Prashant Mehta, COO, Komli Media, is indebted to gadgets like TiVo that he feels have helped him keep his wife happy.
What are the gadgets that you like to fool around with?
TiVo is a digital video recorder that can record TV programmes in real time and play back at leisure. It has practically saved my marriage.
Since my wife and I like completely different types of shows and they tend to be on at the same time, TiVo allows us to record one and watch another at the same time. It is very convenient.
What’s the most-used function in your favourite gadget?
I love that the TiVo has the ability to do lots of things from recording TV shows and movies to playing your favourite music and photos. Whenever I’m on the road, which is pretty often, TiVo allows me to access my account remotely via my PC and I can see all the upcoming shows. It’s so cool that I can choose to add any show or movie I want to watch while I’m on the go.
What is the geekiest thing you have ever done?
Recently, as I was travelling in an autorickshaw in Bandra, I realised that I needed to make an international call. But my mobile’s battery had died. Just then, a geeky idea kicked in. So I opened up my laptop, connected my Tata Indicom wireless Internet adaptor and signed onto Skype. Got my headphones out and made a 20-minute call to the UK. Skype saved the day.
Any ultra-expensive gadget that you want to buy, or have bought recently?
I only wish, I could own an Apple iPhone and a super cool motorbike. Unfortunately, my wife won’t allow either. No iPhone since I’ve lost three phones in the past year, and no bikes since we have three kids.
What was your first true gadget and do you still have it?
My Atari 800 with PacMac and Space Invaders. I still have it but it sits junked at my parent’s house.
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Have you ever fixed a broken gadget?
Well, I believe in outsourcing.
Which of your gadgets do you like to show off the most?
My Polar Multi-sport watch is very cool to show off. Plus, it gives everyone the perception that I’m a real athlete.
What was the longest time that you have spent in mastering a gadget?
I’m still trying to unravel the many features of my BlackBerry, even though I use it everyday, all the time.