Get familiar with the new rage- Augmented reality

By:- Hemant Singh
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Source: Google image search
Augmented reality is a digital layer of information (including images ,text ,video and 3d animations) viewed on the top of physical world through a smart phone, tablet or eyewear.AR as a concept was first popularized by Hollywood movies and since then developers have been playing with this magical idea of  superimposing a layer of information over the reality and change the way we perceive the reality . We live in the era of “Information technology revolution”. It was in this era when computers, mobile phones, internet become mainstream and “information” become free to flow across the countries and continents. AR is the most advanced medium to transform information.
AR is the technology  which superimpose the information (images/text/video/3d animation) and throw it right on in front of your eyes through any screen (smart phone /tablet/eyewear). Definition of AR is expanding to include things like wearable technology, sensors and AI to interpret the individual’s surroundings and delivers a contextual experience that is meaningful and unique to the individual. Therefore now-a-days business and developers are  integrating AR with other technologies like machine learning and deep learning  to first interpret the context of user and then using AR to providing personalized solution ( information )  to the problems . Therefore AR is about a new sensory awareness, deeper intelligence and heightened interactions with our world and each other .
Virtual reality is like a sister of technology of AR and people often used these terms interchangeably. Virtual reality is a simply a much more immersive version of the content we already are consuming through our smart phone screen or computer screen . Primarily VR is the technology that encourages users to engaged in completely immersive computer generated arenas , rather an AR experiences which present digital enhancement through overlaps with or over the physical world . Confusingly both AR and VR share key elements that allow users to experience enhanced interactions through digital and online input. With the increasing advancement of gestures –based interfaces, distinctions between VR and AR are becoming increasing irrelevant.
AR/VR has been the talk of scientific world since decades now but 2016 is looking like the year when these technologies will become mainstream . Basically these technologies provides information to the users in most interactive and comprehensive manner therefore it has applications in almost every sector of economy . Major sectors which will be disrupted by these technologies  are :
1-HEALTH CARE – Doctors using AR/VR can radically change the accessibility of quality health care services around the globe. Patients can consult doctors through VR without even leaving their doorstep .A step further patients can even buy the medicines through same applications. Surgeries especially those of organ transplant could be performed with much greater accuracy.Already wearable technology is assisting people to monitor vital body parameters and track the status of personal health and avoid lifestyle diseases
2- RETAIL- Retail market will surely be disrupted by these technologies. AR/VR gives a tool to businesses to show their products to potential customers in most immersive manner. Customers can also see how that product will look on them before using them.  Lenskart.com showing various  eyewear frames on your face is classic example of similar technology . With AR people can see how that dress/shoes/hats/jewellery etc will look on them before even buying them.
3- DEFENCE- AR/VR can enhance the capabilities of defense forces. Drones which are increasingly being used in complicated battle fields are application of AR only. Now soldiers can remotely fly a fighter plane and with the help of an eyewear it shoots the target. Similarly AR is also being used in combats where soldiers wear’s an head mounted display and their movement is coordinated from a remote headquarters by displaying instructions and assisting information on the screens. Simply a soldier’s ability to kill the enemy can vastly increase through AR/VR.
4- ENTERTAINMENT- Movies and gaming industry are already seeing the disruption of AR/VR. The recently launched AR game pokemon go has already broken all the records. Game is simply an integration of google maps technology with AR and use famous cartoon characters of pokemon.. but the viral response game has received from all the world is an answer to all those critics of AR, who were refusing to admit that this technology will not go mainstream in coming future.
5- GOVERNANCE- After e-governance, soon we will be using terms like AR/VR governance. Like any other sector, AR/VR can radically transform the delivery of services provided by government agencies.
Flagship schemes of government like sarvasiksha abhiyaan, skill development etc can be made much more efficient and impactful if we integrate AR/VR in them. Education can reach to millions Of deserving kids through highly interactive AR/VR classes. AR can even be used in creating any kind of awareness like the one used by Russian Internal ministry (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iod7ssaTBT0 )
The technology exists, it has arrived with full force and now its about authoring compelling content and applying meaningful experiences in this new medium to finally make this world a better place to live.

An Effort by:- Houssup.com

Feng Shui and all that jazz.

By:Aasawari kulkarni
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Home is a feeling, not a place. It is your comfort after a long day, it is your resort after a rough day.That is why we make it a point to keep our interiors pretty and clean. But to make our home a perfect place to live in, what is very important is pacifying it. If home is indeed a feeling, then vibes and the atmosphere basically ventilate our homes, and to keep up with a proper happy cross ventilation we need some guidelines that air our space planning. Feng Shui is one such ancient Chinese belief system about home ideas and interior design styles to make it a happier place live in. Here are some hows and whys of Feng Shui that we can adopt in our modern interior designing ideas.

1. First things first, it might sound like a superstition, but it really isn’t! It is actually a   science of energy and the flow of energy in spaces and how it regulates moods of us humans. Feng Shui literally translates to wind and water. It deals with presence and placement of elements, that have bound the world also bind our homes together.

 2. It is all about building up a positive energy around our living space. It can start from something as simple as flowers. Decorating homes with flowers not just ads up colours in our homes but lift up our sense of smell. Potpourri, scented candles, scented flowers, anything pleasant works to bring an uplifting energy into the room. 
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3. Colours are so important in home decor. They can lift up your mood in the interior and balance things right for you. Using the right colours in the right room and right place holds the key. You don’t want to over power a single colour upon your home, nor do you want to clutter it with too much colour. Walls should be in neutral and calmer colours. Fun fact, yellow is associated with good digestion, so kitchens and dining room designs should incorporate yellow on the walls according to Feng Shui. 
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4. Light is said to make the positive energy flow in the right way in your homes. Apart from being well lit up, the flow of light must be directed in the virtue of bringing out positive energy. Mirrors are said to bring out a new dimension of positivity and hold an integral part of home decor. Plus they also help to decorate your interiors.
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5. A clutter free home is an ideal Feng Shui home. Cleaner the home, more of ‘chi’ or positive energy will the attracted into the home. 

  6. Other home decor tips include hanging pictures of your loved ones all over the place, adding water as a part of home decor, maybe in a bowl with pebbles with it, keeping a bowl of fruits, keeping plants inside your homes. Anything that lifts up the positivity and growth is a good idea. 
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7. When it comes to furniture and its arrangement, it is advised in Feng Shui to be careful as to avoid dead space that might bring negative energy. Adhere to a less boring arrangement of furniture and experiment more to give your space a fresher outlook. After all its all about making your home happy for yourself to live in. Whatever makes you feel right, whatever lifts your energies should always be welcomed, because home is where the heart is, and the heart needs to feel at place, ALWAYS.

2 Bandits Lounge & Bar | Feature Friday by Houssup.com

 Rendezvous with the thug : Shivang Gupta
By:- Prerna Kapoor
Photos courtesy:- Mitul Sharma
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“This was my 21st outlet of establishment, out of which 7 were owned by me and the rest I opened as a consultant, and I would say that it’s the experience and the inspiration that you have to gather and work with!”
Despite of so many exciting quick food delivery apps available in the market, if someone still chooses to dine in, it is because of the overall wholesome experience one consumes along with the food. The ambience, the sitting, the setting, the music and of course, the service, each one of these are highly important to make your dining experience worth enjoying. 
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WHEREABOUTS

In the midst of a lane packed with exciting and budget restaurants, designed on various themes and offering world-class cuisine options, 2 Bandits Lounge & Bar, located on level one,  in the far corner of the heart of South Campus, Satya Niketan, has a breathtaking experience to offer more than just amazing food. Graciously flinging open its sizeable mahogany door, one may find this enchanting, vibrant, cafe always filled up to the brim.
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 THE STORY

No, there aren’t thugs and bandits playing poker and sipping down beer in this café. Neither you would find any goons standing at the corner and staring at you. 2 Bandits Lounge & Bar is a place with nice and quirky seating arrangement, interestingly planned interior and a perfect space for those, who need cozy and comfortable corner (and the swing seating!)  while eating. We, at Houssup, took a step forward and confer with the co-owner of 2 Bandits lounge & bar, Shivang Gupta, to find out what goes into bringing a café to life! 
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Why the name 2 Bandits? 

I had a peculiar plan to come to Satya Niketan, after I had to shut down my other café because of a dispute, and I was clear in the fact that I wanted something substantial and different this time. I joined this venture as a consultant first, but my, now, another partner, wanted to do this jointly. Everyone called him a ‘dakoo’ in school and he wanted the café to resonate his personality. I asked him what will he do with the name if I join in and he said,” let’s keep it 2 bandits!”  South campus is a political area and we knew we would face a lot of problems, that’s why bandits was a perfect name for us!
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How did you manage to get liquor licence near the campus area?
 
The procedure was based purely out of the experience. We learned that liquor cannot be served within the 100m vicinity of a religious, educational or a government place. But at the same time, we realized that the span is calculated in accordance with the complete route map. Hence, the stretch covered by the staircase, leading to the café on the first floor, would also be added, which eventually led us to have a licence to serve liquor. When we received the letter of initiation, we gave a second thought to the idea of serving liquor near to the campus. But we realized that bandits need alcohol and so we needed it. 
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We, at Houssup, believe that a person comes to a café for food just once, rest all the other times he drops in for the experience that the café has to offer, for which you need to have engaging interiors. Tell me what all went into transforming a vacant space into a place this good. 
One thing that we knew was that an interior for a café can start from INR50 and can go upto INR50crores. The complete calculation of the amount to be spent should be dependent on the return you’ll get, after the inception of the café. For the same reason, everything done in the interiors of this lounge is changeable, yet soothing and attractive.
We adorned the walls, limewashed in dull yellow hue and covered with wood shavings, with minimalistic ornamentations, like unoccupied photoframes and vibrant tea kettles, and balanced the gaze with deep coloured seating arrangement. The floor seating and swing seating were added to counterpart to the campus vibe. We enclosed the direct lighting within a steel frame and filled the enclosure with a layer of dry straw. A trunk of Mango tree was imported and it was decided that it would employ to hang client feedback stories. All these ideas, I believe, are the interior basicity of this café. 
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What would be that one reason for patrons to vouch for your lounge over the plethora of others available to them? 

There is a reason why people go out splurging in a restaurant when they can sit back and have considerable food at home. It’s mainly because of the two things; one is entertainment and other is experience. I always say, and I’ll state it again, I don’t sell food, I sell an experience. Everytime a platter of food is brought to a table, we make sure we are serving an experience along with it.
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IN A NUTSHELL 

They say, “We are the 2 Bandits, who have robbed world cuisine and brought it to you on a platter with sheesha on the side.” Indeed, we agree. 
It may be the vibrant outlook of the open bar, in the middle of the cafe, ornamented with glass green bottles, the elaborative menu or the seamless flow of lively colours throughout the café, the impression this café leaves on each person entering it, is unparalleled.
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An Effort by:- Houssup.com

The shift in the paradigm: Traditional to Modern Home Designs

By:Deepak Bharadwaz
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Time evolves and with it everything does

The changing times and cultural paradigm shift have influenced our lifestyle in remarkable ways and have managed to find their existence in all walks of our lives. Contemporary stands for modern or ceasing to be traditional and currently the world is going contemporary on a host of things. Interior designing is also being allured by the trend and the younger generation is bringing in its touch of tasteful sassiness that has now become the necessity to accommodate the changing times and needs. Let’s deep dive into why contemporary is gaining fast pace in our current existence:

Then they thought, let there be light

Traditionally Home designs have always weighed towards closed rooms with dark wooden furniture, with pieces of gaudy art. Owing to the influence of spiritual elements on interior designs, the importance of a well-lit home has been stressed on and the designs have been formulated to match up the same. Open and glassy rooms with bigger windows to allow light to flow in and decors which complement the setup have become more prominent.

What’s life without rich colors?

Taking a break from the dark/grey form of traditional designs, people have now moved onto colors that compliment their moods and help them to be in high spirits. You can get creative with the patterns and combination of colors that would enable you to feel livelier and make your decors aesthetic as per your preferences.


Going organic for the nature’s touch


Instead of the traditional wood and leather for your furniture, use of wool, cotton and other organic material for decorative purposes would liven up your house and make the experience closer to the nature. Use of rock, slate, plants and modern textiles in carpeting has made modern interior designs more attractive and has seen people getting attracted to the same in large numbers.

Keeping it light and airy


Heavy furniture which was marked as the trademark of the pre modern era has now become a lost infatuation, for the modern furniture provide a more relaxed approach to living. The Heavy decors were replaced by light and airy counterparts that are more casual in livability approach. Cotton or woolen stuffing to the furniture with fluffy patterns is now the key for grand furnishings.

Textures touching your feet

The contemporary style of furnishing has made floorings with minimal lines and bare designs with finishes in hardwoods, ceramic, porcelain tiles and marble more relevant to the current generation needs. Area rug to keep barefoot walking in certain areas and to demarcate the place is a brilliant subtle way of decorating.

Cause the exteriors matter too

While focus is on the interior details of the house, we have to weigh heavy weightage on exterior architectural details while designing the house. The houses contemporarily are heavily based on simple architecture and are free from heavy ornamentation of the classical styled buildings. Most exterior detailing is free from heavy ornamentation and is based on simple rectilinear lines or curves. More importantly the design is for well blended homes which want to stay in harmony with nature with lush gardens or flora.


Cause Life without technology would be unimaginable


Lastly but more importantly, Technology has become an integral part of every stream of our life and without it life would be empty and harrowing. The contemporary interiors accommodate everything from your computers to wireless speakers and are adept in hiding them in the textures of their design. The heating/cooling system, security cameras and lighting are all hidden behind beautiful details.


Hence it is very clear why the younger generation is opting for contemporary designs for home decors over the age old traditional homes for it is not only about the look but it also about how it makes them feel.
 

The Pan Indian Picture of Home Decor.

By: Anikta Jha
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The pride of India thrives in the diversity of its cultures and colors.

What more is a face to this thriving brilliance than homes, those adorned in love homes!

There is a sizeable and noticeable distinction in interiors and the architecture of homes in different states of India owing to the geography and the culture persistent respectively. The interiors depend a lot on the markets that surround the region and the style that builds the optimum craze of the place. It also depends on the climate, the traditions and the beliefs of different religion specific regions.

We shall look into some of these brilliance in differences!


The Classy touch from Kashmir

The art in all its intricacy thrives here. You will find beautifully carved furnitures in curves and patterns. The regality of the decor depicts a certain age old dignity and tale. Beautiful religious paintings or abstracts adorn the walls of a well off Kashmiri house. The beautiful weather here adds on to the beauty of the closed houses here. Wooden artifacts and furs are a major yes here. This is in a way a beautiful blend of tradition and stay!

Nature’s friend and Rustic North East

An all lush green adornment defines a North Eastern home. The decor is determined in the lovely gardens both indoors and outdoors. Also, you shall find furnitures made of jute and cane. Locally made in beautiful designs, jute furnitures are light and in style these days. The nature lives with the people here in their homes!

The Vibrant Rajasthan

A perfect reply to the dry arid climate in Rajasthan, the people opt of bright pastel colors in this place. You will notice this welcoming vibrancy all through Rajasthan, in turbans, apparels and most importantly homes. The beautiful embroideries and lovely carvings are the first choice in all homes here. The walls of a household are seemingly in a lighter shade so as to bring out the exuberant color range of the decors. Howsoever, the exteriors of the house are brightly colored. The colors from your own des!

Humble and sea love from Maharashtra

Owing to the tropical humid climate, the houses consist of many doors and windows to maintain a breezy reverberance of the house. Imposing furnitures that are durable and not delicate in texture is the first choice here. The furnitures from West India especially Maharashtra sit low in the grounds. In Mumbai, the traditional decor mostly is inspired from the Portuguese and Victorian design strategies. The sea is the decor, rest the Maharashtrians know it all!

The South Indian style.

South Indian interiors are identified with a sparsely populated decor. Every house has a verandah in the middle of the house where direct sun rays fall, there is a wooden carved jhoola in every household, almost. The cushions and the other creative zones are embroidered or colored in a style known as Kolam. A typical South Indian home would give you are refreshed sense of peace and space. That defines the all jolly nature in the household and family!

Rose Cafe | Feature Friday by Houssup.com

A Rosy Affair
By - Prerna Kapoor
Photos courtesy - Vivek Vikrant Mohanty
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“You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses. “

Relationships between mother and daughter can be complicated. But some women have an extra facet of their relationship ; their daughter is their business partner. Sarita Ahuja, founder of Rose Café, says the emotional bond mother and daughter have may be the glue that holds their venture together, and if deemed laboriously, can be a boom for the business.



PROLOGUE


Located deep in the bylanes of the posh Saket neighbourhood, Rose Cafe is as charming as it gets. The small eatery is divided amongst indoor and alfresco dining, both equally enticing. While the indoor arena makes you feel like you’re in a bakery (imagine floral walls, furniture coloured in pastel hues and imprudent use of white in the décor!), the alfresco has charming patches of greenery around its periphery.


What started off as a family pastime for a mother and daughter tandem has now developed into a full-fledged bakery café business with the aim of satisfying their customers’ cravings for traditional Italian and Lebanese meals and fresh out of the oven pastries and baked goodies. A petite Victorian-style café, tucked away inside Said-ul-ajaib since 2012, will have you dreaming of pots full of tea and scones being served to you in the most elegant manner.

THE INTERIOR STORY


On the other side of the pink mahogany door is a café, with a play of pastel pinks and azure blue, which gladden the heart, ushered with a feel of an English tearoom. The floral print upholstery, the vintage wooden wall clock, the printed colourful cutlery, pastel hued pennant banners or floral lamps make this place looks endearing in every sense of the word. The café, embellished out of an old abandoned warehouse, is decorated so tastefully, that you cannot help but gawk around when you visit for the first time. 



Headed for a cosy date, an evening with your pals, or for an elaborate meal with your family, you’re definitely in for a delicious slap-up meal. The pastel lime washed kitchen wall, exploded with distinct number of artefacts, brought together from places around the country, and chalkboards intimating about the best they serve (and the art of brewing coffee!), overlooks the café which has been designed to accommodate a maximum of 50 people. Perfect for a peaceful, serene experience, there is something about this place which stays with you, mingling in your head even after you leave.
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The earthen interlocking roof tiles, curbs filled with bougainvillea and other diverse herbage, aggregate filled floor, clay wind chimes and the elaborately designed flower metal door panels adorns the alfresco dining. The aura of this café, laid at the door of number of details put into it, leaves an unparalleled impression on each person entering it.


EPILOGUE


It is the intimate goodness of flawlessly cooked meals and pastries prepared in the kitchen combined with a desire to provide a cosy, laid back, welcoming and accessible venue for small gatherings with friends and family that constitute the cornerstone of the Rose Café: a life lived casually with warmth, love, laughter and good food!
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