 119,900 on one of the four beautiful colours the device is available in, then go ahead, and get yours by picking on some great discounts and offers that Apple is offering.

Over the last few years cult bike brand Royal Enfield has put a great emphasis on its gear and apparel business which includes riding jackets, riding pants, gloves, helmets and more. The company has been selling riding jackets for many years, but a recent initiative makes them more affordable and gives the riders many options to choose from. Taking this ahead, the company has extended its Make It yours (MiY) programme, to its range of riding jackets. This industry first initiative has been developed keeping in mind the riders’ need and comfort to provide him/her an enhanced riding experience.

Enthusiasts can now buy their riding jackets according to their riding needs through a new intuitive online interface. They can choose through a catalogue of different components and build their jackets the way they want to. This offering by the riding gear brand enables users to select riding jackets of their choice and customise it from a choice of colours, liners, and armours. Along with colour choices, the platform also offers the option to add winter and rain liners to their riding jackets. So instead of buying five things as a part of the package—the buyer will be choosing what to spend his money on.

Royal Enfield says MIY riding jackets initiative keeps safety at the forefront, where consumers can add armour for impact protection to areas like chest, shoulders and back. Additionally, they have an option to choose between Knox and D30 armours. The focus is to offer products that meet global safety norms while making them accessible. My experience of choosing the jacket, armour and liners was very smooth and within a few days the entire kit got delivered. So, the entire process, including having a simple, easy to use interface was pretty much seamless.

RIDING SHOES

Royal Enfield has also joined hands with TCX to offer a range of CE Certified protective riding and lifestyle shoes. Both brands have a legacy in the world of motorcycling and this collaboration only augers well when it comes to authenticity and safety for riders. The company says these riding and lifestyle shoes have passed stringent safety tests and meet global safety norms to provide riders a safe and enhanced riding experience. Riding boots are an important aspect of a rider’s apparel as they need good quality boots that protect them from injuries.

The Royal Enfield TCX collection includes five different products catering to the diverse needs of men and women riders. The Stelvio waterproof boots are priced at Rs 21,000 and are made of full grain leather which have been designed to perform in the harshest of conditions. These knee length boots are CE certified with a protective shin guard inside. They are equipped with T-Dry waterproof membrane and a high-performance touring sole, reflective leather at the back and extra tightening straps. The durable build makes them suitable for all-weather rides and the OrthoLite footbed offers long term cushioning and high levels of breathability. These are available in black and brown colours and are also available in a mid-rise size which are priced at Rs 18,000.

Then there are sneakers which are called the Cabo waterproof boots. They provide all-day comfort owing to the Comfort Fit System, and also keep riders protected on the road. These come with grain leather and have a wax finish which provides exceptional durability. The OrthoLite footbed offers long term cushioning and high levels of breathability and increased abrasion resistance to help protect against all the dirt and debris the road throws your way. The rubber sole provides maximum grip, and its T-Dry waterproof membrane keeps the rider protected even in extreme weather conditions. The boots are priced at Rs 8,500 and are available in black and olive colours.

Klausen lady riding boots are crafted with full-grain leather, T-Dry waterproof membrane and lateral elastic that offer protection and grip. The CE certified boots have been designed with a high heel construction and come with a woman fitting concept that accommodates the female foot for comfort on those long rides. Here too, the OrthoLite footbed offers cushioning and high levels of breathability. These boots are priced at Rs 15,000 and are available only in black colour.

Finally, the Grimsel lady waterproof riding boots are classic women’s boots designed with an urban edge. These boots also inculcate the woman fitting concept and are equipped with heel construction, premium full-grain leather with a wax finish that makes them protective, durable, and perfect for all adventures. Adding a retro touch to your look, these boots are priced at Rs 13,000 and are available in brown colour.

The writer is Senior Editor at carandbike.com