|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
i gets bigger and bigger In many ways Apple's recent efforts could be described as an act of catching up — two bigger phones that finally address the years-old phablets market, a smartwatch that follows up a slew of competitors and an electronic wallet service, that is to put a bit harshly, just a me-too offering from a company most famous this month for its inability to keep private photos private.
And yet, because it's Apple, the company has the luxury of enjoying favourable double standards from the tech community at large. And this is something unarguably the company has built for itself — not a first in the history of mankind, but certainly unrivalled in today's caustic technology space. The same technology news sites that chaffed at the 5.1-inch Samsung Galaxy S5 today gush over how not-unwieldy the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus really is. But then the S5 hardly came in a glorious 'seamless' premium metal body — it was just a slab of glass plastered on to a cheap plastic case. With the iPhone 6, the Apple Watch and Apple Pay, the Cupertino-based company has done what it does best — bring the élan and the panache to technology, just like one Steve Jobs did with all the Xerox-powered personal computing innovations more than 30 years ago. That is why Apple is not way off the mark when its elegant website splashes the words 'bigger than bigger' on top of the new iPhones — they are not talking about the screens, they are just being plain smug.
Better performance
Evolution is an unstoppable force but to say humans have enlarged 33 per cent in the last seven years is slightly preposterous. However, at 4.7-inches diagonally, even the base model of the iPhone 6 is a whopper compared to the 3.5-inch screen that Mr Jobs had declared 'just right'in 2007. Under pressure from the Galaxies and the Lumias, this is just Apple falling in line but only gracefully. The iPhone 6 Plus is even bigger at 5.5 inches and will take on the likes of Samsung Galaxy Note. With a larger screen there usually is more room inside the phone for a larger battery. Not disappointing, Apple has promised 11 hours of internet browsing or 14 hours of talktime for the iPhone 6 and 12 hours of browsing or 24 hours of talktime for the 6 Plus. But at 172 gm and 129 gm the 6 Plus and the 6 are also heftier than the 112 gm iPhone 5S. The larger screens also mean new app layouts with denser content. At the presentation, Apple showed off how the CNN has redesigned their app for the new phones with more material crammed into screens and also how apps like mail and messages now support a two-pane view in landscape mode to allow faster interactions. The resolution for the iPhone 6 will be 1,334 by 750 pixels at the same 326 ppi (pixels-per-inch) ratio as its predecessor while the 6 Pplus will have a Full HD 1920 by 1,080 pixel display at a dazzling 401 ppi making text and images crisper than before. The phones come with the new A8 processor and the M8 motion co-processor, which offers a 25 per cent bump in regular performance and around 50 per cent improvement in graphics meaning better games, animations and such. Even though both the models carry the same 8 megapixel 'iSight' camera with 2.2 aperture on the back, supposed improvements to the sensor mean faster autofocus, better low-light performance and the clincher — 240 and 120 frames-per-second, slow-motion video capturing recording at 720p resolution. The iPhone 6 plus also comes with optical image stabilisation which reduces shake. The front camera remains the same in both the models albeit with improved face-detection according to Apple. The iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus come in the same silver, gold and space gray colours and retain the touch ID fingerprint sensor on the home button that allows secure access to the phone and services throughout, though if the latest debacle of leaked celebrity images are to be taken into account, iCloud is probably not the best place to turn to for secure storage. Even though in the US, the iPhone 6 will cost $199 for a 16 GB model, $299 for 64 GB, and $399 for 128 GB, with a standard two-year carrier contract,
Prices in India are expected to astronomical as usual, with most people counting on carriers and retailers to provide lucrative instalment schemes. The iPhone 6 Plus will cost $100 more: That's $299 for 16 GB, $399 for 64 GB, and $499 for 128 GB. The phones have gone on sale in 10 countries — the USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK — unexpectedly dropping China from the Day One group.The company said the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will be available in 115 countries by the end of the year.
Apple of the eye
"The product isn't just a collection of features," Apple CEO Tim Cook said, as he announced the new iPhone, "it's how it all works together." And so he went on to also launch Apple Pay, an electronic wallet service that can store your credit card data and allow cashless transactions at points-of-sale that allow the NFC (Near Field Communication)-aided technology. Apple has already managed to line up an impressive range of partners in the US from McDonald's to Bloomingdales and the number will only grow. He also presented the Apple Watch, a $350 smartwatch that was presented as a throwback to the classic 'One more thing…' style of Steve Jobs, but even though its design was appreciated, with its need to be paired to an iPhone the utility besides an expensive fitness tracker remains questionable. But recent announcements, undoubtedly, laid bare Apple's ambitions in making everything in your life work together. To trump Microsoft's a computer on every desk vision, Apple wants a world where there is a computer in your every interaction all around the day.
|
||||
|
|
Handle this "It's been my hobby for over two decades and over the years, it has turned into an obsession. Most of the knobs and handles you see in my house are handpicked from different regions of India and even from abroad," says Chotani with pride. These doorknobs draw attention with their meticulous craftsmanship and intricate carving.
Trend tracker
It may come as a surprise to many but door knobs and handles should be bought according to trends, which keep changing with time. Though the most common ones are made of brass, wood or steel, there are options in bamboo, crystal, granite, ceramics, porcelain, glass, chrome, aluminium and a lot more that go into making doorknobs and handles for a modern home. According to Chotani, the styles prevalent these days range from door knobs made of brass to those made of wood. "Heavy stuff is out," he says and adds, "Back in the seventies and eighties, people went in for heavy brass and copper-door hardware. It was very popular as it complemented the heavy furniture, which was a trend in those days. In the present times, lightweight stuff with straight lines is preferred by leading interior designers." Most interior designers know the value of decorative hardware. Visit any upmarket building accessories showroom and you will find a wide variety of knobs and handles to choose from. Many are so well-crafted that they look like work of art that can instantly brighten up a room.
As you deem fit
Many of these high-end knobs and handles can cost a pile. Though Prices for ordinary ones range from a reasonable Rs 50 to around Rs 500 a piece, but the bespoke ones made from expensive materials can cost you a heavy amount. Currently those in demand are made from contrasting materials like polished brass and chrome or wood and porcelain. Another combination in demand these days is cut-glass knob paired with a traditional rosette. The preferred colours are brown and brass. White, which once ruled the minds of designers and was the colour of choice in the nineties, is not favoured any more as it is difficult to match with the modern decor. Designers, however, say that the knob cannot be a standalone decorative piece. It has to match the design of the door and the general tone of the interiors. For example, if you have a lot of antique pieces in your drawing or living room, then a modern stainless steel knob or handle may not be the right pick. What is then required is something with a vintage appeal in brass or crystal that matches the antique theme of the room. You could also go in for a replica of a popular door knob. Though it would be ideal to take the help of a professional while making a selection, but if that is not possible, then it would be best to pick something that has an aesthetic appeal. Or pick a lever or a handle that goes with the character of the room. Traditionally, knobs are round or square-shaped but modern hardware stores offer a plethora of choices. It would be best to pick a few in exchange of some security. Choose the one that matches the decor and return the rest. You must also consider other factors like security and functionality. For homes that have elderly family members, a knob may not be suitable and you may like to consider a lever handle that is easier to open. It is especially helpful to those suffering from arthritis, who would otherwise find it difficult to use. In fact, recently the Canadian city of Vancouver amended its building bylaws to prohibit the use of wrist-twisting doorknobs in all new constructions, including private homes. The idea behind the move was to make living more comfortable for the senior citizens. Conventionally designed knobs and lever still enjoy maximum demand. There is, however, also a growing niche market for out-of-the-box designs and whacky stuff. Many avant-garde homes may have door fittings in unusual designs like a knob in the shape of a sheep head or a gun, light bulb or even carved like a skull. These unusuallt-styled knobs and handles command high
Prices and are mostly made-to-order.
Just for decor
Spoilt for choice
The shape and texture of a knob or handle should be determined after deciding the purpose of the door. If security is the issue, then go in for an active-handle set with an all-in-one lock encased in a rectangular box. However, if this handle set is not to your liking, then you can opt for a smart knob, which has a key-operated spring-bolt lock. As there are plenty of knobs like these available in the market, the final choice will depend on your budget and your individual style. The dead-bolt lock is yet another option. This is different from the key-operated spring lock as its locking mechanism can only be opened by applying force to the bolt. The best results are achieved with electronic handles and knobs that are fail-safe and provide complete security from intrusions. The keyless system is available in handle sets and dead bolts as well. However, if it is a door inside the house and security is not an issue, then you can go in for dummy hardware that does not need a locking mechanism. Such knobs and handles add a touch of bling to the door. All-time favourites
Though trends keep changing with time, there are some door knobs and handles that never fail to dazzle. Two of the all-time favourites according to interior designers are the ceramic and porcelain knobs with a wooden base. These are not only elegant, also add to the appeal of the door considerably. Sparkling brass door knobs and handles too have been a favourite with interior designers forever. And finally, cut-glass knobs can look beautiful and add the oomph factor to a room.
|
||||
|
|
Bag this shirt
Luxury travel
President’s kit
Reviving old melodies
|
|
In many ways Apple's recent efforts could be described as an act of catching up — two bigger phones that finally address the years-old phablets market, a smartwatch that follows up a slew of competitors and an electronic wallet service, that is to put a bit harshly, just a me-too offering from a company most famous this month for its inability to keep private photos private.
One look at the Delhi-based architect Yash Chotani's house and you know that the doorknobs and handles that we casually buy can sometimes go beyond the mundane. Each door, cabinet and cupboard has a knob, lever or handle that has been meticulously matched. It not just enhances the appeal but is virtually an object d'art. 
Ahead of its time
Keep it informal
Quirk at the doorstep
World view
This white-porcelain door knob is ideal for single and double-sided doors. It works more as a showpiece as it does not turn or lock. You would require a separate lock with this stylish knob. However, when it comes to buying a showpiece, the knob reflects taste and class and is a must buy. 
Dramatic effect
Take your pick
Object of art
Out of the box
For a better shine 
Nothing fishy about it
Splash of colour
Let there be light
A firm hand-shake
A knob or a handle can make all the difference to the design of a door. An elegant one can enhance the look while an ordinary one will make even the carved door or cabinet look pedestrian. So, it is important to consider the following points before venturing out to buy door knobs and handles.
‘Watching’ Snoopy
Styling the stylus
Not too long ago, the ‘It’ bag was a rage among the fashion-conscious but it soon went out of style. However, if American designer Jeremy Scott is to be believed, this particular bag still has the potential to make waves. Perhaps that is why the central attraction of his new collection for Italian luxury house Moschino is a hooded sweatshirt with a quilted handbag hung around the neck. The design has created a sensation and it will not be long before you see celebrities sporting the sweatshirt. The good news is that the bag is detachable and if you find it weird to hang it from the neck, you can always carry it around your shoulder.
Musical Odyssey
Japanese automaker Lexus is sending out the message that those who travel in this luxury car usually
have luggage to match its style. Celebrating its 25th anniversary with a new limited edition line of luxury cars,
Lexus has partnered with American luggage giant Tumi to create a special luggage collection to go with its new beauties. Featuring Tumi’s black ballistic nylon with white trim and zippers, the bags (which come with the cars) have white luggage tags trimmed with leather and display the Lexus logo while the interiors have an embossed gold pattern just like in the cars. Though it is not certain whether people will buy the Lexus for the bags but those who buy the car will certainly get the luggage to match.
He was — and still remains — one of the most enduring icons of our times. Now, over half a century after his assassination, former American President John F. Kennedy is again in the news for the unlikeliest of reasons. His monogrammed shaving kit is going up for sale in America. Known for his swashbuckling style, he was known for looking like a million bucks, and this brass Gillette kit was one of the reasons for his superstar looks. The set includes four brass implements, including two round containers (one
for powder and one for a small brush), a double-edge razor and a small rectangular container for replacement blades. The kit has John F. Kennedy imprinted on the outside and its bidding has already begun. No one is surprised the auction house is expecting the kit to fetch a king’s ransom!
expected to be auctioned for 
Traveller chair
With vinyl records making a dramatic comeback, it may be time to bring out your 1970s and 1980s collection of long playing records. The problem is that some of these records having been stored carelessly may not be in the best condition having collected dust and grime over the years. Now there’s hope for such doomed records with the launch of the ultrasonic LP cleaner by American company Klaudio. The innovative gadget uses ultrasonic power to make records almost as good as new by ridding them of dirt and grunge. At the end of the cleaning process, a series of blow driers get rid of the extra moisture. All you have to do is to fill the device with distilled water, insert the LP record and voila. The memories of old days will be instantly revived.