ITV

Category: iWorld

  • 68 per cent SMEs offline; Google plans smartphone-optimised regional websites

    68 per cent SMEs offline; Google plans smartphone-optimised regional websites

    MUMBAI: Google has announced the launch of Digital Unlocked, a training program to empower thousands of Indian SMBs with essential digital skills that will enable them to get online and start using the power of the internet to grow their business. Google also previewed My Business Websites, an easy-to-use offering to help businesses to have a rich, mobile optimised digital presence that will be launched later this year. Making the announcements at an event held in the city today, Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke to representatives from hundreds of small and medium business from across the country on the benefits of the web and digital technology.

    My Business Websites will be available in English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, and Malayalam.

    Google India reaffirmed its commitment to digitally empower India’s 51 million strong small and medium business community.

    During his address, Sundar Pichai said, “The Internet is a powerful equalizer and we are motivated to bring the benefits of information and technology to as many people as possible. Building for everyone and making it available in the hands of as many people is at the heart and core of what we do. And we do this by investing in open ecosystems.”

    Referring specifically to small and medium businesses, Pichai added, “the Internet and digital technology will be an engine of growth for the Indian economy. Today, anyone can become an entrepreneur, a developer, or a creator, but it is important that they have the right tools and skills to digitize. We believe it is important for us to invest in training and equipping these individuals and small businesses to accelerate their journey of growth.”

    Setting the context for the initiative Google unveiled a joint research study with KPMG titled “Impact of internet and digitisation on SMBs in India”. The study reiterates that 68 per cent of the 51m Indian SMBs are offline. Highlighting the macro-economic impact of the internet, the research found that rising penetration and greater uptake for digital by SMBs could help increase their contribution to India’s GDP by 10 percentage points, taking it up to 46-48 per cent by 2020. Ascertaining the benefits of going digital for small businesses, it determined that profits of digitally engaged SMBs grow twice as fast compared to offline SMBs. Likewise digitally engaged businesses are able to grow their customer base significantly with 52 per cent catering to customers beyond their home city versus only 29 per cent offline SMBs. The report cites the lack of understanding of the benefits of digital technologies and technical skills as the essential reasons for being offline.

    With Digital Unlocked, Google is committed to ensuring that every single small business in India that wants to go digital has access to quality training. In keeping with the varied learning needs of the millions of businesses in India, we’ve built this program across online, offline and mobile. The offline training is being conducted in partnership with FICCI and over the next three years, 5,000 workshops will be held across 40 Indian cities. The online training comprises a set of 90 self-paced video tutorials, curated specifically for India and is available free of charge at g.co/digitalunlocked. The tutorials cover a comprehensive set of topics ranging from building a web presence and driving online growth to reaching customers over mobile and video. The trainings are certified by Google, Indian School of Business and FICCI.

    Further, for India’s mobile-first audience, Google also launched Primer, a free mobile app uniquely designed to teach digital marketing skills in a quick, easy and interactive way. It is available for download through the Google Play and iOS app store. Primer also works offline and is currently available in English and Hindi with Tamil, Telugu and Marathi versions coming shortly.

    At the event, Google also previewed My Business Websites, aimed at equipping the vast majority of small businesses with a simple way to start their digital journey by creating a free, mobile optimised website, easily and instantly. Available for Google My Business users later in the year, this new feature will provide simple, templated, editable websites for small businesses created from their data and photos on Google Maps.

    Several small businesses that have leveraged Google’s products and technologies were also present at the event. Three of them – Walnut, Go Co-op and Maganlal Dresswalla – were in conversation with Sundar Pichai and shared their journey to digital using Google offerings including Google My Business, Google AdWords as well as the Google Cloud Platform.

    The announcement today is a continuation of Google’s efforts to support Digital India. Last year Google had launched Google My Business, a program aimed at helping small medium businesses get an online presence on Google Search and Google Maps, without having to invest in a website or domain. Over 8 million Indian SMBs are already on these platforms, with thousands more coming online every month.

  • 68 per cent SMEs offline; Google plans smartphone-optimised regional websites

    68 per cent SMEs offline; Google plans smartphone-optimised regional websites

    MUMBAI: Google has announced the launch of Digital Unlocked, a training program to empower thousands of Indian SMBs with essential digital skills that will enable them to get online and start using the power of the internet to grow their business. Google also previewed My Business Websites, an easy-to-use offering to help businesses to have a rich, mobile optimised digital presence that will be launched later this year. Making the announcements at an event held in the city today, Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke to representatives from hundreds of small and medium business from across the country on the benefits of the web and digital technology.

    My Business Websites will be available in English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, and Malayalam.

    Google India reaffirmed its commitment to digitally empower India’s 51 million strong small and medium business community.

    During his address, Sundar Pichai said, “The Internet is a powerful equalizer and we are motivated to bring the benefits of information and technology to as many people as possible. Building for everyone and making it available in the hands of as many people is at the heart and core of what we do. And we do this by investing in open ecosystems.”

    Referring specifically to small and medium businesses, Pichai added, “the Internet and digital technology will be an engine of growth for the Indian economy. Today, anyone can become an entrepreneur, a developer, or a creator, but it is important that they have the right tools and skills to digitize. We believe it is important for us to invest in training and equipping these individuals and small businesses to accelerate their journey of growth.”

    Setting the context for the initiative Google unveiled a joint research study with KPMG titled “Impact of internet and digitisation on SMBs in India”. The study reiterates that 68 per cent of the 51m Indian SMBs are offline. Highlighting the macro-economic impact of the internet, the research found that rising penetration and greater uptake for digital by SMBs could help increase their contribution to India’s GDP by 10 percentage points, taking it up to 46-48 per cent by 2020. Ascertaining the benefits of going digital for small businesses, it determined that profits of digitally engaged SMBs grow twice as fast compared to offline SMBs. Likewise digitally engaged businesses are able to grow their customer base significantly with 52 per cent catering to customers beyond their home city versus only 29 per cent offline SMBs. The report cites the lack of understanding of the benefits of digital technologies and technical skills as the essential reasons for being offline.

    With Digital Unlocked, Google is committed to ensuring that every single small business in India that wants to go digital has access to quality training. In keeping with the varied learning needs of the millions of businesses in India, we’ve built this program across online, offline and mobile. The offline training is being conducted in partnership with FICCI and over the next three years, 5,000 workshops will be held across 40 Indian cities. The online training comprises a set of 90 self-paced video tutorials, curated specifically for India and is available free of charge at g.co/digitalunlocked. The tutorials cover a comprehensive set of topics ranging from building a web presence and driving online growth to reaching customers over mobile and video. The trainings are certified by Google, Indian School of Business and FICCI.

    Further, for India’s mobile-first audience, Google also launched Primer, a free mobile app uniquely designed to teach digital marketing skills in a quick, easy and interactive way. It is available for download through the Google Play and iOS app store. Primer also works offline and is currently available in English and Hindi with Tamil, Telugu and Marathi versions coming shortly.

    At the event, Google also previewed My Business Websites, aimed at equipping the vast majority of small businesses with a simple way to start their digital journey by creating a free, mobile optimised website, easily and instantly. Available for Google My Business users later in the year, this new feature will provide simple, templated, editable websites for small businesses created from their data and photos on Google Maps.

    Several small businesses that have leveraged Google’s products and technologies were also present at the event. Three of them – Walnut, Go Co-op and Maganlal Dresswalla – were in conversation with Sundar Pichai and shared their journey to digital using Google offerings including Google My Business, Google AdWords as well as the Google Cloud Platform.

    The announcement today is a continuation of Google’s efforts to support Digital India. Last year Google had launched Google My Business, a program aimed at helping small medium businesses get an online presence on Google Search and Google Maps, without having to invest in a website or domain. Over 8 million Indian SMBs are already on these platforms, with thousands more coming online every month.

  • Viu Originals to feature two new shows by Vikram Bhatt & Culture Machine

    Viu Originals to feature two new shows by Vikram Bhatt & Culture Machine

    MUMBAI: Bollywood director, producer and auteur Vikram Bhatt is all set to launch two new premium shows on Viu, the OTT video on demand entertainment service of Vuclip. The shows commissioned by the platform will be co-produced by Bhatt and digital media company Culture Machine. The two new shows are slated to be released exclusively on Viu in the first quarter of 2017.

    “With an auteur par excellence like Vikram Bhatt presenting the soon to be launched shows, subscribers of Viu should be in for a visual treat come 2017,” said Vuclip India country head Vishal Maheshwari.

    The first of the untitled shows falls under the urban thriller genre with supernatural elements, while the other show is based on the life of a reigning Bollywood star who overcomes odds to achieve superstardom, offering viewers an inside view of the world of glamour, elusive love and scandalous controversies that are associated with it.

    A veteran of four movies shot in 3D, Bhatt will be using a new filming technology for one of these shows.

    “Always exciting to work on projects for a digital audience. The creative challenge is to hold on to their attention and make them want for more”, said Bhatt. “The allure of the paranormal that plays on in your minds and the vicarious thrill of knowing what it is like to lead the life of a Bollywood star are sure to glue the audience to their laptop or mobile screens.”

    He further added, “The star cast will be announced in the next ten days. What you can expect is very strong characterizations of the female protagonists”.

    Cricketer Virender Sehwag’s micro series Viru ke Funde and cricket humorist Vikram Sathaye’s chat show What the Duck are originals which have had a successful run on Viu.

  • Viu Originals to feature two new shows by Vikram Bhatt & Culture Machine

    Viu Originals to feature two new shows by Vikram Bhatt & Culture Machine

    MUMBAI: Bollywood director, producer and auteur Vikram Bhatt is all set to launch two new premium shows on Viu, the OTT video on demand entertainment service of Vuclip. The shows commissioned by the platform will be co-produced by Bhatt and digital media company Culture Machine. The two new shows are slated to be released exclusively on Viu in the first quarter of 2017.

    “With an auteur par excellence like Vikram Bhatt presenting the soon to be launched shows, subscribers of Viu should be in for a visual treat come 2017,” said Vuclip India country head Vishal Maheshwari.

    The first of the untitled shows falls under the urban thriller genre with supernatural elements, while the other show is based on the life of a reigning Bollywood star who overcomes odds to achieve superstardom, offering viewers an inside view of the world of glamour, elusive love and scandalous controversies that are associated with it.

    A veteran of four movies shot in 3D, Bhatt will be using a new filming technology for one of these shows.

    “Always exciting to work on projects for a digital audience. The creative challenge is to hold on to their attention and make them want for more”, said Bhatt. “The allure of the paranormal that plays on in your minds and the vicarious thrill of knowing what it is like to lead the life of a Bollywood star are sure to glue the audience to their laptop or mobile screens.”

    He further added, “The star cast will be announced in the next ten days. What you can expect is very strong characterizations of the female protagonists”.

    Cricketer Virender Sehwag’s micro series Viru ke Funde and cricket humorist Vikram Sathaye’s chat show What the Duck are originals which have had a successful run on Viu.

  • Sony’s ‘We Liv to Entertain’ gets 10 million views in a week

    Sony’s ‘We Liv to Entertain’ gets 10 million views in a week

    MUMBAI: When it comes to delivering unparalleled experiences to viewers, SonyLiv, the complete digital entertainment platform with content for audiences across genres has never ceased to surprise and delight its users. Its recently-released brand film,‘We Liv to Entertain’­­­­ – the renewed brand ethos has struck a chord with viewers and is receiving widespread appreciation for its perfect positioning. SonyLiv aired the brand film across its network and digital platforms on 12 December, 2016.

    Within a period of a week, the brand film has set up a mark for itself by delivering 10 million+ views across platforms. The one-of-its-kind brand film is being highly appreciated for its unique approach and narrative technique. The renewed positioning ‘We Liv to Entertain’ has appealed to a lot of viewers and has enhanced their loyalty and affinity towards brand SonyLiv.

    “The idea of the brand film was to support our refreshed identity as the theatre of emotions which has the ability to amplify every feeling and thought. We are delighted that viewers are enjoying this film and are being able to relate to it and to the core idea it drives home. The tremendous response that we have received underlines our status as the premium and widely preferred entertainment destination in India. We will be looking forward to building on this impressive user response by churning out more engaging and appealing content that delights all our viewers to be true to our core brand promise- We LIV to Entertain,” said SonyLiv EVP and head digital business Uday Sodhi.

    The one-minute film shot in Romania, which is widely known for its larger-than-life image and for being the birthplace of the circus, captures how entertainment is one such thing  that can hold on to the emotions of people. It beautifully depicts how a clown puts his heart and soul to entertain viewers constantly. It highlights the amount of effort that goes into making people laugh, cry, dance and jump out of their seats with excitement. The brand film was conceptualized as an ode to all the entertainers of SonyLiv, including those behind the camera who have dedicated their lives to entertaining viewers. It also firmly reinforces SonyLiv’s brand identity as the ultimate provider of relevant and evocative entertainment across varied genres.

    For the successful execution of the film, team SonyLiv found the right creative partner in Publicis Ambience whose team helped with compelling and strategic insights.It was awarded the creative mandate by SonyLiv as a creative AOR and the outcome of the brand film is something that has been highly appreciated.

    “We had a clear mandate from SonyLiv, to create a film that perfectly encapsulates its uplifted brand ethos and underlines its renewed focus on being the ultimate entertainer for one and all. Romania, therefore, was the perfect setting and the clown, the ideal protagonist. We are thrilled at the way the film has turned out and how it complements SonyLiv’s value proposition. The consumer response is truly heartening and speaks volumes about how well-thought-out communication strategies can go a long way in fostering consumer affinity towards the brand,” added Publicis Ambience COO Paritosh Srivastava.

    Link to the brand Film:

  • Sony’s ‘We Liv to Entertain’ gets 10 million views in a week

    Sony’s ‘We Liv to Entertain’ gets 10 million views in a week

    MUMBAI: When it comes to delivering unparalleled experiences to viewers, SonyLiv, the complete digital entertainment platform with content for audiences across genres has never ceased to surprise and delight its users. Its recently-released brand film,‘We Liv to Entertain’­­­­ – the renewed brand ethos has struck a chord with viewers and is receiving widespread appreciation for its perfect positioning. SonyLiv aired the brand film across its network and digital platforms on 12 December, 2016.

    Within a period of a week, the brand film has set up a mark for itself by delivering 10 million+ views across platforms. The one-of-its-kind brand film is being highly appreciated for its unique approach and narrative technique. The renewed positioning ‘We Liv to Entertain’ has appealed to a lot of viewers and has enhanced their loyalty and affinity towards brand SonyLiv.

    “The idea of the brand film was to support our refreshed identity as the theatre of emotions which has the ability to amplify every feeling and thought. We are delighted that viewers are enjoying this film and are being able to relate to it and to the core idea it drives home. The tremendous response that we have received underlines our status as the premium and widely preferred entertainment destination in India. We will be looking forward to building on this impressive user response by churning out more engaging and appealing content that delights all our viewers to be true to our core brand promise- We LIV to Entertain,” said SonyLiv EVP and head digital business Uday Sodhi.

    The one-minute film shot in Romania, which is widely known for its larger-than-life image and for being the birthplace of the circus, captures how entertainment is one such thing  that can hold on to the emotions of people. It beautifully depicts how a clown puts his heart and soul to entertain viewers constantly. It highlights the amount of effort that goes into making people laugh, cry, dance and jump out of their seats with excitement. The brand film was conceptualized as an ode to all the entertainers of SonyLiv, including those behind the camera who have dedicated their lives to entertaining viewers. It also firmly reinforces SonyLiv’s brand identity as the ultimate provider of relevant and evocative entertainment across varied genres.

    For the successful execution of the film, team SonyLiv found the right creative partner in Publicis Ambience whose team helped with compelling and strategic insights.It was awarded the creative mandate by SonyLiv as a creative AOR and the outcome of the brand film is something that has been highly appreciated.

    “We had a clear mandate from SonyLiv, to create a film that perfectly encapsulates its uplifted brand ethos and underlines its renewed focus on being the ultimate entertainer for one and all. Romania, therefore, was the perfect setting and the clown, the ideal protagonist. We are thrilled at the way the film has turned out and how it complements SonyLiv’s value proposition. The consumer response is truly heartening and speaks volumes about how well-thought-out communication strategies can go a long way in fostering consumer affinity towards the brand,” added Publicis Ambience COO Paritosh Srivastava.

    Link to the brand Film:

  • FbStart, Amazon Launchpad nurture e-com startups

    FbStart, Amazon Launchpad nurture e-com startups

    MUMBAI: In a worthwhile push towards the government’s ‘Startup India’ initiative, Amazon Launchpad saw around 250 plus applications within three days of its launch. The programme helps make it easier for Indian startups to launch, market and distribute their products to millions of Amazon customers across India and around the world.

    Facebook meantime has picked up three more Indian startups — skill-based networking app Skillmate, rental platform SimplyMoveIn and social platform for investors and traders Talkoot – for FbStart startup mentorship programme.

    The startups will receive credits up to US$40,000 and free tools and services from Facebook and its more than 30 partners including Amazon, Dropbox, UserTesting, and MailChimp. Besides partners, startups get free access to more than 25 services including open source tools like React Native, FB Login and Account Kit and App Analytics.

    Amazon.in received over 400 applications within two weeks of the launch. Most of the applicants are young startups that are about one and half years old. Around 60 per cent applicants have never sold on Amazon.in before.

    Electronics, grocery and health & personal care are among the major categories of applicants. While applications have mainly been received from metros, startups from tier 2 & 3 towns such as Hubli, Mehsana and Thissur have also applied.

    Amazon Launchpad has partnered with various constituents in the ecosystem, such as DIPP’s Startup India initiative and offers startups a streamlined on-boarding experience.

    Consumers benefit from a safe and secure ordering experience, convenient electronic payments, Cash on Delivery, Amazon’s 24×7 customer service support, and a globally recognized and comprehensive 100% purchase protection provided by Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee.

    Over a dozen Indian startups have been inducted into the FB programme over the past year. These startups will get an opportunity to connect directly with the Facebook team and will be enrolled into the social media giant’s exclusive community of global startups that include Adobe, Coursera, Dropbox, and Salesforce.

    Any developer who has launched a working mobile app in Google Play app stores or Apple is eligible to apply for FbStart.

  • FbStart, Amazon Launchpad nurture e-com startups

    FbStart, Amazon Launchpad nurture e-com startups

    MUMBAI: In a worthwhile push towards the government’s ‘Startup India’ initiative, Amazon Launchpad saw around 250 plus applications within three days of its launch. The programme helps make it easier for Indian startups to launch, market and distribute their products to millions of Amazon customers across India and around the world.

    Facebook meantime has picked up three more Indian startups — skill-based networking app Skillmate, rental platform SimplyMoveIn and social platform for investors and traders Talkoot – for FbStart startup mentorship programme.

    The startups will receive credits up to US$40,000 and free tools and services from Facebook and its more than 30 partners including Amazon, Dropbox, UserTesting, and MailChimp. Besides partners, startups get free access to more than 25 services including open source tools like React Native, FB Login and Account Kit and App Analytics.

    Amazon.in received over 400 applications within two weeks of the launch. Most of the applicants are young startups that are about one and half years old. Around 60 per cent applicants have never sold on Amazon.in before.

    Electronics, grocery and health & personal care are among the major categories of applicants. While applications have mainly been received from metros, startups from tier 2 & 3 towns such as Hubli, Mehsana and Thissur have also applied.

    Amazon Launchpad has partnered with various constituents in the ecosystem, such as DIPP’s Startup India initiative and offers startups a streamlined on-boarding experience.

    Consumers benefit from a safe and secure ordering experience, convenient electronic payments, Cash on Delivery, Amazon’s 24×7 customer service support, and a globally recognized and comprehensive 100% purchase protection provided by Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee.

    Over a dozen Indian startups have been inducted into the FB programme over the past year. These startups will get an opportunity to connect directly with the Facebook team and will be enrolled into the social media giant’s exclusive community of global startups that include Adobe, Coursera, Dropbox, and Salesforce.

    Any developer who has launched a working mobile app in Google Play app stores or Apple is eligible to apply for FbStart.

  • Airtel, Vodafone lead market; UP East adds max subs

    Airtel, Vodafone lead market; UP East adds max subs

    MUMBAI: Witnessing a healthy growth in telecom penetration, the GSM subscriber base in the country grew to 801.81 million in November 2016. COAI, the association of mobile telephony service providers in the country, which released the November GSM subscriber base numbers, has said the number of GSM subscribers witnessed a jump of 10.18 million as compared to the previous month.

    Telecom industry’s steady growth was recorded in net subscriber additions from 2.09 million in August to 10.18 million in November.

    Amongst the telecom companies, Bharti Airtel continued to hold on to the pole position in November, adding another 1.08 million additional subscribers during the month to take its total subscriber base to 263.35 million mobile subscribers. Closely followed by Vodafone with 202.79 million subscribers and Idea Cellular with 187.68 million subscribers. With 32.84%, Bharti Airtel owns the maximum market share in the industry.

    The report, which also assesses the growth of mobile subscribers across various circles in India said, UP East added the maximum number of subscribers (73.82 million) in November and Idea added the maximum number of subscribers (7.43 million) in November.

    Talking about the growth in the subscriber base, COAI director-general Rajan S Mathews said, “The telecommunication industry has again posted a good growth for the month of November 2016. It is heartening to see that the industry is showing signs of a robust growth and we have again moved ahead in ensuring complete connectivity at all levels. Telecom companies have been contributing towards fulfilling the government’s vision of Digital India since beginning and we will continue bridge the digital divide for a fully connected and digitally empowered India.”

    Speaking about the impact made by the telecom industry, he added, “We are an enabler of comprehensive growth. The industry has also ensured that the government’s plans reach even the farthest corners of the country and everyone is equally benefitted from the digital revolution.”

  • Airtel, Vodafone lead market; UP East adds max subs

    Airtel, Vodafone lead market; UP East adds max subs

    MUMBAI: Witnessing a healthy growth in telecom penetration, the GSM subscriber base in the country grew to 801.81 million in November 2016. COAI, the association of mobile telephony service providers in the country, which released the November GSM subscriber base numbers, has said the number of GSM subscribers witnessed a jump of 10.18 million as compared to the previous month.

    Telecom industry’s steady growth was recorded in net subscriber additions from 2.09 million in August to 10.18 million in November.

    Amongst the telecom companies, Bharti Airtel continued to hold on to the pole position in November, adding another 1.08 million additional subscribers during the month to take its total subscriber base to 263.35 million mobile subscribers. Closely followed by Vodafone with 202.79 million subscribers and Idea Cellular with 187.68 million subscribers. With 32.84%, Bharti Airtel owns the maximum market share in the industry.

    The report, which also assesses the growth of mobile subscribers across various circles in India said, UP East added the maximum number of subscribers (73.82 million) in November and Idea added the maximum number of subscribers (7.43 million) in November.

    Talking about the growth in the subscriber base, COAI director-general Rajan S Mathews said, “The telecommunication industry has again posted a good growth for the month of November 2016. It is heartening to see that the industry is showing signs of a robust growth and we have again moved ahead in ensuring complete connectivity at all levels. Telecom companies have been contributing towards fulfilling the government’s vision of Digital India since beginning and we will continue bridge the digital divide for a fully connected and digitally empowered India.”

    Speaking about the impact made by the telecom industry, he added, “We are an enabler of comprehensive growth. The industry has also ensured that the government’s plans reach even the farthest corners of the country and everyone is equally benefitted from the digital revolution.”