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Category: iWorld

  • WWE superstars to enter Clash of Clans through April

    WWE superstars to enter Clash of Clans through April

    MUMBAI: WWE and Supercell’s Clash of Clans are throwing down the gauntlet, announcing a partnership that’s set to turn April into a digital wrestling ring. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, The Undertaker, Bianca Belair, and a posse of other WWE heavyweights are leaping into the Clash of Clans arena, reimagined as iconic in-game characters.

    This isn’t just a fleeting cameo; it’s a full-blown invasion. Clash of Clans is getting a WWE makeover, complete with themed environments, gameplay events, cosmetics, and Easter Eggs that pay homage to WWE’s rich legacy. And leading the charge is Rhodes, a self-confessed Clash of Clans aficionado, who’s being reborn as the Barbarian King.

    Rhodes, under his OverlordRhodes  player handle, isn’t just a digital character; he’s a digital despot. He stars in the live-action launch video, showcasing a gameplay style built on villainous destruction and a healthy dose of digital domination.

    The WWE Superstar roster getting the Clash of Clans treatment includes:

    * Rhea Ripley as Archer Queen
    * The Undertaker as Grand Warden
    * Bianca Belair as Royal Champion
    * Rey Mysterio as Minion Prince
    * Kane as P.E.K.K.A
    * Becky Lynch as Valkyrie
    * Jey Uso as Thrower

    “I’ve spent years building my legacy in WWE, but it’s time for fans to know where I’ve landed most of my victories, in Clash of Clans,” Rhodes declared. “As OverlordRhodes, I don’t defend, I conquer. Villages will fall, and any opposition will be crushed under my command. This isn’t about playing fair in the ring, it’s about ruling the battlefield. Just like at WrestleMania 41, I’m stepping in with one goal – absolute victory. I’ve waited a long time for this moment, and now that I’ve arrived, there’s no stopping me.”

    Supercell head of live game Sara Bach revealed, “When the game team found out Cody Rhodes and other Superstars were long-time Clash of Clans fans, they didn’t hesitate to reach out to WWE. This partnership in Clash of Clans is on a scale we’ve never created before – from the in-game event reaching tens of millions of players, to WrestleMania 41 and our Clash of Clans match as a first-of-its-kind event on the biggest stage.”

    In essence, WWE and Clash of Clans are teaming up for a digital rumble that’s set to shake up both worlds. It’s a cross-promotional knockout, promising a month of mayhem and a WrestleMania 41 showdown that’s sure to be a digital spectacle.

  • LTIMindtree and Google Cloud team up for AI-powered business makeovers

    LTIMindtree and Google Cloud team up for AI-powered business makeovers

    MUMBAI: LTIMindtree, the digital transformation firm, has announced a strategic alliance with Google Cloud, promising to inject a dose of agentic AI into businesses worldwide. Think of it as giving your company a digital shot of espresso, powered by Google’s Gemini models and a whole lot of cloud magic.

    This isn’t just a casual fling; it’s a full-blown partnership aimed at redefining the cloud landscape. LTIMindtree plans to whip up industry-specific solutions, creating a “green corridor” for AI-powered innovation. The company is talking market development initiatives, go-to-market strategies, and enough training to turn its workforce into AI whisperers.

    The collaboration will see LTIMindtree leverage Google Cloud’s Vertex AI to create bespoke solutions for the BFSI, manufacturing, hi-tech media and entertainment, retail, and CPG sectors. It’s aiming for rapid deployment and top-notch customer support, promising to maximise ROI while modernising infrastructure.

    LTIMindtree president global AI services, strategic deals, partnerships and whole time director Nachiket Deshpande said: “Our partnership with Google Cloud marks a significant milestone in our journey towards innovation and growth. By combining our strengths, we are poised to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and drive transformative change in the cloud ecosystem.”

    Google Cloud  president global partner organisation Kevin Ichhpurani added, “Generative AI has the power to increase business efficiencies and transform how organisations operate. With LTIMindtree’s expertise and Google Cloud’s leading AI technology, customers can deploy powerful solutions that solve industry challenges and significantly improve business performance.”

    LTIMindtree is setting up a dedicated team of AI aficionados to ensure a smooth ride, promising seamless implementation and consistent growth for its  clients. In essence, this partnership isn’t just about cloud computing; it’s about cloud conquering, with a dash of AI flair.

  • Indian government to take nearly half of Vodafone Idea as debt converts to equity

    Indian government to take nearly half of Vodafone Idea as debt converts to equity

    MUMBAI: India’s beleaguered mobile operator Vodafone Idea is about to get a new sugar daddy—the government itself. The ministry of communications has decided to convert the firm’s towering spectrum auction dues of Rs 36,950 crore into equity shares, catapulting the state’s ownership from 22.6 per cent to a whopping 48.99 per cent, according to a company regulatory filing with the BSE.

    The move, communicated via an order dated 29 March and received by the company on Sunday, follows the Modi government’s 2021 telecom sector bailout package. Vodafone Idea, which has been gasping for financial breath against rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, will issue 3,695 crore equity shares at Rs 10 each within 30 days after securing regulatory approvals.

    Despite the government now holding the largest slice of the pie, the existing promoters will remain at the controls—suggesting New Delhi prefers to play sleeping partner rather than backseat driver in this marriage of convenience.

    The pricing methodology wasn’t plucked from thin air but follows regulatory guidelines—taking the higher of the volume-weighted price over either 90 or 10 trading days preceding 26 February 2025.

    This fiscal lifeline throws Vodafone Idea a much-needed oxygen tank as it struggles to keep up in India’s brutally competitive telecom market, where rock-bottom tariffs have made profitability as rare as an uncapped data plan.

  • Saregama snaps up more of Pocket Aces, goes all in on youth initiative

    Saregama snaps up more of Pocket Aces, goes all in on youth initiative

    MUMBAI: Saregama has snapped up a further 36.63 per cent of Pocket Aces for a cool Rs 127.47 crore. This latest splurge, a second tranche if you will, pushes Saregama’s ownership to a dominant 90.37 per cent, leaving little room for anyone else at the digital buffet.

    The deal, finalised on 29 March  2025, sees Saregama hoovering up a veritable smorgasbord of shares, from equity to an array of convertible preference shares. Pocket Aces, boasting a digital empire of 175 million followers across its FilterCopy, Dice Media, Nutshell and Gobble channels, and a talent roster of over 215 influencers via Clout, is now firmly under Saregama’s wing. The company declared this to the BSE through a regulatory filing on Saturday. 

    Pocket Aces, with a back catalogue of over 35,000 content pieces, from digital originals  to those ubiquitous reels, is a digital goldmine for Saregama, keen to woo the 18-35 demographic.

    Pocket Aces’ financials reveal a turnover of Rs 8859.17 lakhs for FY 24, a slight dip from the previous year’s Rs 10267.93 lakhs, but Saregama is betting on synergies, not just spreadsheets. The acquisition, which includes a related party transaction with a Pocket Aces director – all done “at arm’s length”, naturally – is being touted as a strategic masterstroke.

    “This isn’t just about owning content; it’s about owning the conversation,” an industry observer chirped, with the knowledge that  Pocket Aces’ vast network can be used by Saregama to turbocharge its music library.

    With influencers, long-form content, and snackable reels all under one roof, Saregama is clearly aiming to be the king of the digital jungle.

  • Tamil Nadu hits play on global esports with mega Chennai championship

    Tamil Nadu hits play on global esports with mega Chennai championship

    MUMBAI: Game on, Chennai. The Tamil Nadu government has just rage-quit the sidelines and entered the esports arena with a mic-drop announcement: the Chennai Esports Global Championship (CeGC). And no, this isn’t a side quest. It’s a full-blown, state-backed, international esports extravaganza. Buckle up, because India’s southern tech-and-temple capital is about to be the battleground for global gaming gladiators.

    In what marks a seismic shift for Indian esports, the CeGC will bring top-tier teams from across the world to Chennai later this year. This move by the Tamil Nadu government is no token gesture; it’s a bold, joystick-wielding power play. For the first time, an Indian state is levelling up its commitment to the industry with a dedicated global event.

    The youth welfare and sports development department is spearheading the project, armed with a Rs 562 crore war chest allocated in the 2025–2026 state budget. Part of this fund will go into summoning the CeGC into existence—cementing Chennai’s spot as India’s esports capital and a genuine global hotspot for competitive gaming.

    While the full title lineup remains under wraps (no spoilers yet), CeGC is poised to build on Tamil Nadu’s successful esports experiment during the CM’s Trophy 2024. That event, organised by Skyesports, saw over 5,000 gamers from across the state brawl it out across multiple titles. Think of CeGC as that on steroids, with international bragging rights on the line.

    This isn’t just about headshots and XP. It’s a cultural reset. Esports is now a medal event at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games and is primed to make its standalone Olympic debut in 2027. Tamil Nadu’s move echoes national momentum—the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports recently included esports in its cash incentive programme, giving it a legitimacy boost that could make even cricket jealous.

    By planting its flag in this digital battlefield, Tamil Nadu isn’t just organising a tournament. It’s laying the groundwork for a future where India isn’t just playing catch-up but leading the game. Chennai, get ready. The world is logging in.

     

  • NeoTV+ partners with Aniview to enhance ad monetisation capabilities

    NeoTV+ partners with Aniview to enhance ad monetisation capabilities

    MUMBAI: NeoTV+ has announced a strategic partnership with Aniview to integrate advanced Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) and Client-Side Ad Insertion (CSAI) solutions, enhancing monetisation opportunities for its channel partners.

    By leveraging Aniview’s cutting-edge ad technology, NeoTV+ aims to streamline targeted ad delivery and maximise revenue potential for content creators and advertisers. This collaboration reinforces NeoTV+’s commitment to providing an exceptional streaming experience.

    “A huge thanks to the Aniview team and Jason Pedrick for their support and expertise. We’re excited to see the incredible opportunities this partnership will unlock for content creators and advertisers alike,” said Vipin K.

    Stay tuned for further updates as NeoTV+ continues to innovate in the streaming space.

  • IPL 2025 blows the roof off as JioStar makes a smashing start to the season

    IPL 2025 blows the roof off as JioStar makes a smashing start to the season

    MUMBAI: What do you get when you mix cricket, chaos, and cutting-edge tech? A weekend that made broadcasting history. As the 18 edition of the Tata IPL exploded onto screens across India, JioStar didn’t just steal the show—it rewrote the playbook. Fans were glued, data broke dance moves, and TVRs soared higher than a Virat Kohli six.

    JioStar’s opening weekend went full throttle. Digital and TV viewership blew past all previous records, with a jaw-dropping 4,956 crore minutes of collective watch time. That’s right—India’s cricket-obsessed millions clocked in for what might be the most-watched IPL opening weekend ever. JioHotstar alone racked up 137 crore views, including 3.4 crore peak concurrency and 2,186 crore minutes of binge-worthy action. Someone give those data servers a pat on the back.

    Television wasn’t left behind either. The Star Sports Network scored 25.3 crore viewers for the first three matches, according to BARC data. That’s a 22 per cent jump from last year, with average TVR shooting up 39 per cent like a Hardik Pandya bouncer.

    JioStar CEO – sports Sanjog Gupta said the silent part out loud, “The record-breaking viewership across digital and TV platforms over the opening weekend of Tata IPL 2025 reaffirms the tournament’s unmatched popularity…” In short, they knew this beast would be big—and it didn’t disappoint.

    JioStar CEO – digital Kiran Mani chimed in like a proud parent at a school play, “IPL 2025 is setting a new benchmark for how India engages with live sports and entertainment at an unmatched scale…” Basically, if it’s got a screen, JioStar wants to light it up with cricket.

    And advertisers? They’re salivating. Over 30 marquee brands have pitched their tents in JioStar’s prime-time jungle, including Amazon Prime, Google Pay, SBI, Dream11, Phonepe, and Thums Up. Why? Because it’s where the eyeballs—and the wallets—are. Digital ads now come with targeting sharper than a Jasprit Bumrah yorker, personalised formats, and juicy insights.

    But wait, there’s more. The new season isn’t just big—it’s loud, flashy, and personal. With 25+ feeds in 12 languages and over 170 experts adding spice, JioStar’s coverage is part circus, part cinema. Fans aren’t just watching—they’re chatting, predicting, partying virtually, and basically turning passive viewing into a digital cricket mosh pit.

    JioHotstar’s ‘MaxView’ feature stretches visuals edge-to-edge like an extra-cheese pizza, while the quirky ‘Hangout’ feed brings gen z creators and stand-up comics to the commentary box. And for the younger lot, ‘Motu Patlu Presents Super Funday’ dishes out family-friendly fun, because apparently even cartoons can’t resist the IPL fever.

    In a hat-tip to tech-savvy fans, JioStar added a second-screen engagement gimmick: miss a big moment on telly? Just scan a QR code and boom—you’re watching the highlight before the next ball is bowled. Who needs a remote when your phone’s doing all the heavy lifting?

    Fresh off its successful run with the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, JioStar is already claiming IPL 2025 will be the “biggest ever”. Infinite possibilities? Sure. But for now, let’s just say they’ve smashed it out of the park.

  • JioHotstar scores a ton, hits 100 million subscribers in streaming blitz

    JioHotstar scores a ton, hits 100 million subscribers in streaming blitz

    MUMBAI: JioHotstar has smashed through the 100 million subscriber barrier, a right royal victory in India’s streaming wars. The platform, a product of the $8.5 billion Disney-Reliance mega-merger, has turned streaming from a posh indulgence into a daily must-have for millions of Indians. They’ve clearly got their ducks in a row.

    Their secret weapon? Sports, and lots of it. They’ve snapped up the rights to the IPL, ICC events, and the Women’s Premier League, turning cricket into a digital spectacle. And the streamer is not just showing the game; it’s throwing in all the bells and whistles: 4K ultra-HD, AI-powered analytics, real-time stats, and even voice commands. It’s like watching the match with a team of tech wizards in your living room.

    But it’s not all about the cricket. JioHotstar boasts a “world’s most extensive” TV library, Hollywood blockbusters, and a smorgasbord of Indian language content. It has even dabbled in live streaming cultural events, from Coldplay concerts to religious ceremonies, proving they’re not afraid to mix things up.

    “We have always believed that world-class entertainment should be accessible to all,” said JioStar CEO Kiran Mani sounding rather pleased with himself. “This milestone not only underscores India’s limitless potential but also strengthens our commitment to pioneering category-first experiences.”

    The streamer has  also launched Sparks, featuring India’s popular content creators, which sounds like a right old digital knees-up.

    This subscriber surge marks a significant victory for JioHotStar, proving that a potent mix of sports, entertainment, and a bit of tech wizardry can win the hearts (and wallets) of millions. And with the IPL 2025 season in full swing, one imagines the team is  popping the champagne.

  • Digital media dethrones television as India’s M&E king, Ficci M&E report report reveals

    Digital media dethrones television as India’s M&E king, Ficci M&E report report reveals

    MUMBAI: India’s media and entertainment sector has hit a milestone, crossing the Rs 2.5 trillion mark in 2024, but it’s digital media that’s stealing the show, according to the latest FICCI-EY report. The digital realm, growing by a stonking 17 per cent, has officially overtaken television, which has held the crown for two decades. Think of it as a digital coup, a right royal shake-up.

    While the overall sector grew by a respectable 3.3 per cent, reaching Rs  2.5 trillion ($29.4 billion), growth has slowed compared to the previous year, thanks to a 2 per cent dip in subscription revenues and a global slump in animation and VFX outsourcing. Still, it’s a hefty contribution to India’s GDP, at a solid 0.73 per cent.

    Advertising revenues, however, are booming, surging by 8.1 per cent, driven by digital performance advertising and a surge in premium OOH media. “The digital revolution has not only transformed how content is created and consumed but has also redefined the very essence of the M&E industry,” said Ashish Pherwani, media & entertainment leader and partner at EY India, rather grandly.

    Kevin Vaz, chairman of FICCI’s media and entertainment committee, declared the industry is at a “defining moment,” predicting it will surpass Rs 3 trillion by 2027. “The future is brimming with untapped potential,” he said, sounding positively chuffed.

    Key takeaways? Digital advertising is booming, live events are back with a bang (up 15 per cent), and OOH media is getting a digital makeover. However, subscriptions are taking a bit of a hammering, and online gaming is struggling under the weight of a 28 per cent GST and illegal offshore competition. “The online gaming segment could struggle unless illegal offshore platforms are not curbed,” the report warns, a rather pointed observation.

    Looking ahead, the report predicts a 7.2 per cent growth in 2025, reaching Rs 2.7 trillion, and a 7 per cent CAGR to Rs  3.1 trillion by 2027. AI is tipped to play a major role, bringing efficiencies across content production and distribution. “Artificial intelligence will play a large role in bringing efficiencies,” the report states, sounding rather futuristic.

    In short, India’s M&E sector is in a state of flux, with digital leading the charge and traditional models facing a bit of a squeeze. But with a bit of innovation and a dash of good old-fashioned British grit, the industry is poised for further growth. Quite right, too.

  • Swiggy brews deal Espressos Anyday delivers

    Swiggy brews deal Espressos Anyday delivers

    MUMBAI: Swiggy, has announced an exclusive partnership with Espressos Anyday, a newly launched European-themed café by Bright Hospitality, to offer home delivery of its menu in Gurugram. Food aficionados can now enjoy a diverse selection of hot and cold beverages, including coffees, matcha, cold-pressed juices, and health drinks, alongside café fare such as mini pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and desserts.

    Espressos Anyday, the latest venture from Bright Hospitality, the company behind brands like Ikk Punjab, AMPM, OMO Cafe, and GT Road, aims to provide a unique European café experience to Gurugram residents. Select menu items are also available for 10-minute delivery via Swiggy’s rapid service, Bolt.

    “At Swiggy, we stay committed to bring a variety of food from the best of brands to our users. I am excited to share that we have partnered with Espressos Anyday, the popular new food destination for cafe and European food, to deliver their food to our users’ doorsteps. This cafe has a well-crafted range of offerings that provide a good blend of healthy and new-age food, which has been an instant hit with the food lovers in Gurugram. We will continue to add exotic restaurants and cafes to further enhance our offerings on the app,” said Swiggy Food Marketplace chief business officer Siddharth Bhakoo.

    Espressos Anyday owner Rajan Sethi added, “Espressos Anyday offers handcrafted dishes and expertly crafted drinks that are fresh, indulgent and comforting. Chef Tarannum Sehgal, with experience in French kitchens and her young creative team are committed to create memorable food experiences. With this partnership with Swiggy, we are confident of reaching out to a wide range of new-age consumers who love their food.”