Category: iWorld

Mumbai: 93.5 RED FM, India’s leading private radio and entertainment network, is proud to announce the return of Hidden Files, an award-winning crime show aimed at raising awareness and combating cybercrime. Featuring a year-long show format, the Hidden Files will premiere on 1 July 2023.

Amit Dubey, an esteemed authority in the field of cybersecurity, will bring his expertise to the forefront as the host of Hidden Files. The show will incorporate a diverse range of elements, including social experiments, real-time scenarios, and cutting-edge hacks. Through these compelling segments, listeners will gain invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, equipping them with knowledge and tools to protect themselves in the digital realm.

Speaking on this announcement, RED FM, and Magic FM director & COO Nisha Narayanan stated, “In the past year, we observed a wave of cyber attacks that were far more advanced than ever before seen. With massive data leaks and a new complicated threat landscape, it was a year that saw cyber criminals ascending their threat game. While our digital world becomes increasingly interconnected, therefore to protect ourselves we must seek expert advice. The series Hidden Files with cyber expert, Amit Dubey is our quantum leap in disseminating information about cybercrimes. It is Red FM’s endeavour as a broadcaster to educate the masses about the rising cyber crime cases in the country and keeping themselves protected. We believe by harnessing the power of research and leveraging the expertise of our host, the show will make a lasting impact on listeners.”

Each one-hour episode will premiere every Saturday, followed by a repeat broadcast on Sundays, ensuring that audiences have multiple opportunities to engage with the thought-provoking content.

Mumbai: The desi dating app, QuackQuack, celebrates its massive growth upon reaching 25 million users making its position firmer in the virtual dating market. Debuted in early 2010, QuackQuack saw a gradual and steady rise for the first ten years of its launch, followed by a massive boom in numbers, clocking over 20M app downloads. The homegrown dating app is currently adding more than 1,50,000 users a month, among which 26 per cent are from tier one and 74 per cent from tier two Indian cities; 20  of user growth is seen from the South, whereas 78 per cent of the new additions came from the Northern cities.

The Indian dating app maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward fake profiles and launched a feature wherein users can keep track of banned profiles in real time.

QuackQuack’s statistics show its growing popularity in cities like Surat, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Patna, Indore, and Nagpur, besides the prime metropolitan cities. The app’s founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, “It delights us to see so many people place their trust in QuackQuack. In the last year itself, we recorded around 31.4 lakh matches on our app. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the steady growth of our community. We have always wanted to secure our footing in Tier two Indian cities along with Tier one; in the last nine months, QuackQuack has gained more than 72 per cent of new users from smaller towns and cities”.

Tier one Vs. Tier two

The app explains how Tier one and Tier two users have their own unique way of dating. Tier one users have no specific preference when it comes to location; they usually connect with Tier one and two women equally. Whereas Tiertwo men, especially the ones who have moved to metropolitan cities, are seen matching specifically with Tier two women based on shared nostalgia for the suburbs.

Women in the lead

QuackQuack shared how it has seen a massive rise in the number of women from the eastern cities of India, more than a 50 per cent increase in the last few months. The app has also witnessed a swell in female users from Tier two cities compared to Tier one cities. Moreover, speaking about the latest dating trends, QuackQuack disclosed how Tier two female users are dating for more reasons than love. Urbanising is the up-and-coming trend in the virtual dating world- female daters from smaller cities and towns are choosing to date and marry men from metropolitan cities and migrate for additional advantages such as better career opportunities and an upgraded lifestyle. 23 per cent of women found it opportunistic, while 41 per cent of women and 36 per cent of men believed it to be harmless.

Are you a Jugaadu?

Among other new trends unfolding in India’s homegrown dating app, Jugaad seems to be the most interesting and productive one. As the name suggests, it’s an innovative problem-solving approach wherein users relocating to new cities use the app to make the transition more seamless. According to QuackQuack’s observations, 36 per cent of men and nine per cent of women matched with people from the new city through the app to learn more about the local culture, find out the best restaurants around town, local hangout spots, traffic scenes, the easiest way to commute within the city and more.

GenZ, GenX, Millennials and more.

Almost 27 per cent of the new addition to the QuackQuack community is GenZ. Millennials, GenX, and more made up the other 73 per cent. The app says there are some stark differences between GenZ and Millennials daters. While GenZ rejects the concept of soulmates, the Millennials romanticize the idea and are almost enamoured by it. The daters between 18 to 22 are more open to experimenting with their relationship preferences, choosing open relationship, casual, serious, and more; users between 22 to 28 are seen picking both casual and long-term relationships, depending on their match, but the people above 28 generally prefer long-term exclusive relationships and dating that can lead to marriage. There has also been a positive increase in Gen X and Boomers, with more divorcees and single parents taking a second shot at love.

The app has deftly targeted Tier two cities with vernacular ads and brand campaigns, and its popularity has since soared in smaller Indian cities and towns along with the metros in the past few years. With over 25 Million users under its belt, QuackQuack is looking at a promising future.

Mumbai: Known to produce and distribute content created by social media stars and digital content creators,  QYOU Media India announces that it has entered into a partnership with globally recognised spiritual leader, Sadhguru, to launch a new eponymous channel dedicated to delivering his holistic and inspirational spiritual and wellness programming. In association with the Isha Foundation, the channel aims to impart his renowned practical wisdom and powerful yogic practices to help viewers manage their body, mind, emotions and fundamental life energy.   

The channel will feature the yogi, mystic and spiritual master, Sadhguru’s candid interviews with Indian and international personalities, enlightening lectures and life lessons, calming and enriching music from the library of the Sounds of Isha along with guided meditation and yoga for inner well-being. Viewers will be provided with an opportunity to embark on a journey of personal growth and provided with a unique space for unbridled expressions on life, mysticism and spirituality. Sadhguru has built an extraordinary following on social platforms with over 25 million worldwide followers and subscribers across YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and more. 

Sadhguru TV Powered by QYOU Media will be exclusively available on the Q Play app along with leading Connected TV platforms including Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Xiaomi, TCL, One Plus and dozens of other Connected TV (CTV) brands. The new channel adds a major new category to strengthen QYOU Media India’s growing list of channels in the emerging FAST (Free Ad Supported TV) channel ecosystems that are rapidly becoming a phenomenon both in India and globally for attracting massive television viewership and accompanying advertising revenue. 

Speaking on launch of Sadhguru TV Powered by QYOU Media, QYOU Media India COO Krishna Menon said, “Since the launch of QYOU Media India we have been introducing universally appealing channels that are genre-defining. Our partnership with the Isha Foundation for the launch of ‘Sadhguru TV’ on Connected TV is a testament to our commitment for our viewers. The channels thought-provoking programming is sure to take viewers on a transformative journey filled with growth and self-discovery. We are certain that the channel will keep viewers engaged, positively and help us build QYOU Media India as a one stop destination for quality and differentiated content.”

Mumbai: In an effort to combat piracy and support legal streaming – manoramaMAX, the popular OTT platform, has launched an anti-piracy campaign with their new movie release “Live” which is directed by acclaimed filmmaker V.K Prakash. “Live” cast including Mamta Mohandas, Shine Tom Chacko, and Priya Varrier, has taken a bold step in urging viewers to watch the film exclusively on manoramaMAX, the leading OTT platform delivering exclusive Malayalam content.

Their collective message emphasizes the importance of supporting the creators and the industry as a whole by watching the film only through authorized channels. As part of this campaign, a video has been uploaded to YouTube, seemingly offering the entire film for free. However, after the initial few minutes, the cast of “Live” appears on screen, using this clever twist to convey their anti-piracy message. They address the viewers directly, urging them to refrain from engaging in piracy and instead encouraging them to download the manoramaMAX app to watch the complete movie legally.

This innovative approach not only catches the attention of potential pirates but also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the harmful effects of piracy on the film industry. In conclusion, “Live” movie’s anti-piracy campaign exemplifies the industry’s determination to combat piracy and promote legal streaming.

manoramaMAX, the exclusive OTT platform for Malayalam content, has emerged as the go-to destination for Malayalam cinema enthusiasts. The platform continues to redefine the OTT experience for Malayalam cinema enthusiasts, ensuring best-in-class entertainment while actively contributing to a piracy-free ecosystem.

Mumbai: Prime Video announces a blockbuster line-up of highly anticipated Indian and international original series and popular movies across multiple languages for Prime members ahead of Prime Day 2023 on July 15 & 16. Customers can enjoy a diverse range of shows and movies, from the original horror series Adhura (Hindi) and the final season of the global hit series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan to the superhero film Veeran (Tamil) and family entertainer Anni Manchi Sakunamule (Telugu).   

Prime Day celebrations have started early on Prime Video with the premiere of the Tamannaah Bhatia-starrer Jee Karda (Hindi) – an original series that beautifully explores the complexities of love and friendship, and the original movie Tiku Weds Sheru (Hindi) – a dramedy about two eccentric, starry-eyed characters who want to make it big in Bollywood. This is in addition to the Hindi version of the massive global blockbuster Ponniyin Selvan: II, and the delightful Telugu family entertainer film Anni Manchi Sakunamule, both of which are already available on Prime Video.

The lead-up to Prime Day will also see the premiere of the original horror series Adhura (Hindi) which promises many chilling shocks and surprises, and Sweet Kaaram Coffee (Tamil) – an original series that beautifully encapsulates an unforgettable journey of three women from different generations rekindling their love for life. However, the celebrations don’t just end here, as customers are in for a treat with the premiere of the superhero film Veeran (Tamil), and Hostel Days, a Telugu adaptation of the hit Young Adult comedy-drama series.

#PrimeDay is back – July 15th & 16th

get ready to #DiscoverJoy with these immersive stories and more pic.twitter.com/5fRAXUbZCK

— prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) June 28, 2023

Taking the entertainment quotient up a notch, Prime Video will also premiere the final season of the globally renowned original series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, the second season of the hit original series The Summer I Turned Pretty, the acclaimed film Babylon, and action thriller Kandahar (already streaming), giving customers a bouquet of the best international content, in addition to Indian.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin)

Not just this, Prime members can also avail of up to 50 per cent discount when purchasing add-on subscriptions from among the 18 popular video streaming services available on Prime Video Channels. These include Lionsgate Play, discovery+, Eros Now, Stingray All Good Vibes, Curiosity Stream, AMC+, ManoramaMAX, VR OTT, hoichoi, MUBI, Docubay, Shorts TV, iWonder, Animax+GEM, My Zen TV, Acorn TV, Museum TV, and Nammaflix. With Prime Video Channels, Prime members get to watch even more shows and movies and experience no hassle login and billing while enjoying all Prime Video features like IMDb’s X-Ray, a single watchlist and download library for offline viewing, across these 18 OTT services.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin)

Mumbai: AWAL has announced the launch of AWAL in India and South Asia, following the acquisition of OKListen, a digital music platform for independent artists and record labels.

Based in Mumbai and supported by Sony Music India, AWAL will offer independent-minded artists in the region a range of services including global marketing, creative, sync and brand partnerships, radio promotion and distribution as well as access to real-time comprehensive music analytics.

OKListen founder and CEO Vijay Basrur has been appointed as head of India & South Asia, AWAL, reporting to AWAL CEO Lonny Olinick and Sony Music India managing director Vinit Thakkar.

“The independent music community across the region is full of potential,” said Olinick. “Together with Vijay, I look forward to AWAL becoming a true creative hub for India and South Asia’s independent artists, with resources dedicated to developing careers that are committed to creator integrity and global success.”

 “AWAL alongside Sony Music, provides an exciting and comprehensive offering for artists at any stage of their career, putting the artist first and in control of their own future, and enabling more opportunities to showcase their music to fans around the world,” said Thakkar.

“It’s a privilege to join AWAL and spearhead the next chapter for the company and its global roster in the region,” added Basrur. “AWAL is already well known in the region for helping artists at any stage of their career. I look forward to bringing AWAL’s expertise and global reach to our creators and developing the next phase in their careers.”

 Basrur brings more than 23 years of music, technology and business experience to the company. He founded OKListen in 2012 as India’s first homegrown digital distribution service. To date, OKListen works with more than 4,000 musicians across India, including leading independent artists such as The Local Train, When Chai Met Toast, Bipul Chettri, Sanam and more.

Prior to founding OKListen, Basrur worked with several digital startups and corporations in a wide range of product, technology and digital transformation leadership roles. Basrur is also on the Board of Trustees for the Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) which focuses on biodiversity conservation.

Mumbai: Indian music composer duo Vivek-Mervin, consisting of Vivek Siva and Mervin Solomon have come together with Divo to release their latest single “Na Na Na Na”. The song “Na Na Na Na” is an enchanting composition that transports the listeners on an evocative journey through the rain-soaked landscapes of the soul.

The song is a melodious track that brings out soulful melodies with poignant lyrics, mirroring the spectrum of emotions experienced during the rains. It weaves together traditional Tamil musical elements with modern music composition, creating a unique auditory experience.

The song is digitally distributed by Divo, who is the official label partner along digital distribution partner. Divo is one of India’s leading and well-established digital media and music companies, which has recently been acquired by Warner Music India. Divo has played a vital role in the digital amplification of the album.

Starting from the teaser launch to the entire music distribution and digital marketing of the music across various platforms. Divo will be looking after the entire distribution on streaming platforms and publishing along with influencer and content marketing.

“Na Na Na Na” is penned by writer Vishnu Edavan with performances by Saraswathi Menon and Anthony Hadlee. The video is directed by Hariharan A.

Speaking on their latest single, Vivek-Merkin commented, “We are elated to bring “Na Na Na Na” to our fans and once again collaborate with Divo for our digital distribution. This is our second single with them, after Addictive. Digital medium today is the most effective medium to connect with the right audience and fans, and with Divo, we are confident to do so in the right manner. We hope the song is appreciated and liked by all.”

Divo founder and director Shahir Muneer said, “We are glad to continue working with Vivek-Mervin to bring our hit and famous songs. Their rendition is pleasant and contributes well to the Tamil Music industry. We hope to continue bringing new songs for your audience.”