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نہیں، میرا فون کبھی بھی میرے کیمرے کی جگہ نہیں لے گا۔ یہاں کیوں ہے

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جب تصویر لینے کی بات آتی ہے تو آج کے بہترین فون کیمرے حیرت انگیز طور پر قابل ہیں۔ بڑے سینسرز، وسیع یپرچرز اور سافٹ ویئر کی اضافی خصوصیات کی دولت کے ساتھ، وہ ایسی تصاویر لے سکتے ہیں جو آپ کے حامی لیول کے آئینے لیس کیمروں سے توقع کے مقابلے میں ہوں۔

میں نے آج کے تمام بہترین کیمرہ فونز بشمول iPhone 17 Pro، Galaxy S26 Ultra اور Leica Leitzphone کا بحیثیت فون جائزہ لینے والے اور پیشہ ور فوٹوگرافر کے طور پر تجربہ کیا ہے۔

لیکن میں اب بھی اپنے کیمرے کو صرف ایک فون سے مکمل طور پر تبدیل نہیں کرنا چاہوں گا۔ میرے پاس اس کی چند اہم وجوہات ہیں۔

ایرگونومکس

اگرچہ پچھلی چند دہائیوں میں کیمرے تمام اشکال اور سائز میں آئے ہیں، لیکن انہیں اسی طرح پکڑے جانے کے لیے ڈیزائن کیا گیا ہے، شٹر بٹن دبانے پر آپ کی انگلیاں قدرتی طور پر ایک ہی جگہ پر آرام کرتی ہیں۔ وہ قدرتی فٹ کی طرح محسوس کرتے ہیں اور اس سے بھی چھوٹے کمپیکٹ کیمرے جیسے Fujifilm X100VI یا میرے اپنے Leica Q3 43 اب بھی آپ کو عام طور پر آرام دہ انداز میں شاٹ لینے کے لیے انہیں پکڑنے کی اجازت دیتے ہیں۔

فونز پہلے کیمرہ بننے کے لیے نہیں بنائے جاتے، اس لیے وہ فطری طور پر انھیں پکڑنے کے مختلف طریقے پر مجبور کرتے ہیں۔ بڑی ٹچ اسکرینوں کا مطلب ہے کہ آپ کو فون کو اس کے کناروں سے نازک طریقے سے پکڑنا ہوگا تاکہ اسکرین پر کسی چیز کو غلطی سے چھونے سے بچایا جا سکے، اور بغیر ویو فائنڈر کے، انہیں اپنی آنکھوں تک رکھنے کا کوئی آپشن نہیں ہے، جیسا کہ آپ زیادہ تر عام کیمروں کے ساتھ کرتے ہیں۔

 

جب کسی فون کو کیمرہ کی طرح پکڑتے ہیں، تو ایسا محسوس ہوتا ہے کہ آپ کو اس کے ساتھ غیر معمولی طور پر نازک ہونا پڑے گا، خاص طور پر اگر آپ تیزی سے ایک ہاتھ سے شوٹنگ کر رہے ہوں۔ میں اکثر فکر کرتا ہوں کہ میں اسے چھوڑ دوں گا۔

فون چھوٹے اور پتلے ہوتے ہیں (کم از کم زیادہ تر کیمروں کے مقابلے)، جس کی وجہ سے مضبوط گرفت حاصل کرنا مشکل ہو جاتا ہے، اور تصویر لینے کے لیے آن اسکرین بٹن کو ٹیپ کرنا ہمیشہ عجیب لگتا ہے۔ میں فون کو چھوڑنے کے بارے میں فکر مند ہوں جب میں اپنی انگلیوں کو درست پوزیشن میں گھماؤ۔ یہاں تک کہ وہ فون جو کنارے پر فزیکل شٹر بٹن پیش کرتے ہیں (یا آپ کو والیوم کلید کو شٹر کے طور پر استعمال کرنے دیتے ہیں) اب بھی ایسا محسوس ہوتا ہے کہ آپ انہیں اس طرح سے تھامے ہوئے ہیں جس کے لیے وہ واقعی کبھی ڈیزائن نہیں کیے گئے تھے۔

یقینی طور پر، آپ کیمرہ گرفت یا کیسز حاصل کر سکتے ہیں جو آپ کو فون کو پکڑنے کے لیے کچھ دینے میں مدد کرتے ہیں اور ان میں سے کچھ شٹر بٹن اور سیٹنگ کے پہیے بھی پیش کرتے ہیں تاکہ آپ انہیں کمپیکٹ کیمرے کی طرح استعمال کر سکیں۔ میں نے ان میں سے بہت سے لوگوں کو آزمایا ہے، لیکن کوئی بھی اصل کیمرہ پکڑنے جیسا اچھا نہیں لگتا۔

تصویر کا معیار

آج کے بہترین فون کیمرے واقعی شاندار تصاویر لے سکتے ہیں۔ میں Xiaomi اور Leica کے Leitzphone کے ساتھ کیپچر کرنے میں کامیاب ہونے والی تصاویر سے حیران رہ گیا ہوں، خاص طور پر جب اس کے فلمی کلر پروفائلز کا استعمال کریں۔ لیکن یہاں تک کہ یہ فون — بہترین کیمرہ فون پیسہ خرید سکتا ہے — ایک حقیقی کیمرے سے پوری طرح مقابلہ نہیں کرتا ہے۔

 

Leica اور Xiaomi کا Leitzphone کچھ خوبصورت تصاویر لے سکتا ہے، لیکن اس کے باوجود، اس کا معیار حقیقی Leica کیمرے کے برابر نہیں ہے۔

اور کیسے ہو سکتا ہے؟ اگرچہ اس میں زیادہ تر فونز کے مقابلے میں ایک بڑا امیج سینسر ہے، لیکن وہاں موجود کیمروں کی اکثریت کے مقابلے میں یہ اب بھی چھوٹا ہے۔ جیسا کہ اس کی عینک ہے۔ یہی وجہ ہے کہ تمام سمارٹ فون کیمروں کو اپنے سینسر سے ہر ممکن معیار کو نچوڑنے کے لیے سافٹ ویئر امیج پروسیسنگ پر بہت زیادہ انحصار کرنا پڑتا ہے۔ کچھ لوگ اس طرح تصویروں کے ساتھ بہت دور لے جاتے ہیں جو سنجیدگی سے زیادہ پروسیس شدہ نظر آسکتی ہیں، زیادہ تر فون کے معیار میں بھاری ہاتھ سے تیز کرنا ایک عام عنصر ہے۔

حقیقت میں، اگر آپ ان تصاویر کو اپنے انسٹاگرام فیڈ پر دیکھتے ہیں، تو آپ کو شاید کبھی احساس نہیں ہوگا کہ وہ فون پر لی گئی تھیں۔ اکثر “کرنچی” نظر آنے والی زیادہ تیز جمالیاتی بہت سارے فونز عام طور پر تب ہی ظاہر ہوتے ہیں جب آپ باریک تفصیلات کو زوم کرتے ہیں۔ لیکن وہ نشانیاں اب بھی موجود رہیں گی، اکثر سنترپتی میں اضافہ اور ہائی لائٹس اور شیڈو کو کنٹرول کرنے کے لیے HDR تکنیکوں پر زیادہ انحصار کے ساتھ۔

بڑے امیج سینسرز اور اعلیٰ معیار کے لینز والے پرو کیمرے الگورتھم میں قدم رکھے بغیر کہیں زیادہ قدرتی نظر آنے والی تفصیلات پیدا کر سکتے ہیں۔

 

Google Pixel 10 Pro 30x سے زیادہ زوم کرنے پر اپنی تصاویر میں تفصیل شامل کرنے کے لیے جنریٹو AI کا استعمال کرتا ہے۔ نظریہ کے لحاظ سے یہ ایک صاف ستھرا خیال ہے، لیکن میں اس کے بجائے یہ جاننا چاہوں گا کہ میری تصاویر میں وہ سب کچھ ہے جو میں نے حقیقت میں پکڑا ہے اور وہ نہیں جو الگورتھم کے خیال میں ہونا چاہیے۔

 

جنریٹو اے آئی

الگورتھم کی بات کرتے ہوئے، میں یقین سے کہہ سکتا ہوں کہ میں اپنی تصاویر کے قریب کہیں بھی تخلیقی AI نہیں چاہتا۔ فون کیمروں سے اس سے بچنا مشکل ہوتا جا رہا ہے۔ گوگل نے فخر کے ساتھ فخر کیا کہ وہ Pixel 10 Pro پر اپنی زوم فوٹوز کو بڑھانے کے لیے جنریٹو AI کا استعمال کرتا ہے جبکہ سام سنگ کے کچھ نئے کیمرہ فیچرز میں آپ کے موضوع پر کپڑوں کی اشیاء کو تبدیل کرنے کے لیے AI کا استعمال شامل ہے۔ ایپل کا آنے والا iOS 27 یہاں تک کہ آپ کو کسی تصویر کو لینے کے بعد اس کے نقطہ نظر کو تبدیل کرنے کی اجازت دے گا، AI کا استعمال کرتے ہوئے ایک ایسا زاویہ بنائیں جسے آپ نے پہلے کبھی نہیں لیا۔

تقریباً تمام فون اپنے امیج لینے والے ورک فلو میں کسی نہ کسی قسم کی AI پیش کرتے ہیں۔ یہاں تک کہ وہ فون جو آپ کی تصاویر کے پس منظر یا دیگر عناصر کو فعال طور پر تبدیل نہیں کر رہے ہیں وہ اب بھی آپ کی تصاویر کو “بہتر” بنانے کے لیے تخلیقی ٹولز کا استعمال کر رہے ہیں۔

نتیجہ یہ ہے کہ یہ کہنا مشکل ہے کہ آپ نے واقعی ایک تصویر لی ہے جب آپ نہیں جانتے کہ سافٹ ویئر کے ذریعہ اس میں سے کتنا دوبارہ بنایا گیا ہے۔ Oppo نے وضاحت کی کہ اس کا حالیہ Find X9 Ultra اپنے ماسٹر موڈ میں ہونے پر کوئی جنریٹو AI استعمال نہیں کرتا ہے — اور ایمانداری سے، آپ بتا سکتے ہیں؛ اس کے ریگولر موڈ میں شاٹس یقینی طور پر زیادہ پروسیس شدہ نظر آتے ہیں، خاص طور پر جب بات مصنوعی طور پر اٹھائے گئے سائے کی ہو۔ ماسٹر موڈ پر سوئچ کرنا (اور اس طرح تمام AI کو نظرانداز کرنا) اس فون سے بہترین نظر آنے والے شاٹس حاصل کرنے کا طریقہ ہے۔ میں نے آنر میجک 8 پرو پر کیمرہ استعمال کرتے وقت وہی پایا۔

تصویر جس میں ایک چہرہ دکھایا جا رہا ہے جسے AI کے ذریعے دوبارہ بنایا جا رہا ہے۔

 

مجھے یہ احساس نہیں تھا کہ Oppo Find X9 Pro اپنے ٹیلی فوٹو زوم شاٹس میں جنریٹو AI استعمال کر رہا ہے، لیکن یہاں واضح طور پر یہی ہو رہا ہے کیونکہ اس نے پیش منظر میں موجود شخص کے چہرے کو مصنوعی طور پر دوبارہ بنانے کی کوشش کی ہے — اور یہ اچھی طرح سے نہیں ہوا۔

مجھے پیوریسٹ، لڈائٹ یا ٹیکنوفوب کہو، لیکن میری فوٹو گرافی میں AI کی کوئی جگہ نہیں ہے — یا تو کیپچر کے مقام پر یا جب میں بعد میں اپنی تصاویر میں ترمیم کر رہا ہوں۔ میں یہ جاننا چاہتا ہوں کہ میں نے اپنے تیار شدہ شاٹ میں جو کچھ حاصل کیا ہے وہ وہی ہے جو میں، فوٹوگرافر، دراصل اس فریم میں چاہتا تھا، نہ کہ صرف وہی جو الگورتھم نے نکالا تھا۔

زندگی کا چکر

میں کئی دہائیوں پرانے کیمرے کا مالک ہوں اور اکثر استعمال کرتا ہوں۔ میرا Pentax K1000 فلمی کیمرہ 1976 میں ریلیز ہوا، جبکہ میرا ایک پسندیدہ ڈیجیٹل کیمرہ — Sony RX1R — اب 13 سال کا ہے اور اب بھی مضبوط ہو رہا ہے۔ فون کا لائف سائیکل بہت چھوٹا ہوتا ہے، یہاں تک کہ ٹاپ ماڈلز کو صرف سات سال تک کے لیے سیکیورٹی اپ ڈیٹس ملتے ہیں۔

 

یہ یاشیکا اے 1950 کی دہائی میں ریلیز ہوئی تھی اور اس کی عمر تقریباً 70 سال تھی لیکن میں اس کے ساتھ کچھ بہترین تصاویر لینے کے قابل تھا۔

ایک بار جب سپورٹ کی مدت ختم ہو جائے تو، آپ کا فون استعمال کرنے کے لیے محفوظ نہیں ہے اور یہ اپ گریڈ کرنے کا وقت ہے۔ یقینی طور پر، خیال یہ ہے کہ اس وقت تک، نئی ٹیکنالوجی دستیاب ہو جائے گی، لہذا آپ جس فون کو اپ گریڈ کریں گے وہ آپ کے پرانے فون سے بھی بہتر ہوگا۔ لیکن پھر بھی اس کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ جس فون کیمرہ کے ساتھ آپ شوٹنگ کے عادی ہیں، جو آپ کی پسند کی شکل اور ٹونز فراہم کرتا ہے، بس ایک عام کیمرے کی طرح لمبے عرصے تک گھومنے والا نہیں ہے۔

یہ عمر واقعی ڈنک سکتی ہے، خاص طور پر چونکہ جدید کیمرہ فونز زیادہ پیسے مانگتے ہیں — جیسے £1,700 ($2,245) Leitzphone۔ کیا آپ ایک مہنگی ڈیوائس خریدنے سے بہتر ہیں جو سب کچھ کم وقت کے لیے کرتا ہے، یا باقاعدہ فون پر کم خرچ کرنا اور ایسا کیمرہ بھی خریدنا جو آپ کو زیادہ دیر تک چل سکے؟ یہ ایک فیصلہ ہے جو صرف آپ کر سکتے ہیں۔

 

Pixel 10 Pro میں تقریباً سات سال کی طویل سافٹ ویئر سپورٹ کی مدت ہے۔

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میں یہاں بیکار ہو سکتا ہوں، لیکن ایک پیشہ ور فوٹوگرافر کے طور پر، میں صرف فون پر فوٹو کھینچتے ہوئے نہیں دیکھنا چاہوں گا۔ اس سے کوئی فرق نہیں پڑتا کہ آیا وہ فون تصاویر لینے میں دنیا میں سب سے بہتر ہے۔ اس کے ارد گرد ایک مخصوص بدنما داغ ہے جو شوقیہ کی سطح کی تجویز کرتا ہے۔ میں واقعی اس کے بارے میں بات نہیں کر رہا ہوں کہ سڑک پر اجنبیوں کو یہ کیسا لگتا ہے — اگر کچھ بھی ہے تو، فون کا استعمال آپ کو گھل مل جانے اور مؤثر طریقے سے پوشیدہ ہونے کی اجازت دیتا ہے، جو سڑک کی فوٹو گرافی جیسی چیزوں کے لیے حیرت انگیز ہے۔

میں مزید پیشہ ورانہ منظرناموں کے بارے میں بات کر رہا ہوں۔ اگر میں ایک کمرشل کلائنٹ کے لیے شوٹ کے لیے آیا ہوں جو مجھے اپنی تصاویر کے لیے پانچ اعداد و شمار ادا کرتا ہے اور میں نے صرف ایک فون استعمال کیا تھا، تو مجھے نہیں لگتا کہ مجھے اس کلائنٹ سے دوبارہ کام ملے گا۔ میں اس بات پر بحث کر سکتا ہوں کہ میں چاہتا ہوں کہ معیار کافی اچھا ہے، کہ وہ میری مہارت کے لیے ادائیگی کر رہے ہیں اور آخری تصاویر اب بھی بہت اچھی ہوں گی لیکن اس سے کوئی فرق نہیں پڑے گا۔ وہ کلائنٹ فون دیکھے گا اور سوچے گا کہ وہ کسی کو فون پر کچھ تصویریں لینے کے لیے اتنی قیمت کیوں دے رہے ہیں – وہ خود ایسا کر سکتے تھے اور اس عمل میں ایک ٹن پیسہ بچا سکتے تھے۔

 

میری کچھ شوٹس میں بہت زیادہ گیئر اور سیٹ اپ شامل ہے۔ اگر میں صرف ایک فون لے کر آیا تو مجھے دوبارہ کبھی ملازمت پر نہیں رکھا جائے گا۔

مجھے غلط مت سمجھو، مجھے یقین نہیں ہے کہ صرف بہترین گیئر ہی بہترین تصاویر لے سکتا ہے — میں نے کینن کے سب سے سستے 50 ملی میٹر “نفٹی ففٹی” لینس کا استعمال کرتے ہوئے کمرشل شوٹ کیے ہیں اور اس لینس سے لی گئی تصاویر کے لیے لائسنس یافتہ ہیں۔ لگژری تصویری کتابیں۔. زیادہ تر کلائنٹ تصاویر کی پرواہ کرتے ہیں، نہ کہ وہ سامان جو آپ انہیں حاصل کرنے کے لیے استعمال کر رہے ہیں۔ لیکن یہاں ایک توازن برقرار رکھنا ہے اور پیشہ ورانہ گیئر کا استعمال آپ کو بتاتا ہے۔ ہیں ایک پیشہ ور. شوٹ تک جانا — کمرشل، شادی، کچھ بھی — اور نوکری کے لئے اپنے آئی فون کو نکالنا میرے فوٹو گرافی کے کیریئر کو کوئی فائدہ نہیں دے گا۔

بہت ساری اطلاعات

میں نے اپنی سب سے اہم چیز کو آخری وقت کے لیے محفوظ کر لیا ہے کیونکہ یہ میرے لیے سب سے بڑی رکاوٹ ہے جب فون کو کیمرہ کے طور پر طویل عرصے تک استعمال کرنا ہے۔ اگر میں تصاویر لے رہا ہوں — چاہے چھٹی کے دن ٹسکن گاؤں میں گھوم رہا ہوں، اپنے یوٹیوب چینل کے لیے فوٹو کھینچ رہا ہوں یا کسی تجارتی کام کے لیے سیٹ پر ہوں – میں ایسی خلفشار نہیں چاہتا جو مجھے تخلیقی ذہنیت سے دور کر دے جس کو میں برقرار رکھنے کی کوشش کر رہا ہوں۔

اپنے فون کو کسی بھی مقصد کے لیے استعمال کرنے کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ میرے ای میل، سلیک، واٹس ایپ، انسٹاگرام اور بہت سے دوسرے لوگوں سے قریب قریب آنے والی اطلاعات سے لڑنا۔ یہ چل رہی چیزوں کا ایک مستقل حملہ ہے جس کی وجہ سے ہاتھ میں کام پر توجہ مرکوز کرنا مشکل ہوتا ہے۔ یقینی طور پر، آپ ڈسٹرب نہ کریں کو آن کر سکتے ہیں — اور میں کرتا ہوں — لیکن میں اہم فون کالز یا دیگر پیغامات کو بھی نہیں چھوڑنا چاہتا جن پر مجھے عمل کرنے کی ضرورت پڑسکتی ہے۔ تو میں بھی چیزوں کو یکسر بند کرنا پسند نہیں کرتا۔

 

میں نے حال ہی میں فلمی کیمروں کے استعمال سے لطف اندوز ہونے کی ایک وجہ یہ ہے کہ بالکل صفر خلفشار ہے لہذا آپ اس لمحے میں رہنے پر پوری توجہ مرکوز کر سکتے ہیں۔

ایک سرشار کیمرے کا استعمال صحیح کام کے لیے صحیح ٹول کا انتخاب کرنے جیسا محسوس ہوتا ہے۔ ہمارے فونز کے برعکس، یہ پس منظر میں 1,000 دوسری چیزیں کر کے کچھ اور بننے کی کوشش نہیں کر رہا ہے۔ میرا کیمرا پہلے سے نصب ببل پاپ گیمز کے ساتھ نہیں آتا ہے اور یہ ہر دس سیکنڈ میں وائبریٹ نہیں ہوتا ہے جب کہ میرے دوست ہمارے واٹس ایپ گروپ پر میمز شیئر کرتے ہیں۔ کیمرہ استعمال کرنے کا مطلب ہے میری زندگی میں ہونے والی ہر چیز کو بند کر دینا اور تصویر بنانے کی خوشی پر توجہ مرکوز کرنا۔

میں ایک ایسا آلہ نہیں چاہتا جو تمام کام کر سکے۔ کبھی کبھی یہ بہتر ہوتا ہے کہ ایسی پروڈکٹ ہو جو صرف ایک کام کرتی ہے لیکن یہ ایک چیز کو غیر معمولی طور پر اچھی طرح سے کرتی ہے۔ اور جس طرح میں ایسا رنچ نہیں چاہتا جو ڈی اے بی ریڈیو اور گوشت کا تھرمامیٹر بھی ہو، مجھے ایسا کیمرہ نہیں چاہیے جو گیمز کنسول ہو، ورزش کا ٹریکر ہو اور سوشل میڈیا پر میرا پورٹل ہو۔

یہی وجہ ہے کہ میں — اور دنیا بھر کے بہت سے دوسرے فوٹوگرافروں نے بھی حال ہی میں اینالاگ فلم فوٹوگرافی میں آنے کا واقعی لطف اٹھایا ہے کیونکہ اس سے اور بھی زیادہ ٹیکنالوجی چھین لی گئی ہے اور تصاویر لینے کے لیے زیادہ آسان، دلیل کے طور پر زیادہ مستند طریقہ کی اجازت ملتی ہے۔

میں اپنے کیمرے کو زندگی کے افراتفری میں کچھ زین تلاش کرنے کے طریقے کے طور پر تیزی سے استعمال کرتا ہوں اور یہ محسوس نہیں کرتا کہ میں مسلسل سوئچ کر رہا ہوں۔ یہی وجہ ہے کہ میرا کیمرہ مجھے زیادہ متاثر کرتا ہے۔ اسے اٹھانے کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ جان بوجھ کر فیصلہ کرنا ہے کہ میں جا کر فوٹو لینا چاہتا ہوں، نہ کہ اگر مجھے کوئی پیارا کتا نظر آتا ہے تو فوری تصویر لینے کے لیے اپنے فون کو باہر نکالنا۔ یہ جان بوجھ کر تخلیقی صلاحیتوں کے گہرے احساس کو جنم دیتا ہے۔ اور زیادہ کثرت سے، اس کے نتیجے میں بہتر، زیادہ معنی خیز تصاویر ملتی ہیں۔

 

میں نے اسے آئی فون 14 پرو پر لیا، لہذا میں جانتا ہوں کہ فون غیر معمولی اچھی تصاویر لے سکتے ہیں۔ میں اپنی حقیقی فوٹو گرافی کے لیے باقاعدہ کیمرہ استعمال کرنا پسند کروں گا۔

جیسا کہ کہاوت ہے، بہترین کیمرہ وہ ہے جو آپ کے پاس ہمیشہ موجود ہوتا ہے، لیکن اس کا مطلب یہ نہیں ہے کہ یہ ہمیشہ وہی رہے گا جس کے ساتھ آپ اپنی بہترین تصاویر لے سکتے ہیں۔ مجھے فون کے کیمرے استعمال کرنا پسند ہے اور میں بہت خوش ہوں کہ میں ان مواقع کے لیے اپنی جیب میں اتنی قابل چیز رکھ سکتا ہوں جہاں میرے پاس میرا کیمرہ نہیں ہوتا ہے۔

لیکن فون ہمیشہ رہیں گے۔ ضمنی میرے لیے کیمرے — لمحہ بہ لمحہ مواقع کے لیے یا پس پردہ مواد کی شوٹنگ کے لیے بہترین۔ اور ہاں، میں کبھی کبھی اسے ان باہر جانے پر استعمال کرنے کا انتخاب کروں گا جہاں میں اپنے گلے میں کیمرہ نہیں چاہتا ہوں۔ لیکن میرے پاس اپنے کام کے لیے ہمیشہ ایک باقاعدہ کیمرہ موجود رہے گا اور چاہے وہ جدید ڈیجیٹل ہو یا ونٹیج فلم کیمرہ، یہ ہمیشہ وہ چیز ہوگی جس تک میں پہنچوں گا جب میں دنیا سے دور ہونا چاہتا ہوں اور صحیح معنوں میں فوٹو لینے کی خوشی پر توجہ مرکوز کرتا ہوں۔

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TechCrunch Mobility: All eyes on Tesla FSD

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Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your hub for the future of transportation and how, now more than ever, AI is playing a role. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here – just click on TechCrunch Mobility!

A quick note to readers: I will not be publishing any issues next week due to the July 4th holiday. I’ll see you all next week.

A series of stories this week shed light on the ongoing – and apparently growing – investigation into Tesla’s automated driving system known as ‘full self-driving’ (supervised). A fatal crash involving a Tesla that struck a home in Texas and killed a 76-year-old woman received national attention after the driver told police that Autopilot — the company’s basic driver-assistance system, which has since been discontinued — was engaged at the time of the crash.

Ashok Eluswamy, the vice president of AI software at Tesla shared a different description of the accident, claiming on

Their comments suggest that the vehicle was equipped with FSD (supervised), not autopilot, but without an independent investigation we cannot know for sure. But eventually we can do it.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have now begun an investigation into the accident.

Meanwhile, Tesla settled a lawsuit related to a fatal 2023 crash involving a vehicle using FSD (supervised). The crash is part of a separate NHTSA investigation into the Tesla FSD that focuses on whether the system could “detect and respond appropriately to low-visibility conditions on the roadway”, such as “sun glare, fog, or wind-blown dust”.

All this attention comes as Tesla positions itself as an AI and robotics company. FSD (Supervised) is currently the most visible, revenue-generating product associated with that branding.

a little bird

shimmering cat bird green
Image Credit: Bryce Durbin

A reader who has previously shared tips with us alerted me to a research report on Waymo and its growing fleet of Ojai robotaxis. For a refresher, Waymo made a supplier deal with the Chinese-owned brand Geely Holding Group to provide an electric vehicle designed to operate as a robotaxi.

The minivan-like robotaxi was designed in Sweden and manufactured in China. (These vehicles have no vehicle communications modules; current US policy bans Chinese-connected vehicle technology.) Once it reaches the US, Waymo takes over and adds its self-driving systems. Ojai is equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation system – consisting of 13 cameras, four lidar sensors, six radar units and an array of external audio receivers.

New York-based research firm MoffettNathanson found that Waymo’s Ojai programme is more serious than it had first appeared. The firm examined bill of lading documents, which are detailed receipts for shipped goods filed with the U.S. government. The company countered the CM1e label for Zeeker vehicles, which is the company’s designation for Waymo-bound vehicles.

MoffettNathanson, who shared his report with TechCrunch, found that Waymo is on track to import 3,156 vehicles into the US this year, or about 300 vehicles a month.

Deals!

give money to the station
Image Credit: Bryce Durbin

Accion Labs, a Silicon Valley startup that is developing mobile pods that can autonomously inspect, clean and charge robotaxis, raised $10 million in a seed round led by Crane Venture Partners. Other participants included Y Combinator, Expa, the venture firm founded by Uber co-founder Garrett Camp, Robin Hood Ventures, and Founders Capital.

Cacao and Increased Mobility, an autonomous vehicle technology startup, are jointly exploring the commercialisation of robotaxi services in international markets, starting with Europe.

Elroy Air, an autonomous heavy-cargo drone startup, plans to go public through a merger with blank-check firm Columbus Circle Capital Corp. II. The value of this deal is approximately $1 billion.

In part, a company that builds AI tools for the automotive repair supply chain raised a 50 million dollar Series B round led by DST Global Partners.

Spiro, an African electric vehicle and clean energy infrastructure platform, has finalised a $55 million investment from Neutrals Capital, a Chinese growth-stage fund.

Terawatt Infrastructure, a company that provides EV charging for fleets, including Waymo and other autonomous and electric fleets, has set up a five-year senior secured credit facility that will allow it to borrow as much as it can afford. $300 million From banks. The company said that this amount will help in the acquisition and development of charging depots.

Notable readings and other news

Image Credit: Bryce Durbin

Companies like Tesla and Zoox can get a boost from the US Department of Transportation, which has proposed changes to federal vehicle regulations that would allow them to avoid including brake pedals in “vehicles that are specifically operated by automated driving systems.”

Lucid Motors is laying off 18% of its workforce, or about 1,500 employees, and cutting the second shift of EV production at its factory in Casa Grande, Arizona. Reminder: These layoffs come just four months after the EV maker cut 12% of its workforce. CEO Silvio Napoli said the cuts are part of an effort to “simplify the company, accelerate execution and make Lucid more competitive over time”. In this quest for simplification, what will Lucid sacrifice?

Lift CEO David Risher posted a blog that got my attention. In it he outlined the company’s multi-sensor safety standard for autonomous rides. The result: Autonomous vehicles using one type of sensor can’t go on the Lyft network. I contacted the company and they confirmed what the rule means – vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck and Tesla Robotaxi that use FSD (Unsupervised) will not qualify because they only use cameras. By the way, the rules do not apply to advanced driver-assistance systems. So all humans who drive Tesla vehicles on the Lyft app will not be affected.

OpenAI, hired by Uber India Chairman Prabhjit Singh, will be its first managing director.

Polestar, the Swedish electric vehicle maker, owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely, can no longer sell its new cars in the US market. US government legislation restricts imported vehicles by banning Chinese connected car technology.

WorldFleet Management Company is introducing sticky tracking labels the size of business cards to help prevent cargo theft.

Slate auto-pricing for the Absolutely A simple electric truck starts at $24,950. Would you pay $25K for a two-seat truck with a 205-mile range, hand-crank windows, no infotainment system, and a grey composite material finish (owners can order customisable wraps for the vehicle)? And climate tech reporter and in-house battery expert Tim De Chant explains why Slate replaced the battery in its cheap EV truck.

Uber: The company is facing a lawsuit from shareholders who accuse the board and management of prioritising profits over compliance and safety, saying their decisions have put the company and its shareholders at risk.

Waymo has set up a unit in Germany, which a German news outlet, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, first reported. The company registration filing makes it clear that it is preparing to launch robotaxi services in the country. However, that doesn’t mean it’s imminent, insiders tell me. Meanwhile, Waymo has removed its waiting list in Nashville, a move that opens its service to the public.

Zox gave its custom-built robotaxis a facelift as it prepares for commercial service and mass production at its Hayward, California facility.

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‘Live Doc’: The making of India’s viral liver doctor who is both loved and loathed

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‘Live Doc’: The making of India’s viral liver doctor who is both loved and loathed

The waiting room outside the hepatology clinic at Kochi’s Rajagiri Hospital hangs between hope and despair.

A man silently stares at the floor, weakened by advanced liver disease and in urgent need of treatment. Nearby, another family is holding a folder of old medical reports, hoping the hospital can still save their loved one. Inside, Dr Cyriac Abby Phillips is in no hurry.

A patient sits in front of him. Phillips leans forward, asks a question, then becomes silent. He listens – in fact, he really does listen. When he speaks again, his assessment is clear but expressed with compassion. He doesn’t simply tell the family what will happen next; he carefully leads them to the road ahead.

I spent two days at his clinic in the south Indian state of Kerala, expecting to find an entirely different man.

Phillips is one of India’s best-known – and most polarising – doctors, praised by supporters as a fearless champion of evidence-based medicine and reviled by critics as an attention-seeking provocateur.

Supporters praise him as a fearless champion of evidence-based medicine, while critics revile him as an attention-seeking provocateur.

On X, where more than 300,000 people follow him as the “Liver Doctor”, he has called homoeopathy “false medicine”, branded alternative practitioners quacks and told critics that their brains are “for hire”. Alternative practitioners accused him of not understanding the Indian system and attacked them unfairly.

His feed is full of public health information, but also full of bitter feuds – including with celebrities – conducted in a style that many describe as rude.

India’s AYUSH ministry – the federal body overseeing traditional medicine – has held two formal committee meetings to discuss these issues. Once a police inspector travelled by train for two days from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh to enquire over a social media post. Phillips has faced 16 legal cases in six years, some of which are still ongoing.

Yet the man behind the social media persona seemed entirely different in person.

During our conversation he appeared measured and soft-spoken. Patients, colleagues and doctors who knew him for a long time also described him in similar terms: polite, unassuming and humble.

“It’s an adopted personality,” he says without apology. “They hate me. But they can’t invalidate the information I give.”

“Sometimes you have to be loud to be heard. I specifically go after trolls so they don’t distract from the message I’m trying to convey. If people think I’m rude or angry, even if that’s not true, I’m willing to pay that price.”

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Theater of Congressional Iran War Votes

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The phrase ‘Theatre of Congressional Iran War Votes’ has become a common way to describe the recent political battles in the United States Congress over military action against Iran. While several votes were presented as efforts to limit or end U.S. military involvement, critics argue that many of them were largely symbolic because they faced significant legal and political obstacles before they could change government policy.

The debate has highlighted long-standing tensions between Congress and the president over who has the constitutional authority to commit US forces to armed conflict.

What Is the Congressional Debate About?

Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is empowered to declare war, while the President serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Over the years, presidents from both major political parties have launched military operations without a formal declaration of war, arguing they have constitutional authority to respond to national security threats.

In response, lawmakers have repeatedly invoked the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which limits prolonged military action without congressional approval. The recent Iran conflict has renewed this debate, with members of both parties questioning whether the executive branch exceeded its authority.

Recent Congressional Votes

One of the most significant developments occurred in June 2026, when both chambers of Congress approved measures directing President Donald Trump to seek congressional authorisation before continuing military operations against Iran.

The Senate passed the resolution by a narrow 50–48 vote after several Republican senators joined Democrats. Earlier, the House had approved a similar measure with limited bipartisan support. Although the votes represented a rare challenge to presidential war powers, they were widely viewed as largely symbolic because the White House rejected the resolution’s legal authority and indicated it would not alter military policy.

Why Critics Call It “Political Theater”

The expression ‘Theatre of Congressional Iran War Votes’ reflects criticism from analysts across the political spectrum.

Supporters of this view argue that

  • The resolutions were unlikely to force an immediate end to military operations.
  • The president could challenge or ignore the measures on constitutional grounds.
  • Court action would likely be required before any binding legal effect could be established.
  • Many lawmakers used the votes to publicly demonstrate their position ahead of future elections rather than to produce immediate policy changes.

Others disagree with this characterisation, arguing that even symbolic votes serve an important constitutional purpose by putting Congress on record and increasing political pressure on the executive branch.

Divisions Within Both Parties

The Iran votes exposed disagreements inside both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Several Republicans broke with the administration by supporting limits on military action, while at least one Democrat opposed the resolution. The voting patterns showed that opinions on war powers do not always follow strict party lines, particularly when questions of constitutional authority are involved.

These cross-party votes reflected broader concerns about the following:

  • Congressional oversight
  • Executive power
  • Military spending
  • The long-term strategy toward Iran

Funding Debate Adds Pressure

Alongside the war powers resolutions, Congress has also been considering requests for billions of dollars in additional military funding linked to operations involving Iran.

The administration requested tens of billions of dollars in supplemental funding for defence operations, prompting fresh debate about the financial cost of the conflict. Some lawmakers argued that Congress should first determine whether the military campaign itself had sufficient legal authorisation before approving additional spending.

Constitutional Questions Remain

Legal experts continue to debate how much authority Congress has to restrict a president already engaged in military operations.

Some scholars argue that the War Powers Resolution gives Congress a mechanism to limit unauthorised conflicts. Others contend that presidents have broad constitutional authority to conduct military operations in defence of U.S. interests.

Because previous disputes over war powers have rarely produced definitive court rulings, the constitutional questions remain unresolved.

Political Impact

The theatre of congressional Iran War votes is also influencing American politics beyond Capitol Hill.

The Iran conflict has become an important issue for voters, with public opinion divided over both the military campaign and the administration’s broader Middle East strategy. Polling and political analysis suggest the issue could play a role in the 2026 midterm elections, as candidates seek to distinguish themselves on national security and constitutional oversight.

Conclusion

The theatre of the Congressional Iran War votes represents more than just a series of legislative roll calls. It reflects an ongoing constitutional struggle over the balance of power between Congress and the president during times of military conflict.

Although many of the recent votes may not immediately change U.S. military policy, they have intensified the debate over presidential war powers, congressional oversight, defence spending, and America’s future role in the Middle East. Whether these resolutions ultimately shape future military decisions or remain largely symbolic, they have become a significant chapter in the continuing discussion about democratic accountability during wartime.



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Uzbekistan makes World Cup debut, a first for Central Asia: NPR

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Francisco Conceição of Portugal competes for the ball with Khoziakbar Alizonov of Uzbekistan during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Francisco Conceição of Portugal competes for the ball with Khoziakbar Alizonov of Uzbekistan during the group stage match of the World Cup between Portugal and Uzbekistan on June 23 in Houston.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan –

Uzbekistan’s White Wolves men’s soccer team entered this World Cup as underdogs. By all appearances, as Dalits, they will go away.

On Tuesday, Uzbekistan was hammered 5-0 by Portugal, significantly diminishing the country’s chances of qualifying for the next round at this World Cup, a first for a Central Asian nation.

Yet for many Uzbeks, the White Wolves’ appearance at the tournament was always a dream come true – and, win or lose, it reflected the country’s wider ambitions.

Uzbek fans have enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their country and culture after a long time behind bars, especially after the match is over. They want to be photographed as steppe warriors, to show off the country’s ubiquitous embroidery, and to dance with joy to the drum.

For the entire country, representing your country on the big stage is a huge honour. This is it.” [a] A giant honor,” explains White Wolves star forward Abbosbek Fayzulev, who scored Uzbekistan’s first (and, so far, only) World Cup goal in a 3-1 loss to Colombia on June 17.

Uzbekistan's Abbosbek Faizullaev celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the World Cup group soccer match between Uzbekistan and Colombia in Mexico City on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Uzbekistan’s Abbosbek Faizullaev celebrates after scoring the first goal for his team during the World Cup group soccer match between Uzbekistan and Colombia in Mexico City on June 17.

Long before the start of the tournament, the country’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev introduced and promoted the team as a symbol of New Uzbekistan” – part of what Mirziyoyev says is a “golden generation” of Uzbek youth who are “destined” to leave their mark in sports, culture and science. Even chess.

This success was a long time coming for a nation struggling to emerge from the chaos of the collapse of the USSR – football has played a role in creating a sense of national identity.

Azamat Abduraimov, a regular member of the Uzbek football teams of the 1990s, remembers the thrill of watching fellow Uzbeks earn a rare spot on Team USSR after Uzbekistan became an independent nation in 1991 and the thrill of suddenly fielding their national team.

“When we started playing for independent Uzbekistan, it was important for us because we realised that we could compete on the international stage – that is, as Uzbek football players,” Abduraimov says.

England's Paul Osborne and Uzbekistan's Abduraimov Azamat battle for the ball during the 2003 World 5 Futsal Championship between England and Uzbekistan at the Bukit Jalil Putra Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 5 June 2003.

England’s Paul Osborne and Uzbekistan’s Abduraimov Azamat battle for the ball during the World 5 Futsal Championship between England and Uzbekistan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2003.

He noted that the Uzbekistan men’s national team, of which he was a part, won the gold medal at the Asian Games in 1994. “It’s still the only championship for the former Soviet republic,” he says.

“This is really a land of talent in every direction,” says Ravshan Ermatov, vice president of the Uzbekistan Football Association, in an interview with NPR in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

He says Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut – 34 years in the making – is the result of years of government investment in comprehensive youth programmes.

“Today’s result is not coming by chance,” says Ermatov. “It’s not just luck, you know? Uzbekistan is doing well and investing much for the future.”

For example, several young Uzbek players have emerged as breakout stars in leagues in Europe and the Middle East.

No one is more talented than Abdukodir Khusanov. The 22-year-old Uzbek defender has quickly become a mainstay at Manchester City in the British Premier League, delivering a “pinch-me” moment for fans back home.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (7) challenges the ball with Uzbekistan's Abdukodir Khusanov (2) during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) challenges the ball with Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov (2) during the World Cup group soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston on June 23.

“To imagine that someone from Uzbekistan would play in the main team of that team… was unbelievable,”

explains Doniyor Umarkhodzev. Taktika is one of a new generation of Uzbek football bloggers covering the White Wolves’ World Cup.

Even now, Umarksodjaev says he gets goosebumps thinking about Khusanov’s rise.

He added, “But I can imagine what kind of confidence it gives to young kids who want to be footballers.”

These also include girls and women.

Last year, Uzbekistan’s women’s national football team qualified for the Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in two decades. Uzbekistan will also host the event in 2029.

Tea

The Uzbekistan women’s national football team is struggling in Tashkent. Women’s football has also progressed recently amid sweeping government reforms addressing gender inequality.

National under-17 team forward Mokhina Akbarova also says of that progress, “His generation wants more.”

“We want to see another level,” says Akbarova, adding that her dream is to take her football skills to an international level.

Such progress would not have been possible just a few years ago – when laws in this Muslim-majority country restricted women’s freedom to travel without permission from their husbands or fathers.

Yet Uzbekistan’s football rise has coincided with President Mirziyoyev’s reforms, which have opened the country to travel and investment after years of isolation and dictatorship under former President Islam Karimov.

Tea

Fans of the Uzbekistan men’s national soccer team, the White Wolves, gather for a farewell ceremony at Milli Stadium in Tashkent ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance in May.

Those changes were anticipated as a broad geopolitical realignment, with Mirziyoyev’s ‘new Uzbekistan’ and its Central Asian neighbours forging ties beyond the region’s traditional ally, Russia, and pursuing closer ties and trade with China, Europe, and the US.

Earlier this year, President Trump hosted leaders of all five Central Asian countries – Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan – and announced a series of agreements to expand trade, particularly in critical minerals.

Amid all this bargaining, some argue that pro-democracy reforms have not gained traction.

Uzbekistan’s liberalisation often exists more on paper than in reality, says Diora Rafieva, a Samarkand-based lawyer and occasional government critic. He argues that the government has eagerly promoted Uzbekistan’s sporting success while ignoring the problems of corruption, the judicial system and preserving the country’s heritage from over-eager developers.

“This success in sports is a kind of image washing,” Rafieva explains. “They’ll say, ‘Oh, new Uzbekistan.’ Maybe they live in the new Uzbekistan…”

His point? Not everyone does this. Or wants.

Yet there is no doubt that the country is freer today than it was 10 years ago. And young Uzbeks in particular say that the country is going in the right direction, led by the White Wolves.

“So I think Uzbekistan will change more in the next 10 or 20 years,” says Farangiz Azamatova, a university student in Tashkent and supporter of the team.

“World Cup qualification itself has made us – the younger generation – very confident,” says Siroziddin Toxirov, 21, who is studying to become an English language translator.

He plans to study and perhaps work abroad when he graduates, knowing his Uzbek passport will no longer stop him.

“I can feel the change,” says Toksirov.

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Today’s Japanese Proverb: “The reputation of a thousand years can be determined by the conduct of one hour”

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Today’s Japanese Proverb (AI-generated image)

A thousand years can be measured against one hour. This equation is the strange arithmetic at the heart of this Japanese proverb, and it’s worth pausing to consider.

People say that the conduct of one hour can determine the reputation of a thousand years. Sit with him for a second. You may have spent your entire life building a reputable name; your family may have built it over many generations, but what you do in a fleeting moment can unravel it.

This proverb works as a warning and reminder at the same time. Trust is more fragile than you realise when you hold it. And how you behave when things become tough matters much more than all the calm parts when nothing is being tested.

Japanese proverb of the day

“The reputation of a thousand years can be determined by the conduct of one hour.”

meaning of proverb

The two periods of time are set against each other, and they could not be more dissimilar. Millennials are all about slow-moving things and about reputation. You earn trust in small pieces.

You show up, keep your word, and act decently when no one is keeping score, and over the years it becomes something people rely on. None of this happens fast. An hour is a different kind of challenge.

This moment is a short burst of behaviour, usually under pressure, when your true character is revealed. Maybe you are tempted. You may lose your temper. Your nerves may fail you.

Whatever the test, the proverb makes its uncomfortable claim: that one hour can outweigh all those patient years. So the reputation becomes unbalanced. Slow to create, fast to destroy.

A lie that comes out, an ugly scene in public, and your courage leaves you shortly, and that becomes the story people tell about you. The best years are never over. They stop protecting you the way you always thought they would.

Origin in Japanese culture

This line is commonly called a Japanese proverb, and it fits the ideas that run deep in Japanese life. Respect matters there. Along with self-control, one should also take care of the faith that keeps the family or workplace intact

Where these things matter, your name isn’t exactly yours. Part of it belongs to your family and circle, so you protect it for them as much as for yourself. It is difficult to say where the saying originated.

Like many old sayings, this one is passed around in translation without any systematic source that you can point to in the original.

There is no doubt how old the underlying idea is and how deeply people have felt it.

In a culture that values ​​reputation and spontaneous behaviour among people, you are expected to behave that way whether anyone is watching or not, because everyone understands how one shameful act can bring down a reputation that has taken generations to build.

It’s the whole picture, captured in a single image. On one side of the scale, there are favourable names for millennials. One hour of conduct after the other.

weakness of a good name

This saying survives because people keep seeing the same thing happen. It takes a lot of time to build a good name and no time at all to lose it.

A businessman spends thirty years becoming the epitome of honesty, signs a shady deal that gets leaked, and loses thirty years of trust in an instant. A politician acts quietly and nicely, then says a careless thing near a live mic, and that’s the clip everyone repeats. A loyal friend earns your trust for decades, then throws it away in one weak afternoon.

Why does this keep happening? This is because the shocking exception sticks in our minds far better than the steadfast rule. Years of apparent complacency never make news. There is a single fall. That difference is what the saying is about. The good we do gradually begins to be valued, while a serious mistake can determine how good we are seen. Whatever you have built, it still needs protection in the moment of testing.

A Caution for the Modern Age

If the warning was given centuries ago, it is even more acute now, as it is so easy to capture our worst moments. A bad minute is filmed and shared, then saved somewhere forever, ready to be resurfaced years later, even if you’ve forgotten it. A reputation built over decades can crumble with one furious message. Still, it’s not really about being famous.

This works equally well for trust between two friends or for what your family quietly believes about you.

The lesson is not to live in fear. Have to live awake. Some moments are much more important than others, and we have to face them with a clear mind. Try to live so that you won’t mind being remembered for your hardest times when they finally come.

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Zach John King Is Putting Everything on the Bar with ‘I’m What You Get’

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Zach John King Is Putting Everything on the Bar with ‘I’m What You Get’

Country artist Zack John King is learning that longevity isn’t just about staying on the road. It’s about taking care of yourself long enough to enjoy the journey.

When we met King on a golf course outside Chicago ahead of the release of his debut album, I’m What You Get, he was precisely who his music suggests he is. He spoke with the same ease about hunting, fishing, and growing up outdoors as he did about high-protein meals, sauna sessions, recovery, and the realities of maintaining healthy habits while living on a tour bus.

That balance between old-school country values and modern wellness has become one of the defining themes of his career. Although performing night after night has fulfilled a lifelong dream, King has also learned that success demands discipline away from the stage. Staying physically fit, protecting his mental health, leaning on his faith, and surrounding himself with the right people have become just as important as writing hit songs.

Those same values run through I’m What You Get, a 20-song debut that drops on Aug. 28 and refuses to hide behind polished perfection. Instead, King embraces the highs, the setbacks, and everything in between, creating his most personal work to date while proving that authenticity, not image, is what ultimately has staying power.

Living a Healthy Tour Life Requires Rituals

Life on tour isn’t exactly built for healthy habits. While fans may picture artists constantly on the move, King says the reality is far more sedentary. Most days are spent riding the bus, waiting through soundchecks, doing interviews, performing for less than an hour, and then climbing back on the bus to head to the next city.

“You sleep, you get off the bus, you soundcheck, you get back on the bus, you play a show, and then you get back on the bus,” he says.

That reality has forced King to become intentional about every aspect of his health. Although a high-energy performance can burn hundreds of calories, he refuses to let the adrenaline of the show justify poor eating habits. Instead, he sticks to one protein-packed meal most days, usually built around lean protein, potatoes, and vegetables. Potatoes, he says, have become one of his favourite staples, keeping him full and fitting his nutritional goals better than many people expect. He’s also scaled back his alcohol consumption, realising that a weekend of overindulging could undo an entire week’s worth of healthy choices.

Movement is just as important. 

Every afternoon, King and his band schedule what they jokingly call “recess.”

Recess consists of 30 minutes of high-intensity activity that could mean a workout circuit, tossing around a football, or anything that gets everyone moving after hours of sitting. Before each show, they add another tradition to the routine: knocking out 15 to 20 pushups together, though the number fluctuates depending on how everyone’s feeling.

Some bandmates joke that a set of tired arms before a performance isn’t exactly ideal, but for King, the ritual is about far more than fitness. It’s become a way for the band to mentally reset, loosen up, and step on stage feeling connected.

Recovery plays an equally important role once the show ends. King has learned firsthand how difficult it can be to calm his nervous system after performing, so he’s become increasingly intentional about the tools he uses to unwind. 

While he’s experimented with cold plunges and enjoys the physical benefits of ice baths, he says they energise him more than they relax him.

“I like cold plunges and stuff; I like it. It’s a perfect thing to feel good, but it doesn’t calm me down,” he explains. 

That’s why the sauna has become his go-to recovery ritual. Spending 20 minutes in the heat after a workout helps quiet both his body and mind, making it one of the most valuable wellness habits he’s adopted on and off the road. Combined with hydration, quality nutrition, and daily movement, those small rituals have become the foundation of staying healthy through the nonstop demands of touring.

Why King Is Exploring Peptides

King is constantly looking for ways to improve his recovery, but he’s careful not to chase quick fixes. He explained that his interest in peptides isn’t driven by weight loss or shortcuts in the gym. Instead, it’s rooted in addressing years of chronic inflammation, skin conditions, digestive issues, and the physical demands that come with life on the road.

“I’ve had lifelong eczema,” King says. “I’ve had terrible skin my whole life.”

The combination of constant travel, inconsistent sleep, stress, and the occasional late night has negatively affected his gut health, leading him to research new recovery options. His first step is trying a peptide protocol designed to support skin health and improve gut function, an approach he hopes will strengthen his body rather than just masking symptoms.

King is realistic about his expectations. He doesn’t see peptides as a miracle solution.

“I don’t think it’s a complete solution,” he says.

Instead, he views them as another tool that complements the healthy habits he’s already established. King hopes that by improving his overall health, he will also add lean muscle, using anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric and ashwagandha to help calm his nervous system, especially when he’s home and adjusting to life off tour.

“My big thing right now is just trying to develop a little bit more lean muscle mass,” he says. Rather than using peptides to lose weight, he’s interested in whether improving his metabolism and overall recovery will allow him to better utilise the high-protein diet he’s already committed to.

It’s a measured approach that reflects King’s broader philosophy toward wellness. Whether he’s experimenting with new recovery methods, spending time in the sauna, or simply choosing a healthier meal after a show, his goal isn’t finding a shortcut. It’s building habits that allow him to feel and perform at his best for the long haul.

Zack John King

Building a Strong Body Starts With Building the Right Circle

Fitness isn’t the only thing King believes requires accountability. He credits much of his personal growth to the people around him. 

Family, long-time friends, and a small inner circle that isn’t impressed by fame.

“They’re checking on me,” he says. “They’re not checking on what I do.”

That distinction matters.

As his career continues to grow, King says surrounding himself with people willing to challenge his attitude, ego, and decisions has become essential. In an industry where managers, promoters, and even well-meaning friends often default to saying “yes,” he has learned that honest feedback is far more valuable than constant praise. The people closest to him aren’t there to celebrate every accomplishment. They’re there to ensure success doesn’t change who he is.

It’s also shaped how he views healthy relationships.

Rather than asking what he’s getting from someone else, he’s learning to focus on what he can contribute.

“It’s probably a mix of selflessness,” he explains, admitting that spending years in an industry centred around personal success can subtly shift someone’s perspective if they aren’t careful.

“The worst relationships are when you’re only considering yourself,” he says. My job is all about me, so it can trick me into thinking relationships need to be too. And that’s just not true.”

His support system extends well beyond friends. His parents have remained some of his most significant supporters, offering the kind of perspective that only family can provide. He also leans heavily on a weekly men’s Bible study made up of fellow Nashville professionals who intentionally leave the music business at the door. Rather than discussing streaming numbers or record deals, conversations revolve around faith, family, marriage, and everyday life. Topics that remind King his identity is rooted in something much bigger than his career.

For King, maintaining physical health begins with surrounding himself with people who care just as much about his character as they do his success. It’s the same philosophy that fuels his workouts: consistency, accountability, and showing up for the people around you every single day.

Why King Is Exploring Peptides

King is constantly investigating how to improve his recovery, but he’s careful not to chase quick fixes. During our conversation, he explained that his interest in peptides isn’t driven by weight loss or shortcuts in the gym. Instead, it’s rooted in addressing years of chronic inflammation, eczema, digestive issues, and the physical demands that come with life on the road.

“I’ve had lifelong eczema,” King says. “I’ve had terrible skin my whole life.”

The combination of constant travel, inconsistent sleep, stress, and the occasional late night has negatively affected his gut health, leading him to research new recovery options. His first step is trying a peptide protocol designed to support skin health and improve gut function, an approach he hopes will strengthen his body rather than just masking symptoms.

King is realistic about his expectations. He doesn’t see peptides as a miracle solution.

“I don’t think it’s a complete solution,” he says.

Instead, he views them as another tool that complements the healthy habits he’s already established. King hopes that by improving his overall health, he will also add lean muscle, using anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric and ashwagandha to help calm his nervous system, especially when he’s home and adjusting to life off tour.

“My big thing right now is just trying to develop a little bit more lean muscle mass,” he says. Rather than using peptides to lose weight, he’s interested in whether improving his metabolism and overall recovery will allow him to better utilise the high-protein diet he’s already committed to.

It’s a measured approach that reflects King’s broader philosophy toward wellness. Whether he’s experimenting with new recovery methods, spending time in the sauna, or simply choosing a healthier meal after a show, his goal isn’t finding a shortcut. It’s building habits that allow him to feel and perform at his best for the long haul.

Learning to Feel Again

For Men’s Mental Health Month, King’s most vulnerable conversation wasn’t about music.

It was about numbness.

He admits that repeatedly experiencing the emotional high of performing for thousands of fans can unintentionally rewire the brain. Eventually, ordinary life struggles to produce the same emotional response.

“The threshold is nearly impossible now.”

King says performing for a packed venue creates an adrenaline rush that’s incredibly difficult to replicate anywhere else. “I’m getting it from 60,000 people singing,” he explains. “And it’s really difficult to replicate in another scenario.” After enough nights on stage, everyday life can begin to feel emotionally flat by comparison.

After a career milestone or setback, artists can find themselves drifting slowly into emotional neutrality, rather than feeling excitement or disappointment.

“Wins and losses, you just kind of sit there and don’t feel anything.”

He believes that’s one of the hidden struggles of the entertainment industry. Fans often assume musicians are living the dream, but the constant cycle of adrenaline, travel, rejection, and performance creates challenges few people outside the business truly understand.

“I could never figure out how people with the best job in the world get depressed,” King admits. “Until we’re a year and a half in, and I’m like, ‘Oh…that’s why.’ Because your brain’s just lopsided. Everything’s completely flipped.”

Rather than trying to suppress disappointment, King says his goal is to relearn how to experience every emotion again. I want to relearn how to experience every emotion again, even if it means risking getting hurt.

“My goal is to get to a place where I could let myself feel both things. I could let myself feel disappointed or sad just as easily as I could feel excited. I’m not good at it yet, but I’m learning.”

It’s an honest admission that cuts through the polished image often associated with rising stars. Instead of pretending to have everything figured out, King hopes that being transparent about the mental side of success will encourage others, especially men, to recognise that emotional resilience isn’t about never struggling. It’s about being willing to confront those struggles head-on and allowing yourself to feel again.

Zack john king

An Album That Leaves Nothing Hidden

That same honesty defines I’m What You Get.

Rather than releasing a traditional debut filled with previously released singles, King chose to deliver a sprawling 20-song collection that introduces listeners to every side of who he is, from the outdoorsman raised fishing Georgia waters to the man navigating faith, relationships, success, and self-doubt.

I wanted to make a project that laid out all the good and bad parts of me. I actually wanted to write about exactly who I am. Some people might love it, while others might not, and that’s fine. And I’ve become more comfortable with that too. I think this project makes a statement of ‘take it or leave it; this is me.’ There are parts of me that I truly love on this record, but there are also parts of me that I regret. In every song, there’s a piece of my story I wanted to share. When I was in the writing process, I hoped that anyone could listen to this record from start to finish and see that it’s 100% me.”

Much like his approach to health and fitness, King isn’t chasing perfection.

He’s chasing authenticity.

And whether he’s doing pushups before a show, recovering in a sauna, cooking dinner for friends, or standing under the lights in front of thousands of fans, that’s the version of himself he seems most committed to becoming.

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Facing Russia’s threat, Germany could bring back mandatory military service by mid-2027

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German army recruitment likely to begin in mid-2027, senior politician says

Germany could reintroduce compulsory military service by mid-2027 if voluntary conscription fails to meet ambitious military targets, a senior lawmaker has warned, as the country faces a growing threat from Russia and an unpredictable United States.

The government introduced a new voluntary military service model in November with mandatory registration for 18-year-old males. However, between January and May, the scheme resulted in only 530 new recruitments, while approximately 300,000 young people were contacted.

Thomas Rovekamp, ​​chairman of the German parliament’s defence committee, said that if Germany cannot reach its target through the voluntary system, “we will have to return to conscription.” “We have to take this decision by July 31 next year.”

There is pressure of lack of fuel in recruitment

Germany has committed to increasing its army strength to at least 260,000 by 2035 from the current 185,000. A mandatory questionnaire requiring men turning 18 to provide information about their willingness to serve has already begun reaching potential recruits. By mid-2027, mandatory physical examinations for 18-year-old males are also expected to begin.

Rovekamp, ​​chairman of the German parliament’s defence committee, said he still had “serious doubts” that voluntary conscription alone could meet the goals. He said, “My big concern is the increase in the number of career and contract soldiers, because they are the ones who fly fighter jets, pilot ships, drive tanks and manage Patriot air defence systems.”

generational divide

The debate has exposed generational divisions. A recent survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations found a net opposition rate of 46 per cent to mandatory military service among 18- to 29-year-olds, while every older age group expressed overall support.

Bella Breitner, spokeswoman for the School Strike Against Conscription movement and a youth activist, said the government’s military expansion plans are creating fear among young Germans that the country is moving toward deeper militarisation.

“We don’t think we have any interest in it,” Breitner said. He said the group has organised three strike days, each of which was attended by about 50,000 people.

Security concerns prompt debate

Rovekamp said Germany must urgently arm itself independently of the United States, partly because of Trump’s plan to reduce troops in Europe, but also because Washington has not been able to reliably supply European armies amid repeated international crises.

He said that Europe should develop its military capabilities based on real needs rather than industrial interests.

European governments are under increasing pressure to expand their armies and increase defence spending amid uncertainty over the Russia-Ukraine war and the future of US security guarantees in Europe.

Germany suspended mandatory military service in 2011, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and renewed doubts about Washington’s role in European security have pushed the issue back onto the political agenda.

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Jamun Dishes: 6 delicious jamun dishes that make getting vitamin C surprisingly easy

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Jamun Dishes: 6 delicious jamun dishes that make getting vitamin C surprisingly easy

6 Delicious Jamun Recipes That Make It Surprisingly Easy to Get Vitamin C

The deep purple summer fruit jamun, also known as black plum, rarely gets the same fame as mango or litchi.

Yet this tart, juicy fruit brings more than just colour to the table. Each 100-gram serving of fresh berries provides approximately 14.3 mg of vitamin C, making it an easy way to support your daily intake while still enjoying one of summer’s most distinctive fruits.

Its bright, tangy profile makes it easy to incorporate into everyday meals, and it can help increase your vitamin C intake without feeling like a health hassle. The trick is simple: let the berries do what they do best, jazzing up a dish with acidity, sweetness, and a little drama. Here are six jamun recipes that make the case beautifully.

Jamun Chaat

This is jamun at its most playful. Mix the fruits with chopped cucumber, onion, mint, black salt, roasted cumin and lemon juice. The result is a tangy, refreshing chaat that tastes like summer in a bowl. It also works as a breakfast, starter or late-afternoon cure for a slump.

Blackberry Smoothie

 

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For a faster route, mix the berries with curd or milk, a little honey and some ice cubes. Add a banana if you want a more creamy texture, or keep it tart for a more fruit-based version. This is one of the easiest ways to transform jamun into a breakfast-worthy drink that tastes delicious and light at the same time.

Jamun Salsa

Consider it a modern variation of jamun. Chop the berries with tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, cilantro and lime juice, then spoon them over grilled chicken, fish, cheese or toast. It’s bright, quick and unexpectedly elegant. The natural acidity of the fruit gives salsa the kind of zest that typically comes from citrus fruits alone.

Jamun Raita

 

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If you’ve never added fruit to raita, jamun is a good place to start. Mix the pulp with chopped coriander, a pinch of roasted cumin and a little salt in whipped curd. The spiciness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the curd, making this side dish ideal next to biryani, pulao or a simple meal of dal and rice.

Jamun Chutney

This preparation brings out the darker, more delicious side of the fruit. Cook the jamun with jaggery, ginger, a little vinegar and a little red chilli until it becomes shiny and thick. Chutney tastes great with parathas, pakodas, kebabs or paneer. It also keeps well, making it one of the most practical ways to enjoy berries beyond the season.

6. Jamun sorbet

 

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When the weather turns severe, jamun sherbet is the solution. Puree the fruit with sugar syrup and lemon juice, then freeze until smooth and icy. Its flavour is somewhere between berry and plum, with a tartness that keeps every spoonful lively. This is a dessert that sounds cleaner, tarter and much more sophisticated.

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Man City agree to sign player ‘Enzo Mariska would love’

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Enzo Mariska would love to work with Elliott Anderson at Manchester City, according to his former coach. The Blues have agreed to a £116m deal with Nottingham Forest and the midfielder is expected to complete his move following a medical in the coming days.

Ange Postecoglou spent a brief spell working with Anderson in the forest last season and was seriously impressed with a player he believes can still improve significantly. While the former Newcastle youngster has a fixed role for England, Postecoglou has seen Anderson show what he can offer in midfield.

“He is outstanding,” Postecoglou told ITV. “From the outside, you know he is a talented player, but when you work with him on a daily basis, you realise there are still two or three levels in him.” He is very focused as a young player; he can probably play every midfield position in a three.

I think England suits him best when he has a fixed position. At Forest he was trying to do everything from time to time because he had that ability. From the moment he came into the England set-up, he showed real discipline. Thomas Tuchel really trusts him, and when you earn a manager’s trust, especially at an international level, it can have a significant impact. He has now made a big step at City. He would definitely love being in Enzo’s group.

Anderson has already impressed City royalty in Ilkay Gundogan, although the Galatasaray midfielder does not believe the 23-year-old will come to the Etihad as a superstar despite the premium price. Gundogan singled out Anderson’s performance against City last season as a breakthrough year for the player.

“I think he’s proven that, especially with Nottingham Forest last season,” he told ESPN. “He’s had an incredible season; he’s put in some great performances – including against City – and he’s developed quite impressively over the years. I’m sure he’ll be a fantastic addition to the City squad.

“I wouldn’t say he’s a big name. He’s someone everyone knows but I don’t think they’re signing him as a superstar; they’re signing him as a team player. He’s expensive but it’s the Premier League, where the best game is.

“People pay him and they have to pay him for a certain quality. “Manchester fans will be pleased because he gives his all for the team, which is what you want in a teammate.”

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