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Category: eNews

  • The selfie expert, OPPO F1 Plus, averages one sale every 1.1 seconds

    The selfie expert, OPPO F1 Plus, averages one sale every 1.1 seconds

    MUMBAI: OPPO Mobiles, a leading global technology brand, announces that OPPO F1 Plus has averaged one sale every 1.1 seconds, reaching a total of 7 million units so far globally.

    The news has added another feather to the cap as OPPO has already been ranked no 4 globally in the top 5 smartphone vendors list and is the best performing brand in the first quarter of 2016! The brand believes that OPPO’s success has to be credited to – commitment to fostering strong, fair relationships with distributors, company’s knack for creating effective promotional campaigns and most primarily strong and dedicated focus on the product.

    Sky Li, Sky Li, OPPO Global VP, MD of International Mobile Business and President of OPPO India, said, “We are very excited with the performance of OPPO F1 Plus. Our focus on camera technology and photography-focused F series has resulted in excellent results for the brand – first with OPPO F1 becoming the best-selling model and now OPPO F1 Plus recording great sales. The acceptance from the consumers has been great and we believe that the reason behind this is the brand’s focus on taking consumer feedback seriously. We listen to users, and bring them meticulously designed, top-quality products that they’ll truly love. That’s what’s brought us this far and what will continue to drive us going forward.”

    F1 Plus Soars on Quality and Innovation

    OPPO is committed to both groundbreaking product design and industry-leading quality, which has propelled the F1 Plus’ success. On the design front, OPPO’s VOOC Flash Charge technology has been one of its most celebrated advances. OPPO also announced that by the end of June, global users of VOOC-enabled devices will reach 30 million.

    VOOC’s industry-leading charging speeds are well-known, but an equally important advantage lies in the fact that it can achieve these speeds while preserving the longevity of the battery.
    Industry standards stipulate that, after 500 charge cycles, a battery should still have 80% of its original capacity. The F1 Plus maintains this capacity through a full 900 cycles, making it 1.8 times stronger than the industry standard, on top of providing breakneck charging speeds.

    OPPO spares no effort or expense in the expansive testing regime that its products undergo before reaching market. From the arrival of components at the factory to the final production stage, OPPO devices like the F1 Plus undergo 390 quality assurance tests, including four full trial production runs.

    Among these tests are ones that are exclusive to OPPO, specially designed to take into account every last detail of the end user experience. As an example, OPPO’s unique procedure for testing one small but essential aspect of the F1 Plus: the micro-USB charging port.

    OPPO realized that, with some competitor phones, users can inadvertently damage the inside of the charging port by inserting the charging cable at odd angles or exerting unusual pressure. Although it’s an unlikely occurrence, the consequences to the user can be critical.

    To ensure that OPPO devices never experience this type of damage, they undergo a strict test: A charging cable is inserted into the port and then jerked in four directions, up, down, left and right, using 3 kilograms of pressure. A charging port is only allowed to advance to the production stage if it can undergo this harsh treatment a full 5,000 times without losing any functionality.

  • The selfie expert, OPPO F1 Plus, averages one sale every 1.1 seconds

    The selfie expert, OPPO F1 Plus, averages one sale every 1.1 seconds

    MUMBAI: OPPO Mobiles, a leading global technology brand, announces that OPPO F1 Plus has averaged one sale every 1.1 seconds, reaching a total of 7 million units so far globally.

    The news has added another feather to the cap as OPPO has already been ranked no 4 globally in the top 5 smartphone vendors list and is the best performing brand in the first quarter of 2016! The brand believes that OPPO’s success has to be credited to – commitment to fostering strong, fair relationships with distributors, company’s knack for creating effective promotional campaigns and most primarily strong and dedicated focus on the product.

    Sky Li, Sky Li, OPPO Global VP, MD of International Mobile Business and President of OPPO India, said, “We are very excited with the performance of OPPO F1 Plus. Our focus on camera technology and photography-focused F series has resulted in excellent results for the brand – first with OPPO F1 becoming the best-selling model and now OPPO F1 Plus recording great sales. The acceptance from the consumers has been great and we believe that the reason behind this is the brand’s focus on taking consumer feedback seriously. We listen to users, and bring them meticulously designed, top-quality products that they’ll truly love. That’s what’s brought us this far and what will continue to drive us going forward.”

    F1 Plus Soars on Quality and Innovation

    OPPO is committed to both groundbreaking product design and industry-leading quality, which has propelled the F1 Plus’ success. On the design front, OPPO’s VOOC Flash Charge technology has been one of its most celebrated advances. OPPO also announced that by the end of June, global users of VOOC-enabled devices will reach 30 million.

    VOOC’s industry-leading charging speeds are well-known, but an equally important advantage lies in the fact that it can achieve these speeds while preserving the longevity of the battery.
    Industry standards stipulate that, after 500 charge cycles, a battery should still have 80% of its original capacity. The F1 Plus maintains this capacity through a full 900 cycles, making it 1.8 times stronger than the industry standard, on top of providing breakneck charging speeds.

    OPPO spares no effort or expense in the expansive testing regime that its products undergo before reaching market. From the arrival of components at the factory to the final production stage, OPPO devices like the F1 Plus undergo 390 quality assurance tests, including four full trial production runs.

    Among these tests are ones that are exclusive to OPPO, specially designed to take into account every last detail of the end user experience. As an example, OPPO’s unique procedure for testing one small but essential aspect of the F1 Plus: the micro-USB charging port.

    OPPO realized that, with some competitor phones, users can inadvertently damage the inside of the charging port by inserting the charging cable at odd angles or exerting unusual pressure. Although it’s an unlikely occurrence, the consequences to the user can be critical.

    To ensure that OPPO devices never experience this type of damage, they undergo a strict test: A charging cable is inserted into the port and then jerked in four directions, up, down, left and right, using 3 kilograms of pressure. A charging port is only allowed to advance to the production stage if it can undergo this harsh treatment a full 5,000 times without losing any functionality.

  • YU announces senior level appointments

    YU announces senior level appointments

    MUMBAI: YU, the new age technology brand, and the fully owned subsidiary of Micromax today announced three senior level appointments, strengthening its core team responsible for future expansion and growth. The company has appointed Bharat Singh Malik as the Vice President of Service, Deepak Dahiya as Head of Sales – South and West region and Chandra Kishore as the Head of Sales – North and East region. The move is aimed at building a robust offline sales network and increasing its focus on customer service.

    Commenting on the high profile appointments, Mr. Shubhodip Pal, Chief Operating Officer, YU Televentures said “In a very short span, the agility with which we moved, the products that we introduced, the way our users interacted with us and the feedback that we received from the developer community, has been defining and extraordinary. While in the first phase we focused on taking crucial steps towards consumer confidence and brand acceptability, in the second phase we will strengthening our national presence and growth potential to reach newer audience. This core team brings with them a wealth of experience, which is exceedingly valuable at this juncture of our growth story.”

    Bharat is a strategic leader and bring with him a wealth of experience in strategizing and managing the service operations for some of the leading brands in the category including Samsung and Nokia. This is Bharat’s second stint with the company, as he led the same function for Micromax, the parent brand of YU. His area of expertise lies in setting up service networks, contact centers, central support warehouses regional support warehouses. Bharat will aggressively chart out a clear cut service and support strategy to help YU enhance its customer service and delight.

    Commenting on his appointment Bharat Singh Malik said “It is a great opportunity for me to be working with YU, a young brand which is all set to make it big. I am proud to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to maintaining a reputation built on quality, service, and uncompromising ethics.”

    Deepak Dahiya, Head of Sales- South and West said “Micromax has been a brand really close to my heart as I was one of the initial team members of the Micromax family. I went to the US to pursue an alternate career however a call from Rahul and his vision for YU, got me back. I am thrilled to take the brand to the next level and will certainly focus on two of the biggest smartphone regions in India- South and West”

    Commenting on his new role Chandra Kishore said “There is immense potential in regions and consumers are adopting technology like never before. In my new role at YU, I look forward to building growth opportunities for the brand.”

    Deepak and Chandra are mandated to boost the online sales while driving YU’s physical footprint across the country. With over 9 years of experience, Deepak Dahiya is a maverick who has been breaking new avenues and driving revenue growth by keeping abreast of market trends and competition moves to achieve market-share metrics. Deepak has been associated with the parent brand Micromax since 2007 in different roles. At YU, Deepak will be a key resource to accentuate its successful journey in the West and South India markets. Chandra has great experience in preparing high impact sales strategies and contributing towards enhancing business volumes and growth. He has been with the parent brand Micromax since 2008 and now in his new role he is all set to solely enhance YU’s presence in some of the largest markets in North and Eastern India.

  • YU announces senior level appointments

    YU announces senior level appointments

    MUMBAI: YU, the new age technology brand, and the fully owned subsidiary of Micromax today announced three senior level appointments, strengthening its core team responsible for future expansion and growth. The company has appointed Bharat Singh Malik as the Vice President of Service, Deepak Dahiya as Head of Sales – South and West region and Chandra Kishore as the Head of Sales – North and East region. The move is aimed at building a robust offline sales network and increasing its focus on customer service.

    Commenting on the high profile appointments, Mr. Shubhodip Pal, Chief Operating Officer, YU Televentures said “In a very short span, the agility with which we moved, the products that we introduced, the way our users interacted with us and the feedback that we received from the developer community, has been defining and extraordinary. While in the first phase we focused on taking crucial steps towards consumer confidence and brand acceptability, in the second phase we will strengthening our national presence and growth potential to reach newer audience. This core team brings with them a wealth of experience, which is exceedingly valuable at this juncture of our growth story.”

    Bharat is a strategic leader and bring with him a wealth of experience in strategizing and managing the service operations for some of the leading brands in the category including Samsung and Nokia. This is Bharat’s second stint with the company, as he led the same function for Micromax, the parent brand of YU. His area of expertise lies in setting up service networks, contact centers, central support warehouses regional support warehouses. Bharat will aggressively chart out a clear cut service and support strategy to help YU enhance its customer service and delight.

    Commenting on his appointment Bharat Singh Malik said “It is a great opportunity for me to be working with YU, a young brand which is all set to make it big. I am proud to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to maintaining a reputation built on quality, service, and uncompromising ethics.”

    Deepak Dahiya, Head of Sales- South and West said “Micromax has been a brand really close to my heart as I was one of the initial team members of the Micromax family. I went to the US to pursue an alternate career however a call from Rahul and his vision for YU, got me back. I am thrilled to take the brand to the next level and will certainly focus on two of the biggest smartphone regions in India- South and West”

    Commenting on his new role Chandra Kishore said “There is immense potential in regions and consumers are adopting technology like never before. In my new role at YU, I look forward to building growth opportunities for the brand.”

    Deepak and Chandra are mandated to boost the online sales while driving YU’s physical footprint across the country. With over 9 years of experience, Deepak Dahiya is a maverick who has been breaking new avenues and driving revenue growth by keeping abreast of market trends and competition moves to achieve market-share metrics. Deepak has been associated with the parent brand Micromax since 2007 in different roles. At YU, Deepak will be a key resource to accentuate its successful journey in the West and South India markets. Chandra has great experience in preparing high impact sales strategies and contributing towards enhancing business volumes and growth. He has been with the parent brand Micromax since 2008 and now in his new role he is all set to solely enhance YU’s presence in some of the largest markets in North and Eastern India.

  • Oxigen Wallets Mobile App associates with HPCL, for fuel payments

    Oxigen Wallets Mobile App associates with HPCL, for fuel payments

    MUMBAI: Spearheading the digital revolution, India’s first Non-Bank Mobile Wallet app, Oxigen Wallet, has entered into a strategic association with HPCL. While until now cash and cards had been the major accepted mode of payments at these petroleum pumps, the association is set to allow users to pay for fuel refills using Oxigen Wallet app.

    Oxigen Wallet has been on a rapid expansion spree, following with the recent launch of Virtual Visa. The partnership is slated for further up the ante for Oxigen Wallet in the digital payments domain,as a benefit for the users. The recent alliance with the HPCL takes away the pain of carrying cash or paying for fuel using cards, thereby making payments swifter, and minimising credit card exposures.

    At present, 61 HPCL outlets spanned across India, including New Delhi, Noida & Greater Noida, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai are prepped to accept payments directly from the Oxigen Wallet mobile app. In the coming two months, Oxigen Wallet is set to strengthen its partnership further, by on boarding more than 2000 HPCL outlets to accept payments for fuel using the Oxigen Wallet Mobile app.

    Further commenting on the strategic alliance, Ankur Saxena, Director and Chief Mentor, Oxigen Wallet said, “We at Oxigen Services work passionately towards the digital revolution and it is our endeavor to provide premium services for digital payments to our users. We are excited to be partnering with HPCL and introducing mobile payments for getting the fuel. Making the payments secure and convenient, we are affirmative that our users would actively avail the service, paying for the fuel directly from their favorite Oxigen Wallet mobile app.”

    Along with adding security, the entire process is pretty simple and straightforward. Users intending to pay using the app would have to share their mobile number with the HPCL petrol pump assistant. The assistant would then feed the number in the POS machine, triggering and OTP on the registered number for the confirmation of the transaction. User would then have to share the OTP with the assistant again and upon feeding the same in the POS machine, the amount payable for the fuel will get deducted directly from Oxigen Wallet.

  • Oxigen Wallets Mobile App associates with HPCL, for fuel payments

    Oxigen Wallets Mobile App associates with HPCL, for fuel payments

    MUMBAI: Spearheading the digital revolution, India’s first Non-Bank Mobile Wallet app, Oxigen Wallet, has entered into a strategic association with HPCL. While until now cash and cards had been the major accepted mode of payments at these petroleum pumps, the association is set to allow users to pay for fuel refills using Oxigen Wallet app.

    Oxigen Wallet has been on a rapid expansion spree, following with the recent launch of Virtual Visa. The partnership is slated for further up the ante for Oxigen Wallet in the digital payments domain,as a benefit for the users. The recent alliance with the HPCL takes away the pain of carrying cash or paying for fuel using cards, thereby making payments swifter, and minimising credit card exposures.

    At present, 61 HPCL outlets spanned across India, including New Delhi, Noida & Greater Noida, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai are prepped to accept payments directly from the Oxigen Wallet mobile app. In the coming two months, Oxigen Wallet is set to strengthen its partnership further, by on boarding more than 2000 HPCL outlets to accept payments for fuel using the Oxigen Wallet Mobile app.

    Further commenting on the strategic alliance, Ankur Saxena, Director and Chief Mentor, Oxigen Wallet said, “We at Oxigen Services work passionately towards the digital revolution and it is our endeavor to provide premium services for digital payments to our users. We are excited to be partnering with HPCL and introducing mobile payments for getting the fuel. Making the payments secure and convenient, we are affirmative that our users would actively avail the service, paying for the fuel directly from their favorite Oxigen Wallet mobile app.”

    Along with adding security, the entire process is pretty simple and straightforward. Users intending to pay using the app would have to share their mobile number with the HPCL petrol pump assistant. The assistant would then feed the number in the POS machine, triggering and OTP on the registered number for the confirmation of the transaction. User would then have to share the OTP with the assistant again and upon feeding the same in the POS machine, the amount payable for the fuel will get deducted directly from Oxigen Wallet.

  • Microsoft to acquire LinkedIn for USD 26.2 billion

    Microsoft to acquire LinkedIn for USD 26.2 billion

    MUMBAI: What comes as a major development in the technology and social media space, tech giant Microsoft has announced its plan to acquire LinkedIn, the social network that connects professionals by the end of this financial year. The company will buy LinkedIn’s shares priced at $196 in an all cash transaction amounting the acquisition to $26.2 billion, which includes LinkedIn’s liquidity as well.

    The acquisition will not affect LinkedIn’s branding, work culture and independence, with its CEO Jeff Weiner retaining his position and reporting to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

    “The LinkedIn team has grown a fantastic business centered on connecting the world’s professionals,” Nadella has said at a press conference announcing the development. “Together we can accelerate the growth of LinkedIn, as well as Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics as we seek to empower every person and organization on the planet,” he added.

    In the past one year LinkedIn has shown great growth trajectories ranging around 19 percent growth year over year (YOY) and expanded its network base to more than 433 million members worldwide. The social media platform had released a new mobile friendly version and acquired learning platform Lynda.com to add to its services.

    “Just as we have changed the way the world connects to opportunity, this relationship with Microsoft, and the combination of their cloud and LinkedIn’s network, now gives us a chance to also change the way the world works,” Weiner said, supporting the acquisition. “For the last 13 years, we’ve been uniquely positioned to connect professionals to make them more productive and successful, and I’m looking forward to leading our team through the next chapter of our story.”

    “Today is a re-founding moment for LinkedIn. I see incredible opportunity for our members and customers and look forward to supporting this new and combined business,” said LinkedIn co founder Reid Hoffman . “I fully support this transaction and the Board’s decision to pursue it, and will vote my shares in accordance with their recommendation on it.”

    To carry this high profile M & A forward, Morgan Stanley is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Microsoft, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is acting as legal advisor to Microsoft. On the other hand Qatalyst Partners and Allen & Company LLC are acting as financial advisors to LinkedIn, while Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, is acting as legal advisor.

    Microsoft will finance the transaction primarily through the issuance of new indebtedness. Upon closing, Microsoft expects LinkedIn’s financials to be reported as part of Microsoft’s Productivity and Business Processes segment. Microsoft expects the acquisition to have minimal dilution of ~1 percent to non-GAAP earnings per share for the remainder of fiscal year 2017 post-closing and for fiscal year 2018 based on the expected close date, and become accretive to Microsoft’s non-GAAP earnings per share in Microsoft’s fiscal year 2019 or less than two years post-closing.

    In addition, Microsoft also reiterated its intention to complete its existing $40 billion share repurchase authorization by Dec. 31, 2016, the same timeframe as previously committed. Microsoft and LinkedIn will host a joint conference call with investors on June 13, 2016, at 8:45 a.m. Pacific Time/11:45 a.m. eastern time to discuss the transaction in detail.

    (Source: Microsoft Media Release)

  • Microsoft to acquire LinkedIn for USD 26.2 billion

    Microsoft to acquire LinkedIn for USD 26.2 billion

    MUMBAI: What comes as a major development in the technology and social media space, tech giant Microsoft has announced its plan to acquire LinkedIn, the social network that connects professionals by the end of this financial year. The company will buy LinkedIn’s shares priced at $196 in an all cash transaction amounting the acquisition to $26.2 billion, which includes LinkedIn’s liquidity as well.

    The acquisition will not affect LinkedIn’s branding, work culture and independence, with its CEO Jeff Weiner retaining his position and reporting to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

    “The LinkedIn team has grown a fantastic business centered on connecting the world’s professionals,” Nadella has said at a press conference announcing the development. “Together we can accelerate the growth of LinkedIn, as well as Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics as we seek to empower every person and organization on the planet,” he added.

    In the past one year LinkedIn has shown great growth trajectories ranging around 19 percent growth year over year (YOY) and expanded its network base to more than 433 million members worldwide. The social media platform had released a new mobile friendly version and acquired learning platform Lynda.com to add to its services.

    “Just as we have changed the way the world connects to opportunity, this relationship with Microsoft, and the combination of their cloud and LinkedIn’s network, now gives us a chance to also change the way the world works,” Weiner said, supporting the acquisition. “For the last 13 years, we’ve been uniquely positioned to connect professionals to make them more productive and successful, and I’m looking forward to leading our team through the next chapter of our story.”

    “Today is a re-founding moment for LinkedIn. I see incredible opportunity for our members and customers and look forward to supporting this new and combined business,” said LinkedIn co founder Reid Hoffman . “I fully support this transaction and the Board’s decision to pursue it, and will vote my shares in accordance with their recommendation on it.”

    To carry this high profile M & A forward, Morgan Stanley is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Microsoft, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is acting as legal advisor to Microsoft. On the other hand Qatalyst Partners and Allen & Company LLC are acting as financial advisors to LinkedIn, while Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, is acting as legal advisor.

    Microsoft will finance the transaction primarily through the issuance of new indebtedness. Upon closing, Microsoft expects LinkedIn’s financials to be reported as part of Microsoft’s Productivity and Business Processes segment. Microsoft expects the acquisition to have minimal dilution of ~1 percent to non-GAAP earnings per share for the remainder of fiscal year 2017 post-closing and for fiscal year 2018 based on the expected close date, and become accretive to Microsoft’s non-GAAP earnings per share in Microsoft’s fiscal year 2019 or less than two years post-closing.

    In addition, Microsoft also reiterated its intention to complete its existing $40 billion share repurchase authorization by Dec. 31, 2016, the same timeframe as previously committed. Microsoft and LinkedIn will host a joint conference call with investors on June 13, 2016, at 8:45 a.m. Pacific Time/11:45 a.m. eastern time to discuss the transaction in detail.

    (Source: Microsoft Media Release)

  • Giftxoxo acqui-hires hobbies and interests marketplace BookMyInterest

    Giftxoxo acqui-hires hobbies and interests marketplace BookMyInterest

    MUMBAI: Indian experiential rewards and recognition company Giftxoxo has expanded team through acqui-hiring BookMyInterest, a marketplace for hobbies and leisure activities. With this move, Giftxoxo aims to leverage the customer base of BookMyInterest as well as its partner network to enhance its current offering. The combined entity will also be better poised to further drive the demand in the curated activities and experiences space in India.

    Since the launch of its Beta Web version in February this year, BookMyInterest has emerged as one of the leading search facilitators of verified and rated service providers catering to various interests and hobbies. It has a vast database of activities and experiences, from cooking classes to fitness programmes, hikes and expeditions to dance classes.

    Giftxoxo co founder Manoj Aggarwal stated, “Curated experiences and activities make up a large market in India. On meeting Naveen and his team, we realised that they share the same passion as us, to make this sector more vibrant and enhance consumer choice. We are certain that the two brands are a perfect synergistic match and that together we can strengthen our position in the market and serve our customers better.”

    One of the co-founders of BookMyInterest Naveen M said, “We are in sync with the promoters of Giftxoxo and their approach towards understanding this market segment. Riding on their strong domain knowledge, we look forward to helping our customers choose the best activities and experiences. We believe that jointly we can improve the quality of offerings, the ability to grow and bring better efficiency to this unorganised market in India.”

  • Giftxoxo acqui-hires hobbies and interests marketplace BookMyInterest

    Giftxoxo acqui-hires hobbies and interests marketplace BookMyInterest

    MUMBAI: Indian experiential rewards and recognition company Giftxoxo has expanded team through acqui-hiring BookMyInterest, a marketplace for hobbies and leisure activities. With this move, Giftxoxo aims to leverage the customer base of BookMyInterest as well as its partner network to enhance its current offering. The combined entity will also be better poised to further drive the demand in the curated activities and experiences space in India.

    Since the launch of its Beta Web version in February this year, BookMyInterest has emerged as one of the leading search facilitators of verified and rated service providers catering to various interests and hobbies. It has a vast database of activities and experiences, from cooking classes to fitness programmes, hikes and expeditions to dance classes.

    Giftxoxo co founder Manoj Aggarwal stated, “Curated experiences and activities make up a large market in India. On meeting Naveen and his team, we realised that they share the same passion as us, to make this sector more vibrant and enhance consumer choice. We are certain that the two brands are a perfect synergistic match and that together we can strengthen our position in the market and serve our customers better.”

    One of the co-founders of BookMyInterest Naveen M said, “We are in sync with the promoters of Giftxoxo and their approach towards understanding this market segment. Riding on their strong domain knowledge, we look forward to helping our customers choose the best activities and experiences. We believe that jointly we can improve the quality of offerings, the ability to grow and bring better efficiency to this unorganised market in India.”