Technology at its Best

Yes Yamaha! Streetfighter Naked Yamaha FZ1 launched at INR 8.7 Lakhs Ex-Showroom Delhi

2010-12-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

Yamaha India has been a roll in it’s second coming to India, minus the anaemic Escorts group. After captivating the

small but very rapidly growing superbiking audience with the Yamaha R1, the Yamaha MT01 and the Yama

ha V-MAX superbikes, Yamaha India is slowly inching towards the volumes game with the launch of the streetfighter naked inline four, the Yamaha FZ1. Displacing 998cc, which essentially is the the detuned version of the 20 valver inline four cylinder engine that the Yamaha R1 sports, the FZ1 is a motorcycle that a motorcyclist will find himself or herself at ease on, be it commuting to office or getting the knee down at the nearest set of twisties.

2011 Yamaha FZ1

The R1′s rev-to-the-stratosphere engine is now suitably modified with a remap as well as other primary changes in the inline four engine for a massively strong low end and mid range to be a torquey mill capable of ambling at practical speeds in the city. It is this versatility that Yamaha India hopes will endear it to many a practical and middle aged motorcyclist, for whom the radical riding position and he power delivery of the R1 is a little too extreme. Like we mentioned, the riding position on the Yamaha FZ1 will be more upright and thus will ensure a more comfortable ride over longer distances making it an ideal motorcycle to undertake longish tours on.

2011 Yamaha FZ1

In essence, while the Yamaha R1 will ask a couple of hours of gymming and a flexibility of a gymnast to stay fresh and sharp on it. the FZ1 is the more forgiving motorcycle on which you can ride for a couple of a hours non stop without breaking into too much of a sweat and riding with aching bones. While all this sounds like a much tamer version of the R1, the Yamaha FZ1 has plenty of pizzaz to give you the rush like only the big inline fours can. How about 150 Bhp at a more earthling like 10,000 rpm. That’s a lot of power, more importantly power that comes in a very wide band and at an rpm that doesn’t require you to be Valentino Rossi to use fully.

2011 Yamaha FZ1

A solid kick in the pants every time you twist your right wrist? You bet! All said, only very few of us, even on tracks would be able to fully utilize the immense power on tap and for the rest, it would simply be prudent to take it easy as this much power can easily kill, just as easily it can thrill. Meanwhile, the figure of 150 galloping horses on tap makes the Yamaha FZ1 the most powerful naked street bikes on offer and thus easily outclasses the Honda CB1000, the Ducati Monster 796 and the Suzuki Bandit. Yamaha India is offering two color options, Black and White, on the Yamaha FZ1, which goes on sale from INR 8.7 Lakhs, Ex-showroom, Delhi.

Nokia C6 Mobile Review

2010-12-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

With the Nokia C7 looking like it'll pack Symbian S^3 when released, and MeeGo on the horizon, the Nokia C6 looks like it could be something of a swan song for Symbian S60 on the Nokia's smartphones.

We looked at the Nokia C5 recently, and this certainly has a step up in features to match its higher-numbered name (we'll save the jokes about it being "one higher" for when the C11 comes out)

The C6 is a touchscreen smartphone with a 3.2-inch screen and slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard for good measure. Running on Symbian S60 5th Edition, it's packing 3G HSDPA and Wi-Fi for speedy internet access.

It comes loaded with Nokia's now-standard Ovi features, including Ovi Maps for navigation – which is aided by the integrated A-GPS – and the Ovi store for getting new apps, widgets, ringtones and other sundries.

On the back is a 5MP camera featuring an LED flash, while the front features a small QVGA camera for video calls. The rear camera can also take VGA videos at 30 frames per second.

The Nokia C6 is taking aim at the mid-range smartphone market, coming it an RRP of £299.99, but seemingly available from as little as £229.00 on PAYG. On contract, the handset can be had for free from around £20 per month.

This price range puts it in the firing line of the HTC Wildfire, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro, Nokia's own X6 and, probably its closest rival, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro.

The C6 is available in white or black. In the box, you get the phone and its battery, a micro-USB cable, 2GB SD card, mains charger (Nokia's clever sliding-pin one, which is great for traveling), and earphones with microphone for hands-free talking.

Real Time GPS Tracker

2010-12-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

The use of a global positioning system to monitor journeys has become widespread. The need for satellite navigational aids in cars is considered as an absolute necessity. Those who drive the vehicles can make sure that they are moving in the right direction and in the appropriate route. There is no need to seek assistance from bystanders en route. While undertaking long journeys, especially through unfamiliar terrains, satnav devices have become very handy. Equally important is the use of such devices in the crowded metropolis even by regular commuters taking their usual routes, as it will help them to concentrate on driving without bothering about other factors like traffic restrictions etc. The sat nav devices have offered complete freedom for the drivers from the responsibilities of manual monitoring the routes.

Latest GPS supported devices intended for cars have varieties of novel features. 3D maps with periodical updating, line traffic alerts, voice navigation, speed limit monitoring and touch screen interface are among such special features. There are GPS systems which can provide language translation also. This facility will be of immense help to tourists or others on visits to foreign countries where the local language will be different. FM transmitters will relay voice direction through car stereo system.
Many of the modern cars are coming out of the assembly lines with state-of-the-art GPS systems incorporated in them as a part of the original equipments provided by the manufacturers. Such systems are featured with LCD screens and built-in antenna. They are sophisticated and more efficient but have two drawbacks. One is that the maps provided cannot be updated regularly. The other problem is the procedural or technical issues involved when the car is transferred to another person by the original owner. Because of such problems many car owners prefer buying separate GPS system which can be installed in any vehicle. Suitable systems are available in the markets with special features like FM radio, CD player and DVD player. Shoppers can choose a system which will fit into their budgets. Installation charges will have to borne by the users. The advantage is that the system can be shifted to another vehicle if required at a later stage. This is much cheaper option than the one that comes as original equipment integrated with the new vehicle.

Another alternative is to go for a portable GPS system. This option is also cheaper and can be shifted to other vehicles as and when required. There are many models of portable units available in the markets with diverse features. All types of GPS devices are preloaded with UK and Ireland maps. European maps are provided in CD’s. LCD screens of 3.5 inches to 4 inches with integrated digital cameras are provided in the modern GPS devices. The drivers will be able to receive all relevant information about traffic bottlenecks, alternate routes, fast tracks etc. In case of unexpected road blocks on the way the drivers can obtain guidance regarding shortcuts to reach their destinations without wasting time and fuel. Important landmarks like petrol stations, car parks, restaurants and other points of interests are also indicated for the information of the users.