Top Trending Technology News & Highlights
Operations at Zepto Cafe Are Halted in Several Cities
Zepto Cafe, the company's rapid meal delivery division, has temporarily ceased operations in a number of minor cities, primarily in northern India. Over 400 workers have been impacted by the 44 eateries that have suspended operations. By the conclusion of the upcoming quarter, the business now anticipates starting up again in these areas.Platform for rapid trade According to persons familiar with the situation, Zepto has suspended operations of its 10-minute food delivery vertical, Zepto Cafe, in a number of locations, including Delhi, Agra, Chandigarh, Mohali, Amritsar, and Meerut, because of supply chain problems, ETtech reported. This will affect how 44 Zepto Cafe locations operate.Platform for rapid trade Zepto has suspended Zepto Cafe, its 10-minute meal delivery service, in several North Indian towns. The company has temporarily halted the services because of supply chain problems, according to a report by Economic Times. According to the article, 44 Zepto Cafe locations in the area will be impacted by the company's decision. About 700 gig workers have been impacted by the company's decision to stop providing the service. According to the Economic Times, Zepto Cafe's services were suspended in April of this year because the company was unable to meet quality standards due to the spike in demand. Zepto Cafe received greater demand than anticipated, hence the decision was made to halt operations in these cities. Meeting the volumes without sacrificing quality proved challenging, the individual with knowledge of the situation told ET.
Published 23 May 2025 08:14 PM
Uttar Pradeshs Sarathi app was shut down for maintenance.
Every RTO in Uttar Pradesh is experiencing operational disruptions, and staff are working to quickly resolve the situation.According to regional transport office (RTO) authorities on Friday, maintenance work on Sarathi software, which is used for processing work under the Union transport ministry, has disrupted the operation of processing driving licenses throughout Uttar Pradesh, including in Noida, since Thursday. Between 300 and 350 persons visit the Noida regional transport office on a daily basis, according to officials, seeking licenses and other related work."Vahan, a program for vehicle registration, and Sarathi, a program for driving licenses, are the two primary apps. We learned from Lucknow that Sarathi will be undergoing some maintenance from Thursday at 10 a.m. until Saturday at noon, according to Siyaram Verma, the assistant regional transport officer (ARTO-administration) for Gautam Budh Nagar."Activities related to driving licenses, like obtaining a learners' permit, a primary license, renewing a license abroad, changing one's name or address, etc., have ceased," Verma stated. "I had no idea that the website was being maintained. The application was down, an official told me when I arrived to the RTO in Noida after traveling 35 kilometers," said Greater Noida resident Rajesh Yadav."The affected work is present in all Uttar Pradesh RTOs. An RTO representative stated, "Our specialists are working to fix the application as quickly as feasible.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:30 AM
Best Midsize Car of the Year Texas Auto Writers Associations Annual Auto Roundup, 2024 Hyundai Sonata
DECATUR, Texas, May 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Auto Roundup, which took place on April 23–24, 2024, has crowned the 2024 Hyundai Sonata the finest midsize car. Leading automotive journalists from Texas get together for the TAWA Auto Roundup, a major event in the industry, to assess the newest models on factors including overall appeal, performance, value, and safety.The 2024 Hyundai Sonata is honored with this accolade for its amazing value, superior performance, cutting-edge technology, and superb design. The Sonata outperformed a competitive field of competitors by impressing the TAWA judges with its cutting-edge features, fashionable appearance, and dedication to providing an outstanding driving experience.Senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America Olabisi Boyle commented, "We are immensely honored to receive this recognition from the Texas Auto Writers Association." "Our dedication to innovation, quality, and customer pleasure is embodied in the Hyundai Sonata 2024. This honor recognizes the diligence and commitment of our whole team."According to Cory Fourniquet, president of the Texas Auto Writers Association, "The Hyundai Sonata impressed our judges with its attention to detail throughout, like the color-matched switchgear for the windows and door locks as well as the built-in sunshades in the rear windows." "Even though it sells in a segment that is dominated by a couple of heavy hitters, Hyundai does not shy away from the mid-size sedan market like other manufacturers that are retiring their sedans. The fact that Hyundai is sustaining competitiveness in the market is very amazing. Not only that, but it beat out the freshly introduced 2025 Toyota Camry for this distinction."The dynamic new design language, improved safety features, and array of cutting-edge technologies make the Hyundai Sonata of 2024 stand out. A redesigned front fascia with a cascading grille, sleek LED headlights, and strong character lines that give the Sonata a sensation of motion even when it is stationary are all part of its aerodynamic and dramatic design. The Sonata is a versatile alternative for a broad spectrum of drivers, offering both dynamic performance and exceptional fuel economy with a selection of strong and economical engines, including a hybrid option.American Hyundai Motor Company Hyundai Motor America supports Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity objective while providing a technologically advanced array of automobiles, SUVs, and electrified vehicles to American consumers. Hyundai maintains substantial activities in the United States, with its North American headquarters located in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing assembly factory in Alabama, the newly developed Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America situated in Georgia, and multiple state-of-the-art research and development centers. According to a recent economic impact assessment, these businesses, along with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, generate $20.1 billion in revenue and 190,000 employment for the American economy each year. To learn more, go to www.hyundainews.com.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:29 AM
Mahindras-svelte-electric-SUV-is-hinted-at-by-XUVe8-design-patents-What-can-we-anticipate
With the launch of the XUV.e8, an electric version of their well-liked XUV700, Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing to increase the number of electric vehicles in their lineup. The corporation is currently testing prototypes of this new model, which has already been displayed in concept form. Mahindra has submitted for multiple design patents recently, covering the XUV.e8's appearance and interior.The design patents show that the XUV.e8 is very similar to the concept version that was previously presented, according to a report by HT Auto. Notable improvements include a new set of inverted L-shaped LED projector headlamps and a large LED lightbar that runs the length of the front of the car. Due to the lack of an internal combustion engine, the front bumpers have been altered and do not include the conventional grille.According to reports, the XUV.e8's side profile has aerodynamic wheel covers designed to improve air flow efficiency. The concept's flush-fitting door handles are still on the car. There aren't many modifications at the back, only a new bumper and an LED light bar, however the tail lamps should stay the same. The XUV.e8 will likewise have copper accents, just as the XUV400.Interior design elements, most notably a new two-spoke steering wheel, are also included in Mahindra's design patents. Four toggle switches are located on this hexagonal steering wheel, which has a red stripe at the top for controlling the infotainment system and instrument cluster. The lighted Mahindra emblem on the steering wheel is a novel touch that continues a trend observed in Tata cars. The revamped dashboard, which features a three-screen arrangement evocative of high-end automobile interiors, is another noteworthy interior upgrade. This comprises a passenger-side extra screen, an infotainment display, and an instrument cluster. With these improved technology features and style cues, Mahindra's electric vehicle portfolio is expected to gain something special with the XUV.e8.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:29 AM
Technology
21st century is dedicated to the Technology and technology is dominating everywhere and every part of the world and almost all the industries are now a days is technology dependent or they need technology help to drive more scale and deliveries.
Digidarts drives the digital mandate for HomeSharp
"The performance marketing firm Digidarts has teamed with HomeSharp, a luxury real estate site based in Mumbai. With the help of creative marketing funnels and data-driven, strategic targeting, Digidarts is poised to increase HomeSharp's visibility to the right kind of customers. The founder of HomeSharp, Yazad R. Irani, comments on the collaboration: ""Our collaboration with Digidarts is based on a shared dedication to accuracy and quality."" Our mission to not only meet but exceed the expectations of Mumbai's discerning homebuyers is closely aligned with Digidarts' skill in engaging with a discerning consumer base, as we set out to reinvent the luxury real estate sector. This partnership represents our common goal of smoothly converting the ambitious ambitions of Mumbai's elite into concrete realities, going beyond simple strategic alignment. As a team, we're not just creating relationships; we're creating heirlooms."" Digidarts creator Siddhartha Vanvani expresses his excitement, saying, "We are thrilled to work with HomeSharp. Yazad has developed a ground-breaking strategy that might fundamentally alter India's luxury real estate market. Our objective is to establish HomeSharp as a leader in the luxury real estate space by streamlining the user acquisition process and using BullsEye tactics to break into the real estate sector. By fusing cutting-edge technology with knowledge of luxury real estate and real estate development, HomeSharp's smart home-buying approach seeks to make the transaction enjoyable and unforgettable. With the goal of better achieving their goal of offering luxury houses to a wider range of consumers, HomeSharp has teamed up with 360° performance marketing agency Digidarts to strengthen their brand recognition and data-driven marketing techniques. With their renowned BullsEye performance marketing solutions, Digidarts spearheads HomeSharp's digital marketing initiatives and promotes the idea that every person should have an easy time buying their ideal house."
Amazon miniTV awards listening and digital customer support mandate to GOZOOP HAWK
"As part of the mandate, the team will be in charge of exploiting online interactions to drive stronger consumer insights and increase customer happiness. The listening and digital response management responsibilities for Amazon miniTV have been awarded to GOZOOP HAWK, a customer care and online reputation management agency under the GOZOOP Group. GOZOOP HAWK's primary duties under the mandate will be to manage digital customer support, keep an eye on online brand chatter, measure sentiments, magnify positive stories, provide prompt resolutions, and derive actionable business insights for the brand by comprehending and tracking meaningful web conversations to satisfy customers. A vast collection of well-liked web series, films, and reality shows in a variety of genres, including romance, comedy, slice-of-life, and thrillers, are available on Amazon miniTV. The content is dubbed into English. ORM is a crucial part of reputation management and brand promotion, according to Aruna Daryanani, Director and Business Head of Amazon miniTV. We may further bolster our brand visibility with the appropriate plan, brainstorming, and innovative thinking. Our collaboration with GOZOOP HAWK excites us, and we look forward to leveraging their knowledge to keep improving the consumer experience. Hawkk has consistently proven to be able to provide some of the most unusual listening and online customer support solutions, according to Premkumar Iyer, President of GOZOOP HAWK. The collaboration works because of this tendency to push boundaries and Amazon miniTV's disruptive strategy in the dynamic OTT market. We have previously completed some excellent work, such as turning the entire response management strategy around for Amazon miniTV's recent debut of K-dramas translating to Korean, leading to a change in outreach. We want to continue working with them on such unusual projects in the future. "
Social Beat bags Sukoon’s digital mandate
"Mumbai: Sukoon, the top chain of mental health hospitals in India, has awarded the digital marketing mandate to Social Beat, a digital marketing agency renowned for its creative approaches and exceptional outcomes. The mandate, which was acquired during a multi-agency pitch, will entail managing, planning, and strategizing the brand's digital initiatives overall. All digital marketing efforts will be handled by Social Beat, with an emphasis on high-quality lead generation and hospital admission in Sukoon. Using a variety of digital platforms, the agency will reimagine the brand's digital experience and strive toward digital performance goals. ""With our expertise, our primary focus will be on artfully communicating the brand's offerings and their benefits to a diverse and nuanced audience by leveraging our entire gamut of digital solutions,"" stated Vikas Chawla, co-founder of Social Beat. fulfill the objectives of increasing admission to Sukoon facilities and generating excellent leads. We are thrilled and eager to contribute to Sukoon's main aims and business objectives as well as establish the brand as one that consumers will remember easily. ""We are confident that Social Beat, with their expertise and capabilities in digital marketing and social media campaigns, will help us optimally spread our message and reach out to a wider audience across the country,"" stated Kanishk Gupta, co-founder and chief operating officer of Sukoon. We firmly think that our partnership with Social Beat would enable us to expand, establish new standards in the field of mental health treatment, and spread awareness of our brand's values throughout India."
Following Meta, Google Releases Open Models of AI
Following Meta Platforms and others, Google on Wednesday released new artificial intelligence (AI) models that third-party developers may be able to customize and brand as their own. According to the Alphabet subsidiary, anyone can create AI software for free using its new Gemma family of "open models" for individuals and companies. The business said that it is providing important technical information to the public, including what are known as model weights.The change might entice programmers to enhance Google's technology and promote the company's recently successful cloud division. According to the company, the models are "optimized" for Google Cloud, where new cloud users who use them will receive $300 in credits.Although Google did not completely make Gemma "open source," it is possible that the company will continue to have some control over ownership and use restrictions. While some experts have argued that open-source AI is vulnerable to misuse, others have supported the strategy as a means of expanding the pool of potential users and contributors. Unlike Gemma, Google did not make its larger, premium models, known as Gemini, available with the announcement. According to the article, the Gemma models have two billion or seven billion parameters, or the total number of possible values that an algorithm considers before producing an output. The size of the Llama 2 models from Meta ranges from seven to 70 billion parameters. Google has not disclosed the size of its largest Gemini models. For comparison, OpenAI's GPT-3 model announced in 2020 had 175 billion parameters.Chipmaker Nvidia said on Wednesday that it has collaborated with Google to guarantee that Gemma models function properly on its hardware. Additionally, Nvidia announced that Gemma will soon be compatible with chatbot software, which it is currently developing to run AI models on Windows PCs.
Honor MagicBook Pro 16 Teased Officially, to Launch at MWC 2024 With AI-Powered Features
Honor MagicBook Pro 16 is set to be launched with refreshed hardware later this year. The Honor MagicBook Pro with a 16.1-inch display was initially unveiled in 2020 with different CPU options. With the 2024 refresh, the laptop is expected to come with upgraded specifications including more powerful processors. The company has teased the launch of the refreshed version of the Honor MagicBook Pro model during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. The newer model is said to come with advanced AI-backed features. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Honor announced that a refreshed version of the Honor MagicBook Pro 16 with AI-powered features will be introduced at the MWC 2024 event that will be held from February 26 to February 29. The teaser reads, "Hey SAM & MAC, With Magic, one step connects all," taking digs at competing brands Samsung and Apple, claiming that the upcoming model is "smarter" than its market peers. It also teases the Magic-link feature that is claimed to connect smartphones, tablets and PCs to allow seamless display mirroring, file sharing, etc. The company did not reveal the design or any key elements of the Honor MagicBook Pro 16 but the hints at AI-backed advanced characteristics suggest that it may come with Intel Core Ultra CPUs. In December 2023, Intel announced the Core Ultra processors with inbuilt Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that are claimed to improve onboard AI functions. Ever since, many leading brands like Acer, Samsung, HP, Asus and more have refreshed several models with these newer CPUs. The 2020 model of Honor MagicBook Pro is available in several CPU variants - AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, Intel Core i5-10210U, and Intel Core i7-10510U. It comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The laptop features a 16.1-inch full-HD (1,920x1,080 pixels) IPS display and ships with Windows 10 Home.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: Sparking a New AI Revolution
If you'd ask AI to come up with the best possible Android smartphone right now, chances are that it might suggest specifications similar to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While AI has been powering a set of great features in smartphones all this while, it has now taken the driver's seat to help you stay more productive, communicate easily, and do things that previously needed expert know-how. The new Galaxy S24 Ultra makes the most of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's on-device AI capabilities, and that's not just for AI-powered features alone. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a unique offering in the premium Android smartphone market right now. With a wallet-crashing starting price of Rs. 1,29,999, is it the best Android smartphone you can buy right now? How well do those generative AI features work? Let's find out! Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra prices in India start at Rs. 1,29,999 for the 12GB RAM, 256GB storage variant. That's about Rs. 5,000 higher than its predecessor, but Samsung is offering a bunch of exciting offers that can bring down the effective price. The 12GB RAM, 512GB storage variant is priced at Rs. 1,39,999, while the high-end 12GB RAM, 1TB storage variant is available for Rs. 1,59,999. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is available in Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Black. The company offers Titanium Blue, Titanium Green, and Titanium Orange colour options as online exclusives.In the box, you get a SIM ejector cable and a USB Type-C cable for charging. There's no charger in the box, so you'll need to use the one you already have, or you will have to buy a new one if you want faster charging.
Ubisofts Free-to-Play RPG, Guarding the Globe, has launched on iOS and Android
A brand-new Invincible mobile game from Ubisoft is based on the well-liked comic book series by Robert Kirkman and the successful TV show that it was adapted into. On Monday, the studio released a free-to-play idle role-playing game called Invincible: Guarding the Globe. The game is currently accessible on the Amazon store and can be played on iOS and Android smartphones. The Invincible mobile game will let players take part in squad-based battles and repel invading alien forces. Characters like Invincible, Atom Eve, Omni-Man, and others will be featured in Invincible: Guarding the Globe, which is set in the same universe as the comic books and television series. Players can assemble a team of up to five superheroes to fight off waves of Flaxans, Reanimen, and Magmanites. According to Ubisoft, players will need to carefully select their squad, striking a balance between attackers, defenders, and support heroes. The mobile game has a limited storyline, but the gameplay has a narrative context: In order to protect the planet from new threats, players will assemble and deploy heroes as agents of the Global Defense Agency. The missions will be completed in chapters, with new goals, challenges, and rewards for each chapter. Heroes can equip themselves with up to four different types of gear items and one artifact to gain buffs through the game's gear system. The hero's stats can also be increased by upgrading their gear. In the background, players can engage in multiple battles at once and gradually accrue rewards through passive play. The game is free to play, but it also has in-app purchases and an in-game currency. Starter packs and bundles with prices ranging from Rs. 499 to Rs. 9,990 can be found on the Apple App Store. Invincible: Guarding the Globe takes up 225.5MB of storage on iOS; however, downloadable content might need more space.
After the failed Zee merger, what will happen to Sony? The CEO of the company discloses its India strategy.
"Overview ""India has significant long-term growth potential. This market has a lot of appeal. Consequently, in response to a question concerning the company's plans in India following the cancellation of the proposed merger, Totoki stated, ""We will attempt to seek various opportunities and see if we can find another opportunity that would replace this type of plan."" According to a senior business official, Sony will explore a number of possibilities now that the planned merger of its Indian branch with Zee has been canceled. These would include looking for an alternative plan and exploring organic development chances in India, which has enormous long-term potential. Hiroki Totoki, president, COO, and CFO of Sony, stated during an earnings call that the company will keep making investments in India since it is a very good market. ""India has significant long-term growth potential. This market has a lot of appeal. Consequently, in response to a question concerning the company's plans in India following the cancellation of the proposed merger, Totoki stated, ""We will attempt to seek various opportunities and see if we can find another opportunity that would replace this type of plan."" He commented, ""Well, that investment is not going to change a capital allocation or our behavior in our investment,"" in reference to the investment Sony had made as part of the agreement. Thus, we don't yet have any firm plans."" February 14 was the day of the earnings call. According to the terms of the merger that ZEEL and Sony agreed upon, Additionally, the Japanese behemoth was expected to contribute USD 1.5 billion to the combined company. He stated in the investor call that the company will keep pursuing organic development in line with its plan in India, where it conducts business through Culver Max Entertainment (formerly known as Sony Pictures Network India). The arrangement between Sony and ZEEL to combine its two Indian companies, Culver Max Entertainment and Bangla Entertainment Private Limited (BEPL), was terminated last month. Sony Group Corporation (SGC) claimed that ZEEL had not complied with the merger requirements and had filed for arbitration before SIAC, requesting a termination cost of USD 90 million (about Rs 748.5 crore). In a petition to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), ZEEL requested that Sony Group be directed to...Over 700 million people watch the 26 channels that Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, Japan, owns and operates in Hindi and numerous other languages. In addition, it offers live sports, movies, short films, as well as its own original and archived material, on its single OTT platform, Sony LIV. There are about 33 million people who watch it."
Google Gemini App on Android, Gemini Toggle on iOS Rolling Out in India and Other Countries
Google has started rolling out its Gemini app on Android to users in India. While there's no dedicated app on iOS, iPhone owners will be able to see a toggle on the top of the Google app, allowing them to enable and utlise the features of the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot. The tech giant launched the Android app on February 8, but the rollout was limited to the US. Now, the app is being expanded to more than 150 countries and territories. According to Google's support page, the Gemini mobile app is now available in English, Korean, and Japanese languages and is being expanded to more than 150 countries and territories. The full list of countries is listed on Google's support page. The iPhone users don't have a dedicated app at the moment, but they can use Gemini's AI capabilities through the Google app, which now has a toggle button on the top-right that allows access to the chatbot. Gadgets 360 was able to confirm the availability of the Gemini toggle on the Google app on iOS 17.2.1. The Gemini app requires a smartphone with at least 4GB of RAM. It must also run Android 12 or newer versions of Google's operating system. Similarly, the Gemini toggle is available to iPhone users running iOS 16 and newer. As the AI service is only available in English, Japanese, and Korean, it will only be available on smartphones set to use these languages. Lastly, users should be signed in to a personal Google Account or a Workspace account where the administrator has enabled the feature. In case, you still cannot see the app or the toggle, it is worth noting that the global rollout started on Thursday and is expected to continue for a few more days. Jack Krawczyk, Senior Director of Product at Google, who is also handling Gemini, revealed in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the Gemini app's restrictions on image uploading and image generation were being somewhat relaxed. However, he added, “We'll continue to work through responsibly aligning on refusals with both images and text.” More features and expansion to more regions are currently in progress, as per the Gemini head. Some users who added Gemini as the default assistant over Google Assistant in Android smartphones had complained that there was no clarity on which in-device features was the AI capable of performing. Krawczyk said in a post on Wednesday, “Working on making it more clear exactly which Assistant features are work in progress vs which are available now. (also working on narrowing that gap!)”
Samsung Brings Its New AI Features To These Devices
Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 series with the new Galaxy AI features and is now extending some of these AI features to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Buds FE.The Galaxy AI features will be rolled out to the Galaxy Buds TWS earbuds via the OTA (over-the-air) update.After the update rollout, Galaxy Buds users will be able to use several Galaxy AI features through the Galaxy S24 series like Live Translate, Interpreter and more.The Galaxy S24 series Live Translate feature allows users to experience real-time call translation on their device screens while engaged in conversations via Galaxy Buds.Furthermore, the AI-driven interpreter feature on the Galaxy S24 series facilitates seamless two-way, face-to-face interpretation through the Galaxy Buds interface. By speaking directly into the Buds’ microphone, users can have their words translated, making the translated voice accessible via the Galaxy S24 series. This enables a nearly natural conversation between two individuals, each equipped with a Galaxy S24 series smartphone and Galaxy Buds, eliminating the need to hand over the phone. Consumers purchasing Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ will get benefits worth Rs 12,000, while those buying Galaxy S24 can avail benefits worth Rs 10,000. Consumers can also opt for No Cost EMI for upto 24 months on purchase of S24 Series. Consumers purchasing Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Buds FE can avail of limited period cash back or upgrade upto Rs 6,000.
TikTok beats YouTube in launching native Apple Vision Pro app
TikTok has joined the expanding library of apps on the visionOS App Store, releasing a new native experience for Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The announcement came Thursday via a post on the popular X social media platform. The platform now offers Vision Pro users an immersive way to view short-form videos on the new device, providing a spatial computing experience optimised for the headset’s capabilities. The addition of TikTok is a major coup for Apple, given the app’s immense popularity among Gen Z users. The app’s spatial computing experience could highlight the Vision Pro’s capabilities for consuming short-form video. Initially, there were concerns about limited native app experiences for the Vision Pro upon launch. Early January reports suggested only around 150 available apps. However, this number quickly grew to 600 by early February. Currently, app engagement remains relatively low. Many developers report download figures in the mere hundreds. However, as more well-known apps become available, engagement will likely improve. Native app support has been a struggle, with major players like YouTube, Spotify and Netflix initially declining Vision Pro app development. In fact, lack of proper app support was one of the most commonly cited reasons for returning the headset – aside from the weight and discomfort, of course. However, earlier this month, YouTube did confirm plans to launch a Vision Pro app. This indicates TikTok may soon face competition from YouTube’s Shorts feature.
Paytm’s UPI payments: Two contrasting trends
Digital payments major Paytm, which is run by One 97 Communications, has seen a stagnation in Unified Payments Interface payments originating from its payments bank over the last six months. Data shared by the National Payments Corporation of India shows that from August 2023, payments originating from Paytm’s own UPI address started falling. In August last year, Paytm reported 455 million UPI payments on its own handle that is @paytm. But since then it fell all the way to 410 million in December last year. From 323 million in May 2022, these transactions had grown nearly 41% to 455 million in August 2023. Paytm Payments Bank was put under an embargo by the RBI in March 2022. For understanding, UPI has two legs in a payment journey. One is on the issuance side, that is where a customer pays using the Paytm handle, which in many cases could be connected to the Paytm Payments Bank savings account. And the other is the acceptance side where the merchant or the beneficiary account is on Paytm. Analysis of industry data shows that since the middle of last year, Paytm has been fully focusing on the acquisition side. Data shows that Paytm’s acquisition numbers grew consistently to 2.8 billion transactions in December last year from 1.7 billion in December 2022. “After the bank went into an embargo, new customers were not joining the bank and on top of that the management was fully focused on acquiring more merchants for all forms of digital payments, thereby slowing down on issuance,” said a senior industry executive in the know.
Ex Twitter employee says Elon Musk fired him for a false reason, here is what he said
Randall Lin, a former engineer at Twitter (now known as X), has come forward with allegations of wrongful termination following his dismissal from the company. Here is what happened. Randall Lin, a former engineer at Twitter (now known as X), has come forward with allegations of wrongful termination following his dismissal from the company. Lin claims he was falsely accused of leaking information to the press, leading to his abrupt departure from Twitter in February 2023, shortly after Elon Musk assumed control of the platform. In an interview with Zoe Schiffer for her recently published book, "Extremely Hardcore," Lin detailed his experience, asserting that he was unjustly targeted for leaking confidential information. Schiffer, a managing editor of the tech newsletter Platformer, documented Lin's account of events, shedding light on the challenges faced by employees during Musk's tenure at Twitter. Lin joined Twitter as a machine-learning engineer in February 2020 and swiftly rose to the position of staff engineer. Dissatisfied with the company's culture under former CEO Jack Dorsey, Lin welcomed Musk's takeover in October 2022, hoping for a more dynamic environment. He welcomed Musk's expectations, demonstrating dedication by arriving early and staying late at Twitter's San Francisco headquarters. Lin's efforts to impress Musk with innovative ideas, including a proposal to develop Twitter's own GPUs, garnered recognition from the CEO. However, amidst a wave of dismissals targeting dissenting voices, leaks emerged from disgruntled employees at Twitter HQ, Business Insider reported. Lin found himself trapped in the fallout when he was accused of being the source behind two Platformer articles.
OpenAI CEO warns that societal misalignments could make AI dangerous
The CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI said Tuesday that the dangers that keep him awake at night regarding artificial intelligence are the very subtle societal misalignments that could make the systems wreak havoc. Sam Altman, speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call, reiterated his call for a body like the International Atomic Energy Agency to be created to oversee AI that's likely advancing faster than the world expects. There's some things in there that are easy to imagine where things really go wrong. And I'm not that interested in the killer robots walking on the street direction of things going wrong," Altman said. "I'm much more interested in the very subtle societal misalignments where we just have these systems out in society and through no particular ill intention, things just go horribly wrong. However, Altman stressed that the AI industry, like OpenAI, shouldn't be in the driver's seat when it comes to making regulations governing the industry. ''We're still in the stage of a lot of discussion. So there's you know, everybody in the world is having a conference. Everyone's got an idea, a policy paper, and that's OK," Altman said. "I think we're still at a time where debate is needed and healthy, but at some point in the next few years, I think we have to move towards an action plan with real buy-in around the world. OpenAI, a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence startup, is one of the leaders in the field. Microsoft has invested some $1 billion in OpenAI. The Associated Press has signed a deal with OpenAI for it to access its news archive. Meanwhile, The New York Times has sued OpenAI and Microsoft over the use of its stories without permission to train OpenAI's chatbots. OpenAI's success has made Altman the public face for generative AI's rapid commercialisation and the fears over what may come from the new technology. The UAE, an autocratic federation of seven hereditarily ruled sheikhdoms, has signs of that risk. Speech remains tightly controlled. Those restrictions affect the flow of accurate information the same details AI programmes like ChatGPT rely on as machine-learning systems to provide their answers for users. The Emirates also has the Abu Dhabi firm G42, overseen by the country's powerful national security adviser. G42 has what experts suggest is the world's leading Arabic-language artificial intelligence model. The company has faced spying allegations for its ties to a mobile phone app identified as spyware. It has also faced claims it could have gathered genetic material secretly from Americans for the Chinese government.
Norton unveils dark web monitoring tool for protection from identity theft
Norton, a leading software security provider and part of the Nasdaq-listed Gen, on Tuesday launched its Dark Web Monitoring solutions Norton 360 Premium, aimed at protecting consumers from identity theft, a top official said. With the Dark Web Monitoring services, the software monitors and alerts consumers if their personal information has been shared on the Dark Web and allows them to take action on the issue. "This innovative addition to our security package enables customers to proactively protect their digital identities in a time when cyber dangers are always present," Gen India, Director Ritesh Chopra said. According to company officials, the Dark Web comprises of small part of the internet where anonymity comes with a price and nefarious activities are conducted including the exchange of illegal goods and information. "We keep an eye out for any hacks, compromised credentials, and illegal activity by continuously searching the shadowy corners of the internet. This way, we can make sure that your sensitive information is protected from the prying eyes of hackers," he said today. Addresses, Aadhaar numbers, and data of credit cards of individuals, if found on Dark Web can be utilized for fraud and identity theft. Citing an example, he said in 2023 Aadhaar numbers, passport information along with the names and phone numbers of 815 million Indians were found on the Dark Web. Besides, 2.9 crore details of job seekers have been leaked on the Dark Web. On the launch of the Dark Web Monitoring service, Chopra said it actively searches the Dark Web based on the email address and other personal data of a consumer and issues a notification. "With Dark Web Monitoring we are offering another tool to help protect and empower people to live their digital lives more safely," he said. Norton has launched Norton 360 Premium, 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 for Gamers. The service is available across devices including smartphones, tablets, personal computers, and iMac, he added. Besides monitoring of the Dark Web, Chopra said Norton 360 offers real-time threat protection, password management, SafeCam, Parental Control, and Software Updater among others.
IGT Solutions Announces CEO Succession Plan
"With effect from April 1, 2024, IGT Solutions, a global provider of AI-led BPM and Digital Services & Solutions, announced today that Katie Stein will take over as CEO. Effective February 14, 2024, she will become a CEO Designate of IGT Solutions. Katie joins IGT Solutions with strong subject expertise and a disruptive business leadership style. Katie most recently held the position of global. ""I would like to thank Vipul for his more than two decades of leadership on behalf of the entire company and the Board of Directors,"" stated John Del Santo, the IGT board chair. ""Katie, who has a fantastic track record of client service, leadership, and shown achievement, is also welcomed. IGT Solutions' extensive strengths in AI-led BPM and Digital Services & Solutions may reach new heights of expansion thanks to Katie's vision and experience."" ""I am honoured to join IGT Solutions at this exciting time for our employees, clients and partners,"" stated Katie. ""IGT Solutions' deep domain expertise, innovative culture, and technological prowess in assisting clients in addressing their particular industry challenges are admirable.IGT Solutions has cultivated a stellar clientele of high-profile companies in the travel and tech sectors, at a time when having a close relationship with clients is more crucial than ever. This is a fantastic starting point for our next round of development. ""I had a goal when I joined IGT Solutions: we were going to be our clients' and workers' go-to partner. With more than 25,000 workers worldwide, IGT Solutions is currently the top service provider for our travel and high-tech clients', stated departing CEO Vipul Doshi. "I welcome Katie to the CEO role and wish her the best in her efforts to lead the company to greater milestones in the future."" Concerning IGT Solutions Global companies entrust their transforming experiences to IGT Solutions, a next-generation customer experience (CX) provider. It accomplishes this by fusing digital and human intelligence with cutting-edge technologies. For managing end-to-end customer experience journeys across sectors, IGT Solutions is the go-to partner. IGT was founded in 1998 and currently operates 31 global delivery centres across 13 countries, serving client processes with over 25,000 CX professionals and over 90 worldwide marquee customers. Digital transformation, systems integration, platform solutions, industrial and enterprise solutions driven by AI/ML and Gen AI, intelligent automation and analytics, and a comprehensive range of BPM services and solutions are among the services provided by IGT Solutions. "
Ixigo Refiles DRHP For IPO, Slashes Fresh Issue Size To INR 120 Cr
"SUMMARY The company's initial public offering (IPO) includes a fresh issue of INR 120 Cr and an equity portion of 6.66 Cr The fresh proceeds will be used to fund the startup's working capital needs, technology development and support inorganic growth through acquisitions..On Wednesday, February 14, the parent company of online travel aggregator (OTA) ixigo, Le Travenues Technology Ltd, re-filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The startup's initial public offering (IPO) will include an offer for sale (OFS) component of 6.66 Cr equity shares and a new issue of INR 120 Cr, according the DRHP. Among the investors who will sell shares via OFS are cofounders Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar, SAIF Partners India, Peak XV Partners, and Micromax Informatics. The IPO revenues of INR 45 Cr would be used by the firm to meet its working capital needs. The remaining INR 26 Cr will be used to expand investments in data science, artificial intelligence, and stacking the tech stack investments, among other things, in artificial intelligence and data science. Additionally, the money collected from the IPO will be put towards general business needs and acquisitions to support inorganic development. Ixigo is a travel technology platform that was founded in 2007 by Bajpai and Kumar. It generates income through the selling of different travel-related services, such as bus, rail, and airline tickets. By providing advertising services on its platform, it also makes money. Over the last 15 years, the firm has garnered around $88 million in capital from a variety of investors, including Peak XV Partners, Singapore's GIC, InfoEdge, Elevation Capital, and Fosun RZ. At the height of the funding boom in 2021, it last raised $53 million. Its rivals include Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Yatra. Ixigo's initial public offering (IPO) coincides with a series of cost-cutting initiatives the traveltech business has implemented over the last year to improve financial performance. Cofounder Bajpai discussed ixigo's frugal plan and mentioned that the company's zero-dollar marketing strategy had greatly benefited profitability in an interview with Inc42 last year. In the fiscal year 2022–2023 (FY23), the company surpassed the INR 500 Cr operational revenue revenue mark, up 32% year over year (YoY), thanks to post-pandemic growth and its thrifty attitude. In addition to this, the OTA recorded a net profit in FY23 of INR 23.4 Cr as opposed to a deficit in FY22 of INR 21.1 Cr. In the nine months that concluded in December 2023, Ixigo generated operational revenue of INR 491 Cr, according to the DRHP. During this time, its profit was INR 65.7 Cr, compared to INR 18.7 Cr the previous year. The company is making its second effort at going public. In 2021, it first submitted a DRHP for an INR 1,600 Cr IPO. Ixigo, however, decided against going public because of the unfavourable macroeconomic climate, which saw funding freezes and market volatility hit new-age tech firms. "
Cricket, elections to help TV AdEx grow 8% in 2024
Today in Mumbai, prominent figures from the marketing and advertising fields as well as leaders in the industry launched the Pitch Madison Advertising Report (PMAR). The study makes projections about media and advertising sector ad spending that will enable companies to completely transform their approach to marketing. The Pitch Madison Advertising Report predicts that linear TV will rise this year as big, established marketers still have faith in TV's ability to establish brands. "In 2024, we anticipate that TV will add an additional Rs 2,700 crore and grow by 8%, reaching a total of Rs 35,575 crore." TV will, however, lose 1% of the market share with this growth and end up at 32%, according to the research. The report further revealed that TV AdEx is under pressure as there is a growing perception that the very large lower middle class is under severe financial pressure and is being forced to buy and spend less. The report added that the reluctance of start-ups to finance expensive large-format shows, which are very profitable for broadcasters, is putting enormous pressure on TV ADEX. On the other hand, consumption of FMCG televisions is expected to increase year-on-year to drive volume growth. Positive factors that can drive the growth of TV AdEx are belief in the branding power of television, cricket tournaments IPL and ICC Men's T. 20 Cricket World Cup and general elections e.g.. The PMAR provides insights and forecasts for the future by analysing the amount and usage of advertising funds over the previous year. It seeks to comprehend the difficulties and possibilities that face marketers and the print, broadcast, radio, out-of-home, online, and film industries. PMAR's comprehensive data and insights allow advertisers, media planners/buyers, and brands to evaluate the previous year and make informed plans for the upcoming one. For information on current market trends and significant advancements across a range of media, media owners, marketers, and specialists in media buying and planning should consult this report.
