'The back of my car has smileys'

GIZMOGEEK

Rohtas Goel, CMD, Omaxe lives life in style. He has “night vision technology” in his swanky BMW 5-series and the latest videoconferencing tools that make him more efficient at work.

As far as technology is concerned, what’s your idea of a perfect gift?
It has to be the Optimus mini-three OLED (laser) keypad. It comes with three programmable keys that have laser displays. You can even create your own software applications on it. The programmable keys have a lifespan of 5,000 operating hours. Among other configurations, there are Word toolbar, CPU temperature readings and stock tracker.

What would you consider the most innovative gadget?
I have one metallic video watch with OLED screen which also has audio, video and other functions for technological communication. It has a 128x128 resolution screen capable of playing full-colour videos and can also show slideshows of photographs. It comes with a storage capacity of 2 GB.

Can you name one technological product that you are proud of?
The night vision gadget in my BMW 5-series is fascinating. This technology essentially comprises of infrared sensors that use thermal imaging to detect obstacles in the vehicle’s path. It’s like this: the more heat the device senses, the brighter it shows up on the screen to ease the process of seeing obstacles on roads.

Which gadget are you looking forward to buying?
I want to purchase BMW’s GINA Light Visionary model which bascially takes a seamless, plastic-coated lycra material and stretches it over a metal frame — allowing the car to have shape-shifting properties. The shape of the body can be changed without tearing or loosening the fabric. Even the steering wheel and headrest can move into place after you sit down in the car.

Is there a technology that you are in awe of?
Creative’s inPerson video-conferencing device will be my answer. It’s a high-resolution videophone that works on cable or DSL connections from 256k to one megabit up. The seven-inch 640x480 VGA screen can be connected to a projector for meetings.

What gadget do you have fun with?
I have Drivemocion in my car. It is a fun gadget that you put in the back of your car and it can display smiley emoticons; sad, happy, flirty, cheeky and angry. All these can be seen by vehicles behind you. It simply fixes to the inside of the rear car window using a power suction cup. It’s amazing.